[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

Just as she was lost in thought, a commotion arose outside.

Qiule and Ziying looked out the window in confusion. "Who is that older palace maid?" Ziying asked.

Qiule stared carefully, then shook her head. "I've never seen her before."

Ning Shuyan looked out too and was startled. "Aunt Qing!"

With that, she hurried outside, Qiule and Ziying following closely behind.

Aunt Qing saw Ning Shuyan walking out from the main hall and examined her carefully. It had been nearly ten months since they last met, yet the person before her was still familiar—though now, her hair ornaments and clothing were much more exquisite, and her beauty had become even more striking.

She bowed respectfully. "It's been a long time. I should now call you 'Your Grace.' This servant congratulates Consort Zhao on your joyous news."

Ning Shuyan helped her up with a smile. "Aunt, such a formal greeting is too much. I haven't even gone through the formal investiture ceremony. You're being too courteous."

Aunt Qing looked closely at Ning Shuyan's complexion, which was radiant and glowing, and smiled kindly. "Early or late, the title is the same. You look healthy—no signs of morning sickness, I assume?"

Ning Shuyan's brows softened with warmth. "This child has been obedient so far and hasn't troubled me."

She added, "It's cold outside, Aunt. Come in and have some hot tea. We can catch up properly."

Aunt Qing nodded, smiling. "No rush, no rush. We'll have plenty of time to catch up later."

Ning Shuyan was puzzled. "Aunt, what do you mean...?"

As Aunt Qing stepped into the inner hall, the warmth from the brazier enveloped her like a spring breeze, deepening the smile on her face. "His Majesty is worried about Your Grace. He feels that none of the maids around you have experience with pregnancy, so he's asked me to come and care for you."

Ning Shuyan was stunned. She hadn't expected that Xiao Yu would send Aunt Qing to care for her. Aunt Qing had served the Empress Dowager personally, and even Xiao Yu regarded her as a respected elder.

This truly showed how much Xiao Yu cared about the child.

Though deeply grateful, Ning Shuyan didn't actually want Aunt Qing to stay.

Firstly, she trusted Qiule completely, who always carefully inspected anything she ate or used. Secondly, even though Aunt Qing came with good intentions, she was ultimately still His Majesty's person. That meant Ning Shuyan would have to constantly watch her words and actions—as if being monitored at all times. It would be hard to relax.

Of course, none of this showed on her face. She maintained her composure without the slightest hint of displeasure.

Instead, her look of surprise was genuine as she said, "How could I allow you to go through such trouble for me, Aunt? It's far too tiring for you."

Aunt Qing's expression was gentle. "You flatter me, Your Grace. I'm just a servant who's been looked after by His Majesty all these years. Being able to help now is my honor. I won't be any burden. Once your pregnancy stabilizes after three months, I'll return to Xi Yan Palace. For now, I hope you'll bear with me."

Ning Shuyan finally felt at ease, and this time her smile was truly heartfelt. "Aunt, don't say such things. Your presence brings honor to Lanyue Pavilion. I'm truly glad to have you."

After exchanging more polite words, Aunt Qing noticed the embroidery on the table and asked, "Did Your Grace make this? Now that you're pregnant, try not to sit for too long or strain your eyes. If you like any designs, let your maids—or even me—handle it."

Ning Shuyan looked at the half-finished tiger head, smiling shyly. "This is for His Majesty. It must be handmade by me... though I'm not especially skilled. But now that you're here, Aunt, you can teach me properly."

Only then did Aunt Qing understand—judging from how Ning Shuyan handled herself, it was clear she had placed His Majesty in her heart. No wonder His Majesty treated her so differently.

She said kindly, "Very well. I won't boast, but I do have a few tricks when it comes to needlework."

She then turned to Qiule and Ziying. "Where are the congratulatory gifts from the other consorts?"

Qiule replied, "They're all locked in the storeroom. Would you like to inspect them?"

Aunt Qing seemed reassured. "Then keep them there. If Your Grace wants to use any of them, be sure to have the imperial physician inspect them first. And if possible—don't use them at all."

Ning Shuyan smiled gently. "You're right, Aunt. For the sake of the child, I will be extra cautious."

Aunt Qing nodded with satisfaction.

At first, she was reluctant to take on the thankless task of caring for a pregnant consort. She had spent years in Xi Yan Palace, never involving herself in the back-palace schemes and politics, and had no desire to jump into them now.

But when she learned that the pregnant woman was none other than the former Zhao Jieyu—who had once visited Xi Yan Palace—her reluctance eased.

First, she had a good impression of Zhao Jieyu from that visit. Second, she was willing to protect any woman the Emperor deeply cared for.

And upon arriving at Lanyue Pavilion and finding the consort warm, polite, and humble, she became even more willing.

She then carefully examined the furnishings, cosmetics, and even the fresh flowers in the hall—nothing could be taken lightly.

The scene from that day at Xi Yan Palace returned to her mind...

That day, Xiao Yu had gently pleaded with her:
"Aunt Qing, now that my mother is gone, you're the one I trust most. I hope you'll look after her."

"You care deeply for Zhao Xiuyi and the child in her womb?"

Xiao Yu paused before answering, "Of course I care. Zhao Xiuyi... she's different from the others. I want her to give birth safely."

"Very well... this servant will do as Your Majesty asks."

Only then did Xiao Yu visibly relax. But then his expression grew stern, as if remembering something. "If the Empress sends anything to Lanyue Pavilion, Aunt, make sure Zhao Xiuyi never uses it. Even if she must, the item must first be checked by the physician."

"Your Majesty, do you still suspect the Empress because of what happened back then?"

Xiao Yu's voice turned cold. "Yes."

He still remembered how furious and shocked he had been when he discovered the Empress had secretly given Nangong Ling contraception.

In his heart, though he had not chosen the Empress himself, he had been satisfied with her.

As his father once said, the Feng family was powerful but had no real control, so there was no fear of meddling in politics. The Empress herself was elegant, kind, and suited to be the main consort and future empress.

He had also appreciated how obedient and gentle she appeared—easy to manage.

But now, it seemed that everything had just been an act.

It was one thing for him to not want Nangong Ling pregnant. But for someone else to take it upon themselves—without discussing it with him—was an entirely different matter.

The fact that she had acted out of selfishness, rather than concern for him, planted a seed of doubt in Xiao Yu's heart: that the Empress was not as virtuous as she appeared.

And with that thought, he had even gone to Fengqi Palace again—to warn her.