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

Ning Shuyan popped a slice of tangerine into her mouth. That woman was just someone in the Xuan Prince's residence and had nothing to do with her. Whether she looked similar or not didn't matter.

As long as she wasn't in the palace, how could she possibly affect her?

It seemed the woman had also noticed their resemblance, as Ning Shuyan could feel her gaze lingering on her from time to time.

Xiao Yu noticed Ning Shuyan was only focused on eating the fruit on the table. The corners of his lips lifted slightly. Ever since Qing Gugu started taking care of her, she had become more delicate in her thoughts and knew how to protect herself.

He gently said, "The fish today is quite good. You've always liked fish, Zhaofei, have a taste."

Ning Shuyan lifted her eyes to look at Xiao Yu. Seeing the slight tilt of his chin, she understood and smiled knowingly. "Alright."

With that, she picked up a piece of the tender, tofu-like fish and brought it to her mouth.

The smiles on the other concubines' faces stiffened a little. In the whole harem, only Zhaofei had the Emperor remembering her likes and dislikes.

The Empress remained serene and dignified, every inch the proper wife.

Back at Lanyue Pavilion, Ning Shuyan still felt a bit hungry. She hadn't eaten much at the banquet. So she asked Qiule to make her some wontons — something she had to eat every Lunar New Year's Eve.

On the first day of the New Year, firecrackers sounded throughout the palace, festive and lively.

Traditionally, the entire palace would pay respects to the Empress Dowager, but since there was none, Ning Shuyan went to Fengxi Palace and returned right after.

Since Xiao Yu learned about her morning sickness, he excused her from the daily morning and evening greetings — even the formal courtesy rituals were waived.

With the weather so bad lately — snowy and slippery — she hadn't gone out.

The snow fell for several days straight and finally stopped on the sixth day of the first month.

When the snow melts, it's the coldest.

Ning Shuyan stayed cozily on her couch reading and practicing calligraphy to pass the time.

"Your Highness, Imperial Physician Ji is here to check your pulse," came Ziying's voice as Ning Shuyan was deeply engrossed in a storybook. She didn't even look up to know she must be smiling like a flower.

Since she became pregnant, Imperial Physician Ji came to Lanyue Pavilion daily, and naturally, they had grown more familiar over time.

Moments later, the physician entered and began checking her pulse as usual. "Has your morning sickness worsened today, Your Highness?"

At the mention of morning sickness, Ning Shuyan frowned. "It's about the same — I throw up once in the morning, and again after eating. Only sour plums help ease it a bit."

Physician Ji placed the pulse pillow back in his medicine box and respectfully advised, "Your Highness, you shouldn't eat too many plums, especially on an empty stomach — they're harsh on the stomach."

After a few more reminders, he left.

Ning Shuyan noticed Ziying looked as though she was about to follow him again and frowned. "Qiule, you go see the physician off."

Ziying froze mid-step. After he left, Ning Shuyan looked at her intently. "You like him that much?"

Others might not notice, but Ning Shuyan could tell from Ziying's eyes that her feelings for Physician Ji ran deep.