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

Chapter 200: Liking the Same Person

Ziying lowered her head, nervously twisting her sleeve, and smiled shyly like a spring blossom in March. "I guess... I really do like him."

Looking at her, Ning Shuyan felt a headache coming on. All the life lessons she'd given her over the years seemed wasted — still hopelessly caught up in love. And who knew if those feelings would ever be returned?

After a moment's thought, Ning Shuyan said, "Tomorrow I'll ask Imperial Physician Ji."

Ziying's cheeks flushed pink, and she shyly lowered her head, giving a small nod.

She believed that Physician Ji liked her too.

So... she didn't refuse Ning Shuyan's offer to ask.

"It's sunny outside. Come, accompany me to bask in the sun in the courtyard."

Ziying beamed and came over to support her.

The winter sunlight brought warmth to the quiet cold of the season. The courtyard was instantly bathed in golden light, which streamed through the layered leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground that swayed with the breeze.

As Ning Shuyan walked into the courtyard, she seemed to hear the voices of Qiule and Physician Ji outside the palace. She caught a few words — something about settling down — and her curiosity was piqued, so she moved closer.

Ziying followed beside her.

Qiule's voice was softer than usual, tinged with a shy gentleness: "From the notes in your medical books, I could tell you must be a meticulous and kind-hearted person. I wonder which lucky woman will get to share her life with you."

Her eyes were filled with a tender light as she spoke.

Ning Shuyan could feel Ziying's hand tighten around her arm. She turned and saw her staring blankly ahead, her face suddenly pale.

Physician Ji merely smiled lightly. "I've never really thought about such things."

Qiule's fair face turned rosy. Under the warm sunlight, she lowered her head with a smile. "You're always in the palace. You should find someone to help manage your home, someone to greet you with a warm meal."

Physician Ji's expression remained calm. He nodded. "If there's nothing else, I'll return to the Imperial Medical Bureau. If Her Highness feels nauseous again, press the points I showed you."

With that, he turned and left.

Qiule's shy smile gradually faded, her expression growing somber and wistful.

Just as she turned around, she saw Ning Shuyan and Ziying standing behind her.

Usually composed, even she was startled, her voice soft and uncertain: "Your Highness..."

Ning Shuyan's expression was calm, but inwardly, a storm raged.

She never expected that both her closest maids had fallen for the same man. Both were her confidantes.

"Come inside," she said lightly.

Both girls entered the inner chamber looking dazed.

Seated on the couch, Ning Shuyan looked at them.

Ziying, usually lively and outgoing, and Qiule, calm and gentle — yet both now troubled over the same man.

She sighed silently. "What's so special about Physician Ji that you both like him?"

After a long pause, she decided it was better to lay things out. If she kept it from them and they found out later, it might lead to resentment.

Ziying had already had her shock. Qiule, however, looked at her in disbelief. She had once jokingly asked Ziying if she liked the physician, and she had denied it, saying they were just friends.

Who would've thought Ziying had hidden the truth?

Qiule hesitated. "I... I once read his medical books. I found him to be meticulous and skilled. What I feel is admiration."

When it came to love, Ning Shuyan truly didn't understand it well. She knew how to win a man's heart, but not what it meant to love someone or how it should feel.

Listening to them explain back and forth, she slowly said, "I won't favor either of you in this matter. After all, feelings can't be forced. I'll ask Physician Ji tomorrow. If he has no feelings for either of you, I hope you both let go. If he has feelings for one of you, I hope the other can accept it. You two are the people I trust the most — I don't want there to be any distance or hatred between you."

Qiule bowed and said, "I will follow Your Highness' wishes. No matter what, I will always put you first."

Ziying's eyes had already turned red. In a hoarse voice, she echoed, "Me too."

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P.S.: Happy New Year to everyone! To ease your hearts and not ruin your holiday mood — a small spoiler: Ziying and Qiule will not become enemies.