Yang An carefully followed behind Xiao Yu. He had been by Xiao Yu's side all along and naturally had heard everything.
But this was the first time he couldn't figure out what his master was thinking. Looking at his expression—was he angry? Not quite. Happy? Not that either. There was something unspeakable on his face.
In truth, what Zhaojieyu had said made sense. As the emperor, the Son of Heaven, it was only natural that his harem was filled with women. To put it bluntly, having even a bit of the emperor's favor was already a great blessing. As for love and trust—those were impossible for someone in his position.
And even more impossible to give fully to just one woman. Zhaojieyu's infatuation with the emperor was both understandable... and foolish.
This master of his had favored many women before, but had he ever truly cared about any of them?
As Yang An thought, Xiao Yu suddenly stopped walking, nearly causing him to bump into him. He quickly steadied himself.
Xiao Yu looked up at the dark jade-like sky. A faint crescent moon hung hazily in the air, without a single starlight in sight. Only the somber moonlight and layers of cold mist filled the night.
"She blames me," Xiao Yu said softly.
Today, when she asked whether he trusted her—he actually did. But deep down, a small seed of doubt still lingered.
If there was nothing shameful about it, why would it be hidden in the bracelet? So yes, he had harbored suspicion. And along with that suspicion came fear—fear that it might really have been her.
When it came to women, the affection he gave was always based on his mood or intention—he was used to doing as he pleased. But seeing her cry so heartbreakingly today, he felt, for the first time, that maybe he had truly hurt a woman.
Yang An opened his mouth nervously, but in the end didn't say a word. He didn't know what to say—and didn't dare say anything at all.
After returning to the palace, Xiao Yu immediately ordered an investigation into the bracelet and Xue Yunu's involvement.
Although he had left the matter in the Empress's hands, it was really just a warning. There had been endless strife in the harem, and she had proven herself an unfit Empress.
Moreover, he didn't fully trust the Empress either.
Yan'er was right. Ever since she entered the palace, the schemes had all been directed at her. She was alone in this palace—with no one to rely on except him.
No wonder she had been so heartbroken.
In the Lanyue Pavilion, Ning Shuyan sat staring at the remaining pills in her hand. She hadn't expected that, even after hiding them so well, Shen Changzhi would still discover them.
She threw the pills into the brazier. As the charcoal burned, a rich and fragrant scent began to fill the air, so strong it was dizzying.
Qiu Le quickly opened the windows to let the scent out.
After the initial shock, she nodded in agreement. "This is for the best. That thing staying here would've brought trouble sooner or later."
"Actually, My Lady, you could consider bearing a child now. If you gave birth, you'd surely be promoted to one of the Nine Pin Consorts, and you could keep the child by your side."
Ning Shuyan shook her head. "No. After today, I've become even more certain of what I truly want."
She absentmindedly drew circles on the table with her long, pearl-polished nails.
Once, she had only wanted the emperor's favor and pity.
But favor is fleeting—love is what lasts.
Only by winning the emperor's heart could her path in the palace become smoother. Only then could her child, through her, be honored and loved by the emperor.
Today, she had deliberately spoken those words behind Xiao Yu's back. Sometimes, words overheard carry more weight than those spoken directly. They're easier to believe.
The next day, Ning Shuyan did not visit Fengqi Palace to pay respects, instead sending Qiu Le to report that she was ill.
Xiao Yu also hadn't come by in several days, prompting rumors in the harem that Ning Shuyan was being petty and spoiled, using her grievance to provoke the emperor's anger. After all, if the emperor truly felt guilty, why hadn't he come to the Lanyue Pavilion?
It wasn't until two more days had passed, at dusk, that Xiao Yu finally sent gifts through Yang An—but Ning Shuyan did not go out to meet him.
Qiu Le brought in an exquisitely crafted brocade box. "My Lady, Eunuch Yang said this is a rare treasure from the emperor's own vault."
Ning Shuyan accepted the box. The sky was already dark, but the moment the lid was lifted, the room brightened—brighter even than the warm candlelight beside her.
Ziying exclaimed in surprise and delight, "It's a luminous pearl!"
Ning Shuyan gently lifted the pearl, which was about the size of two thumbs put together. Even in her hand, it shone brilliantly with a soft, radiant light.
She was pleasantly surprised—it was the first time she had seen such a thing. She had only ever heard others speak of them.
After admiring it for a while, she regained her usual calm. At times like this, a woman mustn't be too easily satisfied.
She said lightly, "Luminous pearls are extremely rare. One this bright is even rarer—certainly a valuable gift. The emperor has been generous."
Ziying smiled. "The emperor must have sent this to cheer you up. My Lady, are you still planning to stay cold with him?"
Ning Shuyan closed the box. "Has he not stayed away all this time?"
She wondered if her little act had failed. Otherwise, why hadn't Xiao Yu come at all?
But the gift of the luminous pearl told her otherwise—he had indeed listened to her words.
Maybe... he just didn't know how to face her.
Two more days passed before Ning Shuyan finally went to Fengqi Palace to pay her respects.
After all, she couldn't keep up the act of being ill for too long.
The Empress naturally showed concern, but Consort Rong, Consort Zhuang, and especially Jieyu Mi all had dark expressions.
And no wonder—Jieyu Mi had kicked her while she was down that day, confidently accusing her of being the culprit. But now Ning Shuyan, the supposed criminal, stood before them perfectly unharmed. Of course they were furious.
Ning Shuyan smiled gently. "Jieyu Mi, you don't look well. Are you ill too?"
Jieyu Mi lowered her eyes with displeasure. "A filthy beast ran into me this morning. I haven't quite recovered."
Ning Shuyan smiled faintly. "As the saying goes, flies don't bite seamless eggs. The animals in the palace are all trained—docile and well-behaved. Perhaps you've picked up something unclean? Otherwise, why would that beast single you out?"
Jieyu Mi's face twisted in anger. Her jaw clenched tightly. "Who's carrying something unclean?"
Ning Shuyan kept her serene expression, not bothering to answer.
The Empress sipped her tea meaningfully.
"His Majesty arrives!"
The sudden announcement made everyone freeze. They quickly rose to greet him. "Your Majesty."
From the corner of her eye, Ning Shuyan saw a pair of dragon-embroidered boots stop by her side. She kept her head bowed, until she felt him reach out to gently steady her.
"Is your body better now?" he asked.
She pulled her arm away from his grip and replied coolly, "I've recovered."
Xiao Yu's deep gaze was as clear as a calm pool, staring at her delicate face, which now carried a sense of distance and unfamiliarity. He pressed his lips together and walked forward.
Ning Shuyan could feel the sharp glares directed at her—she didn't even need to look to know who they were from. But unlike before, she didn't lower her head. Instead, she calmly lifted her chin.
"Your Majesty, has the matter been resolved?" she asked.
Xiao Yu's seemingly casual words struck the Empress like a chill down her spine. She fell to her knees. "This consort is incompetent and has failed to find the culprit."
Xiao Yu had already expected this. He himself hadn't uncovered anything in recent days. Even the bracelet from Ning Shuyan yielded no clues as to its origin. There was no such item recorded within the palace.
He now suspected that the culprit had smuggled it in from outside the palace—subtly, silently.
As for who it was—there were still no leads. He had suspected the Empress... or Consort Zhuang. But without evidence, it was all just speculation.