Zhaohua Palace, Consort’s Chambers.
Zheng Shiyao, having just woken from her afternoon nap, was in no hurry to rise. She remained reclining on the soft couch, still somewhat drowsy, and couldn’t help but yawn again.
Her maids Hong Ling and Hong Jian attended to her. Hong Ling said softly, “If Your Highness is still tired, why not sleep a little longer?”
“No need.” Zheng Shiyao slowly sat up and instructed them to bring water for her to wash her face.
The palace maid waiting outside brought in the water. After Hong Ling and Hong Jian attended to the Consort’s washing, they presented the tea that had been brewed in advance.
As Zheng Shiyao drank her tea, she glanced at Hong Ling and Hong Jian. “Did anything happen while I was napping?”
Hong Ling immediately replied, “Your Highness, after lunch, His Majesty left the Imperial Study and went to Yuehua Palace.”
Hong Jian added, “But His Majesty didn’t stay long at Yuehua Palace. Originally, he was just strolling in the Imperial Garden and happened to pass near Yuehua Palace, so he went in.”
Listening to them, Zheng Shiyao asked, “Has the Empress made any moves regarding this matter?”
Both Hong Ling and Hong Jian shook their heads. Hong Ling said, “The Empress doesn’t seem to care about this matter.”
Zheng Shiyao sneered coldly. “Of course she doesn’t care. She probably even hopes that Consort Chen will gain favor, using her to annoy me.”
Hong Jian said, “His Majesty only visited Consort Chen because he was passing by. With Consort Chen’s poor health, how could the Empress expect her to gain favor? She’s just a sickly woman. If not for her background from the Duke Stabilizing Country Residence, Your Highness could easily find an excuse to deal with her. How could she possibly compete with you?”
Zheng Shiyao snorted coldly. “The Empress naturally wants someone who can cause me trouble.”
Hong Ling thought carefully and said cautiously, “Your Highness, regardless of whether His Majesty happened to visit Consort Chen while passing by Yuehua Palace, the fact that he went shows that the influence of the Duke Stabilizing Country Residence carries significant weight in His Majesty’s heart. Even if Consort Chen is too weak to serve, if His Majesty keeps her in mind… what does Your Highness plan to do?”
Zheng Shiyao set her teacup aside. “Who has the Empress assigned to take care of Consort Chen’s health?”
Hong Jian promptly replied, “It’s Doctor Liu, the head of the Imperial Hospital. Your Highness, he’s the Empress’s person.”
Zheng Shiyao smiled sarcastically. “The Empress is truly taking good care of Consort Chen. It shouldn’t be difficult to find a way to add something extra to her daily medicinal soup, right?”
Hong Ling and Hong Jian exchanged glances, immediately understanding the Consort’s meaning. They said in unison, “Yes, we understand.”
Zheng Shiyao fiddled with the lid of her teacup, her tone growing colder. “Those old fools at the Imperial Hospital all claim to have exceptional medical skills, but after taking so many fertility medicines, I still haven’t shown any signs of pregnancy. Incompetent.”
Hong Jian quickly comforted her, “Your Highness, conception requires the right timing, conditions, and harmony. Please don’t be anxious.”
Zheng Shiyao frowned. “How can I not be anxious? The Empress entered the residence first, and when His Majesty ascended the throne, she took the Phoenix Throne. If she gains the advantage in this matter too, then my path to replacing her will become even more difficult.”
Hong Ling said, “Your Highness, how can the Empress compare to you? Moreover, your father is also working hard. As long as the Wang family collapses in court, the Empress will have no support in the Imperial Harem. When that time comes, the position of Empress will surely be yours for the taking.”
Hong Jian chimed in, “Indeed, Your Highness. Hong Ling is right—you are the one who holds the greatest favor in the Imperial Harem.”
Zheng Shiyao sighed softly, “May heaven grant our wishes.”
Hong Ling and Hong Jian replied in unison, “It will, Your Highness.”
A cold glint flashed in Zheng Shiyao’s eyes. The Phoenix Throne would belong to her sooner or later. The Empress could not stop her, and as for Consort Chen, that sickly woman—how could someone so frail ever pose a threat? If her condition worsened and she eventually died in the palace, it would be of little consequence.
…
The next day was the Mid-Autumn Festival.
On the moonlit night of the festival, the Emperor hosted a banquet in Chonghua Palace. The grand palace-wide celebration was exceptionally lively.
Only Qin Shu remained in Yuehua Palace. She had no interest in joining such bustling crowds. It was far more enjoyable to brew tea, admire the moon, and chat with Xin Lian and Xin Yi within her own courtyard than to gather with a crowd of people who feigned harmony while hiding discord.
Lying on her rocking chair, Qin Shu gazed at the full moon in the sky. If she were in Southern Xiang City now, with her parents and elder brother by her side, the family happily reunited—that would be a true Mid-Autumn reunion.
For a moment, she couldn’t help but sigh. In her previous life, she had been an orphan, never experiencing the warmth of family. In this life, heaven had been kind to her from birth, completely making up for what she had lacked. It was a pity that now, she could only gaze at the same moon from afar, sending her longing to her family through its light.
Her situation was still tolerable, but her eldest brother was alone in the distant Western Borderlands—a harsh and bitter place. She wondered how he was faring there.
Xin Lian and Xin Yi heard their mistress’s soft sigh. Kneeling beside her, Xin Yi picked up a plate of pastries from the table and said cheerfully, “Your Highness, these are osmanthus mooncakes that Xin Lian and I made ourselves. They’re fragrant, delicious, sweet but not cloying. Please try one.”
Seeing their thoughtful gesture, Qin Shu understood their intentions. She picked up a piece and smiled, “Your skills have always been excellent. Even back at home, I loved the pastries you made. Of course, I must savor these properly.”
Xin Yi responded promptly, “As long as Your Highness enjoys them, just let us know anytime what you’d like to eat.”
After finishing the mooncake, Qin Shu praised them again. Truthfully, if Xin Lian and Xin Yi’s pastry-making skills were placed in her previous world, even top-tier confectioners might not match their craftsmanship.
Xin Lian handed over a handkerchief for Qin Shu to wipe her hands, then presented her with tea.
Qin Shu took a sip of tea and faintly heard the elusive strains of music, clearly drifting from the palace banquet.
Turning to Xin Lian and Xin Yi, she said, “Since you made all these yourselves, you should try some too.”
Soon, footsteps approached, followed by a respectful voice beside her.
“Consort Chen, the night dew is heavy. The imperial physician advised that you must take extra care to stay warm and avoid catching a chill. Her Majesty the Empress also sent someone to—”
Before Cao Chang could finish, Qin Shu turned and cast him a glance. “Eunuch Cao, you are now the chief eunuch of my palace. What I say and do is my decision to make. Do you understand?”
Cao Chang was momentarily stunned but quickly replied, “Yes, this servant understands. Your Highness is the master of Yuehua Palace. I am merely Your Highness Consort Chen’s servant. I will ensure those under me remember this.”
Good, he was clever enough to grasp her meaning immediately. Qin Shu said, “Very well. With Xin Lian and Xin Yi here, there’s no need for you to worry. You may withdraw.”
Cao Chang bowed respectfully and said, “Yes, this servant takes his leave.”
After Cao Chang departed, Xin Lian inquired, “Your Highness, is this Cao Chang trustworthy?”
Qin Shu replied with complete composure, “He is an intelligent man. If he proves useful, we shall use him. If not, we can simply dispose of him.”
Xin Lian and Xin Yi understood their mistress’s meaning perfectly well, and saw no need for further questions.