Seeing that Ruyi was in low spirits, Noble Lady Hai disregarded her own pregnancy, comforting Ruyi as the two returned to the Palace of Earthly Honor together.
“Sister, how can a cheap servant like A’ruo compare to the bond you share with the Emperor? Why be sad over her? I think the Emperor meant to vent your frustration, but he simply got slightly tipsy, had a momentary lapse, and forgot. No matter how many women the Emperor has, Sister, your place can be replaced by no one.”
Hailan sat beside Ruyi, her lovely face filled with deep concern. In her eyes, the Emperor belonged solely to her sister—how could the Emperor possibly like A’ruo?
Yanwan feigned obedience as she stood dutifully to the side. Listening to their conversation, she finally understood where Ruyi got her confident “everyone is drunk while I alone remain sober” mindset!
Look at the people around her—were any of them truly being helpful?
Take Suoxin, for instance. Sure, you could call her a good person, but based on Yanwan’s observations during this period, while Suoxin was loyal, she merely did what was expected of her job.
To serve a superior like Ruyi properly, one naturally had to cater to her preferences.
Whatever Ruyi liked to hear, Suoxin naturally said. Even though they were flattering words, Ruyi took every single bit of them to heart!
As for Noble Lady Hai, listen to what she just said—it was even more insidiously empty than the empty promises drawn up by a corporate boss.
If Ruyi were truly irreplaceable, would she have been banished to the Cold Palace in the first place?
Yet it was precisely these grand, empty words that caused the corners of Ruyi’s mouth to curve upward. Her mood visibly brightened, and she quickly recovered her usual calm and composed composure.
Yanwan: “…”
As they spoke, Noble Lady Hai’s maid walked over carrying her pregnancy-stabilizing tonic and served it to her.
“Hailan, I saw that you ate a great deal at the banquet. Are you hungry again?”
Ruyi’s red lips parted slightly as she looked at Hailan in surprise. No wonder Hailan’s belly was showing so prominently—she was eating far too much.
In just a short moment, Hailan not only finished a bowl of pregnancy-stabilizing medicine, but even polished off every single pastry on the table.
Slightly embarrassed, Hailan picked up a handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth and said bashfully, “I don’t know what’s happening either, but ever since I got pregnant, I constantly feel hungry. Sister, look at my belly.”
Hailan raised her eyes to sweep a glance around the room. Seeing that only women were present, she unbuttoned her robe and pulled her clothes up for Ruyi to see.
Curious, Yanwan looked over as well. On Hailan’s rounded belly, what should have been fair skin was now covered in stretch marks because the baby was overly large. It truly looked unappealing.
Furthermore, these stretch marks were somewhat unusual—they looked like purplish-blue streaks caused by sudden weight gain that stretched the skin too fast.
Yanwan didn’t find it terrifying; developing stretch marks depended on one’s constitution, and as long as one controlled their weight and consistently applied oils during pregnancy, they could be avoided.
Hailan’s condition was clearly caused by a sudden surge in weight.
Ruyi, however, was thoroughly startled. She raised her hand, delicately curling her fingernail guards as she cautiously touched Hailan’s belly, her expression quite grave.
“How could it be like this? Hailan, didn’t you ask Jiang Yubin to examine you? I fear these marks will be difficult to erase!”
Ruyi instinctively covered her lower abdomen with her other hand, a brief flash of relief passing through her dark eyes. If Hailan was left with scars from childbirth, then she herself wouldn’t stand out as much.
In this palace, a consort naturally could not possess flaws on her body. With such prominent marks on her belly, it would likely be difficult for Hailan to regain imperial favor in the future.
Hailan lowered her hemline and adjusted her clothes. Taking Ruyi’s hand, she said with a resolute expression, “It must be related to how much I’ve been eating, but this child belongs to both you and me, Sister. Since my body is already in this state, I cannot let the child suffer. I understand your meaning, Sister—my favor has come to an end. My rank is low, so please raise this child yourself in the future.”
“Hailan, rest assured. I will certainly treat this child as my own. With the two of us as mothers, this child will surely lead a smooth and prosperous life.”
Ruyi looked at Hailan with eyes full of emotion, and the two embraced closely, displaying deep sisterly affection.
Yanwan watched with great relish. In modern times when watching the show, everyone speculated whether Hailan harbored special feelings for Ruyi.
Looking at this scene, it might actually be true.
The two of them clearly shared a husband, yet Hailan claimed this child belonged to her and Ruyi.
It was truly laughable—a movie about three people, yet the scumbag Emperor didn’t even deserve a name!
Ruyi soothed Hailan softly. Looking at Hailan’s bloated belly, she suddenly recalled the bracelet given to her by the Empress, which contained fertility-blocking loose-reed fragrance.
If the Empress could harm her, she might also scheme against Hailan.
Especially since the Empress had lost a son and currently only had a princess under her knee, if Hailan gave birth to a prince, it would inevitably pose a threat to the Empress’s position.
A flash of insight lit up Ruyi’s eyes; having seen through the Empress’s scheme, she could never allow the Empress to harm Hailan.
“Hailan, it is still better to call an imperial physician to examine you. Hearts in this palace are unpredictable; we must err on the side of caution.”
Hailan looked at Ruyi with a touch of innocence. Seeing her calm and composed expression, she nodded in agreement without hesitation.
At any rate, her sister would never harm her, and she needed to protect the prince in her womb for her sister’s sake.
Seeing this, Yanwan hurriedly took over the errand of summoning an imperial physician, using it as an excuse to slip outside.
After watching an entire day of immersive Ruyi drama, it was high time she went out for a stroll to give her eyes a break.
Although night had fallen, lanterns hung everywhere along the palace paths, and Yanwan carried a small lantern to light her way.
She quickly arrived at the Imperial Academy of Medicine, where Jiang Yubin happened to be on duty today.
Jiang Yubin recognized Yanwan and spotted her the moment she walked in—after all, this girl was so eye-catching that the physicians on duty kept stealing glances at her.
Yanwan waved her hand at him. “Physician Jiang, Noble Consort Xian invites you to the Palace of Earthly Honor to take Noble Lady Hai’s pulse.”
Beside him, Physician Lin, who was under thirty, pretended to help Jiang Yubin pack his medicine box while constantly stealing glances at Yanwan. This girl was simply too beautiful.
Were all the palace maids in the Imperial Palace this gorgeous?
With a porcelain face like smooth cream and two sweet dimples when she smiled, she not only possessed an ethereal grace, but her smile could also bring sweetness to one’s heart.
Whoever married this girl would be falling into a tub of honey every single day.
Seeing him act so brazen, Jiang Yubin let out a hmph, took the medicine box from Physician Lin’s hands, and warned, “Stop staring. You’re a married man—does it look proper to stare at a young girl like that? She is Noble Consort Xian’s senior maid, not someone you can mess with.”
Physician Lin naturally refused to admit it; he wasn’t as wretched as Jiang Yubin made him out to be, for he was merely looking at her with an appreciative gaze.
“Hey, I just thought the girl looked familiar! Where is your mind wandering? Don’t tarnish my reputation.”
Jiang Yubin glared at Physician Lin, completely disbelieving his explanation, and walked toward the doorway carrying his medicine box.
Leaving the Imperial Academy of Medicine, the two walked along the palace path toward the Palace of Earthly Honor. Jiang Yubin said in a gentle voice, “Pay no mind to Physician Lin. He just has a big mouth, but he means no harm.”
Yanwan observed Jiang Yubin. He was good-looking, and though an imperial physician, he possessed a gentle and refined temperament, no wonder Suoxin was bent on leaving the palace to live with him.
“When do you and Suoxin plan to bring your matter up to Noble Consort Xian? If you’re waiting for Her Ladyship to take the initiative to release Suoxin, you two are in for a long wait!”
Jiang Yubin was startled, not expecting Yanwan to know about him and Suoxin. He assumed Suoxin must have told her because of their good relationship.
He didn’t hide it either, letting out a sigh. Naturally, he wanted to be with Suoxin sooner, his tone carrying a faint trace of resentment toward Ruyi.
“Suoxin is loyal and feels that since Her Ladyship just left the Cold Palace, she has no one reliable around her. Fortunately, Miss Yanwan, you have arrived. We’ll wait a bit longer and find a suitable occasion to request Her Ladyship to bestow a marriage.”
Yanwan smiled softly. When watching the show, she had felt a slight favor toward Jiang Yubin—he was genuinely devoted to Suoxin, waiting for her for over a decade. Her watery eyes darted as she teasingly spooked him:
“If you and Suoxin don’t lay things bare, Noble Consort Xian is even less likely to bring it up. The consorts in the palace must have a trustworthy physician. If you marry Suoxin away, will you still serve the Palace of Earthly Honor so diligently?”
Jiang Yubin looked surprised, arguing without a second thought, “Noble Consort Xian is not that kind of person. She knows Suoxin and I share feelings, and given Suoxin’s loyalty, there is no reason for her not to release her.”
Yanwan smiled subtly. “If you are willing to waste Suoxin’s youth to bet on your master’s character, then I have nothing more to say.”
Jiang Yubin fell silent; how could he possibly want to keep dragging things out like this?
Suoxin was already twenty-seven, and his own family was pressing him to get married. Were it not for being implicated alongside Noble Consort Xian and sent to the Cold Palace, Suoxin might have left the palace long ago.
Seeing him fall quiet, Yanwan raised the lantern in her hand closer to him, illuminating Jiang Yubin’s face.
The candlelight revealed his expression, and Yanwan asked with a smile, “You only serve Noble Consort Xian so dutifully because you want to marry Suoxin—this is an equal exchange, but you must bring it up on your own initiative! Surely you don’t expect a high-and-mighty master like Noble Consort Xian to constantly keep a servant’s lifelong happiness in mind, do you? Happiness is something you must strive for yourself.”
She was doing this on purpose.
Noble Consort Xian was not genuinely considerate in this regard; knowing full well that Jiang Yubin and Suoxin shared affection, she had dragged the two of them out until they were nearly forty before letting them marry.
She might as well do a good deed and give Jiang Yubin a gentle nudge.
As long as he wanted to achieve a happy union with Suoxin sooner, he would find ways to maneuver around Ruyi.
If Noble Consort Xian refused to release her, Jiang Yubin would naturally lose his loyalty as well.
At any rate, her objective was to strip away all of Ruyi’s supporting pillars. Whether Ruyi was willing to grant their wish or not, her goal would be achieved.
Jiang Yubin raised his hand to gently push the lantern away from his face. Seeing that Yanwan’s eyes were clear and her pretty face filled with sincerity, she seemed genuinely focused on giving him advice.
After all, this suggestion only benefited him and Suoxin. Since a young girl could see all this clearly, there was no reason for a full-grown man like him to wait for Noble Consort Xian’s charity!
Pondering for a moment, he adjusted the medicine box on his shoulder and cupped his hands in a respectful bow to Yanwan.
“Thank you for the guidance, Miss Yanwan. You are right; to be with Suoxin sooner, I must take charge of this matter myself. Noble Consort Xian is, after all, a noble master…”
The two were merely engaging in ordinary conversation, yet on this quiet, nighttime palace path, the scene inexplicably appeared intimate and subtly romantic to Li Yu, Jinzhong, and the others standing not far away.
Especially seeing Yanwan holding up the lantern with a gentle smile right in front of Jiang Yubin’s face, it looked for all the world like playful banter between young lovers.
The Emperor stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes narrowing as he observed the two. Since he did not speak, neither Li Yu nor Jinzhong dared to blurt out anything, left only to worry anxiously from the side.
Jinzhong stood to one side. Seeing the Emperor’s unreadable expression, he feared the Emperor might overthink things and implicate Yanwan.
Noticing that Jinzhong wanted to speak up, Li Yu hurriedly raised his hand to stop him.
*This kid is only going to add to the chaos!*
Stealing a cautious glance at the Emperor, Li Yu resignedly took two steps forward, discreetly trying to smooth things over for Yanwan.
“Your Majesty, I see Noble Consort Xian’s maid has brought an imperial physician over. I wonder if Noble Consort Xian is feeling unwell? Should I go inquire?”
“Walk. Let’s go check on Noble Consort Xian.”
The Emperor raised his eyes to see Yanwan and the physician walking closer. Leaving behind a casual remark, he strode directly onto the palace path leading toward the Palace of Earthly Honor, coming face-to-face with Yanwan and Jiang Yubin.
Li Yu and Jinzhong exchanged glances, hurriedly following behind the Emperor.
Jiang Yubin spotted the Emperor first and hurriedly bowed: “Subject pays respects to Your Majesty.”
Not expecting to run into the Emperor here, Yanwan immediately curtsied in greeting. Seeing the Emperor approach, she waited, yet no permission to rise came.
By the light of the lantern beside her, she could faintly see the hem of the Emperor’s bright yellow robe right before her eyes. What was going on here?
After a long pause, the Emperor’s deep and imposing voice sounded from above.
“You belong to Noble Consort Xian’s palace. Summoning a physician so late at night—is Noble Consort Xian unwell?”
Suppressing the doubts in her heart, Yanwan raised her head and said respectfully, “In reply to Your Majesty, Noble Consort Xian is fine. The physician was summoned to take Noble Lady Hai’s pulse. Noble Lady felt somewhat unwell while at the Palace of Earthly Honor, so an imperial physician was summoned to examine her.”
Hongli looked down from above at this young maid. She still wore the green palace maid uniform from the banquet; the rabbit fur collar around her neck framed her porcelain face, making her red lips appear even more vivid.
In the dim palace corridor, she seemed almost radiant—a beauty capable of capturing any man’s complete attention with just a single glance.
*She was chatting and smiling so brightly with that physician just now, yet now she turns into a respectful wooden beauty?*
“Rise. Since Noble Lady Hai is unwell, I should go take a look as well.”
Yanwan walked behind the Emperor, intending to quietly ask Jinzhong about the situation, but to her surprise, Jinzhong ignored her completely.
*Who did I provoke this time?*
Inside the Palace of Earthly Honor.
Ruyi was chatting with Hailan while waiting for Jiang Yubin’s arrival, when Suoxin entered to report that the Emperor had arrived.
A flash of pleasant surprise lit up Ruyi’s face just as the Emperor strode in, bringing Jiang Yubin and the others behind him.
Hurriedly supporting Hailan beside her, Ruyi stood up, and together they offered formal greetings to the Emperor.
“Alright, no need for formalities. I happened to run into someone from your palace summoning an imperial physician, and hearing that Noble Lady Hai was unwell, I came over to check.”
Upon seeing the Emperor, Ruyi looked at him with eyes full of affection and teased intentionally, “So Your Majesty came to see Hailan! I thought Your Majesty made a special trip to the Palace of Earthly Honor to see me.”
Hailan smiled along, inviting the Emperor to take his seat on the soft couch before summoning Jiang Yubin to take her pulse.
“Ruyi, how have you been feeling lately? State affairs have been pressing these past days, and I truly could not free myself. I hope you won’t blame me.”
The Emperor sat tall on the soft couch, his arm resting casually on the low table as he reached out to pat Ruyi’s hand.
He possessed handsome features, and when his deep eyes gazed softly at Ruyi, they seemed filled with endless devotion.
Ruyi covered the back of the Emperor’s hand. At this moment, she could see no one else—only her youthful lover remained in her eyes.
She shook her head, the tassels on her banner hairpiece sweeping across her cheek, her voice raspy yet filled with youthful tender affection.
“I will never blame Your Majesty. As long as Your Majesty keeps me in mind, even if I cannot see you, our hearts remain close.”
The Emperor displayed a satisfied smile, and the two shared a tacit, understanding glance.
Yanwan walked into the room carrying freshly brewed tea, catching every word of their exchange clearly.
*Such deep affection between Emperor and consort is truly touching.*
*If only the Emperor’s excuse were a bit more thoughtful, and the smile on Ruyi’s face weren’t so maternal, perhaps I would be even more touched!*
The Emperor took the opportunity to release Ruyi’s hand, removing the bodhi bead bracelet from his wrist to toy with it casually.
Raising his eyes to covertly glance at Noble Lady Hai having her pulse taken, a thoughtful glint passed through his eyes.
Ever since Ruyi returned from the Cold Palace, a rift had formed in her heart toward him.
Yet it was understandable—even a person made of clay, wrongfully framed and forced to endure three years of hardship in the Cold Palace, would undergo some changes.
Resolving Ruyi’s resentment was simple enough: A’ruo could no longer be kept, serving as the perfect outlet for Ruyi to vent her anger.
Withdrawing his gaze to look at Ruyi beside him, seeing her look at Noble Lady Hai with an expression full of deep concern, a subtle glint flashed in the Emperor’s eyes.
Three years had passed, and Ruyi’s conduct differed greatly from before. Noble Lady Hai had always been on good terms with Ruyi; what game were the two playing today?
While the Emperor was lost in thought, seeing Yanwan approach, he instinctively shifted his leg aside to make it convenient for her to reach the table.
This movement left Yanwan momentarily stunned—this Emperor was actually far more perceptive than Ruyi, who would never think of accommodating others.
The Emperor gazed down at the teacup gently set beside his hand.
The teacup was nothing special, but the pair of hands carrying it were fair and moist, with slender fingertips glowing like pink jade. Unlike the consorts, she wore no long nail guards, keeping them trimmed neat and rounded instead.
With such jade-like hands, who could bear to let her do coarse work?
This inexplicably surfaced thought caused the Emperor’s hand twirling the beads to pause slightly. Raising his eyes for a look, sure enough, she was back to being a expressionless wooden beauty—what a waste of such a gorgeous face.
Having set down the teacup, Yanwan curtsied slightly and turned to withdraw.
Ruyi cared most about her youthful lover, so Yanwan must never reveal the slightest sign of impropriety. As for her own goals, an opportunity would present itself sooner or later!
However, looking at the “imperial leg” suddenly stretched out blocking her path, Yanwan’s steps faltered. *I just praised him for being perceptive, and he slaps my face right away?*
Without hesitation, she detoured straight toward the outer side, staying far away from the Emperor’s noble feet.
The Emperor retracted his leg as if nothing had happened, a smile flashing across his face. *Such a fiery temper—she really is just a young girl.*
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?”
Ruyi pushed the pastries on the low table toward the Emperor. Seeing him distracted, she looked at him with concern and asked softly, “Is Your Majesty tired?”
The Emperor pulled at the corner of his mouth, raising a hand to rub his forehead, glossing over it casually:
“I am fine. State affairs piled up last night, so I rested late; using some snuff to clear my mind will do.”
Right at that moment, Jiang Yubin completed his examination of the pregnancy-stabilizing medicine Noble Lady Hai had consumed. With a heavy expression, he stepped before the Emperor.
Seeing his grave demeanor, Hailan’s heart tightened. Fearing something was wrong with the child, she hurriedly stood up while leaning against the round table, asking anxiously:
“Physician Jiang, is my body fine? If there is any abnormality, please speak freely!”
With Suoxin serving inside the room, Yanwan stood at the doorway alongside Jinzhong and the others. Hearing these words, she immediately pricked up her ears to listen.
Sure enough, Jiang Yubin reported that appetite-increasing drugs had been added to the pregnancy-stabilizing tonic. Though harmless to the body, it would cause a pregnant woman to lose control over her appetite.
If the fetus grew overly large, danger would arise during delivery.
The Emperor was furious. At the earnest pleas of Ruyi and Hailan, he decided to thoroughly investigate the matter. A smile glinted in Yanwan’s eyes.
*The plot really is interesting—does Noble Consort Xian truly possess a protagonist halo?*
She recalled that in the original story, the poisoning scheme was known only to Hailan and Ruyi, yet now the Emperor knew as well, which was undoubtedly beneficial to Hailan and her ally.
Beside her, Jinzhong’s brows furrowed. Concubine Jia’s plan had been discovered by the Emperor just like that—truly useless.
However, since this Noble Lady Hai dared to pick on his Yanwan, he couldn’t let her off the hook.
Thinking of this, Jinzhong raised his hand to pat Yanwan’s shoulder, asking in a lowered voice, “What was going on between you and that Physician Jiang? Flirting right there on the palace path?”
In front of them, the stern-faced Li Yu secretly pricked up his ears as well, curious to hear what this enchantress had to say. He knew full well that Jiang Yubin was fond of Suoxin, so logically he shouldn’t be involved with Yanwan.
These words left one quite baffled—when had she ever been involved with Jiang Yubin?
Jinzhong turned his head to see her luminous, watery eyes gazing straight at him. This lovely beauty looked endearing no matter how one viewed her, yet seeing her remain silent made him feel even more displeased inside.
“Speak. What is your relationship with Jiang Yubin, and why were you so close with him?”
Seeing his face full of jealousy, Yanwan finally understood. Wanting to avoid provoking him, she explained softly, “I merely went to the Imperial Academy of Medicine on orders to invite him to take a pulse. Physician Jiang and Suoxin are a pair.”
Saying this, she swept a smiling glance toward Li Yu on her left. Didn’t this Grand Chief Eunuch Li in the original story harbor feelings for Suoxin as well? Hearing this must have pierced his heart!
Jinzhong’s expression softened. Giving her a gentle, scolding look, he reached into his robe, pulled out a bright, golden orange, and stuffed it into her hands.
Gazing at the round, plump orange in her hand, a rare trace of emotion surged within Yanwan’s heart.
In modern times, so many men had pursued her, gifting her endless fine jewelry, yet none of it had moved her in the slightest.
Yet here in her low plight, a single orange gifted by Jinzhong allowed her to feel his genuine, tangible care.
Yanwan’s hand peeling the orange paused, realization flashing in her eyes.
*No wonder Ruyi harbored feelings for Ling Yunche that transcended friendship!*
*So that’s how it came to be!*