First, King Xuan took a moment to calm his emotions.
Then, raising his voice, he called outside, “Go fetch Chu Wu.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” came the response at the door.
Chu Wu was responsible for managing the secret informants and gathering intelligence. Judging by the situation, it seemed that Consort Su would not escape this time.
Chu Ba and Chu Jiu, who had been standing outside, had already overheard the conversation. Before leaving, Chu Ba cast a meaningful glance at Chu Jiu, silently saying, “Good luck with this one.”
Chu Jiu inwardly groaned, helpless. Who could blame her? She wasn’t skilled enough in her craft, so she had no choice but to steel herself and step into the room. She knelt before King Xuan and said, “Please punish me, Your Majesty.”
Shen Jingyi looked at the kneeling Chu Jiu and tried to plead, “Your Majesty, everyone has their own expertise. This matter cannot be entirely blamed on Chu Jiu.”
Chu Jiu, hearing Shen Jingyi’s words, felt a surge of gratitude. Yes, Your Majesty, it’s not entirely my fault. It’s really your woman’s cunning. But of course, she dared not say this aloud, only murmuring it in her heart while keeping her face expressionless.
Seeing Shen Jingyi plead for Chu Jiu, King Xuan decided to give her some face. He spoke slowly, “Wait until Chu Wu arrives. Then, the two of you will cooperate and investigate this matter thoroughly. Afterward, you will receive your punishment.”
Chu Jiu had initially hoped to escape blame, but it seemed her punishment was inevitable.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Chu Jiu said, rising, picking up the boxes of bird’s nest, and sulkily exiting.
Maid Qin and Qiujü exchanged knowing glances and discreetly followed Chu Jiu out of the room.
King Xuan then gently pulled Shen Jingyi to sit beside him, letting her lean into his chest.
He tenderly stroked her hair and said softly, “Yier, don’t worry. I will thoroughly investigate this matter. I won’t let anyone who wants to harm you go unpunished.”
Shen Jingyi nodded slightly, resting against him like a docile little kitten. Feeling she should express her trust, she lifted her head and gazed into King Xuan’s eyes with her deep, clear autumn-like eyes. “I trust Your Majesty,” she said softly.
The two of them sat quietly together, enjoying a moment of peace and warmth.
After a while, King Xuan gently kissed Shen Jingyi’s forehead, then helped her to her feet. Hand in hand, they walked toward the bedchamber to wash up and rest.
In the washroom, King Xuan personally helped her remove her outer garment, while Shen Jingyi shyly turned away. They played around a little, and afterward, King Xuan carried her to bed, holding her in his arms once more.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window onto Shen Jingyi’s face. She slowly opened her eyes, feeling sore all over.
Turning her head, she realized King Xuan was already gone.
Thinking back over their intimate moments in recent days, Shen Jingyi couldn’t help but marvel at his vitality—she could hardly keep up.
After lounging in bed a while longer, she rose, took a comfortable bath with Chun Tao’s assistance, and felt much refreshed.
After breakfast, Shen Jingyi called for Qiukui.
“Who is managing the inner court now?” she asked softly.
“Your Highness, it is steward Xue from the outer court. He used to oversee the outer court’s affairs, but yesterday, His Majesty handed the inner court matters to him as well,” Qiukui replied respectfully.
It seemed that the queen’s period of confinement would not last too long. After all, she was the principal wife, and with Xiao Zihong among them, King Xuan would at least leave her some face.
“Side Consort, one more matter. Yesterday, a batch of servants was sold, including the kitchen maids Liu and Xia. Today, a new batch of staff has been brought in,” Qiukui continued.
Shen Jingyi smiled and told Chun Tao, “Give Qiukui one hundred taels of silver.”
Chun Tao immediately obeyed. Soon, she returned and handed the silver to Qiukui.
“You know what to do, right?” Shen Jingyi asked, noticing the eager look in Qiukui’s eyes.
“Yes, Mistress,” Qiukui said with a smile.
“Go, and be careful. If the silver runs out, get more from Chun Tao. If there’s any problem, discuss it with Maid Qin,” Shen Jingyi instructed.
Waving her hand, she dismissed Qiukui.
“Yes, Mistress,” Qiukui said, saluting and moving off briskly.
Shen Jingyi, meanwhile, quietly considered how many people she could strategically place amid the personnel changes in the manor.
…
In the following days, the manor underwent further adjustments, with more staff changes.
King Xuan had not come to see her during this period. It was said he had visited the Queen and Consort Su, but did not stay overnight. Perhaps he was investigating the poisoning incident.
He also reportedly visited the two lesser consorts and the two concubines, staying overnight at each of their residences.
It seemed King Xuan maintained a balanced approach, giving attention to all.
Well, he was certainly busy—his good health allowed him to manage all these matters with energy.
Perhaps this was the nature of princes raised in the palace: even if they truly favored someone, they could not show it too openly. Such restraint protected both parties.
During this time, Shen Jingyi enjoyed leisure, often visiting Shuiyue Cave, reading, practicing calligraphy, and feeding the fish.
She also tried her hand at making kites. After many failures, she finally succeeded in crafting a few.
Occasionally, she even tried her hand at cooking in her garden. If the dish turned out well, she would send a portion to the front court.
After breakfast today, Shen Jingyi stretched, feeling the gentle breeze and perfect weather. She decided to go to the rear garden to enjoy the flowers.
She called Qin Mamu, along with Chun, Xia, two Qius, and two Dongs—six maids in total—and instructed them to prepare tea, snacks, and the books she wished to read. The group set off toward the rear garden in high spirits.
Along the way, they laughed and chatted merrily, creating a lively atmosphere. Shen Jingyi felt her mood brighten further.
Once in the rear garden, she allowed the maids to wander freely, enjoying the scenery, leaving only Qin Mamu by her side.
Shen Jingyi strolled among the blossoms, admiring the riot of colors, the fragrance carried by the spring breeze. She couldn’t help but recite:
“Spring wind brushes gently, flowers bloom;A tapestry of blossoms reflects the clear sky.Bees and butterflies dance in laughter and talk,Together we enjoy the splendid display.”
Qin Mamu smiled. “Side Consort, your poetry is exquisite!”
Shen Jingyi smiled faintly. “I didn’t compose this myself,” she said, continuing her walk.
Eventually, they reached a small pavilion. Shen Jingyi stopped, surveying the surrounding flowers in full bloom. A gentle breeze brought waves of fragrance, filling her with a sense of peace.
She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes in delight, a satisfied smile on her lips.
“Mamu, let’s have our lunch here today!”
Qin Mamu looked at the pavilion surrounded by flowers, then at her mistress, more radiant than the blossoms themselves, and smiled. “Yes, today we shall enjoy our meal here.”