“Ling Rong, don’t rush. Let’s listen to what Huan’er has to say before making any decisions.”

Shen Mei Zhuang comforted Zhen Huan, holding her hand.

This was an instinct!

It was something that came from years of experience in the palace’s scheming.

But could she explain it clearly?

Based on Zhen Huan’s understanding of the Empress, her repeated invitations to Hua Fei today really indicated something.

But what would happen exactly, she still couldn’t predict.

“I’m just speculating, and I only hope that I’m overthinking it.”

Zhen Huan thought for a moment before speaking:

“Ling Rong, you need to stay close to us three that day, in case something unexpected happens.”

An Ling Rong trembled as she spoke:

“Sister, I’ll just say I’m feeling unwell that day and won’t go. That should be fine, right?”

“If you had said you weren’t feeling well from the start, that would have been fine,” Shen Mei Zhuang looked at An Ling Rong and said, “But today, in front of so many people, you said you were perfectly fine. If you back out that day, others might say you’re using your pregnancy as an excuse to deliberately disrespect the Empress.”

“Then… then…”

An Ling Rong, flustered, didn’t know what to do.

Yu Ying’er, seeing her nervousness, smiled and said:

“Alright, Sister An, don’t worry so much. If anything happens, I’ll be the first to rush over and protect you.”

As she spoke, Yu Ying’er proudly showed off her strength:

“I won’t boast about anything else, but when it comes to strength and agility, none of you sisters can beat me.”

“So if something really happens that day, like Sister Wan said, I’ll definitely stand in front of Sister An and protect her with all my might.”

Everyone felt much more at ease after hearing Yu Ying’er’s words.

Shen Mei Zhuang playfully tapped Yu Ying’er on the hand, laughing:

“I never noticed, but it seems Sister Yu has a bit of a heroine’s spirit in her!”

“Of course! If you like, I can sing a play of Mu Guiying for you some other time?” Yu Ying’er said, gesturing with her hands.

Her words made everyone laugh, covering their mouths.

Zhen Huan smiled and said: “But Mu Guiying hanging the military banner is from Peking opera, isn’t it? Sister Yu, aren’t you good at Kunqu opera?”

“When I was young, my father taught me, but I prefer Kunqu,” Yu Ying’er replied.

“Oh? Sister Yu, you’re really talented in many ways! No wonder His Majesty likes you so much!”

And so, the atmosphere lightened with Yu Ying’er’s playful teasing.

That night, the Emperor picked Zhen Huan’s plate.

As they chatted, the Emperor mentioned Wen Yi. He said, “I feel like recently Wen Yi doesn’t want to make trouble or laugh anymore, and is always sleepy.”

Could it be that Hua Fei had given Wen Yi some calming medicine again?

In her past life, she had heard Cao Qinmo talk about this.

In this life, poor Wen Yi hadn’t escaped this torment either.

But without any evidence, she couldn’t be the one to speak out!

She looked at the Emperor and asked: “What did Hua Fei say?”

“She said it’s because of the hot weather recently, which is why the princess has been so sleepy.”

“That seems likely. If Your Majesty is worried, why not have the Imperial Physician take a look? That would be more reassuring.”

“Yes, we’ll see in a few days.”

The Emperor said this, but his gaze shifted to Zhen Huan:

“Huan Huan, when will you give me an A Ge?”

Zhen Huan, upon hearing this, pretended to be angry: “Isn’t the princess enough?”

Seeing Zhen Huan’s coquettish expression, the Emperor laughed heartily: “Alright, alright! Both are good!”

“As long as it’s our child, I’ll love it no matter if it’s a boy or girl.”

Zhen Huan blushed and fell into the Emperor’s arms.

Seeing the charming figure in his arms, the Emperor couldn’t resist and kissed Zhen Huan on the lips.

“Fourth Brother, you’re so naughty…”

“Oh…” Her lips were silenced once more.

That night, the Biting Pine Academy added a touch of “spring” atmosphere~

Peach Blossom Grove.

“Your Majesty, the guests for the banquet have been arranged, just waiting for that day…”

Jian Qiu hesitated before speaking to the Empress.

No wonder people always say, you get what you give—what kind of master you have, that’s the kind of servant you get!

The master and servant both had a common habit: they never spoke fully, always leaving half of it unsaid.

The Empress quickly understood what Jian Qiu meant: “I understand.”

Saying that, she pulled a strand of white hair from her head:

“It seems I really am getting old.”

Jian Qiu hurriedly hid the Empress’s white hair:

“Your Majesty, how could you say that? In my eyes, you will always be the youngest and most radiant.”

“You’re good at making me happy, but I know my own body.”

The Empress said this and then remembered something:

“By the way, Jian Qiu, the woman you said was by An Chang’s side, what’s her name… Juan? Have you made arrangements?”

“Your Majesty is referring to Bao Juan. I’ve already made all the arrangements, please don’t worry.”

Soon, the day of the banquet arrived.

The palace maids placed the fresh fruits and dishes they were holding on the table one by one.

While the maids prepared, the Empress led the concubines to stand in the pavilion, admiring the scenery for a while.

The Empress first asked An Ling Rong about her health these past few days.

Once everything was ready, the Empress smiled and said:

“Today, we are having a little gathering among sisters. It’s a family dinner, so no need to be formal. Please, take your seats.”

“Yes,” the concubines replied as they curtsied to the Empress, following her inside.

Jiu Qing and Bao Juan supported An Ling Rong on either side.

Zhen Huan, Shen Mei Zhuang, and Yu Ying’er walked close behind them.

As Hua Fei poured wine, she looked at everyone and said:

“This chrysanthemum wine is refreshing and sweet, good for the liver and eyes. This year, His Majesty specifically ordered the Imperial Kitchen to brew it using last year’s preserved chrysanthemum petals. Won’t you all try some?”

The Empress, hearing Hua Fei’s words, smiled and raised her cup.

It seemed she had expected Hua Fei to do this.

The other concubines also followed the Empress and Hua Fei in raising their cups.

After drinking, the Empress smiled and said, “It seems a bit more bitter than usual.”

Jian Qiu explained: “This chrysanthemum wine contains angelica, rehmannia, and goji berries, which have health benefits for longevity.”

“Your Majesty is truly thoughtful,” Qi Fei smiled at the Empress, saying: “If it weren’t for Jian Qiu’s introduction, I wouldn’t have known this wine had such profound knowledge behind it!”

While everyone was discussing the merits of the wine, Hua Fei noticed that An Ling Rong hadn’t touched her drink at all.

Her expression immediately darkened:

“Wine can drive away diseases, and chrysanthemums can fight aging. Since this wine is so good, why aren’t you drinking it, An Chang?”

An Ling Rong trembled as she reached for the wine cup.

Seeing how scared An Ling Rong looked, Jiu Qing immediately bowed:

“Your Majesty, the little mistress is with child, and chrysanthemum wine is a bit too cooling to be consumed.”

“When the masters are speaking, what right do servants have to interrupt?” Hua Fei scolded Jiu Qing, then turned to smile at An Ling Rong:

“An Chang usually teaches your servants like this?”