Chapter 80 – The Second Prince and the Third Princess

Xuan Yuanling’s emotions gradually calmed, and instead of immediately summoning Shen Qing to bed, he asked her, “Did you eat well at dinner? Do you want to eat a bit more?”

Shen Qing blinked. Well now, what’s this? Did this man suddenly change his nature? After all that flirtation, instead of pinning her down, he was asking if she’d eaten?

“Is Your Majesty hungry?”

“Didn’t the imperial physician say you should nourish yourself, eat smaller portions but more frequently?”

Shen Qing replied, “That’s true, but this concubine isn’t very hungry right now. However, if Your Majesty wants to eat, this concubine can accompany you.”

How obedient—”I’m not hungry, but if you want to eat, I’ll eat with you.” As if eating together made the food taste better.

Xuan Yuanling summoned Zhao Hai and gave him instructions: “Serve the dishes according to Noble Lady Xi’s preferences.”

Hearing this from outside the door, Zhao Hai couldn’t help but raise Shen Qing’s position another level in his heart. Good heavens, when has His Majesty ever prioritized a noble lady’s preferences?

He’d followed the emperor for many years, and even when Consort Yu was at the peak of her favor, the emperor at most would pick up food for her with his chopsticks—and that already made her overjoyed. But now, Noble Lady Xi had the emperor changing protocol for her.

Shen Qing had no idea what caused Xuan Yuanling’s sudden change of heart, but she could clearly feel it. Still, since he was treating her better, that could only be a good thing, so she gladly accepted it.

After their meal, Shen Qing noticed another difference—this time in bed.

By the end, Shen Qing felt like melted spring water—her face flushed, and her gaze toward Xuan Yuanling was slightly dazed. What had gotten into the dog of an emperor today? Why did he unleash every trick in the book on her? She couldn’t even handle it—not from discomfort, but because it felt so good she nearly lost herself.

Xuan Yuanling looked at her dazed little expression and reached out to brush her brows and eyes, smiling with delight. “Did you enjoy that?”

Shen Qing, who was used to teasing others, never thought the day would come when she’d be rendered speechless by the emperor’s flirtatious remarks.

After that day, Xuan Yuanling did something unprecedented—he went to see the Empress twice in a row. Both times, it was under the pretext of discussing the Empress Dowager’s upcoming birthday celebration.

But the Empress noticed that Shen Qing had been respectful toward her lately, and after the emperor shared Shen Qing’s bed, he came twice to see her. Considering Shen Qing’s attitude, the Empress couldn’t help but believe Shen Qing played a part in this change, and she became even more pleased with her.

Moreover, this time the emperor didn’t assign Consort Yu or Consort Chun to assist her with the birthday celebration—a significant move.

Holding real power once more, the Empress’s mood was far brighter than before.

Xuan Yuanling delegated the arrangements for the Empress Dowager’s birthday to the Empress, and at court, he resumed pressing officials and investigating matters. Because of this event, he deliberately uncovered a new case.

Previously, he had exempted Qianzhou from tribute due to severe flooding and treacherous mountain roads. But local officials had paid lip service to his decree and secretly forced people to transport goods in the rain, resulting in a landslide that killed over a hundred people. The incident caused a major uproar—not just because of the tragic deaths, but also because it implicated numerous officials and interests.

He flew into a rage during court, and all officials were gripped with fear.

While the front court was chaotic, the inner palace was no haven of peace either. After all, the Empress had started handling the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet.

Since the emperor had personally said it should be a grand affair, the Empress dared not slack off. There were countless matters to attend to, and she was overwhelmed, yet she still had to observe the formalities of receiving morning greetings.

Shen Qing arrived early as usual, but unexpectedly, Noble Lady Shen was already there. Shen Qing didn’t engage with her much. Other ladies arrived one after another, including Consort Yu.

Today, Consort Yu was particularly punctual and proper. She hadn’t seen Xuan Yuanling in a long time. She used to believe that if the emperor wanted to see the children, he would surely come to see her as well. But now, he simply had the children brought to Gan Yuan Palace without even returning them personally.

It was clear—he no longer favored her. Though she hadn’t been punished, even someone with her temperament now diligently paid respects to the Empress on time.

Everyone lined up neatly to greet the Empress.

The Empress looked around with a smile on her face.

Only Noble Lady Fang was absent. She was seven months pregnant, and her belly quite large, so she had been excused from these rituals.

Seeing Consort Yu’s face, the Empress’s smile deepened. “Consort Yu has become more and more proper lately. Keep it up—it suits you.”

Every time Consort Yu showed up, the Empress would call her out. She never missed a chance.

Consort Yu secretly dug her nails into her palms but still had to maintain her composure. With forced politeness, she said, “It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s guidance.”

The Empress glanced at her again and then turned her attention to the others, making small talk with everyone before shifting the topic to the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration.

Not only did the Empress have to manage all palace affairs, she also had to take charge of preparing the Empress Dowager’s ceremonial attire. Additionally, she had to arrange auspicious attire for all the other consorts and concubines attending the banquet.

Thus, she began distributing fabrics and jewelry as rewards.

Consort Yu normally disdained these things. The Empress’s “rewards” always felt like reminders that she outranked her. But today, while everyone else joyfully accepted the gifts, Consort Yu alone showed a sour expression—though she couldn’t act out on the spot.

Especially when she saw Shen Qing receiving a bolt of cloud-patterned brocade—fabric typically reserved for consort rank and above. And the Empress had gifted it to a mere noble lady? Was this promotion?

Just look at the expressions of the other ladies when they saw Shen Qing receive that brocade.

Consort Yu glanced mockingly at the smiling Shen Qing. Enjoy it while it lasts. You’ll be crying soon enough. Do you really think the Empress is some benevolent saint?

Once everything was said, the rewards handed out, and morning greetings concluded, the gathering dispersed.

As Consort Yu left Fengyi Palace, her expression had completely darkened.

She hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in a long time.

As long as the emperor stayed away, her heart could never be at ease. Lately, she had started caring for both children personally, day in and day out.

Although Wan Zhao found Consort Yu’s temper a bit fierce, he couldn’t deny her dedication to the children. After serving her for years, it was the first time he’d seen her look so worn out, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her. Upon returning to Zhongyu Palace, he had the Second Prince and Third Princess brought over.

The two children were now nearly four years old. Being raised in the palace, they had already learned palace etiquette and looked like little adults.

Only then did Consort Yu’s mood improve a little. “Have someone take your measurements later. In a few days, your imperial grandmother will celebrate her birthday. You must behave well then. You’re still young, so you don’t need to prepare gifts. I will handle that. But you’ll have to recite your birthday blessings properly, so start memorizing them today.”

The Third Princess obediently replied, “Yes, Royal Mother.”

The Second Prince followed suit, “Yes, Royal Mother.”

Consort Yu spent some time with them and shared a little food before feeling tired. She then had them taken away. Now, her only comfort left in the world were these two children.