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It was the third watch of the night.

Empress Qi's hand, resting on the armrest of her chair, suddenly clenched, and with a sharp "snap," one of her nails broke.

In a side chamber, Nurse Zhu heard that Empress Qi had dismissed everyone, even Nurse Gui, and couldn't help but wear a contemplative expression.

Had Young Master provoked Empress Qi?

No, with the Qi family's precarious position, even if he had upset Empress Qi, she wouldn't dare to openly confront the Crown Prince.

Nurse Zhu glanced at Xu Li'er standing outside and then at Wen Xi, who was just waking up. After some consideration, she decided against asking Wen Xi to inquire about the situation.

Nurse Zhu knew very well that Empress Qi currently only trusted Wen Xi eight out of ten.

Wen Xi would be best off not asking anything right now.

Half an hour later, Empress Qi finally returned from the main hall.

Noticing that she had changed her clothes, Nurse Zhu hurried forward. "Your Majesty, Miss Wen is awake."

Empress Qi glanced at Nurse Zhu, then, after a moment, she smiled and nodded. "All of you may leave. I'll stay here with Xi'er."

As she spoke, she bent down to help Wen Xi up, gazing attentively at her face. "You seem better today. Once the skies clear in a few days, I'll take you out for a stroll."

Wen Xi bit her pale lips lightly and asked softly, "Empress, can I see Brother Changjin in a few days?"

Chapter 94

Empress Qi was strict with her subordinates, and the palace maids and eunuchs in the Kunning Palace were well-versed in the survival tactics of the harem. They would never say more than they should.

It was only recently that Wen Xi had learned from Nurse Zhu about Gu Changjin's intention to marry Rong Shu. She was both astonished and frightened by this news.

After the initial shock, a bitter sensation rose in her throat like a fish bone stuck there.

Empress Qi's expression turned somber as she massaged her temples. "I had a disagreement with the Crown Prince today. Let's talk about it when he's calmed down."

Then, she gently held Wen Xi's hand and asked earnestly, "You're my daughter but can't acknowledge your royal ancestry. Do you hate me and your father for that?"

Empress Qi's eyes, as she looked at her, were filled with the tenderness and guilt of a loving mother.

Wen Xi lowered her eyelashes, remaining silent.

Empress Qi softened her tone upon seeing this and said, "When I exchanged you back then, it was out of necessity. In the future, I will make it up to you."

Wen Xi spoke softly, "I have never blamed you."

Empress Qi smiled with relief. "That's good. At this year's New Year's Eve family banquet, I will officially take you in as my adopted daughter. On that day, your father will confer you the title of a princess."

When she mentioned Emperor Jia'you, she paused slightly before continuing, "Your father came to the Kunning Palace earlier, but you were still unconscious. With the New Year approaching, he is occupied with the war in the north and the continuous natural disasters and human calamities in Great Yin. He will likely have time only on the day of the family banquet, so don't think too much about it."

Since it was a family banquet, she would definitely see Brother Changjin on New Year's Eve.

Wen Xi's heart skipped a beat.

"I understand, Mother," she replied, looking at Empress Qi. Her thin, pale face revealed a hint of dependence and admiration. She asked, "Why were you and Brother Changjin unhappy just now?"

Hearing her call her "Mother," a trace of uncontrollable joy flickered across Empress Qi's eyes. But in the next moment, as if something unpleasant had crossed her mind, that joy vanished without a trace.

"It's about the Crown Prince's marriage," Empress Qi's expression turned cold. "The Xing family and the First Prince have never given up their aspirations for the throne. I only wish for the Crown Prince to choose a wife from a family that could benefit him. Yet, he—"

Empress Qi hesitated, seemingly realizing her uncharacteristic behavior. She released Wen Xi's hand and sighed. "Let's not dwell on it. The prince will understand my intentions in due time."

Perhaps to avoid further discussion about the prince, Empress Qi changed the subject and conversed with Wen Xi for a quarter of an hour before leaving the side palace.

Shortly after, Nurse Zhu entered, carrying a bowl of freshly prepared lychee sweet soup from the imperial kitchen.

"Nurse Zhu, this is a special dessert that the Empress has ordered to be made for you!"

In such frigid weather, lychees were a rare delicacy worth a fortune.

It was clear that Empress Qi truly cared for Wen Xi.

As Nurse Zhu fed her spoonful by spoonful, when the bowl was nearly empty, Wen Xi took the opportunity while Nurse Zhu leaned down to wipe her mouth to whisper in her ear, "The Empress wishes to personally choose a crown princess for Brother Changjin. Today, they had an argument over this matter."

Nurse Zhu remained composed as she straightened up, carried the bowl out of the room, and walked towards the main palace. Immediately, she saw Nurse Gui exit the main palace with a nervous expression.

Watching Nurse Gui hurry away, Nurse Zhu gradually slowed her steps.

After a moment of contemplation, she clenched the empty bowl tightly and briskly caught up with Nurse Gui.

At this moment, in the Eastern Palace, the cooks in the kitchen were bustling with activity.

Knowing that His Highness the Crown Prince was about to return for his noon meal, they all adopted a serious and vigilant attitude, doubtfully roasting deer meat according to the menu Lan Xuan had presented.

But Gu Changjin was not in a rush to eat. He changed out of his court attire in the Cangying Hall and headed straight for the Purple Imperial Palace. Just as he reached the Moon Gate, he heard laughter coming from within.

Looking up, he saw several maids playing shuttlecock under the corridor.

The shuttlecock, still new and obviously recently made, was cushioned by a leather coin with a few copper coins attached to it. It was bound tightly with leather strips adorned with brightly colored eagle feathers.

The maids' shuttlecock skills were clearly inexperienced, but they were having immense fun.

Gu Changjin's gaze shifted to a young lady not far away, dressed in a sky-blue jacket and a light green Eight-Blessings skirt.

The maiden wore a simple cicada coiffure, her lips curved in a gentle smile as she watched the maids play, a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead indicating that she had just finished playing herself.

In the past, on snowy days, she would often be found in the Songsi Courtyard, kicking shuttlecocks with Yingyue, Yingque, and two kitchen girls.

Her shuttlecock skills were a visual delight, akin to a graceful dance. With effortless poise, she could execute scores of intricate patterns - from the Golden Dragon Stretching Its Claw, to the Magpie Ascending the Branch, and even the Lion Rolling a Silk Ball.