Chapter 22: The Rising Storm

Chapter 22: The Rising Storm

The Favor of Lady Lian Returns

When Shen Huai saw this unique kite, an indescribable feeling suddenly arose in his heart.

He instinctively recalled the scene of his first meeting with Su Jiaojiao.

Under the endless pear blossoms, that ethereal and fairy-like figure had repeatedly appeared in his dreams.

It had been half a month since he last saw her, and Shen Huai had almost forgotten that the knee injury of his beloved Lady Lian should have healed by now.

Otherwise, how could she be out flying a kite?

He gazed at the crescent moon for a long time, then suddenly smiled lightly.

Remembering the handkerchief hidden under his pillow, Shen Huai casually said, "Summon Lady Lian to accompany me."

Cai Shan feigned slight surprise, glanced at the sky, and immediately bowed in agreement, then sent someone to invite her.

Not long after, the crescent moon in the sky slowly descended and soon disappeared from view.

Su Jiaojiao handed the kite to Yu Ying, slightly lowered her head, and followed the imperial envoy towards the Tai Chi Hall.

When she met the Emperor, he was standing with his hands behind his back on the jade steps, looking down from a high vantage point, his gaze indifferent and his expression slightly cold.

Su Jiaojiao stepped forward to greet him, her sweet and soft voice tinged with a hint of shyness, "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."

Shen Huai turned to look at her. After more than half a month, she was still as charming as he remembered. Those delicate and clear eyes, with just a slight flutter, exuded endless allure.

"Has it only been a short while, and you’ve become so reserved?" Shen Huai boldly stared at her, stepping forward to lift her by the waist.

Hearing a faint cry, he whispered in her ear, "I remember last time you were quite proactive, hmm?"

Su Jiaojiao's face immediately flushed, and she nestled into Shen Huai's embrace, her slender hands reaching for his neck, murmuring, "Your Majesty..."

A low chuckle escaped Shen Huai's throat as he carried her steadily to the dragon bed in the inner chamber.

The curtains were drawn, and Su Jiaojiao's graceful figure was faintly visible.

After a long while, the maids entered to clean up for the two.

Shen Huai, with great leisure, personally dressed Su Jiaojiao, causing her to blush with shyness. What should have been a simple act was suddenly drawn out infinitely.

As the sun set, a warm orange light filtered through the large carved dragon windows of the Tai Chi Hall, casting a warm hue over the luxurious bedroom, softening the usually imposing imperial aura.

After dressing, Shen Huai tapped her forehead and said casually, "Find something to amuse yourself with, I’m going to review the memorials."

"Just one thing, don’t make too much noise."

Su Jiaojiao's moist eyes lifted to meet his, and she nodded obediently.

She also noticed that today, when the Emperor was alone with her, he was noticeably more relaxed than before. Even the tone in which he told her to find something to play with was filled with obvious affection and indulgence.

If she weren’t acutely aware that she was a concubine and the man before her was the Emperor of the nation, at certain moments, she might even feel that she and the Emperor were just an ordinary loving couple.

But Su Jiaojiao could not forget, nor dare to forget, her status.

Their Emperor always seemed indifferent, easy to talk to.

Usually, he appears to be a noble and lazy figure, indifferent to everything, with no discernible emotions in his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips, like a deep pool.

But in reality—he is the most heartless one.

Unlike the previous emperor, who exuded an air of imperial majesty, he is even more ruthless and fearsome, with all his schemes and strategies hidden within.

The same applies to the harem.

Su Jiaojiao knows all too well that the tenderness and passion the Emperor once showed her have been given to countless others before. His lips, his hands, his affectionate murmurs by the pillow are all casual indulgences, mere pastimes for him.

He is a fickle emperor, unwilling to stay for anyone.

He does not love, nor does he know how to love.

Su Jiaojiao smiles wryly, picks up a book from the shelf, and sits on a chair not far from Shen Huai, reading attentively word by word.

Shen Huai takes a sip of tea during a break from reviewing memorials, and when he looks up, he sees Su Jiaojiao engrossed in her book to his right front.

From his angle, half of Su Jiaojiao's body is bathed in the warm sunlight. Her profile, slightly lowered as she reads, is focused and beautiful, her silhouette outlined against the light, half in shadow, half in brightness, like a painting.

Unconsciously, Shen Huai finds himself staring at her, lost in thought.

Su Jiaojiao has a pair of beautiful and unique eyes.

In Shen Huai's impression of her, when she looks at him, her gaze is always timid, slightly evasive, charmingly shy. Even during their intimate moments, her eyes only become moist with tears, making his throat tighten, unwilling to let her go.

She is delicate, born with an innate sensuality, her slender waist in his palm feels as if it could be crushed with a little force.

Shen Huai adores her stunning beauty and graceful figure, her sweet and pleasant voice, and her perfectly measured fragility.

But he has never seen Su Jiaojiao with such a gaze before.

Calm, focused, clear, as if within her eyes lies a small world of its own, impenetrable to anyone.

This version of Su Jiaojiao suddenly gives Shen Huai a sense of absurd unfamiliarity, yet he cannot help but feel a bit more curious.

In the past twenty years, Shen Huai has never lingered his thoughts on any woman. In his view, so-called romantic love is merely a delusion concocted by literati and poets. Between men and women, there is only balance and interest.

Even after ascending the throne, surrounded by numerous beauties, each with skin like ice and bones, capable of outshining the moon and putting flowers to shame, he has never spared an extra thought.

For the first time, Su Jiaojiao becomes an exception.

Shen Huai puts down his brush, the crisp sound of the brush handle hitting the jade stand disturbing the tranquility of the room.

Su Jiaojiao pulls herself away from the book, her eyes naturally shifting, looking at him timidly.

Such a natural change in her gaze makes Shen Huai almost think that what he saw earlier was a figment of his imagination.

He frowns slightly, his cool voice calm, saying, "Come here to me."

Su Jiaojiao puts down the book and stands up, hesitating as she walks over to him, thinking that the Emperor might want to... She is a bit scared, looking at him timidly, her eyes moist: "Your Majesty..."

Seeing her half-hesitant, half-pleading gaze, Shen Huai is momentarily stunned, only then realizing what she is thinking.

Shen Huai hadn't considered that he might appear this way in Su Jiaojiao's mind, but upon reflection, it seems undeniable. He simply raises an eyebrow and asks nonchalantly, "Are you scared already?"

Su Jiaojiao bites her lower lip, unsure whether to speak or not.

Shen Huai knows she has nothing to say, so he pulls her onto his lap, encircling her, facing her directly, looking into her eyes.

But no matter how he looked, he couldn't find a trace of the calm and composed demeanor she had just moments ago.

Reaching out to touch the corner of her eye, Shen Huai softened his voice and said, "Your eyes are beautiful."

Su Jiaojiao shyly lowered her gaze, only to hear the Emperor ask, "I only knew you were Su Chang's daughter, but I never paid attention to your name. What is it?"

She then raised her eyes again, looking at the Emperor, and softly said, "Your servant is called—Su Jiaojiao, as bright as the moon."

"Jiaojiao, a lovely name," Shen Huai smiled faintly, kissed her brow, and said, "Go back now, I'll visit you another day."

On the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, news of the Talented Lady Xiao's regained favor quickly spread throughout the palace.

Along with it came two other pieces of news.

First, Talented Lady Xiao had violated palace rules by arbitrarily punishing a palace consort, a transgression for which Consort Mi punished her by ordering her to copy the palace rules a hundred times, forbidding her to leave Lingbo Hall until she finished.

Second, Zhu Chongyi, who had been punished by Talented Lady Xiao to kneel and suffer yesterday, was diagnosed with pregnancy during a consultation with the imperial physician.

Due to the uproar caused by Talented Lady Xiao's punishment yesterday, the Empress paid special attention to Zhu Chongyi. Given her low status, the imperial physicians had no reason to conceal the diagnosis.

Thus, as soon as the diagnosis was made, the Empress was immediately informed.

The Empress then reported it to the Emperor, who, upon learning of it, promoted Zhu Chongyi to the rank of Shaoshi and ordered her to rest well in Yuxiu Palace to protect her pregnancy.

Su Jiaojiao sat at the table in Pixiang Hall, sipping her tea, and leisurely remarked, "I never thought Zhu Shaoshi would have such good fortune."

The reason she had intervened yesterday was simply to earn Zhu Shaoshi's favor, thereby expanding her network in the palace.

Although part of it was due to her disdain for Talented Lady Xiao's behavior and her desire to diminish her value in the eyes of Consort Mi and others in the palace, it was ultimately a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Had she known Zhu Shaoshi was pregnant, she would have stoked the fire even more.

Yu Ying added hot tea for her and smiled, "It seems that helping Zhu Shaoshi speak up yesterday was the right move. If she remembers your kindness, it might come in handy in the future."

Yu Ye nodded, agreeing with Yu Ying, and also marveled at Zhu Shaoshi's luck, having conceived after just one night with the Emperor. She sighed, "Everyone says that having children in the palace is the most important thing. Zhu Shaoshi's fate is truly fortunate. The Emperor often visits the harem, but not many consorts become pregnant. Now, counting all, there are only a few. If Zhu Shaoshi successfully gives birth to a royal heir, she could be promoted again."

Yu Ying instinctively glanced at her mistress, seeing that Su Jiaojiao's expression remained unchanged, and noticing no one else was around, she whispered, "We can't envy others' fortune. Our mistress has always been favored by the Emperor, and now that she has regained favor, she will surely have a child soon."

She paused, then added, "Besides, only the principal consorts in the palace are allowed to raise royal heirs. Even if Zhu Shaoshi is promoted again, she would only be a Liangshi, and her child might be given to a principal consort to raise."

"Having a child is a blessing, but if one cannot raise their own child, how heartbreaking that would be."

Yu Ye listened in a daze, then lowered her head and said, "That's true... If our mistress's royal heir were to be given to another consort, it would be better to wait, to avoid the pain of separation."

Su Jiaojiao calmly sipped her tea, as if the conversation between Yu Ying and Yu Ye had nothing to do with her.

In fact, Yu Ying's words made sense.

She was indeed in no hurry to become pregnant.

She had not yet firmly established herself in the palace, her position was still precarious, and her foundation was unstable. Her rank was not high enough to secure the right to raise a child.

By any measure, becoming pregnant too soon would not be a good omen for her.

As they were talking, a palace servant entered Pixiang Hall, carrying a bundle of mugwort.

The amount of mugwort was so large that it almost obscured his vision, making his steps quite difficult.

Yu Ying glanced over and quickly stood up to help him: "Little Pine, why did you bring back so much today?"

It was noon, and with the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, the weather had turned quite hot, especially today, which felt almost like summer. The sun was scorching, making the ground reflect a blinding white light, and even the birds seemed too tired to chirp.

Little Pine had gone out to fetch the daily mugwort, and the round trip had left him drenched in sweat, his face flushed, looking quite disheveled.

Ice had already been delivered to Pixiang Hall today, and Man Xia was fanning nearby, making the room pleasantly cool.

Su Jiaojiao said gently, "Yu Ye, go call them in to rest. Hanging the mugwort isn't urgent; it can wait until it cools down a bit."

The mistress's consideration for her servants warmed the hearts of the maids in the room, and they smiled at Su Jiaojiao.

Yu Ying brought Little Pine inside, and as soon as they reached the doorway, a thin wave of cool air greeted them, making everyone feel refreshed.

Little Pine felt even more grateful for his mistress's kindness. He bowed and placed the mugwort neatly at the entrance, selecting just a small handful to present to her like a treasure: "Mistress, look."

He held up the small bunch of mugwort and said, "You just regained favor yesterday, and today the people from the Inner Service Bureau have changed their attitude. Yesterday morning, the mugwort they gave us was wilted, grayish-white, and mixed with weeds. But today, they gave us the freshest and best batch. Look, it's vibrant green and smells much more refreshing."

Little Pine specifically pulled out the old mugwort from the doorway for comparison, and indeed, the previous days' batch had clearly been of lower quality.

Resources and good items in the palace were limited, naturally prioritized for favored consorts and high-ranking ladies. With so many unfavored consorts, they were given only the old, leftover stock, just enough to meet the quota.

A few days ago, Su Jiaojiao had taken leave from the Empress for over half a month. The Emperor had visited her twice initially but hadn't returned since. The Inner Service Bureau, thinking she had lost favor, had stopped being attentive to her.

The palace was full of opportunistic servants, and Su Jiaojiao was used to it, so she didn't think much of it.

Yu Ye, however, snorted coldly, glaring at the old mugwort and said indignantly, "The people from the Inner Service Bureau thought our mistress had lost favor and sent all the good stuff to other palaces. Who could have known that our mistress's fortune was still ahead! Such low-quality things, I'll just take them and throw them away!"

Yu Ye, filled with righteous anger, was about to gather the old mugwort in the hall and throw it outside.

Just then, Ling Xiao, who had been watching at the doorway, frowned slightly and asked softly, "Yu Ye, what's this? Let me see."

Ling Xiao had played a significant role in Su Jiaojiao's recent return to favor.

Ling Xiao had been in the palace for several years, serving since the previous Emperor's reign. She had previously worked in the Emperor's presence before being transferred to the Empress Dowager's palace. After the Empress Dowager's passing, she returned to the Inner Service Bureau.

She was steady, dignified, efficient, and had a long-term perspective. Among this group of servants, Su Jiaojiao favored her the most.

This time, her efficient handling of matters had eased Su Jiaojiao's wariness, and last night, upon returning to the palace, Su Jiaojiao had decided to bring her into the hall to serve. Today was her first day.

Having gained her mistress's trust, Yu Ye also regarded her as one of their own and handed her the old mugwort she had gathered, muttering, "Sister Ling Xiao, take a look. If Little Pine hadn't brought back good mugwort today, I wouldn't have known we were using such inferior stuff!"

Ling Xiao took the mugwort and examined it carefully, then sniffed it. Her calm expression immediately turned serious.

Without saying much, she took the mugwort into the inner hall, bowed to Su Jiaojiao, and said in a grave voice, "Mistress."

Ling Xiao called out but didn't say anything more, just stared at her intently, as if there was something she wanted to say.

Su Jiaojiao understood clearly, her heart sinking as she said, "All of you, leave. Not a word of this."

The servants in the room quickly dispersed, leaving only Su Jiaojiao and Ling Xiao. Ling Xiao then took three stalks from the two bunches of mugwort and laid them out on the table, saying in a low voice, "Mistress, look."

"These three stalks are, respectively, freshly dried good mugwort, old and slightly crumbled mugwort, and this last one," Ling Xiao paused, her voice dropping even lower, "bitter liver grass."

Su Jiaojiao frowned slightly and asked softly, "Bitter liver grass?"

Ling Xiao nodded: "Bitter liver grass looks very similar to mugwort, with only slight differences in the leaves and roots. But while mugwort is beneficial, bitter liver grass is harmful. If bitter liver grass is merely hung in a room, the harm is minimal, but if burned, its fumes are toxic and extremely damaging to the body."

Every year, as the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, it's a common practice in every palace to burn and hang mugwort daily to ward off evil spirits and insects.

In previous years, this period had always been peaceful, with each palace celebrating and bustling with joy. Su Jiaojiao could never have imagined that someone would tamper with the mugwort to harm her.

Fortunately, Ling Xiao inspected it and discovered that the bitter liver grass had not been burned in the hall, thus sparing her from being harmed.

If the bitter liver grass was found hidden among the mugwort, who could have been behind it?

Recently, it was Xiao Songzi who had been fetching the mugwort for Pixiang Hall. Could it be him?

If so, whose informant was he?

Su Jiaojiao's heart sank quietly, and her expression grew serious: "Call Xiao Songzi over."

At this moment, Xiao Songzi was still unaware of what had happened, busy with his work outside the room. Hearing that the mistress was calling him, he quickly and meticulously washed his hands in the vat, patted the dust off his clothes, and said, "Coming—"

As soon as he entered the hall, he sensed an unusual atmosphere but had no idea what had transpired. He could only bow respectfully to Su Jiaojiao, being very cautious and humble, afraid of saying something wrong that might displease the mistress: "Mistress, may I ask why you have summoned this servant?"

Su Jiaojiao appeared gentle, her expression showing no signs of abnormality, and she asked calmly, "Was it crowded when you went to fetch the mugwort today?"

Xiao Songzi didn't think much of it and immediately replied, "This servant went early today, and it was indeed crowded. But as soon as the palace servant distributing the mugwort saw me, they knew I was from Pixiang Hall and immediately prioritized us, giving me the best batch."

Su Jiaojiao watched Xiao Songzi without showing any emotion.

He answered quickly, almost without hesitation, his eyes clear and honest, showing no signs of deceit.

Moreover, if he were lying, the loophole would be too obvious. A simple inquiry with the palace servants would reveal the truth.

Since the issue didn't originate from the palace servants, the problem must lie with Xiao Songzi or the other servants.

Regardless of who it was, there was a traitor in Pixiang Hall.

Su Jiaojiao took a sip of tea and smiled gently, "You have done well in your duties, and I am considering promoting you."

"I have never asked before, where is your hometown? Do you have any siblings?"

Upon hearing the mistress's trust and the intention to promote him, Xiao Songzi was overjoyed, so excited that he was at a loss for words.

He kowtowed twice on the ground, prostrating himself, and said, "This servant is from Qizhou. When I entered the palace, my family had suffered a misfortune, leaving me alone. During my wandering, I encountered bandits, and when I woke up, I was already..."

Halfway through, Xiao Songzi seemed to feel a bit sad and feared that these words might taint the Talented Lady Lian, so he paused and didn't continue, only adding, "Now, this servant is alone in the palace, only hoping to meet a good master and live a stable life, which would be the greatest blessing."

If Xiao Songzi's background was true, Su Jiaojiao felt that he was a trustworthy person.

Someone with no attachments is less likely to be threatened, reducing the suspicion of being coerced into harming the master. Additionally, Xiao Songzi had always been diligent and honest, never slacking off.

When speaking with her, he always maintained a serious demeanor, showing no signs of evasion.

Such a person, Su Jiaojiao found it hard to suspect him.

When she was still of the selected rank, she was insignificant, with only Yu Ying, Yu Ye, and Man Xia serving her, living a humble and difficult life.

She had few connections in the palace and few people she could trust, but as a mere selected rank, someone without favor, no one would go out of their way to harm her.

Now that she was entangled in this quagmire, if she wanted to survive in the long run, it would be a great sorrow not to have trustworthy and capable people by her side.

If she could test Xiao Songzi's loyalty today, it would be excellent.

Su Jiaojiao put down the teacup, her wrist slightly bent, and said softly, "Get up."

"Since I have said I trust you and intend to promote you, I will not treat you unfairly." Her voice was gentle and very pleasing, "Although you haven't been with me for long, it's almost a month. You know what kind of person I am and my temperament, don't you?"

Su Jiaojiao stared firmly into Xiao Songzi's eyes, trying to detect any trace of guilt or evasion.

Her excessively beautiful eyes seemed to possess a magical power, making Xiao Songzi involuntarily feel a sense of mission. She spoke softly, "I said back in Junwu Hall that if one serves loyally, I will not mistreat anyone. But if one dares to betray or harbor ulterior motives, I will not show leniency."

"Xiao Songzi, can you promise to recognize only me as your master and remain utterly loyal?"

Having lived in the palace for so many years, Xiao Songzi had always been cautious and dutiful.

He had never experienced the feeling of being trusted before. He thought that being able to serve the mistress well in Pixiang Hall was already the greatest fortune. Never did he expect the mistress to hold him in such high regard.

Tears welled up in Xiao Songzi's eyes as he knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times resolutely, saying, "Mistress, you are gentle and kind, considerate of your servants. It is my fortune to serve you. As long as you do not disdain me, I am willing to serve you with all my might."

Only then did Su Jiaojiao break into a genuine smile, saying softly, "Get up, and call Yu Ying, Yu Ye, and Ling Xiao in."

If you suspect someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't suspect them.

Since Su Jiaojiao had decided to trust, letting go of some things would actually help in winning hearts.

The people who know the palace affairs best are not her, but the palace servants. If she wanted to unravel the identity of the traitor, discussing it together would be the best approach.

When Xiao Songzi brought in the mugwort, there was no issue, which meant the mugwort had been tampered with after it arrived in Pixiang Hall.

This was somewhat perplexing.

Every day, after the mugwort was brought back, it would be placed under the corridor in the courtyard, and then the palace servants would take it to burn or hang it. During this process, almost everyone could touch the mugwort.

There are ten palace servants in Pixiang Hall. Even after excluding those Su Jiaojiao had already considered, there are still five left.

Two maids and three eunuchs, who could it be?

After explaining the situation, Yu Ying, Yu Ye, and Xiao Songzi were all shocked and looked grave.

After going through the list of palace servants one by one, they still felt there were many suspicious points.

After a while, Ling Xiao suddenly spoke up, her gaze sharp, "Mistress, I think instead of guessing, we should wait for that person to come forward on their own."

Su Jiaojiao looked up, thoughtful, and quickly understood what Ling Xiao meant, "Let's do as you say."

The mugwort had not been replaced yet today.

If Su Jiaojiao did not rush to replace the mugwort, the person hiding in the shadows would panic and take the initiative to ask why.

Whoever couldn't sit still would be the traitor in Pixiang Hall.

Having made up her mind, Su Jiaojiao calmed down, leaning on a soft cushion with a book in hand.

They went about their tasks with ease, everything in order, as usual.

Time passed bit by bit, and as the sky darkened, it was soon time for dinner.

Yu Ying directed people to put away the tools in the courtyard into the storeroom and called Man Xia to fetch today's dinner from the Shangshi Bureau for the mistress.

After arranging the work, Yu Ying was about to enter the inner hall from the courtyard.

Before Yu Ying could move, Luo Luo, a maid who was trimming the garden, walked over, glanced at the fresh mugwort placed nearby, and asked, "Sister Yu Ying, why hasn't the mugwort been replaced today? I heard Xiao Songzi brought back a batch of excellent ones."

Yu Ying's heart suddenly tightened. She glanced at Luo Luo without showing any trace and said, "The mistress said that burning too much mugwort recently has made the smell too strong, so we won't replace it today."

Luo Luo smiled shyly, "It's a pity, the first time we got such good mugwort."

Yu Ying frowned and said, "How can you dictate the thoughts of our mistress? It's almost mealtime, hurry back."

Luo Luo opened her mouth, wanting to say more, but seeing Yu Ying's expression, she had no choice but to give up and reluctantly left.

As soon as Luo Luo stepped out, Yu Ying immediately entered the inner chamber and whispered, "Mistress! We've found her!"

Su Jiaojiao glanced over and said calmly, "Come here."

Yu Ying closed the chamber door and quickly walked over, whispering, "Mistress, it's Luo Luo."

Luo Luo?

She pondered thoughtfully for a moment and then said, "Ling Xiao, you have a wide network in the palace. Go and investigate Luo Luo."

Ling Xiao acted swiftly.

Just as Su Jiaojiao finished her dinner, Ling Xiao returned, her usually composed expression now grave.

She stepped forward and bowed to Su Jiaojiao, saying, "Mistress, I've found out."

Luo Luo hadn't been in the palace for long. After learning the rules, she was sent to serve in Noble Consort Wang's palace, but she only stayed for half a year before being sent back to the Inner Service Bureau before the new consorts entered the palace.

The information Ling Xiao gathered was that Noble Consort Wang found her clumsy and unsuitable for service, so she stopped using her. Before that, Luo Luo hadn't served any other consorts either.

After hearing this, Su Jiaojiao frowned and asked, "What is Luo Luo's family background?"

Ling Xiao lowered her head and said, "She's from Suzhou in the northwest, her family is poor."

Suzhou?

Noble Consort Wang comes from the prestigious Wang family, whose ancestral fief is in Suzhou.

Such a coincidence made Su Jiaojiao suspect that Luo Luo might have been a pawn arranged by Noble Consort Wang long ago.

However, Su Jiaojiao couldn't quite understand why Noble Consort Wang, who held such a high position and was pregnant with the emperor's eldest son, would bother to target a new consort like her, who had only been favored for a couple of days before fading into obscurity.

Was it to prevent future troubles, or to restrain the expanding influence of the pregnant Consort Mi?

The palace was treacherous, and people's hearts were hard to fathom. Even though Su Jiaojiao was exceptionally intelligent, she couldn't decipher the intentions of the person behind this.

Moreover, Luo Luo's direction was so clear, it was too obvious. Could it really be Noble Consort Wang's doing?

The situation was as murky as a thick fog, weighing heavily on her heart.

But with the traitor uncovered, Su Jiaojiao felt somewhat more at ease. With the person in the open, guarding against her would be as easy as turning one's hand.

She wanted to see who was truly behind Luo Luo.

In the blink of an eye, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived.

The palace was filled with joy, and from afar, the sounds of gongs and drums could be heard, creating a lively atmosphere.

As noon approached, Su Jiaojiao leisurely sipped tea in the Pixiang Hall, estimating that by now, the emperor and empress must have returned from the ancestral worship at Tianji Mountain and would soon be hosting a banquet for the officials at the Jiuzhou Qingyan Hall.

Today was special. The imperial guards had cordoned off the rear palace, and only the principal consorts could attend the banquet at Jiuzhou Qingyan, leaving Su Jiaojiao in peace.

Since discovering Luo Luo's disloyalty three days ago, everyone in the Pixiang Hall, though not showing it openly, had been cautious and vigilant in private.

Whenever Luo Luo went out, someone would follow her from a distance to see whom she contacted.

Who would have thought that after three days, she remained very obedient and did not contact any suspicious individuals.

Su Jiaojiao was not in a hurry, after all, a fox hiding for too long will eventually show its tail.

If after such a long time no results were achieved, even if Luo Luo was not anxious, the person behind her would surely call her for questioning.

At that time, the true mastermind behind the scenes would be revealed at a glance.

While enjoying her tea, Yu Ying and Yu Ye came in carrying two food boxes, both of their faces red from the heat.

But Yu Ye was obviously excited, coming in with the food box, cheerfully saying, "Madam, today for the Dragon Boat Festival, the Shangshi Bureau has added dishes for all the palaces, especially for our Pixiang Palace. I secretly looked, and we got twice as much as others!"

While the two were setting and testing the dishes, someone suddenly came to the door to report, "Madam, Zhu Shaoshi is here."

Su Jiaojiao, sitting at the table about to start eating, was slightly startled upon hearing it was Zhu Shaoshi.

Zhu Shaoshi was pregnant, and it was now noon, why had she come?

They had no previous relationship, their only interaction being a casual help she offered her in the imperial garden two days ago. Zhu Shaoshi was carrying the emperor's child and could not afford any mishap. Her coming over at this time was indeed something that required careful handling.

But since she had already arrived, there was no reason to send her back without meeting. After some thought, Su Jiaojiao put down her silver chopsticks and said, "It's hot, please invite Zhu Shaoshi in quickly."

Zhu Shaoshi was still in the early months of her pregnancy, not yet showing, and although she was carrying a life within her, she still looked like a young girl.

She was quiet and delicate, wearing a pale green palace dress, and as she entered the Pixiang Palace, she carefully glanced around the furnishings, a hint of envy in her eyes.

The Pixiang Palace was spacious and cool, with exquisite furnishings, making one feel the summer heat dissipate upon entering, providing a comfortable atmosphere. Zhu Shaoshi respectfully greeted Su Jiaojiao, saying, "I pay my respects to Lady Lian."

Su Jiaojiao quickly said, "Please rise, you are pregnant now, no need for so many formalities."

She gently inquired, "The summer heat is already upon us, you walked so far to see me, take good care of your health."

Zhu Shaoshi nodded slightly, smiling shyly, "I have been cooped up in Yuxiu Palace for a few days, always wanting to come and thank you. Today is the Dragon Boat Festival, a day for family reunions outside the palace, but we concubines are not free. After much thought, I decided to come and disturb you."

She whispered, "Please do not think me foolish, if I say anything wrong, please tell me directly, I will not dare to do so again."

Su Jiaojiao felt somewhat helpless.

Zhu Shaoshi appeared delicate, but Su Jiaojiao had an intuition that she was not as simple as she seemed.

Just from her knowledge of pharmacology and her friendship with Lady Ji, there were already many suspicious points to be wary of, not to mention befriending her.

Her words implied a desire to interact more with Su Jiaojiao in the future, wishing to be on the same side.

But having such a scheming person by her side, Su Jiaojiao feared she would not be able to sleep peacefully day or night.

But precisely because Zhu Shaoshi was not simple, she could not easily offend her and needed to find a way to handle the situation well.

Su Jiaojiao pondered for a moment and then smiled, saying, "We are both concubines of the royal family, like sisters, it is only right that we get along harmoniously. The lunch at Pixiang Palace has just been brought back, I suppose you haven't eaten yet, why not stay and eat together?"

Zhu Shaoshi looked down at the lunch on the table, which was complete with color, aroma, and taste, with a good mix of meat and vegetables, very appetizing.

The lunch was almost spread across the entire table, with eight meat dishes and six vegetable dishes, very sumptuous.

According to her rank, a beauty should have six meat dishes and four vegetable dishes, but today for the Dragon Boat Festival, her palace had added two meat and two vegetable dishes.

Although she was of lower rank, she was after all carrying the emperor's child, and only got one extra meat and one vegetable dish.

She had long known that Lady Lian was favored, but never thought that being favored could make her more precious than someone who was pregnant, the Shangshi Bureau really knew how to cater to people.

Zhu Shaoshi stared at the dishes on the table, her fingertips pinched so tightly they almost lost their color, yet her face remained calm and gentle, showing no sign of distress.

Being favored was one thing, but she had come today specifically to plan for the future.

In the harem, she knew her looks were not outstanding, and her family background and status made it difficult for her to gain favor.

Even if she carried the emperor's child, it would eventually be handed over to someone else to raise. But if she could attach herself to a favored consort, she might be able to appear before the emperor more often, drawing his attention. Then, with some clever maneuvering, she might gain his pity and rise in rank, possibly even being allowed to raise the child herself.

If it were a prince, her position in the palace would be secure.

Zhu Shaoshi subtly clenched the skirt under her hand, yet her face smiled with shy ease as she said, "Then I shall shamelessly impose on your hospitality."

Su Jiaojiao naturally turned her head and said, "Yu Ying, Zhu Shaoshi is pregnant and likely has many dietary restrictions. Go to the medical office and fetch a female physician, just in case."

Zhu Shaoshi's expression changed slightly.

She looked up at Su Jiaojiao, nodded with a smile, and said, "You are very thoughtful, I am deeply grateful."

But in her heart, she grew more cautious.

Everyone said that Talented Lady Xiao was simple-minded, gentle, and reclusive in the palace, always avoiding trouble.

But the tone Su Jiaojiao had just used, though natural, clearly indicated she was on guard.

Su Jiaojiao, though kind enough to help her, did not trust her.

It seemed that if she wanted to make progress with Talented Lady Xiao, she would have to take it step by step...

While waiting for the female physician, Pixiang Palace received some surprising news.

At the Jiuzhou Qingyan banquet, Selected Rank Yun performed a masked dance in front of the hall, her exquisite and enchanting waist dance capturing the emperor's attention.

The emperor was so pleased that he immediately bestowed upon her the rank of Baolin, making her the first person since his ascension to the throne to be granted a rank without having served him in bed.

But Su Jiaojiao found this all too familiar.

Selected Rank Yun.

Could it be the same Selected Rank Yun she had seen with Talented Lady Xiao at Jiangyun Palace last time?

With her current rank, it would have been impossible for her to enter Jiuzhou Qingyan. The only possibility was that someone had arranged for her to perform before the emperor.

But such a grand opportunity to dance at Jiuzhou Qingyan—given Consort Mi's temperament, how could she have allowed a lowly selected rank to compete for the emperor's favor in such a way?

Could it be that Selected Rank Yun had betrayed Consort Mi and secretly pledged allegiance to another high-ranking consort?

But Consort Mi was domineering and ruthless—how could she dare, and to whom had she pledged her loyalty?