Suzhen remained in a daze for a long time. Thinking back to previous scenes, it seemed to be exactly this way. Huo Chang’an was indeed devoted to Lian Yue – otherwise he wouldn’t accompany her every time he entered the palace, otherwise he wouldn’t accompany his wife shopping for jewelry. She still remembered that time when she went to ask for his help, the gatekeeper said the marquis had gone out with his wife to buy jewelry.

Thinking about this, she felt her heart wrenching.

“Now that she’s staying in the capital, didn’t you two agree to meet frequently? This is always a good thing. As for matters of love, between them it’s too complicated – no one can interfere. We can only see what fate brings them.”

Lian Yu seemed to know everything she was thinking and said all this.

Suzhen nodded. “But regarding Fifth Madam, once there’s any news, you must notify me immediately.”

She had originally wanted the Court of Judicial Review to join the investigation, but after everyone discussed it, having two groups acting might easily alert their quarry. It was better to have Lian Yu’s people handle it. After all, if even Lian Yu’s people couldn’t find her, then there was no other way.

“Mm.”

Suzhen felt her mind was full of matters – her own, Wuyan’s… She also thought of Leng Xue, all tangled together, and couldn’t help but sigh.

However, this sigh was only half-released when her body was already airborne. She cried out in alarm, wrapping her arms around Lian Yu’s neck, “What are you doing?”

“There’s no one at the villa tonight. I lack someone to attend my bath.”

“No way! I won’t attend your bath. You attending mine would be more appropriate.”

“That… works too.”

Suzhen hadn’t expected him to be so “shameless.” She intended to jump down and escape, but was unsuccessful… In the end, no one knew who was attending whom. In any case, the bathing tub in the room was filled with Suzhen’s cries until she sneezed. Only then did Lian Yu rise first, subsequently lifting her from the water, wrapping her in a bath robe, carrying her back to bed, and then pulling down the bed curtains…

“Get up. We need to return to the Imperial City for morning court, or do you want to request leave today as well?”

The low voice fell by her ear, carrying a dangerous aura.

Suzhen felt like she had just fallen asleep and was being woken up. Her eyes couldn’t even open, and she glanced toward the window – outside was still pitch black.

Since she was permitted to return today, she naturally didn’t want to request leave. Gritting her teeth, she climbed up, seeing that Lian Yu was already fully dressed and looked refreshed. On the small table beside him lay her court attire.

“I only just fell asleep,” she glared at him resentfully.

“I didn’t forbid you from requesting leave.”

“I mean you… don’t always… keep… doing…” She angrily began washing up, making the water gurgle loudly.

“You mean you want to split it into several sessions?”

Suzhen was rinsing her mouth when she gulped and swallowed all the rinse water. Lian Yu looked at her, appearing even more refreshed.

When they went out, Qinglong and Xuanwu were already waiting outside with the carriage. Seeing the two of them, they respectfully paid their respects.

The carriage was already prepared with steaming hot tea and snacks. Lian Yu continued studying yesterday’s memorials while Suzhen also continued “scribbling” at her desk, working on her official documents. For a moment, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful.

She was writing earnestly when Lian Yu suddenly tapped the table in front of her with his finger. She looked up questioningly, and he pushed the pastries toward her.

This warmth drilled into her heart, and she couldn’t stop a big smile from blooming at the corners of her mouth. She walked over, pushed aside his hand that was reading memorials, automatically burrowing into his embrace, picked up a pastry, and brought it to his lips.

Almond cake? Lian Yu’s mouth twitched. “Your calculations are quite good – you pick only what you like and still want me to appreciate your kindness.”

Suzhen laughed delightedly. He glanced at her and opened his mouth to take a bite. Suzhen also took a bite herself, then continued feeding him. The two quickly shared all the breakfast on the table.

Since it wouldn’t look good for people to see them entering and leaving together, after entering the Imperial City, Suzhen got off the carriage first. Lian Yu’s carriage continued forward in the still dim and dark sky, driving through the magnificent Imperial City gate tower.

“When will you love me unreservedly like you used to?”

She thought to herself as she slowly walked toward the Golden Throne Hall.

In the early morning, the air was crisp and slightly cool, the wind making her sleeves billow slightly. Although he treated her very, very well, she wanted him to open his heart to her like before – to speak of marrying her, of loving her, of a lifetime together. He said to give them three years. Three years was too long.

She suddenly realized she could no longer leave him. Unless she died.

Four hours earlier, at Huo Mansion.

The moment she entered the door, Wuyan stopped in her tracks.

Huo Chang’an suddenly sneered, “What, having left Lian Yu, are you now thinking of Lian Jie? Such passionate love – you two were quite intimate under the table just now!”

Wuyan’s heart jolted – he had seen everything. Yes, with his martial arts skills, the slightest movement couldn’t escape his notice.

“Seventh Master just wanted to comfort me. He and I haven’t…”

“Why do you need to explain to me? In any case, the Lian family men are all wonderful! How dare I despise your lowliness – I can only blame myself for not being good enough.”

Huo Chang’an curved his lips in a smile, mockingly interrupting her.

Wuyan’s hands and feet turned ice cold. Looking at him, she couldn’t speak for a long time. Huo Chang’an didn’t say much either, grasping her hand and walking inside. Ji’er Zhang went to rest. The steward couple came to greet them, and upon seeing Wuyan, they were immediately speechless: “Master, this… this…”

Wuyan had been a frequent guest at Huo Mansion before, so the couple wasn’t unfamiliar with her. Wuyan smiled self-mockingly and lowered her head slightly.

“My newly purchased concubine does indeed bear some resemblance to that master in the palace.” Huo Chang’an chuckled lightly, offering a simple explanation.

“I see. Congratulations, Master.” The steward’s eyes flickered, seeming to discern something, but he said nothing, only saying warmly, “In the future, just give orders for anything needed.”

Wuyan thanked him, “Thank you for the trouble.”

“Aunt Liang, have her taken to the west wing to rest first, and arrange for two capable maids to serve her.” The steward’s surname was Liang, and Huo Chang’an always called her Aunt Liang.

“Very well.” Hearing this, Aunt Liang seemed somewhat surprised, but still quickly agreed.

“Miss, please come this way.” She smiled slightly at Wuyan. Wuyan nodded and followed her toward the inner chambers.

Huo Chang’an asked the steward again, “Where is Madam?”

“Waiting for Master in her room,” the steward quickly replied. “Madam has been feeling tired these past few days and said she wouldn’t come out to wait for Master.”

Wuyan had walked a few steps when she remembered something and stopped.

“Mm, has her evening appetite improved? Have you called for a physician to examine her?”

“Madam said it’s nothing and didn’t have us call for a physician.”

Huo Chang’an frowned, “Tomorrow, definitely have someone fetch a physician, understand?”

“Yes.”

Wuyan wanted to say something several times but couldn’t interject. Seeing he had finally finished, she walked over and spoke to him in a voice only they could hear, “About our situation, you should tell the Princess Imperial everything honestly.”

Huo Chang’an looked over, his expression indifferent, “I know what I’m doing.”

Wuyan saw a trace of impatience hidden in his eyes and said nothing more, following Aunt Liang away.

When Aunt Liang walked to a courtyard, she had her wait a moment. When she emerged, she had four maids with her.

This turned out to be the servants’ quarters of Huo Mansion.

Aunt Liang had been in the Huo family for many years. She was naturally not an ordinary woman. Regarding Huo Chang’an and Wuyan’s affairs, unlike her husband Old Liang, though she also resented Wuyan for making Huo Chang’an go through a period worse than death, women’s hearts are soft. Wuyan had always been very affectionate toward her before, without any airs. Now, seeing this scene, she inevitably felt some pity, but not knowing what had happened in between that made Huo Chang’an bring her back, she naturally dared not say much, only sighing silently.

Wuyan somewhat understood her thoughts but didn’t speak. Aunt had already spared her embarrassment, and she was grateful, but couldn’t express her thanks. Her mind was full of Huo Chang’an’s expression when he inquired about Lian Yue just now.

They had been living well these days. She loved him, and he always cared about her, worried about her health, just like an ordinary married couple, she thought.

“Miss, we’re here.”

Aunt Liang suddenly said, then walked forward and said something in low tones. Then she turned back with a smile, “This old woman will go in first to tidy up the room for you. You chat with everyone to pass the time.”

Wuyan came back to her senses and saw several young women sitting in the courtyard enjoying the cool air – spring flowers and autumn moons, each with their own beauty. Some were delicately pretty, others charmingly seductive. Seeing her arrive, they all looked at her curiously.

Wuyan suddenly understood the steward’s meaningful smile and Aunt Liang’s earlier strangeness. This was where Huo Chang’an’s concubines lived!

She looked indifferently at everything before her, a sharp pain shooting through her heart. She covered her chest and bent over. In her daze, several women walked over, speaking one after another about various things.

Wuyan didn’t respond, only dimly seeing a concubine’s face full of mockery and sharp features swaying before her eyes.

“Aunt Liang said you’re a new girl entering the mansion and told us sisters to get along well with you. But when we sisters try to talk to you, you look down on us, acting aloof and indifferent, relying on your beauty, perhaps? Don’t you know everything has its order of arrival? Don’t you even understand basic manners?”

“Pingping, this girl seems somewhat unwell. Perhaps it wasn’t intentional.” Another woman with gentle eyes spoke softly in persuasion, then came over to take Wuyan’s hand.

Wuyan hadn’t expected her to reach for her. She was already struggling with heart palpitations, and when the other woman’s cold palm touched her, she startled and instinctively pulled her hand away.

“You…” The woman frowned slightly, somewhat surprised.

The one called Pingping immediately said, “Zhuxin, you see? You were kind-hearted, but she doesn’t appreciate it. How could this be so coincidental? Didn’t you see how she looked at us just now, as if we were something disgusting?”

“This miss, let me advise you – don’t rely on your beauty or being new here. What kind of women can’t the marquis have? Zhuxin has the best temperament among us. Previously, a newcomer who presumed to compete with Zhuxin for favor merely scolded Zhuxin once, and the marquis threw her out. You’d better behave yourself.”

The five women in front of her all looked at her appraisingly. Some with hostility, some with wariness. Obviously, except for Zhuxin, whose eyes held some indifference, they all bore some hostility, especially this Pingping.

“Just now wasn’t intentional. I apologize for any offense.” Wuyan apologized to Zhuxin, then met Pingping’s gaze, “Stirring up trouble and making enemies for the most favored sister – I think the person the marquis should throw out most is you.”

“What are you! How dare you slander me like this and try to drive a wedge between Zhuxin and me! Do you dare ask the marquis to judge this matter?”

Zhuxin looked at her with some surprise, while Pingping was already furious, taking a few steps forward. Wuyan sidestepped and quickly walked out of the courtyard. She had intended to return to her room, but since these women lived here, even if they no longer bothered her, she would hear them talking outside and wouldn’t be able to find peace. She’d have to wait until later to return to rest.

She was familiar with Huo Mansion, but she had momentarily forgotten this was where his concubines lived. The old ones had left, new ones had come.

She walked to a garden – the place where she and he used to go most often.

She suddenly stopped again.

The moonlight was bright. Huo Chang’an and Lian Yue were in the pavilion ahead. The two seemed to be having an intense argument. Huo Chang’an turned and walked away. Lian Yue cried and chased after him. Huo Chang’an quickly turned back, and Lian Yue threw herself into his embrace. He reached out to hold her, gently stroking her back. Finally, he lifted her horizontally, lowering his head to say something to her. Only then did Lian Yue smile, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her away with large strides.

In the moonlight over the lake, her vision was blurred and she couldn’t see his expression clearly, only knowing they were heading toward his room.

She knew they had just been arguing about her.

A metallic sweetness filled her mouth, and she suddenly wondered – if she told him her body was having problems, would he be as nervous about her as he was about Lian Yue? Would he anxiously summon physicians for her?

Suzhen had saved her from Lian Yue’s hands that day, but she still disappointingly fell ill, her melancholy becoming disease.

This thought only flashed briefly. She knew clearly she wouldn’t tell him.

Unable to love, unable to hate, unable to be jealous – she no longer wanted to live.

Sometimes she wondered why Lian Yue, who had stolen her happiness, could still live so well?

Sometimes she really wanted to kill Lian Yue!

Not knowing how long she stood there, when she returned to the west wing, those women had already returned to their rooms to rest. Aunt Liang was anxiously waiting outside her room.

She felt very apologetic, “Why haven’t you returned yet, elderly aunt?”

“Just now this old woman came out and heard from Master Zhu that you had some conflict with Pingping. That Pingping has a fierce personality and is quite formidable, but the marquis is very fond of her, so the other girls all defer to her. This Zhuxin is truly good though – her personality is peaceful, she’s tolerant of others, and she’s genuinely devoted to the marquis. The marquis likes her most. If you become friends with her, you won’t suffer. Usually, even Madam gives this girl some face. Of course, Madam, she… you mustn’t provoke her. The marquis, he…”

Aunt Liang meant well. Speaking to this point, she suddenly fell silent and smiled bitterly, “Miss, this old woman talks too much. Don’t blame me, I…”

Wuyan shook her head, patting the old woman’s hand, saying softly, “Aunt means well. Wuyan understands.”

Hearing the name “Wuyan,” Aunt Liang’s whole body shook. Finally, she sighed deeply, “This old woman doesn’t know why Miss has returned, but in the future, if you need anything, just ask this old woman. If I can help, I definitely will.”

“Thank you.” After thanking her, Wuyan suddenly asked, “Do you happen to have scissors in my room?”

Aunt Liang was startled, “Miss, what do you need them for? You needn’t bother with that Pingping. In the marquis’s heart, you must be more important.”

Wuyan laughed, “No, I usually enjoy cutting paper patterns for fun. Did you think I was going to fight with that person just now?”

Thinking about it, Aunt Liang agreed, saying she would fetch them immediately. Soon she returned, placing the item in her hands. She also said everything for bathing was prepared inside, telling her not to worry. She would first consider and select two loyal and capable maids to serve her daily needs.

“I used to do many tasks myself at home, as Aunt knows. Only later did I have Xiang’er. There’s no rush.” Wuyan thanked her with tears. Only then did Aunt Liang sigh and leave the courtyard.

Wuyan entered the room and saw the interior was elegantly and comfortably arranged. She walked to the bronze mirror, looking at the woman inside holding scissors, aiming at her own heart.

Her hand didn’t tremble in the slightest.

Aunt Liang meant well, but it turned out she could see it too – she now had to live dependent on others’ moods. Lian Yue, Zhuxin, Pingping…

She thought.

In the end, she still didn’t stab downward. She still had responsibilities to her mother.

She hid the scissors under the bedding for future use and blew out the lamp.

Lian Yu had indeed made arrangements. Though many people were surprised to see her and formed groups whispering among themselves, Lian Yu’s trusted associates remained quite calm, saying nothing unusual, acting no differently than usual. Lian Jie and Lian Qin even came over to greet her.

She remained composed, coldly looking at Wei Chenghui. This man made her feel both angry and chilled! Involuntarily chilled. She wanted to say a few words to Huo Chang’an, asking him to treat Wuyan as kindly as possible, but Marquis Xiao Yao was indeed free and easy – he didn’t appear today.

She then glanced toward Quan Feitong and Li Zhaoting’s direction. Li Zhaoting, seeing her look over, didn’t even glance at her, quietly chatting with Chao Huang about something, much colder than usual. Suzhen had nearly fallen out with him on the seventh day of the seventh month and knew their rift was now deep, feeling inevitably melancholy.

But Quan Feitong wasn’t there. He seemed not to have attended court today.

Soon Lian Yu arrived. Quan Feitong still hadn’t come. One major matter after another was discussed at court. She learned that Quan had been away from the capital for several days.

Originally, regarding the previous flood disaster affecting three southern provinces, the situation was extremely severe. Lian Yu wanted to send court officials to inspect the conditions and report back to the court in time. Quan Feitong had requested permission to go, bringing back much news.

Cai Beitang was Minister of Public Works. Lian Yu ordered him and officials from the Bureau of Construction under his jurisdiction to draw up river dam diversion plans, which were presented today for review. He also ordered him to quickly lead Bureau of Construction officials to meet with Minister Quan, open the national treasury, allocate large amounts of disaster relief funds, gather relevant supplies, and command Wei Chenghui’s War Ministry to send soldiers to disaster areas to assist local troops in relocating people, distributing grain, and building dikes.

Li Zhaoting had previously proposed multiple Personnel Ministry reforms, including streamlining redundant official systems in various regions and establishing a Supervisory Department. Personnel Minister Liang Yida was conservative by nature and, with his and colleagues’ layered interests involved, hadn’t submitted for approval. Li Zhaoting had bypassed hierarchy to report directly, laying out everything systematically. Lian Yu almost immediately adopted the proposals and even praised them, ordering gradual implementation. This greatly surprised Suzhen and many officials.

Regarding disaster relief, Lian Yu ordered the Supervisory Department system to be immediately trialed, with people elected by citizens in each province to form groups targeting specific civilian affairs for oversight, preventing officials from embezzling funds. To prevent officials from forming relationships with supervisory departments and colluding, supervisory personnel would be elected annually.

The Rites Minister requested permission to offer sacrifices to heaven. Though Lian Yu didn’t believe in ghosts and gods, to comfort the people’s hearts he approved it, but specified appropriate funding limits to prevent extravagant waste.

They also discussed Great Zhou trade taxes, national treasury constraints, and other matters.

Besides several princes and a group of veteran ministers offering many opinions, Suzhen, Si Lanfeng, and Gao Chaoyi also had unique insights. Having followed Feng Meiren since childhood and been instilled with many strange ideas, Suzhen had a flash of inspiration and adapted these concepts. Though completely unrelated to her Court of Judicial Review duties, she proposed encouraging production to reduce people’s taxes, suggested several new domestic and foreign trades to temporarily fill the treasury, and once production showed results, then implement taxation. She also pointed out that with warfare slightly easing, some border soldiers could be discharged to prepare for autumn farming, with half the harvest going to the soldiers themselves and half to the national treasury, which could relieve military supply shortages.

Having traveled extensively since childhood, she even made suggestions about barrier height and thickness based on terrain and vegetation from Cai Beitang’s blueprints.

This surprised many people greatly, who thought Minister Feng’s daughter truly couldn’t be underestimated – Lian Yu keeping her wasn’t without reason.

Lian Qin’s mouth hung open, even Li Zhaoting glanced at her, though Lian Yu remained quite composed, looking at her slightly.

When court ended, Si Lanfeng and Gao Chaoyi – these two who previously didn’t get along well but later became friendly colleagues due to Lian Yu – both came to her side, speaking warmly. Suzhen wanted to chase after someone and was somewhat distracted. However, just as everyone was preparing to disperse, Li Zhaoting seemed to ponder for a long time before suddenly calling out to Lian Yu, who was about to descend the steps, “Your Majesty, I have one more matter to memorialize.”

“Oh?” Lian Yu glanced over indifferently.

“I request a bestowed marriage.”

He said this.

A bestowed marriage – another bestowed marriage? The entire hall was shocked and suspicious.

Updates 26 and 27 combined. The next update is for the 28th. PS. Thank you everyone for the rewards~