Seeing the rare flash of embarrassment on Wei Yan’s face, Wei Jieyu quickly understood, and could not help but smile to herself.

A fair and gentle lady — any upright man’s heart must yearn for her.

This still pool of his had finally begun to ripple.

Wei Jieyu did not wish to see her younger brother embarrassed, and discreetly smoothed things over: “Has An’ya rested now?”

Wei Yan replied quickly: “Her Highness is resting.” He paused, then asked: “Your Ladyship accompanied Miss Ling to Jiaofang Palace to pay her respects to Her Majesty the Empress — did the visit go smoothly?”

He had waited all this time just to ask that, hadn’t he.

Wei Jieyu silently pulled at the corners of her lips and deliberately said nothing.

Ling Jingshu had no choice but to speak: “It went fairly well. Thanks to Your Ladyship’s efforts on my behalf, Her Majesty the Empress even bestowed upon me three lengths of brocade and a pair of jade and jadeite bracelets.”

Wei Yan looked over at this, his expression giving away little: “And beyond that?”

Ling Jingshu had long grown accustomed to his perceptiveness and did not conceal it: “As we were taking our leave, Her Majesty also instructed that I should come into the palace more often to keep her company.”

Wei Yan’s thin lips pressed tightly together; something akin to anger flashed through his eyes.

This fleeting gleam, caught by Ling Jingshu who had been watching his expression carefully, caused a quiet sinking feeling in her heart.

The vague and hushed reminder Wei Yan had given before the visit to Empress Xu, and now this unusual reaction from him… what secret lay hidden behind all of this?

Wei Yan quickly returned to his usual manner and said with a faint smile: “Congratulations, Miss Ling — on receiving the favor of Her Majesty the Empress.”

Ling Jingshu pressed down the unease in her heart and replied with a light smile: “Her Majesty is so gracious and kind, and looks upon me with such particular regard — it is my good fortune.”

Wei Yan fixed Ling Jingshu with a steady look, and said with a hint of deeper meaning: “When Miss Ling has the opportunity to enter the palace in the future, you might as well spend more time at Lingbo Palace. Her Ladyship the Jieyu has a gentle and amiable nature and is the easiest company.”

Was he reminding her to stay closer to Wei Jieyu, so that coming and going through the palace she would have an added measure of protection?

A thought stirred in Ling Jingshu’s heart, and she smiled and agreed.

Wei Jieyu took the opportunity to speak: “It is nearly noon. Miss Ling, please stay at Lingbo Palace for the midday meal. A’Yan, if you have nothing pressing, stay and eat with us as well.”

Wei Yan seemed briefly tempted, but quickly declined with polite regret: “This official has a few matters to attend to. I shall take my leave.”

As he was about to go, he suddenly turned to Ling Jingshu: “By the way — I have specially prepared a new batch of medicated eye ointment for Young Master Ling. If Miss Ling is free the day after tomorrow, please come to Huichuntang in person. I will have the ointment brought there.”

Ling Jingshu, ever sharp and quick-witted, caught the implication almost immediately.

The so-called newly prepared ointment was nothing but a cover. His particular emphasis on her coming in person made it clear that he had something else to discuss.

“Thank you, Imperial Physician Wei.” Ling Jingshu looked up to meet his gaze: “I will certainly come to Huichuntang the day after tomorrow to collect the ointment.”

She had understood his meaning.

Wei Yan quietly exhaled with relief, gave Ling Jingshu a small nod, and took his leave.

……

Inside Jiaofang Palace.

Empress Xu had waited a long while before Prince Yan finally arrived.

“This son pays his respects to Imperial Mother.” Prince Yan greeted her with a smiling bow.

Empress Xu, upon seeing Prince Yan, finally had a smile on her face: “That’s enough — there’s no one else here, why these formalities. The midday meal has been prepared for a while already. All dishes you like.”

Her tone was exceedingly warm — entirely different from the indifference she had shown to the consorts before.

Prince Yan leaned close to Empress Xu and said with a grin: “Imperial Mother is the best to me, always thinking of what I like to eat.”

Empress Xu was coaxed into laughing: “You — born with that clever tongue of yours, always saying sweet things to keep me happy.”

Prince Yan put on an aggrieved expression: “Imperial Mother can’t be serious. I have always said whatever is in my heart — when have I ever said sweet things?”

“Enough of your chatter.” Empress Xu half-playfully, half-earnestly chided: “You think I don’t know your little schemes? Let’s eat first — once you’ve filled your belly, I’ll deal with you properly.”

Prince Yan gave a careless shrug and an indifferent hum of acknowledgment.

The palace’s imperial cuisine was delicious and exquisite beyond saying, yet Prince Yan and Empress Xu each had their own thoughts, and neither had any real appetite to feast. They set down their chopsticks before long.

After finishing their midday meal, mother and son moved to the inner chamber just outside the sleeping quarters to talk.

The palace maids and attendants, all knowing better, withdrew. The inner chamber was left to Empress Xu and Prince Yan alone. With no idle persons about, there was no longer any need to watch their words.

“Imperial Mother, you summoned me here especially — surely not just to watch me eat my midday meal.” Prince Yan feigned nonchalance as he asked.

Empress Xu raised an eyebrow. She did not beat about the bush, and said directly: “Today Ling Jingshu came into the palace. I summoned her to Jiaofang Palace and met her.”

Unexpectedly hearing Ling Jingshu’s name, Prince Yan finally could not maintain his carefree air and gave a cough: “Why did Imperial Mother suddenly wish to see her?”

Empress Xu gave a light scoff: “Why I wished to see her — is it truly not clear to you?”

Prince Yan: “……”

Prince Yan was momentarily flustered, but quickly recovered, smiling: “Imperial Mother is truly all-seeing — how could my scheming little mind fool her?”

“Rarely does one find you with enough self-awareness to acknowledge that your mind is full of little schemes.”

Empress Xu gave Prince Yan an exasperated look: “Whatever your standing, that Ling Jingshu — however beautiful and clever she may be — could never, based on her family’s standing alone, become your principal consort.”

“These past days I have been busy selecting a consort for you, and a suitable candidate has now presented herself. She is the second young miss of the Marquis of Ping’s estate — this Miss Wang is accomplished in both beauty and talent, and is the only legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Ping. To marry her would bring the Marquis of Ping’s entire faction over to your side.”

“Among the many noble houses, those that truly hold military authority number very few. Aside from the Duke of Ying, the next most prominent would be the Marquis of Ping. That old scoundrel the Duke of Ying is the younger brother of the late Empress Jiang and is wholehearted in his support for the Crown Prince’s residence — no matter how much effort we put in, we cannot win him over. With the Marquis of Ping’s house as a marital connection, your influence would be greatly strengthened. Therefore, this match is one that absolutely cannot be allowed to fail.”

“Once I have reported to His Majesty, this marriage will be settled. At such a critical juncture, do not let your head go muddled. Do not let any unseemly rumor or talk arise.”

“Imperial Mother’s teaching is correct.” Prince Yan assumed the posture of one dutifully receiving a reprimand: “Your son has taken it all to heart.”

Empress Xu was fairly satisfied with Prince Yan’s attitude, and her tone softened somewhat: “A man should place the realm above all else. Once you sit firmly upon the throne, the whole world will be yours. Beautiful women — how many could you not have, as you wished?”

Prince Yan picked up on Empress Xu’s words and continued: “Imperial Mother is right. After I have taken Miss Wang as my wife, I can take Ling Jingshu into the household as a side consort.”