Shen Xihe merely smiled politely as she sent her guest off. She would never need to use the letters to bargain with Xiao Changqin. Neither she nor Xiao Huayong needed others’ help. Even if they faced powerful enemies one day, she would never trade Gu Qingzhi’s letters with Xiao Changqin. Thus, as soon as he left, she burned them.

Just as when she had received the letters kept by Gu Zexiang, these letters supposedly from Gu Qingzhi were her forgeries. How could she use fake items to deceive, bind, or manipulate another person?

Though she didn’t approve of Xiao Changqin’s devotion, and Gu Qingzhi didn’t need it, it was still a sincere sentiment. Others might use this to attack, pressure, or constrain Xiao Changqin, like Ye Wantang and Gu Qingshu had, but she couldn’t.

Shen Xihe took some of the Apricot Kernel drink she had made to the Empress Dowager. Due to her engagement to Xiao Huayong and knowing the Empress Dowager was his only elder relative, Shen Xihe had grown closer to her, treating her as an elder. Whatever treats she made for Xiao Huayong, she would invariably send some to the Empress Dowager as well.

As she arrived at the Empress Dowager’s chambers, she heard laughter from within. Lady Qin, the Empress Dowager’s female official, came personally to receive her and explained, “These days, the Empress Dowager often summons noble ladies for entertainment.”

In truth, it was to play matchmaker and better understand these potential daughters-in-law.

Inside, Shen Xihe saw four or five young ladies, all familiar faces, including the Yu sisters from the Marquis of Pingyao’s family and even Qin Zijie. They exchanged formal greetings.

“What has Zhaoning brought today? In this palace, you’re the most thoughtful of this old woman,” the Empress Dowager smiled upon seeing her.

“Just some cooling drinks,” Shen Xihe smiled gracefully. “Your Highness speaks too modestly. His Majesty and the princes would disagree. Everyone in the palace cares for your health and longevity.”

The Empress Dowager’s eyes were kind as she pointed at Shen Xihe and addressed the group: “I hear people say Zhaoning is unsociable and unreasonable. These people must never have met her.”

“Those are just jealous rumors. Your Highness need not worry; we’ll defend the Princess if we hear such talk,” Yu Sangning spoke with a smile.

Shen Xihe glanced at her. Yu Sangning’s smile was neither fawning nor shy, but natural and graceful.

The others finally understood the Empress Dowager’s intention and had to agree.

“You are good,” the Empress Dowager praised Yu Sangning, her gaze sweeping over the sisters. “The Marquis of Pingyao truly knows how to raise ladies, each one clever and bright.”

“Your Highness is too kind,” Yu Sangzi and Yu Sangning rose and bowed humbly.

Everyone understood now. Yesterday’s flower banquet gossip about Princess Zhaoning being arrogant and aloof had reached the Empress Dowager’s ears. Today was a chance to clear her name, so the conversation centered around Shen Xihe, full of praise.

Shen Xihe understood the Empress Dowager’s kind intentions, though she didn’t care.

Soon the Empress Dowager dismissed the others, keeping only Shen Xihe. She enjoyed the Apricot Kernel drink Shen Xihe had brought, finding it quite soothing after a few sips: “Have the imperial kitchen make some tomorrow.”

At her age, the Empress Dowager couldn’t have many cooling items, even plum juice was restricted. Though the temporary palace was cool, it was still midsummer, and she inevitably felt inner heat. Knowing the Empress Dowager loved sweets, Shen Xihe had added extra cane sugar.

“I’ll give the recipe to Lady Qin later,” Shen Xihe replied.

The Empress Dowager asked, “What do you think of those ladies just now?”

“Zhaoning rarely interacts with them and doesn’t know their characters well enough to judge,” Shen Xihe avoided the topic.

The Empress Dowager laughed softly: “You’re being slippery with me.”

Shen Xihe smiled slightly without further comment.

The Empress Dowager didn’t press her, knowing she wasn’t one to gossip. She leaned back on her cushion: “These are potential matches for Second Prince, Fifth Prince, and Ninth Prince. For the Second and Fifth Prince’s remarriages, we can consider ladies of slightly lower status. I think the Yu family’s concubine-born daughter is quite good, but their legitimate daughter is also virtuous. I’m considering her for Ninth Prince, so I’m undecided.”

Shen Xihe understood – the Empress Dowager liked both Yu sisters, but one family couldn’t produce two imperial daughters-in-law. Yu Sangning’s status was somewhat high for a remarriage match. She wondered why the Empress Dowager favored her.

Thinking of Yu Sangning’s methods, Shen Xihe remarked casually: “The Yu ladies must have exceptional qualities to earn Your Highness’s favor so.”

“Are you jealous?” the Empress Dowager teased, patting Shen Xihe’s hand. “Don’t worry, no one can surpass you.”

Shen Xihe knew she wasn’t particularly likable. The Empress Dowager said this because in her heart, no one could surpass Xiao Huayong, so naturally no one’s wife could surpass Xiao Huayong’s wife – love extending to all connected to him.

“The second Yu daughter is clever and skilled. When I wasn’t sleeping well recently, she visited several times and noticed my fatigue. After privately inquiring about the cause, she made me a fragrance sachet to hang by my bed. I truly slept well with it,” the Empress Dowager smiled.

Elderly people naturally sleep lightly, and insomnia is torturous. The imperial physicians only attributed it to summer heat, and she didn’t want to trouble His Majesty and risk the physicians being punished. Those days were truly difficult.

Shen Xihe didn’t visit daily, especially knowing the Empress Dowager was meeting other ladies to choose daughters-in-law, she kept her distance to avoid suspicion. Thus, she hadn’t known about recent events.

“A fragrance sachet?” Shen Xihe showed interest. “Could Your Highness show it to Zhaoning? I’m quite passionate about fragrances.”

The Empress Dowager, knowing Shen Xihe’s expertise in making fragrances, had a palace maid fetch it. Shen Xihe took a gentle sniff – it was common calming incense, which couldn’t possibly treat illness.

Shen Xihe returned the sachet to the maid: “Please let Zhenzhu check Your Highness’s pulse, so Zhaoning can be at ease.”

Given her show of concern, the Empress Dowager naturally agreed. Zhenzhu checked her pulse and gave Shen Xihe a confirming look – the Empress Dowager was neither ill nor poisoned.

After chatting a while longer, the Empress Dowager needed her afternoon rest, so Shen Xihe left with Zhenzhu.

“The Empress Dowager shouldn’t have suddenly developed insomnia,” Zhenzhu whispered to Shen Xihe.

The Empress Dowager’s pulse was steady, showing no illness or emotional instability, unless there was an external cause.

Instead of returning directly, Shen Xihe went to find Xiao Huayong to tell him about this.

“Do Youyou suspect someone means harm to the Empress Dowager?” Xiao Huayong asked after hearing the story. “What would be their purpose?”

“To scheme for wealth and position,” Shen Xihe smiled. “When I first met the second Miss Yu…”