“I’ve heard that Prince Rui and his consort are deeply in love,” Ye Ke said. “Just a few days ago, they were seen touring Long’e City arm in arm. Prince Rui loves Shen Miao to the bone. Come to think of it, Shen Miao’s appearance isn’t as good as yours, so it’s hard to understand how she has him so devoted to her.” Ye Ke looked at Madam Mei and asked, “Sister, do you still want to enter Prince Rui’s residence?”

Madam Mei felt somewhat restless. In front of Xie Yuan, she couldn’t display any of her advantages. Back in Qinzhou, if she wanted to use a man, she was always unstoppable. But facing Xie Yuan, she always felt like she had no way to approach him. Xie Yuan didn’t even notice her at all. Madam Mei could sense that Xie Yuan looked at her the same way he looked at Lu Wan’er, no different from how he viewed any official’s daughter from Ming Qi. She felt that she simply couldn’t conquer Xie Yuan because he didn’t even see her as a woman.

Thinking of this, Madam Mei seemed to avoid the topic and said, “We’ll see. Ye Maocai hasn’t mentioned this matter yet, so there’s no need to think too much about it. What’s urgent now is to figure out exactly what problems the Ye family is facing. If the Ye family falls into misfortune one day, we certainly don’t want to be dragged down with them. We should make early plans.”

“Actually…” Ye Ke hesitated, “Ye Maocai spoke with me once before, suggesting that you should enter the palace.”

Enter the palace? Madam Mei’s brow twitched, and she suddenly smiled with alluring charm, but there was a deeper meaning to it: “Since Ye Maocai sees that Xie Yuan is hard to seduce, he wants me to hook up with the imperial family instead?”

Entering the palace, of course, didn’t mean an ordinary visit, but entering to become the Emperor’s woman. Madam Mei laughed coldly, “There’s no heir in the palace now, which must indicate something unusual. If I enter the palace without having children, I’ll have no support when I’m old. If the Emperor passes away, would I have to die with him? Ye Maocai only thinks about befriending the imperial family and doesn’t care about my life or death. I won’t enter the palace. He should abandon that idea.” By the end of her speech, there was a vicious tone in her voice.

It wasn’t that Madam Mei hadn’t considered entering the palace, but she had always been good at analyzing pros and cons. Now that the Emperor had no son of his own, it might be the Emperor’s problem. How long could a woman without a son survive in the harem? Not just in the harem, but even in the back courtyards of noble houses, a woman without a son would either face death or spend her life timidly and obediently. Neither was what Madam Mei wanted. She wanted to climb higher and higher, enjoying power—these were more important to her than becoming the Emperor’s woman.

Ye Ke felt somewhat awkward and said, “I guessed you would think this way, so I immediately told Ye Maocai it wasn’t possible.”

“Oh?” Madam Mei glanced at him sideways and said lightly, “Is that really what you told him?”

Ye Ke avoided Madam Mei’s gaze and said, “Sister, don’t you trust me?”

Madam Mei smiled slightly, though the meaning of her smile was unclear. She said, “In any case, we need to be clear about our own identities. The Ye family is not our real family, and the Ye family members are not our real family members. Besides, even family members have their selfish interests. I’ll find a way to figure out what’s happening with the Ye family and what they’re planning. If the Ye family falls into misfortune one day, we shouldn’t get dragged down with them. Escaping unscathed is the best strategy.”

“Sister, it can’t be that serious,” Ye Ke said dismissively. “If it were that serious, the Ye family would already be looking for an escape route.”

Madam Mei laughed coldly: “What’s most concerning is that the Ye family might not even realize disaster is imminent.”

Just as they were talking, they heard someone calling from outside the door: “Big sister, second brother.”

Ye Ke went forward and opened the door to see a servant pushing Ye Hongguang standing outside. Despite being shrewd, Ye Maocai was good to his crippled son, ordering people to make a special chair for him to move around, pushed by a servant, allowing him to move about the Ye residence on his own. However, Madam Ye wasn’t fond of this son born to a concubine but raised under his name.

Ye Hongguang, however, liked Madam Mei and Ye Ke, perhaps because the Ye residence had been quiet for many years and suddenly had siblings. He was always happy. His nature was also very pure, childlike in its innocence, not like someone raised in the Ye family. But considering he never left the residence, except for playing chess with Ye Maocai or reading books, it was natural that he developed such a pure personality.

Madam Mei smiled and said, “Does third brother have something to discuss?”

Ye Hongguang didn’t look like Ye Maocai or Madam Ye, probably resembling the deceased concubine more, with very delicate features. He also smiled and said, “Father wants you to go to the study. I came by to bring the nine-linked rings puzzle to big sister. I heard big sister is skilled at solving it, so I brought it over.”

Madam Mei took the nine-linked rings and said, “When I solve it, I’ll personally bring it back to the third brother.”

“Thank you, big sister,” Ye Hongguang said, appearing very excited.

Madam Mei smiled slightly, looked back at Ye Ke, and they both saw the gravity in each other’s eyes.

At this time, Ye Maocai called them both to his study, which meant he had new tasks to assign them. He was using them as pawns, but were Madam Mei and Ye Ke the kind to be manipulated so easily?

It would undoubtedly be another round of mutual deception.

…

The news of Noble Consort Jing’s pregnancy spread throughout Long’e by the next day.

The Yongle Emperor had been without a child for so many years, naturally leading to all kinds of speculation and rumors, the most common being that the Yongle Emperor suffered from a secret ailment preventing him from having his offspring. It was precisely because of this that the open and covert struggles in court had never ceased. But now that Noble Consort Jing was pregnant, the implications were manifold.

Perhaps it wasn’t the Yongle Emperor’s problem after all; perhaps he had intentionally orchestrated it. But now that the Yongle Emperor had “allowed” Noble Consort Jing to become pregnant, it seemed to indicate certain issues. So a group of court officials began to stir again, wanting to send their daughters into the palace. On the other hand, some court officials in Long’e who had maintained a neutral, wait-and-see attitude began to make new decisions. Regardless, Noble Consort Jing’s pregnancy had brought considerable influence to the Great Liang court and harem.

When Shen Miao was discussing this matter with Xie Jingxing, she said, “Previously, because His Majesty had no children, the harem was quite peaceful without too many disputes. But now that news of Noble Consort Jing’s pregnancy has spread, various officials want to send their daughters into the palace to compete to have children. I fear the harem will become chaotic.”

A tranquil pond suddenly activated by a stone thrown into it—that was the most frightening situation.

Xie Jingxing smiled, “That depends on whether they can conceive at all.”

The Yongle Emperor had made them all drink contraceptive soup. Noble Consort Jing was an exception, but because of this exception, the palace would certainly be more stringent in this regard in the future, not allowing anyone to exploit any loopholes.

“But the Lu family is too impatient.” Shen Miao rested her chin on her hand. “Before the news even spread within the palace, they announced it themselves. Now all of Long’e knows about it.”

“The faster they spread it, the quicker they’ll die.” Xie Jingxing was putting on his outer robe, and Shen Miao stood up to help him adjust his collar. He looked down at her and said, “But if you were carrying my child, I would also make sure everyone in Long’e knew about it.”

Shen Miao glared at him fiercely and said, “What if you dare let another woman carry your child?”

“What then?” Xie Jingxing frowned.

Shen Miao yanked his collar hard, looking fierce as she said, “News about Prince Rui’s residence being wiped out would also spread throughout Long’e.”

Xie Jingxing laughed heartily, wrapping his arm around her waist and bending to whisper intimately in her ear, “Having such a fierce wife exhausts me, I’m afraid I’m not up to it.”

“Fierce?” Shen Miao was about to get angry.

Just as Xie Jingxing was about to say something else, Bajiao’s voice came from outside, “Master, Madam, the carriage is ready. Shall we depart now?”

Shen Miao released her grip and said, “We’ll discuss this when we return.”

Xie Jingxing smiled mischievously at her, perfectly composed: “I’m at your disposal.”

Shen Miao: “Get out.”

They were going to the palace. These past few days, Xie Jingxing had been frequently visiting the palace, presumably discussing with the Yongle Emperor about dealing with the Lu family. The Lu family also seemed to sense the pressure vaguely and had begun to arrange their military forces. On the other hand, they believed that since Noble Consort Jing was pregnant, the Yongle Emperor certainly wouldn’t do anything to the Lu family. Suspicion on one side, confidence on the other—the Lu family was in chaos, which perfectly suited the imperial family’s intentions. Various forces began to make arrangements, and Xie Jingxing appeared especially busy.

Shen Miao was also trying to deduce Ming Qi’s current and future situations from the letters left by Pei Lang, while helping the Shen family escape from Fu Xiuyi’s surveillance.

Today, Shen Miao also planned to visit Empress Xiande, and since Xie Jingxing was also going to the palace, the couple traveled together.

Upon arriving at the palace, Xie Jingxing went directly to the Imperial Study to see the Yongle Emperor, while Shen Miao was going to see Empress Xiande, led by Lady Tao. Shen Miao noticed that carpets had been laid along all the paths, and many more palace maids were walking around than usual. Finding this strange, she asked what was happening. Lady Tao said, “This was ordered by Noble Consort Jing. She fears walking might bump or jar the child in her womb, so there are many more serving maids than usual. These days, the entire palace has been turned upside down by her. The Empress is kind-hearted and doesn’t bother to argue with her, but she has almost turned the harem upside down.” Lady Tao was Empress Xiande’s female official and didn’t need to mind her words. Because of Empress Xiande’s relationship, she treated Shen Miao as one of her own, hardly concealing her dislike for Noble Consort Jing. She said, “She hasn’t done anything too excessive, but she’s quite annoying, making people feel uncomfortable.”

Shen Miao raised an eyebrow and asked, “What is His Majesty’s attitude?”

Lady Tao gave a strange smile: “His Majesty hasn’t shown any change toward Noble Consort Jing because of this child. Noble Consort Jing is sulking because of this and has come up with all these tricks.” Then, remembering something else, she said, “Today, the Ye family’s daughter and son have also entered the palace. The Ye family’s daughter even came to visit Noble Consort Jing, probably in the Jinghua Palace. Didn’t the Prince’s Consort see the Ye family people when entering the palace?”

The Ye family? Shen Miao shook her head: “I didn’t see them.” But her mind was contemplating—the Ye family’s daughter and son naturally referred to Madam Mei and Ye Ke. Madam Mei and Ye Ke visiting Noble Consort Jing? The Lu family and Ye family didn’t have a particularly close relationship, so why now? Suddenly coming to see Noble Consort Jing, their true intention likely wasn’t the stated one. Could they be plotting something? But using Madam Mei to communicate with Noble Consort Jing—leaving aside how Madam Mei would handle it, Noble Consort Jing was foolish. How could she be entrusted with such an important task? The Ye family might have chosen the wrong person.

She vaguely felt something was wrong, but since she was here to see Empress Xiande, it wasn’t appropriate to discuss this matter further with Lady Tao. With questions in mind, she arrived at the Imperial Garden.

Empress Xiande wasn’t in the Weiyang Palace. Summer was gradually coming to an end, and even though Long’e had a long summer, as it neared its conclusion, a cool breeze had started to emerge. After many hot days, it was rare to have such refreshing weather, making it pleasant to sit in the garden and enjoy the breeze. When Shen Miao saw Empress Xiande, she was brewing tea. Seeing Shen Miao arrive, she invited her to join in tasting the tea.

“This is Qiushan Yellow, newly delivered tea leaves this year. I like it; you should try it too,” Empress Xiande smiled. She seemed to enjoy drinking tea, and like tea, she had a lingering fragrance, a woman with considerable aftertaste.

Shen Miao picked up the teacup and took a sip, feeling the bitterness between her lips and teeth, but within that bitterness, there was a lingering fragrance, truly a unique and excellent tea.

Empress Xiande asked, “How is it?”

Shen Miao set down the teacup: “The tea Your Majesty brews is exceptional.”

“I don’t have many hobbies, just this little fondness,” Empress Xiande smiled. “This tea is bitter, and most young ladies don’t like it, but for some reason, I thought you would enjoy it. Perhaps I feel that you and I are somewhat similar.”

Shen Miao said she wouldn’t dare to make such a comparison, but Empress Xiande smiled dismissively: “Let’s not talk about that. That night after you returned, Jingxing must have told you about the palace affairs, right?”

Shen Miao was slightly startled and said, “He mentioned some things.”

“You must be curious. Jingxing dotes on his wife, so he naturally would have told you everything,” Empress Xiande smiled. “After hearing it, what do you think? What do you make of the current situation?”

This question seemed to be testing Shen Miao. Shen Miao didn’t dare to be vague. After thinking for a moment, she said, “The Lu family’s fate is now sealed, and the child in Noble Consort Jing’s womb cannot reverse the tide. Since His Majesty and His Highness have already made their decision, everything else should proceed naturally.”

“What about the child?” Empress Xiande took a sip of tea and asked, “Do you think this child should be kept or not?”

Shen Miao paused and said, “Whether the child is kept or not has no impact on the overall situation. This decision entirely depends on Your Majesty’s wishes.”

“My wishes,” Empress Xiande sighed slightly. “In my heart, there has always been a thorn, but to remove this thorn, I find I’m not ruthless enough.” She smiled self-mockingly, “This position of Empress truly doesn’t suit me well. Being accustomed to it is one thing, being suited for it is another.”

Shen Miao remained silent. At this moment, anything she said would be inappropriate.

Empress Xiande changed the subject, “Prince’s Consort, your ability to manage the entire Prince Rui’s residence as its mistress is beyond doubt. But what if, in the future, you bear a heavier burden and face more complicated situations? Could you handle that as well?”

Shen Miao’s heart skipped a beat. Empress Xiande’s words seemed to hint at something. In the past, Shen Miao might not have thought much of it, but Xie Jingxing had told her about the Yongle Emperor’s condition. If the Yongle Emperor hadn’t lived past thirty-five, if he had other plans, Shen Miao almost immediately understood their intentions.

She composed herself and said, “Your Majesty, no one can predict the future, but I will stay by His Highness’s side. Whatever His Highness does, I will assist him.”

Empress Xiande looked at her for a while, then shook her head and sighed, “You have no ambition, which is good. But it’s also not good.” She continued, “However, Jingxing is not the Emperor, so you are very fortunate. But you must understand, one day, when you reach a certain height, many things are beyond your control. You may not like it, but you cannot show that you don’t like it. You must do it because that is the way of the world.”

Was Empress Xiande expressing her feelings? Shen Miao calmly replied, “I won’t do that. The ways of the world, when first proposed, were also questioned by people. If one cannot stay true to oneself, reaching a higher position has no meaning. Being out of control is only because one hasn’t tried hard enough to change the surrounding environment.”

Hearing this, Empress Xiande was lost in thought for a long time. When she finally came to her senses, she gave Shen Miao a deep look. That look was very complex; Shen Miao couldn’t quite describe it—perhaps envy, with a hint of self-mockery. She said, “Perhaps. What you say is correct, but half of my life has already passed. For change, there is no more time.” She seemed somewhat dispirited. Shen Miao noticed that compared to the last time, Empress Xiande looked much more weathered, not in appearance. She still looked elegant, graceful, and beautiful, with the virtuous steadiness of an Empress, but her gaze subtly conveyed a sense of aging, like that of an old woman.

Was it because of Noble Consort Jing? Shen Miao wondered and decided to ask, “I heard the Ye siblings also entered the palace today and met with Noble Consort Jing?”

“With the Lu family producing a consort carrying the imperial seed, naturally, all the insects in Long’e are starting to stir. The Ye family visiting the palace—today they were supposed to see me, but I saw that the drunkard’s interest wasn’t in the wine, so I let them be. The Ye family probably saw that Lu Jing is pregnant and has other intentions, trying to probe through Lu Jing.” Empress Xiande’s gaze was somewhat distant: “That newly found daughter of the Ye family is extremely beautiful. Not only beautiful, but also clever, and not only clever, but ambitious. Such a woman is most suited for survival in the harem.”

Shen Miao’s gaze faltered slightly: “Madam Mei wants to enter the palace?”

Madam Mei eventually became Fu Xiuyi’s Empress in Ming Qi. Now not only had her identity changed to a Great Liang person, but her future had also been altered? Could it be that she wanted to become the Yongle Emperor’s woman and even become the Empress of Great Liang? Shen Miao found it absurd and laughable.

“Perhaps,” Empress Xiande said indifferently. “But the harem in Long’e exists in name only. If Madam Mei wants to compete for favor and power here, she has miscalculated. Besides, His Majesty doesn’t plan to take anyone new at present.”

“What if she has other methods?” Shen Miao asked. Madam Mei was ruthless and would stop at nothing to climb higher for her goals. Shen Miao had experienced this firsthand in her previous life. It seemed impossible that Madam Mei would return empty-handed. Shen Miao didn’t want to underestimate her opponent, and even more, she didn’t want to make a serious mistake due to her carelessness.

Empress Xiande looked at Shen Miao with curiosity and said, “You seem to dislike this Ye family daughter.” She then seemed to understand and said, “Indeed, this Madam Mei has ill intentions, I can see that too. I’ve been in this palace for so many years. Madam Mei’s eyes show too much greed. It’s natural for you to be wary of her. During the imperial hunt, rumors outside said you targeted Madam Mei out of jealousy. I guessed then that Madam Mei wasn’t simple. Meeting her today confirms it.”

Shen Miao said, “I truly dislike her very much.”

“Is it because of Jingxing?” Empress Xiande playfully winked, teasing, “Don’t worry. Jingxing is already very clever and won’t like an even cleverer woman. He especially won’t like someone as greedy and ambitious as Madam Mei.”

Shen Miao: “…” Empress Xiande’s words made her sound quite foolish.

“Jingxing and His Majesty are discussing not involving the Ye family too much. I guess you’re part of the reason for this. However, I personally don’t like the Ye family either. Although they are civil officials, they lack the integrity of civil officials and are instead slippery and hypocritical, secretly harboring disloyal thoughts. The entire Ye family practices crooked ways. However…” Empress Xiande seemed to think of something and said, “The Ye family’s young son is quite good. I spoke with him, and he’s as innocent as a child. It’s a pity he’s disabled and not much respected in the residence.”

Shen Miao had also heard about the Ye family’s crippled young master but didn’t know what kind of person he was. Hearing Empress Xiande speak this way, she couldn’t help but feel some regret. A rare good person with such bad luck.

Empress Xiande said, “Soon, the situation in Long’e will become very tense. Prince Rui’s residence will likely be closely watched. Jingxing is often out, and there may be areas in the residence that can’t be attended to. They say one can’t prevent everything. You must be extra careful.”

Shen Miao became solemn and said, “I understand.”

Dealing with the Lu and Ye families would undoubtedly stir up a storm in Long’e City. As Xie Jingxing’s wife, the Prince Rui’s Consort, she would naturally be a target.

Empress Xiande patted her hand, “You need to start learning these things now.”

Shen Miao agreed. Just as they were talking, they saw Lady Tao walking over with a young palace maid. Lady Tao said, “Noble Consort Hui and Guiren Ning are quarreling at the Flower Pavilion and are currently at a standstill. Would Your Majesty like to go and have a look?”

These days, with Noble Consort Jing’s pregnancy, the other women in the palace were becoming restless. Previously, since none of them had children, whether they were favored by the Emperor or not wasn’t particularly important. Now it was different. With one person ascending to heaven, everyone else wanted to as well. Everyone had selfish interests, and conflicts were more numerous than before. Additionally, many officials were planning to send women to the Yongle Emperor’s side. The harem had changed from its former tranquility, with trouble arising every few days. Although they weren’t major issues, such frequent occurrences were certainly annoying.

Empress Xiande’s face showed displeasure. No matter how good-tempered someone is, constantly dealing with such troubles would put anyone in a bad mood.

“Your Majesty should go check on the situation,” Shen Miao said. “Don’t worry about me.” She had no intention of following Empress Xiande to watch the drama. The harem in Long’e had little to do with Shen Miao, and she couldn’t help anyway. Empress Xiande had no choice but to stand up and say to Shen Miao, “I’ll go to the Flower Pavilion first. The Prince’s Consort can rest here and drink tea. If you feel bored, you can walk around the garden, just don’t go too far.”

Shen Miao had Bajiao and Huixiang with her, both skilled in martial arts, so she wasn’t afraid of any accidents. Besides, the palace was full of guards, so it was naturally safe.

Shen Miao agreed, and Empress Xiande left with Lady Tao. Shen Miao held her teacup, but her mind was filled with Empress Xiande’s words.

She felt that Empress Xiande was hinting at something. She had previously wondered if the Yongle Emperor truly wouldn’t live long, who would sit on the throne of Great Liang after his passing? Before Noble Consort Jing’s pregnancy, it seemed their plan wasn’t to have the Yongle Emperor’s offspring inherit the throne. Moreover, since the Yongle Emperor himself still had uncleared poison, the child born might be inherently weak and unable to bear the great responsibility. In that case, the only person with imperial blood qualified to inherit the Great Liang throne would be Xie Jingxing.

Had Xie Jingxing become Emperor in her previous life? At least when she died, when Ming Qi fell, the Yongle Emperor was still alive, and Xie Jingxing was merely leading troops to conquer the world.

So in this life, would Xie Jingxing become Emperor? If Xie Jingxing became Emperor, she would naturally be the Empress. Since ancient times, there had never been a precedent for a harem with only one person. She had confidently told Empress Xiande that she wouldn’t tolerate her husband having other women. Once this possibility became reality, all Shen Miao could do was say, “Since you’re heartless, I’ll leave.” A clean break with Xie Jingxing.

But opportunities like this were rare, and she didn’t want to sever the marital bond that had taken two lifetimes to form.

She felt somewhat troubled and stood up, planning to go to the nearby pond to catch some breeze. Bajiao and Huixiang followed her.

The garden was dense with trees, layer upon layer of foliage. The small paths twisted and turned, connecting with each other, leading in all directions, with new scenery at every turn, very elegant.

But Shen Miao had no heart to appreciate even the most beautiful scenery. She walked to the edge of the pond, where the cool breeze on her face was very refreshing and helped her calm down.

After standing for a while, she planned to return to the stone table, estimating that Empress Xiande should be back by now. As she was leaving, her gaze casually swept toward the trees nearby.

Just in that one glance.

Shen Miao suddenly stopped in her tracks.

She stared intently to the side, feeling as if all the blood in her body was simultaneously cool and hot, rushing to her head, almost making her unable to stand. This caused Bajiao and Huixiang to also nervously look to the side, but they discovered nothing.

Shen Miao suddenly pushed aside the bushes in front of her and ran toward a small path nearby.

“Madam!” Bajiao and Huixiang were startled and quickly followed.

Shen Miao ran very fast. She was oblivious to the dust on her hair and clothes from brushing against tree branches. Looking closely, her hands were trembling violently, her lips were white, and her eyes were wide open, not daring to relax even a bit.

She had seen the face of a young man among the tree branches, with a slightly shy smile, a familiar expression—it was Fu Ming.

Her son, Fu Ming.

She couldn’t be mistaken, couldn’t be wrong. Shen Miao ran desperately, but the paths in the Imperial Garden led in many directions, each small path leading to a different place. The trees were dense, and the young man disappeared in an instant, almost making her think it was her imagination.

There was no path ahead, only a corner of a dark lake, a rockery, and a long pavilion.

Shen Miao couldn’t find the young man. Huixiang and Bajiao followed behind, seeing Shen Miao standing still, lost in thought, looking utterly disoriented.

Before the three could make any other movement, they suddenly heard a woman’s short, startled cry from ahead, followed by the sound of a heavy object falling into water.

“Splash!”