The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

On another day, Xiao Yu entered the palace on his father's orders and made a detour to the Jiaofang Palace to pay his respects to Empress Wulan Yun.

The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is now engaged to the eldest princess. Although Jiaofang Palace is not favored, she is still the Empress and His Majesty's first wife. If she were to distance herself from the Empress at this time, it would seem opportunistic and could easily offend people.

Ulan Yunduan sat on a phoenix chair and received him.

Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin, and she maintained a dignified demeanor. In front of outsiders, she remained the imposing and unassailable Empress of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Upon closer inspection, one could detect the melancholy in her eyes.

The unpleasant conversation she had with her daughter a couple of days ago still echoed in her ears. She was unwilling to admit the despicable excuses she had made in her heart, and she had no face to see her daughter at this moment.

However, the connection with the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion must be maintained.

The two exchanged a few perfunctory pleasantries. Wulan Yun inquired about the old Duke Zhenguo's health, while Xiao Yu recounted some interesting anecdotes from the capital.

Wulan Yun then changed the subject at the right moment, speaking in a gentle tone: "Young Master Xiao is very kind. Now that you're here, why don't you go and visit Ayan at Yilan Palace?"

"She's been learning etiquette over there recently, so you young people can have a chat with her."

"Granny Su, take the young master there."

Xiao Yu's heart stirred slightly, but he showed no sign of it on his face, and simply replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty, I obey."

The image of that stunningly beautiful figure, her eyes sparkling as she turned her head, involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

If I go to Yilan Palace, will I run into Princess Qingruo?

His mind was completely occupied by Shen Qingruo, and he didn't even delve into why the Princess was not in Jiaofang Palace or his own Jingyang Palace, but instead moved to Consort Zhao's Yilan Palace.

-

Xiao Yu was led by palace servants directly to a side hall of Yilan Palace, but he did not see Shen Qingruo.

Shen Jingyan was sitting alone by the window, staring blankly out the window, looking listless.

Hearing the announcement, she turned around in surprise, and her eyes lit up with delight when she saw Xiao Yu walking in.

"Xiao Yu? What brings you here?" She hurriedly stood up, her voice choked with sobs.

At a time when she was forgotten by everyone and even subtly blamed by her mother, Xiao Yu was still willing to come see her? He hadn't given up on her yet.

At this moment, Shen Jingyan felt a greater sense of sincerity.

Perhaps, marrying Xiao Yu and leaving this suffocating palace is the best way out for her right now.

Her gaze toward Xiao Yu held a genuine expectation.

Xiao Yu looked at her noticeably thinner face, took a few steps forward, and gently comforted her, "I heard that the princess is learning etiquette here, so I came to see her. How has the princess been lately?"

His voice was gentle, his manners polite, and he expressed concern.

Shen Jingyan's nose tingled, but she held back her tears, shook her head, and then nodded: "It's alright, it's just that the rules are complicated and a bit tiring."

Seeing her forced composure, Xiao Yu knew that her days in Yilan Palace must be difficult, but he didn't show it on his face, only saying softly:

"Princess, you're of noble birth; you'll adapt gradually."

He spoke words of reassurance, but his heart remained calm. His consideration for this marriage was primarily based on the interests of his family.

Shen Jingyan was touched by his unwavering devotion and was about to say something more when the stern voice of the headmistress came from outside the door:

"Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine has summoned you to check on your progress in learning etiquette these past few days."

Shen Jingyan's face turned pale instantly, and she subconsciously clenched her sleeves.

Now, when she hears the voices of these old women and sees the rulers in their hands, she feels fear from the bottom of her heart.

"I understand, I'll go right away." Her voice was a little strained.

Xiao Yu keenly sensed her fear.

He would never interfere in the affairs of the harem if it were anyone else, lest he cause trouble.

But the thought that the current Empress of Yilan Palace was once Princess Qingruo made his heart flutter uncontrollably.

Almost instinctively, he stepped forward, grasped Shen Jingyan's slightly cool hand, and spoke calmly:

"Don't be afraid, I'll go with you to pay your respects to Consort Zhao."

Shen Jingyan looked up abruptly, and seeing his firm yet gentle gaze, she was deeply moved.

She thought he had noticed her predicament and had come to support her, fearing that she would be bullied if she faced Shen Qingruo alone.

She gripped his hand tightly as if it were a lifeline, nodded vigorously, tears glistening in her eyes, feeling as if she had found happiness.

"Okay, let's go together."