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

The next day, after court, Shen Wangxi walked towards the Jiaofang Palace.

He wore a dark black court robe embroidered with gold patterns, the waistband accentuating his slender figure, his physique superior, and his bearing imposing.

His large hands hung casually at his sides, with distinct knuckles and pale, cool skin.

When the palace servants saw him, they hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects, their hearts filled with surprise and uncertainty, for His Majesty had not set foot in the Jiaofang Palace for a long time.

Wulan Yun was sitting by the window, gazing absently at the few rather desolate flowers and trees in the courtyard.

Granny Su hurried in and whispered, "Your Highness, His Majesty is coming this way."

Wu Lanyun was taken aback, turned her head, and saw a tall figure walking towards her against the light.

She thought her heart had long since turned to ashes, but every time she heard news of him or saw him in person, her dormant heart would beat faster uncontrollably.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Wulan Yun curtsied.

"Rise." Shen Wangxi walked to the head seat and sat down, her tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

The palace servants served him tea, but he did not touch it.

"What brings Your Majesty here today?" Wulan Yun asked, sitting down to his left and looking down.

"I was just passing by and thought I'd stop by." Shen Wangxi's gaze fell on her face. "How has Your Majesty been lately?"

Ulan Yun's heart skipped a beat. Trying to decipher the meaning behind his words, she cautiously replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well. I only often think of Ayan and wonder if she is getting used to life outside the palace."

Shen Wangxi nodded, not responding to her question about Shen Jingyan, and instead asked, "I heard that you sent Consort Liu to Yilan Palace to deliver refreshments yesterday?"

Wu Lanyun understood immediately; it was indeed about this matter.

She remained expressionless: "Yes. Consort Zhao's father and grandfather received the Emperor's favor, and as Empress, I should do my part to show my gratitude."

"The reason for sending Consort Liu was that they are of similar age and might be able to keep the Imperial Concubine company and relieve her boredom."

"Really?" Shen Wangxi's voice was flat, revealing neither belief nor disbelief.

"How come I heard that you even ordered her to stay in Yilan Palace for a full hour?"

Wulan Yun's fingertips twitched slightly, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "I was afraid that Consort Liu would leave after delivering the gifts, which would be impolite, so I gave her that extra instruction."

"What? Did she act inappropriately and offend the Imperial Concubine?" Her tone carried just the right amount of concern.

Shen Wangxi looked at her, her deep eyes seeming to see right through people's hearts.

He did not answer her question, but said, "Consort Liu has been in the palace for some time now. Summon her out so I can take a look at her."

Wu Lanyun's expression changed slightly, but she quickly returned to normal and gave Su Mama a wink.

Granny Su understood and bowed as she withdrew.

Before long, Liu Rusi, with her head down, followed Granny Su in.

She didn't even dare to look up at the person on the throne. As soon as she entered the hall, she knelt down with a thud, her voice trembling: "This concubine, Liu Rusi, greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress."

Shen Wangxi's gaze fell on her.

Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she cowered in fear. There was no trace of the allure she had shown when she was at the palace.

They looked just like quails that had been scared out of their wits.

"Raise your head," Shen Wangxi said.

Liu Rusi slowly raised her head, but she never dared to meet his gaze.

Shen Wangxi saw her face clearly: pale, thin, with dark circles under her eyes and a numb gaze.

He frowned.

He knew that Wulan Yun disliked Liu Rusi, but he never expected that in such a short time, she could be worn down to this state.

"Are you getting used to everything in Jiaofang Palace?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Liu Rusi's lips trembled, and she subconsciously glanced quickly at Wulan Yun. When she met the other's cold gaze, she lowered her head sharply: "Your Majesty, it's a habit."

"Her Majesty the Empress treats her concubines extremely well..."

His words were spoken haltingly, and anyone could hear the insincerity and fear in them.

Shen Wangxi already understood.

He turned to look at Wulan Yun, his voice deepening:

"Your Majesty, Lady Liu is, after all, a descendant of the Liu family. I placed her in the Jiaofang Palace in the hope that you would take good care of her and fulfill our old friendship."

"Is this how you take care of me?"

Wu Lanyun quietly clenched her hands on her knees.

She met Shen Wangxi's scrutinizing gaze and tried her best to remain calm:

"What do you mean by this, Your Majesty? I have never thought that I have treated Consort Liu improperly. Her food, clothing, and lodging have all been provided according to her rations, and she has never lacked anything."

"The rules are stricter, but it's for her own good, to prevent her from making mistakes and disgracing the royal family."

"Stricter rules?" Shen Wangxi repeated these four words, his gaze sweeping over Liu Rusi on the ground. "But judging from her courage, she's become much less daring than before."

Wu Lanyun twitched the corner of her mouth but didn't reply.

Shen Wangxi finally gave a calm order: "I don't care what you do in private, but there are some things you shouldn't go too far and cause trouble."

"In particular, do not involve unrelated people and disturb the tranquility of Yilan Palace."

His words were both a warning to Wulan Yun to stop using Liu Rusi to annoy Shen Qingruo and a reminder to her to stop.

Wu Lanyun's face paled, and she felt a dull pain in her chest.

He really did come for Shen Qingruo!

He personally came to reprimand the Empress just because that bitch was a little uncomfortable.

"Your Majesty, I understand." She practically gritted her teeth as she squeezed out these words.

Shen Wangxi stood up, no longer looking at her, nor at Liu Rusi on the ground.

"You'd better watch yourself."

After leaving those four words, he turned around and strode away from the Jiaofang Palace.

Inside the hall, only Wulan Yun's stiff figure and Liu Rusi on the ground remained.

Granny Su cautiously stepped forward: "Your Highness..."

"Get out!" Wu Lanyun suddenly swept her sleeve, knocking the teacup off the small table to the ground with a piercing sound.

She couldn't love Shen Wangxi, nor could she hate him.

He could only watch helplessly as Shen Qingruo stole his heart; there was nothing he could do, and it was heartbreaking.