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

Meanwhile, inside the Jiaofang Palace, candlelight shone brightly.

With her long hair loose, Wulan Yun had shed the majesty of an empress during the day and now looked more like an ordinary woman.

She looked down at the site plans for several princess residences presented by the Imperial Household Department, recalling the report from Emerald that His Majesty had drunk wine and retired early.

Wulan Yun felt a void in her heart, and felt that the Jiaofang Palace was getting colder night by night.

She dismissed her attendants, leaving only her trusted confidante, Granny Su.

"Granny," Wulan Yun's voice was low, "Do you think His Majesty has become a little cold towards me?"

Granny Su was making her bed when she heard this, she paused, and quickly stepped forward and whispered:

"Why do you say such things, Your Majesty? Everyone in the court knows of His Majesty's respect and affection for you."

"Didn't you spend the day happily selecting a husband for Her Highness the Eldest Princess with the Empress?"

"On the surface, that's how it seems..." Wu Lanyun sighed softly, her beautiful eyes filled with sorrow, "But in private, he seems different."

"He hasn't held me properly in a long time, nor has he ever touched me."

Granny Su's eyes flickered slightly as she cautiously reminded her, "Your Highness, didn't His Majesty visit the Jiaofang Palace a few days ago? That night..."

When that night was mentioned, a look of grievance flashed across Wulan Yun's face: "That night His Majesty said that he was not feeling well and had caught a cold that had not fully healed, so he did not touch me."

She raised her hand to touch her face, doubting herself: "Granny, am I getting old? Am I no longer as attractive to His Majesty as I was in my youth?"

"Your Majesty, please don't belittle yourself!" Granny Su quickly comforted her. "Your Majesty is radiant and beautiful, in the prime of your life. In this harem, there is only one Your Majesty; who can rival your brilliance?"

She hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice, and with a hint of doubt, disrespectfully guessed, "This old servant dares to say that Your Majesty is in the prime of your life and should not be doing this."

"Unless His Majesty's health is failing, and he is finding it somewhat inadequate?"

Wu Lanyun was taken aback, raised her eyes, her gaze filled with shock; she had never thought of this possibility before.

"How could that be?" she subconsciously denied, but her mind involuntarily followed this line of thought.

Yes, otherwise why would he always make excuses? Even when she took the initiative, he said no.

"If that's really the case, what should we do?" Wulan Yun asked anxiously, grabbing Su Mama's hand. "Should we summon the imperial physician...?"

"Absolutely not!" Granny Su quickly stopped her. "Your Majesty, this matter concerns His Majesty's dignity. How can it be made public? If it gets out, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"What should we do then?" Wu Lanyun asked, somewhat bewildered.

Granny Su leaned closer: "This matter should not be publicized. It's best to quietly use some dietary supplements to gently nourish and slowly recuperate."

"This old servant remembers that the Imperial Kitchen just received a batch of the finest deer blood a few days ago, which is extremely nourishing."

"Your Majesty, why don't you personally prepare some nourishing soup and send it to His Majesty tomorrow? It will not only be discreet but also show Your Majesty's care."

As Wulan Yun listened, her furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and she nodded repeatedly.

-

翌日清晨，天光微亮.

Shen Qingruo nestled in the brocade quilt, her black hair spreading across the pillow, her small face buried in the soft mattress, her breathing shallow.

Shen Wangxi gently got up, moving very slowly, afraid of disturbing the person who was still fast asleep beside her.

He was dressed neatly and stood by the bed. He looked at her quietly for a moment, his eyes deep and unreadable. In the end, he simply reached out and tucked the blanket around her before turning and leaving.

Outside the palace gate, Granny Yan was already waiting respectfully with her hands at her sides.

Shen Wangxi did not stop walking, her voice calm but imposing: "From today onwards, you are promoted to head matron of Qingyi Palace, in charge of all matters large and small within the palace, including personnel allocation. All decisions will be made by you."

His gaze swept over Granny Yan, carrying a deeper meaning, "If anyone disobeys orders or can't control their tongue, you can deal with them yourself; there's no need to report back."

"The Taiji Palace will send a few capable people over later for you to use."

Granny Yan's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately bowed and replied, "This old servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace. I will do my utmost to protect Her Highness the Princess."

Shen Wangxi said no more and strode away.