The empress is both charming and seductive, rising through the ranks of palace intrigue.

The Empress returned to Phoenix Palace, picked up a blue-and-white porcelain teacup with a scrolling floral pattern, and took a thoughtful sip. Her long fingernails tapped lightly on the teacup, producing a crisp, tinkling sound. Casually tapping her long fingernails, she said, "Consort Ning, I underestimated her."

Du Ruo nodded in agreement: "Yes, if it were anyone else in this situation, they would have been terrified and incoherent, but Ning Cai Ren was able to calmly and skillfully find evidence piece by piece. It's clear that she's not a simple person."

"She's been so quiet all this time, I really thought she was an honest person. But..." The Empress suddenly smiled faintly, a smile that was particularly meaningful: "Consort Ning is beautiful, and not stupid. I think His Majesty will like her."

Du Ruo raised her eyes and understood: "Your Highness, do you intend to recommend Consort Ning to the Emperor?"

The Empress nodded, but based on the Emperor's understanding, he would likely summon Consort Ning to his bedchamber soon, without needing her recommendation.

She had always known that most of the concubines who were constantly favored by Xiao Yu were beautiful.

Throughout history, emperors have been fond of beautiful women, and the current emperor is no exception. Previously, because of the marriage arranged by the late emperor, he had developed some dislike for Ning Shuyan. Now, having seen Ning Shuyan's appearance, Xiao Yu must have been moved. Otherwise, why wouldn't he have said "it's not her" in the Jade Lotus Palace today?

He had once supported lower-ranking concubines, but they were all useless. Not only could they not check Consort Zhuang, but Consort Zhuang's favor towards them had not diminished in the slightest.

Du Ruo said, "But Your Highness, you also said that Ning Shi is quite clever. If she becomes uncontrollable in the future, wouldn't she become the second Consort Zhuang?"

The Empress gently picked up the lid of the blue teacup, placed it on the teacup, and it made a clear, tinkling sound, carrying a hint of coolness.

She gave a cold laugh: "Consort Zhuang's father is a first-rank general, and she is the legitimate daughter. Although Consort Ning's father was granted a marquisate, he is only a fourth-rank official. Moreover, she is just a concubine's daughter, what great abilities could she possibly have? Besides, I will not allow her to become a second Consort Zhuang."

Du Ruo smiled and said, "It's time for Consort Zhuang to receive some of the emperor's favor."

As expected, the Lan Yue Pavilion received the news the following night that he would be serving the emperor that night.

The palace servants in Lanyue Pavilion were all delighted and busied themselves with preparations.

For every concubine who was to serve the emperor for the first time, a matron would come and explain the rules.

However, Ning Shuyan didn't listen, and just nodded with a smile, pretending to be shy.

Basically, one could not eat much before serving the emperor, only some light porridge. And one had to bathe and change clothes before riding in a prepared sedan chair to Zhaochen Palace.

What Ning Shuyan couldn't understand was that during the night, one was not allowed to move around or make loud noises... and so on.

She thought, if she couldn't make a sound or move, whether it hurt or felt good, what was the point of sexual pleasure?

If the person lying beneath you is blindfolded and doesn't move, even the emperor probably wouldn't be able to tell who it is.

While bathing, Ning Shuyan deliberately had Ziying add a few drops of the fragrant dew she had brought from the manor to the water. She then slowly began her bath, letting the mist float on her face. There was a faint scent of rose, a delicate fragrance of jasmine, and a hint of sweet lychee. In short, it was fragrant but not cloying, fresh and soft, leaving a subtle, lingering scent on her body after she finished bathing. Men are like that; they don't like overly strong fragrances, but rather prefer this subtle, elusive feeling.

Ning Shuyan changed into a pink and white cross-collar ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). The wide collar revealed her neck and collarbone, giving her a touch of allure. A pink belt cinched her waist, making her waist appear incredibly slender.

Then Qiu Le styled her hair into a simple bun, leaving two strands of black hair hanging down her chest. These two strands added a touch of delicate softness to her overall charming and graceful appearance. The bun was adorned only with a pearl hairpin and a hibiscus silk flower.

Ning Shuyan looked at herself in the bronze mirror. Not to mention men, she herself thought she had a good face and figure, which was of course due to the fact that she had maintained it for the past six years.

Sitting in the sedan chair, swaying gently, with an occasional breeze blowing in that was neither too cold nor too hot, Ning Shuyan's heart still couldn't help but pound twice.

She took a deep breath, signaling herself not to be nervous. This wasn't her first time doing something like this, so wasn't this better? At least she wouldn't lose out. But her body would be at a disadvantage…

Upon arriving at the rear hall of Zhaochen Palace, a eunuch was waiting. He bowed and said, "Your Highness has arrived. His Majesty is currently reviewing memorials in the front hall. Eunuch Yang sent me to inform you and ask you to wait a moment."

Ning Shuyan smiled politely: "I understand, thank you for informing me, Father-in-law."

After the eunuch left, she was left alone in the empty hall. A thick blue carpet covered the floor of the bedchamber, but what truly caught the eye was the bright yellow canopy embroidered with five-clawed dragons.

The soft footsteps drew Ning Shuyan's attention back. Seeing that Xiao Yu had already approached, Ning Shuyan immediately curtsied deeply and said softly, "Your Majesty, I greet you. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

As Xiao Yu entered, he saw a slender beauty standing in the hall. He looked down at Ning Shuyan, whose cheeks were slightly flushed, like a lotus flower reflecting on her face. In the dim candlelight, her skin appeared as white as jade, and smooth silk tightly wrapped her full breasts.

Xiao Yu said gently, "No need for formalities."

Xiao Yu opened his arms, waiting for the woman to help him change, but there was no movement. He turned his head and saw Ning Shuyan with her eyes downcast, seemingly lost in thought.

"Don't be nervous, lift your head."

Ning Shuyan slowly raised her head, her eyes meeting Xiao Yu's deep gaze.

He was extremely handsome, with delicate features, a small mole on his high nose, and his thin lips were tightly pursed, giving him a rather aloof appearance.

Xiao Yu saw that the woman's almond-shaped eyes were clear as water, sparkling and radiant. In her eyes, he saw a purity and innocence rarely seen in the palace. Yet, her entire face and figure exuded a captivating charm.

Ning Shuyan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I have not yet thanked you. I thank you here." As she gracefully prepared to kneel, Xiao Yu's large hands reached out and gently helped her up.

Her wide sleeves slipped down, revealing her slender, jade-like wrists. With a girlish shyness, she gently withdrew her hand.

Xiao Yu's hand froze awkwardly as he looked at the woman's flushed cheeks, which were slightly lowered, revealing a delicate and charming young woman.

What Xiao Yu loved was the shyness and purity of a young woman newly entering the palace—a pair of clean, untainted eyes and a face. He couldn't help but soften his tone: "Speaking of that matter, you were the one who suffered injustice; there's no need to thank me."