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

The next day at Fengqi Palace.

"Now that you've moved to the new palace, Consort Xi, are you getting used to living here?" The Empress's sudden question caused Consort Rong's expression to change slightly.

Consort Xi rose and said with a smile, "I'm quite used to it. There are no other concubines in Yu Shu Palace, and I just like this peace and quiet."

Several days later, the wounds on her face had almost healed. Today, she wore a camellia-red gauze dress, which actually made her face look even more radiant, with peach-like cheeks and an almond-shaped complexion.

Consort Zhuang straightened her posture, a faint smile on her face: "To be honest, our Emperor really dotes on Consort Xi. She's been moved to two different palaces in less than three months since she entered the palace."

She paused, her gaze lingering on Consort Rong, her eyebrows arching gracefully: "Right, Consort Rong, sister?"

Consort Rong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and she smiled through gritted teeth, "Yes, even Consort Zhuang doesn't have this honor."

Consort Zhuang, who was gracefully fanning herself with a fan, turned cold upon hearing this, put down the fan, and said with a chilling smile, "If I wanted to change palaces, wouldn't the Emperor allow it? I'm not about to give up this auspicious place like Yihe Palace!"

As is well known, besides Fengqi Palace, Yihe Palace is also magnificent.

Although Consort Rong was also favored, she never surpassed Consort Zhuang. No wonder the two of them were always trying to undermine each other.

The Empress smiled faintly, glanced at everyone, picked up her teacup and said, "No matter which palace is more luxurious, as long as you are comfortable and comfortable in your residence, that's fine."

Everyone agreed, and Consort Zhuang and Consort Rong reluctantly moved their lips.

After leaving Fengqi Palace, Consort Xi walked slowly outside. When she saw Ning Shuyan arrive, she said expressionlessly, "I brought your handkerchief back to the palace last time. I'm returning it to you now."

As she spoke, she took the handkerchief out of her sleeve, and Ning Shuyan took it and smiled, saying, "Thank you."

Seeing her so polite, Xi Jieyu paused slightly, then softened her tone: "I should be the one saying thank you."

She spoke very vaguely, but Ning Shuyan still heard her clearly. Just as she was about to speak, she saw her turn away with an unnatural expression.

Ning Shuyan chuckled: "It's quite rare for her to say that."

"Sister Ning."

Ning Shuyan felt an unnatural annoyance at the voice. Who else could it be but Xue Yunu?

She has been visiting Lan Yue Pavilion occasionally lately, but she has never run into Xiao Yu. In other words, Xiao Yu has not been to Lan Yue Pavilion recently.

But it just so happens to be such a coincidence!

Xue Yunu followed Ning Shuyan back to Lanyue Pavilion. They sat down for about half an incense stick's time before Xiao Yu arrived.

Seeing that Lady Xue was here again, he frowned slightly, sat down, and looked at her coldly, saying, "Why are you here today?"

Seeing that Xiao Yu's expression was somewhat displeased, Lady Xue timidly moved her lips, "Your Majesty..."

"After paying my respects at Fengqi Palace today, Sister Xue had nothing else to do, so she came to Lanyue Pavilion to keep me company," Ning Shuyan said quickly.

Xiao Yu's brows were clouded with a hazy mist as he said indifferently, "You may leave. I do not wish for anyone else to be here."

Lady Xue was slightly taken aback, clenched her handkerchief, forced a smile, curtsied, and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave."

Lady Xue's face was clearly pale, and even her back looked somewhat desolate and lonely.

Ning Shuyan looked at Xiao Yu with a puzzled expression: "Is Your Majesty in a bad mood?"

Xiao Yu's face remained calm and composed as he uttered only two words: "Come here."

Ning Shuyan stood up and slowly walked to his side. Xiao Yu pulled her to sit down and scrutinized her, saying, "You really don't know why Lady Xue came to Lan Yue Pavilion?"

Ning Shuyan frowned slightly: "Your Majesty's words seem to have a deeper meaning."

Xiao Yu took her soft, boneless hand and placed it in his palm: "Are you really that stupid! Lady Xue's purpose in coming here is nothing more than wanting to meet me."

Ning Shuyan's eyes widened in disbelief. "No way, how did she know when His Majesty would arrive? Besides, she seems quite honest and gentle to me."

"Jiangxue Pavilion and Lanyue Pavilion are close to each other. If she knew the news, she would probably be in your palace before I even got there. As for Laoshi, what woman in the palace can't pretend? In time, her true colors will be revealed."

He has met all kinds of women and has been in contact with too many women. He never believes that you can tell anything from a single meeting.

Ning Shuyan felt a strange sense of guilt as she listened to those words, which seemed to be directed at her. Could this be what it means to feel guilty when you're doing something wrong?

Her expression was somewhat dazed as she slowly said, "At home, I thought I was quite clever, but now that I've come to the palace, I realize that there are so many cunning women in this place."

She didn't continue speaking, but raised her sparkling eyes to look into his eyes and said, "Your Majesty is so wise; it makes me seem foolish."

Xiao Yu pulled her into his arms, gently tapped her nose, and said softly, "I like you just the way you are. I don't like women who are too smart. Someone as clever and guileless as you is exactly what I like."

Ning Shuyan thought to herself: Your standards are really high, you want someone who is clever and witty and doesn't have any ulterior motives?

She whispered sweetly in his ear, "Is that so? Is this all Your Majesty desires from me?"

Xiao Yu smiled gracefully, his hand sliding down her collarbone to pinch her waist: "I like them both."

Ning Shuyan lowered her eyes, a hint of shyness in her voice, and softly said, "Your Majesty..."

Xiao Yu gently rubbed her hand and noticed that on her fair and jade-like wrist, she was wearing the jade bracelet he had recently gifted her. Wearing it made her hand appear even whiter, and the bracelet's luster exuded a gentle glow.

"Do you like this bracelet?"

"I love it!" she exclaimed with a beaming smile. With a gentle smile, she continued, "This bracelet has such a beautiful color and is so translucent; I have never seen such a beautiful jade bracelet before."

When a man sees that the woman is satisfied with the gift he gave her, he can't help but feel a sense of pride. Xiao Yu was no exception, mainly because the woman in front of him was quite charming.

"I'm glad you like it. If there's anything suitable next time, I'll instruct Yang An to send it to you."

Ning Shuyan smiled sweetly, took Xiao Yu's arm, and said coquettishly, "Your Majesty is so kind."

Xiao Yu lowered his gaze and it fell directly on the woman's chest, where her soft curves were fully revealed through her veil.

Xiao Yu felt a ripple in his heart, and quickly raised his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Serve the meal, I'm a little hungry."