That Imperial Concubine is both wicked and cunning! Your Majesty, wake up!

Xiao Yan and Song Shuangning looked at each other, their eyes reflecting a sense of solemnity.

Xiao Yan's warm expression vanished, and he asked in a solemn tone, "Is Ningning alright?"

Tao Banxia bowed and reported, "Your Majesty and Your Majesty, I discovered it in time. Your Majesty's unborn child and yourself are both unharmed. However, there is no antidote for this medicine, and Your Majesty's pregnancy is a delicate period, so it is not advisable for you to take any medicine without authorization. Your Majesty can only rely on controlling your appetite."

Song Shuangning was not surprised at all.

These past few days, her appetite has been unusually good; despite her deliberate attempts to control it, she still feels hungry frequently.

She was extremely cautious.

The food and supplies in Yaohua Palace were all under the supervision of special personnel and were checked at every level. No one dared to be negligent in the slightest, but in the end, someone still managed to take advantage of the loopholes.

This is enough to show that Consort De's people had already spread throughout the palace and were everywhere.

Consort De appears to be obedient and dutiful, but in reality, she has been secretly cultivating her power over the past few years and has already spread her people throughout the palace. No wonder she was able to act so flawlessly this time.

On the other side, Xiao Yan felt a wave of lingering fear wash over him.

He had previously thought that Ningning's increased appetite was a good thing.

Fortunately, it was discovered in time and did not cause any fundamental damage.

Xiao Yan looked at Song Shuangning with heartache, "Ningning, you've suffered so much, having to deliberately suppress your appetite like this."

"It's just about controlling what you eat; it's not hard work at all."

Song Shuangning gently comforted him, her fingertips lightly covering the back of his hand.

Consort Shu had previously given her advice, including a method of suppressing her excessive appetite with bitter medicine juice.

At worst, I can grit my teeth and drink it for a few days; I'll get through it eventually.

After this incident, Xiao Yan ordered a thorough investigation of all key locations in the palace, including the Imperial Kitchen, the Imperial Household Department, the Imperial Wardrobe, and the Department of Punishments. Without exception, all were investigated and dealt with strictly.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Yong'an Palace.

After Xueqing finished serving the tea, she saw Consort De sitting in front of her dressing table, staring blankly at the mirror, unaware that the pearl hairpin in her hair was crooked.

He tiptoed forward, carefully helped her straighten up, and asked in a low voice, "Is something troubling you, Your Highness?"

Consort De raised her hand and gently pushed her hand away, then slowly shook her head: "It's nothing."

Even so, I always felt that things had gone too smoothly.

Previously, Consort Yuan had been framed several times, but she always managed to escape danger unscathed. Why did she fall so easily this time?

The Emperor has always cherished Consort Yuan, so how could he so easily distrust her?

She sighed softly.

Although Consort Yuan was only confined to her quarters, it is clear that the Emperor still cherishes their past relationship and still holds a place for her in his heart.

But all of this went by in an unusually smooth way.

Seeing that she still looked depressed, Xueqing said, "Your Majesty, the Madam has submitted a summons to enter the palace, as if she has urgent business to discuss with you."

Consort De looked up, her tone tinged with surprise: "Mother?"

She pondered for a moment, her gaze gradually darkening.

My mother was well aware of the rules of the palace and would not easily send a token to request an audience.

His sudden request to enter the palace must mean he has something important to discuss with her.

I wonder if something has happened at the Marquis's residence?

A year ago, my father was promoted to Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate and granted the title of Marquis of Yongning, wielding the power of supervision and impeachment in the court.

I've heard that the Emperor is cracking down on corrupt officials who abuse their power and form cliques. Could it be that the investigation has reached my father?

She had already secretly instructed her father to distance himself from the last celestial phenomenon and not get involved.

After a moment's thought, Consort De's tone softened, and she added an instruction: "Hongyu's birthday is in ten days. Have Mother submit the summons to the palace around that time, so that it will be more legitimate and less likely to cause controversy."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

These past few days, Song Shuangning has strictly adhered to the rules and has not indulged in any particular food or drink. However, whenever she feels even slightly hungry, she can only suppress it with that bowl of bitter medicine.

After only two or three drinks, she felt apprehensive at the strong bitter smell and her tongue felt dry.

Fortunately, my appetite was managed to be suppressed.

Seeing her with a pained expression, pinching her nose and swallowing the bitter medicine, Xiao Yan felt an overwhelming pang of heartache.

Her pregnancy was already fraught with difficulties, and in just three months she had encountered so many unpleasant things, which was truly unfair to her.

Tao Banxia held the empty bowl and gently comforted her, "Your Majesty, you can stop drinking it in two more days. Your appetite has calmed down a lot, and you can stop in two more days."

Song Shuangning stared at the bowl of medicine, its surface gleaming with a bluish-black light, her face filled with despair: "I have to drink it for two more days?"

"Your Majesty, two days is but a fleeting moment," Tao Banxia gently advised.

Song Shuangning felt like crying but couldn't shed a tear; it was truly agonizing, far too agonizing.

She used to always order full sugar when she drank milk tea.

Seeing her pitiful look, Xiao Yan couldn't bear it. He reached out and picked up a candied fruit from the fruit plate next to him, about to put it in her mouth.

Seeing this, Tao Banxia quickly stepped forward to stop her: "Your Majesty, you must not indulge the Empress!"

Xiao Yan's hand froze in mid-air, and he could only reluctantly withdraw it.

Song Shuangning could only purse her lips dejectedly.

"I know that His Majesty cherishes Your Highness, but once this candied fruit enters your mouth, all the bitter medicine you drank earlier will be wasted, and all the suffering Your Highness endured will be for nothing."

Tao Banxia paused slightly as she spoke, then knelt down to apologize.

"I misspoke and did not mean to reprimand Your Majesty. It was just that the matter was urgent and I did not control my tone properly. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's alright, you may leave."

He turned to look at Song Shuangning, gazing at her slightly furrowed brows, and said with utmost seriousness, "Ningning, after this child is born, we won't have any more. You've suffered so much along the way, I can't bear to let you suffer like this again."

Whether the baby is a princess or a prince, he will cherish it as a treasure and love it dearly.

But whether she becomes a princess or a prince in the future, she will never be as important as Ningning, who is right in front of him. He does not want Ningning to suffer the pain of childbirth again, nor does he want her to face such danger again.

Song Shuangning pursed her lips slightly and nodded slowly.

"it is good."

The night was still and quiet, and the moonlight was as clear as water.

Song Shuangning held the soft and adorable Xue Tuan in her arms, while Xiao Yan gently embraced her from behind.

One person, one cat, and one gentleman.

The family of three nestled together and drifted off to sleep.

The room was warm and inviting.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Ten days from now is the birthday of the eldest prince, Xiao Hongyu.

The banquet was held at Yong'an Palace.

The palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and many concubines who came to celebrate gathered there, creating a lively scene.

With the Empress bedridden, Consort De and Consort Shao jointly managed the affairs of the six palaces. Consort Yuanxian had fallen out of favor and was confined to her quarters, and had already been sidelined. Consort De, as the birth mother of the eldest prince, was currently at the height of her power. Seeing this, the concubines of the various palaces rushed forward to flatter and fawn over her, trying their best to win her favor.

Clearly, Consort De is now the most influential person in the palace.

The eldest prince looked up at Consort De with his expectant eyes, his little face full of anticipation: "Mother, will Father come?"

Consort De raised her hand and gently stroked his head, saying softly, "You are the Emperor's eldest son, so the Emperor will naturally come on your birthday."

"Where is Grandma? Why hasn't she come yet?" Xiao Hongyu asked again.

Consort De glanced at Xue Qing beside her without making a sound.

Xueqing immediately understood and bowed, replying, "Your Majesty, Madam should still be on her way. I have already sent someone to meet her, and she should arrive in a short while."

Consort De nodded slightly, indicating that she understood.

Just then, a clear announcement came from outside the hall, accompanied by the sound of orderly footsteps, clearly indicating the arrival of the Emperor.

The eldest prince's eyes lit up. "Father is here!"

The concubines inside the hall immediately stopped their idle chatter and respectfully went to greet him.

A palace maid stepped forward carrying an exquisite sandalwood box and gently opened it.

Inside the box was a set of nine interlocking rings inlaid with gold and jade, exquisitely crafted and shimmering with light. Beside it lay a small dragon-carved dagger, its scabbard inlaid with tiny gemstones, exceptionally dazzling.

The eldest prince was immediately captivated, his eyes filled with affection.

Xiao Yan stepped forward and patted his head: "Do you like the birthday gift for Yu'er?"

The eldest prince nodded vigorously, holding the wooden box with obvious delight.

"Your Majesty, I thank you very much! I am very pleased!"

The banquet had just begun.

Xueqing quietly tugged at Consort De's sleeve, her eyes revealing deep panic.

Consort De's heart skipped a beat, sensing something was wrong. She immediately used the excuse of changing her clothes to get up and leave her seat.

As soon as they reached a secluded spot outside the palace, Xueqing lowered her voice and said urgently, "Your Majesty, something has happened!"