I fulfilled the female supporting role's wish and I succeeded

Yikun Palace

Nian Shilan stood in the palace, stroking her gorgeous clothes with her fingers.

"But the Emperor...why is the Emperor still so distant?" she murmured, her voice filled with confusion and pain.

A gust of cold wind blew, and Nian Shilan couldn't help but shiver. She tightened her clothes and turned back to the room.

Nian Shilan reached out to pick up a hairpin, but then put it down helplessly. Her fingers trembled slightly, and her heart was filled with anxiety.

"what should I do?"

As night fell and candlelight flickered in the palace, Nian Shilan lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

In the sweltering heat of midsummer, the Forbidden City was sweltering. The Emperor and his concubines moved to the Old Summer Palace for a cool escape. The pavilions, terraces, and shady trees provided some relief from the heat.

That day, Zhen Huan strolled through the garden, her mind racing. She gently stroked her flat belly, a bitter feeling welling up in her heart.

Imperial Physician Wen had once predicted that she would never have children. Despite the emperor's generous favor, the lack of children was a thorn in her heart.

Just as Zhen Huan was lost in her own thoughts, a childish yet steady voice rang out, "Greetings to Her Majesty Wanpin."

Zhen Huan looked up to see the Fourth Prince, Hongli, bowing respectfully to her. The young man was handsome, well-mannered, and his eyes sparkled with intelligence.

"No need to be polite, Fourth Prince," Zhen Huan said gently, "Why are you here alone?"

Hongli raised his head, a trace of longing in his eyes: "In reply to your Majesty, I miss your father so much that I have come to pay my respects to you."

Zhen Huan's heart moved after hearing this. She sighed softly and asked, "Are you used to living outside the palace?"

Hongli lowered his head, his voice filled with a bit of grievance: "In reply to your Majesty, although I am outside the palace, I never forget the teachings of the Emperor. It's just... it's just..."

"Just what?" Zhen Huan asked softly.

Hongli raised his head, tears glistening in his eyes. "It's just that I really miss Father Huang. If I could return to the palace to serve you, I would die without regrets."

Zhen Huan felt a pang of sadness after hearing this. She reached out and gently stroked Hongli's head, saying softly, "Don't worry, my dear child. I will speak to the Emperor on your behalf."

Hongli's eyes instantly lit up with joy: "Thank you, Your Majesty! Your grace is so great, I will never forget it!"

Zhen Huan smiled and nodded, but secretly began to think. Although she was unable to bear children, it would be a good idea to support an intelligent prince. And Hongli seemed to be a good choice.

The two chatted for a few more minutes, and then Hongli took his leave. Zhen Huan watched the young man's retreating figure, a flicker of deep thought in her eyes. She slowly walked towards the pavilion nearby, ready to carefully consider the opportunities this unexpected encounter might bring.

The atmosphere in the Wanfang Anhe Hall was solemn, as if the air had frozen. The ministers spoke one after another, their voices rising and falling:

"Your Majesty, Nian Gengyao abused his power and became a dictator. His crimes are unforgivable!" a minister shouted angrily.

"His corruption and bribery, and his embezzlement of money, are truly innumerable!" another minister echoed, his voice filled with sorrow.

"What's even more hateful is that he dared to form a clique for personal gain and plot rebellion!" another minister said indignantly.

The Emperor sat upright on the Dragon Throne, his face as gloomy as ink. His fingers rhythmically tapped the armrests, making a soft but clear sound.

The emperor's eyes were as sharp as an eagle's as he slowly scanned the ministers in the hall, as if he wanted to carve everyone's expression into his mind.

The candlelight in the hall flickered, casting shifting shadows on the emperor's face, adding to his majesty. The ministers, sensing the emperor's wrath, shuddered in fear, not daring to utter a word.

Concubine Hua sat at her dressing table, her fingers unconsciously stroking a delicate jade hairpin. Her brow furrowed, her eyes filled with anxiety. The palace was completely silent, with only the occasional crisp chime of the wind chimes under the eaves.

"The Nian family's situation is becoming increasingly difficult..." Concubine Hua murmured to herself, her voice filled with worry. "The Emperor's attitude towards me is becoming increasingly cold. What should I do?"

She stood up and paced back and forth in the palace. The hem of her gorgeous skirt dragged on the ground, making a rustling sound. Hua Fei's mind was full of various thoughts, trying to think of a way to save the situation.

Suddenly, she stopped and a look of determination flashed in her eyes.

"No, I must find a way!" Hua Fei bit her lip and made up her mind.

She called the palace maid beside her.

"Go and call Songzhi." Hua Fei ordered, with a hint of urgency in her voice.

Soon, Songzhi pushed the door open and bowed to Concubine Hua.

"Your Majesty called me here. What instructions do you have for me?" Songzhi asked respectfully.

Concubine Hua took a deep breath and said slowly, "Songzhi, you have been by my side for many years and have always been loyal to me. Now I have an important task to entrust to you."

Songzhi bowed her head and replied, "I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Concubine Hua walked over to Songzhi and whispered, "You know the Nian family's current situation. I need you to help me get some information to see what the emperor's attitude towards Nian Gengyao is."

Songzhi looked up at Concubine Hua, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "Your Majesty, what do you mean...?"

Hua Fei was silent for a moment before she slowly said, "I want you to serve the Emperor and see if you can get some information. But you must be careful and not arouse suspicion."

Songzhi lowered her head and replied softly, "I understand. I will be careful and live up to your trust."

Hua Fei nodded, a trace of relief and gratitude flashing in her eyes. She patted Song Zhi's shoulder gently and said, "Go, remember to be cautious."

Songzhi walked lightly towards the imperial study, feeling uneasy. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her rapidly beating heart.

The maid quietly announced, "The servant Songzhi requests an audience."

"Come in." The emperor's voice came from inside.

Songzhi pushed open the heavy palace door and slowly walked in. Candlelight flickered in the imperial study, and the air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood.

The emperor was bent over his desk reviewing memorials. In the candlelight, his profile looked particularly majestic.

The emperor glanced at her with a piercing gaze. Songzhi couldn't help but shudder and quickly knelt down to pay her respects. "Your servant greets His Majesty."

Songzhi cautiously walked to the table and gently placed the teacup in her hand. She whispered, "Your Majesty, I have made you a pot of fresh tea."

The emperor nodded slightly, motioning her to stand up. Songzhi stood up, folded her hands at her waist, and stood respectfully aside.

The room was completely silent, save for the scraping of a pen across paper. Songzhi stood erect, not daring to slack off for even a moment. She secretly studied the emperor's expression, trying to discern any clues.