My elder sister forced me to become a concubine; I was reborn and remarried into the emperor's

Wei Nanxun believed that having died once was enough to make her heart strong and indestructible, allowing her to let go of everything from her past life.

But when Pei Yuyan actually appeared in front of her, all her pretense and composure vanished.

In other words, Wei Mingzhao's attention was completely drawn to that person; otherwise, he would have noticed that the person next to him was trembling all over and his face was as white as paper.

Why is Pei Yuyan here?

She had long guessed that Pei Yuyan was behind today's events, but she didn't expect him to appear so directly. At this hour, he should be either in the Imperial Study discussing state affairs or attending court.

He was diligent and afraid of being accused of being lazy by the emperor and his ministers. Even if the two of them had been intimate late into the night, he would get up on time the next day and never neglect his duties.

In his eyes, romance was merely a pastime; nothing could compare to power and status.

It must be a coincidence. She's just a young woman, not worth him going to such lengths for.

Wei Nanxun's fingers twisted incessantly beneath her wide sleeves as she repeatedly tried to convince herself and calm herself down.

Fortunately, Wei Mingzhao was there. Her heart and eyes were full of Pei Yuyan. The two were also betrothed by the Emperor, so there was no need to be too discreet. As soon as she saw Pei Yuyan, her eyes lit up and her cheeks flushed with surprise. She said, "Greetings, Your Highness. I never expected to see Your Highness today."

Wei Nanxun followed suit with a deep bow, then kept her head down and remained silent throughout.

Pei Yuyan glanced behind Wei Mingzhao and said with a smile, "No need for formalities, court is adjourned early today."

The young eunuch behind him explained sensibly, "His Majesty heard that Consort Xian had invited Miss Wei to admire the flowers, so he specially brought a box of silk flowers that had just been presented as tribute from the west, saying it was to add color to the Consort and Miss Wei. His Majesty also remembered that Your Highness had not seen the Consort for a long time, so he asked Your Highness to bring them along."

Sure enough, a palace maid behind him was carrying a tray covered with red silk, which showed the emperor's favor towards Consort Xian and his approval of Wei Mingzhao as his daughter-in-law.

Wei Nanxun breathed a slight sigh of relief. It seemed to be a coincidence. She had said that Pei Yuyan would never let her interfere with important matters.

At this moment, Consort Xian also learned that the Crown Prince had arrived with gifts, and instructed her personal maid, Yu Chun, to welcome them inside.

"Your Highness, greetings. Your timing is perfect. The Second Prince just came to pay his respects to the Empress. Knowing you've arrived, he said he'd like to ask you for advice on literature."

The second prince was born to Consort Xian. He just turned eleven this year. He is at an age where he should be playing, but he has been spoiled by the emperor and Consort Xian. He loves to cause trouble during his studies and classes, and his teachers can't do anything about this prince.

He feared nothing but his elder brother, the Crown Prince. He claimed he was seeking advice on literature, but in reality, he was trying to curry favor and get closer to him.

Pei Yuyan was seven years older than his younger brother. Although they were not particularly close, they were still considered to be brothers.

Moreover, he knew that his aunt was helping him avoid suspicion, so he nodded slightly in response.

Yu Chun then looked at them and said, "Greetings, ladies. Her Majesty was just meeting with the head of the Imperial Household Department to discuss leaving the palace for summer retreat in a few days. She has kept you waiting. Please come inside."

When Wei Mingzhao heard that Pei Yuyan would not be going with them to see Consort Xian, a look of regret immediately appeared in her eyes. However, there were too many people around, and it was not a good time to speak. She could only follow him into the palace, turning back every few steps.

Unlike her reluctance, Wei Nanxun was overjoyed and wished she could get as far away from this man as possible.

Ideally, this would be the last time we meet in this life.

But as the two brushed past each other, she heard that familiar voice say in a low, hoarse voice, "Miss Wei, watch your step."

His voice was undeniably pleasant, like the gentle tinkling of jade being struck, warm and clear. But whenever they were intimate in bed, his voice would become low and husky, filled with desire.

It was like an invisible net, enveloping her entire body, leaving her nowhere to escape.

Wei Nanxun was just about to step over the threshold when she suddenly heard his voice. Her legs almost gave way and she nearly slipped, but luckily she managed to regain her balance and avoid making a fool of herself.

Is he using their first encounter as a reminder to her?

He reminded her that he could save her, and thus influence her choices; she couldn't escape.

Wei Nanxun could feel that burning gaze, which seemed to be constantly and subtly falling on her back.

Why?

Why should she be his just because he wants her? She is not a plaything, not prey to fuel his desire to conquer; she is a living, breathing person.

She will never let him have his way in this lifetime.

Wei Nanxun gritted her teeth to calm herself down, and under that gaze, she straightened her back and strode inside without looking back.

He left behind that tall figure, standing motionless in place.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, what are you looking at?"

Pei Yuyan snapped out of his reverie, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Nothing, just saw an interesting raccoon dog."

The young eunuch scratched his head in confusion. "Her Majesty doesn't like small animals. Where did this raccoon come from in Jingren Palace?"

-

Over there, Yu Chun had already led the two into the East Warm Pavilion, where they saw a beautiful woman reclining on the chaise longue. She was wearing a light purple dress, her jet-black hair was piled high, and she wore a green cat-eye hairpin in her hair. Her hairpins, earrings, and other accessories were all matching green cat-eye hairpins.

Green cat's eye jewelry is rare to begin with, let alone one of such high quality and appearance. Yet, she doesn't look mature when she wears it; instead, she exudes an indescribable air of nobility.

She was holding an account book in her hands, and only when a palace maid whispered in her ear did she raise her head.

This was the first time Wei Nanxun had seen Consort Xian up close. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains and her eyes were like autumn water. She was truly a top beauty. It was said that Consort Xian resembled the late Empress by seven points, so it was not surprising that Pei Yuyan's eyebrows and eyes were somewhat similar to his aunt.

"Your humble servant greets Your Highness the Virtuous Consort. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

"Get up quickly and come to me. Please take a seat."

"Thank you, empress."

Wei Mingzhao had been in and out of the palace since childhood and had met Consort Xian many times, so she naturally sat closer to her. Wei Nanxun, on the other hand, had always kept her head down and shrank back respectfully since the first time she saw her.

"What have you been busy with lately, Ah Zhao? If you don't come to the palace, I won't even have anyone to talk to and relieve my boredom."

"Your Majesty flatters me. You are surrounded by kind and pleasing people. How can I compare? My grandmother says I am unruly and keeps me at home to learn manners and temper my character."

Consort Xian smiled knowingly: "I remember you are eighteen this year. It's good for you to study more in your youth. You will be married into the palace in a few days anyway, so you will have plenty of opportunities to keep me company."

All of Wei Mingzhao's previous anxiety instantly turned into a shy blush when she heard these words. If the Consort Xian said so, wouldn't that be exactly what the Emperor meant?

"Your Majesty, why are you teasing me too..."

The two chatted intimately for quite a while before Consort Xian seemed to notice the little girl behind her and casually asked, "Ah Zhao, is this your Seventh Sister?"

Upon hearing that Wei Nanxun had been chosen, Wei Mingzhao paused slightly and said, "Your Majesty, my seventh sister is named Nanxun. She is quiet and doesn't like to talk much. She doesn't usually go out much."

"Oh? Come closer so I can take a look."

Even though Wei Mingzhao was unhappy, he could only force a smile and gently nudged the person behind him: "Ah Xun, Her Majesty is calling you."

Wei Nanxun seemed surprised to be called, and couldn't help but show a little panic. She lowered her head and repeatedly said yes. Because she was too nervous, she almost tripped over the brocade stool when she got up. She barely managed to stand up and took a few steps to reach Consort Xian. Before anyone else could say anything, she had already frightened herself so much that her face turned as white as a sheet.

Wei Mingzhao was secretly pleased and proud of her rudeness. So what if she was beautiful? She was still someone who couldn't be presented in public. But she couldn't let her ruin the reputation of the Duke's mansion, so she quickly stood up and said, "Ah Xun is entering the palace for the first time and is not familiar with the rules. Please forgive her, Your Highness."

"It's alright, good child, come here, lift your head and let me see you."

Wei Nanxun wiped the sweat from her palms, her long eyelashes trembling slightly as she slowly raised her head.

Their eyes met, and a look of amazement flashed across Consort Xian's eyes. She paused for a moment and said, "Ah Zhao, your younger sister is quite beautiful. No wonder, no wonder..."

Even though she didn't say the second half of her sentence, everyone present understood what she meant. No wonder the Crown Prince broke off the engagement.

Wei Nanxun's gaze dimmed. She had deliberately pretended to be ignorant of etiquette and impolite in order to leave a bad impression on Consort Xian, but she did not expect that Consort Xian would say such things so bluntly.

"You're quiet by nature, Ah Zhao. Since you're busy, how about letting your younger sister keep me company?"

Upon hearing this, not only Wei Nanxun, but also Wei Mingzhao's smile froze completely. She was stunned for a while before bowing and saying dryly, "It is a blessing for our Wei family that Your Majesty values ​​Seventh Sister. I am just afraid that Seventh Sister does not know the rules and will cause Your Majesty to worry."

Wei Nanxun was also flustered and at a loss, not knowing whether she should kneel down or express her gratitude.

Consort Xian saw all of this and smiled with her eyes crinkling: "Alright, alright, look how anxious you sisters are. I was just joking. Get up now."

The atmosphere became noticeably less relaxed after that, but thankfully it wasn't long before it was time to eat.

The eunuchs set up the stage for the performance, and Consort Xian led the two to their seats.

"Yuchun, where is the Crown Prince? Didn't I tell you to go and invite him?"

"Your Highness, His Highness is still explaining literature to the Second Prince. He said he won't be coming over and will pay his respects to you later."

Consort Xian naturally didn't believe in this story, knowing he was trying to avoid suspicion, so she didn't say anything more: "Then let's ignore him and do our own thing. I'm in a good mood today, so I had someone warm up a pot of fruit wine. It's light and sweet, just right for a young lady."

As they spoke, a palace maid poured wine for the two of them. A faint fruity aroma instantly filled the air; it was indeed fine wine.

Wei Nanxun's father was fond of wine and had a lot stored at home. When she was young, she and her mother would drink with her father. She had a good tolerance for alcohol, but she rarely drank outside.

Especially since they were in the palace, a time when they had to be on high alert, he tried to refuse by saying he didn't drink, but Consort Xian had already raised her cup.

Given her status, even Wei Mingzhao, who doesn't drink much, didn't say a word. If she were to speak now, it would be quite inappropriate of her to do so.

People can make mistakes and not know the rules, but they cannot be rude. This is still Consort Xian's territory. At worst, she can only drink one sip. She has to give her face, otherwise, it will be a question whether she can leave the palace.

After hesitating for a long time, Wei Nanxun saw that Wei Mingzhao beside her had already drunk most of his drink, so he had no choice but to raise his cup and take a sip.

"That's disrespectful to me. You'd better finish it."

Having no other choice, she followed Wei Mingzhao's example and drank it all in one gulp, never touching the cup again.

By the time she realized something was wrong, the banquet was already halfway over. She usually had a high alcohol tolerance and could easily drink four or five cups of fruit wine like this, but this time she felt dizzy and her face was burning.

Just as she was about to have a cup of tea to wake herself up, she heard Consort Xian say calmly, "Ah Zhao, your sister really doesn't drink a drop of alcohol. How come her face is so red after only half a cup? You should have someone take her to wash her face and wake her up."

Wei Nanxun wanted to say no, but she was so dizzy that she could barely speak properly, and the two palace maids beside her had already come to help her.

She could only tug at Wei Mingzhao's sleeve and whisper, "Sister."

Wei Mingzhao didn't want Wei Nanxun out of his sight either, so he hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, A-Xun is drunk. Why don't I stay with her?"

“Ah Zhao, you can’t leave. We can have a private talk.”

In the end, Consort Xian's words were more tempting. Wei Mingzhao pried her fingers open and said soothingly, "Ah Xun, you're just a little drunk. Wash your face and drink some hangover tea, and you'll be fine. Go on."

Wei Nanxun could only watch helplessly as she was helped to an empty room in a side hall. Her consciousness gradually blurred, and not only was her face burning, but her whole body seemed to be burning as well.

What exactly did Consort Xian give her to drink...?