An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

Since Lady Yuan gained favor, Consort Xia has been crying and sobbing all day long.

They either went to the Empress to reason with her or shouted outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation that they wanted to see the Emperor.

Su Peisheng was annoyed, but the emperor did not intend to see Xia Shi. He simply asked Su Peisheng to pass on a message that it was cold and slippery and that she should stay home.

When Su Peisheng relayed the message, he was very polite, with no disrespect in his tone. In fact, knowing that this official was not very bright but had a big temper, he deliberately smiled ingratiatingly.

However, Xia was a fiery-tempered woman who couldn't hold back her emotions. She gave Su Peisheng a big glare and went back crying. Su Peisheng was left standing at the palace gate with a sigh.

Everyone says that serving the emperor is the greatest honor, but every few days you have to help the emperor deal with these temperamental concubines. And who knows which of the concubines the emperor coldly dismisses will become frequent visitors to the Hall of Mental Cultivation? You really can't afford to offend them! Every day, isn't this just suffering for nothing?

Having served the emperor for so many years, Su Peisheng knew the current emperor's style all too well. Since he had said such things, it seemed that only a few lingering feelings remained in his heart. It was unlikely that he could rekindle his passion.

However, the Emperor is a sentimental person. As long as Consort Xia behaves herself, it won't be difficult for her to live a peaceful life.

However, some people's actions are truly incomprehensible.

-----

It was the fifteenth of the month again, and the emperor was going to the empress's palace for dinner.

Perhaps the Emperor was in a particularly good mood today, because after dinner, the Emperor and Empress chatted for a long time.

First, they talked about how the Empress's calligraphy had become increasingly refined, then about how the harem finally had Shen Meizhuang, who was skilled in playing the zither, and then about how the recently favored Lady Miaoyin truly had a beautiful voice. The Emperor, feeling a strong urge to visit, ordered Su Peisheng to prepare a sedan chair so he could go see Lady Miaoyin.

The Empress, naturally a model of virtue for the nation, possessed a broad mind. Not only did she smile as she saw the Emperor off, but she also instructed Jianqiu to prepare some tribute oranges, which the eunuchs carried to Yanxi Palace.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor laughed heartily and joked, "The Empress is so thoughtful in her arrangements for the harem. I wonder if she's indulging the whims of these new ladies or my own. Oh well, Lady Miaoyin is still young and likes these sweet things. Su Peisheng, take her with you."

The Empress lowered her head and replied, "Your Majesty, I remember when I first entered the Prince's Palace, Your Majesty was young and impetuous. Whenever you went hunting with your seventeenth brother, Your Majesty would always ask me to prepare some fresh fruits for you two. Although so much time has passed, I still remember Your Majesty's instructions from back then."

The emperor was also somewhat moved after hearing this. He gently patted the empress's shoulder and said, "I also miss the days when I was in the Prince's Palace... It's getting cold, you should rest early." After saying this, he left Jingren Palace with Su Peisheng.

Winter was approaching, and the evening wind was biting, making the moonlight seem even colder.

The Empress stood silently at the entrance of Jingren Palace. Jianqiu and the other palace servants who had served her for a long time knew the Empress's temperament and did not say much either. Jianqiu simply took a shawl and draped it over the Empress's shoulders.

"How long do you think this Lady Yuan will remain in the Emperor's heart?" the Empress suddenly asked.

"With her status as a mere concubine, how dare she concern the Emperor?" Jianqiu said disdainfully. "Your Majesty, you are the one in the Emperor's heart. Look how tender the Emperor was just now. He is thinking of the old days we spent together in the Prince's Palace."

Upon hearing this, the Empress nodded slightly and let out a long sigh.

"Have you already taken care of things with the Xia family?"

"Your Majesty, arrangements have been made," Jianqiu replied.

"After all, Xia has only been in the palace for a short time, and she doesn't know as much about things as the older generation. Have the nannies give her some pointers," the Empress instructed, adjusting her shawl.

"Of course, this servant will certainly give instructions. Your Majesty, it's getting cold, let's go back."

"Ok".