Madam Tantai left the imperial palace.
At the same time, Eunuch Deshun delivered the seal for managing the imperial harem to Yongning Palace. There were two such seals in the harem—one held by Consort Lu Xuan, and the other now in Shen Wei's possession.
The Internal Affairs Office sent over all the account ledgers for the harem.
Without needing Shen Wei's instructions, Cai Lian, Cai Ping, and Nanny Rong had already organized their respective duties and began handling harem affairs in an orderly manner.
Shen Wei toyed with the small seal in her hand. Carved from white jade, it took the shape of a phoenix spreading its wings. Though tiny, it represented the highest authority in the harem.
Resting her chin on her hand, Shen Wei murmured to herself, "I must find a way to take the one in Consort Lu Xuan's possession."
Two tigers cannot share one mountain—there was no logic in two people jointly managing the harem. The power and wealth of the inner palace had to be firmly grasped in her own hands.
According to Shen Wei's intelligence, Lu Xuan was already pregnant, though she had yet to announce it.
Since Lu Xuan was with child, and early pregnancy was a delicate period, she ought to prioritize the imperial heir rather than exhaust herself managing the harem.
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Wei instructed Cai Ping, "Go and summon Doctor Mo."
Cai Ping nodded briskly. "Right away, my lady."
...
...
Changxin Palace.
News of the Empress's "grave illness" reached Lu Xuan, who clutched the harem's account ledgers, her delicate willow-leaf brows furrowed.
She had assumed that with the Empress's downfall, the Emperor would entrust her with full authority over the harem.
Instead, he had elevated Consort Shen Wei to share the power.
Lu Xuan felt a pang of unease. Her slender fingers brushed over her still-flat abdomen.
Two months pregnant, the pregnancy was still unstable.
She had originally planned to announce her joyous news during the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, adding to the celebrations. But now that Shen Wei had taken half of the harem's authority, revealing her pregnancy might give Shen Wei the perfect excuse to seize the remaining power under the pretense of "prioritizing the imperial heir."
Lu Xuan fell into deep thought, her fingers tightening imperceptibly. "No, I must wait until the pregnancy stabilizes before announcing it."
She could not afford to relinquish her control over the harem.
With this authority, she had secured many benefits for the Lu family. Losing it would harm her family's interests.
Tomorrow, during the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet, she would have to keep a low profile.
...
...
The fifth day of the fifth month, just before dawn.
It was a day of rest—no court session to attend. Li Yuanjing remained in bed, the faint morning light filtering through the windows as he lazily kept his eyes closed.
Shen Wei's bedchamber was exceptionally comfortable—soft pillows, cloud-like quilts, and elegant gauze curtains in sight. A small table by the bed always held fresh flowers.
Li Yuanjing adored the relaxed and carefree atmosphere here, a place where he could wash away his weariness.
Though his eyes were shut, he was not deeply asleep. His mind was still somewhat alert, and he faintly sensed the bed shift as Shen Wei rose. She dressed quietly and slipped out of the chamber.
"Madam, you're up so early," Cai Lian whispered at the door.
Shen Wei pressed a finger to her lips. "Shh, keep your voice down. Don't disturb His Majesty. Let him sleep a little longer on this day of rest."
Cai Lian smiled. "Madam, you're so considerate of His Majesty."
Half-asleep, Li Yuanjing's lips curved slightly.
Some time later, the voices of Li Chengtai, Li Chengyou, and Le You drifted in from outside.
Li Yuanjing, a light sleeper, slowly opened his eyes. Pushing aside the bed curtains, he saw clear daylight spilling into the room through the lattice windows. The chamber was bright and fragrant.
From the neighboring room came the clinking of bowls and chopsticks.
Li Yuanjing rose and draped an outer robe over himself, dismissing the maids who usually attended to him. After dressing on his own, he walked toward the adjacent room.
The day had brightened, and the courtyard's crabapple blossoms blazed crimson. The door stood wide open, revealing Shen Wei and the three children seated at the table, enjoying longevity noodles.
Today, the fifth day of the fifth month, was the Empress Dowager's birthday—and also the birthday of Li Chengtai and Li Chengyou. Li Chengyou, with his hearty appetite, finished his bowl in no time and raised it eagerly. "Mother, I want another serving!"
Shen Wei chuckled and patted his head. "There’s more breakfast coming. Don’t stuff yourself too much."
Li Chengyou grinned. "Mother’s longevity noodles are delicious. I’ll just have noodles this morning!"
With a glance, Shen Wei signaled Cai Lian, who promptly refilled Li Chengyou’s bowl, arranging it meticulously.
The noodles Shen Wei made were not culinary masterpieces, but they were creative. She stretched the dough into strands, boiled them, fried eggs to accompany them, and carved words and patterns into carrot slices.
The carrot slices bore the characters for "Happy Birthday," along with carvings of little rabbits and tigers, all cooked together.
Finally, the noodles were drained, placed in bowls with a savory broth, and topped with eggs, the carved carrots, and blanched greens. The result was a visually appealing and tasty dish the children adored.
"Mother, Le You wants another bowl too—with a rabbit carrot!"
"Let’s bring a bowl to Grandmother later. She’ll love it!"
"Mother, I want the tiger one!"
The room brimmed with warmth and laughter.
Li Yuanjing stood at the doorway, watching the heartwarming scene. His heart felt as though brushed by a soft feather. In this moment, Shen Wei was not the Noble Consort, nor were the children imperial heirs—they were simply an ordinary mother and her children, living a peaceful and happy life.
Tranquil and beautiful.
If one day he were no longer emperor, he would want nothing more than to live such a simple, contented life with Shen Wei.
Le You, sharp-eyed, was the first to notice Li Yuanjing. She set down her bowl and dashed over. "Father, would you like some rabbit longevity noodles? They’re delicious! Mother’s rabbits are chubby and round!"
Li Yuanjing stroked his daughter’s soft hair. "I’d love some."
As he took his seat, Cai Lian brought him a freshly prepared bowl.
Shen Wei smiled, her eyes curving like crescents. "Your Majesty, try it. The greens were just picked from the garden—crisp and fresh."
Shen Wei no longer enjoyed gardening.
The vegetables and fruits in the courtyard were all planted by Li Yuanjing in his spare time.
Whenever Shen Wei craved something, she openly plucked his produce. Li Yuanjing pretended not to notice, even feeling an inexplicable sense of satisfaction.
After finishing the noodles, Le You had the kitchen prepare another beautifully arranged bowl. Her personal maid packed it into a food box, and Le You hurried off to Cining Palace to present it to her grandmother.
Once Le You had left, Li Yuanjing turned to his sons. "What would you like for your birthday?"
The boys exchanged glances.
Before Li Chengtai could speak, Li Chengyou eagerly raised his chubby hand. "Father, I want a horse! I want to learn to ride!"
Li Yuanjing nodded. "Granted."
Li Chengyou jumped for joy. "Thank you, Father! You’re the best!"
The child’s unreserved admiration pleased Li Yuanjing. In good spirits, he asked Li Chengtai, "And you? What would you like?"
Li Chengtai pressed his lips together, then lifted his face—so like his father’s—and said softly, "I don’t want anything. I just wish for Mother’s safety and peace."
Li Yuanjing: ...
