Moxun cupped his hands and began performing a duet with Shen Wei: "If Consort Chen doubts my abilities, this humble official can demonstrate for Your Highness and the other noble ladies."
Zhang Miaoyu, never one to miss a chance for drama, eagerly chimed in: "Then take a look at Sister Meifei—what ailment does she suffer from?"
Liu Ruyan's face remained impassive, her peerlessly beautiful features betraying neither joy nor sorrow.
Moxun maintained a respectful demeanor, only daring to cast a fleeting glance at Liu Ruyan before immediately lowering his head, mindful of propriety between men and women.
With bowed head, he replied: "Consort Mei's complexion is sallow, her brows knit with melancholy, her lips devoid of color. She suffers from deficient spleen and stomach qi, compounded by severe bodily coldness. She ought to consume nourishing tonics daily, soak her feet, and massage her abdomen to recover fully."
The corner of Liu Ruyan's lips twitched downward as she remarked in a frosty tone: "You do possess some skill."
Her body was indeed cold—limbs perpetually chilled, her monthly cycles irregular.
Yet Liu Ruyan had no desire to seek treatment.
Without the emperor's love, whether she lived or died mattered little. She was but a willow catkin tossed by the wind, a winter plum crushed beneath snow—unnoticed, languishing in sickness.
Moxun then turned slightly, stealing a quick glance at Consort Shu, Lu Xuan.
A sudden sense of foreboding gripped Lu Xuan!
The next moment, Physician Mo's face lit up with astonishment as he proclaimed loudly: "Congratulations to the Empress Dowager, congratulations to Consort Shu! Joyous news! Truly joyous news!"
Lu Xuan's mind reeled; her teacup nearly slipped from her fingers as she instantly grasped the scheme.
This entire "diagnosis by observation" had been a trap orchestrated by Consort Chen—all to expose her pregnancy!
From behind the beaded curtain, the Empress Dowager inquired curiously: "What cause for celebration?"
Physician Mo announced: "This humble official observes that Consort Shu bears the countenance of one with child! This is indeed cause for great joy!"
The Empress Dowager gasped: "Can this be true?"
Moxun clarified: "Facial diagnosis reveals only surface symptoms. I dare request permission to examine Consort Shu's pulse directly."
Overjoyed, the Empress Dowager urged: "Quickly! Quickly! Examine her at once!"
Moxun obeyed respectfully, approaching Lu Xuan. Kneeling on a nearby cushion, he opened his medicine chest and withdrew a sheer silk cloth: "May Consort Shu rest her left hand upon the table, that I may conduct a thorough examination."
Lu Xuan clenched her handkerchief covertly.
What a cunning move by Consort Chen!
Caught completely unprepared, she'd been maneuvered into this predicament. Yet refusal was impossible—not with the Empress Dowager's explicit command and countless eyes watching. Forced to comply, she extended her right hand with a strained smile.
Moxun draped the silk over Lu Xuan's wrist, head bowed in concentration as he took her pulse.
Silence enveloped the chamber.
All awaited the verdict with bated breath.
Lu Xuan's expression remained flawlessly composed—a blend of skepticism, unease, and hopeful anticipation, as though genuinely unaware of her condition. In truth, her gaze lingered covertly on Moxun's face.
Handsome and youthful—this newly appointed palace physician clearly enjoyed Consort Chen's favor.
Lu Xuan vowed silently: One day, she would expose whatever past connected Consort Chen to this young physician, ensuring both met eternal ruin.
The examination concluded, Moxun beamed: "Congratulations again! The pulse confirms pregnancy—approximately two months along."
His tone then turned concerned: "However, Consort Shu's constitution is frail. Recent digestive discomfort and restless nights have rendered the pregnancy unstable. For the imperial heir's sake, Your Highness must rest thoroughly, avoiding agitation or overexertion."
Retrieving her hand, Lu Xuan forced a smile: "This palace understands. These past months of poor appetite, coupled with caring for Chengjue, left no occasion to summon physicians. Little did I imagine such tidings."
The Empress Dowager, visibly delighted, declared: "Today marks this old one's birthday, now doubly blessed by Consort Shu's news. Matron Qian, deliver my treasured Buddha-head feathered gauze cloak and two century-old ginseng roots to Changxin Palace. All attending servants there shall receive ten taels silver each."
Still unsatisfied, she added: "Select two seasoned physicians from the Imperial Hospital to examine Consort Shu every other day. Supervise all meals sent to Changxin Palace personally—not the slightest error permitted."
Such imperial favor toward Lu Xuan's unborn child sparked envy among the other consorts.
Concubine Lan lowered her head wistfully, touching her flat abdomen. The emperor rarely visited her chambers, and her past miscarriage had damaged her health.
When might she conceive again?
Her entire Xie Family pinned hopes on her womb. Should she remain barren much longer, they'd likely follow the Tantai Family's example—sending fresh maidens to court.
Clutching her teacup, Concubine Lan resolved silently: She must regain imperial favor, must reclaim her former consort rank. With the four consort positions occupied, only by toppling Consort Mei...
Each noblewoman nursed private calculations.
Shen Wei rose gracefully, addressing the Empress Dowager: "With Consort Shu burdened by pregnancy and palace affairs, she'll be stretched thin. The imperial heir takes precedence—this humble one volunteers to assume temporary stewardship."
Lu Xuan gritted her teeth, veiling fury beneath lowered lashes.
The "imperial heir's importance" left no room for refusal—for palace women existed foremost to breed royal offspring.
A pang of desolation struck her heart.
The Empress Dowager approved readily: "With Consort Shu expecting and the Empress indisposed, Consort Chen shall temporarily oversee the palace."
Noticing Zhang Miaoyu nibbling candied fruit, she added: "Consort Yu, your lengthy tenure qualifies you to assist Consort Chen."
Shen Wei understood: The Empress Dowager's inclusion of Zhang Miaoyu mitigated scrutiny, as Shen Wei's own two-month return might raise doubts about her administrative familiarity.
Though Zhang Miaoyu's role was nominal, true authority remained with Shen Wei.
Rising gracefully, Shen Wei bowed: "This humble one thanks the Empress Dowager's trust. Sister Miaoyu and I shall manage palace matters diligently."
Mid-snack, Zhang Miaoyu nearly choked.
What? Dragged into this?
She had no desire to govern! Endless ledgers wearied her—she merely wished to cling to Shen Wei's coattails, lazing as a carefree palace goldbricker.
Yet none refused the Empress Dowager. Forced upright, Zhang Miaoyu mumbled: "This humble one obeys... grateful for Your Highness's confidence."
The birthday banquet concluded harmoniously. As the Empress Dowager departed, noblewomen dispersed from Qinghua Hall.
Moonlight bathed the palace pathways; lantern glow cast sharp silhouettes against walls and tiles—serpentine shadows that flickered briefly before vanishing.
Lu Yun lingered, accompanying her sister Lu Xuan back to Changxin Palace.
The residence blazed with light.
The Empress Dowager's gifts flowed incessantly: pregnancy tonics, summer silks, winter brocades—all imperial-grade luxuries beyond even a dukedom's daughter's regular access.
Lu Yun's eyes shone with longing. Merely by conceiving, her sister commanded such bounty and imperial regard.
She too yearned for such glory.
At the palace gates, Lu Yun tugged her sister's sleeve pleadingly: "Elder Sister, I don't wish to return to Yunzhou. Let me stay at Changxin Palace with you."
