Shen Wei set down the chrysanthemum in her hand and tugged at Li Yuanjing’s sleeve. "Your Majesty, accompany your concubine to the main hall to receive them."
Li Yuanjing refused to move, his handsome face brimming with amusement. "Today is a day of rest. Here, there is only a humble tea-picker—no emperor in sight."
Shen Wei was speechless.
Last time, she had disguised herself as a palace maid, and the two had indulged in an exhilarating roleplay. She wasn’t sure which nerve it had struck in Li Yuanjing, but ever since, he had taken great pleasure in assuming different identities during their private moments.
He truly loved to act.
But Shen Wei understood. The burdens of being emperor were heavy, and it was only with her that Li Yuanjing could cast aside restraint and be utterly carefree.
She casually shoved the half-plucked chrysanthemum into Li Yuanjing’s hands and said with mock seriousness, "In that case, remove all the stray leaves from these flowers."
Li Yuanjing’s expression softened. He wrapped an arm around Shen Wei’s slender waist, pressing a kiss to her lips, his voice husky. "As my noble consort commands."
Low laughter rippled across the pavilion.
Moments later, Cai Lian led a mother and daughter into the courtyard.
Through the translucent gauze curtains of the pavilion, Shen Wei received the pair.
"This humble wife/daughter pays respects to the Noble Consort." Concubine Zhao and Xie Fanghua greeted her with flawless etiquette, their practiced movements betraying countless rehearsals at home.
Li Yuanjing had no interest in these outsiders. His long, elegant fingers cradled a tribute chrysanthemum as he meticulously plucked away stray leaves.
Shen Wei reclined against the chaise lounge, her voice authoritative and stern. "Why is Lady Wu not present?"
The Xie Family’s matriarch was Lady Wu, yet it was Concubine Zhao and the second daughter, Xie Fanghua, who had come to the palace.
Concubine Zhao, nervous on her first visit to the palace, kept her head bowed. "Replying to the Noble Consort, the mistress is gravely ill and confined to her bed. The master and mistress long for Concubine Lan and specially sent this humble wife to convey their sorrow."
Shen Wei’s tone gave nothing away. "I see. Have physicians been summoned to treat her?"
Concubine Zhao replied, "Two imperial doctors were called, but her condition defies medicine. Even they are at a loss."
Shen Wei sighed, her voice tinged with sympathy. "How unfortunate for Lady Wu. The hour grows late. Since you have seen me, you should proceed to Huayang Palace to meet Concubine Lan without delay."
Xie Fanghua knelt beside her mother. Unlike the cautious Concubine Zhao, she was far bolder.
She dared to lift her gaze toward the intricately carved pavilion. The pale gossamer curtains swayed in the breeze, revealing only the Noble Consort’s silhouette—and beside her, the tall figure of a man.
Xie Fanghua’s heart clenched.
She realized at once: the emperor was here!
Her pulse raced.
The wind stirred, parting the gauze just enough to offer a fleeting glimpse of the Noble Consort and the emperor before the fabric fell back into place.
Xie Fanghua clutched her handkerchief tightly, frustration gnawing at her. The emperor had remained bent over whatever he held, never once looking up. How she wished he would raise his eyes and notice her!
Perhaps a single glance would leave an indelible impression.
But the emperor never looked.
With a pang of regret, Xie Fanghua lowered her head and followed Concubine Zhao out of Yongning Palace.
Once the pair had left, Shen Wei narrowed her eyes, studying Xie Fanghua’s retreating figure. The way she walked, her mannerisms, even her speech—all bore an uncanny resemblance.
After a moment’s thought, realization struck.
This girl was a carbon copy of her younger self!
How daring of Concubine Zhao to mold Xie Fanghua into a second Shen Wei.
With a sharp flick, Shen Wei tossed aside the unfinished chrysanthemum and ordered Cai Lian, "Send Doctor Mo to the Xie Family to treat Lady Wu. Winter approaches—she should recover in time for the new year."
Cai Lian bowed and hurried off.
Li Yuanjing set down the cleaned chrysanthemum petals and teased, "How charitable of you."
Shen Wei arranged the petals neatly and replied, "Last night, Your Majesty mentioned that Minister Wu of Jiangdong would soon arrive in the capital for his official report. Minister Wu is Lady Wu’s elder brother. By sending Doctor Mo, I merely extend a courtesy."
Li Yuanjing pulled her closer. "Ever the strategist."
Shen Wei preened like a praised kitten, her brows lifting in satisfaction.
Li Yuanjing mused, "The Wu family has kept a low profile these years."
The Wu patriarch was wise enough to feign simplicity, willingly relinquishing power and wealth. He avoided factional strife and even seemed inclined to pledge loyalty to Li Yuanjing. Pity that the Wu and Xie families were bound by marriage, thick as thieves.
Having dealt with the Tantai family, Li Yuanjing now set his sights on the Xie Family. Their downfall would inevitably drag the Wu family down with them.
His arm around Shen Wei, Li Yuanjing frowned, lost in thought.
...
...
The palace corridor stretched long before them, a palace maid leading the way as Concubine Zhao and Xie Fanghua followed.
Xie Fanghua’s heart still pounded. She whispered to Concubine Zhao, "Mother, Noble Consort Shen’s Yongning Palace is so extravagant—far grander than my quarters. And the emperor is so handsome."
Concubine Zhao replied, "A favored consort naturally enjoys the finest of everything. You are still young. Once you enter the palace and win his favor, your life will rival hers."
Xie Fanghua pressed her lips together, anticipation swelling.
Her fleeting glimpse of the Noble Consort had confirmed the rumors—Shen Wei was breathtakingly beautiful, her skin flawless, without a trace of age.
But the Noble Consort had borne three children. She was no longer young. Perhaps her beauty was mere artifice, her true face withered beneath the powder.
Xie Fanghua shared her looks—but with youth and freshness on her side.
Youth was her greatest weapon.
"Fanghua, mind your conduct when we reach Huayang Palace," Concubine Zhao warned again.
Xie Fanghua smirked. "I understand, Mother."
Playing the devoted sister?
She had mastered that act long ago.
After winding through the palace corridors, they finally arrived at Huayang Palace, Concubine Lan’s residence. Compared to the opulent Yongning Palace, it was decidedly lackluster.
Xie Fanghua’s lips curled in disdain.
Her elder sister remained as useless as ever.
"Mother! Mother, you’ve come at last!" A cheerful voice rang out as Concubine Lan rushed forward, her skirts fluttering.
But at the sight of the two women, her smile froze.
Concubine Lan faltered. "Aunt... Fanghua? Why are you here? Where is Mother?"
