During this period, apart from paying extra attention to Song Shihuan’s health, Mei Zhilin showed no other unusual behavior.
Song Shihuan, clear-minded as a mirror, pretended to be completely unaware of the matter.
Those around her attended to her with even greater care. Yingchun meticulously prepared meal plans in advance, while Baoxia taught Song Shihuan simple exercises daily based on her physical condition.
Song Shihuan recovered at an astonishing speed.
Meanwhile, in Kunning Palace...
"Your Majesty, the Empress, Physician Mei now visits the Qin Prince’s Mansion every day. What kind of spectacle is this?" The speaker was Consort Hui, mother of Prince Chu, Song Feng.
Hearing this, Consort Mei’s eyes darkened. Like Prince Chu, her own son, Prince Qi, also had a daughter—as did the Eastern Palace, which had Princess Fuyun.
Yet the Emperor doted on an outsider as if she were a treasure.
The Successor Empress was also deeply dissatisfied with Emperor Yuanyou’s decree, but she forced a gentle smile. "You are all seasoned members of the palace. You know the Emperor’s temperament—who among you dares to voice even half a word of dissent before him?"
"Your Majesty, we’ve come to seek your help!"
Consort Mei dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. "Xiyao has cried herself to sleep many times in Prince Qi’s mansion, saying her imperial grandfather doesn’t love her. She’s so young and has never suffered such humiliation before."
"Our Xiling feels the same way."
The Successor Empress feigned a sigh. "This Empress has tried to advise His Majesty, but his heart is set on favoring that child, Shihuan. I nearly provoked his anger..."
"How outrageous!" Consort Hui, being more straightforward, snapped. "This concubine has served in the palace for decades and has never seen His Majesty act like this. That girl must have bewitched him!"
"Not long ago, the Crown Princess took Xiyan to the Qin Prince’s Mansion to help discipline insolent servants, yet for some reason, Prince Qin entered the palace and lodged a complaint against the Eastern Palace." The Successor Empress wore a sorrowful expression. "His Majesty showers the Qin Prince’s Mansion with endless rewards, yet he gave Xiyan nothing but a copy of Admonitions for Women."
"How ungrateful! That child knows no gratitude." Even Consort Mei couldn’t hold back.
"Indeed. So this Empress is at a loss. You must each find your own ways to handle this."
After Consort Hui and Consort Mei left with their own schemes in mind, the Successor Empress finally turned to Lady Xu, the lawful wife of Xu Jinruo, who had remained silent all this while.
"Had it not been for the Xu family last time, the Eastern Palace might have faced imperial censure." The Successor Empress waved her hand. "Fetch the newly acquired furs and present them to my niece-in-law."
"Th-This... many thanks, Your Majesty." Lady Xu was overwhelmed. When palace attendants summoned her, she feared punishment for her mother’s missteps—yet instead, she received a reward.
"The Eastern Palace and this Empress can only rely on the Xu family now."
Lady Xu was overjoyed.
Truly, her husband had made the right choice.
After the conversation, Lady Xu left Kunning Palace in high spirits—only then did the Successor Empress’s expression darken.
"Your Majesty, do not let anger harm your health."
The Successor Empress scoffed. "The Emperor dared to give Xiyan Admonitions for Women, proving he no longer values the Eastern Palace. He believes every word Song Yu says. Chen Chi, before Song Shihuan appeared, His Majesty was never like this."
"Your Majesty means... to eliminate Princess Fu’an."
"Last time, Yan Zheng failed because this Empress didn’t know the Emperor had assigned two maids to that girl—one of whom knows medicine." A venomous glint flashed in the Successor Empress’s eyes. "If we let that girl grow stronger, she’ll become a serious threat."
"Should this servant—"
"No. First, test the Xu family’s loyalty."
She had already hinted strongly enough—Lady Xu should have understood.
After all, with the debt of her sister’s life-saving grace, the Emperor would never punish the Xu family.
......
Eastern Palace.
"Xiyan, we’ve received word from Her Majesty the Empress."
These days, Song Xiyan had visibly withered, especially after Emperor Yuanyou silently bestowed Admonitions for Women upon her—a devastating blow.
"Has Her Majesty decided to act?" Song Xiyan asked urgently. "When will Song Shihuan die?"
"Xiyan, Her Majesty says we must not act rashly. Let the Xu family take the first step." Song Yanzheng patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Last time, we were too hasty..."
"Elder Brother, Mother no longer suspected me, but after Imperial Grandfather’s punishment, she hasn’t visited me in days." Song Xiyan’s voice trembled with tears. "Every time I think of it, my heart aches. Song Xiling and Song Xiyao must be laughing behind my back."
"Don’t worry."
Song Yanzheng smirked. "I’ve spoken with Aunt Xu. She said the Xu family will teach Song Shihuan a lesson first—to vent your anger."
"Soon, Her Majesty will suggest sending that wild girl to the women’s academy. Then you can outshine her like a swan beside an ugly duckling." Seeing a faint smile return to Song Xiyan’s face, he relaxed slightly. "How could Imperial Grandfather keep favoring a talentless outsider?"
"You’re right, Elder Brother."
......
Beneath the calm surface, turbulent undercurrents raged.
Nearly all eyes were fixed on the Qin Prince’s Mansion.
"Finally, I can go out and explore. I’ve never properly seen the capital." For once, Song Shihuan displayed a childlike eagerness, her movements lively as she boarded the carriage.
Baoxia followed closely, while the matron took her place beside the carriage.
"Your Highness, His Highness the Prince said you may buy whatever you fancy today—even a shop if it catches your eye."
Song Shihuan gazed lazily through the window at the bustling streets, a relaxed smile on her lips.
After about half an hour, the carriage abruptly halted, and Song Shihuan frowned.
"Your Highness, it’s the favored concubine of the Xu family’s eldest master."
Hearing the matron’s words, Song Shihuan pondered briefly. "Since she’s Uncle Xu’s beloved, we’ll yield."
Though displeased, the matron instructed the coachman to steer aside.
But the woman in the opposite carriage flung open the curtain and stormed out. "Who dares block the Xu family’s way? Come out and beg for forgiveness!"
As Song Shihuan opened the window to respond, a whip lashed through the air—aimed straight at her face.
"Your Highness, watch out!"
Baoxia swiftly shielded Song Shihuan, taking the blow herself.
Instantly, an icy aura radiated from Song Shihuan.
"Baoxia, bring her before me."
Lin Jiao’er, seeing she had missed her target, raised her whip again—only to be subdued by Baoxia in the next moment.
"How dare you! Do you know who the Xu family is?" Lin Jiao’er snarled.
Baoxia grinned widely. "The Xu family? I wasn’t aware the Xu family had someone like you as their mistress."
"You—!" Lin Jiao’er struggled violently.
"Strike my mistress and think you can flee?"
