Luo Lingyi finished giving instructions and looked up at Lu Mei, who had not yet retreated. "Is there anything else?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince has summoned Yu Liuniang to the palace. She is currently in Concubine Mo's palace," Lu Mei said cautiously.
Ever since Her Ladyship and Yu Mingyue parted on bad terms, they had ceased contact. The last time Yu Liuniang came of age, Her Ladyship had merely sent a gift of moderate value through a palace servant.
This time, Yu Liuniang had not paid her respects upon entering the palace but had gone directly to see Concubine Mo. If Yu Liuniang were to side with Concubine Mo, then Her Ladyship would have to be on guard.
Luo Lingyi lowered her gaze, her expression very calm. "They grew up together; it's not unusual for them to meet when entering the palace."
Mo Yuxi had nearly died during childbirth that day. On the brink of death, the person she wanted to see was not a member of the Mo family but Yu Mingyue. She had reportedly kept calling out "Liuniang, Liuniang."
Yu Mingyue was now an official, not a member of the Mo family. If Mo Yuxi, a consort, summoned an official to the palace, it could be seen as interference in state affairs. Therefore, it had to be the Crown Prince who extended the invitation.
"Your Ladyship, are you truly not planning to reconcile with her?"
In Lu Mei's view, when Luo Lingyi was at her most difficult, only Yu Liuniang was willing to offer assistance. They were friends through thick and thin. Now, one was the Crown Princess, and the other was a fifth-rank official, yet they had grown distant.
Luo Lingyi remained silent for a long time. There was no right or wrong between them. If anything, she was the one who had wronged Yu Liuniang.
Yu Liuniang had been forthright from beginning to end, while Luo Lingyi, though she admired her, had harbored intentions of using her, especially last time.
However, it was perhaps for the best this way.
They each walked their own paths, and there was no need to worry about hindering each other.
"We never broke off relations, so what reconciliation are you speaking of?"
Lu Mei looked at Luo Lingyi, puzzled. If they hadn't broken off relations, why were they no longer in contact?
However, she ultimately did not ask and simply said "Yes," taking the ledger and withdrawing.
...
At this moment, Yu Mingyue was in Mo Yuxi's palace. Mo Yuxi had just given birth and was still somewhat weak, appearing listless.
"Liuniang," Mo Yuxi seemed to come alive the moment she saw Yu Mingyue, her eyes regaining their sparkle.
Xiao Che had summoned Yu Mingyue to the palace without informing Mo Yuxi beforehand; this was a surprise for her.
"Your Ladyship," as there were maids present, Yu Mingyue first bowed respectfully.
"Please rise," Mo Yuxi extended her hand. Yu Mingyue quickly stepped forward and took her hand. Mo Yuxi then asked the palace servants to withdraw, leaving only Yu Mingyue to speak.
"Liuniang," tears welled up as Mo Yuxi began to speak.
She had thought she wouldn't survive, but she still couldn't bear to leave. She wanted to see him one more time. As long as he hadn't returned to the capital safely, she would always feel guilty.
She just wanted to see him.
"Yuxi, the wet nurses say one shouldn't cry during confinement. Don't cry," Yu Mingyue said, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief.
Why was it that others gained weight during pregnancy, but she looked even thinner than before?
Mo Yuxi nodded. "I am happy."
"Where is the little imperial grandson? Let me see if he resembles you," Yu Mingyue said.
She heard that His Majesty was extremely pleased and personally bestowed a name, indicating the great hopes placed upon this child.
Mo Yuxi's tone lacked the joy of a new mother. "He doesn't resemble me. The wet nurse just fed him, and he's asleep. I'll have her bring him."
"Don't disturb the little imperial grandson's sleep. I can see him next time," Yu Mingyue quickly stopped her.
"He just eats and sleeps; he's not noisy or fussy."
"It seems he takes after you, possessing a quiet and steady temperament," Yu Mingyue said, trying to comfort Mo Yuxi, who seemed unenthusiastic.
"Liuniang, I heard that a spy from Tubo escaped from the Dali Temple. Is something going to happen at Yumenguan?" Mo Yuxi's grip on Yu Mingyue's hand tightened, her eyes filled with worry.