The sleeping chambers were silent. Eunuch Li, kneeling before the bed, dared not move, awaiting a word from the Empress Dowager. Suddenly, a palace maid entered from outside the hall and reported respectfully.
"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, Noble Consort and Miss Xinyue have arrived?"
"Summon them in."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, not moving from her seated position on the bed. After the maid left, she glanced at Eunuch Li. "Little Li, you may rise."
"Thank you, Your Ladyship."
Eunuch Li stood and retreated to the side.
Just as he settled, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from outside the hall, and two graceful figures drifted in.
Leading the way was Noble Consort. Her beautiful face was somewhat haggard, her eyes red-rimmed, clearly having cried that morning.
News of the Emperor favoring the Empress must have reached Weiyang Palace, a considerable blow to Noble Consort.
Noble Consort had been in the palace for half a year, and the Emperor had not set foot in Weiyang Palace even once. Unexpectedly, on the very night of his wedding to the Empress, he favored her. From this, it seemed the Emperor truly liked that infatuated woman.
Thinking of this, Chu Yuyan felt even more heartbroken.
What was she inferior to that woman in? Talented, graceful, and beautiful, a renowned talent in Lin'an City.
Yet, the Emperor did not choose her, but an infatuated girl.
She had originally thought he was using her against the Chu family. Now, it seemed he genuinely fancied that woman, otherwise, he wouldn't have favored her.
Ximen Xinyue, who had been standing behind Chu Yuyan, did not look any better. Upon hearing the news that morning, her heart had been troubled.
Though she knew it was normal for the Emperor to favor a woman, hearing it was different from imagining it. At this moment, she felt an urge to kill that woman with her own hands.
However, she was nothing now, so she could only hide that thread of hatred in her heart. One day, she would get her revenge.
"Your humble concubine (Xinyue) pays her respects to the Empress Dowager."
Both women greeted the Empress Dowager simultaneously.
The Empress Dowager's shrewd gaze swept over them, noticing the distressed expressions of the two women below.
Originally, only she was angry. Now, seeing others angry, the Empress Dowager surprisingly felt less so. Her expression eased considerably as she beckoned Chu Yuyan and Ximen Xinyue to sit beside her.
"Yuyan, what is wrong? Your eyes are so red," the Empress Dowager asked with maternal affection.
Hearing her words, Chu Yuyan's heart ached, almost making her cry again, but she held back. It wouldn't do to let her mother see her cry; it would imply narrow-mindedness, so she should endure.
The Emperor would have many other women in the future; she could only console herself this way.
"Mother, your concubine is fine."
"You," the Empress Dowager gently stroked Yuyan's dark hair, teaching her earnestly, "love the Emperor too much. Remember, there is no love in the royal family. The harem will have many women. The deeper you love, the more you will be hurt."
"Mother?" Chu Yuyan's heart ached deeply.
She truly loved the Emperor too much, to the point where no matter what he did, she was willing to wait patiently.
Even if he hadn't visited Weiyang Palace for half a year, she still thought positively, believing he would one day discover her worth and see her waiting for him.
Was there truly no love in this deep palace?
"Sister, please don't be sad. Actually, the Emperor is so handsome, a dragon among men. Even if he has a few women, it's not a big deal, as long as the Emperor can bestow his favor evenly."
Ximen Xinyue spoke gently. Her eyes were enchanting, with a hint of slyness, and a charming smile played on her lips.
The Empress Dowager was pleased with Ximen Xinyue's words and nodded, taking her hand.
"Yuyan, you are too rigid. Look at how well Xinyue behaves. As long as the Emperor bestows his favor evenly, it's not a big deal to have a few women. Don't think about love or romance. This is not like the outside world. If you think of such things, you shouldn't have entered the palace in the first place."
By the end of her speech, the Empress Dowager's tone carried a hint of disappointment, as if she wished Yuyan would stop being so naive.
She had always placed great hope in Yuyan. Her niece was intelligent and clever from a young age, and also beautiful. She had instructed her brother to cultivate her well from childhood, making her a renowned talent in Lin'an City.
But who knew that after entering the palace, her mind wouldn't open up at all? No matter how she hinted or suggested that Yuyan should be more strategic and win the Emperor's favor, the girl stubbornly waited, hoping the Emperor would notice her virtues.
This was simply too naive, and now she had suffered for it.
"Mother, your child understands," a tear rolled down Chu Yuyan's eye.
Her heart ached for her lost, sincere love.
Perhaps her aunt was right; there was no love in the imperial palace, and that man never loved her, not even condescending to glance at her.
She had always thought of resolving the strained relationship between him and the Chu family, but now it seemed all in vain.
"It's good that you understand. There will be opportunities in the future. As long as you listen to Mother, I will ensure the Emperor favors you."
The Empress Dowager spoke with hidden meaning, casting a glance at Ximen Xinyue. Ximen Xinyue's cheeks immediately flushed, and she quickly and obediently said, "Xinyue thanks the Empress Dowager."
"Good,"
The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction, her gaze absently drifting towards the palace entrance. Ximen Xinyue immediately noticed and, as if casually, remarked,
"The Empress should be paying her respects to the Empress Dowager. Why hasn't she arrived yet?"
Hearing her words, the Empress Dowager's expression turned somewhat cold, and she also glanced sideways at Ximen Xinyue.
Was this girl ignorant or too calculating? If she dared to play tricks under her nose, she wouldn't be polite.
"She was probably tired yesterday. Let the child sleep a bit longer."
The Empress Dowager appeared magnanimous, her words revealing no hint of displeasure.
Ximen Xinyue was somewhat disappointed but wisely said no more.
Speaking too much could lead to mistakes. In this palace, a single word could cause disaster; it was better to be cautious in everything.
Moreover, the Empress Dowager's words had made both women uneasy. Silence fell upon the sleeping chambers.
A palace maid entered from outside and announced, "Empress Dowager, two maiden candidates from Xiuxiu Palace wish to see the Empress Dowager."
"Xiuxiu Palace?" Both the Empress Dowager, Chu Yuyan, and Ximen Xinyue murmured in unison. They had indeed forgotten about those two women.
If they hadn't come, no one would have paid them any attention. The Empress Dowager, thinking of those two reckless women, her eyes flashed, and she pursed her lips, smiling.
"Let them in."
"Mother (Empress Dowager)," the two women called out simultaneously. Those two had not yet received the Emperor's favor. Was the Empress Dowager still going to keep them?