An Wang paused and looked at Consort Yun, asking, "Did you invite her?"
Consort Yun shook her head. "This concubine did not invite her, but she did come to see this concubine yesterday of her own accord."
"See her less in the future," An Wang said coldly, and then stood up as if to leave.
Seeing this, Consort Yun quickly said, "Your Highness, are you leaving already?"
"Prepare the imperial carriage back to the palace!" a voice from behind An Wang announced.
Consort Yun's expression turned unpleasant. She knew that any woman resembling the late Empress would surely attract the King's attention, and such a woman should not remain in the palace.
Xue Zi Ning saw An Wang emerging from Anping Palace and was surprised to encounter him there.
An Wang also saw her and asked, "May I ask what business Miss A Ning has here?"
"I heard it was Consort Yun's birthday, and I merely wished to offer my congratulations," Xue Zi Ning said slowly.
An Wang heard this and replied, "Consort Yun is not familiar with Miss A Ning. It would be best for Miss A Ning not to disturb Consort Yun."
Xue Zi Ning smiled. "You used to call her Your Majesty with such respect, but now you don't even call her that?"
An Wang looked at her coldly. "Miss A Ning, the Empress is far away in the capital and not here with me. I assume Miss A Ning has misheard and misseen."
"So, not only can An Wang lie, but he is also blind."
Xue Zi Ning said coldly.
An Wang did not get angry. "Miss A Ning, this time you have insulted me so, and I will not punish you. But if there is a next time, do not blame me for being impolite."
With that, An Wang flicked his sleeve and left.
Xue Zi Ning narrowed her eyes and said to Rong Cui, "Go and fetch the cloak from my sleeping chambers. I am feeling a bit cold."
Rong Cui was startled. "Your Majesty, we are almost at Anping Palace. Perhaps…"
"Are you suggesting I make do?" Xue Zi Ning looked at Rong Cui with a cold gaze.
Rong Cui trembled all over and quickly knelt. "Your Majesty misunderstands. This servant did not mean that."
After Rong Cui left, Xue Zi Ning did not wait in place but proceeded directly to Anping Palace. There were palace maids guarding the entrance. Seeing her approach alone, one of them couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Which palace's maid are you? Do you know where this is?"
Xue Zi Ning nodded. "I naturally know this is Anping Palace. Please ask your esteemed sister to go in and report that Miss A Ning has come to pay her respects to Her Highness."
The palace maid sized up Xue Zi Ning. "You?"
Xue Zi Ning nodded. "You can go in and say that."
The palace maid pondered for a moment. She was not as arrogant as before. Observing the young lady's demeanor, she seemed to be no ordinary person, much less a palace maid. It was best not to offend her easily. It was just a matter of going in to report; whether she would be seen was up to Her Highness.
"Wait here. I will go report to Her Highness. Whether you are seen depends on Her Highness's decision." After speaking, the palace maid went in and soon emerged with someone behind her.
"Miss A Ning."
Only then did Xue Zi Ning see clearly that it was Yun Duan Hai following the palace maid.
"Young Master Yun," Xue Zi Ning greeted with a slight nod.
Yun Duan Hai looked at the fair and lovely young lady before him, his eyes lighting up. He stepped forward and said, "I am truly delighted that you could come."
"Duan Hai, you are so eager. It must be the woman you fancy, isn't it?" a voice came from inside.
Then, another voice chimed in, "Please do not mock me, Your Highness. Your humble subject has never seen him look like this either."
"She must be someone he likes," Consort Yun said as she walked out, her gaze falling upon the young lady behind Yun Duan Hai.
Although she could not see her clearly, she sensed that the girl was elegant and dignified.
"As long as she is from a reputable family, it is fine if Duan Hai likes her. At most, we will find him a strong wife for the Young Master's family," Consort Yun said.
Duchess Yun nodded. "Your Highness speaks wisely."
"Duan Hai, bring the woman you fancy over so Her Highness can have a look," Duchess Yun said.
Yun Duan Hai turned and saw Consort Yun and Duchess Yun. His face flushed. "Aunt, Mother, why have you come out?"
Duchess Yun smiled. "Her Highness and I both wish to see what the woman you fancy looks like. Since you have found her and brought her here, quickly bring her over to see."
Upon hearing this, Yun Duan Hai did not refuse. After a few words with the young lady behind him, he led her over. For some reason, looking at the way the girl walked, a bad premonition arose within him.
Yun Duan Hai approached Consort Yun and said, "Aunt, you may call her A Ning."
Consort Yun stepped forward and took the young lady's hand, saying, "A Ning…"
Before she could finish, Consort Yun's expression turned quite unpleasant. "How can it be you?"
"Your Highness," Xue Zi Ning said faintly.
"This palace does not consent," Consort Yun said coldly, shaking Xue Zi Ning's hand away.
Duchess Yun did not understand why Consort Yun had suddenly become so enraged. She thought this young lady was quite good.
"Aunt, you promised me that as long as I liked her, you would agree," Yun Duan Hai called from behind Consort Yun.
Consort Yun heard this and became angry, pointing at Yun Duan Hai and saying in exasperation, "This palace did say that, but look who you are accustomed to. She… she…"
Duchess Yun was not foolish. Hearing Consort Yun's words, she seemed to be hinting at something. She approached Yun Duan Hai and asked, "Duan Hai, tell your mother, who exactly is this young lady?"
Yun Duan Hai replied, "Mother, why are you the same as Aunt? Can I not have what I like fulfilled?"
"Your Highness, what exactly is going on?" Duchess Yun asked Consort Yun, seeing that Yun Duan Hai would not tell her.
Consort Yun gritted her teeth and asked Xue Zi Ning, "Where do you live?"
"Anning Palace," Xue Zi Ning replied, looking up at Consort Yun.
Duchess Yun was startled. She looked up at Xue Zi Ning and suddenly took several steps back. "The… late Empress…"
Consort Yun gave a look, and a palace maid stepped forward and whispered, "Duchess, speak with caution!"
Duchess Yun immediately understood and, feeling a trace of fear, covered her mouth and said no more.
"Duan Hai, come in." Consort Yun then walked towards her sleeping chambers.
Duchess Yun looked at Yun Duan Hai. "Duan Hai, come in quickly."
"You go in!" Xue Zi Ning said. She knew things would not end so quickly.
Yun Duan Hai leaned closer. She instinctively retreated. Yun Duan Hai did not press forward but said, "I investigated what you asked me to. It may contain hallucinogenic ingredients."
Xue Zi Ning blinked. "Hallucinogenic?"
Yun Duan Hai nodded. "Yes. Stay away from such incense in the future. Prolonged inhalation may cause hallucinations."
Xue Zi Ning nodded. "I understand. I will be careful, Young Master Yun. Thank you."
Yun Duan Hai paused for a moment, then smiled. "I am willing to do this."
"Go in. This method will not work," Xue Zi Ning said.
"I want to try," Yun Duan Hai said, looking up at her with an unprecedented brightness.