Some of the people above, she knew, while others were strangers. However, all the men present were exceptionally handsome.
She had once believed Shen Yun Xuan to be the most handsome man she had ever met. Now, seeing this portrait, she realized there were men even more comely than him.
Amidst the handsome men sat a young girl. Her features were exquisitely beautiful, her eyes as clear as water.
At this moment, she noticed that all the people in the portrait were looking towards the girl. Her heart gave an involuntary lurch.
Whether it was her imagination or not, she felt that Shen Yun Xuan in the portrait was gazing at the girl with immense tenderness.
She couldn't help but step back, bumping into the chair behind her and creating a considerable noise.
In her panic, she quickly righted the chair and looked towards the bed. Shen Yun Xuan had not woken up. She let out a sigh of relief and placed the portrait back in its original position.
She walked to the bedside. Shen Yun Xuan on the bed had his brows furrowed, appearing troubled. She couldn't resist reaching out to smooth his brow, but as she got closer, he suddenly grabbed her hand.
Madam Zhou was startled. She tried to pull her hand away, but found she couldn't budge it. "My lord, please let go..."
"Ning An, I won't let go..."
Shen Yun Xuan murmured, and in the profound silence of the room, Madam Zhou heard every word.
She was taken aback. This was the second time she had heard Shen Yun Xuan utter the name Ning An. The first time was when he was drunk and with her.
Back then, she had been consumed by jealousy. He was with her, yet calling out another's name. She had been driven to madness by her envy and had sent people to search for anyone with that name, but to no avail.
Later, she had found a measure of peace, thinking perhaps it was a family member, or a departed relative.
But now, she was certain that this Ning An must be the girl in the portrait. Yet, she couldn't understand why she couldn't find her.
It wasn't until much later that her hand was finally released, and Madam Zhou regained her freedom.
She left the room, instructing the servants to take good care of him.
"Madam, what's wrong?" Hong Yan noticed Madam Zhou seemed amiss and couldn't help but ask.
Madam Zhou shook her head. Her heart was in turmoil. She had decided to be open and honest, to live a good life with Shen Yun Xuan. But the sudden appearance of Ning An made her hesitate.
"Hong Yan, I'm tired and want to rest," Madam Zhou said, returning to her room and burying herself under the covers.
In the imperial palace, Wen Yu Xi was on the verge of losing his temper. Looking at Feng Ling Er, who lay pale on the bed, he felt an indescribable emotion.
He could never have imagined that someone would dare to assassinate the Empress in broad daylight. Fortunately, Shen Yun Xuan had reacted quickly and shielded Feng Ling Er from a sword, otherwise, Feng Ling Er would likely be in a far worse state.
However, the only fortunate thing was that Feng Ling Er had not revealed any flaws. But it was likely that someone had begun to harbor suspicions, prompting the dispatch of an assassin to expose the fake Empress.
"Lord Wen..."
Wen Yu Xi started and turned to see Feng Ling Er waking up. The anguish in his heart vanished instantly. He hurried forward and asked, "Do you feel any better? Does anything still hurt?"
Feng Ling Er shook her head. "I'm fine. The most serious blow was blocked by Lord Shen."
Wen Yu Xi breathed a sigh of relief. "You shouldn't attend the morning court tomorrow."
"No, I must go. They have clearly begun to suspect. I cannot afford not to be there," Feng Ling Er said, supporting herself with her arm, each word spoken with determination.
"But you are injured now, you won't be able to last until the end of the morning court," Wen Yu Xi stated.
"The more critical the moment, the less we can afford to be careless. Trust me, I can do it," Feng Ling Er said, looking up at Wen Yu Xi, her gaze resolute.
Wen Yu Xi nodded. "Alright, but this time you must listen to everything I say."
Feng Ling Er nodded. "Okay."
The next day, as the morning court began, Wen Yu Xi waited for Feng Ling Er at Chang Ning Palace. When Feng Ling Er emerged from her chambers, Wen Yu Xi was taken aback. Today, Feng Ling Er wore only a thin veil over her face.
Anyone who came close could see her features. Although the resemblance was striking, Feng Ling Er was, after all, not Xue Zi Ning.
"Ling Er, why aren't you wearing your veiled hat?" Wen Yu Xi inquired.
"Are there any flaws?" Feng Ling Er asked.
Wen Yu Xi shook his head. "Let's go. We'll act according to the situation."
Outside Chang Ning Palace stood Shen Yun Xuan, his face somewhat pale. Wen Yu Xi walked up to him and said, "Why aren't you resting at your residence?"
Shen Yun Xuan smiled faintly. "With you alone, I feared you might not be able to handle today."
Wen Yu Xi did not engage in pleasantries. If this were his Thousand Gold Pavilion, he would have unhesitatingly killed anyone who disobeyed, making an example of them.
However, this was not the Thousand Gold Pavilion, and he could not simply kill at will. The disputes and talk would be left to Shen Yun Xuan and his father.
Shen Yun Xuan turned to look at Feng Ling Er behind Wen Yu Xi. For some reason, he felt that Feng Ling Er seemed subtly different today, though he couldn't pinpoint why.
"Lord Shen, you are truly dedicated. To insist on attending the morning court with such serious injuries is a loyalty unmatched by many," said Minister of Works, Sun Zhi Yuan, shaking his head.
"Thank you for your praise, Minister Sun. As a subject, loyalty is something everyone here should possess," Shen Yun Xuan replied calmly.
Sun Zhi Yuan smiled. "Lord Shen speaks the truth. We should all learn from Lord Shen."
"I dare not, I dare not," Shen Yun Xuan responded.
Sun Zhi Yuan's gaze shifted. He watched Shen Yun Xuan's departing back with a cold smile.
"Are you ready?" asked Minister of Rites, Lin Feng.
Sun Zhi Yuan replied, "Rest assured, everything is prepared."
"If there are matters to report, step forward. Otherwise, the court is dismissed."
"I have something to report." Sun Zhi Yuan stepped out.
"What is it?" Wen Yu Xi asked.
Sun Zhi Yuan declared, "I wish to impeach Minister of Justice, Lord Shen."
Wen Yu Xi's gaze flickered. "Minister Sun, are you certain you wish to impeach Lord Shen?"
"Yes, I impeach Lord Shen for betraying trust and toying with a young girl's affections."
Wen Yu Xi's eyes grew cold. "Minister Sun, you must be accountable for your words."
"Lord Wen, I, this official, will take responsibility for what I have said." Sun Zhi Yuan affirmed.
Just as Shen Yun Xuan was about to speak, Wen Yu Xi stopped him. "Where is the evidence? His Majesty will not simply believe Minister Sun's one-sided account."
"Your Majesty, I implore for the involved party to be brought forth," Sun Zhi Yuan said slowly, addressing the Empress on the throne.
Before Wen Yu Xi could formulate a reply, the person on the throne spoke, "Agreed."
"Bring the person to court." Sun Zhi Yuan instructed Minister Lin.
Lin Feng nodded and walked out.
"Ling Er, you were rather reckless," Wen Yu Xi couldn't help but chide.
"They are targeting Lord Shen. If we refuse them, they will likely find other ways to make you comply."
Wen Yu Xi knew Feng Ling Er was not wrong. For now, they could only take things one step at a time.
A moment later, Minister Lin entered with several people.
Wen Yu Xi sensed a change in Shen Yun Xuan's aura and frowned, asking, "Don't tell me you actually have problems?"
Shen Yun Xuan looked at the approaching figures and said, "They are indeed coming for me."