"It's been a long time since we've sat down and talked so peacefully," Consort An said. "Sit down!"
Xue Xingyue chuckled, "Isn't that the truth? Every time it's like a drawn sword, I've almost forgotten what your calm face looks like."
Consort An sighed, "Indeed. I'm like a tigress, always roaring."
"Consort An, your description is quite apt. You are indeed like a tigress at times."
Upon hearing this, Consort An suppressed her urge to get angry and said, "Xue Xingyue, you truly leave me no capacity to remain calm."
"Consort An, I plan to visit Jiangnan," Xue Xingyue said.
Consort An picked up her teacup upon hearing this and asked, "Has the capital become insufficient for you? Must you go to Jiangnan to develop?"
"Consort An, you know that the Jiang family in Jiangnan has always been your imperial brother's biggest worry. I want to resolve this worry for him."
"Xue Xingyue, you are a girl, not a man. Can't you consider yourself for once, instead of always considering him?" Consort An put down her teacup and said.
Xue Xingyue shook her head. "Consort An, that is impossible in this lifetime. My imperial brother is my absolute soft spot. Moreover, my actions are not solely for my imperial brother. Even if Tianyue ascends the throne, an unstable Jiangnan will remain a major concern."
Consort An said, "Wouldn't it be better for Tianyue to handle his own affairs? Why must you be so weary? Seeing you so tired sometimes makes me wonder if I should continue this charade. Xue Xingyue, I tell you, my heart aches every time I act against you. Do you understand?"
"Meng Wei, I apologize, but as you know, if we don't continue this, the court will not be stable. Our actions are for the sake of the Star Country and Tianyue's succession. Don't you want the country to be prosperous and peaceful after Tianyue ascends the throne?"
"I know, I know it all, but..."
"Meng Jia, when you entered the palace, I told you that imperial power is like this. Those closest to you, you must treat like enemies."
Consort An sighed and said, "I know this, but I'm still being sentimental here. In fact, you are the one who suffers the most. You don't know how often Tianyue tells me to treat his aunt well, that his aunt has it very hard. I can't say it, and I don't want to do this, but I can't voice these words. I fear that if I speak them, everything will have been in vain."
"Consort An, the road ahead will only be more difficult."
"I know, but I will not give up. Xue Xingyue, when I entered this palace, I decided that I would not be subservient to anyone. I want to fight for a world for Tianyue, it's as simple as that. Therefore, I see your weariness and your suffering, but I can't do anything for you, precisely because our goals are the same."
"Yes, so let's not say such sentimental things. Consort An, this is not like your usual character."
Consort An's gaze lowered slightly. "It won't happen again. It's just that after hearing about your wedding day, I've felt a bit unsettled."
"But it was quite effective, wasn't it? At least Jiang Xifeng came to seek peace."
"However, you must realize that his demand might be for Jiang Xiuyi to become Meng Jiangming's concubine."
"So what? I don't care about that anymore."
"Have you found any leads regarding the incident where you lost your chastity?" Consort An suddenly asked.
Xue Xingyue was taken aback by Consort An's question and choked. "Why are you bringing this up?"
Consort An said, "I was thinking earlier whether I should do something with this."
"Consort An, I'm telling you, you can do anything else, but not this," Xue Xingyue said in exasperation.
Consort An burst into laughter. "Actually, I did think about it, but then I thought, forget it, I'll let you off, you poor thing!"
"I'm telling you, discard that idea as soon as possible. I don't want imperial brother to know," Xue Xingyue said.
Consort An paused upon hearing this. "Don't worry, I just thought about it. I didn't actually do it. If I had, I would consider myself utterly shameless."
"You are inherently shameless," Xue Xingyue said, gritting her teeth, word by word.
Consort An laughed heartily. "The unpleasantness of these past few days has dissipated. Hurry along, isn't the Emperor summoning you?"
"Alright. Take care. I don't know when we'll be able to talk like this again, Consort An."
Consort An said, "Very soon."
Xue Xingyue nodded and then left.
Consort An watched her departing back, her expression a little forlorn.
"Mother Consort, you and Aunt..."
Consort An froze, then turned to look at the person behind her. She asked, "Did you hear everything?"
Xue Tianyue nodded. "Your son merely came to pay his respects to Mother Consort." He hadn't expected to overhear such momentous news, nor that his mother and aunt, who always seemed at odds, were merely pretending. This made him feel somewhat incredulous.
"Tian Yue, come here." Consort An reached out to beckon Xue Tianyue.
Xue Tianyue walked over and sat beside Consort An. Consort An said, "Your father's health has been poor. Although the court appears stable, it is in turmoil beneath the surface. There are very few loyal officials who can be relied upon. Otherwise, your aunt would not have been sent to guard Zhen Wuguan back then. However, what no one expected was that while your aunt held Zhen Wuguan, the increased military power she wielded destabilized the court. In desperation, your father arranged a marriage to quell the court's suspicions."
"Your aunt sacrificed her own happiness for the stability of the court. Tian Yue, since you've heard this, you know that your aunt has sacrificed a great deal for you and your father. If you ascend the throne one day, do not forget your aunt's contributions."
Xue Tianyue nodded and said, "Mother Consort, please rest assured, your son will not forget Aunt's contributions."
Consort An nodded. "However, you must continue to pretend you know nothing. Otherwise, our efforts will be in vain."
"Mother Consort, rest assured, Tian Yue understands." Xue Tianyue replied.
Xue Xingyue arrived at the imperial study and saw Xue Xingchen reviewing memorials. She stepped forward, picked up the cloak placed nearby, and draped it over him. Xue Xingchen looked at her and smiled, "Xingyue, you're here."
Xue Xingyue nodded. "Imperial brother, why are you still reviewing memorials so late?"
Xue Xingchen said, "Since I was waiting here anyway, I might as well look over some memorials."
"Imperial brother, you must take care of your health."
Xue Xingchen said, "Don't worry, imperial brother will take good care of himself. As for you..."
"Imperial brother, I am very well."
Xue Xingchen sighed. He said, "I just met with Jiang Xifeng."
"Imperial brother, I know. What conditions did he propose?" Xue Xingyue asked.
Xue Xingchen said, "On the premise that the Jiang family will henceforth serve me, he hopes that Jiang Xiuyi can join the Duke of Ning's manor as a favored concubine."
"I think this request is acceptable," Xue Xingyue said.