The last day of Consort De's mourning period arrived, and Nan Zhiyun came to pay her respects.
Yan Qing had not slept for a long time. When she heard the news, she slowly lifted her eyelids.
"Your Ladyship, Consort Shu is currently in high favor. It is likely you should still see her," Siying said, afraid that Yan Qing would dismiss Nan Zhiyun as she had others. Nan Zhiyun was not like the rest; the Emperor doted on her so much that a dismissal might invite unnecessary trouble.
"Please invite her in..." Yan Qing could barely speak now.
"Yes," Siying quickly went to usher her in.
When Nan Zhiyun entered, she almost didn't recognize Yan Qing in her current state. Her eyes were sunken, and her complexion was sallow. This was nothing like the aloof and noble Consort Yan from before.
"Your Ladyship..." Nan Zhiyun curtsied softly. She was also dressed in plain clothes today, without any excessive jewelry.
"I came to offer a stick of incense for Consort De," Nan Zhiyun said. Although Yu Jingchen did not wish for her to involve herself in such matters, Nan Zhiyun still felt it was appropriate to come and see.
"Consort Shu is very thoughtful," Yan Qing replied, her emotions showing little fluctuation.
Nan Zhiyun glanced aside, and Wenxi quickly brought the incense. Consort Shu was someone they could not afford to offend. However, given the current situation, it seemed Consort Shu might have some genuine sentiment, proving that one should not judge solely by appearances. But this much was sufficient.
Nan Zhiyun took the incense. She did not have strong feelings for Consort De; at least, Consort De had never annoyed her or kicked her when she was down. Therefore, she was willing to come this time.
"Your Ladyship should prioritize your health," Nan Zhiyun said after offering the incense.
"Yingyue feared loneliness the most. She loved liveliness, but where can one find liveliness in this palace? Only I remain. Those from the Lu family... their intentions are impure. As soon as Yingyue departed, they were already eager to send other daughters from their household.
Such a family is better off without. I can be Yingyue's only family." This was the most Yan Qing had spoken in days.
Nan Zhiyun did not know how to comfort her. In the end, she could only say, "Consort De must have felt fortunate to have a friend like Your Ladyship who was like family. However... the dead cannot be resurrected. Please, Your Ladyship, accept my condolences."
Yan Qing lowered her head and smiled, saying nothing. Nan Zhiyun did not wish to linger. Looking at Yan Qing kneeling on the ground, she felt a pang of sadness for reasons she couldn't articulate. Separation and death were indeed the most agonizing, especially for someone as important as herself.
Watching Nan Zhiyun's retreating figure, Yan Qing was momentarily lost in thought. The Emperor now doted on her so much... it truly made her envious.
Not long after Nan Zhiyun left, An Xin, following the Empress Dowager's decree, also came to bid farewell to Consort De.
"Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Dowager has asked this servant to offer a stick of incense to Consort De on her behalf. Your Ladyship, please accept our condolences," An Xin said, looking at Yan Qing.
"We are grateful for the Empress Dowager's kindness," Yan Qing replied, her expression remaining largely unchanged.
"Your Ladyship must also try to be strong. Consort De has passed away, but she surely would not wish to see you like this. It is not easy to find someone to talk to in the palace. In the future, if Your Ladyship wishes for company, perhaps Consort Shu can keep you some. Although Consort Shu does not socialize much, she is sincere towards others."
"She is young, and the Empress Dowager is always concerned. If Your Ladyship is around, the two of you can talk. Consort Shu is simple and kind, and can keep Your Ladyship company." An Xin's words held a subtle meaning, and Yan Qing glanced at her. An Xin smiled back before taking her leave.
Yan Qing looked in the direction An Xin had departed, her expression deepening. Consort Shu? Nan Zhiyun was truly fortunate, not only capturing the Emperor's heart but also having the Empress Dowager plan for her.
Perhaps... she should also take a gamble. After all, things couldn't possibly get worse.
Her Yingyue would not want her to continue like this. She had to find a way out for herself. The best path before her now was the Emperor, but... the Emperor was exclusively doting on Consort Shu, so... she had to take a chance.
In this harem, aside from the Emperor's favor, power and status were the most crucial. She occupied at least one of them, didn't she? Instead of waiting for doom, it was better to take the initiative.