Yu Jingchen found Nan Zhiyun’s protective stance headache-inducing. Why hadn't he considered this earlier?
"Yun'er, how about we choose another one?" Yu Jingchen couldn't force her, so he could only try to negotiate.
"No," Nan Zhiyun refused decisively. Yu Jingchen’s head throbbed. He looked at the cat again. If Nan Zhiyun really didn't want to switch, there was nothing he could do.
At worst, he could start with this cat. Besides the palace maids, everyone else in the palace… Therefore, this cat could still be used in such a way.
Seeing Yu Jingchen's gaze, Xiao Lingdang flinched and nestled into Nan Zhiyun's embrace. Of course, it couldn't have imagined that its very action would only solidify Yu Jingchen's resolve…
"Then we won't switch," Yu Jingchen conceded.
"Really?" Nan Zhiyun hadn't expected it to be so easy.
"Mmm," Yu Jingchen agreed.
"Then tonight…" Nan Zhiyun’s words were cut short by Yu Jingchen before she could finish.
"No, doesn't it have a place to sleep?" Yu Jingchen's attitude was much firmer this time. Nan Zhiyun dared not ask further. Yu Jingchen, however, found the cat increasingly displeasing to his eye.
Jiang Ji watched the interaction between the two, lowered his head, a thoughtful glint in his eyes, as if pondering something.
Ci'an Palace
The Empress Dowager sat regally in the upper seat. An Xin brought over a bowl of medicine.
"Empress Dowager, it's time to take your medicine." An Xin placed the tray down and took out the bowl of medicine. The Empress Dowager glanced at it. It was dark and unappealing. She didn't feel like drinking it.
"Take it away. It's of no use. I won't drink it," the Empress Dowager waved her hand and said.
"Empress Dowager, this was sent by the Imperial Preceptor." An Xin tried to persuade her. Although she didn't know what was wrong with the Empress Dowager, she was keenly aware of her declining health… something was definitely wrong. She was worried, but she had no other options.
She knew the Imperial Preceptor's attitude towards Her Ladyship and his capabilities. No matter the situation, the Imperial Preceptor would never harm Her Ladyship.
"As I said, I won't drink it. Take it away." This medicine was to treat her gradual loss of taste. Honestly, it was effective. But… she no longer wanted to bother.
"Empress Dowager, please drink it. If you absolutely refuse, then this servant will have to inform Master Gu." An Xin was at her wit's end.
"An Xin, you seem to have forgotten your place. Why are you bringing him up to pressure me?" the Empress Dowager chided.
"Empress Dowager, please do not be angry. This servant has no other choice. You must consider your own health," An Xin, having served the Empress Dowager closely, knew of her changes intimately.
The Empress Dowager pinched her temples. Finally, with no other recourse, she took the bowl of medicine and drank it all in one gulp. The medicine wasn't bitter, suggesting Gu Yin had taken this into account.
"Did His Majesty send Yun'er a cat today?" the Empress Dowager inquired.
"Yes, His Majesty had planned to send it a few days ago, but fearing there might be an issue with the cat, he specifically had someone observe it for a few days before sending it over," An Xin was also surprised by His Majesty's meticulousness.
"And Yun'er requested a eunuch specifically to care for the cat?" the Empress Dowager asked again.
"I heard it was the one who was previously by Lady Yin's side. His Majesty had intended to punish him, but Consort Shu interceded and spared his life," An Xin had fairly precise information regarding Nan Zhiyun's affairs.
"What is his name?" the Empress Dowager picked up a cup of water.
"Consort Shu bestowed the name Jiang Ji," An Xin replied.
Jiang Ji… the name was the same. The Empress Dowager took a sip of the tea in her cup. It was more astringent than before.
"The year is almost over, and it will be the Lantern Festival in two days. Will the Lantern Festival banquet be held?" the Empress Dowager changed the subject.
"When the Noble Consort previously sought instructions, His Majesty said it was not necessary to hold it this year," An Xin replied. His Majesty wasn't very invested in these matters and wasn't interested.
"Hold it. Tell His Majesty that I feel the palace is too quiet and I desire some liveliness," the Empress Dowager put down her cup.
"Yes… Should the Noble Consort still be the one to arrange it?" An Xin asked.
"Let her handle it," the Empress Dowager was indifferent to who organized the banquet.
"Consort Shu and His Majesty seem to have a very good relationship now, Consort…" Although An Xin didn't finish her sentence, the Empress Dowager knew what she was implying.
"There's no hurry. What is rightfully Yun'er's, can anyone else take it? Furthermore… I feel that his status is not worthy of Yun'er," the Empress Dowager's eyes remained unperturbed.
"Consort Shu is still young and doesn't understand these matters. Has Her Ladyship considered having Consort Shu learn?" An Xin asked the Empress Dowager.
"No rush. As you said, she is still young. Let her play for a while longer. She has been meticulously raised by me since childhood, not to be burdened with these affairs," the Empress Dowager believed her Yun'er's happiness was paramount.
"Yes, but Consort Shu has been intelligent since childhood and learns quickly. Once she sees more, she will naturally learn," An Xin said.
"There will be a selection of new consorts in spring. Has His Majesty begun preparations?" the Empress Dowager suddenly recalled.
"The Noble Consort is already making arrangements," An Xin didn't believe the selection would have any particular impact on Consort Shu. His Majesty didn't seem like someone who indulged in harem matters.
"Arrange what needs to be arranged on your end," the Empress Dowager instructed.
"Your Ladyship, rest assured, there will be no mistakes," she was certainly attentive to the affairs of the Empress Dowager and Consort Shu.
"Mmm." Hearing the reply, the Empress Dowager said no more.
Yunpeng Hall
"The Lantern Festival banquet?" Yan Qing was somewhat puzzled upon hearing that His Majesty had sent someone to say it would be held again.
"I heard the Empress Dowager felt the palace was too quiet and desired more liveliness," the palace attendant replied.
"Very well, I understand. You may withdraw," Yan Qing said.
The palace attendant who had responded withdrew.
Yan Qing sat in her seat, feeling somewhat agitated. Before her were the profiles of the newly selected consorts. She had been looking at them all day.
"The Lantern Festival is in three days. Is it too rushed for the Empress Dowager to decide to hold it now?" Her personal maid felt sympathetic towards her mistress, who had been so busy these past few days that she couldn't even eat properly.
"Instruct the servants to prepare without any sloppiness. I will assign specific tasks later and then have the Imperial Household Department come see me," Yan Qing had no choice but to set aside her current tasks.
Since taking charge of the harem, she felt like a housekeeper for the inner palace. In principle, she could enlist the help of other consorts; the Four Consorts were not mere decorations.
However… Virtuous Consort was out of the question. Virtuous Consort… she could barely manage herself. As for Consort Shu… judging by His Majesty's demeanor, he didn't want her to be tired. Thus, Yan Qing didn't seek trouble for herself.
For a fleeting moment, she even found herself envying Nan Zhiyun.