Chapter Twenty-Two: A New Look

Xiao Ceyun slowly approached Wei Yanqiao’s side. In the past, he had always seen Wei Yanqiao with an arrogant and domineering demeanor, adorned with dazzling jeweled hairpins and ornaments that made her stand out brilliantly. Yet today, before him was a manifestation of an unprecedented pure and simple beauty.

He could not deny that Wei Yanqiao was indeed stunningly beautiful. Her skin was as delicate and smooth as refined jade, and her petite, exquisite face evoked tenderness. Her gently curved willow-leaf eyebrows... In a fleeting moment, Xiao Ceyun recalled how she looked when she first entered the palace—her smile blossomed like a freshly peeled lychee, radiating innocence and charming vivacity.

Had she not been born into the Wei family, perhaps he could have kept her by his side for a long time.

Unable to restrain himself, Xiao Ceyun reached out and gently stroked Wei Yanqiao’s sleeping face. At that moment, her eyelashes fluttered slightly before she slowly opened her eyes. When she realized the person beside her was Xiao Ceyun, she was startled and hastily rose from her chair, respectfully bowing and saying, “Your Majesty, may you have everlasting peace and prosperity! I humbly beg your pardon for the lack of notice; I was unaware anyone was coming to inform me, so I failed to personally greet Your Majesty upon your arrival.”

Xiao Ceyun smiled softly, quickly helping her up and speaking gently, “I specifically instructed them not to announce my visit, fearing it might disturb your rest. I only wished to see you briefly before attending court to handle state affairs.” Then, with concern, he asked, “Why are you not resting in bed?”

Wei Yanqiao lowered her head and replied softly, “Last night, I intended to copy some scriptures, but before I knew it, I had fallen asleep at the desk.”

Xiao Ceyun’s hand tenderly cupped Wei Yanqiao’s delicate cheek as if holding a rare treasure. His long fingers curved slightly, his fingertips lightly caressing her silky smooth skin, eliciting a faint ticklish sensation.

Yet within, Wei Yanqiao was filled with disgust and revulsion. She endured the discomfort, carefully shifting her head slightly to the side, attempting to avoid his unwelcome touch. Mistaking her movement for shyness, Xiao Ceyun’s lips curled into a gentle smile.

“You have suffered much recently. Now that you have returned to my side, you must rest and recuperate well. I still prefer to see you as you once were—delicate yet commanding, full of charm and allure. If anyone dares to speak ill of you or bully you behind your back, punish them without hesitation, without any worry. After all, you have always been my most favored consort. No one in my heart compares to you. I cannot bear to see you suffer even the slightest grievance,” Xiao Ceyun whispered affectionately, his eyes brimming with love and indulgence.

Upon hearing this, Wei Yanqiao merely lowered her head with a faint smile. If he cared so much about her not suffering, then why had he never visited her during those harsh days at the dilapidated temple? Why had he even sent others to investigate her authenticity? She guessed that Shui Yao must have informed Xiao Ceyun about the whispered rumors spread by Noble Lady An and Consort Meng the previous night. Since she had not punished anyone, he came this morning to remind her.

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Still feigning deep gratitude, Wei Yanqiao said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. However, the hour grows late, and Your Majesty should attend court to manage state affairs.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ceyun’s face showed a trace of regret. He sighed deeply, clearly reluctant to leave, but eventually nodded and said helplessly, “Very well, I shall come to see you again after court.”

Wei Yanqiao quickly bowed and respectfully said, “I respectfully see Your Majesty off.”

Xiao Ceyun’s brow furrowed slightly, displeased at how eager Wei Yanqiao seemed to send him away. But since she was courteous and indeed the hour was late, he suppressed his irritation and turned to leave the room.

After Xiao Ceyun left, Wei Yanqiao turned her head slightly and called loudly toward the door, “Shui Yao! Come in quickly and help me dress.”

Today was her first day back at the palace; she should go pay respects to the Empress.

Shui Yao appeared behind Wei Yanqiao, deftly picking up a comb and beginning to groom her hair with care. While doing so, she curiously asked, “Your Highness, why did the Emperor come for only a brief moment and then leave in such a hurry?”

Wei Yanqiao smiled faintly, her tone gentle yet resolute. “The Emperor has countless affairs of state and a busy court schedule. For him to take this precious time before court to visit me is already a great favor. How could I be greedy and delay His Majesty from attending to the nation’s matters?”

Shui Yao pondered this, wondering how Wei Yanqiao had suddenly become so sensible and understanding. In the past, she had always clung to the Emperor and never urged him to leave.

Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, Wei Yanqiao frowned slightly and said, “These adornments are too flashy and ostentatious. Let’s change to something more plain and elegant.” With that, she removed the garish jeweled hairpin.

Shui Yao was somewhat surprised—she remembered Wei Yanqiao used to love these bright, dazzling decorations. But since her mistress had spoken, she dared not disobey and promptly replied, “Yes, Your Highness.” Then she turned to fetch more modest accessories.

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After changing into these simpler, more refined ornaments, Wei Yanqiao went to pay respects to Tang Yurong.

Upon entering the Empress’s chambers, she noticed the usual strong scent of incense was absent today. Could it be that Tang Yurong was truly pregnant and worried that the incense might affect the unborn child?

All the consorts respectfully bowed to Tang Yurong in unison, saying, “We respectfully pay homage to Empress Dowager Tang Yurong. Wishing the Empress everlasting peace and prosperity.”

Tang Yurong’s face was radiant with joy. She gently waved her hand and spoke warmly and kindly, “Please rise, my sisters.”

Upon hearing the Empress’s words, the consorts carefully stood, then turned toward Wei Yanqiao, knelt again, and together said, “Noble Consort Sheng, may you have everlasting peace and prosperity.”

A faint smile curved Wei Yanqiao’s lips as she softly replied, “My sisters, please be at ease; rise.”

Everyone present felt a ripple of surprise. In the past, when they paid respects to Wei Yanqiao, they often suffered hardship. Sometimes she would deliberately keep them kneeling for long periods, or nitpick their faults. Yet today, the once harsh and imperious Noble Consort Sheng was unexpectedly affable—an astonishing change.

Once everyone had risen, Wei Yanqiao suddenly asked, “Before I left the palace, I was very fond of the incense burned in the Empress’s chambers. I wonder why today I do not smell that familiar fragrance?”