Chapter 24: Refusing the Bedchamber Summons

After parting ways with Noble Lady Cheng, Shui Yao lowered her voice and said, "Your Ladyship, the Empress is pregnant. This is the perfect moment for you to regain the Emperor’s favor. We must let the Empress know that even though she carries the imperial heir, the Emperor’s affection for you has not diminished in the slightest. Just look at yesterday—as soon as you returned to the palace, that Empress couldn't wait to snatch away the favor that rightfully belonged to you. It is truly detestable!"

Shui Yao expected Wei Yanqiao to agree with her. Wei Yanqiao had remained silent earlier when speaking with Noble Lady Cheng only because she feared the latter might harbor malicious intentions.

However, Wei Yanqiao’s expression turned stern. She rebuked her in a low, sharp voice, "Shui Yao, never let such words pass your lips again! Is the Empress someone you are permitted to discuss so recklessly? Which concubine’s palace the Emperor visits and whom he favors are matters for him alone to decide. As his subjects and consorts, we have no right to interfere. Furthermore, the Empress and the Emperor are a couple joined in marriage; it is only natural for husband and wife to be affectionate. How can you call that 'snatching'? If I ever hear you speaking so carelessly again, I will not be lenient!"

Shui Yao trembled with fear, quickly lowering her head as she replied, "Yes, Your Ladyship. This servant was wrong; please forgive me."

Given Wei Yanqiao's past temperament, she would have already been tearing the Empress to shreds behind her back, and Shui Yao would only have needed to echo her sentiments. Yet, for some reason, Wei Yanqiao no longer spewed insults and even displayed a measure of respect toward the Empress.

Shui Yao felt bewildered. Although she was by Wei Yanqiao's side every day, closely monitoring every word and action, she remained completely ignorant of the cause behind this sudden change.

After returning to her bedchamber, Wei Yanqiao resumed copying the unfinished scriptures. Just as she was fully immersed in the text, a clear, loud announcement rang out from outside: "His Majesty has arrived!"

Wei Yanqiao hurriedly set down her brush, stood up, and performed a standard, respectful bow toward the door, saying softly, "May the Emperor be blessed with eternal peace."

Xiao Ceyun walked into the bedchamber with a smile, heading straight toward her. His gaze naturally fell upon the desk, and he frowned slightly, asking, "My beloved, why are you copying scriptures again?"

He reached out and picked up the pages she had just finished to examine them closely.

Xiao Ceyun stared at the delicate and tidy calligraphy. Every stroke was standardized and refined, clearly written with earnest care and focus; there was no trace of perfunctoriness or pretense.

Wei Yanqiao replied softly, "In the past, I had no interest in copying such things; the mere sight of them would fill me with agitation. However, since my time at Nan'an Temple, I forced myself to calm my heart and devote myself to studying and transcribing these scriptures. Who would have thought that such profound wisdom could be contained within them? Since then, I have become obsessed and deeply fallen in love with the practice. Now, if a day passes without touching brush and paper, my heart feels as if it were being gnawed by thousands of ants; I must write a character or two to restore my inner peace. Moreover, since the Empress is with child, I wish to copy more scriptures to offer to her, praying that the Heavens will bless the Empress and the child in her womb with safety and health."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ceyun gently set the paper down. His gaze rested on the elegantly dressed beauty before him, and he smiled faintly. "You are truly a thoughtful soul," he said.

He reached out a warm, broad hand to stroke Wei Yanqiao’s smooth, porcelain-like cheek. His eyes filled with deep tenderness as he whispered, "My beloved, the night is deep; it is time for us to rest."

Hearing this, Wei Yanqiao quickly asked, "Your Majesty, have all your state affairs for the day been settled?"

Xiao Ceyun smiled, looking at her with deep affection. "The affairs of the state are complex and vast; how could they all be resolved in a single day? Are you complaining that I did not come to accompany you last night?"

"That is not it. The Empress is currently pregnant, so it is only right that you spend more time by her side. I have heard that when a child is still in the mother's womb, the father’s presence can be of great benefit to the child’s growth and development," Wei Yanqiao said softly and demurely.

The corners of Xiao Ceyun’s mouth curled up, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes. He reached out to lift her chin, teasing, "If that is the case, should you not hurry and bear me an imperial heir as well?"

Wei Yanqiao scoffed inwardly. She would like to, but would he let her? "I wonder, has Your Majesty visited the Empress? When I saw her today, she seemed somewhat unwell."

Xiao Ceyun’s previously flirtatious expression vanished instantly. His eyes grew clear and sharp, and his face filled with deep concern. "What is wrong with the Empress? Why did the Imperial Physicians not report this to me?"

Wei Yanqiao quickly explained, "The Empress is naturally kind and benevolent, and she is the most considerate of all—she hates to trouble others. She must have considered how busy you are with state affairs and could not bear to disturb you with her minor ailment, which is why she likely ordered the Imperial Physicians to keep it quiet."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ceyun turned without another word and shouted, "Prepare the carriage for the Jiaofang Palace!" Following his command, the maids and eunuchs scrambled into action, escorting the Emperor as he hurried toward the Jiaofang Palace.

After Xiao Ceyun left, she let out a sigh of relief. She had successfully diverted him today, but the thought that he would soon realize her reluctance to serve him once he reached Tang Yurong’s side weighed on her. If he returned tomorrow, how would she avoid him again?

Shui Yao rushed in, looking puzzled. "Your Ladyship, why did the Emperor leave so suddenly?"

If the Emperor came only to leave so quickly, would this not become the talk of the town among the other concubines, making her a laughingstock?

Wei Yanqiao did not seem to care, saying nonchalantly, "The Emperor went to visit the Empress."

She sat back down at the desk as if nothing had happened, picked up her brush, and returned to focusing on the scriptures.

Seeing her mistress so calm and composed, Shui Yao could not help but reproach her: "Your Ladyship, why did you not try to keep the Emperor? Now that the Empress is pregnant, do you not wish to bear an heir for His Majesty?"

In this inner palace, which concubine did not hope to rise in status through her child? She did not believe Wei Yanqiao lacked such ambitions.

The brush in Wei Yanqiao’s hand paused in mid-air. After a moment of silence, she said slowly, "Shui Yao, go and rest."

Shui Yao sighed, her eyes filled with deep anxiety. "Yes," she replied.

If Wei Yanqiao continued to refuse to serve the Emperor, and now that he had left her palace in such a huff, it was a bad omen. Once Wei Yanqiao lost the Emperor’s favor, her own life in this deep palace would surely become incredibly difficult. Even though she was the Emperor’s person, in the eyes of others, she was merely Wei Yanqiao’s personal maid. Even if the Emperor knew the truth of their connection, as long as she remained alive, he would certainly not help her easily.