In the Chunhua Garden of Fengyi Palace, young ladies were putting on a show in the biting cold.
Though they were gathered here for the eligible princes to secretly observe them, the news had long since leaked. Now, in their desperate bid to win favor with the princes, they endured the wind chilling their faces, striving to maintain an image of grace and composure.
Yet, such a scene was, in Xie Jingzhou's eyes, merely the unremarkable trifles of common women.
Their looks were passable, at best.
But when it came to cunning and worldly wisdom, they were no match for Ji Zizhao.
Thinking of the Seventh Prince, far away in Tonglin, Xie Jingzhou's agitation grew.
If it hadn't been for the unavoidable circumstances that led him to divorce Ji Zizhao, it would likely be him standing in Tonglin, awaiting honors.
Imperial Consort Xi, dizzy from her son pacing back and forth, placed her teacup down with added force. "Look at your impatience! Things must be handled step by step. You're becoming increasingly restless!"
Xie Jingzhou, his heart burning with suppressed anger from his mother's scolding, turned to look at Jiang GuangSheng, who was kneeling beside Imperial Consort Xi, feigning to take her pulse. He thought better of it and swallowed the words that had risen to his lips.
Unexpectedly, as he turned back to the window, he saw a wet nurse enter Chunhua Garden.
Xie Jingzhou pointed out the window to his mother, "If this son is not mistaken, this wet nurse was part of the Empress's dowry?"
Imperial Consort Xi heard his words and also turned to look out the window behind her.
Indeed, she saw wet nurse Dai pulling Zhong Xinyi aside, murmuring something to her.
This wet nurse Dai was no ordinary person; many unsavory matters concerning the Empress had her hand in them.
Unlike Zhi Nan, wet nurse Dai, being a member of Empress Zhong's dowry, lived within Fengyi Palace and rarely made an appearance unless something significant occurred.
Concurrently, Zhong Xinyi, who was speaking with wet nurse Dai, cast a furtive glance towards the side hall.
Imperial Consort Xi: "..."
What did that mean?
Wet nurse Dai did not linger long in Chunhua Garden. After a few words, she departed.
Seeing that wet nurse Dai was not returning to the main hall of Fengyi Palace, Imperial Consort Xi cast a veiled glance at wet nurse Zhang beside her.
Wet nurse Zhang understood, and hurriedly left the room.
Imperial Consort Xi, recalling Zhong Xinyi's earlier glance, could not remain calm.
Wet nurse Dai was experienced, but the young ladies who had entered the palace were still new. If it weren't related to her, why would she be looking in this direction for no reason?
But she was in the Empress's territory. Would the Emperor be foolish enough to scheme against her at this time?
As Imperial Consort Xi pondered, wet nurse Zhang returned, looking travel-worn.
Wet nurse Zhang bowed slightly, her voice lowered to a whisper, "Wet nurse Dai started heading towards where Miss Ji Renran was, but halfway she suddenly changed direction and has now left Fengyi Palace."
Imperial Consort Xi's heart leaped.
She had been thinking that in the Empress's territory, the Emperor would not dare to let anything happen to her. But she had completely forgotten that if the Empress truly heard some rumor and wished to take this opportunity to cause trouble, everything would seem plausible.
"This consort will go visit the Empress. You stay here and behave yourself. Remember, you are not to leave even half a step without this consort's summons!" Due to Jiang GuangSheng's presence, Imperial Consort Xi could only subtly instruct Xie Jingzhou.
She had never had to face the Empress's displeasure in her life, and now, how could she let the Empress find any fault with her!
Imperial Consort Xi was never one to wait for fate to decide. She immediately set off with wet nurse Zhang and Yun Han towards the main hall. Since it was inconvenient to investigate anything within Fengyi Palace, she would personally keep an eye on the Empress.
Fengyi Palace was the largest among the living quarters of the imperial consorts. Even the distance between the side hall and the main hall required the time it took for one incense stick to burn.
Supported by wet nurse Zhang, Imperial Consort Xi walked with great haste, wishing she could sprout a pair of Wind Fire Wheels.
Finally arriving at the main hall, as Imperial Consort Xi stepped into the courtyard, she instinctively lifted her head and straightened her chest. However, after taking just two steps, she saw a stray cat pounce towards her.
"Ah—!"
Imperial Consort Xi cried out in alarm and instinctively recoiled.
However, the stray cat was too swift and sudden. Both Yun Han and wet nurse Zhang were startled.
Imperial Consort Xi lost her footing and fell heavily, her hairpin and phoenix coronet scattering on the ground.
Wet nurse Zhang, seeing this, nearly died of fright and quickly helped Imperial Consort Xi to her feet.
Yun Han, indignantly, glared at the palace servants in the courtyard, "Her Ladyship the Imperial Consort has fallen, and you are not coming to help! If Her Ladyship the Imperial Consort suffers any harm, you will all lose your heads!"
Hearing this, the palace servants in the courtyard rushed towards Imperial Consort Xi.
It was at this moment that a figure swiftly moved through the crowd and then quietly slipped out of the courtyard.
"Who has such good spirits, practicing their vocal cords within my Fengyi Palace?" Empress Zhong emerged, supported by Zhi Nan. Upon seeing Imperial Consort Xi's disheveled state, she almost burst into laughter.
Indeed, it was a fine day.
The moment Yun Han saw Her Ladyship the Empress, she lowered her head in panic.
Imperial Consort Xi, helped by wet nurse Zhang, stood up and immediately ordered, "Wet nurse Zhang, throw these lazy vagrants out and give them twenty heavy lashes! They are in Fengyi Palace yet so negligent! Even stray cats and dogs can run rampant! It's utterly without any rules!"
Empress Zhong laughed at this. "There have always been stray cats all over the palace. Has Imperial Consort Xi not seen one in all her years here? Why such a fuss? I heard there are quite a few stray cats near the Emperor's personal chambers. Does Imperial Consort Xi intend to grab a stick and beat them all the way to the Emperor's presence?"
You yourself stumbled into a stray cat and now want to take it out on my people?
What a beautiful dream you're having.
Imperial Consort Xi's chest heaved with anger, but she could not truly fall out with the Empress. "It's just a small matter. Why does Her Ladyship the Empress need to involve the Emperor?"
Empress Zhong had actually guessed something the moment she saw Imperial Consort Xi.
If Imperial Consort Xi wanted to put on a show today, why else would she come to annoy her without reason.
When she further considered that wet nurse Dai had been borrowed, Empress Zhong understood everything.
"Since Imperial Consort Xi says it's a small matter, it's best to let it be. Coincidentally, I've just brewed a pot of good tea. Why don't Imperial Consort Xi come in for a cup and tidy up her appearance." As Empress Zhong spoke, she gestured to the side, inviting her in. After all, she was someone sent by the Fourth Prince, and she couldn't let her go so easily.
Imperial Consort Xi had come specifically to keep a close watch on the Empress, so she was naturally delighted to hear this.
Before entering, she left Yun Han to collect the hairpin and phoenix coronet, instructing her to pay attention to any movement in the courtyard.
Imperial Consort Xi assumed that since the Empress had heard some rumors, she would act secretly. All she needed was to immediately detect any anomaly from the Empress and she could have people prepare countermeasures.
However, in the blink of an eye, after having drunk a pot of tea, the Empress sat on the couch the entire time, chatting with her about household matters. From entering the estate to entering the palace, they were now discussing the princes' early childhood.
Imperial Consort Xi's head was spinning, but she dared not leave carelessly.
Empress Zhong naturally saw Imperial Consort Xi's impatience, but it was of no consequence.
This was her territory, and she made the rules. She could talk about whatever she pleased.
Meanwhile, Xie Jingzhou, still in the side hall, was growing impatient.
There was no movement from his mother, nor any from Ji Renran. How could he not be anxious!
Just then, he heard voices outside the window.
Xie Jingzhou instinctively looked out and saw a familiar figure standing in the alleyway nearby.
Fourth Imperial Brother?