Xu Qiu’er dismissed Ning’er and took out the food Xiao Ju made. It was her favorite rose cake. Enjoying the smooth texture, her earlier anger returned. Remembering Xiao Ju’s thoughtfulness, she tried to calm down and picked up a book to read.
Xiao Ju, knowing Xu Qiu’er best, had prepared a dessert after noticing her light dinner.
Unable to speak much due to her current status, she had the dessert delivered by Ning’er for the emperor.
Xiao Ju was uncertain about the emperor’s behavior; she noted his kindness but also his disregard for the empress.
After finishing the last piece, the emperor patted his belly and said, “Ye Zhao Yi will spoil me.”
Xiao Ju smiled softly, preparing tea, as her years of service had taught her to read people’s moods.
The emperor looked at her and asked, “Does Xiao Ju think I’m old?” Despite his good maintenance, he was over 40, while Xiao Ju was only 17.
Unsure of the emperor’s intention, Xiao Ju hesitated to answer. After a moment of thought, she remained silent. The emperor noticed her hesitation and encouraged her to speak.
After some contemplation, she replied, “This servant has been a maid since childhood and never contemplated her own future. The emperor might be a bit old for me, but I am a servant, not a princess or a noble lady. I lost my father at a young age and was sold into the Xu residence. Fortunately, I met a good master. For Xiao Ju, my young lady is my life, and the emperor is my heaven. I will not think of anything else by following the emperor, even if I have let down my young lady; I can only apologize to her in my heart.”
After a long pause, the emperor remarked, “So you silently made some pastries for the crown prince’s wife?”
Xiaoju looked up in surprise. The emperor gestured for her not to panic. “I know your feelings for the crown prince’s wife. You don’t need to hide. You are my woman. You can go to any palace. I wish I had met you earlier…”
Xiaoju’s eyes turned red. “Thank you, Your Majesty. My young lady to me…” she choked up.
The emperor understood and patted her shoulder.
The next day, the emperor issued a decree to confer the title of Shu Yi on Ye, causing resentment throughout the imperial palace.
In the Empress’s Chambers –
Upon receiving the news, the Empress smashed the jade qilin bestowed upon her by the emperor. Breathing heavily, she realized the long-standing tradition of the emperor staying with her during festivals was broken by a mere Shu Yi. She wondered if this Ye Shu Yi would soon usurp her position.
In the Fu Qiu Hall –
Everyone received the news of Xiaoju’s promotion, and the atmosphere was happy for Ye Shu Yi. Xu Qiu’er ordered them not to make too much fuss, as Xiaoju reaching this point was beyond her expectations. It was good that the emperor cherished Xiaoju. However, where there is joy, there is also discontent.
Everyone was discussing the tactics Ye Shu Yi used to captivate the emperor, with some speculating that the crown prince’s wife sent her to bewitch him due to fears about her position. Xu Qiu’er just smiled faintly.
From any perspective, the main beneficiary of Xiaoju’s promotion was Xu Qiu’er, yet everyone was puzzled. Logically, Ye Shu Yi had come from the Fu Qiu Hall to elevate the crown prince’s wife, but she seemed to have distanced herself, causing confusion.
Xu Qiu’er’s approach was simple; she had sent Xiaoju to the emperor’s side to have an informant close to him. However, upon realizing that Xiaoju had fallen in love with the emperor, Xu Qiu’er chose to distance herself. Regardless of her original intentions, Xiaoju’s feelings were deeper than Xu Qing’er’s. Since Xiaoju loved the emperor, Xu Qiu’er believed it was best to let her go, viewing it as a path to happiness for Xiaoju.
Given Xiaoju’s personality, even if Xu Qiu’er asked her to spy on the emperor, she would do it reluctantly. Understanding this predicament, Xu Qiu’er decided to step back, recognizing the risks for Xiaoju if the emperor were to find out later.
Xu Qiu’er understood the meaning of “love deeply, criticize deeply.” Now that the emperor was at odds with the harem because of Xiaoju, she felt concerned.
“Your Highness, Clear Consort requests your presence.”
Xu Qiu’er put down her book and instructed Chang Xi to have Ning’er ensure that Gongson teaches the little princess directly, as she estimated she wouldn’t return for a while. Ning’er nodded.
Xu Qiu’er informed Chang Xi of her intention to visit the Clear Consort. Chang Xi nodded, while Ning’er thought it amusing that the little princess acted like an adult, easily distressed if her mistress didn’t share her plans.
Despite her objections to Hao Li’s words from the previous night, Xu Qiu’er decided to visit, recalling that her sister was pregnant and had recently entered the palace. She believed the Clear Consort wouldn’t be pleased, especially since Hao Li had previously helped her, and she wanted to repay that kindness.
At the Xuan Qing Hall, Xu Qiu’er noticed the Clear Consort’s maid outside the main door. She frowned, wondering about the situation.
The maid, upon seeing Xu Qiu’er, sighed in relief. “Your Highness has finally arrived. Our mistress was worried you wouldn’t come.”
Xu Qiu’er was suspicious, pondering why Qing Ya would think so.
As soon as she entered, Qing Ya rushed up enthusiastically, her little face showing displeasure. “Sister, I thought you weren’t coming,” she said, choking up.
Xu Qiu’er smiled, “What are you talking about? Why wouldn’t I come?”
Qing Ya observed Xu Qiu’er’s expression and asked cautiously, “Did brother say anything to you last night?”
Xu Qiu’er understood that Qing Ya wanted to discuss what Hao Li had said. But something didn’t seem right. Did Hao Li imply she was targeting Qing Ya? Her mind wandered.
Seeing Xu Qiu’er silent, Qing Ya affectionately took her hand. “Sister, Grandpa Ama sent some fabrics to the palace, and I don’t need new clothes. Prince Gege gave me a few pieces. Please take a look; if you like any, take them as a gift from your younger sister.”
Xu Qiu’er smiled and teased, “So you’re only giving me the fabrics you don’t want?”
Qing Ya stamped her foot, and Xu Qiu’er burst into laughter.
After leaving Xuanqing Hall, Xu Qiu’er felt her mood lift. Although Qing Ya was young and somewhat willful, she was genuinely kind. Xu Qiu’er picked a blue satin from Qing Ya’s collection.
As soon as she saw it, Xu Qiu’er thought of Xiao Ju, who loved blue. This shade was beautifully balanced, and imagining Xiao Ju wearing it, she happily asked Ning’er to send the satin to Lady Ye Shuyi.
Before leaving, Ning’er mentioned she hadn’t seen Lady Shuyi for a long time, implying she wanted to stay longer. Xu Qiu’er, ignoring her hint, agreed. Ning’er shouted “Long live the Lady” and ran off. Xu Qiu’er thought it was good no one was around, or others might think she was plotting a rebellion.
Returning to Fushu Hall, Gongson Jinyu was explaining a book’s contents to Changxi. Not wanting to disturb them, Xu Qiu’er was about to head to the inner hall when she noticed a boy around eleven years old sitting in the outer hall, engrossed in a book. He had bright features and rosy lips, which made her amusingly think he might be a good match for Changxi, though she realized she was overthinking it.
The boy looked up as Xu Qiu’er approached and calmly put down his book. He stood straight and bowed, saying, “Greetings to the Crown Princess. May you have peace and good fortune.” Xu Qiu’er was curious about how he knew her title. What if she were a servant?
Standing before him, she asked softly, “How did you know I’m the Crown Princess? What if I were a servant?”
The boy smiled and answered, “Shoes.”
Xu Qiu’er was puzzled. “Shoes?”
