Emperor Jingyuan was very efficient; he finished reviewing the pile of memorials in just an hour and a half.

He looked at these memorials for a long time, then smiled with relief.

He took on a lot of court affairs, so his elder brother was much more relaxed. The morning court session was held every three days, so he had more time to spend with her.

Fu Zi stepped forward and tidied up all the memorials: "Your Highness, it's time for dinner. This servant will go and prepare dinner."

As Di Jingyuan spread out a sheet of clean white Xuan paper on the table, he nodded and said, "Go."

Fu Zi bowed and withdrew. Di Jingyuan picked up his brush, pondered for a moment, dipped the brush in ink, and began to draw.

In no time, a picture of a beautiful woman searching for plum blossoms in the snow appeared on the paper. The woman in red was charming and beautiful, but her big eyes were filled with vigilance.

This scene perfectly captures the moment when the two met in the plum garden. The woman's startled appearance resembles that of an adorable little deer, evoking tenderness and affection.

Di Jingyuan stared at the painting, lost in thought, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes filled with fascination. He had only intended to paint a picture of plum blossoms in the snow, but unexpectedly, he had captured all his thoughts and feelings in the painting.

He chuckled, shaking his head self-deprecatingly, his eyes still glued to the beautiful woman in the painting. What was he doing, coveting the Empress of Xijing, the Emperor's woman, his own sister-in-law?

He found it utterly absurd and inexplicable. This was a violation of common sense and moral principles, and was not the behavior of a prince. Even an ordinary person should know this.

However, such an absurd thing happened to him, and he had to admit that from their first encounter at Plum Garden, or perhaps from lust at first sight, that woman had already entered his heart.

When he saw her again today, she looked extremely wronged, having been bullied to tears by a group of scheming women, and was in her brother's arms with tears streaming down her face.

He felt sorry for her, so he made some teasing remarks about Consort Shu. His brother also punished those people. He wondered if this would make her feel better.

It could be said that this woman truly moved him, but they were probably like strangers to each other, with only the affection between an uncle and sister-in-law, and nothing more.

He could only try his best not to cause her any trouble in this regard and to conceal his thoughts as much as possible.

I just wonder how that delicate woman is doing now, whether she has forgotten the grievances of today and has regained her beautiful smile.

Emperor Jingyuan gently sketched the portrait with a vermilion brush, as if trying to etch the woman's face into his heart.

While she was pondering, Fu Zi walked in with her head down: "Your Highness, dinner is ready."

"I'm coming right now, you may leave."

Emperor Jingyuan personally put away the dried ink painting and placed it in his secret box, making sure no one would see it, before happily going to have his meal.

Yining Hall —

After Consort Wu was carried back to the palace, she lay on the bed unable to move because her chest was in excruciating pain.

Strangely, no matter which imperial physician she consulted, they all said that her vomiting blood was caused by internal heat and that there was nothing seriously wrong with her.

She was furious. How could the emperor be so heartless? He didn't even care about her life for that woman.

She has no choice but to swallow all her bitterness.

With the help of her maid, Consort Wu drank a cooling herbal soup, which made her feel a little better for a while, but it was only a temporary fix.

Her personal maid, Caiyue, had just been beaten to death, and she was extremely agitated. She stared intently at the palace maid who was about to leave with the bowl of medicine: "You stay. Everyone else, get out."

The palace maid looked up with a hint of panic, but accidentally met Consort Wu's sharp gaze. Startled, she quickly lowered her head and buried her face in her chest, asking, "What are your orders, Your Highness?"

"If I remember correctly, you are Cai Ning."

Cai Ning tightened her grip on the tray, bowing her head respectfully, but mostly out of fear.

"Your Majesty, this servant is indeed Cai Ning."

Consort Wu smiled slightly: "Alright, from now on you will take over Caiyue's position and work by my side."

Upon hearing this, Cai Ning knelt down with a thud, feeling a surge of fear. How glamorous Cai Yue used to be! Now the Emperor could kill her at will. She really didn't want to climb any higher; she just wanted to live a peaceful life.

But it seems there is no other choice now. Once you enter this harem, no one can remain untainted.

Consort Wu was displeased by her dawdling manner, wondering if this seemingly timid palace maid could compare to Caiyue.

But then she thought again, this maid usually seems honest, not cunning, and conscientious, so she should be alright.

She propped herself up slightly from the bed, trying to sit up. Cai Ning quickly put down the tray in her hand and went forward to help her. Although she was afraid of the person in front of her, she still carefully placed two soft pillows behind her mistress to make her more comfortable.

Consort Wu was very satisfied with her service, and could tell that she was a thoughtful person. She held Cai Ning's hand, which was about to withdraw, and suppressed her discomfort, showing a gentle look in her eyes: "Cai Ning, you are very thoughtful. Now Cai Yue is also..." At this point, Consort Wu's face was full of regret and heartache.

Cai Ning was slightly moved, but still kept her head down.

"I cannot be without a worthy person by my side. I know you are serious and diligent in your work. Are you willing?"

Cai Ning was moved, but she knew she had no right to resist, so she could only nod and say, "This servant will serve Your Highness with all my heart from now on."

Consort Wu gently patted her hand and rubbed her forehead: "In that case, I can rest assured."

Cai Ning took the opportunity to withdraw her hands and helped Consort Wu lie down: "Your Majesty, you must rest well and not overwork yourself right now."

"Cai Ning, I have something I need you to do."

"Your Majesty, please give your orders." Cai Ning took two steps back, maintaining a proper distance from her.

Consort Wu covered her mouth with the back of her hand and coughed twice, her expression revealing sorrow: "Caiyue and I were once mistress and servant. Now she has lost her life because of me. I have failed her and I am also ashamed of her family."

Upon hearing this, Cai Ning felt little unease. She simply thought that Consort Wu was incredibly adept at changing her tune, and since she couldn't remain uninvolved, she could only proceed with caution.

"Right now, I need you to leave the palace tomorrow when you go shopping to help me appease her family and send some things over. Taking care of her family will also fulfill her filial piety; otherwise, I will never be at peace with myself."

Cai Ning was still a little scared and tried desperately to figure out if there was anything suspicious about it, but she couldn't come up with anything. After all, this was in accordance with the rules and human nature.

"This servant will do as Your Highness commands. Your Highness, please rest assured."

After Cai Ning went outside, she was covered in cold sweat. Looking at the snow-covered yard, she knew that her peaceful days were over.

Wu Pin's actions were also intended to appease Cai Ning, to demonstrate her kindness and virtue in front of her, and to let her know that she was a person of great loyalty and affection, so as to win people's hearts.

After all, she desperately needs someone to do things for her right now!

So you're the new empress? Anyone who gets in her way must die!