Chapter 59

Just as Imperial Physician Zhou, who often took the pulse of the Imperial Concubine, left the Emperor's presence, Tian Wenshan's mind was filled with thoughts. He wondered what Imperial Physician Zhou had said to His Majesty. At this moment, the hall was completely silent, and even the sound of reviewing memorials had ceased.

Sitting behind his desk, Wu Shiyan had somehow loosened his grip on the brush, spilling ink that ruined a memorial of greetings, but he paid no heed to it.

The chaotic pounding of his heart filled his ears, a blush rose on his face, and his eyes, slightly lowered, shone brightly.

He kept hearing in his mind what Physician Zhou had said about the Imperial Concubine's pregnancy, but that it was too early in the pregnancy and there was no certainty.

When pressed further about how certain he was of the outcome, Physician Zhou replied that he was 60%.

But Wu Shiyan knew that it was already a sure thing. Even if these imperial physicians were 100% certain, they would only say 60% or 70%.

He's going to be the emperor!

The surprise came so suddenly that Wu Shiyan didn't know how to react.

He thought about all sorts of things, and in the end, Wu Shiyan was only glad that he hadn't pushed his luck and teased Qi Yu when she said she was tired these past two days.

"Tian Wenshan, deliver that box of pearls to Zhaoyang Palace... Never mind, I'll go too."

Tian Wenshan readily agreed. He did not remind His Majesty that only the Empress could possess the Eastern Pearl. How could His Majesty, who had lived in the palace since childhood, not know what he knew?

His Majesty's intentions are quite obvious.

Just as Tian Wenshan was about to leave, he saw His Majesty reveal a smile that he would never normally show, and even hesitated and said, "I've been wearing these clothes for half a day, change your clothes before going to Zhaoyang Palace."

Wu Shiyan thought that he often wore black, and Ayu might be tired of seeing him like that.

This time, let's switch to a more subdued color.

Tian Wenshan: "..."

He had never seen His Majesty like this before, so cautious and meticulous.

The snow outside had long since stopped, and the palace was preparing for a banquet. Qi Yu was supposed to take over the task, but she excused herself by saying she was a little tired and handed it over to the Emperor.

With Li Chang and Tian Wenshan by his side, Wu Shiyan could easily manage a small palace banquet.

Pei Jiu felt sorry upon hearing this, but seeing that the Empress seemed listless and dispirited, she felt only heartache.

"Your Highness, the snow on the palace roads has been cleared. Shall I accompany you for a walk?"

"No need." Qi Yu took the hand warmer and began to look through the books she had bought on her southern tour.

She didn't want to take this job, simply because, if she wasn't mistaken, this palace banquet was special, probably the same one she had swapped with Zhao Wanyi.

Qi Yu didn't know if the plot would make sense, but whether it happened or not, she had to make arrangements for Pei Jiu and Lin Qi first.

Ever since the accident, Lin Qi has been terrified of losing her.

If the body had been switched right under Lin Qi's nose, Lin Qi would have noticed and stopped it, and all their efforts would have been in vain. Since Lin Qi didn't notice, he would have felt deeply guilty afterward.

Therefore, she needed to send Lin Qi away first on the day of the palace banquet.

Fortunately, Wu Shiyan sent Lin Er to her side. On the day of the palace banquet, Lin Er happened to be on duty. So if Lin Qi realized the person in the hall was Zhao Wanyi the next day, he would also know that she was in the Pei residence.

It was impossible for Lin Qi not to know about her affair with Pei Jin; she could hide it from anyone but Lin Qi.

Knowing that she was at the Pei residence, Lin Qi felt much more at ease.

Lin Er was easy to fool; as long as there was a concubine present, she would be perfectly fine.

Qi Yu didn't think Lin Er could tell her apart from Zhao Wanyi.

As for Pei Jiu, Qi Yu wanted to warn her, but after thinking about it, she decided against it. Pei Jiu was completely unaware of this and was unharmed.

Knowing too much only invites resentment.

Once Wu Shiyan becomes suspicious and learns from Pei Jiu that she knew beforehand, Wu Shiyan will definitely be very angry.

She bought a house for Pei Jiu in the capital, and put gold in the house to ensure that the whole family would be well-off for life.

Pei Jiu has no parents, so this is undoubtedly her best source of confidence if she wants to start a family and build a career.

How much money can a palace maid save?

But because of her, Pei Jiu will have to remain a palace maid for some time.

Qi Yu was multitasking, making arrangements in her mind while turning the pages with her eyes down.

When the palace maids hurried forward to announce His Majesty's arrival, Qi Yu had already finished reading a book, and was somewhat surprised.

This was the time when Wu Shiyan was supposed to review the memorials.

Even if something happens, he will only send a palace servant to the emperor. However, usually it is something that Wu Shiyan has obtained and ordered to be sent to Zhaoyang Palace.

Because of this, her empty purse was quickly filled up.

Qi Yu got up from the chair covered with soft fox fur, and before she could take two steps, Wu Shiyan, who was striding over, took her hand.

"Didn't I say that my beloved concubine doesn't need to be so polite?"

The term "beloved concubine" sounded particularly cheesy, and Qi Yu's skin trembled, but under Wu Shiyan's burning gaze, it seemed that the term "beloved concubine" was nothing at all.

With a blush on her face, Qi Yu asked in confusion, "Was this considered excessive politeness by your concubine?"

The emperor had already entered the hall when she finally stood up. Although Wu Shiyan had walked too fast, it was undeniable that she had been somewhat careless.

Qi Yu was startled; she would never have thought this way before she transmigrated.

Even though she held a high position and Wu Shiyan indulged her greatly, the prevailing ideas of that dynasty still influenced her to some extent.

"Of course it counts. I'm not that important, so why would I need Ayu to come out and greet me?"

Qi Yu put aside her thoughts and said matter-of-factly, "Of course Your Majesty is important. In my heart, Your Majesty is the most important person."

Wu Shiyan was pleasantly surprised, and a smile spread across his eyes: "Does Ayu really think so?"

Qi Yu affirmed, "Of course."

If she were to leave, the person she would miss the most would be Wu Shiyan. After spending so much time together, she wasn't entirely heartless.

Moreover, Wu Shiyan is not only handsome, but also very generous.

Of course, these likes weren't enough to make her stay.

Qi Yu had her own concerns. Compared to this place, she was more familiar with her original world. Besides, they were young now and could talk about love without any worries, but once they grew old, even the best of lovers would have a widening rift.

Pei Jin was always involved between her and Wu Shiyan.

She had always assumed that she would eventually leave, which is why she acted so recklessly. Otherwise, she would have been scheming to seize the position of Empress long ago. Once Wu Shiyan died, she could become the Empress Dowager ruling from behind the curtain, and then she wouldn't feel so much pressure keeping male favorites.

In short, being able to go home gives her a huge escape route.

Wu Shiyan helped Qi Yu sit down and stroked her hair: "I am very happy that you say so, A Yu."

But he never intended to tell Ayu that she might be pregnant.

He will only speak out when there is no more room to hide it.

Qi Yu doesn't crave having a child. Wu Shiyan even considered the worst-case scenario: Qi Yu might not want to get pregnant so soon.

However, he couldn't wait any longer; he needed this imperial heir to keep Qi Yu occupied.

Qi Yu asked, "Why has Your Majesty come at this hour? Is something bothering you?"

Wu Shiyan nodded in agreement: "The affairs of the court are giving me a headache, so I've come to Ayu's place to avoid them."

Although Qi Yu saw that he did not look worried, she still chose to believe him. After all, Wu Shiyan had kept his expression hidden for a long time, so if he could say it, it must be very serious.

"May I rub Your Majesty's forehead?"

Wu Shiyan dared not let Qi Yu tire herself out at a time like this: "I'll just give you a hug and you'll be fine."

Qi Yu looked at him again and asked, "Would you like to lie down on the bed for a bit?"

"good."

Wu Shiyan felt extremely sweet inside. He held Qi Yu in his arms, deliberately avoiding looking at her stomach.

Qi Yu didn't notice this small detail, but she still sensed that Wu Shiyan's attitude towards her was different, and he was more cautious and considerate.

But she had something on her mind, and her period hadn't started yet, so she naturally couldn't imagine that it was because she was pregnant.

Once she lay down on the bed, Qi Yu, who had been in good spirits, gradually became sleepy as Wu Shiyan held her and he didn't move. She slowly fell asleep against Wu Shiyan's chest.

When Qi Yu woke up, she found that Wu Shiyan was still there.

He even had the memorials moved to Zhaoyang Palace.

Therefore, it wasn't until the afternoon of the following day that Qi Yu learned that Wu Shiyan had sent Dongzhu the day before.

The pearls from the East are extremely precious large white pearls, at least in Qi Yu's hands, each one round and full, with a clear luster.

Qi Yu looked at it in the sunlight and then put it down.

Pei Jiu was very excited: "Your Majesty, Eunuch Tian said this is an Eastern pearl!"

Qi Yu smiled and said, "You can inspect it before putting it in the storeroom."

Pei Jiu wanted to emphasize it again, but then she thought, how could Her Majesty not know what this meant? It is precisely because she knows and has a plan in mind that she is so calm.

Pei Jiu smiled and agreed, and only after she had had her fill of looking at the food did she send it to the warehouse to be recorded.

Qi Yu wasn't unaware of what this meant, but with the palace banquet imminent... she could only feel relieved that Wu Shiyan only had one thought at the moment, and even if he wanted to issue any decree, he would have to wait until after the palace banquet.

Qi Yu became even more determined to leave. The sooner the better, otherwise, she really didn't know how to face Wu Shiyan's hospitality.

The more Wu Shiyan acted this way, the more regret she felt towards him.

Fortunately, there were only three days left until the palace banquet. The palace musicians and dancers were practicing their pieces with all their might, hoping to make a name for themselves at the banquet. The atmosphere in the palace was extremely harmonious and lively.

Another day, the palace sent over the items to be worn on the day of the palace banquet. Qi Yu originally thought that she should dress more formally for such an occasion as the palace banquet, but she did not expect that although the style had not changed, the clothes were mainly light and comfortable, and the jewelry on her head was not as heavy.

Qi Yu was puzzled, and so was Pei Jiu, so they asked the question.

The palace maid said, "It is His Majesty's order. His Majesty said that this palace banquet does not need to be so formal. His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine's clothes and jewelry can be slightly altered."

Qi Yu knew that Wu Shiyan's clothes also needed to be altered, so she assumed that it was just a whim.

After all, this is quite normal; as the emperor, he still has the right to change some rules.

The palace banquet was held in the Qutai Hall, which has a pond outside and a plum grove not far away. Since fireworks were to be set off, the time was naturally in the evening.

That morning, Qi Yu woke up feeling empty.

These past few days, Wu Shiyan's intimacy with her has remained undiminished, but he has been very restrained when touching her.

Unable to find a reason, she could only comfort herself that it was for the best, since they were going to separate anyway.

When Physician Zhou came to check on her health, Qi Yu was confirming that Lin Qi was on leave today and was sunbathing in the courtyard.

Qi Yu returned to the palace and offered her wrist: "Imperial Physician Zhou, how am I feeling?"

After examining the pulse, Physician Zhou remained calm and composed: "Your Majesty is in good health, but the weather is cold, so you need to pay more attention to your diet. Also, all medicines have some degree of toxicity, so if Your Majesty wants to take medicine, the prescription must be one that I have reviewed."

Many of the masters in the palace secretly took medicine, mostly secret remedies for conceiving children.

Even though he knew that the Imperial Concubine did not need to take this medicine, just in case, Physician Zhou still gave her an extra word of advice.

Qi Yu agreed, and instructed Pei Jiu to give Zhou Taiyi a reward of silver, and then had the palace servants politely see him off.

After leaving Zhaoyang Palace, Imperial Physician Zhou went to the Emperor's presence.

If he previously told His Majesty he was only 60% certain, now he could say it was a slippery pulse, without a doubt.

Although the palace banquet was held in the evening, the officials and their families outside the palace had to set off in the afternoon.

The carriages from each prefecture stopped at the palace gate, and then palace servants led them on foot to the winding platform.

Pei Jin and Zhao Wanyi entered the palace side by side.

Pei Jin had few people in the palace; at most, he had some connections with those around the emperor.

But this connection was enough for him to deliver the message to His Majesty at the right time.

Zhao Wanyi, however, had planned ahead and had a wider network of connections in the palace.

Previously, Wu Shiyan rarely left the Wenshi Palace, so it was somewhat pointless for her to place people in the palace. However, in the past six months, Wu Shiyan has been living in the palace and Zhaoyang Palace, which has given her some opportunities.

This also gave her the confidence to create some harmless chaos in the palace, allowing Pei Jin to take Qi Yu away.

On the other side, inside Zhaoyang Palace, Qi Yu was already dressed and sitting in front of a bronze mirror. The palace maids had just applied a thin layer of powder and blush to her cheeks.

Wu Shiyan walked in.

The palace servants bowed in unison. Qi Yu wanted to get up, but he pressed her shoulder down.

After seeing it, Wu Shiyan sincerely said, "Ayu is beautiful even without makeup."

Qi Yu glared at him in the mirror. Today, Wu Shiyan was dressed in a black dragon robe. His aura was there, and even though his clothes were slightly simple, they did not look monotonous.

Wu Shiyan took the brush in a good mood: "I will draw your eyebrows."

Qi Yu then added, "And the lips weren't painted either."

Wu Shiyan simply said two words: "I am here."

Qi Yu laughed.

Wu Shiyan was meticulous in his actions. He really wanted to take longer to draw Qi Yu's eyebrows and apply her lips, but unfortunately, these things were not difficult to do.

After a moment, Wu Shiyan put down the tools in his hand, took Qi Yu's hand, and said, "Come with me to the palace banquet."

Qi Yu nodded. This wasn't the first time she had traveled with Wu Shiyan, so she naturally felt comfortable.

By the time we arrived at Qutai Hall, it was already getting dark.

The area around the terrace was brightly lit, and palace servants had hung lanterns early in the morning.

When the emperor travels, it is inevitable that people will give way.

Qi Yu was led into the hall by Wu Shiyan's hand.

The people in the main hall were almost all present. The quiet atmosphere was broken when Wu Shiyan and she sat down, and the voices of shouting "Long live the Emperor!" were deep and powerful.

Wu Shiyan said "Rise" and said a few simple words. The palace banquet then officially began, and the hall became truly lively.

Qi Yu glanced at it and felt that everything was calm and peaceful.

She began to feel uneasy; had she really let the original plot slip by?

If that's the case, she won't be able to resist designing it herself.

If I can go home, I'll do what I can to calculate.

Qi Yu still had a faint smile on her face, but neither her eyes nor her expression revealed her true feelings.

She naturally looked at Zhao Wanyi and tightened her grip on the wine glass slightly.

Zhao Wanyi seemed to sense the gaze, and after remaining silent, she looked over and smiled.

Qi Yu raised her wine glass and winked at her.

Zhao Wanyi smiled wryly, feeling even more sorry for Qi Yu.

But since we've already made the decision, we have to stick to it to the end, otherwise all our plans for tonight will be for nothing.

She composed herself, drank the wine in her glass; it wasn't strong, just right for a woman.

Just as Qi Yu was about to drink, Tian Wenshan quickly stepped forward to stop her: "Your Majesty, His Majesty said that there is too much water near Qutai, so it is not advisable to drink wine. The servants below have failed in their duties and served you wine. How about I replace it with sweet soup?"

Qi Yu looked at Wu Shiyan. This time, everything at the palace banquet had to be done according to the rules, so she was not sitting as close to Wu Shiyan as she was outside the palace, close enough to whisper to each other.

Wu Shiyan frowned slightly and nodded to her.

What Tian Wenshan said was indeed his meaning.

"Alright," Qi Yu thought to herself, "I'll listen to Wu Shiyan one last time."

Qi Yu was somewhat confused. She had never been drunk before, but Wu Shiyan was the one who had taken care of her once at the beginning. She never expected that he would now be the one restricting her.

The wine pot and cups were removed, and Qi Yu had a bowl of sweet soup next to her, still steaming.

Qi Yu took a small sip and then began to enjoy the singing and dancing. If she encountered someone she liked, she simply instructed her servants to reward them after they had left.

The music made people drowsy, but Qi Yu kept her bright eyes open, resisting the sleepiness.

You can't sleep during the most crucial time.

After several rounds of song and dance performances, many people began to chat and toast each other.

Li Chang also stepped forward and whispered that the fireworks were ready.

Wu Shiyan quickly announced to everyone that they would go to watch the fireworks.

Then the large crowd left the main hall.

Qi Yu followed Wu Shiyan. They stood in front of the pool and looked up. In the distance, fireworks bloomed in the night sky.

Beneath the dazzling night view are smiling faces.

The royal family is very wealthy, and the fireworks display lasted for a long time before it ended.

However, a fire suddenly broke out in the palace not far away, but few people noticed it.

Qi Yu's gaze sharpened, and she tugged at Wu Shiyan's sleeve: "Your Majesty, there's a fire in the distance."

Wu Shiyan straightened up and took Qi Yu's hand: "I will have someone handle it."

If there weren't so many people here, he would have simply wrapped Qi Yu in his arms.

He didn't drink a drop of alcohol at the banquet, so he didn't have to worry about bothering Qi Yu with the smell when he stood next to her.

As the fireworks illuminated the scene, people in the crowd who were on good terms with each other started chatting together.

Pei Jin and Zhao Wanyi stood on either side, watching His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine, their gazes both fixed on Qi Yu.

Bo Xingzhou and Wen Yuchan found a secluded spot to watch the fireworks, so Tian Wenshan had to walk quite a distance to find Bo Xingzhou: "Your Majesty! His Majesty has ordered you to dispatch palace guards to put out the fire."

Wen Yuchan hurriedly asked, "Where is the fire?"

Tian Wenshan immediately replied, "A secluded palace to the south."

He was puzzled, thinking that it was probably because the weather was dry and the fireworks had fallen there that they accidentally started a fire.

Bo Xingzhou immediately accepted the order and took the token from Tian Wenshan: "I entrust Lord Wen's daughter to Eunuch Tian."

"That's exactly right! Your Excellency is being too serious."

Tian Wenshan had to take care of Wen Yuchan, so he naturally couldn't return to His Majesty's side as soon as possible.

Since they were looking after him, they naturally returned him to the emperor's brother-in-law in perfect condition.

Having stood outside for so long, Qi Yu felt a little tired and lethargic. She said, "Your Majesty, I would like to go change my clothes."

This was a reason he couldn't refuse, so Wu Shiyan had no choice but to let the person go.

A palace maid carrying tea was about to seize an opportunity to spill it on the Consort's clothes when she unexpectedly separated from His Majesty and went to change her clothes.

She got it without any effort. She went up to Zhao Wanyi, gave her a brief nod, and then left.

The person accompanying Zhao Wanyi was not Yuelu, but a stranger named Lingjiao.

Zhao Wanyi lowered her eyes: "Let's go."

Lingjiao followed her obediently.

Qi Yu went to a nearby palace. Anyone who could enter the palace for a banquet must have a high status, so the palace where she could rest had been prepared well in advance.

Qi Yu rubbed her forehead, feeling agitated. After entering the hall, she lay down on the soft couch to rest for a while.

She fell asleep while her hand was still on her forehead.

When she woke up again, the palace was unusually quiet. Qi Yu got up and called out to Pei Jiu, but there was no response, so she took two steps outside.

Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks.

Pei Jiu was found fast asleep, her eyes closed, next to a chair in the inner room.

Qi Yu chose to go out and take a look rather than shake Pei Jiu awake.

Because she is feeling a bit agitated right now.

Sure enough, the palace servants outside were also drugged.

Qi Yu brought tea and extinguished the incense burning in the room. In the blink of an eye, she encountered Zhao Wanyi and Lingjiao as they pushed open the door and entered.

Their eyes met.

Zhao Wanyi was stunned.

The plan had a major oversight: the most important person wasn't drugged; instead, he stood perfectly fine in front of her.

What should she do?

Qi Yu was a little embarrassed, but she quickly composed herself and said firmly, "Madam Zhao, I know what you want to do, and I am willing to cooperate with you."

That's great, Zhao Wanyi is still staying true to her original intentions and following the plot.

Zhao Wanyi didn't think Qi Yu would know: "You really know?"

Qi Yu nodded, unable to suppress a smile.

Zhao Wanyi was certain that Qi Yu didn't know, otherwise she would never have done this if she knew that she was going to assassinate Wu Shiyan.

Pei Jin likes Qi Yu, but Qi Yu clearly likes Wu Shiyan more.

Zhao Wanyi did not use the title "Ayu": "Your Majesty, in the Pei residence, Lingjiao only obeys your orders, but in the capital..."

Qi Yu: "You mentioned Lingge in your last letter."

"Yes, it's her."

Qi Yu and Zhao Wanyi exchanged clothes. Practice makes perfect, and Qi Yu was very skilled at impersonating Zhao Wanyi this time.

She felt no lingering fear, only joy at the prospect of being released from her cage.