During this month, Rouyin was awakened as usual by the birds perched on the pomegranate tree in the courtyard. She rubbed her sleepy eyes, and before she was fully awake, Liu Qing came in somewhat flustered. "Madam, the palace has issued an imperial decree. Consort De requests that you come to the palace for a brief chat."

While instructing everyone to prepare the carriage and court attire, Rouyin asked with some confusion, "Granny, what do you think Mother means?"

"Princess Consort, there's no need to worry. Whether it's good fortune or misfortune, we are all one with Prince. After all, Consort De is Prince's biological mother, and she won't make things too difficult for you." Granny Wang pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, telling Princess Consort to just do her duty.

After Rouyin finished tidying up, she called Shiliu over and said, "Shiliu, you will report Consort De's decree to Prince Beile later. Remember not to be too flustered or impolite."

"Yes, Madam." Upon hearing this, Shiliu knew that her mistress had a plan in mind, so she quickly bowed and left.

Upon arriving at Yonghe Palace, Consort De sat at the head of the table, wearing a light blue cheongsam with begonia patterns, adorned with matching green jade tassels. The hem of the cheongsam was also inlaid with a few pale pink flowers, making her look elegant yet dignified.

A maidservant from Consort De's side brought over tea. Rouyin, holding the teacup, performed a half-squatting curtsy to Consort De, saying, "Your daughter-in-law invites Mother to have some tea."

Consort De remained silent, continuing to play with the agate beaded string in her hand, only glancing at Rouyin every now and then without saying a word. Looking at the even more ethereal Ulanara, her eyes seemed somewhat dazed; was the late Emperor's Dong E clan also so beautiful?

After waiting for nearly half an hour, Rouyin would have felt even worse if it weren't for the body-strengthening pills given by the system. She pretended to be extremely tired, her legs trembling slightly, and even the hand holding the teacup was shaking slightly. Only then did Consort De calmly say, "Get up, Fourth Prince's wife. I was thinking about something and forgot about you. You really should remind me a few more times."

"It's been almost a month since you entered the palace!" Consort De asked, seemingly calmly.

Rouyin's heart sank, and she understood what was going on.

"Yes, Mother."

"Since he has been in the manor for a month, why has the Fourth Prince been staying with you all this time? As a consort, shouldn't you be able to offer him more advice?!" Consort De said sternly, lightly patting the side cushion with her nail-protected hand. The slight movement made the room even quieter.

Rouyin's guess was confirmed. The Fourth Prince's recent favoritism had caught the eye of Consort De, and this was a warning and a show of force.

In the study, Yinzhen was discussing matters of the previous dynasty with his trusted confidant Zhang Tingyu, while Su Peisheng stood guard at the door.

Suddenly, he saw a familiar maid rushing over and remembered that she was someone from the Fujin's side. Shiliu told Eunuch Su word by word the news. Su Peisheng was a little uneasy. His master was discussing matters with Lord Zhang. He had said not to disturb them before, but now he could not report it!

Upon hearing this, Shiliu's previously calm demeanor turned somewhat panicked. "What should we do?"

Su Peisheng thought about how much the Prince cared for his wife, gritted his teeth, and said, "You stay here and keep watch, I'll go and report."

Su Peisheng lingered at the door a few more times, and Yinzhen understood somewhat. He paused his discussion with Zhang Tingyu. Su Peisheng was a slippery fellow; he must have encountered something difficult to handle to act like this.

Zhang Tingyu voluntarily reported his business and took his leave, and Yinzhen waved his hand to indicate his agreement.

Su Peisheng immediately gave the order, and Yinzhen frowned, but understood the gist of it. "Su Peisheng, quickly prepare the horses and go to Yonghe Palace."

Just as Rouyin was about to respond, Yinzhen strode over and said, “Mother, there’s no need to worry. I just wanted to spend a few more days with you because you’re a little young. I had no other intentions.”

Rouyin felt the warmth of Yinzhen's breath and was somewhat moved, but ultimately felt nothing. As a prince, Yinzhen was known for having multiple wives and concubines. Although he spoke up to defend her, Rouyin remained calm.

Consort De paused slightly, tightening her grip on the agate beaded string. "Fourth Princess, please go back first."

"Yes, daughter-in-law takes her leave." Rouyin understood that the mother and son probably wanted to have some private conversation, so she got up and left.

Consort De turned around and saw everyone in the room taking their leave. She said sternly, "Are you not going to imitate the late emperor's treatment of Consort Dong'e?"

Yinzhen's eyes grew increasingly dark, and he remained silent. After a long while, he finally spoke: "Mother, I am not the Emperor's grandfather, and Yin'er is not Dong E Shi. I cannot do it."

Consort De felt a chill in her heart. Before Yinzhen left, she said calmly, "You know, His Majesty despises this kind of person the most..."

Yinzhen paused for a moment, then left without hesitation.

Consort De said resentfully, "The fourth prince was raised by the Tong family, so he's not close to me at all. My poor fourteenth prince can't even rely on his own brother." Consort De's confidante, Granny Ma, was a little anxious, but since the empress was in a fit of anger, she couldn't persuade her and ultimately remained silent.