Han Yu was terrified when Lin'er told her that Consort Ning and Consort Gui knew what she had done. She thought her previous plan was meticulously crafted, but she never expected it to be seen through so easily.

Actually, the idea came from something she experienced in her childhood.

When Hanyu was still in the Zhang family, her stepmother, Li, gave birth to a son after only one year of marriage. She was also beautiful and knew how to be charming and clingy. Hanyu's father, Zhang Liang, doted on his stepmother and soon began to flirt with other young and beautiful concubines as well.

Zhang Liang had a beautiful concubine named Bi'er, who was a gift from a lower-ranking official. At first, Zhang Liang was infatuated with her for a while. Later, after Zhang Liang became the sole favorite of Lady Li, Bi'er, feeling lonely, used a trick to touch Lady Li's son with her hands, which were stained with the juice of yellow seeds.

In the middle of the night, Li's son's face began to swell. After calling a doctor and causing a great commotion, he recovered on his own.

Li discovered that Bi'er had been in contact with her son, so she had her brought in for questioning. Because Bi'er had left no trace, Li couldn't find any evidence but didn't want to let her go, so she made her kneel in the courtyard.

When Bi'er was kneeling, she happened to run into Zhang Liang returning to the courtyard. When he asked her what was wrong, Bi'er was crying with tears streaming down her face, looking very aggrieved. This made Zhang Liang feel sorry for her and think that Li Shi was being domineering and deliberately making things difficult for Bi'er.

Next, Bi'er turned misfortune into blessing and enjoyed a period of favor until she became pregnant. During her difficult childbirth, Li tampered with the process, and both she and her child died.

The reason Hanyu knew this secret was that the old nanny who used to serve Bi'er went to serve Hanyu's courtyard after Bi'er died. After gaining Hanyu's trust, she mentioned it unintentionally.

After hearing about the yellow nut fruit, Han Yu became very interested and specially sent someone to buy some. At that time, Zhang Liang was serving as the governor of Qiongzhou. Qiongzhou was located near the Western Di, and people of different ethnicities often appeared on the streets. The yellow nut fruit was also a specialty of the Western Di.

Because most people react to yellow nut fruit, after touching its juice, they often develop red rashes on their face and experience difficulty breathing while sleeping at night, but the symptoms gradually disappear after waking up.

Therefore, in the Western Di, the yellow nut fruit was also called the dream fruit. Because most people, especially children, would experience a reaction after eating it, this fruit was not very popular in the Western Di.

The yellow nut sold by the Xidi people in the Qiongzhou market is all dried, and very few people buy it, especially the locals of Qiongzhou.

However, if you're lucky, eating yellow nut fruit won't cause any reaction, and you might even come to like its unique sweet and sour taste, finding it very refreshing.

As a child, Hanyu was very curious. Knowing that eating yellow nut fruit wouldn't kill anyone, at most it would make you feel unwell at night, but you would feel better when you woke up, Hanyu boldly tried it after buying it.

Fortunately, like Bi'er, she was someone who did not react to the yellow nut fruit. Ever since she bought the yellow nut fruit and knew that she would not react, Han Yu often bought it to eat.

She loved the aroma of yellow nut the most. In addition to dried fruit, she also bought yellow nut powder from the Xidi people, which could be ground into powder and mixed with water to drink.

Later, after Zhang Liang was promoted to Minister of Justice, they moved their whole family to the capital. Before leaving, Han Yu heard that yellow kernel powder could be preserved for more than ten years without spoiling, so she specially bought a lot to take back to the capital.

Even when she was confined to the inner palace as a criminal, she carried a purse containing yellow kernel powder as a keepsake.

When she became a lady-in-waiting and tried every means to gain the emperor's favor, she learned that the imperial concubine had the emperor's exclusive favor. She couldn't help but think of the story of Bi'er that she had heard before, and thus began to have designs on him.

Before going to the Imperial Garden, she deliberately mixed all the remaining yellow kernel powder with water to make juice, and applied it to her hands and sleeves.

Giving the purse to the Third Prince was just an excuse. Because she had been standing outside the pavilion for a long time, the juice on her hands had dried, so she wiped her hands wet on her sleeves.

She planned to use the purse as bait; if the Imperial Concubine punished her without evidence, she could use this to gain the Emperor's sympathy. Han Yu was very confident in her beauty; if this plan worked, it would make the Imperial Concubine appear domineering while simultaneously showcasing her innocence and grievance.

Perhaps His Majesty will feel pity for her, just as Zhang Liang did for Bi'er, and she will be able to seize the opportunity to gain favor.

The key to this plan is the yellow kernel powder. Han Yu is also gambling that there is at least a 90% chance the Third Prince will react.

She thought that no one else in the harem would know about the yellow seed fruit except herself. Moreover, she did it secretly and left no trace afterward. In the years since she entered the palace, no one in the Yeting and Laundry Departments knew that she had yellow seed powder.

The more Han Yu thought about Lin'er's words, the more distressed she felt. If what Consort Ning said was true, then she had really been too clever for her own good. In fact, she was the most foolish person in this whole situation.

She only thought that yellow walnuts were only found in Qiongzhou, but she didn't expect that there might be Western Di people in the capital as well. If yellow walnut powder was also sold in the capital, then it's no wonder that Consort Ning and Consort Gui knew about it.

Her elaborate scheme backfired because everyone had seen the items, not only failing to thwart her plan but also creating more trouble for herself. She intended to use the Imperial Concubine to gain power, but since the Imperial Concubine knew her intentions and didn't fall for it, she naturally wouldn't let her off the hook.

Han Yu thought that she was just a female official with no status or background. If the Imperial Concubine really wanted to kill her in secret, it wouldn't take much effort.

Perhaps, I really am not far from death?

With trembling hands, Han Yu clutched her chest, startled by her own thoughts. Watching the flickering candlelight on the table, she swallowed hard.

Realizing she had entered a dead end, with no way out but to wait for death, Han Yu sat there, her body cold, when she suddenly noticed the hairpin Lin'er had left behind.

In the firelight, the white jade of the hairpin shone so brightly it was almost blinding.

No, there's still Consort Ning. Didn't she say she could give her a chance? Consort Ning is also a veteran from the time she was a prince, and with the Second Prince almost grown up, she must have some ability.

If Consort Ning can lend a hand, she might be able to escape the Imperial Concubine's schemes.

Since Fei Chen has indeed proven that Lin'er is Ning Fei's person, what does Ning Fei want from her when she comes to her and reveals that the Imperial Concubine already knows?

Since there is no evidence regarding the Third Prince's matter, even if the Imperial Concubine knew that she was behind it and knew about the yellow kernel powder, she couldn't find anything. She wouldn't be convicted openly. Therefore, Han Yu guessed that even if the Imperial Concubine wanted her dead, she would do it secretly.

After all, no matter how high a female official's rank is, she is not as prominent as a palace concubine. If she can quickly gain favor and a title, and if she is careful in her words and deeds and avoids making mistakes, with the assistance of Consort Ning, even the Noble Consort cannot easily put her to death.

After much deliberation, Han Yu concluded that the best way to protect herself was to quickly pledge allegiance to Consort Ning, have her help gain favor, and become a proper palace concubine.

However, Han Yu didn't believe that Consort Ning would help her for no reason. What did Consort Ning want from her?

Consort Ning has a son and a title; what else does she lack besides no longer being favored by His Majesty?

Holding the hairpin, Han Yu suddenly had a thought: Could it be that Consort Ning wanted to push her to the top and use the opportunity to oppose Consort Gui?

She is quite beautiful, and she may very well become as favored as the Imperial Concubine in the future. If Consort Ning wins her over in advance, she will stand by Consort Ning's side out of consideration for Consort Ning's past help. In fact, if Consort Ning has a child in the future, she can become an ally of the Second Prince.

After repeatedly deducing and clarifying his thoughts in his mind, the final result always pointed to the option of seeking refuge with Consort Ning as the only way out.

Han Yu finally made up her mind to go to Jinghe Palace the next day to hear how Consort Ning would help her and what arrangements she had made.

In addition, Han Yu also had some doubts: would Consort Ning really have a way to help her gain favor with the emperor?

On the third day, Han Yu stayed in Zhaoren Palace, feeling restless all morning. Around noon, she accidentally broke a teacup, which drew frequent glances from the palace maids around her.

In the afternoon, Hanyu asked the head eunuch for leave again. At noon, Hanyu arrived at the Jinghe Palace as promised and gave the hairpin in her hand to the eunuch sweeping outside the gate.

"Are you looking for Sister Lin'er? Sister Lin'er said to go to the pavilion over there, she'll be waiting for you there."

Before Han Yu could speak, the eunuch who had taken the hairpin enthusiastically pointed out the way to her.

Feeling somewhat uneasy, Han Yu didn't even know if coming to Jinghe Palace was the right decision.

Looking up at the pavilion ahead, she finally took a deep breath and continued walking. No matter what, she had no way out. Rather than waiting anxiously for the Imperial Concubine's reply every day, she decided to take it one step at a time.

"Lady, please come and sit down!"

Lin'er was already waiting in the pavilion. When she saw Hanyu from afar, she beckoned her to come in and sit down.

"What is this screen for?"

After entering the pavilion, Han Yu did not sit down, but instead raised her slender white fingers and pointed to the large sandalwood screen standing behind the pavilion, asking a question.

The screen is very tall, with a frame made of rosewood and black gold inlaid on the four corners. The center is made of thick silk and embroidered with flowers, birds, landscapes and rivers. The brushwork is bold and magnificent, and it looks like the work of a famous artist.

"Behind are several pots of Vitex negundo that Her Majesty has been growing. Recently, the wind has been strong at night, and we were afraid they would be damaged, so we put a screen around them. Would you like to go and take a look? Our Her Majesty loves Vitex negundo the most, not only outside, but also inside the palace."

After hearing Lin'er's explanation, Han Yu frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then sat down.

"No need. What are Consort Ning's plans? Why are you alone again?"

Han Yu's heart was still racing, and she had a feeling that something bad was about to happen, so she skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point.

"The lady-in-waiting is rather impatient. It's better if I relay the message for Her Majesty. That way, it won't attract attention. And if the lady-in-waiting gets what she wants in the future, she won't have any connection with Her Majesty on the surface."

Lin'er remained quick-witted and outspoken. After pouring Han Yu a cup of tea, she carefully examined her and chuckled.

"Lady, you probably didn't sleep well last night, judging from your pale complexion. But that's normal; if I were plotting against the Imperial Concubine, I wouldn't sleep well either. Lady, you have quite the nerve to start with the Third Prince."

Han Yu's face grew increasingly grim at Lin'er's teasing, but knowing that the only way out was to rely on Consort Ning, she forced herself to endure it.

"Since the lady has made up her mind, we should keep in touch more often in the future, instead of being so distant. I'm just curious, tell me, what were you thinking, lady, that you dared to harm the Third Prince? Why didn't you strike harder back then? Now you haven't caused any harm to the Consort or the Third Prince, and you've just incurred the Consort's wrath for nothing."

Lin'er's words became increasingly reckless, and she seemed carefree, even handing Han Yu a piece of jujube paste cake.

Han Yu was furious and pushed her hand away. "Stop talking nonsense. What exactly does Consort Ning mean? Are you going to tell me or not? If you don't, I'm leaving."

"Oh, don't be angry. I was just curious. Our Empress has said you're very bold. Both the Imperial Concubine and our Empress have seen that fruit before, so it was all for nothing."

"You're saying that both Consort Gui and Consort Ning have seen the yellow-kernel fruit?"

Hearing Lin'er's words, Han Yu's heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, they also knew about the yellow kernel fruit.

"Yes, you've been in the palace all this time, so you don't know. Back when His Majesty was still a prince, he often went out on official business. Because some people could touch the yellow nut fruit and some couldn't, he brought it back as a novelty. Sigh, do you still have any yellow nut fruit? If you do, could you send me some privately? I'd like to try and see if I can eat it."

Lin'er spoke with great enthusiasm, staring intently at Han Yu as if she were about to pull the fruit out of her person at any moment.

"Of course it's gone, it's all been cleaned up."

The thought that this was truly the worst-case scenario, that everything she had done had been seen by everyone, caused Han Yu's hands to tremble slightly, hidden beneath her sleeves.

"I think so too. It's good that it was cleaned up. You did a good job; at least no evidence was left behind. But don't be so reckless in the future. Be careful and listen to Her Majesty's arrangements. Don't act on your own. Our Her Majesty dislikes people who think they're clever the most."

Although she looked somewhat regretful, Lin'er still earnestly gave Han Yu some instructions.

"I will follow Consort Ning's arrangements. What does Your Highness intend to do?"

Han Yu quickly nodded in agreement, then asked the question that was most pressing to her.

"As you know, His Majesty is no longer holding a selection of concubines. There aren't many concubines in the harem to begin with, and there aren't any new faces. So, Your Highness is going to give you a chance to advance. If you behave well, you'll naturally have your day. If you gain favor, even if you become a Noble Consort, she won't be able to do anything to you."

Lin'er explained with a grin, going on and on, but still didn't reveal any substantial arrangements.

Han Yu also felt increasingly uneasy. She had come as promised, but Lin'er just rambled on and on. What exactly did Consort Ning mean?

"Lady, you're too impatient. That's not good. Her Majesty sent me here today just to make sure you've thought things through. Don't worry about anything else. Her Majesty will make arrangements. Just go back and wait for news. His Majesty will summon you again in a few days."

Lin'er spoke with absolute certainty, almost as if she were patting her chest to guarantee it, but Han Yu was still half-believing and half-doubting.

After saying that, Lin'er smiled and left first. Han Yu sat in the pavilion for a while before getting up.

After descending the steps of the pavilion, Han Yu suddenly seemed to remember something, and turned around the large screen set up behind it to look inside.

There were indeed several pots of what looked like precious Wei Zi flowers on the shelves inside, but Han Yu still couldn't understand why such a large screen was needed as a partition for just a few pots of flowers.

She returned to Zhaoren Palace with a heavy heart. Since she had taken sick leave, she went back to her room to lie down.

On her way back to her room, Hanyu briefly met Feichen. Lost in her worries, she had no time to say anything, simply exchanging a greeting before closing the door. She didn't notice the chaotic look in Feichen's eyes as she gazed at her room after she closed the door.

Back at Yanqing Palace, Lin Yuqiao patted Mangxia on the shoulder with a smile. Mangxia's acting was so natural that Lin Yuqiao almost believed it. What a talent!

"You little rascal, you really have a silver tongue. You can talk a good game and even fool Hanyu."

Mangxia touched her hair, feeling quite pleased with herself. She hadn't even put in much effort yet, but she had already successfully fooled Hanyu. With just a slight trick, Hanyu revealed the name of the fruit.

After praising Mangxia, Lin Yuqiao instructed Wei Jiang, who had been following them, "You've heard what you were supposed to hear and seen what you were supposed to see. When you get to His Majesty, tell him everything that happened this afternoon."

"I respectfully agree."

After bowing respectfully, Wei Jiang received his orders and prepared to leave.

"Hey, wait a minute, take the token back, it's no longer needed."

Wei Jiang then stepped forward, took the token, and left.

Inside the Zhengqing Palace, Liu Heng's face darkened after hearing Wei Jiang's report.

He had originally intended to treat Zhang Liang's daughter well because of the help he had received in his youth, but he never expected Han Yu to be so ungrateful. She pretended to be innocent and weak, but in reality, she was treacherous and cunning, even daring to set her sights on the imperial heir.

"Li Silai, you handle the rest. Don't leave a trace. As for Han Yu, send her off with a cup of poisoned wine."

After giving instructions to Li Silai, Liu Heng took a deep breath, left the study, and prepared to go to Yanqing Palace.