Once the year was over, the Crown Princess was no longer so stressed, and naturally her body couldn't take it anymore.

Fortunately, he was young, and although he was sick, it was only temporary.

They just brought Su Liangdi out to take charge again.

Su Liangdi didn't implement any sweeping reforms, but she was very good at interpersonal relationships.

Before the New Year, she was in charge of things and was very generous with everything. Now that she's in charge again after the New Year, it's almost time to distribute spring supplies, and she's sure to win over many more people.

Although it may seem useless to win people's hearts now, things will be different in the long run.

Yan Nangui diligently consolidated his condition for a few days, and his body felt completely comfortable.

Shu Chengfeng has come several times during this period.

He went to see Xia Zhaoxun today.

Xia Zhaoxun remained quiet after becoming pregnant. As long as no one disturbed her, she could stay quietly in her residence.

When Shu Chengfeng arrived at Yihu Residence, he saw Xia Zhaoxun painting in the courtyard.

The sun is shining brightly today, and it's not cold right now.

"Your Highness," Xia Zhaoxun put down his pen, "Your Highness has arrived."

"Hmm, what are you drawing?" Shu Chengfeng asked, helping her up.

"I only painted the scenery of the mansion," Xia Zhaoxun said with a smile.

Shu Chengfeng went over to take a look and saw that it was indeed an exquisite garden in the mansion, with artificial hills, pavilions, and lotus flowers in full bloom.

"The scenery is just like last year's. I have nothing to do, so standing for a while won't hurt." Painting basically requires standing.

"If I get even a little tired, I'll rest. They also don't allow me to stand for long periods." This explains why she didn't neglect her pregnancy just because she was painting.

Shu Chengfeng still trusted her. Looking at this painting, he was reminded of another one.

Black and white...

his……

Lying down with his head propped up...

"His painting skills are good, very good." But he's not particularly good at that.

I certainly studied, but the scenery here is far superior. And the people here are even less impressive than those at Jiyue Pavilion.

That person's figure paintings were absolutely masterful.

Shu Chengfeng was distracted for a moment before speaking to Xia Zhaoxun again.

Even if Xia Zhaoxun noticed that the Crown Prince was distracted, she wouldn't say anything.

She has always been quite sensible.

Shu Chengfeng had someone send her a lot of ink and some paint.

Especially the blue one, this thing is made from a stone from the Western Regions, and it is very rare.

Of course, since it's given to her, it must also be given to Jiyuexuan.

After receiving the items from Jiyue Pavilion, Yan Nangui clicked his tongue and said, "How many times have I received these before?"

"It's happened four or five times already, which is a good thing," said Luo Kui.

Yuanhua smiled and said, "It must be so. His Highness saw Xia Zhaoxun's painting and thought of you. So he bestowed it upon you as well."

"It's certainly a good thing to give me something, but I really didn't intend to use it to compete for favor." Yan Nangui shook his head.

The maids naturally agreed.

Yan Nangui has returned with his belongings but is too lazy to paint; he hasn't been in the mood for painting lately.

The Crown Prince's residence remained relatively quiet for a few days.

Inside the palace, Consort Hua, who had only been promoted a few days prior, was revealed to be three months pregnant.

It's clear that the pregnancy is stable, and once the baby is born, it will likely be promoted to a higher position.

She's already a talented woman; if she's promoted further, she'll at least become a fourth-rank concubine, another rival.

Consort Zhen hasn't been sleeping well these past few days. She's still quite upset after her miscarriage and hasn't recovered yet.

He was trying to stay positive for the New Year, but he was still quite upset by these three young and beautiful women.

"Your Highness, don't be anxious. Even if you are promoted, you'll only be a Jieyu. What's the rush? You're a Guifei! They'll fight amongst themselves until they're bloodied and bruised." The palace maid Luoshui coaxed her.

"It is most important that you take good care of the Twelfth Prince. Our prince has grown up, but Consort Fanghui's child is still young. Consort Wanshu has no children at all. As for this Lady Kong, even if she had a child, she would have no powerful backing. Compared to the Twelfth Prince, she is so much younger and useless."

Consort Zhen sighed, "His Majesty now dotes on Consort Wan, and Consort Fanghui is good at talking and coaxing His Majesty."

"That's not surprising. You know, His Majesty used to favor Lady Fan for a while, and that favor was quite strong. But what happened after that? It only lasted for a little over a year. Although she's still a Noble Consort, do you think His Majesty still remembers her?"

Consort Zhen took a deep breath: "I hope so."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, His Majesty's most favored person is naturally still you. He still bestows great favor upon you. Isn't it true that any rewards are sent to our Feiluan Palace first? Take that jewelry from before the New Year, with such large pearls, even the Empress, who is not the Empress, does not have one. In the entire harem, do you see anyone else who still has one?" Luo Shui laughed and said, "You, just put your mind at ease. What kind of relationship do you have with His Majesty?"

"Those few were just something His Majesty did on a whim. There's nothing to worry about."

Although Consort Zhen was uneasy, she found these words to be true.

"Since you've brought up pearls, I haven't properly applied face powder in a few days. Do you still have any pearl powder?" Consort Zhen asked.

"Of course we have them. How could we be short of anything here? Don't worry, we'll arrange it right away," Luo Shui said.

Soon, Consort Zhen was lying down with a face mask on, a prescription given to her by a renowned physician from outside the palace. He said it would make her skin soft and smooth. She used the mask every few days.

Although she's not exactly young anymore, she's definitely well-maintained. There aren't any wrinkles around her eyes yet.

In the Crown Prince's study, Shu Chengfeng smiled and said, "This Kong family member is quite capable; she's very composed."

"Yes, she's been in the palace for several years now. She's finally climbed up the ranks," Yun Ji said with a smile.

"Father is going to have another child." Shu Chengfeng gently twirled his fingers. "With this child, regardless of whether it's a boy or a girl, Kong Shi will be promoted. It'll be a guarantee for her in the future."

"Your Highness, rest assured, the Sun family and... are mortal enemies. Just look at how the Kong family has been taking steady steps and showing no sign of urgency these past few years; that shows she is a patient and composed person," Yun Ji said.

Kong's actual surname was Sun. Her entire family was killed on the orders of Shu Zhongjing, simply because of a literary inquisition.

She was naturally filled with hatred, and after escaping, she was sent to the palace.

She had been loyal to Shu Chengfeng for several years. However, she herself did not know who she was loyal to.

She was the truly successful spy. Over the years, she never harbored any thoughts of betrayal.

She gained favor after Consort Fanghui and Consort Wanshu, which was both inconspicuous and safe.

Even the Empress is now trying to win her over.

Of course, the empress did not know her identity; she simply thought she was useful.

As a weak woman, she knew she couldn't possibly disrupt the Great Yan dynasty, so all she could do was wish for Shu Zhongjing to die or abdicate as soon as possible.

Shu Chengfeng didn't really expect her to do too much, but something was better than nothing.

Her identity was changed so cleanly that even if she wanted to betray them, her side of the story would be useless.

Besides, they didn't know who their master was.

However, Shu Chengfeng wasn't worried. With such a deep-seated blood feud, if he could reconcile with his enemy and live peacefully together...

If this is what Yan Nangui said, then isn't this some kind of Mary Sue ancient romance novel? The kind where killing your whole family would be forgiven?