"My beloved concubine, you have worked hard in taking care of me. Go back and have a good rest."

Before Sheng Xiyan could even salute, he led her out of the Cining Palace.

When they got outside the palace, Xuan Ling just opened his mouth and said, "Yan Yan, I will be busy until very late tonight..."

Sheng Xiyan glared at him fiercely, pulled back her little hand, and ran to the picking stick, her cheeks flushed like two little buns.

In the dead of night, there were only the sounds of birds and the palace lanterns were dim.

Xuan Ling smiled faintly and got on the imperial carriage. The two of them separated, one on the left and one on the right.

In the Cining Palace.

Empress Duan and Concubine Shu came forward and pretended to care for Concubine Jia.

Concubine Jia cried like a tearful person.

"Aunt, Luan'er doesn't want to live anymore! Wuuuu! I've tried my best to improve myself, but the emperor still doesn't like me..."

The Empress Dowager looked at Queen Duan fiercely.

"Empress, as the head of the six palaces, you first failed to control Consort Chen Zhaoyi, and secondly, failed to persuade the Emperor. You have failed in your duty."

Empress Duan said aggrievedly, "Mother, I have tried my best."

"Shut up! I looked at the imperial concubines' register yesterday. For two consecutive months, the emperor hasn't opened a single draw. Every time he enters the harem, he goes to Guanju Palace. If this continues, how can we maintain the balance of power in the previous dynasty? How can we continue our lineage?"

Concubine Shu and Concubine Liang were so happy that they pretended to persuade her, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, this can't be entirely blamed on the Empress."

Empress Duan said, "I know I am wrong. Please punish me, mother."

How can you take the blame on yourself?

The Empress Dowager said sternly, "Since you know you are wrong, go to the Buddhist temple and kneel down to reflect on your mistake."

"Yes, mother."

Empress Duan left the Cining Palace and took the phoenix chariot to the Fan'an Hall in the palace.

Qing Dai asked in confusion, "Your Majesty, why did you admit your mistake just now? It was clearly the Empress Dowager who felt sorry for Concubine Jia and took her anger out on you."

Queen Duan smiled and said, "I am the Queen. If I displease the Queen Mother, I must be punished."

Qing Dai suddenly realized, "My Lady, are you trying to make the Emperor feel bad?"