maintain

In springtime, Fengyi Palace should be a perfect place for flower viewing and banquets, but today the atmosphere is unusually somber.

Yan Shu sat upright in the ladies' section, dressed in the formal attire of a princess consort. This was the first time she had attended such a formal court banquet alone since marrying into the Duan Prince's mansion.

On the phoenix throne at the head of the table, Empress Yun Ya, dressed in a bright yellow palace gown and adorned with a dazzling phoenix crown, spoke with a smile to several members of the imperial family and their wives, but her gaze occasionally swept over Yan Shu, carrying a subtle scrutiny.

"Shu'er," the Empress suddenly called to her, her voice gentle and affectionate, "come and sit beside me."

In an instant, all eyes were on Yan Shu. She rose, bowed, and sat down sideways on the embroidered stool below the Empress.

The Empress warmly took her hand, her grip firm yet allowing no refusal: "You look much better. The Prince Duan's residence truly nurtures its inhabitants." Her voice was low, audible only to the two of them, "How is the Prince treating you? If he dares to mistreat you, don't hesitate to tell your sister."

These words sound concerned, but they actually conceal a hidden agenda.

Yan Shu's voice was soft yet clear: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. The Prince treats me extremely well."

"That's good." The Empress gently patted the back of her hand, her fingertips lightly touching it. "Only when you are doing well can Father and I be at ease. The daughters of the Cui family share in our glory."

She leaned forward slightly. "Although Your Majesty and Prince Duan are brothers, you must understand the distinction between ruler and subject. You must know what should be said and what should not be said."

These words were a blatant warning. Cui Yanshu's heart skipped a beat, and she could only whisper, "Your Majesty, I understand."

"Having children is of paramount importance," the Empress said, her voice returning to normal as her gaze swept over the girl's flat stomach. "Only by giving birth to a legitimate son for the Prince as soon as possible can your position truly be secure."

Just then, a clear, cold voice suddenly rang out:

"Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw that Ling Yuan had been standing outside the pavilion at some point.

"Prince Duan has arrived at the perfect time." The Empress's smile remained unchanged. "I was just discussing the matter of having offspring with Yan Shu..."

"My brother's family affairs are none of your concern, Your Majesty," Ling Yuan interrupted her, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable force. "The Princess Consort is still young and frail; the imperial physician says she needs to recuperate properly. There's no rush regarding children."

He walked to Yan Shu's side and naturally helped her up: "Besides, my brother married to spend his life with her, not to continue the family line."

The Empress's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure: "Prince Duan is truly considerate."

"You flatter me, Your Majesty," Lingyuan said. "The Princess Consort has been unwell lately, so I've taken her back to her residence."

Without waiting for the Empress's response, he took Yan Shu's hand and turned to leave.

After leaving Tangli Garden, Lingyuan did not immediately leave the palace, but instead led Yan Shu towards Taiye Pond.

"Your Highness, this is..."

"Since we're here, let's take a walk around before heading back."

Willows swayed gently along the banks of Taiye Pond, the water shimmering. Reaching a secluded corner, I saw a woman dressed in a pale purple palace gown. She was slender, pale-faced, and a hint of melancholy in her eyes—it was Consort Lin.

Just as Yan Shu was about to bow, Consort Lin turned around and saw them. A faint smile appeared on her pale face: "It's Prince Duan and his wife."

"Your Highness, Imperial Concubine," Ling Yuan said.

"Did you come from Fengyi Palace?" Consort Lin asked softly.

"Yes." Ling Yuan's tone was unusually gentle. "Is Your Highness feeling any better?"

"As always, thank you for your concern, Prince Duan." Consort Lin turned her gaze to Yan Shu, her expression kind. "If Your Highness has time, please come and visit often. There aren't many people in this palace who you can truly talk to."

Just then, a boy of about fifteen or sixteen rushed over: "Mother, why are you out here in the wind again? The imperial physician advised you to rest."

Upon seeing Ling Yuan and Yan Shu, the young man quickly straightened up and bowed: "Xuan Gui greets Imperial Uncle and Imperial Aunt."

Ling Yuan watched as the young man carefully adjusted his mother's cloak, his gaze softening slightly: "Xuan Gui has grown up; he knows how to take care of his mother now."

"It is what I should do," Xuan Gui replied respectfully.

Looking at the mother and son, Yan Shu was deeply moved. Compared to the Empress's calculating "family affection," this bond between mother and son seemed so precious.

On the carriage back to the mansion, Yan Shu recounted in detail her experiences in the palace to Ling Yuan.

After hearing this, he said indifferently, "The Empress and you have a deep sisterly bond, so she naturally considers everything for you." The sarcasm in his tone was self-evident.

"As for Consort Lin and Xuan Gui..." He paused, "My cousin is gentle and kind, and dislikes conflict. Xuan Gui, that child, is quite talented and knows how to be considerate of his mother."

He looked at Yan Shu and said, "Now that you've married into the Prince's household, you're a member of the Duan Prince's family. The palace is a complex place with many relationships, both close and distant; you should be aware of that."

This was the first time he had so explicitly categorized her as "a person of the Prince Duan's residence." Yan Shu's heart trembled slightly, and she replied clearly, "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

That evening, Lingyuan stayed at Lingxiao Pavilion for dinner. After dinner, he did not leave immediately, but instead read a book on the couch by the window.

Yan Shu brewed tea and gently placed the teacup beside him.

As he took the teacup, his fingertips inadvertently brushed against hers. Both of them paused.

"The tea... is acceptable," he said softly, lowering his eyes.

Cui Yanshu lowered her head, the smile on her lips impossible to hide.

That night, the candlelight in Lingxiao Pavilion seemed especially warm.

One afternoon a month later, a palace eunuch came to deliver a message, saying that the Empress invited Princess Duan to the palace for tea.

Yan Shu knew this was the aftermath of her recent relationship with Consort Lin, but she had no choice but to go.

Inside the Phoenix Palace, the Empress, still smiling warmly, personally poured tea for her: "Sister, it seems you've been visiting the palace quite often lately? I've wanted to speak with you several times, but I've heard you've been going to the Pear Blossom Palace."

Yun Shu was startled, but smiled and said, "Consort Lin is of a refined and quiet nature and loves flowers and plants. She is kind enough to invite you, my sister, to come and enjoy them often."

"Oh?" The Empress raised an eyebrow slightly. "Lin Daiyu is indeed a refined person. However..." She changed the subject, "The flowers and plants in this palace, though they look beautiful, depend on where they are planted. Some places may look peaceful, but the soil beneath may not be clean; some flowers may look lovely, but they may have thorns."

She picked up her teacup and said, "Take Consort Rong from the previous dynasty, for example. She loved flowers dearly, but a strange flower from an unknown place attracted poisonous snakes, almost causing a great disaster."

The warning in those words couldn't be clearer.

Just then, a report came from outside the hall: "Prince Duan has arrived."

Ling Yuan strode into the hall, his expression cold and stern: "What amusing things are you and Yan Shu discussing now, my sister-in-law?"

The Empress's smile remained unchanged: "Prince Duan has come again. Please sit down. Don't worry, we'll just chat about flowers and plants."

"Is that so?" Ling Yuan's gaze swept over Yan Shu's slightly pale face. "Just now, outside the palace, I seemed to hear something about poisonous snakes and great calamity. I thought my sister-in-law was telling a thrilling story."

He walked over to Yan Shu and naturally helped her up: "Since my sister-in-law is telling such a story, Princess Consort, you're too timid to listen."

The Empress's expression changed slightly: "What does Prince Duan mean by this?"

"Your Majesty, I was only worried that the Princess Consort might be frightened," Ling Yuan said calmly. "Since my sister-in-law is saying such frightening things, I will take her back first."

Once again, without waiting for the Empress's response, he turned and left with Yan Shu.

As they left Fengyi Palace, Yan Shu asked softly, "How did Your Highness know I was here?"

"I happened to be in the palace discussing matters when I mentioned that you were with the Empress..." He paused, ""From now on, if the Empress summons you and I am not present, you should feign illness."

Is this... appropriate?

"If I say it's suitable, then it's suitable." He said firmly, "Since you are mine, I will protect you."

At that moment, Yan Shu felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

The palace road was long, but as long as he was by her side, she had nothing to fear.