A storm is brewing; dark clouds are gathering.

Dark, heavy clouds covered the entire sky, making it feel like nighttime even though it was only afternoon. There wasn't a single ray of light, and the oppressive atmosphere made one feel uneasy and anxious.

Wan Anran gestured to move the dried sweet potatoes that were drying outdoors back indoors. Just as the basket was moved inside, a muffled clap of thunder suddenly boomed in the sky, a bolt of lightning struck down, and then a sudden downpour of raindrops began.

The rain was incredibly heavy.

It was as if God was sending back all the rain that hadn't fallen all summer at once. Not only did the rain not lessen before Wan Anran fell asleep, but it was still pouring rain when it was light the next morning.

Emperor Kangxi did not return to the Western Garden, but only sent an oral edict. Upon hearing the news, Wan Anran rushed to Xiangluan Pavilion, only to find that Consort Yi, Consort Xi, the First Princess, and the Second Princess had already arrived.

The emperor's edicts were few.

The message instructed Consort Qi, Consort Yi, and Consort Xi to take care of the Empress Dowager and not to return to the palace for the time being, but to set off before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Wan Anran counted on her fingers.

There's still a month and a half to stay in the West Garden, and most importantly, the emperor isn't there yet!

If the eunuch delivering the imperial edict hadn't been there, and if the Empress Dowager, Consort Yi, and Consort Xi hadn't all looked so serious, Wan Anran would have almost burst out laughing!

After the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree left, even the usually carefree Empress Dowager couldn't help but worry about the palace. She pulled the eldest princess aside and asked her in detail. The eldest princess dared not say much but could not remain silent either, so she could only purse her lips and whisper, "Grandson doesn't understand either, I only remember that the Empress Dowager seemed to be in a very bad mood a few days ago."

The eldest princess was making a guess in her mind.

Perhaps it's a problem with Consort Miao in this pregnancy—Consort Miao is too obese, and it's said that the imperial physicians have already decided that Consort Miao will most likely have a difficult childbirth.

But could it be that Guangmiao Changzai was having a difficult birth?

Although the eldest princess was young, she also had other doubts. However, remembering her mother's instructions before her departure, she tried her best to avoid this option.

Is the Queen in a bad mood?

Wan Anran frowned slightly, while Consort Yi and Consort Xi looked puzzled.

As for the Empress Dowager, her face was also slightly solemn.

It should be noted that Empress Niohuru came from a prestigious family. She was a considerate person and had been meticulous and efficient in her work since taking charge of the affairs of the six palaces. She was well-known in the palace for her decisive and efficient methods.

Not only that, the Empress Dowager had privately expressed her satisfaction with the Empress, and even the Empress was having a headache. What kind of big deal was that? The more the Empress Dowager thought about it, the more worried she became, and she wished she could return to the palace immediately to find out what was going on.

Seeing the Empress Dowager holding her forehead, seemingly distracted, Wan Anran stepped forward and took her hand: "Empress Dowager, with the Grand Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress in the palace, you can rest assured!"

To put it bluntly, what's the use of us worrying? Of course, these words lingered in Wan Anran's mind, but she ultimately couldn't bring herself to say them aloud.

Consort Yi was eager to know what had happened in the palace, but outwardly she agreed, saying, "Sister Qi is right, nothing will happen in the palace."

That's just ridiculous!

Consort Yi immediately sent someone to inquire what had happened in the palace. At the same time, she couldn't hide the joy in her eyes: "Now, let's see how that Consort Wei can act now!"

Consort Yi was initially worried about Consort Wei's appearance, personality, and methods, but now she was happy. Without the emperor, who would remember Consort Wei after a month and a half? She could simply leave her in the West Garden under the pretense of being just a palace maid.

Consort Yi was delighted at the thought of eliminating a rival without lifting a finger.

The palace servants flattered her repeatedly, saying, "Your Majesty's good fortune is far beyond what Consort Wei can compare to!"

Consort Yi nodded smugly.

Of course, it is my blessing and my good fortune!

Putting everything else aside, when the Fourth Princess was entrusted to the Empress Dowager for upbringing, she thought she was about to fall out of favor. But later, not only did she give birth to Yinqi, she also regained the Emperor's favor. Even now, this sudden appointment of Consort Wei was inexplicably suppressed.

The journey was smooth sailing.

Looking at her beautiful reflection in the mirror, Consort Yi smiled—she was destined to be a favored concubine! How lucky! She gently adjusted her hair and softly instructed, "Have someone keep a close eye on Lady Wei, don't let her wander around unnecessarily!"

Even Wei didn't bother calling him anymore.

She's just a palace maid; her future is entirely in her own hands. Why not just let her stay in the West Garden and remain a lowly palace maid?

The palace servants smiled and agreed.

As for Consort Wei, her mood was gloomy and dejected.

Who could have imagined that the Emperor would suddenly return to the Forbidden City? Without the Emperor's favor, she also found it difficult to see the other concubines.

After several days, Consort Wei found herself being stopped even when leaving the courtyard. The previously attentive palace maids became indifferent and avoided her. More importantly, she noticed two palace maids whispering to each other, their eyes practically overflowing with schadenfreude.

Wei Ying thought for a moment and immediately became anxious.

This must have been done by Consort Yi. Just imagine if I were left in the West Garden, it would be much worse than living in the enclosure behind the Qianqing Palace!

There was still a glimmer of hope inside the walled compound, but what about the West Garden? The Emperor only came once a year. After the Empress Dowager and her entourage returned, did they really expect to see the Emperor again? Not only would they not be able to see his face, but they might not even be able to save their lives.

Even if I can save my life...

Should she try to win over the Emperor again next year? Consort Wei was lucky this time; she didn't want to rely on luck again!

Beads of sweat appeared on Consort Wei's nose, and a faint sense of regret rose in her heart. She should have restrained herself earlier and tried to please Consort Qi or Consort Xi more.

But who could have imagined it?

Consort Wei had previously felt that Consort Qi was too powerful to approach, and also felt that Consort Xi was not favored and therefore had no say. In addition, with the Emperor taking turns to favor her, she had other thoughts in her heart.

Thinking about this...

She was filled with regret and frustration, and slumped down on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.

The Empress Dowager was worried about things in the palace, and the eldest and second princesses were worried about the Empress Dowager. In the West Garden, only Wan Anran and Consort Xi were in good spirits. The former did not send anyone to inquire about palace affairs, while the latter rarely went out, at most coming to talk to Consort Qi.

For example, a few days later, she came to talk to Consort Qi again.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, Consort Xi saw the sweet potato chips, which were already taking shape, laid out on the drying rack. She picked one up and put it in her mouth. The semi-dried sweet potato chip was quite chewy and less sweet, but it was still nice to chew on when she was bored. After eating two or three, Consort Xi was still a little unsatisfied and reached out to take another one.

"Ah, Consort Xi, you've been stealing food."

"I only ate one," Consort Xi replied guiltily, obediently withdrawing her hand. Seeing that Consort Qi was about to speak again, she changed the subject: "Speaking of which, before I entered the palace, I saw my family drying eggplants."

"Eggplant, radish, and green beans are all fine."

"Yes, yes, dried radish is quite good with rice."

"The imperial kitchen should have it, right? Dried or fresh green beans stir-fried with minced pork, it's delicious with rice, the taste is absolutely amazing!"

"My family used to cook braised pork with dried green beans," Consort Xi said with a look of melancholy. "I haven't eaten it since I entered the palace."

"How about we order this dish today?" Wan Anran asked casually, glancing at her expression.

The Empress Dowager has been in a bad mood these past two days. Wan Anran is not in a good mood to persuade her to return to the Forbidden City early, so she can only try to appease her with food.

Consort Xi nodded.

She thought for a moment, then hesitated: "The Empress Dowager is getting old, so dishes like braised pork might be too oily, right?"

Wan Anran glanced at her: "The Empress Dowager is only in her early forties, how can she be considered old?"

Having lost her husband, even as the Empress Dowager, she had to wear plain robes, hold Buddhist prayer beads, lock her cosmetics in a cabinet, and even eat mainly vegetarian food.

Wan Anran had spent a long time with the Empress Dowager.

Seeing that Consort Xi looked stunned, she whispered, "Actually, the Empress Dowager likes spicy food the most!"

Speaking of which, how about we make some cumin lamb chops?

Wan Anran acted on her thoughts immediately. Everyone in the West Garden was used to being ordered around by Consort Qi. Even if they felt the season was not right, no one dared to say a word against it. Instead, they quickly and efficiently delivered utensils and prepared lamb chops.

Making cumin lamb chops is not difficult.

Wan Anran instructed the palace servants to make it, while she herself took a small pot and started making double-skin milk pudding.

"Yinzhen and the Fourth Princess, shall we have this as a snack later?" Double-skin milk pudding isn't difficult to make. Once it was ready, topped with sweet red bean paste, Wan Anran scooped up a spoonful and offered it to Yinzhen: "Ah—"

Yinzhen blushed.

However, he didn't struggle, mainly because Yinzhen had gotten used to Wan Anran feeding him, and if he didn't accept it, his mother would probably get even more enthusiastic.

Yinzhen opened his mouth and took it in with a gulp.

The double-skin milk pudding isn't overly sweet, but it has a rich milky aroma. The taste is sweet but not cloying, just right.

As Yinzhen smacked his lips, Wan Anran exclaimed again, "I almost forgot about the red bean paste."

She scooped up another spoonful of the tender, glistening double-skin milk pudding, this time adding some red bean paste on top, and presented it to Yinzhen: "Try it, how is it?"

The red bean paste is smooth and sweet.

Yinzhen didn't really like sweets, so he frowned slightly as he swallowed it, then looked up and saw his mother's expectant gaze.

Yinzhen paused for a moment, then smiled and replied, "I'm sure Fourth Sister will like it very much."

So you just don't really like it?

Wan Anran smiled, her eyes crinkling, and poked Yinzhen's forehead: "You're such a clever little devil!"

After instructing the palace servants to prepare cooling herbal tea and several refreshing side dishes, Wan Anran smiled and went to the Empress Dowager's house to sit by the lake.

The place she chose was the large lawn she and the emperor had passed by last time. The aroma of cumin lamb chops wafted to her nose, and the Empress Dowager's eyes couldn't help but light up.

Consort Xi's gaze was fixed on the bowl of braised pork with dried green beans. She ate with great care, taking a bite of meat and a bite of rice with each bite.

Even from a certain angle.

Wan Anran vaguely thought she saw a fleeting glint of tears in Consort Xi's eyes. She couldn't help but wonder, "If you really like this dish, can't you have the imperial kitchen make it?"

They ate at a leisurely pace.

After finishing the lamb chops and a cup of cooling tea, they were served ice-cold double-skin milk pudding. The group stood or sat by the willow trees, gazing at the lake.

As the sun sets, its afterglow, like a mist, bathes the lake in a soft, golden halo. Koi occasionally dart across the water, and birds glide gracefully by; all worries vanish in that moment.

The Empress Dowager watched this scene with bated breath.

She glanced at Consort Qi and gently patted the back of her hand: "Next time, you should bring the Emperor with you."

The Empress Dowager's eyes held a hint of reproach.

Wan Anran looked confused, tilting her head slightly: "Huh?"

The Empress Dowager's reproach instantly turned into disappointment, and Wan Anran finally came to her senses. She was both amused and exasperated: "This is the place the Emperor brought his concubines to last time."