On the last day of the mourning period for Consort De, Nan Zhiyun came over.
Yan Qing hadn't closed her eyes for a long time, and she gently lifted her eyelids when she heard these words.
“Your Majesty, Consort Shu is currently enjoying great favor, so it seems we should still meet her,” Si Ying said. She was afraid that Yan Qing would, like the others who had come before, simply drive her away. Nan Zhiyun was different from the others; His Majesty doted on her so much that driving her away directly would likely cause unnecessary trouble.
"Please come in..." Yan Qing was now basically unable to speak.
"Yes," Siying quickly went to invite someone.
When Nan Zhiyun came in, she almost didn't recognize Yan Qing. Her eyes were sunken and her face was sallow. This was no longer the aloof and noble Consort Yan Qing from before.
"Your Highness..." Nan Zhiyun curtsied gently. She was dressed in plain clothes today and did not wear any extra jewelry.
"I've come to offer incense to Consort De," Nan Zhiyun said. Although Yu Jingchen didn't want her to get involved in these matters, Nan Zhiyun still felt she should come and take a look.
"Your Highness is so kind." Yan Qing didn't show much emotion.
Nan Zhiyun looked to the side, and Wenxi quickly brought over the incense and other things. Consort Shu was someone they couldn't afford to offend, but judging from the current situation, Consort Shu should have some sincerity. So you can't judge a person by appearances, but that's enough.
Nan Zhiyun accepted the incense. She didn't have much feeling towards Consort De; at least she hadn't annoyed her or taken advantage of her misfortune. Therefore, she was willing to come this time.
"Your Highness, you should prioritize your health," Nan Zhiyun said after offering incense.
"Yingyue is most afraid of being alone. She likes liveliness, but where is there liveliness in this palace? It's just me. Those people from the Lu family... have ulterior motives. Yingyue has only just left, and they can't wait to send their other daughters over."
"I'm better off without a family like that. I can be Yingyue's only family." This was probably the most Yan Qing had said in the past few days.
Nan Zhiyun didn't know how to comfort her, and in the end she could only say, "Your Highness, Consort De must feel lucky to have a friend like the Noble Consort, who is like family. But... the dead cannot be brought back to life, so please accept my condolences, Your Highness."
Yan Qing smiled and lowered her head, saying nothing. Nan Zhiyun didn't want to stay there any longer either. Looking at Yan Qing kneeling on the ground, she didn't know why she felt a little sad. Separation by death is indeed the most painful thing, especially for someone so important to her.
Watching Nan Zhiyun's departing figure, Yan Qing was lost in thought for a moment. His Majesty doted on her so much now... she really envied him.
Not long after Nan Zhiyun left, An Xin, following the Empress Dowager's decree, also came to see Consort De off on her final journey.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager instructed me to offer incense to Consort De on her behalf. Consort Gui, please accept my condolences," An Xin said to Consort Gui.
"I am deeply grateful for the Empress Dowager's kindness." Yan Qing's expression remained largely unchanged.
"Your Highness, please try to be more open-minded. Consort De has already left, but she certainly wouldn't want Your Highness to be like this. It's not easy to find someone to talk to in the palace. If Your Highness wants to talk to someone in the future, you might as well ask Consort Shu to keep you company. Although Consort Shu doesn't like to socialize, she is still sincere to people."
“She is young, and the Empress Dowager has always been concerned about her. If the Noble Consort were here, it would be good for the two of them to talk to each other. Consort Shu is a kind and simple person, and she could also keep you company, Noble Consort.” An Xin spoke meaningfully. Yan Qing glanced at An Xin, who smiled back and then took her leave.
Yan Qing looked in the direction An Xin left, her expression growing deeper. Consort Shu? Nan Zhiyun is truly lucky; not only has the Emperor fallen for her, but the Empress Dowager is also wholeheartedly plotting for her.
Perhaps... I should take a gamble; things can't get too bad.
Yingyue didn't want her to continue like this either; she had to find a way out for herself. The best way out she could find now was through His Majesty, but... His Majesty currently favored Consort Shu, so... she had no choice but to take a gamble.
In this harem, besides the Emperor's favor, power and status are the most important things. I must occupy one of them, right? Rather than waiting to be killed, I might as well take the initiative.
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