With Jian Yang's return to the harem, everything returned to normal.
Zhou Kun also came to Jian Yang's place every day to pay his respects like a naive and innocent child, while also freeloading food and drinks like his father.
Jian Yang, however, was happy to accept it.
She prepared different delicious meals for Zhou Kun every day, which greatly enhanced the bond between mother and son.
You don't have to give birth yourself, and you can get a well-behaved son for free. This is such a good deal.
Ten days later, Jian Hong led his army back to the capital.
That day, the emperor lavishly rewarded him and Jian Yang, thanking them for their outstanding contributions during the war.
Immediately afterwards, the rewards were carried into Weiyang Palace in a torrent of gifts.
Everyone in the palace was overjoyed; the master's favor meant that they, the servants, would have more face in front of their colleagues.
Among the many smiling faces, one person stood out with particular melancholy.
This person is Jian Yang.
At this moment, she was resting her chin on her hand, gazing at the newly sprouting crabapple trees outside the window, sighing repeatedly.
Winter has passed and spring has arrived, but she still hasn't managed to resign.
Although this trip to the border was for fighting, she also enjoyed countless vast mountains and rivers along the way, and saw many landscapes that she had never seen in the palace or even in her previous life.
Now I'm back in the deep palace, which feels like a prison, and I feel uncomfortable everywhere.
Just as she was savoring the beautiful scenery she had seen along the way, Lianxia ran in: "Your Majesty, Consort Yu has come to pay her respects."
Jian Yang frowned immediately: "Why is she here again?"
Since her return, in addition to attending the daily morning and evening greetings on time, Consort Yu would also make a special trip to come and "check in" at noon.
There was never such a rule in the palace, and no other concubine had ever behaved this way. In addition, Jian Yang had never liked her, so she always sent someone to get rid of her.
But for some reason, Consort Yu came every single day without fail.
This made Jian Yang very curious but also extremely annoyed.
Today, she still wanted to find a reason to send Consort Yu away as usual, but she changed her mind at the last minute.
"Let her in."
She wanted to see what the Jade Consort was really up to.
A moment later, Consort Yu entered with her head bowed and knelt before Jian Yang, performing a deep bow.
This kneeling incident really startled Jian Yang.
This ancestor usually wouldn't even roll his eyes at her, let alone perform a grand ceremony.
The sudden grand occasion today makes it hard not to be suspicious.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace," Consort Yu said obediently.
Jian Yang remained silent, but inwardly she was roaring.
Holy crap, could this woman have been possessed too?
Otherwise, how could that arrogant and domineering Consort Yu have become like this?
Jian Yang couldn't think of a good reason, and she also wondered if Yu Fei might have had her soul replaced like she had.
So she cautiously probed, "What's the next line after 'The bright moonlight shines before my bed'?"
Consort Yu looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Does the Empress want to compose a couplet with me?"
Okay.
It seems they didn't travel through time.
Jian Yang sat up straight and asked casually, "What brings you here to see me at this hour, Consort Yu?"
Consort Yu said sincerely, "I was ignorant in the past and always displeased the Empress. Recently, I have been reflecting on my mistakes every day and have finally realized them. Today, I have come to apologize to the Empress."
Jian Yang: I don't believe you for a second.
It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. Since the core hasn't changed, a person's character and true nature will never change.
Yu Fei's actions suggest she might be plotting something wicked.
Jian Yang said without changing her expression, "Yes, I understand your intentions. I am a little tired today, so you may go back."
Consort Yu said softly, "Then may I get closer to the Empress in the future?"
Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!
Who wants to be close to you?!
Jian Yang suddenly felt like she was being targeted by a thief, and goosebumps rose all over her body.
She took a deep breath and said patiently, "I prefer peace and quiet. If I have no reason to summon you, there is no need for you to come."
"Your Majesty understands. I will come to pay my respects to the Empress again tomorrow." Consort Yu bowed to Jian Guan again before gracefully departing.
Are you coming again?
We can't do that!
Jian Yang decided to nip this trend in the bud as soon as possible.
After leaving Weiyang Palace, Consort Yu did not return to her own Yufu Palace, but went straight to the Emperor's study.
These days, whenever he suffered a Waterloo at Jian Yang's hands, he would immediately rush to the emperor's side.
Of course, she wasn't doing this to complain or file a complaint.
Instead, she displayed the demeanor of a young woman, showing the emperor tenderness and affection with utmost tenderness.
The emperor, unable to bear the disturbance any longer, dismissed Consort Yu and then stood up abruptly, ordering, "Prepare the carriage for Weiyang Palace."
"Your Majesty, I would like to discuss something with you."
"Your Majesty, I would like to discuss something with you."
The two spoke at almost the same time.
Jian Yang smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please speak first."
The emperor then told Jian Yang about his plan to have her accompany him to the imperial study every noon to handle official business.
"What does the Empress think?" he asked.
Without a second thought, Jian Yang nodded in agreement: "Of course I'm willing."
The emperor was surprised that she was so agreeable today, and asked gently, "What does the Empress wish to discuss with me?"
"It's already been agreed upon."
The emperor was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was going on.
The two looked at each other and smiled.
From the second day onwards, Jian Yang would arrive at the Imperial Study on time at noon to report for duty. While the emperor dealt with state affairs, she would move a small table and sit upright not far away.
Anyone who didn't know better would think she was diligently studying some ancient book, but actually she was reading a newly published folk storybook.
To prevent the emperor from accusing her of neglecting her duties, she deliberately disguised herself as a respectable scholar.
The emperor had actually noticed her subtle actions long ago, but he never called her out on it.
The two of them lived peacefully and undisturbed each other for several days.
As expected, after learning that Jian Yang accompanied the emperor in the imperial study every day, Consort Yu became much quieter.
However, Jian Yang did not dare to return to Weiyang Palace for the time being. The emperor also suggested that she stay for a few more days, because it was possible that once they separated, Consort Yu would start visiting both places again.
Jian Yang naturally agreed.
Anyway, reading storybooks is the same no matter where you are.
It's even quieter in the Imperial Study.
However, there are also downsides.
As the emperor, the daily affairs he had to handle naturally included, but were not limited to, approving memorials. Most of the time, officials from various departments would also come to him to report on their work, so everyone naturally noticed Jian Yang's presence.
Fortunately, Jian Yang was thick-skinned and ignored them. Everyone else pretended not to see anything, bowed to the two, and dutifully reported their work.
But there is one person Jian Yang can never ignore.
Whenever that person came, she felt extremely awkward and restless, and even the emperor's gaze towards her became somewhat strange.
This person was Xiahou Riyue.
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