Chapter 58
The hunt was over, and the group set off again. They only had a few days left before returning to the capital.
Yunping was eager to return home; she had had enough of the lack of fun on the journey. Her attitude also influenced Qiyu, who couldn't help but look forward to returning to the capital.
The day to return to the palace soon arrived. After entering the palace, Qi Yu first went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, sent out the things she had prepared, and then talked to the Empress Dowager about the matter of bestowing titles upon the three beauties of Pixiang Palace.
The Empress Dowager said, "Now that this matter has been discussed and decided with His Majesty, I have nothing to worry about. The palace has not been lively for a long time, so why not make this enthronement ceremony more grand?"
Qi Yu agreed and returned to Zhaoyang Palace. Aunt Jinrong smiled when she saw that she was alright.
"Aunt, I bought you some things. Come and see if you like them."
Jinrong said, "It is my good fortune to be valued by Your Highness."
She likes them all, of course.
Qi Yu: "Auntie, you're too kind."
If Jinrong hadn't been by her side after entering the palace, she might have felt completely out of place.
Zhaoyang Palace was cleaned daily, and everything was in its original place, so Qi Yu did not feel uncomfortable at all.
She asked Pei Jiu to take the things she had prepared for Zhao Wanyi to the Pei residence.
Qi Yu really wanted to ask Zhao Wanyi if her arm injury had healed, but considering that Pei Jiu knew nothing about it, she decided against it.
However, she added a few more boxes of ointment to the original items.
Pei Residence.
After two months of recuperation, Zhao Wanyi's injury had long since healed, and it was no longer noticeable that she had been injured on her arm.
Yuelu entered the house and said, "Miss, the young master is back. Won't you go and see him?"
Zhao Wanyi then remembered what she had forgotten; back in the capital, she had to put on an act.
"Let's go."
The egret followed proudly beside its young lady.
When the girl left the capital, she said she was afraid that she would suffer outside the capital and wanted to keep her there. Even though she said she was not afraid of hardship, the girl still kept her there.
Thinking of these things, Yuelu felt a sweet warmth in her heart.
The girl didn't return until the day before yesterday, riding in a carriage.
Only after asking did she learn that Prince Pei had regained the Emperor's favor and was allowed to return to the capital. In fact, his official rank had even been promoted. The young lady and her husband were unexpectedly separated, so she had to return to the capital alone. Fortunately, she had servants and guards with her, so the journey was relatively smooth.
Today His Majesty returns to the capital, and his son-in-law also returns to his residence.
As soon as Zhao Wanyi met Pei Jin, the maids all lowered their heads, revealing their wariness in their eyes.
Zhao Wanyi knew that Pei Jin was not as kind as he appeared, and Pei Jin would not think that a woman who harbored thoughts of killing the emperor could be so weak and harmless.
After the two nodded to each other, Pei Jin wanted to test Zhao Wanyi, so he did not part ways immediately.
Zhao Wanyi felt that if they disliked each other, they shouldn't be called husband and wife. She was calculating the time in her mind and also thinking about her own affairs.
Admittedly, Qi Yu treated her very well, but she was not her own sister after all. Seeing Wu Shiyan's attitude towards Qi Yu that day, she had an idea. As long as she could use Qi Yu to make Wu Shiyan mistake her for someone else for a short while, she would be confident in making her move.
Although her previous plan to gradually get closer to Wu Shiyan was scrapped, it saved her from having to be around Wu Shiyan every day, which would have made her feel nauseous.
There are hardly any virtuous people in the royal family, let alone a vicious person like Wu Shiyan.
People only thought that Wu Shiyan was forced into this position, but little did they know that he was able to make decisions for his father, the emperor, when he was young, and held the power of life and death in his hands. Otherwise, the princes would not have gone to such lengths to deal with a favored prince.
The imperial decree to exterminate the entire Gu family was issued through Wu Shiyan.
Suddenly, the joyful voices of the servants interrupted her thoughts.
"Madam, Consort Yu from the palace has sent someone to deliver something to you!"
Zhao Wanyi suddenly snapped back to reality, looking at the warm sunlight in the courtyard and feeling somewhat dazed.
Yes, given how hastily they parted that day, it's impossible for Qi Yu not to miss her.
Pei Jin gripped the corner of the table tightly. He saw Pei Jiu walk in with a smile, bow to them, and then her gaze fell entirely on Zhao Wanyi. He knew that the things that had been sent were not for him at all.
The servant just now also mentioned that he was sending something to Zhao Wanyi.
Bai Bai was secretly thrilled, and Pei Jin's gaze swept over Pei Jiu almost imperceptibly.
Pei Jiu was one of the few people who knew about the affair between her mistress and Lord Pei. Under such scrutiny, she couldn't help but feel miserable.
After some pleasantries, Pei Jiu took out the ointment: "Madam Zhao, Her Majesty specifically instructed me to personally deliver this to you."
Zhao Wanyi smiled and accepted the ointment: "When Miss Peijiu returns to report, just tell Her Majesty that I am well."
Pei Jiu readily agreed and returned to the palace to report back without delay.
She really had nothing to give Lord Pei, but hadn't Lord Pei forgotten about it? Why did he seem to still care about the Empress?
That won't do. Although Your Highness may have acted foolishly for a moment, Pei Jiu can still distinguish between an emperor and his subjects. She would rather Your Highness have unparalleled wealth and honor for the rest of her life than let her be blinded by a man like Lord Pei.
Therefore, after returning to the palace, Pei Jiu only mentioned Zhao Wanyi and deliberately avoided mentioning Pei Jin.
Qi Yu was relieved to hear that Zhao Wanyi was alright.
The imperial decree of the promotion has reached the Pixiang Palace, and the palace has been quite lively these past few days.
Qi Yu sent someone to find an embroiderer to begin sewing a belt for Wu Shiyan.
Wu Shiyan often wears all black, so his belt should naturally be dark, but the pattern on it needs to be carefully considered.
Qi Yu had someone find the clothes that Wu Shiyan had left in the Pixiang Palace. After comparing them several times, she decided to embroider lingzhi mushrooms with gold thread.
After hearing Qi Yu's description, the embroiderer drew three patterns. Qi Yu chose one and asked the embroiderer for guidance while she embroidered.
The grand ceremony for bestowing titles made Zhaoyang Palace seem rather deserted in comparison.
When Wu Shiyan walked in, there were only a few servants in Zhaoyang Palace, and the palace was quiet and almost silent.
He couldn't help but get angry: "Where are the palace servants?"
Pei Jiu hurriedly went out and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress is sewing a belt for you. She felt that the constant flow of people made it too unsettling, so she dismissed the palace servants."
Wu Shiyan was overjoyed. He entered the hall and, sure enough, saw Qi Yu embroidering a belt.
Qi Yu glared at Wu Shiyan.
Wu Shiyan approached with a slight smile, and the embroiderer bowed and stepped aside.
"It's actually Ganoderma lucidum."
No one dislikes being healthy. Wu Shiyan was born a prince and suffered a serious illness in his childhood. He developed a fondness for this kind of embroidery pattern. Even after becoming emperor, he still preferred to use lingzhi mushrooms as the main motif in his everyday clothes.
Moreover, he had been tormented by cold toxins for several years, so he valued his health even more.
A warm feeling welled up in Wu Shiyan's heart. He held Qi Yu's hand and said, "Take a break and rest your eyes. I'm not in a hurry."
Qi Yu put down her needlework: "Why has Your Majesty come?"
Wu Shiyan's purpose was very simple: "I missed you, so I came to see you."
Qi Yu asked in bewilderment, "Hasn't His Majesty seen enough yet?"
Wu Shiyan shook his head: "I could never get enough of looking at him in a lifetime."
At this moment, Qi Yu was unusually peaceful, which complemented the sparsely populated palace. However, Wu Shiyan thought that Qi Yu, who could not live without being served, had sent the palace servants away. This feeling seemed to indicate that Qi Yu no longer longed for the palace. He couldn't help but feel uneasy, and even felt that he could not keep her.
But how is that possible?
He's the emperor, he can have whatever he wants, how could he not even keep a woman he loves?
"Your Majesty, you're holding me too tightly," Qi Yu said lazily.
Wu Shiyan belatedly relaxed: "Has Ayu not had her pulse checked these past few days?"
Qi Yu nodded.
Wu Shiyan gestured to Tian Wenshan to summon the imperial physician.
Qi Yu was somewhat puzzled, but after the imperial physician arrived, she still reached out her hand.
She shouldn't be sick.
The imperial physician placed a handkerchief on Qi Yu's wrist before taking her pulse. After a few breaths, he withdrew his hand and said, "Your Highness is in good health."
When Qi Yu smiled, she knew.
Wu Shiyan followed up with, "Is there anything else?"
The imperial physician shook his head.
Wu Shiyan could not hide his disappointment.
Qi Yu gestured for Pei Jiu to send the imperial physician away before asking Wu Shiyan, "What is His Majesty expecting?"
Wu Shiyan kissed Qin Yu's cheek: "It's nothing."
Qi Yu had a guess, but it was hard to say. However, the imperial physician's attitude just now meant that she was not pregnant.
That's great, she's not pregnant.
If she is pregnant, it will be difficult for her to leave.
Wu Shiyan then said, "Ayu, I have already chosen the bodyguard for you. Her name is Lin Er, and she is a woman."
Lin Erguang knew from his name that he was Lin Qi’s senior. Lin Er had been a bodyguard for many years and knew how to protect his master and keep him out of danger.
Moreover, Lin Er is Lin Qi's master and can control Lin Qi.
Tian Wenshan clapped his hands, and Lin Er walked in.
Like Lin Qi, Lin Er had an ordinary appearance and a faint aura, but she had more of an air of authority than Lin Qi.
Lin Qi, lurking in the shadows, revealed a hint of his presence; no one wanted to work with their former master.
Qi Yu could only smile and say, "That's great! How about Lin Er and Lin Qi take turns working one day each?"
Unable to refuse, she decided in her heart to compensate Lin Qi with more silver later.
Wu Shiyan frowned, not optimistic about the suggestion, but seeing Qi Yu's joyful expression, he couldn't refuse outright. He could only tell himself to take it one step at a time and not rush it.
"Alright, let's do as Ayu arranges."
After Lin Er met with the Imperial Concubine, he withdrew.
Outside the hall, Lin Er and Lin Qi met.
Lin Er said, "Lin Qi, you are very incompetent in your work. His Majesty sent me here. Have you reflected on your actions?"
Lin Qi remained silent for a moment before saying, "I have done my duty to my master and there is no need for me to reflect on it."
Lin Er said with exasperation, "Our master is His Majesty."
"His Majesty has given me to the Imperial Concubine, so I am now her person. If Master does not treat the Imperial Concubine as his master, I fear he will face great calamity."
Lin Erzhi said, "I will keep a close eye on you."
Lin Qi responded indifferently.
After leaving Zhaoyang Palace, Wu Shiyan instructed Tian Wenshan to inform the imperial physician that if a pulse diagnosis revealed pregnancy, the matter should be kept secret until later.
He knew Qi Yu, and Qi Yu's attitude seemed to indicate that she was not looking forward to having children.
Wu Shiyan could only hope that it was just his imagination.
Two days later, Qi Yu summoned Lin Qi and handed her two gold ingots.
Lin Qi accepted it readily.
Qi Yu couldn't help but laugh: "I like Lin Qi."
Lin Qi silently retreated, rubbing the gold ingot in her hand, in a very good mood.
Qi Yu also finished embroidering the belt for Wu Shiyan. She didn't like to leave things unfinished for too long, because if something delayed things in the middle, Wu Shiyan wouldn't receive it.
That would be such a shame.
She didn't want to break her promise, nor did she want to have any regrets.
When the first snow of winter fell, Wu Shiyan also put on a new belt.
Qi Yu's embroidered belt complements most of Wu Shiyan's black clothing.
Even if they don't match, with so many embroiderers in the palace, surely they could make a few new clothes?
Wu Shiyan was in an unprecedentedly good mood, especially when Pei Jin was extremely busy.
The government's salary is not so easy to obtain.
So what if he's targeting me on purpose?
Whenever it snows, Qi Yu never lets go of her hand warmer. She is afraid of the heat in summer and the cold in winter, and with the underfloor heating in Zhaoyang Palace on, she doesn't like to go out.
Apart from necessary visits to the Empress Dowager at Changxin Palace, I was in a brief period of rest.
I don't want to play mahjong anymore, I don't want to enjoy the winter scenery anymore, I'll just go wherever it's warm and cozy.
When Pei Jiu returned from the plum garden, she picked a few branches of red plum blossoms, put them in a vase, and presented them to Qi Yu to see if they looked good.
Qi Yu highly praised Pei Jiu's flower arranging skills.
Pei Jiu asked in bewilderment, "Why doesn't Your Highness like to go out anymore?"
The Empress stays in Zhaoyang Palace all day, with a bare face and wearing clothes with frayed edges. Although she looks beautiful like this, the garden outside has such beautiful scenery. Doesn't the Empress feel it's a pity not to go out and take a look?
Qi Yu thought that if she had a cell phone, she would be even less inclined to go out.
As soon as winter arrived, the imperial physicians began to visit Zhaoyang Palace more frequently, coming almost every two days to check on the patient's health.
After taking the pulse again, the imperial physician thought to himself that he was afraid he would disappoint His Majesty again. Although the Empress had become lethargic, she was indeed not pregnant.
Pei Residence.
Pei Jin has already hired craftsmen to build a ground heating system in Hengwu Courtyard. He is not afraid of the cold, but he has heard that Qi Yu in the palace is very sensitive to the cold.
He then sent Qiu Kui, who had previously taken care of Qi Yu, to buy women's clothes and jewelry, regardless of price, but they had to be the best.
Pei Jin hired five more skilled embroiderers to make winter clothes.
He may be busy, but if he's willing, he can still manage to make things happen.
Okra had a suspicion in her heart that made her feel terrified. The relationship between the master and the lady was probably not as good as the rumors said. The woman the master liked was exactly the same as the lady in the mansion. It was probably because the lady she served last time was not the lady of Yuzhao Courtyard.
The problem is that the lady living in Hengwu Courtyard might be someone else's wife.
Meanwhile, the adults were preparing to use any means necessary to seize the person.
Secrets and shady dealings were commonplace in the mansion, but Okra was still terrified.
Judging from the lady's appearance last time, it seemed as if she had come to the Pei residence by accident, but from Lord Jin's preparations, it is clear that this time it was not an accident, but a long-planned scheme.
I wonder if that lady knew about this. If she didn't, wouldn't you be deceiving a vulnerable woman?
Qiu Kui thought about many things, but what could a maid like her do? She could only finish what she was doing at hand first.
Time flies like an arrow; snow has fallen, winter has arrived, and the end of the year is approaching. News of a palace banquet has spread from the palace.
Pei Jin and Zhao Wanyi also sat down for a proper talk.
They don't waste words; they're very straightforward.
Pei Jin said, "I like Qi Yu."
Zhao Wanyi's pupils suddenly trembled.
He continued, "Let's work together."
Although it was a collaboration, he didn't think Zhao Wanyi could seriously injure His Majesty. However, if Zhao Wanyi cooperated, it would be a risk-free deal for him.
After calming down, Zhao Wanyi finally agreed: "Okay, but I have one condition. If I die, you need to continue searching for my sister and ensure that she enjoys a life of wealth and honor."
“Okay.” Pei Jin paused for a moment and asked, “Uncle Zhao and Aunt Zhao have raised you. Whether you succeed or fail, you will inevitably implicate the Zhao family. Don’t you regret it?”
A cold smile appeared on Zhao Wanyi's lips: "The Zhao family, apart from my uncle and aunt, are all wolves and tigers. Do you know how the real Zhao Wanyi died? She was killed by her own uncle, but Old Madam Zhao covered it up. The Zhao family members all covet my uncle's position. My uncle was schemed against in his early years and became unable to have children, and he also lost his own daughter. Do you think he didn't hate these people?"
"Besides, I'm not their real daughter, so I can't untie their knots. Their health is getting worse every day, and I'm helpless. The doctor said their bodies might not make it through this winter."
Pei Jin finally understood why Zhao Wanyi was so resolute, knowingly doing something impossible.
Zhao Wanyi calmed down: "My sister has a small turtle-shaped birthmark on her right shoulder blade. If we have this proof, regardless of whether it's right or wrong, she can be considered my biological sister."
Pei Jin's pupils suddenly narrowed, and he quietly clenched his fist.
How could this be...?
...No wonder the two of them look so alike.
One was burdened with a deep-seated blood feud, while the other grew up in the countryside, oblivious to everything.
Fate can be so cruel.
Pei Jin restrained himself from losing his composure; if Zhao Wanyi noticed anything amiss, she would not respond.
Zhao Wanyi will need to use Qi Yu to achieve her goals, but if she knew the truth, it's hard to say what she would choose.
People should think about their own future.
If His Majesty kills Zhao Wanyi, and Qi Yu learns of their blood relation, Qi Yu will probably hate His Majesty for the rest of her life... etc. Qi Yu will realize his role in this after a little thought.
Do two crows even need to argue about which is blacker?
What's the difference between hating one person and hating two people?
Pei Jin was multitasking. On one hand, she listened to Zhao Wanyi list the shops under her name, all of which were meant for her younger sister. She paused, then took out a portion to give to Qi Yu, feeling truly apologetic for using Qi Yu. On the other hand, she was pondering how to persuade the Emperor to spare Zhao Wanyi's life after she made a grave mistake.
This is undoubtedly difficult. If the timing is not right, they will be trapped and he will be unable to bring Qi Yu out of the palace.
Whether it succeeds or not depends on the day of the palace banquet.
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