Yun Xiao looked back, only seeing a trace of ethereal light flash past. Outside the palace, all was clear, and the moonlight, like water, spilled onto the dew-kissed stone steps.
She couldn't help but let out a cold snort, "There must be something fishy going on."
Light footsteps sounded in her ears, and Wanwan rushed over, pulling her quickly inside.
"Your Highness, Liu Xing and Jing Yun are waiting for you?"
"Yes, waiting for me. Is something the matter?"
Yun Xiao raised her eyebrows, following behind Wanwan as they passed through the covered corridors and the ornamental gate, turning into the inner hall.
Inside the hall, Liu Xing and Jing Yun stood by the window with solemn expressions. Upon seeing their mistress return, they quickly approached and respectfully said, "Mistress, there are guards monitoring the area outside Jinhua Palace. Please be careful."
"Guards? It seems they've started suspecting me."
Yun Xiao curved her lips into a half-smile. Since they've made their move, they would simply lie low and let them stir up trouble.
"Alright, since they've made a move, let's just be quiet and take a good rest," Yun Xiao said with a light, elegant, and charming smile.
"Yes, Mistress," Liu Xing and Jing Yun clasped their fists in unison. They then departed, though they didn't go far, remaining in the shadows of Jinhua Palace to protect their mistress at all times.
As long as there was any killing intent or malevolence, as dark guards, they would sense it immediately. Thus, even from a distance, they could ensure their mistress's safety.
From then on, the palace fell quiet. Jinhua Palace appeared harmonious on the surface, with the occasional sounds of the foolish empress's singing and laughter. Although these laughter seemed to come from another realm, leaving everyone bewildered, they knew this fool was living more happily than anyone could imagine.
In this vast harem, she was the only one living with freedom and joy, while everyone else felt despondent and vigilant.
Upon hearing Song Yuan's report, the Emperor's expression grew darker with each passing day. The icy aura surrounding him brought frost to every place he went, leaving barrenness and causing widespread fear and panic...
Ever since the ghost incident in the Eastern Palace that night, the Empress Dowager had been dispirited. When no one was around, she would often weep in secret, a stark contrast to her former graceful demeanor. She had become much more frail.
Seeing the Empress Dowager's heavy mood, Shangguan Yao made it a point to attend the morning court every day. Firstly, it was to accompany his mother, and secondly, to counsel her.
After several days, the Empress Dowager's mood gradually brightened. She had come to understand the events of that night as merely a manifestation of people seeking out the Eastern Palace due to its lack of inhabitants, with no other deeper meaning.
Due to the series of incidents, the palace was filled with a chilling, oppressive atmosphere, and everyone treaded with caution.
The imperial consorts remained in their respective palaces, not daring to step out or speak more than necessary. Eunuchs and maids alike were afraid to utter an extra word, walking with extreme care, as if a single extra word or step could lead to a fatal consequence.
Within the towering palace walls, it seemed desolate and empty, like a dead palace.
Upon hearing Lin An's report, the Empress Dowager slightly knitted her brows. Her peach blossom eyes lifted, her long eyelashes concealing a sharp glint.
Just then, the voice of an eunuch sounded from outside the hall door: "His Majesty has arrived."
Shangguan Yao entered with his tall, imperial yellow figure. The Empress Dowager's eyes suddenly opened, and she looked at the upright and imposing man, a smile gracing her eyebrows.
Although the recent actions of Yao'er had disappointed her, he had been diligently trying to counsel her these past few days, proving that he did indeed have her, his mother, in his heart.
The thought of this made the Empress Dowager's smile even more affectionate. She felt that all her efforts were worthwhile.
She still had Yao'er, didn't she?
The Empress Dowager beckoned with her hand and said softly, "Yao'er, come here."
"Yes, Mother," Shangguan Yao responded, striding over and stepping onto the high platform, sitting beside the Empress Dowager's phoenix chair.
His handsome features, with brows like crescent moons and eyes like bright stars, exuded an indescribable nobility. He was born to be an emperor.
"Yao'er, Mother has something she wants to discuss with you."
"Very well, Mother, please speak," Shangguan Yao's voice was deep and resonant as he looked up at his mother.
His mother was aging. An undeniable weariness was evident in her brows, along with a profound melancholy emanating from within.
Although she appeared much more cheerful, he knew that some things she held deep within her heart, hidden away. Therefore, he did not want to cause her any sadness.
"The palace has been too quiet lately. So many incidents have occurred one after another. Mother wishes to organize an event to help everyone relax a bit."
"That's good. The New Year is approaching. Mother can issue an imperial decree to permit the imperial consorts in each palace to host banquets and receive the noble ladies from various families."
"That's a good idea," the Empress Dowager immediately nodded in agreement, smiling at Shangguan Yao.
Yao'er was truly wise in his decision-making. He would surely get a handle on court affairs quickly.
However, a fleeting sharp glint flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes. Yao'er must not touch the Ye Residence. That was his greatest support. If he couldn't even grasp this, he would likely lose his initial advantage.
"Furthermore, the Lantern Festival also marks Mother's forty-fifth birthday. I plan to celebrate it grandly for Mother, to dispel the negativity in the palace."
As Shangguan Yao finished speaking, a flicker of joy flashed in the Empress Dowager's pupils. It was rare for Yao'er to remember her birthday was on the Lantern Festival. However, with the series of incidents happening in the palace, perhaps it wouldn't be a good idea. A trace of worry flickered in the Empress Dowager's eyes.
"Yao'er's thoughtfulness is enough for Mother. As for the birthday celebration, it can be done another time. Currently, there are still mysterious individuals hidden in the palace. It's more important to find this person."
"Mother, rest assured. Your son has already dispatched Prince Lin and Song Yuan to thoroughly investigate the palace. I believe there will be results soon, so Mother need not worry."
Shangguan Yao's handsome features were tinged with cold ruthlessness, his pupils holding a chilling gaze.
The Empress Dowager looked up at him. Her previous joy was instantly dispelled. Yao'er, you are my son. How could I not understand you? You intend to use Mother's birthday to lure out the person behind it all, aren't you?
Yao'er, you are no longer the upright and innocent Yao'er you once were. Royal power truly corrupts the heart, turning my Yao'er into this.
The Empress Dowager's chest surged with emotions. A breath was caught in her throat, and her eyes welled up with moisture, but she forcefully held back, saying in a deep voice, "Alright, we shall proceed as Yao'er suggests."
By the Empress Dowager's decree, after the New Year ancestral worship, the imperial consorts in the harem could host banquets for the noble ladies from their respective families.
The Emperor then immediately issued an imperial edict.
The Lantern Festival would also be the Empress Dowager's birthday. The Emperor had decreed that the imperial consorts prepare gifts for the Empress Dowager's birthday. At that time, the noble ladies from various families would undoubtedly enter the palace, presenting another opportunity for family reunions. Thus, these imperial consorts were overjoyed.
And the Lantern Festival being the Empress Dowager's birthday, with the Emperor decreeing them to prepare birthday gifts for the Empress Dowager, at that time, the noble ladies from various families would inevitably enter the palace, and this was another opportunity for family reunions, so these imperial consorts were more than happy.