Following Hong Zhu, Fan Xian walked silently out of the palace. The eunuchs and maids he passed bowed in greeting. Some newcomers who hadn't been in the palace long were reprimanded by senior staff for not reacting quickly enough. Fan Xian was too preoccupied to pay attention, focusing only on walking.

The palace staff noticed Hong Zhu walking ahead of him and suspected the Emperor had reinstated the disgraced eunuch to humiliate Fan Xian. Contrary to expectations, Fan Xian didn't berate or mistreat Hong Zhu. Instead, he calmly chatted with him, and Hong Zhu remained respectful. Their interaction seemed surprisingly harmonious.

Both Fan Xian and Hong Zhu were extraordinary individuals. Onlookers sighed, thinking only those capable of concealing their true emotions so well could survive and thrive amidst the unpredictable currents of the Qing Kingdom's court. Ironically, while everyone believed their exchange was staged for the audience, Fan Xian and Hong Zhu were genuinely conversing.

They spoke softly and naturally, playing their roles perfectly, yet the content of their conversation was anything but ordinary.

"His Majesty has been enjoying those dishes lately," Hong Zhu said, head bowed, "The Imperial Hospital has examined them and confirmed they're excellent for nourishing vital energy."

Fan Xian stared straight ahead, not looking at Hong Zhu, and gave a soft "Mm," showing no change in expression. Three years after the rebellion was quelled and its impact faded, Hong Zhu was released from the cold palace. He initially assisted in the Imperial Kitchen. Having once enjoyed prominence and possessing natural shrewdness, coupled with Fan Xian's covert support, he not only survived but gradually regained some power.

Later, Hong Zhu worked alongside Eunuch Dai but maintained his influence over the Imperial Kitchen. His current words were their little secret, or rather, Fan Xian's secret. Even Hong Zhu didn't know why Fan Xian was influencing the ingredients sent to the Emperor.

Hong Zhu wasn't worried about Fan Xian poisoning the Emperor. In the palace, such a thing was impossible. Experts would identify any poison, whether slow-acting or immediate, and the food-tasting process further eliminated the possibility.

Furthermore, the ingredients Hong Zhu secretly added to the Emperor's diet were highly praised by the Imperial Hospital. In particular, a type of celery from the South, noted for its cooling, sweet, and slightly spicy properties, was highly recommended by the imperial physicians for its ability to clear heat, relieve irritability, and treat intense thirst.

Being non-toxic was the minimum requirement. Hong Zhu didn't know if the Emperor had any underlying health issues, but the emphasis on clearing heat and relieving irritability suggested the Emperor might be experiencing internal heat.

Hong Zhu glanced at Fan Xian, unable to discern his true emotions. He wondered if Fan Xian was genuinely concerned about the Emperor's health despite the current situation. Was he truly a loyal and filial subject? However, Fan Xian was known for his strong emotions and might find it difficult to forgive the death of Dean Chen Pingping, making it unlikely he would regain the Emperor's favor.

The route from the Imperial Study to the palace gates wasn't long, but Fan Xian had received permission to visit Consort Yi and the Third Prince at Shufang Palace. So, Hong Zhu led him slightly into the inner palace. The Emperor granted this permission because Fan Xian would likely become a mere figurehead in Kyoto, with limited opportunities to enter the palace again.

Outside Shufang Palace, Fan Xian heard the laughter of young women. He frowned, wondering why the palace had suddenly become so lively. He turned to Hong Zhu and asked, "Are the ladies from the noble families visiting today? Why are there so many people?"

"They are candidates for the upcoming selection. They will stay in the palace for a while to wait for the candidates from various prefectures next month. Consort Yi probably summoned them to teach them palace rules," Hong Zhu replied softly.

Fan Xian's expression faltered upon hearing this news. Confined to his residence and busy with secret plans, he hadn't paid attention to the rumors about the imperial concubine selection. He only realized now that the Emperor was planning to take more wives.

Like Consort Yi and the Third Prince, Fan Xian quickly sensed the implications behind the selection. He frowned, realizing both he and the Emperor were making moves. The Emperor's action, aimed at the distant future, served as a stern warning.

A sense of dismay and guilt washed over him, directed towards the mother and son in Shufang Palace. Few people trusted an outside ally as much as they did. Their trust was precious, and now, due to his actions, they faced unpredictable risks. Fan Xian felt uneasy.

Seeing Fan Xian standing silently before Shufang Palace, Hong Zhu assumed he hesitated to enter due to the presence of the concubine candidates. He asked softly, "It was my mistake. Perhaps you should visit another day, my Lord?"

Fan Xian smiled and said, "Why not enter? Is it against the rules? I've never been one to strictly follow rules. His Majesty granted permission, so I'll visit. If I don't visit now... who knows when I'll have the chance to enter the palace again?"

As he spoke, Fan Xian stepped towards Shufang Palace. The two eunuchs guarding the entrance, part of the concubine candidate entourage, didn't recognize him. They were startled by the sight of a young man in plain cotton robes entering the palace. While they didn't know Fan Xian, they were quick-witted palace staff and didn't dare stop him. One followed Fan Xian, quietly requesting him to stop, while the other rushed into Shufang Palace to inform those inside.

Upon entering Shufang Palace, a series of startled whispers and rustling sounds were heard, followed by curious gazes.

Fan Xian had arrived too quickly. The eunuch hadn't had time to announce him, and the concubine candidates hadn't had time to prepare. Suddenly, countless eyes were fixed on him. Although Qing Kingdom's customs were relatively open, and the rules of segregation between men and women should be observed in the palace, the young ladies merely gasped softly upon seeing a young man enter. None were so mortified as to want to die or burst into tears.

Amidst the subdued chaos, Fan Xian smiled gently and gave a respectful bow to Consort Yi in the center, saying, "Aunt, it's quite lively here today."

This address was improper and disrespectful. However, Fan Xian had already broken with the Emperor in the Imperial Study. Although the Emperor still held him firmly in his grip, preventing any significant actions, Fan Xian no longer wished to conceal anything, revealing a carefree attitude.

Consort Yi was the younger sister of Liu, Fan Xian's mother. She had doted on the charming young boy when he first entered the palace. Now that Fan Xian was grown, their relationship remained close. In private, Consort Yi always asked Fan Xian to call her "Aunt." She didn't expect him to use that title in front of so many people.

Consort Yi smiled slightly and said, "You're such a grown man, yet still so impudent." This seemed displeased, but was a reminder and inquiry. Fan Xian shook his head and smiled. Consort Yi's brow furrowed with concern. Fan Xian's behavior was too unusual today, suggesting the conversation in the Imperial Study hadn't gone well, though not to the worst possible outcome.

A heavy weight settled in Consort Yi's heart. Forcing a smile, she asked, "What brings you to the palace today?"

Everyone knew why Fan Xian was visiting. It was merely a polite greeting. Fan Xian explained briefly, and Xing'er brought over an embroidered stool. The former young maid had become the most experienced and influential senior maid in Shufang Palace. Fan Xian smiled at her delicate face and exchanged a few casual words before turning to Consort Yi and saying seriously, "Besides seeing His Majesty, the Emperor also instructed me to check on the Third Prince's studies."

Consort Yi's expression grew more worried. Was this a farewell visit? But Miss Fan was in the palace, and the Fan family in the Duke’s manor numbered hundreds. Would Fan Xian really dare to leave? She had many questions to ask Fan Xian, but the concubine candidates were watching the young man curiously, making it impossible to speak freely. Consort Yi felt increasingly agitated, wishing she could send all the teenage girls out of the palace.

Seeing her expression, Fan Xian realized she had misunderstood. He smiled and asked, "Where is Prince Ping?" This was an excuse to leave, since he was surrounded by the Emperor's future wives. Fan Xian only wanted to gauge the implications of the concubine selection, but didn't want to linger.

"Ping'er is in the back. Go find him yourself," Consort Yi said, shaking her head with a slight headache. The maid Xing'er smiled at Fan Xian and led him to the back, followed closely by Hong Zhu. To onlookers, Hong Zhu's presence implied the Emperor was keeping tabs on Fan Xian.

As Fan Xian walked into the back of the hall, the atmosphere relaxed. From the moment he entered, the concubine candidates had tried to maintain composure after their initial surprise, striving to display noble demeanor before the Consort. But faced with the handsome face and graceful bearing of the young minister, these girls, only fourteen or fifteen years old and rarely venturing beyond their homes, found it difficult to remain calm.

What intrigued them was how such a simply dressed young man could move so freely within the heavily guarded palace. After hearing his conversation with Consort Yi, those with some insight realized he was none other than Lord Fan Xian...

The already handsome, almost otherworldly face gained even more allure in their eyes. Whether bold or shy, directly or discreetly, they stole glances at Fan Xian.

Now that Fan Xian had left, a particularly bold concubine candidate from a noble family asked innocently, "Your Ladyship, was that Lord Fan Xian?"

Consort Yi nodded in confirmation. The concubine candidates couldn't help but whisper and discuss among themselves. They were, after all, just young girls, bored after several days in the palace. Meeting the legendary Lord Fan Xian was exciting, and they had forgotten the instructions from their families and the palace instructors.

However, a few ambitious concubine candidates remained calm. They noticed the details of Fan Xian's attire and considered the Miss Fan from the Fan family in the Imperial Study as their biggest rival. They were not particularly moved by seeing Fan Xian, and instead felt a subtle hostility.

---

"After such a conversation, His Majesty still allowed you to visit Shufang Palace..." In a simple carriage, Lin Wan'er looked at the somewhat weary Fan Xian and said softly, "The concubine selection appeared suddenly. I think His Majesty is just warning you. He doesn't have any objections to the Third Prince. Don't worry too much."

When they were alone, Fan Xian always referred to the Emperor as "the old Emperor," while Lin Wan'er called the man who had held her as a child "Imperial Uncle." It wasn't treasonous, but it had a domestic flavor. Today, Lin Wan'er used the title "His Majesty." Fan Xian knew his wife understood his poor mood.

"It's also to warn the officials in court not to assume that the future Qing Kingdom will definitely belong to the Third Prince," he smiled. "Although His Majesty is old, his ambition is still there. I wonder if his prowess is still there."

"What did you and Chengping talk about?" Lin Wan'er gently opened the carriage curtain, looking at the early autumn scenery of Kyoto.

...

...

(Today, my name is Unhappy... The chapter title, "Offering Celery," is quite obvious. I am still writing, but it may be updated later. If you can't wait, you can come back tomorrow. I apologize for the unexpected leave yesterday. I didn't expect things to suddenly pile up. I apologize to everyone.)