Although Song Zhaoren had not yet been confined to the cold palace, Xiao Jingheng's decree restoring her as the Yifei had already been issued yesterday.
The next morning, when the news spread throughout the six palaces, there were people who couldn't sit still.
Under the pretext of visiting Consort Hui, Consort Yao privately took Consort Yun and Consort Yin to the Zhaochun Palace.
As soon as they met, Consort Yao briefly inquired about Consort Hui's well-being before getting straight to the point.
"Have you all heard the news? The Emperor has reinstated the concubine from the cold palace. He personally went to welcome her last night. It's quite strange, though. Why didn't we see her when she paid her respects to the noble consorts today?"
Consort Yun teased, "I heard that the concubine from the cold palace caused quite a commotion with the Emperor yesterday. In the end, she ended up being ignored by the Emperor. It's really quite foolish of her. She finally got a chance to turn things around, but she couldn't make use of it."
Consort Yao immediately laughed and said, "It's good that she's useless. If she were useful and actually released from the palace, we would have five consorts in the palace. What kind of rumors would that spread?" She nudged Consort Yin with her elbow. "Consort Yin, don't you agree?"
Consort Yin glanced at Consort Yao and sneered, "Whether Song Shi becomes the Yifei or not has nothing to do with us. Consort Yun and I have been in our positions for a long time, while you and Consort Hui have only been promoted for two or three years.
Besides, Consort Hui has given birth to the Emperor's heir, so she deserves her position. As for you... you obviously don't want Song Shi to come out. Otherwise, considering seniority, you would eagerly give up your seat to her, wouldn't you?"
"... "
Consort Yao had initially intended to rally everyone together to obstruct Song Zhao's release from the cold palace. However, besides Consort Yun's ability to talk, Consort Hui was preoccupied with her recent miscarriage, and Consort Yin was constantly arguing back.
In this situation, Consort Yao had no choice but to offer some favorable news to the lower-ranked concubines, giving them a chance to serve in bed and whisper in Xiao Jingheng's ear.
In April, Song Zhao continued to remain in the cold palace and refused to come out despite Xiao Jingheng's three attempts to "invite" her.
This matter became a thorn in Xiao Jingheng's heart, causing him discomfort.
At dusk, Xiao Jingheng went to the Yonghe Palace.
Since there were children in the palace, Ning Wanshuang had set up a pavilion in the courtyard to provide shade. The surrounding area was covered in vine trellises, so even in the summer, the children playing outside wouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight.
When Xiao Jingheng arrived, he initially played with the children in the pavilion for a while. However, seeing his serious expression, Ning Wanshuang instructed the nursemaids to take the children away, leaving only herself to accompany Xiao Jingheng.
She poured a cup of tea for him and smiled softly, saying, "Your Majesty, this is a new iced tea that I personally prepared. Please have a taste."
Xiao Jingheng took the teacup and took a sip. His furrowed brow slightly relaxed.
"The summer grass in this tea is clearly made from the tenderest buds. Only someone as attentive as you would do such a thing in the palace."
Ning Wanshuang's smile remained calm. "I made it with Your Majesty's preferences in mind."
After finishing the tea, the sun had set.
Xiao Jingheng held Ning Wanshuang's hand as they strolled through the courtyard.
"Look at the Emperor's troubled appearance today. Has something difficult happened?" Ning Wanshuang asked.
Xiao Jingheng sighed and replied, "Regarding the matter of bringing Yiyi Concubine out of seclusion, the consorts and the former dynasty seem to be colluding. They take turns advising me to think twice."
He only mentioned the resistance from the former dynasty, completely disregarding Song Zhao's cold and resolute attitude towards him.
It seemed as though he had already persuaded Song Zhao, and now the dilemma lay in how to resolve the criticism from the former dynasty and the harem.
Ning Wanshuang understood in her heart but only smiled and said, "It's not surprising that they would say such things. It wouldn't be appropriate to bring her back at this time. Your Majesty, if Song Shi returns, what position will you give her, now that the positions of the other consorts are complete?"
As they were speaking, an eunuch suddenly appeared from nowhere, nearly colliding with Xiao Jingheng.
Both Xiao Jingheng and Ning Wanshuang were startled, while the eunuch stood there, not observing proper etiquette, continuously apologizing, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."
Ning Wanshuang frowned at her and asked, "How did you run out? And why didn't you properly attend to your duties, Liu Yue?"
Liu Yue quickly arrived and apologized, pulling the eunuch away.
Xiao Jingheng found it strange and took a closer look at the eunuch.
She looked familiar and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Is this your newly appointed maid? She used to be clever when she served you before. Why does she seem disoriented today?"
Ning Wanshuang sighed and explained, "Ah, this girl used to be attentive. Annoyed by the sound of cicadas in early summer, she climbed up with a sticky pole, saying she wanted to catch all the cicadas without disturbing us and the princes.
But that day, she accidentally fell from a height and hit her head, remaining unconscious for four or five days before waking up. Although her life was saved, she lost all her memories. She's like a blank piece of paper, needing to be taught everything from scratch.
Considering her past diligence in serving me and her lack of family, I felt sorry for her. So, I decided to keep her by my side and educate her, giving her a chance at a livelihood."
After hearing this, Xiao Jingheng was momentarily lost in thought, as if some bizarre idea flashed through his mind.
He tightened his grip on Ning Wanshuang's hand and said in a gentle voice,
"Wan'er, you have a kind heart, and you treat your subordinates with such compassion."
"I am but emulating your example, Your Majesty. As you govern the kingdom with benevolence and righteousness, I govern the harem with a compassionate heart."
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"
Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by the high-pitched and urgent call of a eunuch.
Jiang Deshun, with his lame leg, hobbled over to Xiao Jingheng, wearing a mournful expression, and said,
"Your Majesty! Something... something is not good with the Empress Dowager!"
