Yanshu heard the news from her system about recent events in the Dangxia kingdom a little over half a month later.

According to reports, Empress Dowager Xiao, upon receiving secret information, verified the guilt of Che Hongtu. Enraged, she promptly ordered the execution of both him and the palace maid involved. Che’s daughter’s young son was brought back to the palace to be personally raised by Empress Dowager Xiao, which finally put everyone at ease.

Surprisingly, Empress Dowager Xiao turned out to be a fan of Yanshu’s stories. Not only did she have people convey her appreciation, but she also sent two exquisite jade pieces and a fox fur cloak from Dangxia as gifts. Since she assumed Yanshu was male, the jade and cloak were designed for men.

Yanshu didn’t mind and was quite delighted.

Initially, her intention had merely been to foster better relations between the two countries through her stories. Unexpectedly, she gained a generous foreign fan who was also a discerning and brilliant Empress Dowager.

As the saying goes, “Great minds think alike.” It seemed only winners liked her works.

With the Goryeo prince’s recovery stabilized and his departure for home, the foreign envoys who had come to the capital for the Changning Festival had now all left.

And the weather in the capital had noticeably cooled.

A few days later, it was the Zhongyuan Festival.

The Zhongyuan Festival was an important day for honoring ancestors. Besides the common people releasing river lanterns and burning offerings, the imperial court also held solemn ceremonies. Officials were assigned to set up lanterns on the river, while large temples and Taoist shrines in the capital held services, inviting monks and Taoists to offer prayers for soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the nation and for all wandering souls without families.

Of course, Yanshu had no opportunity to witness these grand scenes. Since it wasn’t an ideal day for venturing outside, especially with her pregnancy, she stayed obediently in the palace.

Thanks to a court holiday, Yuwen Lan spent the entire day with her, apart from a morning visit to the Temple of the Forebears to pay respects to the ancestors.

After they had lunch together and took a brief nap, Yanshu woke up to find Yuwen Lan dressed in dark formal robes, instructing Fu Hai to prepare incense and candles, looking as if he were about to go out.

Curious, she asked, “Is Your Majesty returning to the Temple of the Forebears?”

Yuwen Lan’s expression was solemn. “I’m going to Yongfu Palace.”

Yongfu Palace?

At first, Yanshu didn't quite understand, but then she heard the system’s voice: "The Emperor’s birth mother once lived in Yongfu Palace."

Only then did she realize that the Emperor was planning to pay respects to his birth mother.

He was probably sneaking around like this to avoid the Empress Dowager’s disapproval.

Sighing, Yanshu felt a surge of unexpected empathy, likely due to the little one growing inside her. She couldn’t help but say, “Would Your Majesty like for me to accompany you?”

Although she was currently pregnant and couldn’t visit the ancestral tomb, she could still participate in a memorial service within the palace.

Yuwen Lan looked slightly surprised and asked, “You want to come?”

Yanshu nodded, looking at him earnestly. “Would I be so honored to accompany Your Majesty?”

Ah, it’s just that I feel sorry for you, little Emperor, she thought, a child who lost his mother soon after birth. He’s probably forgotten what she looked like by now…

Yuwen Lan was caught between feeling touched and amused, yet he couldn’t quite understand—

Why was she increasingly fond of calling him a “little” Emperor?

What on earth made her think of him that way?

With mixed emotions, Yuwen Lan nodded and said, “It would be nice to go together.”

Then he took her hand and led her outside.

Before long, they arrived at their destination.

Since Consort Hui’s passing, Yongfu Palace had remained uninhabited, its arrangements preserved as they were before. After Yuwen Lan ascended the throne, he assigned caretakers to maintain it, lighting incense on the Shangyuan Festival as a token of remembrance.

Although he could no longer remember his birth mother’s face, she was, after all, the one who had brought him into this world. He didn’t want to forget her.

But as Yanshu had pointed out, with the Empress Dowager still alive and having raised him herself, he had to be mindful of her feelings. So he always came quietly in plain clothes, paying his respects and leaving as discreetly as he came.

This time, though, he wasn’t alone.

And he had not one but two companions.

While he was moved by this, he remained cautious due to her pregnancy. As they reached the palace entrance, Yuwen Lan said, “This place has been empty for a long time, so it may have a heavy atmosphere. You should wait here. I’ll go in alone.”

Hearing this, Yanshu had no choice but to agree, stopping outside the hall and watching Fu Hai follow him inside.

Ren Dong accompanied her, and they strolled a few steps around the courtyard. As she observed the solemn, quiet garden, Yanshu couldn’t help but feel her emotions surge once more.

Oh… in a moment like this, the Emperor must be missing his own mother deeply. Could it be that the Empress Dowager is also remembering the child she lost so many years ago?

Thinking of this, Yanshu instinctively touched her swelling belly, speaking softly to the little one within. “Little one, you must grow strong in mother’s belly and come into this world safely. We both need to stay safe and sound.”

Hearing this, Ren Dong couldn’t help but smile. “Master, you and the imperial heir are both blessed. Your wishes will surely come true.”

Yanshu nodded. “Let’s hope so…”

But before she could finish her thought, she suddenly froze.

She felt something within her belly, something that seemed to stir.

Seeing her expression, Ren Dong panicked slightly. “Master, is something wrong?”

Yanshu’s eyes widened, and she barely dared to breathe. “I think… I just felt movement.”

“Movement?”

Ren Dong, though inexperienced herself, remembered the teachings of the imperial physician and immediately smiled with delight. "Imperial Physician Jiang mentioned that this is a sign of the imperial heir's good health. Congratulations, Your Grace."

Ah, Imperial Physician Jiang also said that from now on, we’ll have to count the baby’s movements each day. We can’t afford any mistakes, Ren Dong’s voice continued, even though her mouth remained closed.

Yanshu blinked in surprise.

She had clearly seen Ren Dong’s mouth close after saying “Congratulations, Your Grace,” yet somehow she’d heard that last part as well.

Ren Dong hadn’t opened her mouth again, but that voice had unmistakably been hers!

And it wasn’t over yet. Right afterward, Yanshu heard Ren Dong’s inner voice again: Sigh, it’s the Ghost Festival today. I wonder if I’ll have a chance tonight to go to Taiye Pool and light a lotus lantern for my parents. Maybe I should ask Her Grace for leave, but how should I phrase it?

Yanshu was left speechless.

She was sure she wasn’t seeing things—Ren Dong’s mouth had remained firmly closed.

What was happening here? Could Ren Dong somehow speak without moving her lips?

After all these years together, how could she have missed such a skill?

The system chimed in, “Haven’t you considered that this might be something called mind-reading?”

Yanshu, surprised, responded, “Mind-reading? Are you saying I can read minds now?”

“That’s exactly it. How else could you be hearing people’s inner thoughts?”

“But why, why would I suddenly have the power to read minds?”

“This system isn’t entirely certain, but it might have something to do with your pregnancy.”

Yanshu’s eyes widened. Related to her pregnancy?

Now that she thought about it, she had just felt the baby’s first movement, and immediately afterward, this mind-reading ability had appeared. Maybe it really was connected to the little one inside her.

With this realization, her eyes lit up as she lovingly touched her belly. “My child is truly a little lucky star!”

Ren Dong didn’t understand where this sudden remark came from, but she quickly echoed, “Indeed! The imperial heir is blessed, just like Your Grace.”

Then Yanshu turned to her. “After dinner, go light a lantern for your parents at the river. Ask Lianxin and the others if they want to go, and take turns so that someone is always here with me.”

Ren Dong’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, Your Grace! Thank you! I’ll make arrangements so there’s always someone here by your side.”

Oh my goodness! Her Grace knew exactly what I wanted without me even saying a word! Could Her Grace be a divine being in disguise, so powerful! Ren Dong’s thoughts filled Yanshu’s ears, leaving her inwardly pleased.

With the system’s support and her new mind-reading power, she might just be invincible!

Just then, she noticed Yuwen Lan and Fu Hai emerging from the hall.

Seeing Ren Dong’s excitement, Yuwen Lan asked curiously, “What’s going on?”

Yanshu, concealing her smugness, replied, “Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that there would be river lanterns at Taiye Pool tonight, so I told her to go light one for her loved ones. I didn’t expect her to be this overjoyed.”

Hearing this, Fu Hai commented, “Her Grace is truly compassionate, and Ren Dong is indeed fortunate.”

Ah, speaking of which, I’d love to go light a river lantern myself. Your Majesty, couldn’t you follow Her Grace’s example just this once? Fu Hai’s inner voice drifted into Yanshu’s ears.

Feeling a pang of sympathy, Yanshu turned to the Emperor and said, “I wonder if Chief Steward Fu might also like to go. Your Majesty, perhaps you could grant him this small kindness?”

Haha, now that I have mind-reading powers, I might as well do good deeds all the way and spread some joy today!

Yuwen Lan was taken aback.

Did she just…?

Mind-reading?

What did this mean? Could she actually hear what Fu Hai had been thinking just now?

Then… what about him?

Could she hear his thoughts too?

At this thought, Yuwen Lan suddenly froze, quickly looking at Yanshu.

He saw her blinking her big eyes at him, thinking, What’s going on? Didn’t he hear what I said? Hurry up and agree, or I’ll be so embarrassed!

Yuwen Lan thought, So that’s what she’s thinking? It means she can’t hear my thoughts.

Recovering himself, he turned to Fu Hai and said, “If you want to go, you may, just be sure to arrange your duties so nothing is neglected.”

Fu Hai’s face immediately lit up. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!”

Oh, I’m truly blessed by Consort Yi’s kindness today! Fu Hai thought to himself.

Yuwen Lan said nothing further but secretly glanced at Yanshu again.

She looked rather pleased with herself, her inner voice going, Haha, no need to admire me too much!

Then she paused, her thoughts shifting, Wait a minute, why can’t I hear what the Emperor is thinking?

Yuwen Lan, now understanding, inwardly sighed in relief.

So, it seemed she couldn’t read his mind after all.

Still confused, Yanshu tried once more to read his mind but realized she could hear nothing.

Puzzled, she reached out to the system. What’s going on? Why can’t I read the Emperor’s thoughts?

The system replied, Sorry, but even I can’t help with this one. He’s the Emperor, after all—maybe he has some sort of ‘dragon aura’ protecting him.

Yanshu was left speechless.

Could it really be something that mystical?

But the more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Besides, if the Emperor weren’t trustworthy and had this so-called dragon aura, it would indeed be troublesome.

No matter her talents, she wouldn’t be able to sway him.

Yuwen Lan silently nodded in agreement. Isn’t it lucky that I am reliable? Lucky indeed that I am the Emperor.

~~

With her newfound mind-reading ability, Yanshu felt as though a new door had opened in her life.

She spent the entire evening experimenting in her palace, confirming that her ability worked flawlessly. The next day, she eagerly sought out her “Number One Boss” to chat.

They began discussing recent updates about the Prince Consort of Dangxia, then touched on the Shangyuan Festival held the day before.

The Empress Dowager sighed, “Time flies. Before we know it, autumn will be upon us.”

Yanshu nodded in agreement, but then she heard the Empress Dowager’s inner voice sighing, The capital is certainly colder than Langya. I wonder if that foolish boy has enough winter clothes. He didn’t plan to stay this long when he came here this summer.

Yanshu paused. So, the Empress Dowager was worried about Mister Qi?

Oh, my Number One Boss and her dear one! Even if they can’t see each other often, they still think of one another!

Hastily, Yanshu said, “I heard that this year’s cotton harvest was plentiful. His Majesty was concerned that cheap cotton might hurt farmers, so he ordered the court to buy much of it. Some was used to make official winter clothing for the ministers, and the rest was used to make winter garments for the scholars at the Imperial Academy and its affiliated schools, so that everyone would have warm clothes for winter.”

“Is that so?” The Empress Dowager’s eyes lit up as she nodded approvingly. “That’s a very good idea. His Majesty is truly considerate.”

Yanshu nodded, only to hear the Empress Dowager’s inner voice sighing, This girl—she’s like the worm in my stomach! She always answers exactly what I’m thinking.

Yanshu inwardly chuckled. Oh, my dear Boss, please don’t say that! Being compared to a worm in someone’s stomach isn’t exactly flattering!

That said, she thought about finding a way to help her Number One Boss and her idol meet again.

At that moment, another voice drifted into her mind. Hmph, this woman knows how to flatter the Empress Dowager! She was with His Majesty last night to honor Consort Hui, and now she’s here buttering up the Empress Dowager! Not that His Majesty truly cares about the Empress Dowager’s kindness in raising him. Year after year, he never forgets to burn offerings for Consort Hui. Poor Empress Dowager—she’s spent her life raising a child for someone else!

Yanshu looked over at the source of the voice, and her gaze landed on Granny Zhuang, who stood beside the Empress Dowager, her expression the picture of calm obedience.

Well, I’ve known for a while that Granny Zhuang doesn’t like me, but this is the first time I’ve been able to hear her exact thoughts, thanks to this mind-reading power.

She sighed to herself. It’s only natural for the Emperor to remember his birth mother. Just as the Empress Dowager will never forget her own child who passed away so young, thinking of it still brings her sorrow. That doesn’t mean the Emperor isn’t respectful toward the Empress Dowager.

Granny Zhuang, as loyal as she was, seemed a bit too rigid in her thinking.

At that moment, the system chimed in again, Her loyalty isn’t really to the Empress Dowager. It’s more to that old rascal, the Duke of Cheng’en from the Zhou family. On the surface, she’s worried about the Empress Dowager, but she’s really just afraid that the Zhou family won’t have wealth and status in the future.

Yanshu was taken aback. What? The Duke of Cheng’en, that old scoundrel?

And sure enough, Granny Zhuang’s thoughts continued, His Majesty never forgets that mother who only raised him for two months. Step by step, the Empress Dowager will be cast aside, and the Duke and the Zhou family will lose their standing, trampled underfoot! My poor Empress Dowager, if only you’d think more about your own brother!

Yanshu couldn’t help but laugh. Who would’ve thought that old rogue Duke of Cheng’en had such a devoted admirer? Her thoughts are almost touching.

The system added, Oh yes, she’s devoted to him indeed—he’s the only man she’s ever had in her life.

Yanshu, “???”

Another absurd tale?