As Yuwen Lan’s hand was about to touch Yanshu’s slightly rounded belly, he hesitated, taken aback for a moment. He quickly adjusted his thoughts, forcing himself to stay calm.

— Yes, the most important thing now was not to let her hear his thoughts.

But to make sure she didn’t realize he could hear hers.

Otherwise, she would certainly be upset...

Once he cleared his mind, he gladly responded with a gentle “Alright,” placing his hand back on her belly, working hard to dismiss any stray thoughts.

Suddenly, he felt a faint movement beneath his palm. It was gentle but clear, like a soft little rabbit or fawn nudging at his heart.

Yuwen Lan froze, then felt a wave of wonder and joy flood over him.

— This was his child.

This was the first time he truly felt the little one’s presence.

Just a while ago, it was no bigger than a tiny peanut or taro, and now it could already play with him through its mother’s belly?

What kind of movement did the little one just make?

Did it lift a leg? Stretch out a hand? Or maybe even do a somersault?

Hearing these thoughts in her mind, Yanshu felt triumphant, saying, “The baby has been moving for a while now, but Your Majesty never took a moment to feel it.”

Yuwen Lan smiled, his expression warm and mild, “I was negligent.”

Yet he wondered, would it feel more vivid without the fabric?

He placed his hand directly against her bare belly, trying to feel it more clearly.

Unexpectedly, the little one stopped moving.

Instead, the soft, smooth touch beneath his hand caught his attention.

Hmm, soft, as it used to be.

Ahem, truth be told, ever since she became pregnant, he had been meticulously following the physician’s advice, hardly daring to touch her. Though they shared the same bed, it had been quite a while since he’d touched her this closely.

And now, he couldn’t help but feel a bit… restless.

A sudden longing surged in him, recalling the nights before her pregnancy...

Speaking of which, it had already been several months now—might it be possible?

Maybe he should ask Imperial Physician Jiang later?

Meanwhile, Yanshu, secretly eavesdropping, thought, [???]

Why would he be thinking of that?

It had taken her so long to finally get a glimpse into his mind!

But now that she thought about it, it actually should be fine. 

Didn’t Imperial Physician Jiang say that after the first three months, it was alright? Ahem.

Hmm?

Yuwen Lan’s eyes lit up.

Before he could dwell further, however, Fu Hai announced from the door, “Your Majesty, the Northwest Inspector requests an audience outside Qianming Palace.”

Yuwen Lan snapped back to reality.

Right, it was still broad daylight, and he had hurried over from Qianming Palace to see her. By now, a pile of matters was likely waiting for him to handle.

Oh, and there was still the matter with the Duke of Qi’s son.

He reluctantly withdrew his hand, coughed, and said to her, “Rest well. I’ll return early tonight.”

With that, he rose and strode out of the hall.

Left behind, Yanshu raised her brows in contemplation—

What did he plan to come back early for?

Could he really be planning to consult the physician?

Despite her thoughts, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anticipation, ahem.

Of course, it was still early, and she wouldn’t lose focus and neglect her main tasks for the sake of romance.

The Duke of Qi’s household affairs—simply telling the Emperor wouldn’t be enough!

After all, the story of that family could fill several volumes!

Grinning, she decided to pen it while the events were fresh.

~~

With righteous indignation fueling her creativity, Yanshu finished two storybooks in just two days.

But she wasn’t in a hurry to publish them; instead, she brought the manuscripts to Cian Palace first.

Heh, how could she not share such juicy gossip with her biggest fan?

However, when she arrived, even before she could pull out the manuscripts, the Empress Dowager was already expressing concern.

“I haven’t seen you for two days; are you feeling unwell?”

Yanshu paused, about to answer, when she overheard the Empress Dowager’s private thoughts, [This girl hasn’t come by for two days—could that old Duke of An Qi have upset her again? Hmph, that man is as treacherous as ever, trying to push his proposal to appoint an Empress at this time. Truly reprehensible!]

Hearing these words warmed Yanshu’s heart.

Of course, she knew her biggest supporter cared deeply for her.

It was also evident that the Empress Dowager harbored a strong dislike for the Duke of Qi.

Rightfully so; as the Emperor’s mother and the elder most qualified to worry about him, it was indeed off-putting for the Duke to bypass her and submit a proposal directly.

Yanshu quickly replied, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I’ve been well these past two days; I was just busy writing stories and couldn’t make it over to pay my respects. Please forgive me.”

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager made a sound of interest and asked, “What kind of story this time?”

Since there was no one else in the hall, Yanshu replied candidly, “Actually, it’s about what His Majesty recently uncovered—the Duke of Qi’s son, Guo Zhenghai, forcibly took the eldest daughter of Lin Chengxian, the leader of Lu Prefecture’s Right Guard, as his concubine a few years ago. Not long after, he set his eyes on the younger daughter. When Lin Chengxian objected, he hurriedly married off his second daughter, only for Guo Zhenghai to falsely accuse him of selling military provisions, throwing him in prison. He’s only just been released, yet now Guo Zhenghai plans to try his tactics once again to harm him.”

The Empress Dowager frowned as soon as she heard Yanshu’s words. “Isn’t that Guo Zhenghai already over fifty? How could he still be involved in such disgraceful acts?”

Yanshu quickly nodded. “His Majesty was also quite shocked at first, so he ordered an investigation. Not only did they confirm the truth of this matter, but they also uncovered other shocking issues in that household. I thought it necessary for people to know about this, so I wrote them into two stories.”

The Empress Dowager was concerned. “You wrote two stories in just two days? Be careful not to overwork yourself.”

Yanshu nodded. “Please don’t worry, Your Highness. I’m not tired. I even brought the manuscripts today. Would you like me to read them to you?”

Naturally, this was one of the Empress Dowager’s favorite activities. She nodded, “Since you’ve gone to the trouble of writing them, of course, I’d like to hear them.”

Yanshu agreed and promptly took out her manuscript to read to the Empress Dowager.

As she had mentioned, she wrote about the affairs of the Duke of Qi’s family in two stories. The first story centered on Lin Chengxian and his daughters, depicting a father who genuinely cared for his children, facing pressure from powerful forces yet steadfastly protecting his daughters. In the end, thanks to a wise ruler, justice was served, wrongs were righted, and the family was finally reunited.

After listening, the Empress Dowager remarked, “It seems the Lin family has truly suffered an injustice. This Lin Chengxian is far more commendable than those who sacrifice their own flesh and blood to climb up the social ladder. But that Duke’s son! How dare he wield the law as his personal weapon, framing good people for revenge!”

Yanshu reassured her, “Your Highness, rest assured. Now that His Majesty has ordered an investigation, the evildoers will surely receive their due punishment.”

The Empress Dowager sighed, “Even so, it’s still pitiful for the Lin family’s eldest daughter to have suffered at Guo Zhenghai’s hands.”

Then she asked, “What about the second story?”

Yanshu replied, “The second story is about the inner workings of the Guo family.” With that, she began reading the second manuscript to the Empress Dowager.

Compared to the first story, this one was far more intricate, beginning with Lady Wei, the Duke’s daughter-in-law, who schemed against her cousin while still unmarried. Once she married into the Duke of Qi’s household, she wielded her status as the household’s mistress to abuse her husband’s concubines. Yanshu’s writing exposed all her wrongdoings.

The Empress Dowager shook her head in disbelief. “I always thought that woman carried herself with grace, but to think she’s so wicked at heart! No wonder the city was rife with rumors of her cousin having a pockmarked face back then—it was her doing all along! Honestly, it’s a blessing her cousin didn’t marry into that family. Lady Wei and Guo Zhenghai are truly a match made in heaven.”

Yanshu nodded in agreement. “Exactly! They’re a perfect pair; it’s just unfortunate for the poor women in that household who were forced into such misery.”

The Empress Dowager sighed, “With parents like that, what kind of children could they raise?”

[Hmph, that old fox still has the nerve to petition for an empress selection! Anyone marrying into that family is cursed!]

Yanshu silently listened, nodding in full agreement in her heart.

As expected of her biggest fan—the Empress Dowager’s remarks hit the nail on the head every time!

Come to think of it, Yanshu hadn’t yet mentioned to the Empress Dowager the scandalous affair between the Duke’s grandson and his father’s concubine.

Of course, that matter was even harder to bring up, as it was deeply hidden and not easily discovered.

But these two stories would do for now.

She added, “I figured the Lin family’s case will be handled by the court now that it’s been brought to light. But Lady Wei’s actions are all within the household, and it’s unlikely anyone there would stand up for those poor women.”

The Empress Dowager thought for a moment and asked, “You haven’t published the stories yet, have you?”

Yanshu shook her head. “His Majesty just sent people to Lu Prefecture to investigate. It’s still ongoing. I didn’t dare publish anything yet, in case the Duke’s son silences anyone who might speak out.”

The Empress Dowager nodded, “Then let’s wait a few days. The Mid-Autumn Festival is almost here. Last time at the Jinming Pool, the storytelling event was well-received. Let’s arrange something similar at Jinbo Garden this time.”

Yanshu eagerly nodded, “Perfect!”

Haha, her biggest fan always had the best ideas!

~~

Two days flew by in preparation, and soon it was the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In anticipation of the gathering of nobles and guests, Jinbo Garden had been bustling with activity for days. As night fell, the garden was aglow with a thousand palace lanterns, casting a resplendent reflection alongside the full moon, bathing the pavilions in grandeur.

The guests couldn’t help but marvel at the sight, though they didn’t dare linger to admire it too long, as they had to pay their respects to the arriving nobility.

Yanshu, having rested well during the day to prepare for the festivities, was now seated with the Emperor and the Empress Dowager at the head of the hall, full of energy as she watched each guest come forward to greet them.

The assembly tonight included the Imperial family, such as the Grand Princess’s family and Prince Ruyang’s household, as well as ministers and noble families like the Marquis of Guangyang, Marquis of Linwu, Marquis of Xuanping, and the Minister of Works.

It had been a while since she’d seen him, but the Marquis of Guangyang, once known for his gaunt figure, had put on some weight. His cheeks were visibly fuller, and his complexion looked much better than before.

Noticing this, the Empress Dowager asked, “It seems the Marquis of Guangyang’s health has improved?”

Before he could respond, the Marchioness quickly replied, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. The Marquis’s appetite has improved, and he now eats three proper meals each day.”

The Marquis eagerly nodded, “I am much better now, thanks to your care, Your Highness.”

— Ahem. Ever since he discovered the wonder of pancakes at the water theater banquet at Jinming Pool, he’d developed a new passion.

The texture of pancakes reminded him of paper, yet they were far more satisfying, nutritious, and versatile in flavor. This newfound delicacy had finally allowed him to give up his odd habit of eating paper and start living a normal life.

He truly owed his salvation to whoever had prepared the food at that banquet!

Yuwen Lan quietly listened to this, glancing subtly at Yanshu.

Meanwhile, Yanshu maintained her composure, nodding along with the Empress Dowager without saying a word.

It was a trivial matter, hardly worth mentioning.

As familiar faces continued to approach, Yanshu recognized many of them from previous palace banquets over the past year.

But tonight, due to the recent petition from the Duke of Qi for an empress selection, many families had brought along suitable young ladies, all dressed in exquisite silks and jewelry.

Yanshu, however, wasn’t in the mood to pay them any mind, as she was waiting for the main event—the arrival of the Duke of Qi’s entire family.

Soon enough, there they were.

The white-haired Duke led the way, followed by his son Guo Zhenghai, his daughter-in-law Lady Wei, their son Guo Jianguang, and daughter Guo Zhaorong.

The Duke led his family in bowing before the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Yanshu. “This humble servant, along with my family, wishes Your Majesty, Your Highness, and Lady Yi a blessed Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Since the Duke was a senior, Yuwen Lan politely replied, “No need for formalities. Please rise.”

But no sooner had he spoken than he was inundated with the inner thoughts of the Empress Dowager and Yanshu—

Yanshu thought, [Look, that’s the whole gang of scoundrels! There’s no way I’m letting them off the hook tonight!]

The Empress Dowager thought, [Hmph! There they are, the whole wretched lot. It’s rare to see them all together. If heaven has any sense, a bolt of lightning would strike them down right now.]

Yuwen Lan, “...”

Yanshu, “…”

"Tch, it's a great idea," Yanshu mused, "but it's already August. The chances of a thunderstorm are pretty slim."

As she was thinking this, the Duke of Qi's family rose, and Lady Wei took the initiative to say, “When we stepped into the garden, the lights were dazzling. To be able to enjoy this scene with such noble company is truly a blessing for us.”

Her daughter, Guo Zhaorong, promptly nodded in agreement.

The Empress Dowager spoke up, “Lady Yi is now carrying the imperial heir, so we can’t afford any mishaps. Light up the garden even more brightly, so there are no pits or ditches someone could accidentally stumble into. An accident would be most unfortunate.”

Everyone present froze for a moment.

Tch, the Empress Dowager’s words… they seemed to carry a hidden meaning.

Lady Wei also hesitated, forced to nod repeatedly. “Her Highness speaks wisely.”

Feeling guilty, she chose not to draw further attention to her daughter and quietly stepped aside.

~~

Once all the guests had arrived, the Mid-Autumn banquet began.

Tonight's celebration included performances, and as music filled the air, guests raised their cups, and the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

Several young noble ladies had prepared performances, waiting for the chance to showcase their talents.

Unexpectedly, a group of palace attendants brought a table on stage, placing a block of wood on it. Following them was a man who looked like a storyteller.

Everyone was instantly curious. Storytelling at tonight’s banquet?

This was truly a novel idea.

The storyteller clapped his wooden block to grab attention and began, “Tonight, I’m honored to present several new tales from the esteemed pen of Xiaoyao Gongzi.”

Huh? New stories by Xiaoyao Gongzi?

Everyone’s eyes lit up, particularly the Minister of Works, Yanshu’s number-one fan, who eagerly set down his wine cup and chopsticks, abandoning everything else to focus on the performance.

The first story was based on Lady Wei, the Duke of Qi's daughter-in-law.

This storyteller was the same performer from the last storytelling event at Jinming Pool. His skills had only improved, and his animated narration brought out Lady Wei’s viciousness even more vividly than Yanshu’s original manuscript.

When he described how this woman, to secure her marriage into a noble family, had tormented her cousin, then, after her marriage, abused her husband’s concubines, and how any maidservant her lecherous husband so much as glanced at was disfigured, sold off, or even drowned in the lake, the crowd grew increasingly incensed, some practically ready to flip their tables in fury.

But then the storyteller took a turn. “One day, the vengeful spirits of those who had died at her hands returned, haunting her two children, making them act crazed, throwing fits, hurling insults, and even attacking people. Frantic, the woman called for a Taoist priest. After examining the situation, he declared that her only chance was to repent by offering prayers before the gods, for forty-nine days, in hopes of freeing her from these spirits.”

The Grand Princess couldn’t help but ask, “Did she do it? If forty-nine days of vegetarian meals and prayers could cleanse her sins, that’s far too simple!”

Everyone nodded in agreement, thinking that after all her atrocities, simply praying and eating vegetarian wouldn’t suffice.

The storyteller chuckled. “Your Highness, be patient. While the priest did make that suggestion, the woman had no intention of following it. Admitting to such rituals would be an admission of guilt. Fearing the gossip, she instead sent people to find a more powerful sorcerer to suppress the spirits haunting her household. But before she could find anyone, the vengeful spirits grew angrier. One night, they drove her children to shove her down a well and set fire to the estate.”

The Grand Princess’s eyes widened. “So, in the end, she drowned?”

The storyteller nodded. “Exactly. By the time the family managed to put out the fire and remembered her, she had already drowned at the bottom of the well. After that, the vengeful spirits vanished, leaving the house in peace. But the manor was left in ruins, uninhabitable.”

“Serves her right!” The Grand Princess clapped her hands. “Now that’s what I call justice! The perfect ending!”

Following her exclamation, the crowd erupted in applause, nodding and muttering, “What a satisfying story!”

Amid the wave of praise, Yanshu glanced over at Lady Wei, the “protagonist” of the tale.

Lady Wei’s face had gone pale, her expression turning visibly sour. She looked as if she wanted to stand up and leave the banquet.

Hmph. Yanshu relished the sight of wrongdoers looking so shaken.

Where was that energy she had when digging a pit for Yanshu in the first place?

Just then, the white-haired Duke of Qi spoke up, “It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate to tell baseless ghost stories?”

Everyone was taken aback.

Inappropriate? Who was really spoiling the atmosphere here?

It was just a story. If you hadn’t done anything wrong, what’s there to fear from a bit of ghostly fiction?

Still, they couldn’t openly retort to the old man due to his seniority.

Fortunately, Yanshu quickly intervened, turning to the storyteller. “In that case, tell us something else. Surely there’s a story without any ghosts?”

The storyteller nodded eagerly. “Indeed. Please bear with me, everyone.”

He clapped his block once more, saying, “Now, let me tell you a second story. This one takes place in Lu Prefecture, not far from the capital, and follows a family blessed with harmony and two lovely daughters. As the girls grew, the eldest daughter reached marriageable age, and suitors from all over crowded their doorstep.”

“The parents were preparing to find a good match for their eldest daughter. But then, an old man of influence from the capital arrived. Despite being older than the girl’s father, he took a liking to her and, using every means at his disposal, forced the girl to become his concubine.”

The storyteller paused dramatically, and the audience erupted in disgusted comments.

Fueled by wine and perhaps a lingering frustration at the Duke’s interruption, they couldn’t hold back.

“This old man’s shameless! He’s older than her father and still has the nerve to force her into being a concubine!”

“Exactly, he’s utterly devoid of decency!”

Amidst the outraged murmurs, Guo Zhenghai, the Duke’s son, grew visibly uncomfortable and tried to slip away unnoticed.

But the Emperor stopped him. “Lord Guo, where are you going?”

Caught off guard, Guo Zhenghai bowed his head. “Your Majesty, I suddenly feel unwell and wanted to get some fresh air…”

Before he could finish, the Emperor replied, “There are imperial physicians in the garden tonight. Let them have a look.”

Imperial physicians?

If they examined him, who knew what they might find?

Guo Zhenghai froze, quickly responding, “Thank you, Your Majesty, but I wouldn’t dare trouble the physicians. I’m quite alright.”

The Empress Dowager watched this scene, smirking coldly. “If you’re fine, then sit down and enjoy the story.”

With no other option, Guo Zhenghai bowed and returned to his seat.