The Imperial Consort cast a somewhat helpless glance at the Virtuous Consort.
"I see you're quite at leisure. Since I'm so busy, you haven't offered to help me," the Imperial Consort said.
"I don't know anything, do I? If I really tried to help you, I'd probably just be a hindrance. I might even get on your nerves. Are you sure you want my help?" The Virtuous Consort seemed inexplicably proud as she said this.
Yan Imperial Consort: "..."
"But... given how much His Majesty dotes on the Virtuous Consort now, do you think he'll establish an Empress soon? Will Nan Zhiyun really become Empress? Her, who knows nothing, is she worthy?" The Virtuous Consort felt a pang of unease whenever she thought about Nan Zhiyun potentially becoming Empress.
"Has someone been whispering in your ear? Why are you suddenly asking about this? I warn you, don't speak of such things carelessly." Yan Qing frowned slightly.
"I'm just thinking aloud. If you ask me, you're more suited for the position of Empress than Nan Zhiyun." The Virtuous Consort's mouth had no filter; she said whatever came to mind.
"Enough. Don't say such things again. Who His Majesty ultimately chooses to be Empress is his decision. Both you and I should concern ourselves less with it, lest we invite trouble. Besides, His Majesty won't establish an Empress anytime soon." Yan Qing spoke with what seemed like certainty.
"Why not? Isn't he doting on the Virtuous Consort so much?" The Virtuous Consort was puzzled, but she believed Yan Qing. It was as if whatever Yan Qing said came true, like she could predict the future.
"The Virtuous Consort is not yet fit to be Empress of a nation. His Majesty won't establish an Empress so early. With a new favored consort, the Virtuous Consort enjoying sole favor already makes others jealous. If she were to become Empress now, she wouldn't be able to handle the responsibility and would become a target for everyone's attacks. Although His Majesty dotes on her now, it's easy to dodge an open attack but hard to guard against a hidden arrow. Who knows what might happen..." Yan Qing spoke with confidence, casually picking up the palace affairs from the table.
"Then... Yan Qing, do you have any ambitions for any particular position?" The Virtuous Consort still wanted to confirm.
"What I desire, I will naturally obtain. It's only a matter of time. As for that position... we'll see." Yan Qing had always been confident about what she wanted.
After listening for a while, the Virtuous Consort couldn't figure out her true intentions and decided to stop asking.
"Are you going to this year's spring hunt?" The Virtuous Consort changed the subject.
"I can't get away, so I'm not going. You're not allowed to go either," Yan Qing said without hesitation.
"Why? Why am I not allowed to go?" The Virtuous Consort loved events like the spring hunt, and besides, life in the palace was so boring!
"The spring hunt grounds are a mix of all sorts of people. All sorts of dubious characters will be there. Don't go and join the fun recklessly. If something goes wrong, I won't be able to save you. So, for safety's sake, there's no need for you to go." Yan Qing remained unmoved.
The Virtuous Consort: "..." Just because you're not going, I can't go? I insist on going!
However...
"Fine... I won't go if you say so. You must be very bored alone in the palace. I'll be magnanimous and stay to keep you company." The Virtuous Consort pretended to be indifferent. Yes, she was too kind, that's right.
The Imperial Consort glanced at her faintly. The Virtuous Consort felt a little guilty, but fortunately, Yan Qing didn't press further. She didn't know why, but she always felt like she couldn't hide anything from Yan Qing.