Yu Jingchen's eyes flickered upon hearing this.
"Did you find out the content?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"Not entirely, but after the Wen clan was deposed, a search was conducted, and some items were found. These were discovered among clothes that were to be burned. However, the ink had been smudged by water, and most of the content is illegible. We can faintly make out that these are letters to the Empress Dowager, and the visible characters suggest they are merely trivial palace matters," Xing Lai replied.
"I interrogated the palace maids who previously served the Wen clan. They mentioned that when the Consort was unsure about handling palace affairs, she would sometimes seek the Empress Dowager's advice, hence these occasional letters," Xing Lai continued.
"Investigate everything that happened outside the palace when the Empress Dowager was offering prayers during that period," Yu Jingchen commanded. He didn't believe the Empress Dowager would collude with the Wen clan or harm Nan Zhiyun, but… a thorough investigation wouldn't hurt.
"Yes," Xing Lai acknowledged.
"What was Consort Shu doing today?" Yu Jingchen asked again.
"Consort Shu selected four palace maids today and did nothing else. She remained within the He'an Palace. Earlier this morning, An Xin from the Empress Dowager's side visited He'an Palace, stating that the Empress Dowager wished to rest peacefully for a while and therefore instructed Consort Shu not to visit Ci'an Palace for the time being," Xing Lai reported. Ever since he learned of Yu Jingchen's unusual attention to Consort Shu, he had specifically instructed people to keep an eye on her.
"Is the Empress Dowager's health in any way problematic?" Yu Jingchen inquired. He hadn't visited the Empress Dowager since her return, not because he was unwilling, but because he knew she wouldn't want to see him. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"The Empress Dowager has not summoned the imperial physicians since her return, nor has she complained of any discomfort. However, her appetite seems to have diminished compared to before, and her taste preferences have changed significantly. Lately, she has been favoring heavily seasoned foods, such as spicy and sour dishes, and she has been sleeping a lot," Xing Lai replied after some thought.
Yu Jingchen frowned. People didn't change without reason, and the Empress Dowager's palate had shifted too dramatically. Even if she suddenly developed a liking for new flavors, it was unlikely for someone who usually ate bland food to suddenly crave such intense tastes. Spicy and sour dishes weren't just about preference; he remembered the Empress Dowager couldn't tolerate much spice in the past.
"Your Majesty, shall I send for an imperial physician to examine the Empress Dowager at Ci'an Palace?" Xing Lai ventured hesitantly. Honestly, he felt the Empress Dowager's current state… well, it resembled the symptoms of pregnancy, but… that seemed unlikely.
Years ago, the Empress Dowager's health had been damaged, making it difficult for her to conceive. She had never had any biological children and, after adopting Yu Jingchen, had publicly consumed a potion to prevent further pregnancies in front of the late Emperor and all the concubines, rendering her infertile for life.
Therefore, pregnancy for the Empress Dowager was highly improbable. But if not that, then what could be causing such a drastic change in her?
"Summon an imperial physician to examine her," Yu Jingchen commanded after a moment of contemplation. He knew the Empress Dowager, like him, had been reborn, and thus… there were many things he couldn't be entirely sure of. To avoid potential troubles, it was better to clarify certain matters sooner rather than later.
Ci'an Palace
Upon hearing that an imperial physician was coming at the Emperor's behest to take her pulse, the Empress Dowager smiled without revealing her emotions and then said, "Since it is His Majesty's kind intention, then let them in."
An Xin then went to escort the imperial physician inside. The Empress Dowager did not resist and graciously allowed the physician to take her pulse.
After the examination, the Empress Dowager turned to him and asked, "How is it? Are there any issues with my health?"
"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, your pulse is steady, and your body is well. It is possible that you have been feeling tired lately and perhaps a little weary. A good rest should suffice," the imperial physician replied.
"That is good to hear. You may return and report to His Majesty, so he need not worry so much and personally send for an imperial physician to examine me," the Empress Dowager hinted meaningfully.
The imperial physician dared not interject. Naturally, it was not for a humble imperial physician to speculate on the implications of her words.
After hearing the imperial physician's report, Yu Jingchen said nothing more, merely dismissing the physician. So… had he been overthinking everything?
He'an Palace
Nan Zhiyun was engrossed in reading a book when Qian Xia entered and announced that Yang Zhaoyuan wished to see her. (Previously Yang Jieyu, the birth mother of the First Princess, from a low-ranking family, the daughter of a county magistrate.)
Nan Zhiyun was perplexed. She had never had much interaction with Yang Zhaoyuan, perhaps exchanging only a few words. Why was she here today?
"Let her in," Nan Zhiyun said indifferently. Since she had come, there was no reason to make her wait outside, nor to send her away. After all, she hadn't said or done anything.
"Yes," Qian Xia curtsied and then went to invite Yang Zhaoyuan in. Nan Zhiyun straightened her posture; she couldn't be too casual in front of others.
As Yang Zhaoyuan entered, she performed a proper curtsy to Nan Zhiyun, who was seated above.
"This concubine pays her respects to Consort Shu," Yang Zhaoyuan's voice was the most melodious, especially when singing, like a yellow oriole, sweet and pleasant to the ear.
"Consort Yang, please rise," Nan Zhiyun said with an air of composure. Judging by appearances alone, she seemed quite dignified.
"Thank you, Consort Shu," Yang Zhaoyuan stood up.
"Consort Yang, please be seated. Qian Xia, serve tea," Nan Zhiyun instructed. Yang Zhaoyuan sat down beside her.
"I come uninvited and have disturbed your serenity, Your Highness," Yang Zhaoyuan began.
"It is nothing. This consort has nothing much to do today anyway. Does Consort Yang have something specific in mind?" Nan Zhiyun was direct.
"It is not a major matter, but…" Yang Zhaoyuan seemed hesitant to speak.
Nan Zhiyun understood her implication. "Consort Yang, please forgive me. There is nothing to be ashamed of if something is overheard when it is done openly."
"Yes…" Yang Zhaoyuan hadn't expected Nan Zhiyun to say that, but she had no choice. If she had come, she had to say it. Otherwise, why would she have come?
"Consort Shu, this concubine has come to seek a favor," Yang Zhaoyuan stood up again and then knelt down. Nan Zhiyun was confused as to what she intended to do.
"Consort Yang, what are you doing? Why aren't you helping the noble consort to rise?" Nan Zhiyun was somewhat bewildered seeing Yang Zhaoyuan kneeling like this.
The palace maids were about to help her up, but Yang Zhaoyuan refused to stand.
"Consort Shu, this concubine is willing to serve you and implores you to help me. My father is merely a minor county magistrate, and I haven't seen him for years. Recently, word came that my mother is gravely ill, and the physicians are powerless. My status is lowly. I beg Your Highness to help me, to allow me to see my mother one last time, and perhaps bring her to the capital. If possible, could you request an imperial physician from the palace to examine my mother?" Yang Zhaoyuan kowtowed.