Chapter 234
**Chapter 232: Setting the Trap**
Liu Momo understood immediately upon hearing Shen Wei's instructions—Shen Wei was planning to take action against the Empress.
In the current imperial harem of Da Qing, the Empress and the Shuxi Concubine, Lu Xuan, jointly managed the inner court, sharing power equally. After three years away from the palace, Shen Wei had returned for just a month and had already decided to seize the authority of the household from the Empress. This boldness truly left Liu Momo trembling with fear.
"Rest assured, Your Highness, I know what to do," Liu Momo said, bowing deeply to Shen Wei once more.
She had a premonition that it wouldn’t be long before the harem of Da Qing would belong to Shen Wei. The Empress, the Shuxi Concubine, and even a few more beautiful newcomers would not be able to shake Shen Wei's position.
...
After Liu Momo left, Shen Wei instructed Cai Lian to send a message to Ci Ning Palace. The small kitchen had just prepared some fruit pastries, and she wanted Le You to come over in the afternoon to sample the delicacies.
As the sun shifted from east to west, Shen Wei was reviewing account books in the water pavilion when a lively voice called from the entrance, "Mother! Le You is here!"
Le You was not alone. She had brought along Mei Fei Liu Ru Yan's daughter, Li Nan Zhi, and the Empress's daughter, Li Yao. The three little girls, as delicate as jade, entered joyfully.
Li Nan Zhi timidly greeted Shen Wei, "Greetings, Your Highness."
Shen Wei smiled gently, "Just in time! The fruit pastries have just been made; let’s taste them while they’re still warm."
Plates of exquisite pastries were served on the wooden table. The three little girls ate happily.
Shen Wei glanced around and casually asked, "Where's Wan Er?"
Li Yao put down the candied fruit she was holding and replied honestly, "It rained the other night, and Wan Er sister caught a cold. She took some medicine and is recovering, but she doesn’t want to go out and is still napping in her room."
A flicker of deep thought crossed Shen Wei's eyes as she asked, "She’s been ill for two days; why hasn’t anyone informed the Emperor?"
Li Yao lowered her gaze and murmured, "Mother said Wan Er sister only has a minor illness, just needs a couple of doses of medicine, and it’s not worth making a fuss... Don’t worry, Your Highness, Wan Er sister is much better this morning; she can already get out of bed and even ate two bowls of rice at noon."
Shen Wei pondered for a moment and said, "Have a palace maid pack two boxes of pastries for you to take back to Baozhu Palace for Wan Er."
Li Yao immediately nodded, "Sure! Wan Er sister has been wanting to eat sweets. I’ll bring them back for her; she’ll be so happy."
The three girls continued to enjoy the pastries, discussing plans to fly kites in the garden later.
Shen Wei returned to the main hall and summoned Li Yao's personal maid, Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan respectfully bowed to Shen Wei, greeting her with impeccable etiquette, leaving no room for error.
Xiao Yan had always been loyal to Shen Wei. Back in the Zhen Nan Marquis's residence, she had indirectly helped Shen Wei obtain Princess Tai Hua's notes, and later, Shen Wei had sent her to serve Li Yao.
Over the years, Xiao Yan had become increasingly clever and composed.
Shen Wei asked, "What’s the situation with Wan Er?"
Illness can strike suddenly and leave just as quickly; a cold is not easily cured. It was indeed strange that Li Wan Er, who had caught a cold the other day, seemed to have regained her appetite and spirits so quickly.
This recovery was too swift.
Xiao Yan thought for a moment and replied honestly, "Your Highness, with the upcoming birthday of the Empress Dowager, it just so happened that Wan Er caught a cold. The Empress was worried the Dowager might blame her, so she asked the imperial physician to prescribe medicine for Wan Er last night. That physician is quite skilled; after taking the medicine, Wan Er’s spirits improved remarkably this morning! The symptoms of the cold have disappeared, and she seems to be fully recovered."
Shen Wei smiled and took a sip of tea, "That physician’s skills are indeed impressive."
Xiao Yan, being astute, added, "Today, I took a glance at Wan Er. The weather isn’t particularly hot, yet she was sweating profusely, her complexion was quite rosy, and she didn’t look sick at all."
"The Empress has been particularly attentive to Baozhu Palace lately. She had the Ministry of Internal Affairs make new clothes for the two young ladies, and all the old furniture in the room was replaced with the finest. The courtyard of the young ladies is now resplendent."
Shen Wei gathered enough information from Xiao Yan and raised her hand slightly, "Very good. You may go and receive your reward."
Xiao Yan bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Highness! I will continue to serve you diligently!"
Xiao Yan lowered her head and stepped back, leaving quietly.
Shen Wei called for Cai Ping and instructed her to visit the imperial hospital, inform Mo Xun about Li Wan Er's "recovery," and inquire about the details.
Cai Ping was efficient, and within half an hour, she returned with news.
"Your Highness," Cai Ping reported, "Mo Tai Yi said that even he couldn’t make a teenage girl recover from a cold overnight. Unless some strong medicine that invigorates the liver and depletes qi and blood was used, making her appear exceptionally well in a short time."
Shen Wei finally understood the Empress's intentions.
With the Empress Dowager's birthday approaching, all the noblewomen of Yan Jing would be present, and several princesses from the royal family would also make an appearance. Li Wan Er, being the daughter of the late Crown Prince, falling ill just before the Dowager's birthday could lead to blame if she were to find out.
Thus, the Empress had the physician administer strong medicine to make Li Wan Er appear healthy.
Even knowing that such potent medicine could harm Li Wan Er's body, the Empress cared little for her well-being, prioritizing her own reputation instead.
Moreover, having learned from past mistakes, the Empress was likely worried that her harsh treatment of Li Yao and Li Wan Er would be discovered, so she hastily renovated Baozhu Palace.
If the Dowager were to visit and see the splendid renovations, she would surely think the Empress was a competent mother.
"The Empress has calculated well," Shen Wei said, her fair fingers gently tapping the table.
Unfortunately, she was still digging her own grave.
...
As dusk fell, the three little girls bid farewell to Shen Wei one by one.
A palace maid carried a large food box, and Le You, reluctant to leave, looked back at Shen Wei and said softly, "Mother, I’ll go back to Ci Ning Palace to keep Grandmother company. I’ll come find you again tomorrow."
With that, Le You rushed over to give Shen Wei a hug.
Shen Wei affectionately patted Le You's chubby little face, "Eat less sweet food; it’s easy to get cavities."
"Okay!"
Li Nan Zhi stood to the side, watching the sweet interaction between Shen Wei and Le You, a hint of envy flickering in her eyes.
She thought to herself, if only Mother could hug her too and pat her face...
After sending Le You off, Shen Wei smiled and waved to Li Nan Zhi, "Nan Zhi, come here."
Li Nan Zhi's little face showed surprise, but she obediently walked over.
Shen Wei touched the silver-white dress she was wearing and said, "Your outfit is too plain. A few days ago, the Empress Dowager gifted me a bolt of Shu brocade, and I had the Tailoring Bureau make two summer dresses. I’ll give you one; you’re still young and should wear something pretty and vibrant."
Cai Lian handed over the box containing the summer dress.
Li Nan Zhi's eyes widened in surprise as she tentatively reached out to touch the pink long dress inside. The design was exquisite, and the sleeves and collar were embroidered with little pink rabbits that she adored.
Just one glance, and Li Nan Zhi was smitten with the dress.
Yet, she still lowered her head and quietly refused, "Your Highness, Nan Zhi cannot accept..."
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