Chapter 301
**Chapter 299: The Second Miss of the Xie Family**
Shen Wei set down the chrysanthemum in her hand and tugged at Li Yuanjing's sleeve. "Your Majesty, come accompany me to the main hall to meet them."
Li Yuanjing was reluctant to move, his handsome face beaming with a smile. "Today is a day of rest. Here, there’s just a little tea picker—where is the emperor?"
Shen Wei was at a loss for words.
Last time, Shen Wei had disguised herself as a little palace maid, and they had enjoyed a delightful role-playing game together. It seemed that something had struck a chord with Li Yuanjing, as he privately loved to switch identities and indulge with Shen Wei.
He truly enjoyed acting.
But Shen Wei could understand. The pressure of being an emperor was immense, and only with her could Li Yuanjing let loose and be unrestrained.
She casually shoved the half-picked autumn chrysanthemum into Li Yuanjing's hands and said earnestly, "In that case, make sure to pluck off all the stray leaves from these flowers."
Li Yuanjing's handsome features relaxed as he wrapped an arm around Shen Wei's slender waist, planting a kiss near her lips, his voice husky. "As you wish, Your Grace."
A low chuckle rippled through the waterside pavilion.
Moments later, Cai Lian led a mother-daughter pair into the courtyard.
Through the sheer curtains of the pavilion, Shen Wei greeted the duo.
"Your servant pays respects to Your Grace, the Imperial Concubine." Zhao Yiniang and Xie Fanghua performed their greetings, their etiquette flawless, indicating they had rehearsed many times at home.
Li Yuanjing showed little interest in the two outsiders; his long, elegant fingers were busy peeling the stray leaves from a palm-sized chrysanthemum.
Leaning against the concubine's couch, Shen Wei's voice took on a stern tone. "Why is Madam Wu not here?"
The head of the Xie family was Wu Shi, yet it was Zhao Yiniang and the second miss, Xie Fanghua, who had entered the palace.
It was Zhao Yiniang's first time in the palace, and naturally, she was nervous. Bowing her head, she replied, "Your Grace, Madam is gravely ill and unable to rise from her bed. The master and Madam miss Lan Pin, so they sent me to pay respects and convey their concerns."
Shen Wei's voice revealed no hint of emotion as she replied, "I see. Have you summoned the imperial physician for her?"
Zhao Yiniang answered, "Two physicians have been called, but alas, Madam's condition is beyond their help; they are at a loss."
Shen Wei sighed, her tone sympathetic. "Madam Wu is indeed unfortunate. It’s getting late; since you’ve seen me, you should hurry to Huayang Palace to see Lan Pin. Don’t keep her waiting."
Beside Zhao Yiniang, Xie Fanghua knelt next to her mother. Compared to the cautious Zhao Yiniang, Xie Fanghua was much bolder.
She secretly lifted her gaze toward the intricately carved pavilion not far away. The light-colored silk curtains swayed gently in the breeze, revealing the profile of Chen Guifei. Beside her stood a tall man.
Xie Fanghua's heart raced.
She immediately realized that the emperor was also present!
Her heart pounded.
A gentle breeze rustled the silk curtains, revealing a glimpse of Chen Guifei and the emperor's faces, only to be obscured again by the fabric.
Xie Fanghua nervously clutched her handkerchief, feeling a deep sense of regret. The emperor was focused on the object in his hands, not lifting his head. How she wished he would glance her way, even just once.
Perhaps if he looked at her, he would remember her.
Unfortunately, the emperor never raised his gaze.
With a heavy heart, Xie Fanghua lowered her head and left Yongning Palace alongside Zhao Yiniang.
After the mother and daughter departed, Shen Wei narrowed her eyes, observing Xie Fanghua's retreating figure. The way she walked, her demeanor, even her tone of voice felt oddly familiar.
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Wei suddenly understood.
Wasn't this just a younger version of herself?
What a clever Zhao Yiniang, trying to mold Xie Fanghua into a second Shen Wei.
Shen Wei tossed the unfinished chrysanthemum aside and instructed Cai Lian, "Cai Lian, send Doctor Mo to the Xie residence to treat Madam Wu. Winter is approaching; it’s best to cure her soon so they can have a good New Year."
Cai Lian accepted the order and turned to carry it out.
Li Yuanjing set down the plucked chrysanthemum petals and teased, "You’re quite enthusiastic."
Shen Wei neatly arranged the picked flowers and replied, "Your Majesty, you mentioned last night that Lord Wu from the Jiangdong Wu family is coming to the capital for official duties. He is Madam Wu's brother, and by sending Doctor Mo to treat her, I can do him a favor."
Li Yuanjing wrapped his arm around Shen Wei's waist. "You really are attentive."
Shen Wei raised her eyebrows proudly, like a kitten being praised.
Li Yuanjing sighed, "The Wu family has been quite well-behaved these years."
The head of the Wu family was wise and shrewd, willingly relinquishing power and money, staying out of factional disputes, and even subtly indicating loyalty to Li Yuanjing. Unfortunately, the Wu family was tied to the Xie family.
After dealing with the Dantai family, Li Yuanjing planned to move against the Xie family next. The Xie and Wu families were in cahoots.
The downfall of the Xie family would inevitably affect the Wu family.
Li Yuanjing held Shen Wei close, his brows slightly furrowed as he fell into deep thought.
...
...
On the long palace path, a palace maid led the way, with Zhao Yiniang and Xie Fanghua following behind.
Xie Fanghua's heart was still racing. She whispered to Zhao Yiniang, "Mother, the Yongning Palace of Chen Guifei is so luxurious, far more beautiful than my courtyard. The emperor is also incredibly handsome."
Zhao Yiniang replied, "The emperor's favored concubine naturally has the best of everything. You’re still young; once you enter the palace and gain favor, your clothing, food, and living conditions won’t be worse than the concubine's."
Xie Fanghua pursed her lips, filled with anticipation for the future.
Today, she had caught a brief glimpse of Chen Guifei's beauty, and indeed, as rumored, she was stunning, with not a wrinkle in sight and a fair complexion.
But Chen Guifei had given birth to three children and was no longer young; perhaps her beauty relied on makeup, and without it, her features might reveal the passage of time.
Xie Fanghua shared a similar appearance, but with a younger, more delicate body.
Youth was her greatest asset.
"Fanghua, when we get to Huayang Palace, be sure not to make any mistakes," Zhao Yiniang cautioned repeatedly.
Xie Fanghua smiled slyly. "Mother, I understand."
It was just about pretending to be the "caring sister," after all.
She had been doing that since she was little.
The mother and daughter followed the palace maid, winding their way for a long time until they finally arrived at Huayang Palace, where Lan Pin resided. Compared to the opulent Yongning Palace, Huayang Palace seemed much less impressive.
Xie Fanghua curled her lip in disdain.
Her sister was still a useless fool.
"Mother! Mother, I’ve been waiting for you!" A cheerful voice rang out from within the palace, as Lan Pin joyfully ran out, her beautiful skirt swaying.
But upon seeing the mother-daughter pair at the entrance, Lan Pin's smile froze.
"Yiniang, sister, what are you doing here... Where's my mother?"
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