Chapter 303
**Chapter 301: Visiting the Xie Family**
Tong'er noticed Lan Pin's hesitation and was about to offer more encouragement when a knock sounded at the tightly shut door. A young palace maid from Huayang Palace softly announced, "Your Highness, someone from Yongning Palace has arrived."
Lan Pin suppressed her inner doubts and replied, "Let her in."
The door opened, and Cai Ping, the head maid from Yongning Palace, entered with a bright smile, bowing respectfully to Lan Pin.
Lan Pin frowned slightly. "What is it?"
Cai Ping's eyes sparkled with mirth. "Your Highness, I come bearing a message from the Guifei. Your mother, a second-rank noble lady, is gravely ill. The Guifei is quite concerned. She has said that tomorrow, she will send two imperial physicians to the Xie residence to treat your mother."
After a brief pause, Cai Ping continued, "If Your Highness trusts the Guifei, you may write a letter home. Tomorrow, the physicians will deliver it to your mother’s bedside."
Lan Pin tilted her head, skepticism flickering in her eyes. "The Guifei truly cares for the women of the harem."
Cai Ping maintained her cheerful demeanor. "Will Your Highness write the letter?"
The room fell silent for a moment. Tong'er urged softly, "Your Highness, it’s worth a try."
Lan Pin slowly nodded. "I will write."
In the past, she had sent letters to her mother but had never received a reply. Today, she would try again, hoping for a response, and wishing her suspicions about the Xie family were unfounded.
...
The next day, in Yongning Palace.
The morning sun shone brightly as Shen Wei jogged in the courtyard filled with blooming chrysanthemums, stretching her muscles and exercising her body.
Cai Lian handed her a handkerchief to wipe the sweat and informed her, "Your Highness, Imperial Physician Mo and Imperial Physician Zhang have already gone to the Xie residence. Physician Mo took Lan Pin's letter with him. They should return in the afternoon."
Shen Wei wiped the sweat from her forehead. "That’s good to hear."
Mo Xun was astute and perceptive, and Shen Wei felt assured with her handling matters.
After her run, Shen Wei changed into a fresh outfit. The morning was bright, and soon a palace maid came to report that Lady Liu from the Liu family had sent an invitation, wishing to visit Shen Wei.
Shen Wei rubbed her temples.
Since the new palace regulation allowing the families of palace consorts to visit twice a year was enacted, Shen Wei had been busy, receiving several visits from the families of palace consorts each day.
Shen Wei asked Cai Lian, "Does Lady Liu wish to visit Mei Fei?"
Cai Lian shook her head. "Lady Liu's invitation only mentions her desire to see you, Your Highness, without any mention of Mei Fei."
Shen Wei pondered for a moment and nodded. "Send a decree allowing Lady Liu to enter the palace this afternoon. Also, Cai Lian, inform the guards that all visiting ladies must undergo strict searches and may not carry any sharp or poisonous items."
Cai Lian complied and went to carry out the task.
After her workout, Shen Wei visited Cining Palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, spending half an hour with her and Le You. At noon, she went to Xuanming Hall to have lunch with Li Yuanjing. In the afternoon, Shen Wei took a short nap before heading to the Neiwufu to review the distribution of the palace's silver allowances.
Though managing the six palaces kept her busy, Shen Wei felt quite at ease.
The taste of power was more intoxicating than love.
In the afternoon, Lady Liu entered the palace to meet Shen Wei. Shen Wei received this well-known lady in the main hall.
Lady Liu was dressed meticulously today, her attire impeccable. Upon entering the main hall, she greeted Shen Wei with proper etiquette.
Shen Wei gestured for her to take a seat.
Lady Liu expressed her gratitude, saying, "Your Highness, I come today on behalf of the hundreds of members of the Liu family to thank you for your kindness. If it weren't for your investigation into the truth behind the copper tokens from Yuxiu Palace, our family would have faced utter disaster."
Recently, the incident involving the witchcraft copper tokens from Yuxiu Palace had stirred up a storm, with fingers pointing directly at the Liu family.
Lady Liu had been anxious day and night, seeking help from her daughter Liu Ruyan, only to be met with indifference.
In her moment of despair, the Guifei returned to the palace and swiftly uncovered the truth, clearing the Liu family's name. Several talented young men from the Liu family were even favored by the Emperor, receiving official titles and promising futures.
The Guifei was a great benefactor to the Liu family.
Tears of gratitude welled in Lady Liu's eyes as she couldn't help but bow deeply to Shen Wei.
Shen Wei smiled and instructed Cai Lian to help Lady Liu up. "I oversee the harem and will ensure its peace. Besides, that child Nan Zhi is clever and understanding; I treat her as my own daughter and will never let her suffer."
Lady Liu's eyes reddened, a wave of sorrow washing over her.
Even the Guifei, an outsider, knew to care for the innocent Li Nan Zhi, while Liu Ruyan, her own daughter, treated her with cold indifference.
Shen Wei and Lady Liu exchanged pleasantries for a while, accepting the Liu family's gratitude before having Cai Lian personally escort Lady Liu out of Yongning Palace.
The Liu family was of a reputable lineage, with Liu Ruyan's father being a student of Yang Xunji. By winning over the Liu family, Shen Wei's brother Shen Xiuming would have a smoother path in his career.
As Shen Wei sipped her chrysanthemum tea, she mused that perhaps one day Shen Xiuming could be granted a title and become a minister of the Da Qing Kingdom.
...
On the long palace path.
Lady Liu walked slowly, her spirits high. Her maid asked, "Madam, are you really not going to visit Miss Ruyan in Yuxiu Palace?"
Lady Liu's expression darkened; she truly did not want to mention that ungrateful daughter again.
It was as if the Liu family had no such daughter.
Lady Liu continued walking toward the palace exit. As she turned a corner, a little girl in golden attire joyfully ran toward her. "Grandmother, Nan Zhi is here to see you!"
Li Nan Zhi affectionately took Lady Liu's hand, her tone filled with pride. "I told you, the Guifei would definitely uncover the truth."
Lady Liu's eyes softened with love. "You’re right, Nan Zhi."
The two of them strolled within the palace walls.
The autumn breeze blew, bringing a chill. Lady Liu held her granddaughter's hand, reminding her, "The autumn days are cold; I’ll send you some warm fabrics tomorrow—"
Before she could finish, Lady Liu's gaze fell on Li Nan Zhi, and she was taken aback. The little girl was dressed in fine Shu brocade, the satin embroidered with playful flowers and rabbits, both warm and beautiful.
"This outfit is lovely; the Neiwufu staff are quite thoughtful," Lady Liu smiled.
Li Nan Zhi lifted her delicate chin, resembling a beautiful little peacock. "It was the Guifei who had someone make these for me. She made three pieces, along with woolen boots and gloves."
Lady Liu, astonished, felt a wave of deep emotion swell in her heart.
In terms of actions, not intentions, character is always reflected in the details.
Both inside and outside the palace, people spoke highly of the Guifei's virtue and kindness. Today, Lady Liu realized that the rumors were not unfounded.
With a loving touch, Lady Liu patted Li Nan Zhi's hair and advised her, "The Guifei treats you well, so you must treat her well in return. You can't just take without giving, understand?"
Li Nan Zhi nodded vigorously, her beautiful eyes crescent-shaped with a smile. "I understand, Grandmother."
...
...
On the streets of Yanjing, a carriage stopped at the entrance of the Xie residence.
The carriage curtain lifted, and Mo Xun nimbly jumped down. Dressed in a gray-blue physician's robe and wearing a black cap, she appeared as a spirited young talent, slender and fair.
Mo Xun handed the invitation to the doorman of the Xie residence.
She and another elderly physician patiently waited for news at the entrance, the cool autumn breeze blowing off her black cap.
As Mo Xun bent down to pick up her hat, her keen eyes caught sight of a suspicious figure lurking at the corner of the street.
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