Chapter 352
**Chapter 350: Save Zhang Miaoyu**
No one can hold onto the heart of an emperor, not even Shen Wei.
Since Shen Wei fell out of favor, the long-standing frustration in Liu Ruyan's heart dissipated in an instant.
Liu Ruyan even felt a bit pleased.
The women in the inner palace—the Empress, Liu Ruyan, Lan Pin, Shu Fei, and even Shen Wei—were all on different paths but ultimately arrived at the same destination.
“The wind is picking up. I’ll head back to the palace to change. Sister Mei Pin, you take your time,” Liu Qiao’er said, not lingering too long and bidding farewell to Liu Ruyan with proper etiquette.
Liu Qiao’er returned to her palace.
The palace was located in a remote area, rarely visited by the Emperor, and it felt cold and empty. Once inside, Liu Qiao’er stood before the mirror and removed her hairpin, studying her reflection.
For a long time, Liu Qiao’er had lived simply, dressed plainly, and neglected her appearance. Her beauty had faded, and no amount of powder could hide the fine lines at the corners of her eyes.
She had let herself grow unattractive.
Liu Qiao’er sighed quietly.
She caressed her face, murmuring to herself, “The favored concubine has fallen out of favor, and the Shen family is about to decline. My opportunity has come.”
Over the years, Liu Qiao’er had kept a low profile, staying out of the limelight. Time had proven her choices were wise.
The scheming Empress had fallen, the aloof Liu Ruyan had fallen, the ruthless Shu Fei had fallen, and the once-favored Chen Guifei was about to fall as well... The towering mountains in the grand inner palace were crumbling one by one.
Only those who could remain patient would laugh last.
Liu Qiao’er smiled at her reflection. From today on, she would dress up, apply makeup, and take good care of her face.
In the Emperor's youth, he had trained in a southern military camp and often interacted with Liu Qiao’er’s father, frequently staying at the Liu household. In a way, Liu Qiao’er and the Emperor were childhood friends.
She believed it wouldn’t be long before she regained the Emperor’s favor.
Her good days were coming.
...
...
Shen Wei had just returned to her Yongning Palace. Before she could even settle onto her stool, Cai Lian entered, reporting that the head maid, Xiang Yu, had come with urgent news regarding Yu Fei.
Shen Wei invited Xiang Yu in.
As soon as Xiang Yu entered, she knelt down with a thud, her round, plump face filled with panic. “Your Highness, please save my mistress!”
Shen Wei spoke gently, “No need to panic. Take your time.”
Xiang Yu began to recount her troubles: “Today is a day off, and the Emperor came to Yongchun Palace, sitting there all afternoon. My mistress always has a snack in the afternoon, but with the Emperor here, she didn’t dare eat anything and is starving!”
Zhang Miaoyu was timid and feared being scolded by the Emperor for eating too much, so she silently endured her hunger.
She had secretly sent Xiang Yu to seek Shen Wei’s help.
A faint smile crossed Shen Wei’s lips as she stood up. “I just made some green tea pastries in my palace’s small kitchen, fresh out of the oven. Take these back for Yu Fei to try. I’ll change my clothes and visit her shortly.”
Cai Lian handed the food box containing the pastries to Xiang Yu.
Xiang Yu clutched the box, overwhelmed with gratitude.
...
Yongchun Palace was Zhang Miaoyu’s sleeping quarters.
Zhang Miaoyu was optimistic, generous, and got along well with the servants. The Yongchun Palace used to be filled with joy, where the master and servants shared delicious meals together.
But since the Emperor arrived, it was as if a locust swarm had passed through; the harmonious atmosphere of Yongchun Palace vanished, and the palace maids dared not breathe, quietly bowing their heads to work.
Xiang Yu carefully returned to the inner hall with the food box. The Emperor sat in the main seat, engrossed in a book. Zhang Miaoyu sat nearby, fidgeting uncomfortably.
“Your Highness, Chen Guifei sent you a box of green tea pastries,” Xiang Yu announced as she opened the food box.
A plate of green tea pastries was placed on the small table, four pieces the size of leaves.
These green tea pastries were simple to make, using spring tea from the south, dried and ground into green tea powder, mixed with flour, and carefully baked by the chef into delicious treats.
Freshly made, the aroma wafted through the air.
Zhang Miaoyu had been craving them and eagerly reached out with her plump hand. Just as her fingers were about to touch the pastries, she heard a stern cough from Li Yuanjing.
“Cough, cough!”
Zhang Miaoyu forced a smile, reluctantly asking, “Your Majesty, are you tired of reading? Would you like to try a pastry?”
She thought to herself, the Emperor had tasted all kinds of delicacies; surely he wouldn’t be interested in four small pastries.
But to her surprise, Li Yuanjing replied, “Sure, I’ll give it a try.”
Zhang Miaoyu suppressed her reluctance and had Xiang Yu bring the plate over.
Li Yuanjing took a bite and found it quite good.
So he finished all four pieces of the green tea pastries.
Zhang Miaoyu watched this outrageous scene, her heart breaking! The Emperor, in all his glory, was stealing a concubine’s snack!
Was there no law left?
Zhang Miaoyu dared not voice her anger, silently turning away. Xiang Yu shot her a glance, hinting that Shen Wei would come to the rescue soon.
...
...
About half an hour later, Shen Wei changed into a brand new, splendid spring gown and made her way to Yongchun Palace.
The atmosphere inside Yongchun Palace was oppressive, cold, and lifeless. As Shen Wei stepped into the inner hall, she saw Li Yuanjing pretending to read.
Li Yuanjing wore a dragon-patterned, round-collared robe of dark gold, adorned with a jade crown, holding a copy of the *Zizhi Tongjian* and feigning concentration. At first glance, he appeared quite imposing.
Zhang Miaoyu sat awkwardly on a nearby rosewood bench, her plump face filled with restraint and anxiety.
Upon seeing Shen Wei’s slender figure, Zhang Miaoyu felt as if she had spotted a savior. She joyfully stood up, “Sister Shen Wei, what brings you here? Come in and sit!”
Zhang Miaoyu welcomed Shen Wei into the inner hall.
Li Yuanjing’s attention had already drifted from the book; his dark eyes slowly shifted, catching a glimpse of the visiting Shen Wei.
Shen Wei calmly greeted, “I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”
Li Yuanjing didn’t lift his head, “Be at ease.”
After that, he continued to lower his gaze, flipping through the pages of the *Zizhi Tongjian*.
Zhang Miaoyu pulled Shen Wei to sit at the small table beside her. Shen Wei smiled brightly, “The small kitchen just made some green tea pastries. One box might not be enough for you, so I brought two more for you to try, Sister Miaoyu?”
Zhang Miaoyu exclaimed with delight, “That’s wonderful! I’ll try them right away!”
The two chatted happily over tea and pastries.
Zhang Miaoyu said, “Sister Shen Wei, you smell so good! What perfume are you wearing?”
Shen Wei replied, “It’s the magnolia powder from Qixiangzhai in Yanjing. I’ll be going to Anguo Temple the day after tomorrow, and I’ll have a maid bring a box back for you, Sister Miaoyu.”
Zhang Miaoyu said, “That would be fantastic! But what are you going to Anguo Temple for?”
Shen Wei explained, “The Empress Dowager is worried about Zhaoyang, but unfortunately, she’s still recovering and shouldn’t travel, so she asked me to go to Anguo Temple to pray for Zhaoyang.”
The two exchanged words, completely ignoring Li Yuanjing, who sat in the main seat.
Li Yuanjing held the book but couldn’t read a single word, straining to listen to Shen Wei’s voice. Here he was, a grown man sitting there, while Shen Wei only greeted him upon entering and didn’t say another word.
Li Yuanjing felt frustrated!
He deliberately set the book down, pretending to cough casually to remind them, “Cough—”
Zhang Miaoyu and Shen Wei turned their heads in unison. Zhang Miaoyu asked, “Your Majesty, is your throat uncomfortable? Should we call a physician?”
Li Yuanjing coughed lightly, as if casually saying, “It’s been a bit chilly at night lately; I have a slight cold.”
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