Chapter 432: Ordinary Spirit Consolidation Incense
Shen Xihe simply smiled warmly as she saw her guest out. She would never reach a day where she needed to use letters to strike a deal with Xiao Changqing. Neither she nor Xiao Huayong were the type to require assistance from others. Even if they were to encounter formidable opponents one day, she would never use Gu Qingzhi’s letters to negotiate with Xiao Changqing. Therefore, as soon as Xiao Changqing left, Shen Xihe burned them.
Just like when she had obtained the letters preserved by Gu Zexiang from Gu Zexiang herself, these letters supposedly belonging to Gu Qingzhi were originally forged by her. How could she use counterfeit items to deceive, restrain, or even manipulate another person?
Although she did not approve of Xiao Changqing’s enduring affection, and Gu Qingzhi did not need Xiao Changqing’s lasting devotion, it was still a sincere sentiment. Others might exploit this to attack, pressure, or bind Xiao Changqing, as Ye Wantang and Gu Qingshu had done, but she could not.
After preparing apricot pastry drink, Shen Xihe brought some to the Empress Dowager. Since becoming engaged to Xiao Huayong and knowing that the Empress Dowager was his only elder, Shen Xihe felt a closer bond with her, treating her as a respected elder to honor. Whenever she made delicacies for Xiao Huayong, she would inevitably send a portion to the Empress Dowager as well.
As soon as she arrived at the Empress Dowager’s courtyard, she heard cheerful laughter and chatter from within. The Empress Dowager’s attendant, Lady Qin, came out personally to greet her. Hearing the noise, Lady Qin explained to her, “Her Majesty has been frequently summoning noble young ladies these days for amusement and diversion.”
In reality, it was to play matchmaker and gain a deeper understanding of these individuals, as they were potential candidates to become her grandchildren’s wives.
Upon entering, Shen Xihe saw four or five young maidens, all of whom she recognized. Among them were the Yu sisters from the Pingyao Marquis household, and even Qin Zijie was present. They exchanged greetings with one another.
“What have you made today, Zhaoning? In this entire palace, you are the one who remembers this old woman the most,” the Empress Dowager said with a smile as soon as she saw Shen Xihe.
“Just some refreshing drinks to relieve the summer heat,” Shen Xihe replied with a gracious smile. “Your Majesty speaks too modestly. His Majesty and the other royal highnesses would surely disagree. Everyone in the palace wishes for Your Majesty’s happiness, longevity, and well-being.”
The Empress Dowager’s eyes twinkled kindly as she pointed at Shen Xihe and addressed the others, “I’ve heard rumors outside that Zhaoning is aloof and unreasonable. Those people must have never met Zhaoning.”
“It’s merely envious individuals spreading falsehoods, Your Majesty. Rest assured, if we ever hear such talk, we will certainly refute it,” Yu Sangning spoke up with a smile.
Shen Xihe glanced at her. Yu Sangning’s smile was neither fawning nor evasive, but natural and poised.
The others then understood the Empress Dowager’s intention and had no choice but to agree and echo the sentiment.
“You are a good one,” the Empress Dowager praised Yu Sangning, her gaze sweeping over the sisters. “The Pingyao Marquis certainly knows how to raise young ladies—each one bright, elegant, and intelligent.”
“Your Majesty flatters us,” Yu Sangzi and Yu Sangning rose and bowed humbly.
Everyone grasped the situation: during yesterday’s flower appreciation banquet, someone’s remarks about Zhaoning County Princess being arrogant and conceited had reached the Empress Dowager’s ears. Today, she was deliberately rehabilitating Shen Xihe’s reputation. Consequently, the subsequent conversation revolved around Shen Xihe, with much flattery.
Shen Xihe understood the Empress Dowager’s well-intentioned efforts, even if she herself did not care.
Before long, the Empress Dowager dismissed the others, keeping only Shen Xihe with her. She enjoyed the apricot pastry drink Shen Xihe had brought, took a couple of sips, and found it particularly soothing. “Tomorrow, have the small kitchen prepare some of this as well.”As she had grown older, the Empress Dowager could no longer consume many cold foods, and even her intake of Smoked Plum Syrup was restricted. Although the summer palace was cool, it was still midsummer, and she inevitably felt restless and overheated. Knowing the Empress Dowager had a particular fondness for sweets, Shen Xihe deliberately added a little extra cane sugar.
"I will give the recipe to Lady Qin later," Shen Xihe replied.
The Empress Dowager asked, "What do you think of the young ladies from those families earlier?"
"Zhaoning has rarely interacted with these young ladies and is unaware of their character, so I dare not make any hasty judgments," Shen Xihe evaded the topic.
The Empress Dowager chuckled lightly, "You, still playing tricks with me."
Shen Xihe smiled faintly and said nothing more.
The Empress Dowager did not press her, knowing she was not one to gossip about others. She leaned back slightly against the Leaning Pillow and said, "These are the women being considered for marriage to the Second Prince, the Fifth Prince, and the Ninth Prince. The Second and Fifth Princes are taking second wives, so their status requirements can be lowered. I think the Yu family's illegitimate daughter is quite suitable, but the legitimate daughter of the Yu family is also virtuous and kind. I am considering matching her with the Ninth Prince, so I cannot decide."
Shen Xihe understood: the Empress Dowager liked both Yu sisters, but one family could not produce two imperial consorts. Yu Sangning's status was, in truth, somewhat elevated even for a second wife, and Shen Xihe wondered why the Empress Dowager favored her.
Recalling Yu Sangning's methods, Shen Xihe said calmly, "I suppose the Yu family's young lady must have exceptional qualities to earn Your Highness's favor."
"Are you jealous?" the Empress Dowager teased her, then patted Shen Xihe's hand. "Don't worry, no one can surpass you."
Shen Xihe knew she was not particularly endearing. The Empress Dowager's words stemmed from the fact that, in her heart, no one could surpass Xiao Huayong, and thus no one's wife could surpass Xiao Huayong's wife. This was a case of loving someone and extending that love to others.
"The second daughter of the Yu family is clever and skillful," the Empress Dowager said with a smile. "A few days ago, when I couldn't sleep well, she visited several times and noticed my lack of energy. She discreetly inquired about the reason, made a scented sachet for me, and hung it by my bedside. I truly slept well after that."
Older people naturally have light sleep, and the inability to rest peacefully is torment. The imperial physicians had only attributed it to the summer heat, and she was unwilling to trouble Your Majesty and cause the physicians to be punished. Those days had been truly difficult.
Shen Xihe did not visit every day, especially since she knew the Empress Dowager was meeting other young ladies to select granddaughters-in-law. To avoid suspicion, she had stayed away and was unaware of what had happened a few days prior.
"A scented sachet?" Shen Xihe became interested. "Could Your Highness show it to Zhaoning? Zhaoning is quite obsessed with fragrances."
The Empress Dowager, knowing Shen Xihe was skilled in blending incense, had a palace maid fetch it. Shen Xihe brought it close to her nose and sniffed lightly—it was ordinary Spirit Consolidation Incense. Such incense could not cure illnesses.
Shen Xihe returned the sachet to the palace maid and said, "Your Highness, please let Zhenzhu check your pulse so Zhaoning can feel at ease."
With Shen Xihe expressing such concern, the Empress Dowager naturally agreed. Zhenzhu checked the Empress Dowager's pulse and gave Shen Xihe a confirming glance: the Empress Dowager was neither ill nor poisoned.
Shen Xihe stayed to chat with the Empress Dowager a while longer. When the Empress Dowager was ready for her afternoon rest, Shen Xihe left with Zhenzhu.
"Her Highness should not have suddenly developed insomnia," Zhenzhu whispered to Shen Xihe.
The Empress Dowager's pulse was calm—she was neither ill nor emotionally unstable. Unless it was due to external factors.
Instead of returning directly, Shen Xihe went to find Xiao Huayong and told him about the matter."Do you suspect someone is plotting against the Empress Dowager?" Xiao Huayong asked after listening. "What would be their purpose?"
"To pave their way to wealth and status." Shen Xihe smiled gently. "When I first met Second Miss Yu..."
(End of Chapter)
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