Chapter Twenty: Consort Sheng Returns to the Palace

The next morning, Wei Yanqiao, adorned in an exquisite brocade robe, slowly stepped out of the temple gates. Each step she took exuded an undeniable aura of noble elegance.

At that moment, whether eunuchs and palace maids inside the palace or the guards who had come to escort her back, all knelt in unison, perfectly aligned.

Song Hanlin cupped his hands respectfully and said, "Your servant respectfully welcomes the Noble Consort Sheng back to the palace!"

Wei Yanqiao’s gaze was as cold and sharp as ice, fixed directly on Song Hanlin. Her eyes blazed with uncontrollable fury and intense murderous intent, as if she wanted to tear him limb from limb.

Recalling everything that had happened before her death in her previous life, the rage within her surged even stronger.

The day after she was appointed Imperial Noble Consort, Song Hanlin had stormed into the harem like a ravenous beast, openly accusing her of bewitching the emperor. Not only that, he had even threatened to sacrifice his own life to coerce Xiao Ceyun into punishing her severely.

And that seemingly helpless Xiao Ceyun had gone along with it, allowing Song Hanlin to seize her and sentence her to a cruel death by fire.

Though she later discovered that the entire affair was secretly orchestrated by Xiao Ceyun, using Song Hanlin as a mere pawn, the one who carried out the deed was undoubtedly Song Hanlin. Had he not deliberately stirred up the trouble and personally executed her burning, she would never have met such a tragic fate.

Xiao Ceyun was certainly deserving of death, but Song Hanlin’s crimes were even more grievous—he deserved to die ten times over!

At this thought, Wei Yanqiao tightly closed her eyes, trying to calm the tumultuous emotions within. When she opened them again, the fury and murderous intent had quietly vanished, replaced by a profound, bottomless coldness and serenity.

"Then I shall trouble you, Grand Tutor Song," Wei Yanqiao said faintly, her voice icy without a trace of warmth.

Song Hanlin hurriedly stood, bowed, and replied, "This is but my duty." Then, raising his voice, he shouted, "The Noble Consort Sheng has returned to the palace!" His voice rang like a great bell, echoing through the skies.

Everyone swiftly moved aside, creating a broad, straight path. Then, with practiced speed, they knelt again, heads bowed low, respectfully welcoming Wei Yanqiao’s return to the palace.

Wei Yanqiao walked toward the sedan chair symbolizing honor and prestige.

---

Within the palace, a long red carpet stretched from the gates deep into the hall. On either side stood rows of civil and military officials, dressed in court robes, their expressions solemn and reverent as they awaited Wei Yanqiao’s arrival.

At the far end of the carpet, the highest point in the hall, stood Xiao Ceyun with an air of pride. Beside him was the Empress Tang Yurong, the mother of the realm. Behind them stood the concubines of the three palaces and six courts.

Wei Yanqiao walked steadily forward along the red carpet, her gaze unwavering. Each step was measured and confident, as if she were a radiant pearl shining brilliantly, drawing the eyes of all present. Today, she was the center of attention, dazzling and enviable beyond compare.

As she approached Xiao Ceyun, she suddenly caught sight of her father.

Wei Changlong smiled gently, his eyes filled with pride and satisfaction. Quietly, he gazed at his daughter, silently thinking: this once somewhat immature girl has now grown into a woman of extraordinary wisdom and courage. Perhaps from now on, he could truly trust her to venture out and carve her own vast world, while he quietly supported and assisted from behind.

Tears welled in Wei Yanqiao’s eyes. Since her rebirth, this was the first time she had seen her father in person. Though she had glimpsed him through her doppelgänger Wei Tianze before, an invisible barrier always separated them, making it impossible for her to truly feel the warmth and deep bonds of blood kinship.

Suppressing the tears threatening to spill, she walked forward and stood before Xiao Ceyun. Bowing slightly, she performed the standard court greeting and said, "Your servant pays respects to His Majesty. Long live the emperor, long live, long live!"

Xiao Ceyun quickly extended both hands to gently support her, looking at her delicate face with tender concern. Softly he said, "Beloved consort, rise quickly. You have suffered much lately. I specially ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare a sumptuous feast to welcome you back."

Wei Yanqiao bowed again and said, "Your servant thanks His Majesty for the great kindness."

The officials and concubines present moved in accordance with court etiquette, orderly proceeding into the main hall to partake in the lavish banquet.

Laughter and music filled the feast, with joyous singing and dancing. Cups were raised, and lively conversations flowed in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Suddenly, Tang Yurong covered her mouth and leaned forward violently, vomiting.

An Noble Consort Anxinyi, watching anxiously, called out, “Your Majesty, what is wrong with the Empress?”

Her voice instantly silenced the once lively banquet, all eyes turning to Tang Yurong.

---

Seated at the head, Xiao Ceyun furrowed his brow and looked at Tang Yurong’s pale, haggard face. He asked, "Empress, what is the matter? Are you feeling unwell?"

Tang Yurong struggled to suppress her discomfort, forcing a faint smile to maintain an appearance of calm. Her voice was gentle, like a spring breeze. "Your Majesty, please do not worry. Lately, I have occasionally experienced such symptoms..." Before she finished, another wave of retching overtook her, her stomach in turmoil, her suffering intense.

Xiao Ceyun’s tone was filled with reproach and concern. "Why do you look so ill? Have the imperial physicians examined you?"

Tang Yurong took a deep breath, trying to hold onto the semblance of health on her face, but her complexion was too pale and her body trembled uncontrollably, revealing her weakness. She gasped, "I thought it was a minor ailment, perhaps indigestion or a slight chill. I expected it to pass in a few days, so I did not trouble the doctors. Your Majesty, I am fine, please do not worry..."

Anger flared in Xiao Ceyun’s heart. "You look like this and still claim to be fine? Send for Zhu Yun at once!"

Before long, Zhu Yun hurried in, carrying her medicine box. After feeling the Empress’s pulse, a joyful expression blossomed on her face as she exclaimed loudly, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! The Empress is with child!"

At her words, the great hall erupted in astonished cries like a rising tide.

Xiao Ceyun, overwhelmed with excitement, grasped Zhu Yun’s arm and urgently asked, "Imperial Physician Zhu, is this true?"

Zhu Yun replied with utmost respect, "Your Majesty, I dare not speak lightly. After diagnosis, the Empress is indeed two months pregnant."

Tang Yurong’s face was radiant with joy, a rosy glow blooming on her delicate cheeks, her eyes sparkling with happiness. She tightly grasped Xiao Ceyun’s hand, her voice trembling slightly as she said, "Your Majesty, I am with child!"