Ch 71: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Over a month after Shao Kun’s departure from the border, he finally returned to the capital. Shen Yunrong had been anxiously waiting day and night, wondering why it had taken him so long to travel such a distance on horseback. She feared he might have died on the way, leaving her a widow. When Shao Kun finally returned, she rushed to the front courtyard to meet him.

To her frustration, she was too late. Shao Kun had already changed into fresh clothes and gone straight to the palace to plead for forgiveness.

Shen Yunrong took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Shao Kun, being stationed at the border, wouldn’t know the full story. He only helped Shen Yu because he believed him to be Imperial Consort Xian’s brother, compounded by Old Master Shao’s letter of recommendation. Ignorance was not a crime. Moreover, Old Master Shao was dead; the Emperor, considering past merits and their relationship, would likely impose only a light punishment. There was still hope. After all, in her previous life, Shao Kun wasn’t titled a marquis until after his third border campaign in middle age. There was no need to panic.

Reassuring herself, she prepared to return to her quarters. But as she passed the front courtyard, she noticed servants bustling about, arranging the area and moving in women’s belongings. Her face darkened, and she ordered a servant to stop Shao Kun’s attendant and explain the situation.

The attendant, unable to withstand her questioning, soon revealed that Shao Kun had taken in a woman during his campaign. The woman was three months pregnant, and Shao Kun had delayed his return to care for her. Upon arriving in the capital, he had arranged for a separate courtyard in the front of the residence, declaring that the woman would not be under Shen Yunrong’s management, with her provisions coming directly from Shao Kun.

Shen Yunrong exploded in anger. She, the wife married in a proper ceremony, had been kicked out of their bridal chamber by Shao Kun on their wedding night and humiliated in front of everyone. She had even suspected Shao Kun might prefer men! Yet now, he had taken a woman while campaigning, brought her back pregnant, and treated her like a treasure?

What right did Shao Kun have to let a concubine bear a child before her? Wasn’t the Shao family known for its upright family values? In her previous life, hadn’t Shao Kun famously remained monogamous his entire life? How, after just a year and a half at the border, had he already fathered a child with a concubine? Something was wrong. Was it because she had persuaded him to consummate their marriage that Shao Kun now despised her and kept women outside the home?

Shen Yunrong could neither believe nor accept this. It felt like everything she had fought for after her rebirth was crumbling. Even Shao Kun’s supposed monogamy had changed. What advantage did the Shao family hold for her now? If she had known things would turn out this way, she would never have married into the Shao family!

Fuming, Shen Yunrong decided that while she couldn’t deal with external threats, she could certainly deal with a concubine in her own household. She immediately ordered that Bai Shi be dragged to her courtyard. When Shao Kun’s servants tried to intervene, Shen Yunrong had the steward lead people to block them, forcing Bai Shi into a cold, dim storage room.

Initially, Bai Shi still maintained some composure, holding her barely visible belly and insisting on her status. “I am not a member of this household but a distinguished guest. You have no right to treat me this way.”

Shen Yunrong sneered, ignoring her protests. “If you’re not part of this household, you’re nothing more than a cheap mistress. A mistress like you has no right to bear a child for the Shao family!”

Bai Shi, forced to kneel on the cold floor, quickly realized Shen Yunrong’s resolve. Whenever she faltered in her posture, an old maid would scold her sharply, making her heart pound with fear. Her imagination ran wild, conjuring thoughts of endless torment at Shen Yunrong’s hands. Pale-faced and drenched in cold sweat, she grew increasingly terrified.

After Bai Shi had knelt for two incense sticks’ time and was beginning to relax, Shen Yunrong ordered ten mice to be released into the room. Feeling creatures brushing against her in the darkness, Bai Shi screamed in terror, crawling and banging on the door. The faint light through the door’s crack revealed the mice, prompting more shrieks as she flailed, brushing at her skirts. She stumbled, falling hard to the floor, her head spinning and her abdomen gradually aching.

“Help… Save me… I’m carrying the general’s child! Brother Kun, save me…” Bai Shi cried out weakly, her voice barely audible as exhaustion overtook her.

When Madam Shao learned of the situation, she rushed over and demanded Bai Shi’s release. “She’s carrying Kun’er’s child! Let her out immediately. She’s already strained from the journey and showing signs of miscarriage. How dare you mistreat her at a time like this?”

Shen Yunrong found this absurd. A mere mistress carrying a child was no big deal—if Shao Kun cherished her, it could be excused as infatuation. But why was Madam Shao so protective? Narrowing her eyes, Shen Yunrong asked coldly, “Wasn’t Bai Shi someone Shao Kun took in during his campaign? Why are you so anxious? Do you know her?”

Madam Shao tensed and snapped, “I’m concerned about the child! You have difficulty conceiving. This is Kun’er’s first child, and he’s already twenty-six. With three years of mourning ahead, if this child is lost, he might have no offspring by the time he’s thirty! Regardless of the mother, the child is innocent and must be saved.”

Shen Yunrong sneered, “The Shao family’s first child born to a mistress? Is that supposed to sound respectable? Think carefully, Mother. Shao Kun was recalled because of his mistakes. If the Emperor learns that he fathered a child while at war, wouldn’t he be furious? This concerns Shao Kun’s career and the Shao family’s future. This matter must be kept quiet.”

Madam Shao froze, suddenly realizing the gravity of the situation. Bai Shi was the daughter of a criminal. If her child were legitimized, Bai Shi’s status in the Shao family would become public knowledge. Every time the child was mentioned, people might uncover Bai Shi’s background, potentially ruining the family. In that moment, Madam Shao’s anxiety turned to dread.

She couldn’t control Shao Kun, but she couldn’t let things spiral completely out of control either. Perhaps Shen Yunrong’s approach was the correct one.

Shen Yunrong, however, grew even more suspicious when Madam Shao fell silent. While the reasoning was valid, Madam Shao’s earlier concern for her grandchild didn’t align with her sudden acquiescence. Could Bai Shi be someone close to Shao Kun, perhaps a childhood companion or personal maid? But if that were the case, why wasn’t she taken as a concubine in their previous life?

At that moment, Shao Kun returned from his punishment and stormed into Shen Yunrong’s courtyard. Kicking open the door, he called out in anguish, “Yue’er! Yue’er, are you alright? Don’t be afraid, I’m back now. I won’t let anything happen to you and the child. Don’t be scared…”

With trembling hands, he picked up the bloodstained Bai Shi and carried her out with long strides. Passing the stunned Shen Yunrong, his gaze was filled with murderous intent. “If anything happens to her or the child, I will make you pay a hundredfold!”

Coming straight from the battlefield, Shao Kun exuded a fierce aura, which made Shen Yunrong retreat several steps in fear. She watched helplessly as he carried Bai Shi away. This was only the second time she and Shao Kun had met since his return, and once again, he humiliated her in front of all the servants.

Her initial fear quickly turned into rage. Was Shao Kun favoring a concubine over his wife? She glared at Madam Shao in disbelief. “Is this the so-called upright family values of the Shao family? What integrity? How is he any different from those men who favor concubines and neglect their wives, like Li Su?”

“Silence! Do you want to ruin your husband?” Madam Shao, both anxious and angry, grabbed Shen Yunrong’s wrist and pulled her into the room. In a low voice, she scolded, “Don’t forget your family has fallen. Even Imperial Consort Xian won’t back you up. Stay quiet and fulfill your role as the young madam of the Shao family. If you stir up more trouble, Kun’er will divorce you, and no one will be able to stop him!”

Shen Yunrong shook off her grip. “Are you threatening me? It’s Shao Kun who’s at fault, yet you don’t reprimand him. Instead, you’re here threatening me? Bai Shi was obviously already involved with Shao Kun, wasn’t she? They’re in love, and you kept this from me, all while insisting there was no one by his side. You deceived me!”

Her voice grew louder with anger. “Your family tricked me into this marriage, subjected me to humiliation, and now you expect me to endure it quietly? No way! Do you think Shao Kun dares to divorce Imperial Consort Xian’s sister? Even if the consort doesn’t actively support me, my downfall would still tarnish her reputation. Would your Shao family really dare to harm me?”

Madam Shao was indeed hesitant, terrified of escalating the situation and exposing Bai Shi’s identity. She softened her tone. “You insisted on marrying into this family. Your mother didn’t want your sister to marry in, and I had intended to find someone genuinely devoted to Kun’er, someone who could win his heart. But you claimed to admire and love him and refused to take no for an answer. Only then did I agree.”

She sighed. “Bai Shi will remain an outsider and never be formally recognized. After today’s events, it’s likely her child is lost, so there’s no need to concern yourself with her. Just focus on living your life behind closed doors.”

Shen Yunrong laughed bitterly. “I admired and loved the upright Shao Kun, not the one who mistreats his wife and has affections elsewhere! Your family deceives everyone with its reputation, but any woman who marries in is simply being tricked! How dare you push all the blame onto me?”

She smirked coldly. “What if I tell Imperial Consort Xian about this? How do you think she’ll react? After all, you deceived her first, didn’t you? I understand now—you waited for her because she had no backing and would be easy to control. How laughable! A family as supposedly righteous as the Shao family is nothing but disgusting on the inside! And don’t think you can quietly harm me. I’ve already told my parents that if anything happens to me, it’s your doing, and they must seek vengeance with the consort.”

Madam Shao’s face alternated between pale and livid. Unable to retort, she fled in disgrace, too ashamed and frightened to continue. Initially, she had indeed hidden Shao Kun’s situation, which could be considered deceitful toward Shen Yunxuan. While it wasn’t uncommon for men to have companions, Shao Kun’s deep feelings for Bai Shi, coupled with Shen Yunxuan’s now elevated status, made things far more precarious.

If Shen Yunxuan learned about this and realized she had narrowly avoided Shen Yunrong’s fate, she might feel betrayed and hold the Shao family accountable.

Madam Shao genuinely regretted not having Shen Yunxuan as her daughter-in-law. She had wanted to work with Shen Yunxuan to win back her son’s heart and deal with Bai Shi together. Shen Yunxuan’s capable and good-natured personality could have brought harmony to the family, perhaps even saving Old Master Shao’s life.

But everything had gone wrong with Shen Yunrong. Madam Shao, already grief-stricken over her husband’s death and the loss of her grandchild, fell ill upon returning to her quarters, overwhelmed by sorrow and worry.

Previously, to appear filial, Shen Yunrong had hired a skilled physician for the household. The physician examined Bai Shi and reported that her pregnancy was unstable due to stress, cold exposure, and fright. The child could not be saved, and her future ability to conceive would depend on careful recuperation. Medication would help, but ideally, a palace physician should be consulted.

Shao Kun, however, wasn’t reckless. He dared not invite a palace physician to treat Bai Shi, as it might seem like defiance of imperial orders. Having just returned to the capital and received punishment, he couldn’t risk drawing attention by seeking outside doctors. Instead, he instructed the household physician to do everything possible to care for Bai Shi.

Bai Shi had fainted, occasionally uttering terrified murmurs. Her naturally delicate appearance, coupled with her current state, filled Shao Kun with heartache and an even deeper hatred for Shen Yunrong.

Soon after, Shao Kun heard that Madam Shao had fallen ill. He rushed to her side with the household physician, who diagnosed her condition as severe emotional distress, potentially life-shortening.

Shao Kun immediately questioned Madam Shao’s maids and attendants. They knew little, only that Madam Shao had argued with Shen Yunrong twice recently and that the last confrontation, during the mourning hall incident, had caused her to faint.

Shao Kun stormed out, intent on confronting Shen Yunrong, but Madam Shao grabbed his arm and dismissed the servants. Tears streaming down her face, she said, “Kun’er, Bai Shi’s identity must never be revealed. If it is, the Shao family will be ruined, and we will have no face to meet our ancestors in the afterlife. Shen Yunrong is bold and unafraid of causing a scene. If you treat her harshly, she will surely expose everything. She said if anything happens to her, her parents would ask the Imperial Consort to avenge her. Even if it’s only rumors that harm her reputation, it will affect the Imperial Consort’s standing as well.

We must protect the Shao family’s foundation and reputation. We can’t take this risk! You’re still young—do you want to gamble away your career and future achievements? Even if you’re willing to spend your life as an idle man, what about your future children? Would they accept such a fate? Have you thought about any of this?”

Shao Kun was stunned to learn that Shen Yunrong would dare to threaten them in such a way. Yet he knew their hands were tied; they couldn’t afford to escalate matters. He had never felt so humiliated in his life. Even the loss of his long-awaited child had to go unavenged. Overcome with frustration, he blurted, “If you hadn’t forced me into this marriage, I wouldn’t be in this mess. You even drugged me on my wedding night to push me and Shen Yunrong together.”

Madam Shao’s eyes widened, her lips trembling as she withheld the truth: it was Shen Yunrong who had administered the drug. She couldn’t add more fuel to the fire, not when the tension between Shao Kun and Shen Yunrong was already at its peak. But the pain of shouldering this blame while her son accused her overwhelmed her.

“You blame me for forcing this marriage and opposing you, yet you deliberately let Bai Shi conceive and brought her home. Have you ever considered my struggles? What am I supposed to do? I’m so tired, Kun’er… I can’t hold on anymore…”

Her emotions spiraled out of control, and she collapsed. Startled, Shao Kun called the physician, who assured him that Madam Shao was temporarily stable. Only then did he feel slightly relieved.

He hadn’t meant to blame his mother; it was a moment of misplaced frustration amidst so much chaos. Contrary to her assumptions, Bai Shi’s pregnancy had not been intentional. He cherished Bai Shi deeply, and she had always carried herself with dignity. Over the years, their relationship remained restrained, hoping for a legitimate union.

Their plans were disrupted on his wedding night, and when Bai Shi learned of what had transpired, she had been both angry and heartbroken. Out of guilt and a desire to make amends, Shao Kun sought to reassure her. When Bai Shi fell ill repeatedly at the border due to the harsh climate, they hadn’t expected her to become pregnant. They had carefully protected her on the journey home, only for their child to be lost on the very first day back because of Shen Yunrong.

Madam Shao’s attendant later revealed that Shen Yunrong had also conceived on their wedding night but had miscarried during a banquet after enduring humiliation and mockery. Knowing this, Shao Kun began to understand Shen Yunrong’s resentment toward Bai Shi’s return and her pregnancy.

Aware that the Shao family was in a precarious position, Shao Kun decided to make peace. He approached Shen Yunrong, offering a compromise: the Shao family would guarantee her status and wealth, but she would have to tolerate Bai Shi, who would live as a guest and remain outside household affairs.

“This is a mutually beneficial arrangement,” he said. “You want security and status, and I can provide that. In return, I only ask for a quiet life with Bai Shi in a separate courtyard. I’ve already made a significant concession.”

Shen Yunrong, however, refused to relent. “Who is this Bai Shi that you’re willing to go to such lengths for her? Do you think you’re doing me a favor by throwing me some scraps of luxury? What did I do to deserve this? She steps into this house, carrying your child, and she’s just an outsider. If I caused her to lose the child, so what? Since when is it wrong for a wife to discipline a mistress? And now you want me to accept her? Are you planning to make her another lady of the house? Who does she think she is? How dare you insult me like this?”

Shao Kun, already at his breaking point, slammed the table and said coldly, “If you won’t accept it, then we’ll divorce. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways. I’ll take my punishment in court if I must. I don’t believe the Emperor will punish me severely for this. Let’s see what kind of life you’ll have without the Shao family.”

Shao Kun stormed out. He knew that Imperial Consort Xian had changed her surname and that the Shen family had fallen from grace. For Shen Yunrong, accepting his offer was the best option. If she insisted on causing trouble, he was willing to sever ties completely. As for Bai Shi’s past, it was ancient history, and he doubted anyone would uncover the truth. If Shen Yunrong chose to leave, it would be a relief for the Shao family.

Shen Yunrong was startled again by Shao Kun’s violent act of flipping the table. She felt a twinge of fear. In her previous life, even when she was sent to the cold palace, no one had ever laid a hand on her. But Shao Kun had kicked her off the bed on their wedding night and now acted with such terrifying hostility during their meetings. She truly feared he might strike her if provoked, his aura of battlefield ruthlessness too overwhelming. How had Shen Yunxuan endured this in her past life?

Shen Yunrong froze, a terrifying realization dawning on her. Could there have been a similar transaction between Shen Yunxuan and Shao Kun in their previous life?

Otherwise, who would vow never to take a concubine? It was clear Shao Kun and Bai Shi had known each other for a long time and were deeply attached. Could he really have loved Shen Yunxuan as deeply as it seemed in their past life? She also recalled that when Shao Kun died in her past life, there was never any word of Shen Yunxuan being overwhelmed with grief.

Looking at Madam Shao, who seemed to age rapidly and grow haggard after Shao Kun’s father passed, Shen Yunrong remembered overhearing people in the mourning hall remarking on how deeply in love the Shao elders were. If Shen Yunxuan had truly been adored by Shao Kun in her past life, how could there have been no news of her falling into despair when he died?

And if Bai Shi had been present in their past life, were all five of Shao Kun’s children truly Shen Yunxuan’s? Or were some of them Bai Shi’s?

Shen Yunrong’s mind was in chaos. The memories of her past life were unraveling, and her understanding of everything crumbled. What she had thought to be a perfect and happy life might have been nothing more than a facade, possibly based on a mutual exchange of interests.

She couldn’t accept this revelation. She had put in so much effort, only to steal such a life?

However, as she calmed down, she realized with sorrow that she had no other options. Accepting Shao Kun’s proposal was the best choice left to her—the only way for her to continue enjoying wealth and status.

Her previous defiance was nothing more than a façade, born of the knowledge that submission would not gain her favor. The Shao family had no love for her, so she chose to assert herself instead. But deep down, she feared that the Shao family might truly abandon her and sever all ties.

After thinking it through, she sent word to Shao Kun that she was willing to accept his terms.

Bai Shi, having awakened, grew terrified and angry when she heard about Shen Yunrong’s decision. Clutching Shao Kun’s hand tightly, she trembled. Shao Kun gently comforted her, “It’s fine. Her quick capitulation proves she’s all bluster without any real backing. I won’t let her harm you again. I swear, the pain she caused you today, I’ll make sure she pays back tenfold.”

Bai Shi nodded vigorously, tears soaking Shao Kun’s robe. She knew her chances of conceiving again were slim, and the Bai family line was now severed. Her hatred for Shen Yunrong ran bone-deep. No matter the cost, even if it meant her own destruction, she was determined to make Shen Yunrong pay. What did it matter if she was caught and punished? She would never let Shen Yunrong off the hook.

Though tensions within the Shao family ran high, each member held their own motives and compromises. After the turmoil, a fragile peace seemed to settle, as if nothing had happened. However, Shao Kun, newly returned to the household, was unaware that the internal discord—fueled by the shifts in power between Shen Yunrong and Madam Shao—had already left the family divided.

With Madam Shao unwell and unable to maintain strict control, the Shao household became riddled with leaks. Information about the family’s scandals spread through whispers, though people refrained from openly discussing them due to Shao Kun’s reputation as a war hero. Still, behind closed doors, many shook their heads and mocked the family, disillusioned by their so-called upright values.

Even within the palace, the emperor brought up the matter during a visit to Anhe Palace.

“Shao Kun has returned to the capital. I demoted him three ranks and ordered him to remain confined to his residence for reflection.”

Fang Yunxuan was caught off guard by the sudden statement. Unsure of the context, she simply nodded. “He bears responsibility for what happened. Punishing him is the right thing to do.”

The emperor studied her, leaned closer, and asked, “Do you think I’m settling a personal grudge?”

Fang Yunxuan couldn’t help but laugh. “Why would I think that? You’re not that kind of person. Besides, what grudge? That’s nonsense!”

Seeing her unshaken trust, the emperor’s expression softened into a smile. “His punishment was severe, and many pleaded for leniency. But I discovered that on the day of the incident, Shen Yu couldn’t find Shao Kun because he had gone to a private residence to visit a woman. The woman was pregnant and unwell, and Shao Kun had left his post without notifying anyone.”

“What?” Fang Yunxuan’s eyes widened in shock. This was truly unexpected. Weren’t Shao Kun and Bai Shi supposed to be principled, their relationship bound by restraint? In her past life, they had only reunited after Shao Kun’s victories and promotions when he felt secure enough to bring Bai Shi into his home. Her understanding of events had been completely upended.

The emperor, seeing her curiosity, shared more about the Shao family’s current state. While he wasn’t particularly concerned about the engagement from the past, he was intrigued by why Fang Yunxuan’s grandmother had chosen Shao Kun as a match for her.

Fang Yunxuan had once mentioned that Shao Kun was muddled in emotional matters and had a romantic entanglement. The emperor had paid attention to this detail and discovered the turmoil brewing within the Shao household.

Fang Yunxuan was equally stunned to learn of the miscarriages suffered by both Shen Yunrong and Bai Shi. In her past life, all five of Shao Kun’s children had grown up safely and had been well-raised, devoted to her as their mother. Yet in this life, two children were already gone, and both women were left physically weakened. Would Shao Kun ever have children again? After all, in her past life, he had remained utterly devoted to Bai Shi, never touching another woman.

As for Shen Yunrong, Fang Yunxuan found her situation amusing. Shen Yunrong had always been domineering and arrogant since she was young, and even her years in the cold palace hadn’t tempered her nature. That persistence was impressive in its own way. Unfortunately, such a personality was destined to lead to hardship wherever she went. Fang Yunxuan was struck by the realization that some people, even if given a second chance at life, couldn’t escape their fate—and might even end up worse off.

She felt she should thank Shen Yunrong for snatching away her “bad hand” and inadvertently handing her a winning one.

Still, she was even more grateful to herself. It was her own disposition and character that allowed her to live well in both lives; everything else was secondary.

These matters were something Fang Yunxuan noted in passing. As for Bai Shi’s identity as the daughter of a disgraced minister, she chose not to address it. Events from twenty years ago might not leave enough traces to uncover, and she had no interest in solving Shen Yunrong’s troubles. That family couldn’t stir up significant issues, so she saw no need to interfere.

Fang Yunxuan was currently focused on implementing a welfare system in the palace, inspired by what she had learned from the Book of Memories. It introduced rewards such as social security, medical insurance, and other benefits that could be purchased voluntarily. These would serve as safety nets for palace staff, especially when they aged and often found themselves with no support or means to afford medical care. Under this system, retirees would receive a monthly stipend to ensure their livelihood, while medical insurance would reduce the cost of treatment. To everyone, this seemed like a windfall.

Fang Yunxuan admitted she didn’t fully grasp the intricacies of this system and was essentially feeling her way through it. Initially, there were many challenges, but she resolved each one as it arose. Since the system aimed to provide benefits, everyone was more than willing to cooperate.

Even the palace concubines began inquiring about the specifics—whether contributing more would yield higher returns, whether benefits could be denied, or whether someone else could revoke them. In history, many concubines who lost favor had struggled to survive. If this welfare system proved reliable, it would alleviate much of their future anxiety.

To Fang Yunxuan’s surprise, the implementation of the welfare system went smoothly. Upon investigating, she discovered it was because of her previous contributions, which had earned her the trust of the palace staff. This unexpected advantage further motivated Fang Yunxuan.

Although the border wars and the empty state treasury meant that such a welfare system couldn’t be implemented nationwide yet, she could begin in the palace, gaining experience and refining the process. Someday, she believed, it could be expanded throughout the empire, ensuring that commoners would no longer fear seeking medical treatment.

The emperor found Fang Yunxuan’s welfare system innovative, especially the medical insurance aspect, which offered immediate benefits to people. Whether it could be applied nationwide, he decided to observe its success in the palace first. There was no rush—only testing would reveal its feasibility.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Fang Yunxuan proposed to the emperor that Qingzhi train a group of talented palace maids in medicine. Once trained, they could serve as in-house physicians for the palace staff, reducing reliance on the imperial physicians. She also suggested Qingzhu and Qingmei teach basic literacy and arithmetic to palace staff to improve efficiency, and Qinglan lead a team of agriculturally skilled maids in improving rice cultivation.

The emperor, impressed by Fang Yunxuan’s management of the harem, had no objections. He respected and supported her initiatives, seeing them as either harmless diversions or potential successes.

He sighed, “I’m busy in the court, and you’re busy in the harem. There’s probably no emperor and empress busier than us. Thankfully, our children aren’t clingy; otherwise, they’d often feel disappointed.”

Fang Yunxuan laughed, “We teach by example. If they see how we work and conduct ourselves, they’ll naturally grow up to be sensible.”

The emperor pondered her words and decided to bring the children to his study every two days for lessons. As a child, he hadn’t been favored by his father or received much guidance, leaving him to navigate many challenges alone after ascending the throne. He’d made numerous mistakes along the way.

“If my children can learn from me,” he thought, “perhaps they won’t experience the same regrets when they reflect on their lives.”

Fang Yunxuan wholeheartedly supported this decision. It provided more opportunities for the children to bond with their father. Although still young, the imperial family’s bonds needed to be nurtured from an early age to ensure lasting strength. No matter what paths the children chose in the future, they would benefit from the love and support of their parents.

The changes Fang Yunxuan introduced brought vitality to the harem. Everyone was kept busy, but rather than complaining, they seemed energized. The atmosphere in the palace felt brighter and more harmonious than ever before.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆