Many people on the harem chose the third path, but she still had to jump in. Because not jumping in meant she wouldn’t get what she wanted. Jumping in, however, required careful consideration to avoid becoming just another person among many.

The effort she needed to put in was far more than simply being complicated.

Ning Mingxuan was best at creating atmosphere and making actions that left a profound impression on people. She wouldn’t declare her love to him directly, but she wanted people to feel it from the depths of their hearts, as this would ensure she remained memorable.

In the harem, to gain imperial favor, the emperor first needed to remember the person.

Over six months of planning, before the emperor's initial interest faded, she ascended to the third type of person.

Time passed slowly. Before an hour had gone by, Zhao Suncheng woke up.

Scanning the woman smiling warmly beside him, he sat up.

Ning Mingxuan noticed the movement and immediately put down what she was doing.

Seeing Zhao Suncheng about to leave, Ning Mingxuan said, "It's cold outside. Emperor, drink some warm milk and go."

Zhao Suncheng realized that the corner table next to the bed had a pot of warm milk, which wasn’t there before he slept.

Seeing Zhao Suncheng remain silent, Ning Mingxuan suddenly felt uneasy.

Zhao Suncheng saw her discomfort and reseated himself. Then he said, "So be it."

Ning Mingxuan smiled and walked over, setting up the bowls and spoons.

The small stove on the table burned brightly. Ning Mingxuan pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve and placed it on the handle of the teapot, carefully lifting the teapot and pouring it into the bowl.

A gentle sound filled the air. Suddenly, a shadow appeared in front of her. Ning Mingxuan finished what she was doing slowly, then gently set down the bowl.

Her serious and devout appearance easily touched people's hearts.

Zhao Suncheng discovered another quality in her - seriousness!

After filling the bowl, Ning Mingxuan handed it to the person in front of her.

"It's just warming up." Ning Mingxuan said.

Zhao Suncheng looked at the steam rising from the bowl, picked it up, and touched the warm milk. It wasn’t hot.

Taking a sip, he found Ning Mingxuan looking at him earnestly. His gaze shifted slightly, and he noticed that there weren’t any other bowls and spoons on the table. It seemed they were specially prepared for him.

Lowering his head, he slowly drank until the bowl was empty. Zhao Suncheng set the bowl down.

Ning Mingxuan was about to fill it again, but Zhao Suncheng said, "No need."

Ning Mingxuan lowered her hand slowly and said, "Noblewoman, send people to serve."

Zhao Suncheng stopped Ning Mingxuan and said, "Rest, I'll go out myself."

Ning Mingxuan lowered her head, unsure of whether she was pleased or angry.

Zhao Suncheng patted Ning Mingxuan's shoulder and stepped out.

Ning Mingxuan put down the teapot and quickly followed. Zhao Suncheng heard the sound and turned around. Ning Mingxuan looked like a child who had done something wrong, but she quickly lifted her head and smiled, saying, "Noblewoman, I won't enter the inner chambers."

The inner chambers were connected to the outer chambers. As long as the door to the outer chambers was closed, the cold wind couldn’t enter.

Zhao Suncheng chuckled and continued walking forward.

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Indeed, when he reached the entrance of the inner chambers, he deliberately stopped.

Ning Mingxuan walked behind him, stopping obediently.

"Noblewoman, I bid farewell to Your Highness."

Zhao Suncheng nodded and opened the door, then walked out without turning back.

Outside, the servants crouched on the ground, and Zhao Suncheng left without giving them a second glance. Chang Quanhua hurriedly led the people following behind Zhao Suncheng. Soon, Zhao Suncheng and his entourage disappeared from Ning Mingxuan's sight.

Ning Mingxuan returned to the room, where Aunt Feng and Zhi Cao hurriedly came in to serve.

Aunt Feng came over to serve Ning Mingxuan, while Zhi Cao went to clean up the pot and bowl.

Not long after, Zi Zhu and Xiao Shuzi entered.

They knelt down right away, greeting Ning Mingxuan.

Ning Mingxuan asked, "What happened?"

Xiao Shuzi said first, "Lady, you weren't in the inner chambers earlier, but Your Highness specifically instructed the servants to take good care of Lady." Xiao Shuzi paused, making a cute gesture as if begging for a reward.

Ning Mingxuan just smiled but didn't give a reward.

Zhi Cao scolded, "Anything else? Hurry up and say it! Didn't you see Lady waiting for you?"

Xiao Shuzi wasn't annoyed. He looked at Ning Mingxuan and said, "Your Highness specifically told us to bring Grandmother Jishi and Mother Jin to the palace tomorrow."

Ning Mingxuan exclaimed, "Really?"

Aunt Feng and Zhi Cao both had astonished expressions.

Xiao Shuzi nodded and said, "Your Highness personally instructed us."

Ning Mingxuan quickly said, "Reward her."

Zhi Cao agreed and took out several pouches from a cabinet nearby.

Xiao Shuzi and Zi Zhu bowed together.

Ning Mingxuan said, "Also give rewards to everyone else."

Zhi Cao nodded.

Xiao Shuzi and Zi Zhu bowed again.

Ning Mingxuan said, "Xiao Shuzi, you're the manager of Jing'an Pavilion. Even though Lady received special treatment today, you must discipline the people in this palace. Staying within your bounds is important."

Xiao Shuzi said seriously, "I will follow orders."

Ning Mingxuan then looked at Zi Zhu and said, "Zi Zhu, you will accompany us tomorrow. Once we receive them, lead them to the Zhao Feng Palace first."

Zi Zhu said, "Servant understands."

Only then did Ning Mingxuan feel relieved.

The emperor's favor spread quickly throughout the palace, causing surprise and jealousy.

Cang Fei remained unmoved and continued leading people to Yu Xu Xia.

However, Deyi Palace seemed somewhat low-spirited.

At the Zhao Feng Palace, Empress was teaching Princess Da to handle matters. A palace servant came to report. Empress dismissed the servant calmly and looked at Princess Da.

Princess Da couldn't help but say, "Lady Jishi's relatives don't have imperial decrees. The emperor broke the rules by bringing them here, right?"

Empress replied, "Because Lady Jishi is pregnant."

Princess Da felt suffocating.

"I'm afraid Lady Jishi will give birth soon, and the emperor will show extra favor to the Jishi family!"

Princess Da was stunned. Empress stroked Princess Da's head.

"Don't harbor envy, regardless of now or the future."

Princess Da lowered her head.

Empress smiled, "Envy not only hurts yourself but also creates enmity between you and those you care about."

Princess Da understood but wasn't fully clear.

Empress's gaze drifted far. For so many years, she truly didn't envy, but if someone acted improperly, she wouldn't let them off easy. However, she first had to teach more than handling people; she had to teach her to maintain a good mindset.

Min Yi Xuan.

Rong Guiren's hand trembled as she turned to ask, "Servant Yin, is this true?"

Servant Yin was delighted and said, "Yes, the whole palace is talking about it now. Mistress can meet Grandmother and Mother."

Rong Guiren's face showed a slight smile, but it soon furrowed.

"Servant Yin, will Second Consort enter the palace?"

Servant Yin was taken aback. She then said, "S-Should...shouldn't..."

Side wives of officials couldn't enter the palace unless summoned by imperial decree, even if the main wife brought them.

Servant Yin couldn't continue. What if Second Consort got angry?

The attendant Qi hurriedly said, "Mistress, don't worry. Servant Yin knows what information Second Consort doesn't know."

Rong Guiren was relieved.

Servant Yin nodded.

Servant Qi added, "Second Consort and Fifth Prince, please talk well and take good care of Second Consort and Third Consort."

Rong Guiren thought about it and agreed.

Second Consort was her mother's Pui family servant, promoted to side wife Second House, but the marriage contract was still with her mother. Such an identity didn't threaten her mother.

That day passed quickly.

The next morning, Ning Mingxuan woke up early.

Although she was happy, it was only superficial. She wasn't the real Ning Mingxuan, and besides, the presence of the paternal grandmother while the biological mother couldn't come, even the original Ning Mingxuan wouldn't be that happy.

Before Xiao Shuzi left, Hongzhu came in from outside the palace.

Ning Mingxuan asked, "What's wrong?"

Hongzhu smiled and said, "Empress Dowager specially issued an edict, inviting Second Consort Jin to enter the palace?"

Ning Mingxuan stood up.

Zhi Cao was extremely joyful.

Ning Mingxuan said, "Hongzhu, go...go, you go ahead and tell Empress Dowager our gratitude."

Hongzhu immediately said, "Servant obeys."

Seeing Hongzhu rush out, Zhi Cao couldn't help but say, "Lady, such good news."

Ning Mingxuan nodded repeatedly.

Aunt Feng didn't speak. Entering the palace was a joyous occasion for palace women meeting their families, so she shouldn't do anything to dampen their spirits.

Beside her, Zi Zhu's eyes flashed.

Xiao Shuzi saw Ning Mingxuan's happiness and flattered, saying, "Servant will lead people to wait outside the palace gates."

Ning Mingxuan nodded and said, "Zi Zhu, go with us to thank Empress Dowager."

Zi Zhu bowed deeply.

Ning Mingxuan helped Zi Zhu stand up.

Zi Zhu took a step back, standing behind Xiao Shuzi. Xiao Shuzi pointed at a few people, and a group including them walked out of Jing'an Pavilion.

（END）