The Empress showered Ning Shu with concern, clearly eager to portray herself as a caring sister-in-law. Ning Shu participated in the small talk, but soon the conversation shifted to the difficulties of managing the Inner Palace. The Empress began to subtly complain about the consorts, effectively urging Ning Shu to voice her grievances to Li Wen.
It was clear that the Empress was attempting to manipulate Ning Shu, painting the consorts as villains. Though Ning Shu recognized the Empress's cleverness, she couldn't help but feel that the original host had unwittingly become a pawn in this game of palace politics. Unlike Li Wen, who had granted the original host a noble title after using her, the Empress was taking advantage of her without any reciprocation.
Ning Shu felt the weight of the palace's dangers pressing down on her. Her focus was on the matter of Duan Xinghui and Er Ya, and she had no desire to entangle herself further with the inner workings of the palace.
"Jiahui, what's on your mind?" the Empress asked, noticing Ning Shu's distracted demeanor. Unlike her usual self, who would eagerly report on consort antics, Ning Shu remained indifferent.
The Empress, while outwardly composed, was internally frustrated. As the head of the Inner Palace, she was expected to be virtuous and accommodating. Yet, she couldn't ignore the irritation of sharing her husband with other women, especially when Li Wen seemed to favor his sister over her.
"The person has already passed away. Jiahui, you must take care of your health. You're the Emperor's sister, the only princess of Great Yong. There are countless good men out there for you to choose from," the Empress said, attempting to console Ning Shu.
Ning Shu detected a hint of bitterness in her tone. Tired of the charade, she observed the Empress more closely. Though she was beautiful, the Empress maintained a rigid demeanor that revealed her insecurity. This facade served to mask her vulnerabilities, and Ning Shu recognized that the original host's admiration for her sister-in-law was misplaced; the Empress was using her sympathy to further her own interests.
Playing her role, Ning Shu leaned into her sorrow. "Imperial Sister-in-law, my heart hurts so much. Why did he have to leave so suddenly?" She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, gauging the Empress's reaction.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed the Empress's face, quickly masked by an expression of shared grief as she continued her attempts to console Ning Shu.
Ning Shu internally resolved to leave the palace. The Inner Palace was a nest of intrigue filled with Li Wen's consorts, and staying meant entangling herself in their conflicts. She had no desire to navigate the jealousy, manipulation, and rivalries that came with being a princess in such an environment.
Ultimately, Ning Shu decided that rather than trying to curry favor with the Empress, it would be far more effective to focus her energies on Li Wen. The Empress was far from the benevolent figure she pretended to be; her sweetness masked a bitter heart.
After spending some time with the Empress, Ning Shu feigned wiping away tears before returning to her own palace with Miao Qing and Yuan Dong, her thoughts racing with plans to distance herself from the palace politics.