One

In the garden, the leaves of that acacia tree have nearly all fallen. The last few leaves, which have dropped from the treetop, swirl and spin in the wind, as if clinging to the earthly attachments, unwilling to let go

If you are truly wise, I am indeed ashamed of myself. At that time, I earnestly begged you to enter the palace to assist, yet you refused, claiming you had long anticipated that this palace would fall into such a state of decline, is that not so

Time held her hand and softly said: "Many times, it is necessary for Your Highness to come to terms with it on your own."

In the palace, the term 'long-lasting' does not exist. Who knows if the current Lady Yun is not the original Lady Yuan? Just as the disputes within the palace go, if the Empress is anxious about every little thing, would she not be harming her own health? Why cause pain to those close to her and delight to her enemies

Thus, Yu Xizi would say that with such a distinguished family background, if she were to successfully give birth to a prince, Empress Lü Fangsu would certainly not allow her to stay in the Eastern Palace for long. This time, due to misfortune, she has gained a blessing, yet it is uncertain whether it is a stroke of luck or fate. However, what Cheng Haitang could never have anticipated was that her painstaking design, which led to Shen Yunying's miscarriage, instead directly sent her into the Chuluan Hall.

Many times, it is not merely through one-sided devotion that one can achieve the ultimate goal Therefore, the phrase "take care" signifies not only taking care of oneself

I remember when she first married as a consort, she was innocent and shy, her makeup was like the fresh pink of budding peach blossoms—so alluring before they fully bloomed. Later, when she was favored in the Eastern Palace, she dared not wear the bright red of madder, instead opting for the flamboyant golden purple, like the stars surrounding the moon, dazzling and eye-catching. Yet now, she wears a high-waisted palace gown with a deep blue and ochre base, adorned with silk, in dark and somber hues, a solemn attire complemented by a steady and dignified cloud hairstyle. At the age of flower-like youth, she has already begun to show signs of aging.

Time suddenly sighed softly within the heart

Does Your Highness not remember what this servant has previously mentioned to you

Time hangs heavy with closed eyes, "Your Highness has still forgotten."

The luxurious hall before her, the grand open courtyard, and the exquisite corridors, all painted in vibrant red and blue, newly adorned, reflect the supreme honor and status of the new master. Shen Yunying is no longer the minor concubine in the Eastern Palace; her sudden elevation signifies that she is about to become the mistress of half of the Central Palace. Without the Empress Dowager, she could practically wield power at will.

Moments later, just as Shaoguang was about to take her leave, a respectful voice suddenly stopped her

Time knows that the woman before me is merely a momentary expression of nostalgia and lamentation, akin to a river that has burst its banks, needing only a point of release to pour out all the grievances, hatred, and jealousy repressed deep within the heart. Subsequently, the strength that accumulates once more will become an even more resolute support

With such powerful connections from her maternal family, Shen Yunying's rise in the Eastern Palace was to be expected. It not only bolstered Crown Prince Yang Yong's position significantly but also added leverage to the Eastern Palace's stability. Furthermore, it enabled the Crown Princess's family to stand on equal footing with the militarily powerful Prince Jin Yang Guang and the wealthy Han Wang Yang Liang, thereby creating a balance of power.

At this moment, Shaoguang saw the red basket outside the corridor, standing on tiptoe with red eyes, eager to come over, yet afraid to take a step closer due to the orders given, appearing both anxious and heartbroken.

Do I still have a chance

The complexion of the girl in the cobalt blue silk skirt grew increasingly pale, yet her pair of eyes, dark and glistening, seemed to contain the transcendent light of the Buddha that had been severed for a hundred years, embodying a sense of compassion yet remaining indifferent

Cheng Haitang gritted her teeth, "This palace will not collapse first, absolutely not!"

It is a pity that the originally pregnant Consort Yun suffered a miscarriage during the pilgrimage, resulting in the untimely death of the unborn imperial grandson, which also caused the Crown Prince to lose the opportunity to ascend the throne earlier

In the wind, there lingers the residual fragrance of acacia.

I had no intention of offending

As time passed, a palace maid from the Huan Chun Hall appeared, her features unfamiliar, yet recognizable by her palace gown. The sunlight was somewhat blinding at this moment. Looking towards the direction of the sound, beneath the trees outside the corridor stood a slender figure in a russet silk dress, with a graceful countenance and a delicate frame; it was none other than Cheng Haitang.

The wind brushed past, gently stirring her cascading black hair, resembling smoke, mist, and dust... It also seemed like the fate that was about to arrive. The light of youth gazed at the golden hairpin adorned with emeralds in her cloud-like bun, its luster dazzling. She would not have specially sent a palace maid to summon herself merely to vent her pent-up frustrations and grievances... After all, there remained a glimmer of hope... "As long as the fire of life burns, the flower of desire will not wither," this old saying is truly taken to the extreme within the palace. She would not have specially sent a palace maid to summon herself merely to vent her pent-up frustrations and grievances... After all, there remained a glimmer of hope... "As long as the fire of life burns, the flower of desire will not wither," this old saying is truly taken to the extreme within the palace

"Your Highness, please remain calm." Shaoguang maintained a low and soothing voice, her ice-like black eyes containing boundless depth. "At this point in time, Your Highness should be fair to His Highness, and also fair to yourself. After all, this is the Eastern Palace, and you are still Your Highness."

The newly appointed consort of the Eastern Palace is surnamed Shen, with the given name Yunying. She is the legitimate eldest daughter of Shen Fuchang, the Deputy Minister of Personnel in the Ministry of Personnel. Shen Fuchang is a veteran in the Ministry of Personnel, known for his outstanding political achievements, and it seems he is on the verge of being promoted to the position of Left Minister. In the imperial court, the Left Minister ranks just below the Minister of State and holds the authority to oversee the six ministries of the Ministry of Personnel. If he were to be promoted, Shen Fuchang would immediately become a figure of considerable significance within the entire dynasty.

Cheng Haitang gazed at her intently, as if trying to find some clue on that plain face.

Indeed, it is not only power and status, but even emotions as well; in fact, they are all deceiving, deceptive..." Cheng Haitang bit her lip tightly, shaking her head incessantly, as the glistening tears in her eyes began to fall.

The girl before me simply gazed at me, her slightly pale skin appearing almost translucent under the sunlight, resembling ice and snow, calm and distant, as if she would not be moved in the slightest by anything or anyone. Yet it is precisely this calm composure that allows her to be so sharp and aloof.

Your Highness

At this moment, Shen Yunying is in high spirits, enjoying great success and flourishing, and naturally has no time to pay attention to the people of the Palace Affairs Bureau

Soft as water, yet capable of breaking through the hardest obstacles

Resentment and anger cannot restore a heart that has shifted its affections and craves novelty, just as one cannot regain the favors of the past

Your Highness is no longer what she once was; how can a lowly palace maid be compared to you? It is especially at this time that Your Highness must cherish herself... taking good care of yourself is of utmost importance

The road ahead will not be easy to traverse

Shaoguang was led by a maid through thirteen hanging flower gates, arriving at the side of the corridor pavilion, where the inner court maids arranged all the precious utensils according to their uses. They were cautious and orderly, well-trained.

Perhaps the days after being conferred as a consort were too comfortable, or perhaps the sense of superiority cultivated from firmly sitting in the Eastern Palace led to forgetfulness. Forgotten was the fact that the banquet at the Jing Mountain Pavilion was premeditated, forgotten was the premeditated nature of the fragrant incense, and even the songs, dances, and brocade pouches were forgotten to be premeditated... Moreover, it was even more forgotten that everyone in the palace believed in the "law of cause and effect".

When feelings are no longer present, it is best to maintain the current position

She said softly

A few days ago, Hong Luo specifically came to the inner office to seek her assistance

The lady is proud and haughty, and possesses extraordinary intelligence; how could she behave like an ordinary woman, crying and throwing tantrums, only to invite ridicule? However, holding it in like this will eventually lead to illness. Miss Shao, I implore you...

Cheng Haitang could not help but feel a chill in her heart

In front of Cheng Haitang stood a massive silk tree, with sunlight quietly filtering through the dappled shadows of the flowers and leaves, casting gentle light upon her hairpin, profile, and shoulders... Yet she maintained her posture with her back turned, unwilling to turn around, her shoulders held rigidly straight.

At the very moment of stepping over the threshold, time seemed to pause as I glanced back; that solitary figure still stood beneath the tree, slightly raising its chin, with its back held straight.

The sound of the wind is quiet. Only the leaves rustle softly

I still long for the days in the inner court, do you know... It was the same competition, the same struggle, with newcomers replacing the old, it hurt one's pride, but it would never truly wound the heart... Unlike this cold Eastern Palace... How wonderful it would be if time could be turned back, I wish to see with my own eyes, to see that conclusion, to know if it is truly worth it

Having experienced the deposing of the Crown Princess and the untimely death of the royal offspring, the Central Palace is no longer as it once was. The Empress Dowager, being such a shrewd individual, surely cannot be unaware of how Shen Yunying suffered a miscarriage... The pilgrimage for blessings is part of a grand scheme, yet the demise of the young Eastern Palace is not a trivial matter. After returning to the palace, the Empress Dowager remains indifferent and uninvestigative, which cannot simply be seen as mere indulgence... Moreover, the Concubine Yun, who has finally conceived after much difficulty, how can she not be consumed with thoughts of investigation and revenge after the painful loss of her beloved son and her rise to a high position?

Approaching lightly, the graceful figure bows down. The palace attendants have already recognized the situation and withdrawn.

Cheng Haitang is such a woman

This is how one can better stay in the Eastern Palace

Cheng Haitang suddenly raised her head, "So you mean to say that this is retribution for me? I deserve this?"

Cheng Haitang raised her gaze, a hint of complexity and unwillingness flowing from her eyes, "Is it still ... ... waiting?"

Time gently sighs, "In the palace, once power and status are involved, everything must yield. Has the empress not seen through this long ago?"

After Cheng Haitang finished speaking, she turned around, and beneath her exquisite makeup lay an unmistakable bitterness and sorrow

Since ancient times, it has been difficult for good things to be completely fulfilled

Cheng Haitang supported herself against the branch, her slender shoulders trembling slightly, as if she were engulfed in sorrow, remaining silent for a long time, lost in deep thoughts of grief

Now she gazes at herself from a distance, her expression one of hesitation, which Shaoguang understands very well. However, given the circumstances, there are some words she cannot even persuade herself with, let alone guide others. After all, they are merely mortal beings, and in some matters, she too is powerless.

The lady possesses a delicate and thoughtful mind, and there are many matters that she should understand

I once thought I understood everything and could see far ahead, to the extent that I had already prepared myself in my heart. However, when faced with the reality, I found it to be such an embarrassing situation... It is often said that a new generation replaces the old, but it turns out that tender feelings and sweet promises are mere illusions, and vows of eternal love are nothing but empty words. I can see the former consort, yet I cannot see myself... It is often said that a new generation replaces the old, but it turns out that tender feelings and sweet promises are mere illusions, and vows of eternal love are nothing but empty words. I can see the former consort, yet I cannot see myself...

Circumstances are unpredictable, and things will not always go as one wishes

Miss, please wait