The Cold Palace is deep, and echoing here are Zhi Jin’s enraged screams.

A shadowy figure says, "Thus, I shall change your identity. From now on, you will be Yu Zhu, serving by Ming Fei’s side!"

"Change?" Zhi Jin looks up at the shadow, her gaze falling again on Yu Zhu beside her, who has lost her breath, "You... want to give me her face?"

Zhi Jin has followed Rong Si for many years; what doesn’t she know? Instantly, she understands this is the Undead Skin Technique!

This guise belongs to a very secretive method, used only by several mysterious forces. The person before her...

"Don’t think too much! Close your eyes, it’ll be done soon!"

Zhi Jin hesitates for a moment, but then closes her eyes.

...

Long Yue had just finished lunch but didn’t see Yu Zhu, frowning slightly, "Where did she go?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"She said earlier she felt unwell and went to relieve herself—hasn’t returned yet!"

Liu Xiang steps forward to reply.

"That’s quite a long time. Could she be slacking off?"

A little palace maid mutters, such words are slanderous. If she’s found to be truly slacking, her position as a close maid might change.

Once someone steps down, naturally, someone else will rise—there is never a lack of intrigue in this harem.

Long Yue yawns; pregnant women are easily tired, as if there’s a touch of drama. Saying this is human nature, it’s just how it is.

"Let her be!"

Yu Zhu is too clever, Long Yue doesn’t want to interfere. Everyone has rebellion in their bones; the more you stop them, the more they’ll explore.

Might as well not interfere at all—perhaps it’ll have different effects.

"Empress, Sister Yuzhu is back!"

At this moment, the little palace maid who had just grumbled about Yu Zhu’s laziness comes running in to report, calling her sister, showing the fickle-mindedness.

Long Yue looks at Yu Zhu as she enters, not having asked before Yu Zhu speaks herself.

"Empress, this servant went to relieve herself earlier and found my earring missing on the way back. I went back to search and was delayed, begging for your forgiveness!"

If the palace maid delays time, as long as the reasons are stated, forgiving masters won’t bear grudges. Long Yue wouldn’t blame her for this either, only saying lightly, "Be careful next time."

"Yes."

"Alright, since you’re back, go make the bed. I want to rest."

After eating and relaxing, it’s time to rest.

Yu Zhu responds and goes to prepare.

Long Yue watches Yu Zhu’s retreating figure, frowning slightly. Is it her illusion? She feels Yu Zhu seems slimmer and slightly taller after going once?

She gently massages her temples, thinking her hallucinations are likely due to pregnancy reactions recently, not paying much attention, and goes to rest once Yu Zhu says the bed is ready.

As she quietly lies down, little does she know that the Yu Zhu serving by the side has a touch of venomous intent in her eyes!

"Time is long; who will laugh last remains to be seen, heheh..."

Yu Zhu, formerly Zhi Jin, emits a quiet, low laugh, thinking maliciously in her heart.

...

Kunyue Palace.

Wei Yundai sits opposite Nianxi, respectful and without any overstepping.

"That Emperor... indeed, now only two women exist in his eyes, one Ming Fei, one Princess Consort Jing. The others are unnecessary to him!"

Nianxi takes the teapot, pours herself tea, and then for Wei Yundai, but Wei Yundai quickly takes the teapot, repeatedly saying, "I dare not."

Nianxi doesn’t persist, handing the teapot to her.

However, the words leaving her mouth carry a sour taste.

Wei Yundai says, "That vile Wei Yunyan has some skills. She’s able to sway Your Majesty as expected, but what virtues or abilities does Princess Consort Jing have to also win Your Majesty’s favor?"

As she speaks, her eyes roll about, pondering.

Since Wei Yunyan can gain Your Majesty’s favor, Princess Consort Jing can as well, which means this Emperor isn’t devoted. The reason others don’t catch his eye is simply because they haven’t found the Emperor’s likes!

So why not seek what Ming Fei and Jing Fei have in common?

Once the Emperor’s hobbies are found, pleasing him accordingly, there’s no doubt the Emperor’s heart can be won over!

Nianxi looks contentedly at Wei Yundai, as her words strike the mark, thus keeping her close seems not too bad?

"This palace is empty, lacking a sister to confide in, so why not stay in Kunyue Palace, Dai’er?"

Wei Yundai joyfully replies, "Then I thank Your Majesty the Empress!"

Nianxi nods slightly, sipping tea, saying, "Ming Fei is hard to approach, but Princess Consort Jing isn’t bad. Her father serves the Imperial Medical Bureau, Wen Jingzhong. This person is strict; her mother is a County Princess—not a high rank but still a noble lady, educated and reasonable. The daughter taught by her isn’t bad either. In return, you can engage more with Princess Consort Jing."

Wei Yundai’s eyes brighten, understanding this is the Empress’s first task given after her allegiance: to approach Princess Consort Jing!

Concerning Princess Consort Jing, she knows some details. For now, Jing Fei seems to be quiet, rarely competing, at least there’s no negative news.

She speaks softly, understands manners unlike Ming Fei, that little wench, who carries arrogance everywhere, truly displeasing!

If Long Yue knew Wei Yundai’s opinion of her, it would be baffling. When has she been arrogant? Always low-key, she simply follows the principle: "People don’t offend me, I don’t offend them. If people offend me, I certainly retaliate."

Those she deals with each actively sought trouble; she is entirely innocent!

Wei Yundai inwardly slanders Long Yue bitterly, calming her anger, recalling the Empress’s hint: "A few days later is the Mid-Autumn Festival. I’ll make some mooncakes, and go visit Princess Consort Jing for a chat."

This is the approach!

Nianxi nods slightly, "Then I’ll trouble you, sister."

"Not at all. Serving the Empress is my blessing!"

Wei Yundai flatters repeatedly, Nianxi feels comfort rarely.

Honestly, hearing daily reports of Ming Fei’s affectionate tales with the Emperor is truly tiring. If she doesn’t find someone likewise hating Long Yue to converse with, she might fall ill.

"Ah, speaking so much, I’m tired too. Would Dai’er like a rest together?"

This subtly hints departure, and Wei Yundai isn’t foolish, rising to leave.

Speaking of Wei Yundai leaving Long Yue previously, her mind returns.

In the upcoming period, Wei Yundai follows as said, utilizing mooncake-making to approach Princess Consort Jing, probing her nature, whether simple or scheming—just a few words can discern.

Additionally, subtly contemplating the Emperor’s interests.

But the results disappoint; Princess Consort Jing doesn’t know the Emperor’s likes either? Previously, before pregnancy, he sometimes visited; after Ming Fei’s pregnancy, hardly anymore.

Even with the news of her pregnancy now, the Emperor visits only rarely.

"His Majesty’s heart is utterly biased! How can it be that what’s inside her belly isn’t his bloodline? Shouldn’t he visit often?"

Wei Yundai’s words carry malicious intent; isn’t this sowing discord?