C18 Museum

Originally, she was supposed to be his nephew's fiancée, but now Xiao Rongkan had forcibly given her to him. She was a laughingstock, notorious for her foolishness. The insult in this was obvious, even without much thought.

Xiao Rongjuan wasn't the type to swallow such an affront easily. He planned to pretend to agree, marry the woman, and then slowly humiliate her as a warning to others. But unexpectedly, Liu Shengqing's men intercepted her, causing him even more embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. We haven't found her yet. If you want to know, maybe you should ask Worthy Lady Liu."

Xiao Rongjuan rubbed his temples and shook his head. "If we can't find her, let it be. Don't waste time on her. Come with me to the palace. I want to see what kind of person Shen Jingyuan was so eager to present."

Grand Imperial Concubine Hui, Xiao Rongjuan's mother, was the last concubine appointed by the late emperor. She was only twenty-three when he passed, a rare beauty in the palace. At fourteen, she was already famous in Yunzhou and was selected by the local official. She entered the palace at sixteen, known as the greatest beauty of Great Sheng. She was favored for several years, and the late emperor even neglected other affairs for her, rapidly promoting her to a high rank.

The Rainbow Light Palace, where she resides, was built by the late emperor for her, grand and luxurious, rivaled only by the Qian Ning Palace. The late emperor even left orders for Xiao Rongkan to treat Grand Imperial Concubine Hui and her son well, which is why the current emperor hasn't dared to openly confront the Liang King.

After the late emperor passed, Grand Imperial Concubine Hui fell into a deep melancholy, relying on medicine for her ailments. In recent years, her condition worsened, leaving her bedridden and beyond the help of any remedy.

As Xiao Rongjuan entered the hall, his footsteps were nearly silent on the plush Persian carpet. The Rainbow Light Palace was free of incense, with open windows allowing the fragrant breeze from the garden's blossoms to fill the room, creating a serene atmosphere.

A crystal chandelier cast a bright shadow overhead as Xiao Rongjuan lifted the curtain and stepped inside. He saw the woman on the couch, draped in a delicate purple cape embroidered with morning glories. Bowing his head, he greeted her, "Your son greets you, Royal Mother."

"You've come at just the right time," Grand Imperial Concubine Hui said, a touch of rouge adding color to her pale cheeks. This hint of red brought a lively charm to her delicate features, making her appear vibrant and captivating.

"I heard a new doctor was brought in today," she remarked, sitting upright with a calm smile. "Why do you trouble yourself with these matters every day? I find it rather lonely here in the palace, perhaps it would be better if..."

"Royal Mother," Xiao Rongjuan interrupted, his voice catching slightly, his expression unreadable. "Please don't speak like that. If you were to leave me too, how could I face the challenges and hidden dangers alone?"

As they spoke, the door to the hall was pushed open, and the person outside was invited in.

Though Ruan Qingge had some memories of the palace, it was her first time in the Rainbow Light Palace. She was immediately dazzled by the intricate and grand decorations. She looked down at the complex patterns on the carpet and occasionally glanced up at the Western-style grapevine patterns on the walls, which were inlaid with stained glass and a Western clock.

For a moment, Ruan Qingge felt as if she had stepped into a museum.

"Consort, Your Highness, Dr. Ann has arrived."

The maid opened the sliding door, ready to usher Ruan Qingge and Liu Yunzheng inside.

Ruan Qingge distinctly felt Liu Yunzheng pause behind her. When she turned her head, she saw him standing firmly outside the door, refusing to take another step forward.

Unable to understand his hesitation, Ruan Qingge had no choice but to muster her courage and enter alone, looking up at the low couch ahead.