Ning Shu was certain that Zhao Xu still had doubts about Attendant Zhou, especially after the events of the banquet.

  “Speaking of leaves, the emperor said that nourishing concoctions are being prepared for the concubines of each palace. From now on, His Majesty will come to the harem very often. Be sure to visit the imperial physicians for a checkup,” Ning Shu said to all of the women in the room.

  The concubines’ faces glowed with joy, and they all said that they would take good care of their bodies. They no longer cared about Attendant Zhou attending to the emperor yesterday.

  Since Zhao Xu would often come to the inner palace more often, they would all get a share.

  Attendant Zhou pressed her lips together and sat down. She glanced at Ning Shu, who was sitting up above the rest. One day, she’d be able to achieve that position. and be infinitely favored.

  With the aid of the favored concubine system, what modern person couldn’t defeat these ancient women?

  Ning Shu had these concubines go back to their palaces, and the concubines all left with smiles on their faces.

  Consort Zhuang stayed behind and complained to Ning Shu. “Your Majesty, did you see that? She attended to the emperor for one night and she’s already so arrogant that she doesn’t even respect the empress!”


  Ning Shu quietly drank her tea, contemplating Zhao Xu’s actions.

  Was Zhao Xu really thirsty enough to lay his hands on a sick patient, or was he fascinated by Attendant Zhou?

  Either way, it wouldn’t be easy to deal with. Beauty was a powerful weapon.

  “Your Majesty, do you really not find it strange? Did Attendant Zhou take some kind of elixir? How could she recover so quickly? She was stabbed with a dagger and yet attended to the emperor so soon. If she’s not a monster, then there must be an elixir.” Consort Zhuang’s eyes darted around.

  “What elixir?” Zhao Xu walked in and asked with raised eyebrows.

  Consort Zhuang’s expression immediately changed. She quickly stood up and curtsied. Ning Shu asked with a smile, “Has Your Majesty returned from court so early today?”


  “There were no major issues.” Zhao Xu sat down, picked up a teacup, and took a sip. “What were the two of you discussing? I heard something about an elixir.”


  Consort Zhuang looked embarrassed. “This consort didn’t say anything.”


  “I heard it clearly. Why not tell me the truth?” Zhao Xu’s expression was sullen. “Can’t I listen in?”


  Ning Shu smiled and said, “Consort Zhuang was just saying that Attendant Zhou is truly blessed by the heavens. She was so badly injured yet healed so soon. She thinks that an immortal must’ve given Attendant Zhou an elixir.”


  Consort Zhuang was stunned. She didn’t say that! But she still didn’t speak.

  “Elixir?” Zhao Xu paused, cup in hand. “That’s just nonsense. Attendant Zhou said that she has a good constitution.”


  “That may be, but women are frail. With such an incredible constitution, Attendant Zhou will definitely give the emperor a healthy child,” Ning Shu said lightly with a smile.

  Zhao Xu tapped the teacup. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Attendant Zhou did a great job in saving this emperor. We will increase her rank.”


  Ning Shu: …


  Attendant Zhou’s body really was an aphrodisiac. Once you got it, you couldn’t quit. Was Zhao Xu beginning to be captured by Attendant Zhou?

  Ning Shu was able to control her expression but Consort Zhuang’s own immediately became unpleasant before she lowered her head and twisted the handkerchief between her fingers.

  “What kind of rank should Attendant Zhou receive, Your Majesty?” Ning Shu asked. “Attendant Zhou is currently a third-class attendant of the seventh rank. Above it is the second-class seventh-ranked beauty or talented lady.”


  Zhao Xu thought about it and said, “Skip the second class. Promote her to a first-class seventh-ranked noble lady.”


  Jumping two levels again? With this promotion speed, it wouldn’t be long before Fu Wanhui’s own position would be given up to Attendant-no, Noble Lady Zhou.

  MTL Editor: Shark

  Translator: Kaho