Transtor Xiaobai: I came across a review where someone rated this novel just 1 star on NU, and I can understand that not everyone will resonate with a story. It’s a bit disheartening to see such strong negativity without giving it a fair chance. The female lead (FL) in this story isn’t your typical fiercely independent character; she’s someone who has experienced deep betrayal from those she loved dearly and spent a decade trying to protect them.

  Is she a perfect person? Certainly not, but she’s very human, shaped by her experiences of love, loss, and betrayal. The emperor, who stands by her side, is the only source of positive influence in her life. He’s not without fws—he is the emperor, after all—but the way he treats her with honesty and care contrasts sharply with the way she’s been treated by others.

  Yes, she may become emotional and cling to him, especially as she navigates her rebirth. To her, he represents hope and safety in a daunting world filled with challenges, aside from the support she gets from a few loyal consorts. I think it’s important to acknowledge her journey. Jiang Fei might not fit the mold of the strong protagonist we expect, but I genuinely empathize with her struggles. Like many, I’ve found myself relying on others for emotional stability at times. Let’s give her some grace and the opportunity for growth throughout the story. Just wanted to share my thoughts!

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  “Don’t stir up trouble for the time being.”

  Seated on his sedan, Pei Yan lowered his gaze, eyes calm and commanding as he looked at Jiang Shuyi. “Be good, and I’ll always dote on you.”

  Though his tone was gentle, it carried the unquestionable authority of an emperor. Jiang Shuyi’s shoulders trembled.

  So it really was a warning not to bully Wen Guiren.

  The worst-case scenario had come true. Yet in this moment, Jiang Shuyi couldn’t cry. The tears she’d held back were scattered by the cold wind. She turned her head, speaking as if pouting, “Your Majesty needn’t worry. This consort won’t provoke Wen Guiren first. Even if she bullies me, I’ll just endure it.”

  Pei Yan gnced at her drooping expression and how her eyes drifted away—clearly, she hadn’t taken his words to heart.

  If he pushed further, she’d probably cry again.

  Forget it. It wasn’t a big deal—at worst, just a bit of trouble.

  “Since you entered the Eastern Pace, when have I ever let you suffer grievances?”

  Pei Yan sighed, rubbing his brow. “Fine, I’ve said too much. Just pretend you didn’t hear it. Whatever was before, let it remain. I’ll still dote on you.”

  Jiang Shuyi had already been reciting pace grievance poetry in her head when suddenly he said this, and she was momentarily dazed.

  So... does this mean he hasn’t lost interest?

  Her thoughts swirled. She really wanted Pei Yan to come down and embrace her, say that she was still his favorite. But with wars looming and heavy duties, that one line was all the comfort he had time for before ordering his return to Qianqing Pace.

  She stood in pce for a long while, until someone greeted her from behind—

  “Greetings to Your Highness.”

  She turned to see Wen Yao bowing respectfully.

  The morning audience had ended, and the consorts were trickling out of Kunning Pace.

  Wu Guifei gnced over and left without a word. Xue Shufei chatted with Jiang Wanqing, both smiling. But when Wanqing saw Jiang Shuyi, her smile faltered and she turned her face away petuntly.

  Disgusted, Jiang Shuyi would rather deal with Wen Yao and frowned. “Why are you lingering around instead of returning to your pace?”

  Wen Yao straightened and met her eyes calmly. “This concubine only wished to ask: why did Your Highness gre at me just now? Was it because I received His Majesty’s favor st night and Your Highness was upset?”

  Jiang Shuyi felt nauseated.

  She recalled Pei Yan saying she shouldn’t be wronged, and bluntly retorted, “You were lurking and staring at me like a thief. Who else should I gre at?”

  Wen Yao smiled faintly. “Was I? I don’t recall. But does that mean Your Highness admits to gring at me?”

  Her temples throbbing, Jiang Shuyi snapped, “And what if I did? I’m a Fei. You’re just a lowly Guiren. Even if I spped you, you’d have to take it!”

  Wen Yao bowed lightly. “Understood. This concubine takes her leave.”

  She turned and left.

  Jiang Shuyi’s head ached worse. Her chest tightened. She took a deep breath and scanned her surroundings.

  Where was Miao Wangshu? She couldn’t take it anymore. She wanted Wen Yao gone.

  Just then, Miao Wangshu exited with Feng Yiyue.

  Upon seeing Jiang Shuyi, Feng Yiyue lit up and skipped ahead.

  “Greetings to Your Highness!”

  She beamed, tugging Jiang Shuyi’s sleeve. “Were you waiting for me?”

  Jiang Shuyi was at a loss.

  Looking down at her sleeve, she suddenly felt like someone long trapped in darkness catching a glimpse of light.

  In the days since her rebirth, her heart and mind had been consumed by Pei Yan. Though she cared for Feng Yiyue, it was more out of guilt, for in her past life, Feng Yiyue had already been dead for ten years. Her truest bond had always been with Pei Yan.

  But when she met Feng Yiyue’s expectant gaze, Jiang Shuyi couldn’t bring herself to lie.

  Turning away, she said softly, “…I have matters to discuss with Miao Zhaoyi.”

  The sparkle in Feng Yiyue’s eyes dimmed instantly. She stepped back, then forced a smile. “Ah, I was overthinking it. If I’m not needed, I’ll return to my pace.”

  Miao Wangshu shot her a gnce and murmured to Jiang Shuyi, “This isn’t the pce. Why don’t you come to Chuxiu Pace?”

  Jiang Shuyi nodded, then grabbed Feng Yiyue’s hand. “Tell Yuzhu to summon Rou Pin as well.”

  Yuzhu hurried off to catch her.

  —

  Inside Chuxiu Pace.

  “This consort wants Wen Guiren removed. Do you have any ideas?”

  Miao Wangshu was calm—she’d heard this before. Rou Pin, however, nearly choked on her tea.

  Coughing, she dabbed her lips and gawked. “Your Highness, do you mean removed as in… killed? We’ve never done anything like this before—and now we’re starting with the Empress Dowager’s niece?”

  Jiang Shuyi thought for a moment. It was true. Before Jiang Wanqing entered the pace, their tactics were limited to fabricating schemes to frame other consorts.

  Feng Yiyue "accidentally" fell and bmed Xue Shufei. Miao Zhaoyi "slipped" into the lotus pond and bmed Wu Guifei. Jiang Shuyi cried to Pei Yan about being bullied by everyone.

  Looking back, it was embarrassing. Almost… unhinged.

  Thank heavens Wanqing hadn’t known about those. If she had, and exposed them along with her accusations in her past life, Jiang Shuyi wouldn’t have been seen as a vicious femme fatale, but a deranged fool.

  Feng Yiyue cpped eagerly, “Just tell me what to do! I’m not afraid. I’d go after the Empress Dowager herself if I had to!”

  Rou Pin burst out ughing. Miao Wangshu, however, was appalled. “What nonsense! Fool! Either shut up or get out.”

  Feng Yiyue’s eyes turned red, looking stricken.

  The room fell silent. Jiang Shuyi patted the seat beside her and gently called Feng Yiyue over. Sitting close, the girl’s tears glittered on her shes.

  Jiang Shuyi couldn’t help but smile.

  Feng Yiyue in front of Miao Wangshu was just like herself before Pei Yan—always on the verge of tears.

  She consoled, “I know your heart is loyal, but your head… not so quick. Just listen, alright?”

  Feng Yiyue sniffled and hugged her arm, giving a quiet “mm,” refusing to look at Miao Wangshu.

  Miao Wangshu didn’t mind. She calmly told Jiang Shuyi, “Your Highness, there’s no need for you to personally deal with Wen Yao.”

  “Oh?” Jiang Shuyi raised her brows. She eyed her carefully—was she also reborn? Did she know Wen Yao would die on her own?

  She pressed, “Why not?”

  “Because her father’s achievements overshadow the throne.”

  Miao Wangshu’s voice was low. “Throughout history, when a subject’s merit grows too great, the ruler is left with nothing more to reward him. And when there’s nothing left to give…”

  She smiled faintly. “There’s only one gift left—the gift of death.”