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It’s just that she’s doomed to be childless, nothing more than a poor soul.

Shuiyao immediately understood the meaning behind Xueyan’s words and, with a smile, said, "I’ll send it right away."

Concubine Xu had been terrified for three days and nights, and after barely making it through last night, she came to Hehuan Hall today, seeking comfort without delay.

Unfortunately, Concubine Xu dared not say anything, and Shen Chuwei couldn’t comfort her either; the only thing that could console Concubine Xu was the ice cream that had been developed over the past few days, finally ready to eat.

It was truly a rare treat to be able to eat ice cream in ancient times.

The ice cream was made with milk, and its shell was made of chocolate and melon seeds, tasty and refreshing.

This was the first time Concubine Xu had tried it, and she excitedly grabbed Shen Chuwei’s hand, saying, "How do you always have such novel and delicious things?"

At this moment, Concubine Xu had forgotten all about the threats from the men in black in these past days.

"Because I’m a gourmet!" Shen Chuwei chuckled mischievously, determined to create anything she desired to eat, no matter what it took.

"I suddenly understand the flavor of sweet love in stories; it’s the taste of ice cream," said Concubine Xu after taking a bite of ice cream.

Shen Chuwei couldn’t help but give a thumbs up, "You have quite an imagination!"

Concubine Xu leaned in curiously, her face full of gossip as she asked, "When you’re with His Highness, is it like the feeling of eating ice cream?"

Shen Chuwei was stumped by the question. What was her feeling when she was with Xiao Jinyan?

After pondering for a moment, she realized there were many feelings involved.

Sometimes when she was with Xiao Jinyan, she felt like a child being coaxed.

Other times, she felt like a student who understood nothing at all.

And sometimes, it felt like the two of them were eating cotton candy.

Chun Xi came in to report, "Young mistress, Shuiyao from Qimeng Hall is here."

No sooner had she spoken than Shuiyao entered carrying a watermelon, bowed to Shen Chuwei and Concubine Xu, and then, holding up the watermelon, said with a smile, "Lady Shen, this is a seedless watermelon rewarded by the Emperor. It’s quite rare, but our Princess doesn’t eat seedless watermelons, so she sent it for Lady Shen to try. "

Upon hearing "seedless watermelon," Concubine Xu’s brow furrowed — wasn’t this a veiled jibe at Lady Shen being infertile?

Shameless to the core, are they using a watermelon to insult someone?

"Princess Xueyan is truly accustomed to the finer things; even a seedless watermelon gifted by the Emperor is beneath her, unlike us, who find it quite precious," smirked Shen Chuwei.

Shen Chuwei nodded in agreement, adding, "Seedless watermelon, that’s my favorite. Princess Xueyan is so generous."

Shuiyao’s face struggled to maintain composure as she forced a smile, "I should go back and report."

With that, she turned and left.

When Xueyan saw Shuiyao return, she smugly asked, "How did it go? What did Lady Shen say? Did she turn pale with anger?"

Shuiyao replied, "Lady Shen said that she loves seedless watermelon the most and that you are very generous."

Xueyan’s smile froze on her lips. "Lady Shen wasn’t angry?"

Shuiyao shook her head, "I didn’t see Lady Shen get angry; instead, she seemed particularly happy."

"Is Lady Shen an idiot? I insult her inability to have children, and she’s still happy?" Xueyan felt as though her gesture of sending the watermelon had been in vain.

Shuiyao speculated, "Maybe Lady Shen didn’t catch the implication of the seedless watermelon."

Xueyan spit out bitterly, "As stupid as a pig, always playing the fool to gain His Highness’s affection."

Shen Chuwei had Chun Xi wash and slice the watermelon, placing it in a glass bowl. If not for her period, she would have wanted to add ice cubes.

Concubine Xu couldn’t help reminding Shen Chuwei when she saw her happy expression, "That shameless woman is actually using the seedless watermelon to insult you, criticizing you for being childless and unable to bear children. Yet you’re still so happy."

Shen Chuwei replied, "It’s just a seedless watermelon. In Concubine Xue’s eyes, a seedless watermelon has that meaning, but to me, it’s just an ice-cold watermelon, a watermelon-flavored ice cream, watermelon juice—delicious and refreshing."

Concubine Xu was stunned for a moment, feeling that Shen Chuwei did have a point.

"If Concubine Xue knew that, despite sending the watermelon with great reluctance, not only did she not anger you, but also satisfied our cravings, it’s probably not you but her who would be infuriated."

Chun Xi brought over two bowls of watermelon pieces and handed them to Shen Chuwei and Concubine Xu.

Shen Chuwei merrily ate the watermelon, "Seedless watermelon is great; no need to spit out seeds and it’s very fresh."

Concubine Xu nodded in agreement.

After finishing the watermelon, Concubine Xu pulled Shen Chuwei out the door.

Shen Chuwei looked at her quizzically, "Where are you taking me?"

"To thank Concubine Xue, of course, for allowing us to enjoy such delicious watermelon," Concubine Xu said proudly.

Upon reaching Qimeng Hall, the three exchanged some pleasantries.

Princess Xueyan watched as Lady Shen and Concubine Xu, who had just been sent a seedless watermelon, came knocking at her door. They were certainly not pleased and even brought backup.

"Lady Shen is a rare visitor. What brings you to Qimeng Hall?"

With a smile, Shen Chuwei replied, "The seedless watermelon Concubine Xue sent was delicious. I specifically came to thank you."

Seeing Shen Chuwei’s smiling face, Princess Xueyan felt immensely irritated. They had come to thank her?

She barely managed a smile, "There’s no need for formalities, Lady Shen. We’re all sisters here."

Concubine Xu adjusted the peony Pearl Flower at her temple and lifted her chin with a smile, "Concubine Xue is right. Only someone as generous as Concubine Xue would send us seedless watermelons to enjoy. I’ve heard that seedless watermelons are extremely rare.

Thanks to Concubine Xue’s kindness, both Lady Shen and I have been quite spoiled. "

The look on Concubine Xue’s face became more and more unsightly. Originally, sending the watermelon was meant to mock Lady Shen for her barrenness. Instead, it turned out to be a treat for them, and now they were flaunting it?

Seeing Concubine Xue’s darkening expression, Concubine Xu felt a surge of satisfaction, having vented her spleen. With a flick of her handkerchief, she pulled Shen Chuwei away, bidding farewell to Concubine Xue.

After leaving Qimeng Hall, Concubine Xu was overjoyed.

Shen Chuwei realized that Concubine Xu’s greatest pleasure came from confronting others; having picked on her, she felt relieved.

For several days in a row, Xiao Jinyan had been working overtime almost every day, busy until late into the night.

Princess Xueyan had been waiting for Xiao Jinyan, but when she went to him, he was still occupied. Moreover, he was having dinner in Hehuan Hall every day, which greatly displeased her.

At last, she tearfully complained to the Empress, and it happened that the Emperor was also present when she learned that the Crown Prince had not yet consummated his marriage with Princess Xueyan since she joined the East Palace.

Seeing the pitiful look on Princess Xueyan, the Emperor immediately became angry.

"Eunuch Li, summon the Crown Prince to the Imperial Study Room," commanded the Emperor.

"Yes," Eunuch Li obeyed the order and went to the East Palace.

Upon hearing of the Emperor’s summons, Xiao Jinyan put down his work and followed Eunuch Li to the Imperial Study Room.

As Xiao Jinyan entered the Imperial Study Room, he advanced to pay respects, "Father Emperor."

The Emperor, seated high before the dragon desk, looked down at Xiao Jinyan with a piercing voice, "Crown Prince, it’s been some time since Princess Xueyan entered the East Palace. Why have you not yet consummated the marriage?"

Bowing his head, Xiao Jinyan answered, "Father Emperor, Concubine Xue had been severely ill not long ago and has only just recovered. Furthermore, your son has been preoccupied with urgent matters recently, which has delayed the consummation."

The Emperor asked again, "Is it because you have no time due to reviewing memorials?"

The Emperor snorted coldly, thinking that even if one is busy reviewing memorials, there would still be time to consummate the marriage.