Chapter 10: He Does Not Deserve It

Chapter 10: He Is Not Worthy

The news that Ye Wanwan had been given a sterilizing potion finally spread, despite the Empress Dowager’s efforts to keep it hidden. But in this world, where is there a wall that doesn’t leak?

Especially those who despised the Empress Dowager seized every opportunity to find faults and undermine her. How could they let such a golden chance slip by?

As before, the news was once again spread by Shen Yufu.

Previously, when Ye Wanwan had bullied her, Shen Yufu had no choice but to endure, owing to her own status and position.

But this time, Ye Wanwan had handed her a perfect weapon on a silver platter. How could she not seize the chance to humiliate her tormentor?

And this was no ordinary scandal—it was irreversible. A sterilizing potion, as the name suggests, meant no children for the rest of her life.

Shen Yufu could already imagine that for the rest of her days in the palace, every time a child was born, it would be an immense humiliation for Ye Wanwan.

What use was beauty, what use was noble status? If one could not bear children, the world would mock her endlessly.

Just picturing Ye Wanwan’s stifled, frustrated expression gave Shen Yufu a profound sense of satisfaction.

The Empress Dowager, upon learning that the rumor had spread, naturally could not stand idly by. She immediately took action to seize those who stirred up trouble, but the damage was done.

Good news does not travel far, but bad news spreads a thousand miles. No matter how great the Empress Dowager’s power, she could not silence the murmurs of the masses.

The scandal spread not only within the palace but beyond its walls as well.

Those who had once marveled at Consort Ye’s grand entrance into the palace were now shocked by the news of her infertility, providing endless gossip and inspiration for poets and scholars alike.

A beauty with such a flaw—what a tragic pity.

As the subject of the matter, Ye Wanwan was naturally well aware.

Aunt Lin fretted constantly, afraid she would be heartbroken and distressed, always trying to change the subject and cheer her up.

But in truth, Ye Wanwan remained completely unmoved, her face betraying no emotion.

Having endured this once before, why would she hesitate now?

Was she hurt? Not at all.

So what if she had been given a sterilizing potion? She never intended to bear children for Zhao Yi—he was not worthy.

And what of the gossip and ridicule? Let them laugh at her; they were nothing but spectators. She remained the honorable consort, still holding power over them.

In her past life, she had been trapped in confusion, going around in circles. This time, how could she allow herself to be so foolish again?

Not only was Ye Wanwan not upset, she was rather at ease, watching the events unfold as though watching a grand drama that had nothing to do with her.

When the other consorts came to pay their respects, Ye Wanwan ordered them all to be stopped. She refused to see a single one of them, no matter how pleasant their excuses—to her, they were only there to mock and belittle her.

She was long tired of their sarcastic remarks. If they did not tire of it, she was tired of their presence.

Aside from reading and taking care of herself, Ye Wanwan had little else to do. With time on her hands, she developed a fondness for food from outside the palace.

The steamed buns from Tianyi Tower, the roasted chicken from Tianxiang Pavilion, the marinated dishes from Yunkelou—at first, these were all famous restaurants, but gradually her tastes extended to the old man selling gourds on West City Street, the old woman roasting sweet potatoes in the southern district, the stuffed courtyards of East Third Street, and the fried meatballs from North Narrow Alley.

Aunt Lin was completely unaware of these things and was truly curious how the consort knew about them all.

Although the consort was demanding, this little servant had managed to find every delicacy without missing a single one, earning Aunt Lin’s utmost admiration.

Though her food choices became increasingly humble, the consort’s health improved remarkably.

Even without makeup, she no longer looked pale or frail. Her complexion was rosy, her once gaunt features now filled out, resembling a flower in full bloom.

What man could look upon her and not be moved?

Meanwhile, those outside continued to mock her infertility, but just wait—once she was freed from her confinement and the Emperor saw her radiant appearance, she would undoubtedly be favored above all others. Then would be their time to weep.

(End of chapter)