Xue Yu-Yan was taken to the Chamber of Virtue on the orders of the Emperor. Han Wenji was seated on the throne. Xue Yu-Yan greeted the Emperor first before taking the seat.
"This is my first time talking with Princess Consort," Han Wenji asserted.
"Forgive me, your majesty for today," Xue Yu-Yan stated as she lowered her head.
"Princess Consort Xue, the Crown Princess was going to be punished for the wrong you did. Do you expect me to forgive you? You have to earn my trust in you again. I kept the Wei family alive and safe even after that incident because I believe that the things your late father did, have nothing to do with the other members of the Wei Family," Han Wenji proclaimed.
"Thank you for your grace, your highness," Xue Yu-Yan said. She lifted her eyes, which were filled with tears. "Your majesty, I want to say something," Xue Yu-Yan stated. Han Wenji nodded thus, giving her permission.
"Your majesty, my father served this Empire for years, yet in the end he was given a death sentence. I am not raising the doubt on your decision but... but he could have been forgiven." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "My husband does not look at me. This is all because of the Crown Princess. Everyone praises her and it hurts me when my own husband looks at her lovingly," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.
Han Wenji could understand the worries of Xue Yu-Yan. "Princess Consort, the death sentence was important for your father. I decided that based on his position. He gave poison to the Crown Prince and framed the Crown Princess. I could not forgive such a heinous crime. Jian expressed his desire to marry the Crown Princess earlier, which could be why he still admires her. But since you raised this issue, I will talk it out with my son," Han Wenji assured Xue Yu-Yan.
"No, your majesty. Do not do that. I am just a little emotional at this moment. That's why I shared some of my worries with you. Please forgive me once again for scheming against the Crown Princess," Xue Yu-Yan requested.
"If you truly are apologetic, then you need to prove yourself. I want to see the improvement in your nature, Princess Consort. I would like to recommend something to you," Han Wenji proclaimed. "Talk with the Crown Princess about this. Only a woman can feel another woman. I believe after having an amiable conversation with the Crown Princess, you will find a way," Han Wenji advised Xue Yu-Yan.
"You are like my own daughter. Even if your father is not here, you can come to me anytime," Han Wenji stated.
Xue Yu-Yan lowered and nodded. "Thank you, your m-majesty."
"You shall leave. You do not need to clean the Royal Kitchen. Take a few days rest," Han Wenji pardoned Xue Yu-Yan's second punishment. The Emperor called in the maidservants and told them to take Xue Yu-Yan back to her room.
Xue Yu-Yan stood up with difficulty and bowed before leaving. Two maidservants were supporting her on the walk. She put a thought to the Emperor's advice. "Help me in walking till the Crown Princess's manor," Xue Yu-Yan ordered the maidservants.
Ying Lili and Sheng Li were drawing something on the white paper. "Why are you taking a peek? Do not cheat," Ying Lili asserted and covered the white sheet on which she was painting.
"Let me see a little. It is not even a real exam," Sheng Li complained but Ying Lili did not show him what she was drawing.
"Sorry for intruding, your highnesses but Princess Consort Xue is here to meet the Crown Princess," Court Lady Xu informed them who was standing near the second entrance.
"Why is she here? Send her away," Sheng Li annoyingly said when Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu, "Send her in." Court Lady Xu bowed and walked out.
Ying Lili turned to Sheng Li and said, "Do not say anything to her. You used to love her."
Sheng Li widened his eyes upon hearing the statement. "Take back your words," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who refused to do so. Before Sheng Li could speak, Xue Yu-Yan entered there along with the two maidservants. Ying Lili saw how pale Xue Yu-Yan's face had turned. She stood up from her seat and went to her.
Sheng Li was looking at Ying Lili in disbelief. He stood up and walked out from there.
Ying Lili made Xue Yu-Yan sit on the chaise lounge. "Bring a glass of water," Ying Lili told a maidservant. "You should have called me to your chamber," Ying Lili said to Xue Yu-Yan. She handed the water glass to Xue and told her to drink it. Xue Yu-Yan thanked the Crown Princess and drank the water.
Ying Lili gave the glass to the maidservant who put it on a table and walked out of the chamber with others.
Ying Lili sat beside Xue Yu-Yan and asked her about the reason for her visit.
"I am here to apologize to the Crown Princess. I should not have done that," Xue Yu-Yan stated.
"I forgave you the moment you were given the punishment. I do not have any grudge against you," Ying Lili pronounced.
Xue Yu-Yan thanked the Crown Princess for forgiving her. "I want to ask you why you did this?" Ying Lili queried.
"Because I was jealous of her highness," Xue Yu-Yan veraciously replied and lifted her head to look at Ying Lili. "My father is no more, which grew my hatred further towards you. Everything was fine until you were in the palace, but then…" Yu-Yan broke down into tears. "I-I do not know why my heart took m-me here. Jian Ge admires Sister Mi and you while he hates me. Why does everyone hate me? Only father loved me and he is no more. That's the main reason I did all this," Xue Yu-Yan accepted her crimes.
Ying Lili wiped the tears from Xue's cheeks. "No one hates you, Sister Xue. If you leave this wrong path of vengeance, then things will change. Also, I can understand fully how much it hurts when your husband does not look at you and care for you. I do not know why Brother Jian admires me but I only see him as the elder brother of the Crown Prince. What if someone had died today? Don't let your hatred and jealousy grow. In the end, it will only harm you," Ying Lili explained to Xue Yu-Yan.
"I understand, Sister Lili. Thank you for forgiving me," Xue Yu-Yan sniveled and stood up from the chaise. Ying Lili too stood up and accompanied her till the door.
Sheng Li was glaring at Xue Yu-Yan, but he kept quiet because of Ying Lili. The maidservants took Xue away while Ying Lili watched her until she disappeared from her sight.
"Court Lady Xu, do not disturb us," Sheng Li sternly said, and caught Ying Lili's hand. Before she could ask him, she was taken inside by him and the doors were closed behind them.