Chapter 0013: Revisiting the Pregnancy Affair

Chapter 0013: Revisiting the Pregnancy Affair

Yun Li remained standing there, watching the scene unfold.

Honestly, she felt nothing.

The Qi family couldn't be involved; those with Prince An were clearly trapped by the Emperor. They were not yet a threat.

This matter was irrelevant to her, a woman of the inner palace; it was merely a spectacle to watch.

After He Jingli had handled the situation and turned back to see Yun Li, he truly found her satisfying.

She didn't panic; standing there, she was enough to hold the scene together.

However, with many things to attend to tonight, he had someone escort her back first.

The residences of the other consorts and concubines were not disturbed at all, though they certainly heard the sounds of battle.

Some were frightened, like Meng Baolin, who was scared stiff.

But ultimately, there was no real harm done.

The next day, He Jingli sent a message back to the palace.

The prey had been captured; there was no need to stay, especially after dealing with two princes, as there must be a lot to handle in the court.

Just as the imperial carriage returned to the palace, news came of the death of Empress Dowager Tao.

It was said to be illness, but in reality, it was suicide.

The matter is suspended.

Dowager Consort Tao was Prince Cheng's birth mother.

Now that she is dead, all we can do is bury her. Her son's conspiracy implicates her, and a proper burial is no longer possible.

She could only be buried with the status of a favored concubine.

She was originally a virtuous consort.

Whether it was her death or the deaths of Prince An and Prince Cheng, in the harem, it was merely a topic of gossip, incapable of stirring any significant turmoil.

May gradually passed amidst the emperor's busy schedule, and the weather grew increasingly hot.

Wu Yünu started vomiting incessantly, her constant anxiety exacerbating her discomfort.

She had sought an audience with the empress, but the empress found many reasons not to see her.

Wu Yünu then realized that the empress was unwilling to accept her.

Indeed, the empress had a princess and was clearly capable of bearing children.

But if the empress wouldn't accept her, who else would dare to openly do so?

The imperial consort?

Didn’t Qi Baolin enter the palace just to alleviate the imperial consort’s troubles? How could the consort dare to accept her?

And at this critical juncture, with such a significant event occurring, the emperor couldn't possibly attend to her.

Wu Yuvu, already suffering from morning sickness, grew increasingly haggard with worry.

During the visit to Fengyi Palace, Yun Li and the others were surprised to see her condition.

Meanwhile, there was another piece of good news.

After the court greetings, Consort De rose and said, "Your Highness the Empress, I have something I wish to discuss with you."

"Oh? What is it? You seem so formal. Just speak your mind," the Empress said with a smile.

Consort De hesitated slightly, "Since giving birth to the eldest imperial son, my menstrual cycle has been irregular. Lately, I’ve had an increased appetite. I didn’t pay much attention to it, but when the imperial physician checked my pulse yesterday, it was discovered that I am over two months pregnant."

The Empress, momentarily stunned, then smiled, "Really? That’s wonderful news! His Majesty currently has only one son and one daughter. If you could give birth to another prince, it would be a tremendous blessing."

"I only wish for a healthy child, like the princess," Consort De replied with a smile.

"Congratulations, Sister Consort De," the Noble Consort added with a smile.

"Thank you, Sister."

In an instant, everyone offered their congratulations, but who truly felt joy?

Wu Yuvu was nearly unable to stay seated; she had already feared losing her own child, and now with Consort De pregnant, her chances of keeping her baby seemed even slimmer.

Yun Li glanced over and noticed Wu Yuvu’s pale face.

She thought to herself that this must be what it's like to lack confidence.

After the early morning greetings were over, Yun Li left with the others.

With Consort De’s pregnancy, that became the center of attention, and no one seemed to care about those who had returned from the traveling palace.

"Baolin, Zhuque mentioned that a few days ago, Wu Yuvu visited Fengyi Palace but seemed troubled when she left. The Empress must not have granted her an audience," Zhuyu said.

"Don't worry, if not the day before yesterday, there's always the day after tomorrow," Yun Li replied with a smile.

Previously, the Empress ignored her, seeing her as unworthy.

Now, with Consort De pregnant, things are different.

Wu Yuvu, like a lost soul, left Fengyi Palace. Hua Baolin, just ahead of her, whispered, "Sister, instead of worrying, you should return to Fengyi Palace this afternoon. Sincerity can move mountains. You are fortunate to be the first to bear His Majesty's child; don't let this blessing slip away."

With that, she left without waiting for Wu Yuvu's response.

Wu Yuvu paused, then continued walking, suddenly understanding.

Yes, yesterday and today are not the same.

Consort De's pregnancy is like a stone causing a thousand ripples. Already mother to the sole prince, she is now pregnant again.

If she gives birth to another prince...

The Empress is undoubtedly restless.

At such a time, it’s entirely normal for her to think of Wu Yuvu.

Indeed, in the afternoon, Wu Yuvu was heard to have visited Fengyi Palace again, this time staying for over an hour. She left with a calm demeanor but with a hint of redness around her eyes.

Hearing this from Zhuque, Yun Li laughed, "Indeed, there are no fools in this harem."

A Consort of the first rank being pregnant is different from a mere imperial concubine.

The Empress Dowager led in bestowing a multitude of gifts, and that evening, He Jingli visited Zhaohua Palace.

Regardless of how much the women of the harem resented it, twisting their handkerchiefs in frustration, it was to no avail.

In Yuzhi Palace, the Noble Consort couldn't sleep. "From tomorrow, ensure Xu Baolin is well taken care of."

"Yes, Your Highness. But why suddenly promote her? Compared to Qi Baolin, her looks are somewhat inferior…" Mianxing said.

"We can't just rely on her. Not to mention her unruliness, even if she were obedient, there’s no telling when she might bear a child," the Noble Consort frowned.

"But if Xu Baolin does conceive, I fear she won’t easily entrust the child to you... After all, it won’t carry our bloodline," Mianxing added.

"It doesn’t matter. The more children, the better," the Noble Consort inhaled deeply. "Although I am a Noble Consort, I have status but no offspring, which is ultimately unstable. Once Consort De bears another child, who in the harem could surpass her?"

"Understood, Your Highness. Don’t worry," Mianxing responded.

"Keep a close watch on Qi Yun Li, don’t let her cause trouble," the Noble Consort instructed.

"Yes, Your Highness. We’re always watching her. She’s been behaving, not getting too close to anyone," Mianxing assured.

The Noble Consort nodded and waved her hand.

Mianxing then left first, knowing the Noble Consort wasn’t sleepy yet, but preferred to be alone.

The next morning, in the main hall of Zhaohua Palace, Yu Shi Yu stood carefully.

"The Empress is here."

She quickly knelt down: "Your Highness."

"What are you doing? Stand up and speak," Consort De said with a smile.

Yu Shi Yu stood up, her head bowed.

"You’ve been in the palace so long and haven’t served in the royal bedchamber yet. How can you advance with such timidity?" Consort De said, smiling.

Yu Shi Yu smiled sheepishly, "I am incapable, Your Highness."

Without a rank, she couldn't even claim to be a concubine.

Yu Shiyu was actually quite attractive, but since she hadn't yet served in the emperor's bedchamber, she remained a court lady.