Chapter 0021: Who Dares to Question

Chapter 0021: Who Dares to Question

"Yes, this really was an injustice to Sister Huabao," Empress Jinde laughed.

Yun Li found it amusing internally, thinking how adept the people in the harem were at blatant lies.

He Jinli obviously did it intentionally, presenting such a flawed conclusion.

The traitorous princes coveted the throne. Would they really give an incense to a less favored consort, pregnant by chance, that couldn't even efficiently cause a miscarriage?

Wasn't this absurd?

But could Yun Li see this, and others not?

Yet, who would dare to question it now?

These glaring flaws, were they not the Emperor's warning to those behind the scenes?

Huabao Lin was saved by the Emperor.

Whoever was behind this, now couldn't utter another word about it, for who would dare to be associated with two princes executed for treason?

However, the person behind it all ended up gaining nothing, while Wu Yünu was punished with house arrest.

The Emperor's message was quite clear without words.

The Empress, for the time being, couldn't make a move against Huabao Lin.

Seeing through this, Yun Li found it particularly amusing.

Not long after returning to Le'an Palace, Yun Li heard that the Empress had rewarded Huabao Lin.

Yun Li scoffed: "I wonder if Huabao Lin is grateful to the Empress?"

Zhuyu and Zhifu both laughed.

She would surely express gratitude outwardly, but inwardly…

At this moment, Huabao Lin, neatly dressed, was sitting and listening to her eunuch Song Qiming: "These past two days have been just so. Qi Baolin served the Emperor for two consecutive nights and received generous rewards from His Majesty yesterday. Among all in Baolin, she alone received such favor."

Huabao Lin nodded: "What she said in Fengyi Palace, she must have really mentioned it to His Majesty."

Nobody dares to make such claims lightly.

"I never imagined that Qi Baolin would speak up for me like this." Regardless of her motive, speaking so in front of His Majesty is fair.

"Indeed, Qi Baolin always seems impulsive, but at critical moments, she doesn't behave like those who flatter and fawn," said Song Qiming.

"I remember this kindness," Huabao Lin stated.

She had thought the Emperor would summon Huabao Lin to serve him that night.

"Unexpectedly, the Emperor spent the night with the Empress."

"The Empress hadn’t served in the imperial bedchamber for about half a month."

"This made the minor oversight she had previously committed seem insignificant. As long as the Emperor didn't mind, it was as if nothing had happened."

"The Empress serving in the imperial bedchamber was a cause for celebration."

"Those who were jealous dared not express their envy."

"Everyone had to display an expression of fortune at the harmony between the Emperor and Empress."

"After serving the Emperor, the Empress indeed looked radiant, her speech lighter than before."

"'The Emperor's birthday is approaching, and the Dowager Empress insists that this year, being His Majesty's zodiac year, should be celebrated properly. Although His Majesty doesn’t wish for a grand banquet for the officials, the royal relatives will be invited to the palace. In my opinion, we sisters should prepare some performances to please His Majesty,' the Empress suggested."

"'Speaking of arrangements, last year's joint performance on the flute and zither by His Majesty and Your Majesty was truly memorable. The harmony of the instruments was just so,' Consort Jin De said with a smile."

"'Sister, your Hundred Flowers Embroidery was also stunningly beautiful,' the Empress remarked with a smile."

"'I wonder, what has Consort De embroidered this year?' asked Consort Lan."

"'This year I couldn’t manage much. I've made a robe for His Majesty,' replied Consort Jin De."

"'That’s great. Let's all start preparing. The main goal is to entertain His Majesty, there's no need for anything too elaborate. If you don't have anything prepared, even a few auspicious words will suffice,' said the Empress."

"Everyone agreed and hurried back to ponder their preparations."

"Huabao Lin stopped Yun Li."

"'I wonder what you're planning for that day, sister?'"

"I guess it doesn't matter much what I prepare, but it might be awkward if my sister isn't prepared when the time comes." Someone is bound to request it.

"Why not help me come up with something, sister?" Huabao Lin smiled.

"Sister, can you play the zither? How about the 'Spring Night Melody'?" Yun Li asked.

"The 'Autumn Night Melody' is not difficult, but such tunes aren't exactly stunning, are they?" Huabao Lin inquired.

"Sister, having just calmed the waters, aren't you in a hurry to dazzle again? Just stick to your original plan, and if there are any disruptions, then consider alternatives. As for me, I'm not skilled in needlework, painting, or dancing. I plan to gift His Majesty a couple of books," Yun Li said.

"Sister, you really are carefree. Since it's like this, I'll take your advice," Huabao Lin understood and bid farewell to Yun Li.

They each went back to their palaces.

Girls raised in large families may not be trained in singing and dancing, but playing the zither is a must.

However, Huabao Lin planned not to play the zither but to paint.

The harem knew of Consort Lan's excellent painting skills, but few knew Huabao Lin had been learning since childhood.

Walking back, she thought, Yun Li was right; it wasn't the time for her to astonish others.

"Baolin, what about this Qi Baolin..." wondered Miaoyu.

"I've always said, there are no fools in the harem. If she were, His Majesty wouldn't have summoned her to serve so often. This one is not a common person," Huabao Lin remarked calmly: "Pretend you don't know. If she wants to show me her true... or at least a more genuine side, perhaps she seeks a good relationship with me. We'll just go along with it."

"Yes, this servant knows nothing," Miaoyu, especially cautious since Miaoyun's incident, replied.

Back at Leshou Palace, Zhifu asked, "Baolin, are we really just giving books?"

"Let's see when the time comes. Prepare the books, rare ancient texts are valuable. If someone challenges us, we'll improvise. There's not much I'm skilled at anyway, so losing face is not a big deal," Yun Li shrugged.

Zhuyu chuckled, "Baolin is clever; you won't lose face. You'll have your ways to handle it."

"Then let's prepare the ancient texts first. His Majesty has given me so much, I can't be stingy, right?" Yun Li winked.

The Emperor's birthday was on the second day of the seventh month, just a few more than ten days away.

The entire harem was busily preparing, especially the newly entered consorts, all eager to stand out during this time.

The Needlework Bureau was so busy that they were on their feet all day.

However, having served the Emperor recently, Yun Li had some prestige, and she had already prepared what she needed.

Since the last incident with the Noble Consort, Zhang Maolin visited Le'an Palace for the first time.

He arrived just as Yun Li was organizing a pile of clothes she had collected from the Needlework Bureau.

Zhang Maolin pretended not to notice: "The Noble Consort specially sent me to tell Qi Baolin, regardless of your preparations, remember not to tarnish the Qi family's reputation. Those seductive tactics are not for our kind."

Yun Li laughed.

"Elder sister is really amusing."

"What do you mean, Qi Baolin? These are the Noble Consort's words, I'm merely conveying them," said Zhang Maolin.

"Sure, the following words are from me, please continue to convey them."

Yun Li stood up with a smile and looked at him: "Since elder sister is so dignified and graceful, whether she's favored or has children, she should comply with His Majesty's wishes."