Chapter 0044: Truth and Deception

Chapter 0044: Truth and Deception

Hence, the rare harmonious relationship.

It's also due to the current and previous Khan of Yuan Zheng being relatively peaceful, but it's uncertain if this will change with a new leader, whether there will be war or peace.

In any case, a hundred years ago, Yuan Zheng was constantly at war with Da Jin until they were subdued and peace was established.

Yunli had people store these items, many of which required further processing, like these gemstones.

They would be set in jewelry when needed.

"Xiaoyi, I noticed that what Jing Xiaoyi received isn't too different from ours."

Yunli just smiled, understanding that 'not too different' meant they still received more.

But it didn't matter. After all, Jing Xiaoyi had a title, and she did not, at least for now.

That was the Emperor's indication for her to still regard Jing Xiaoyi as superior.

Yunli nodded, "Don't worry about these things. Weren’t there concubines from Yuan Zheng in the late Emperor's harem? More than one, right?"

"Yes, the mother of the fifteenth prince is from Yuan Zheng. She's on good terms with the Empress Dowager and lives comfortably. There was another one, a princess from Yuan Zheng, but she died in childbirth," Zhu Que said.

"Next year, when people from Yuan Zheng come to visit, they will surely bring someone," Zhu Ding remarked.

"So, the harem will probably have another high-ranking princess or noble lady next year?" Yunli mused.

"Yes, when the mother of the fifteenth prince entered the palace, that princess was still alive. She was a royal relative from Yuan Zheng and was appointed as one of the Nine Concubines. After giving birth to the fifteenth prince, she was promoted to a second-rank consort. After the late Emperor's death, the current Emperor elevated her to first-rank consort. She will likely meet the guests from Yuan Zheng next year. Speaking of which, the fifteenth prince is also due to be married next year to the eldest legitimate daughter of a third-rank official, a very good match indeed."

Yunli nodded, thinking that a prince with Yuan Zheng blood was unlikely to become the Crown Prince, thus reducing the strife.

It's good to live peacefully.

"In a few days, send some gemstones to have them fashioned into Yuan Zheng style jewelry for next year's events," she instructed, planning to keep up appearances.

"Sure, Xiaoyi, don't worry."

"By the way, when we went, we ran into people from the Empress Dowager’s quarters also collecting items," Zhu Ding mentioned.

"The Empress Dowager’s people actually went personally?" Zhuyu was curious. "Isn’t it usual for items to be sent directly to them?"

"No, the Empress Dowager's people weren't there to collect items. They went to request items for Princess Huaying, who is pregnant. The Empress Dowager is extremely happy about it and had her maids select gifts for Princess Huaying," said Zhu Que.

"Oh? The Empress Dowager adores this princess immensely. She must be overjoyed," Yunli remarked with a smile.

"Yes, Princess Huaying's biological mother died early. Her mother, Lady He, was just a beauty in the palace and died of illness a few months after giving birth to the princess," Zhuyu said.

"You might not know this, but Princess Huaying's mother was one of the Empress Dowager's dowry maids, from the Lin family. An empress can bring her own people into the palace. Lady He was from the Lin family. She wasn't favored initially, reputed to have unparalleled beauty, but unfortunately at that time..."

Zhu Ding paused, and Yunli nodded.

Indeed, at that time, a stepmother was just a pawn; how could her people be favored?

"Anyway, Lady He was just a servant, and life improved for her only by serving alongside the Empress. Later, when the late Emperor frequented the Empress less due to her pregnancy, Lady He was called to his bed."

"When the Empress became pregnant, Lady He too conceived not long after. Both gave birth around the same time. The late Emperor was away on an inspection trip. The Empress took care of herself and Lady He during childbirth."

"The Empress gave birth to a prince, while Lady He to Princess Huaying. Lady He’s health deteriorated after giving birth. When the late Emperor returned, the Empress pleaded on her behalf, and she was promoted to a beauty. Unfortunately, she soon died of illness and was posthumously honored as a consort. Princess Huaying was raised under the Empress's care and, although not a legitimate princess, lived better than other princesses in the harem."

"Later, when our current Emperor became the Crown Prince, he also took good care of the princess."

Listening, Yunli lightly raised her eyebrows, "Hmm, just consider her as the Empress Dowager's own daughter. Since she's pregnant, the Empress must also bestow numerous gifts. It's good I’m just a Xiaoyi. I don’t need to worry about it."

"Yes," Zhu Ding agreed.

Yunli returned to her room, while Zhuyu hesitated.

"You also find this story a bit miraculous, don’t you?" Yunli asked.

"I shouldn’t say this, but it's just... too..." Zhuyu, though she had been in the palace for a long time, didn't have the same perspective as Zhu Ding and the other eunuchs who grew up there.

"You see, even we find it amazing, don’t others think the same? Didn’t the late Emperor think so?" Yunli questioned.

"Yes," Zhuyu replied, puzzled.

"It doesn't really matter. Back then, the palace strife was so intense that the Empress Dowager became the stepmother. At that time, too many princes died or were injured. Having a legitimate son would calm everything down."

Zhuyu whispered, "But what if... what if he wasn’t the legitimate son?"

"It doesn't really matter, they are all sons of the late Emperor. Besides, isn't our current Emperor truly a genius?" Yunli said.

"You’re right, but if that's true, then Lady He... wouldn't she be wronged?"

"Who knows? Lady He gave birth to the princess and died young. Isn't it all fate?" Yunli said with a smile.

"Xiaoyi is right," Zhuyu agreed, deciding not to ponder over it anymore.

True or false, who knows?

Yes, who really knows whether it’s true or false?

After all, after giving birth, the former Empress never had another child.

Though it’s unspoken in the palace, her lack of favor is a fact. After all, the late Emperor had several more children, both princes and princesses.

Despite being unfavored initially, she managed to survive to the end, becoming the Empress Dowager.

What about those who were favored back then?

People like Lady Tao and others are now but a pile of bones.

Yunli picked out two bolts of fabric and handed them to Zhu Ding, "Take these to be made into clothes tomorrow. It’s getting cold; no need to be frugal. Wear what needs to be worn."

"Yes, Xiaoyi, don’t worry. We have enough charcoal here, and it’s of good quality," Zhu Ding reassured.

Yunli nodded and sat down in the corridor, "Being a concubine of the Emperor is not easy; one must be beautiful as a flower and yet also manage the mundane details of life."

Everyone laughed at this.

By the time September 15th arrived, Consort Jin De finally made her public appearance again.

She arrived early as usual for the morning greetings at Fengyi Palace.

However, the Empress’s demeanor towards her had changed, lacking the warmth of the past. She seemed concerned but noticeably colder.

Consort Jin De, as if oblivious to the change, maintained her usual respectful demeanor.