Chapter 0080: Begonias Drenched in Rain, Bamboos Reaching into the Clouds

Chapter 0080: Begonias Drenched in Rain, Bamboos Reaching into the Clouds

Indeed, the sons born to other concubines are just princes.

At most, they might become a prince of the realm.

But the child I bear should rightfully be the Crown Prince.

Everyone else had no choice but to agree with this statement. To disagree would imply what, exactly?

That you seek to usurp the throne?

Thus, Yunli's statement was a masterstroke.

The Empress had nothing to say in response, at least not for today.

Yunli passed the test.

Lady Jing's pregnancy was now five months along.

Everyone had been paying close attention to her, but recently, that attention had decreased.

Why was that?

Since the new year, Lady Jing's complexion hadn't been good - not a lack of vitality, but her skin tone was off.

Initially, it was thought she looked pale due to exhaustion during the festive season.

However, by mid-March, there was still no sign of improvement.

In fact, patches of yellow spots had formed on her face, covering a not insignificant area.

Although she was using some ointments prescribed by the imperial physician, being pregnant, she couldn't use them excessively.

Her once fair and clear complexion was now somewhat ruined due to the pregnancy.

The imperial physician said her skin would recover after the birth of the child.

But in reality, skin damage during pregnancy can be permanent.

Lady Jing was very worried about it, but there was nothing she could do except cover it up with makeup every day.

After the morning greetings, Yunli returned and said, "Do you think Lady Jing really developed spots on her own?"

"I suspect there's something more to this. In the palace, the imperial physicians have ways to prevent such issues. Besides, even if she did develop spots, it shouldn’t be this severe. I've heard privately that Lady Jing has them not just on her face, but on her body too."

Yunli frowned, not fully understanding but finding it alarming.

"Did the imperial physician say anything?" Yunli asked.

"I'm not sure about that; perhaps there wasn't any obvious anomaly," Zhuyu replied.

"Well, this afternoon, go visit Lady Jing. Tell her that longing for home during pregnancy isn’t a big deal. The palace physicians often prescribe generic remedies to avoid trouble. Maybe it's better to ask outside."

Zhuyu agreed and first helped Yunli with her meal.

In the afternoon, Zhuyu visited Lady Jing and relayed the message exactly as instructed.

Lady Jing, already worried about being harmed again, was more convinced after hearing Yunli's words.

"Tell your mistress that I've taken her words to heart," Lady Jing said, deeply moved.

Whether it was true or not, things had to be this way.

Whether she was set up or not remains inconclusive for the moment, and even meeting her natal family requires a process.

Yun Li thought that if she had been sabotaged, it would probably be impossible to find out who was behind it now.

Seeking an external physician was just to see if anything could be remedied.

There were many who hated the Noble Consort, and not a few who despised Jing Cairen either.

The begonias were in full bloom.

Behind Mei Fei’s Chao Yang Palace was a small area of begonia flowers, which were stunningly beautiful at this time.

She invited those living nearby to enjoy the flowers together.

Since arriving in Da Jin, Mei Fei missed her home, but she seemed to be enjoying herself quite well.

This time, the attendees were Yun Li from Le An Palace and Lin Cairen from Yong An Palace.

Just the three of them in total.

"I didn’t feel right inviting the entire harem. There are many begonias in the Imperial Garden too, among other things. For now, how about just the three of us here?"

"It's an honor to be invited by Your Highness, I'm naturally delighted," Lin Cairen also said with a smile.

"Me too," Yun Li added.

Since entering the palace, Lin Cairen had been relatively quiet and low-profile, with a pleasing appearance. She seemed to be a calm and composed person.

Of course, this might be due to her recent arrival, but regardless, she seemed to be easy to get along with.

The three of them sat in the begonia forest, had some fruits and snacks arranged, and invited two girls from Yuefu to play the zither.

"There are no such flowers on the grasslands. Although I've been to the cities with my father Khan and stayed for periods each year, the flowers there are sparse. But on the grasslands, the flowers, though small, cover vast expanses. You might not have seen such a sight," Mei Fei said with a smile.

"Each has its own beauty; the beauty of the palace is the gathering of all regions," Lin Cairen commented.

"Yes, after entering the palace, I can no longer ride horses or roam freely, but the palace has many beautiful things," Mei Fei smiled.

As she spoke, she didn’t seem too distressed; she had lost some pleasures but gained others.

After all, ancient people didn’t necessarily value freedom as much.

She also had a mission to fulfill and should be content.

Probably because they had called for the performers from Yuefu, it gradually attracted attention.

First, the Empress sent several types of freshly made nuts, telling them to enjoy themselves.

Then, surprisingly, the Emperor himself came.

The Emperor, having no pressing matters that day, clearly had a specific purpose in heading their way.

All three were surprised; even Mei Fei hadn’t planned to invite the Emperor.

After they paid their respects, Emperor He Jingli asked, "Why are my consorts enjoying the flowers alone, without inviting me?"

Mei Fei hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs; we wouldn’t dare to disturb."

"And Yun'er?" Emperor He Jingli looked at Yun Li.

Yun Li smiled, "Your Majesty really surprised us, we were just enjoying the flowers. Lin sister just mentioned how rain enhances the beauty of begonias. Suddenly, seeing your Majesty approach was like a bamboo shooting straight into the clouds. You really startled us!"

Emperor He Jingli laughed, "What a cheeky one."

He was dressed in a moon-white robe today, indeed embroidered with bamboo.

This woman was complimenting his upright stature.

It was a compliment, albeit an unconventional one.

Lin Cairen also smiled, "Sister's poetic talent is excellent. I am far behind."

Emperor He Jingli sat down and gestured for them to sit as well, "Speaking of Qiong Cairen’s poetic talent, she probably has it but is just too lazy."

"Having talent is good enough; I myself cannot compose poetry," Mei Fei said, smiling as she poured tea for Emperor He Jingli.

The four of them chatted and laughed, and time passed quickly.

Since the Emperor had come uninvited, they all went to Mei Fei's palace for lunch.

However, in the afternoon, Yun Li and Lin Cairen tactfully took their leave.

Emperor He Jingli gave Yun Li a meaningful smile as she left.

After bidding farewell, Lin Cairen and Yun Li returned to their respective palaces.

Back in Yong An Palace, Lin Cairen's maids, Jasmine and Gardenia, helped her change clothes.

Wearing casual attire, Lin Cairen rubbed her head, "My aunt usually doesn’t see these lower-ranked consorts. So, I haven't really met Qiong Cairen before. From what I see, she’s no ordinary person."

It was a coincidence that Yun Li's maids all had floral names.

The same was true for Lin Cairen's maids.

The difference was that the floral names of Yun Li's maids all started with the character for 'grass'.

She wasn't particular about such things.

It was indeed a coincidence, but an interesting one.

"My lady, don’t overthink it. Regardless of her, you have just entered the palace. With the Empress Dowager here, you needn’t worry about your future," Gardenia advised.

Lin Cairen waved her hand, "I was just making a comment, it has nothing to do with me. I have my own path to follow."