Chapter 0126: What Lies Ahead

Chapter 0126: What Lies Ahead

Lady Lin having a prince was a blow to the Empress, as one can imagine.

As long as the Fourth Prince didn't survive, or if he wasn't healthy enough, the Fifth Prince would be eyeing the throne.

This became more pronounced with age.

Unless the Empress still had a chance to bear another prince, but considering she had only given birth to two children over so many years, it's clear it's not an easy task.

Everyone had their own thoughts.

Lady Lin naturally couldn't attend the Lantern Festival family banquet.

Everyone was dressed in their finest.

The festivities continued with songs and dances, and all were joyous, with relatives toasting to congratulate the birth of the Fifth Prince.

The Empress kept smiling, but the bitterness in her smile was known only to herself.

On the night of the fifteenth day of the first month, heavy snow fell.

By the sixteenth morning, the snow hadn't stopped.

The Empress sent word to dispense with the greetings for today. After Yunli had her breakfast, she eagerly took Zhifu and Zhuyu to the imperial garden.

Missing today, if one wanted to see the snow again, they would have to wait until winter.

In the imperial garden, the young eunuchs were all busy cleaning, and upon seeing her, they hurriedly paid their respects.

Yunli simply waved her hand.

She ascended to the Floating Fragrance Pavilion, admiring the snowy scenery all around.

Truly breathtaking.

The Emerald Screen Mountain was partially concealed in the snow, while the Jade Belt River hadn't frozen over completely, flowing gently.

Snowflakes fell into it, disappearing in an instant.

"Madam, are you cold?" Zhifu asked.

Yunli took a deep breath of the brisk air. "It's cold, but refreshing."

Lanfei saw Qi Yunli, dressed in a light purple gown, atop the Floating Fragrance Pavilion from afar.

She looked from a distance, thinking, this woman truly has unique advantages.

She approached, and Yunli bowed. "Greetings, Consort Lan."

"No need for formalities. Meeting on such a snowy day must be fate. It seems we've never had a chance to talk alone before."

Indeed, they had never spoken alone. Even when they met, there were always others present.

"Then today, we can break that trend." Yunli said.

Lanfei smiled and instructed, "Go make arrangements. Qiong and I will sit here."

With this weather, sitting in a pavilion naturally felt cold.

But this pavilion wasn't drafty on all sides.

It had doors and windows; once the braziers were lit, thick cushions were placed, wind-blocking screens set up, and steaming tea served, it became much warmer.

Even with the windows open to enjoy the snow, it was warmer than before.

"Why isn't Yun Xiao Yi here today?" Yunli asked.

Yun Xiao Yi used to accompany Consort Lan everywhere, but it seems they haven't shared the bedchamber lately.

"Sometimes, I feel like taking a stroll myself." Consort Lan took a sip of hot tea and sighed. "Where is Lady Qiong?"

"I don't mind. There are benefits to having company, and there are benefits to being alone," Yunli replied.

"Before, when you spoke, I found your words offensive. But now, I'm afraid I didn't see clearly," Consort Lan smiled. "Upon reflection, Lady Qiong is actually quite clever."

Yunli turned to her. "Why do you say that, Consort Lan?"

Consort Lan didn't explain why, but said, "From the Eastern Palace to the harem, it's only been six years, but it feels like many more. People always say that life in the harem is long. Does Lady Qiong feel that way?"

Yunli blinked her lashes like raven feathers. "Women in the harem cannot complain. Consort Lan is the envy of the harem. If everyone feels time drags on, how should we live?"

Consort Lan shook her head lightly. "Being the envy of the harem. Throughout history, how many favored women in the harem have met a good end? Moreover, am I truly the envy of the harem?"

Yunli smirked lightly. "If you have something to say, please speak candidly, Consort."

Consort Lan didn't speak immediately but said, "Now that you're favored, about to change palaces, and feeling pleased with yourself at every turn, have you thought about the future? Your sister, the Noble Consort, won't let you off. After all, you're from the Qi family. Once you have a child, whether you raise it or your sister does, it will be a thorn in others' eyes. Why hasn't Jing's child appeared? You should be aware."

Yunli glanced at her again. "Consort Lan, do you have some insight?"

"I don't have any special insight, but although I hold a high position, my family background isn't prominent. To establish oneself, one needs friends. Lady Qiong, think about it," Consort Lan said.

Yunli was somewhat surprised. "It's quite unexpected for you to say this to me. However, being your friend requires doing things I may not be able to do. I'm willing to be on good terms with you, Consort, but following your path might be beyond me."

"What? Lady Qiong looks down on me?" Consort Lan was somewhat angry.

"Your Ladyship misunderstands. It's just that all I seek is a peaceful existence. Making friends in the harem is not within my capabilities," Yunli replied frankly.

Consort Lan snorted and got up. "If that's the case, since our paths differ, there's no need to force it."

"Your Ladyship, rest assured, there's no conflict between us. I only seek harmony," Yunli also stood up.

Consort Lan said nothing, just gave her a glance, then turned and left.

Yunli bowed. "Farewell, Your Ladyship."

After seeing off Consort Lan, Yunli sat back down.

The snow outside hadn't stopped, and she watched through the window, propping her head.

"Madam, is Consort Lan angry?" Zhifu asked softly.

"Angry? Even if she is, she has to suppress it, right? She should know her own situation," Consort Lan was favored.

But now, there were too many in the harem vying for the Emperor's favor.

"Now that you... serve the Emperor more often, she might harbor resentment towards you," Zhifu said.

Yunli shook her head. "She shouldn't be that foolish. What's the use of dealing with me? Suppressing me, can it change her own situation? If she wants to break the deadlock, she can only bear children."

Consort Lan may have once been the woman the Emperor favored, but the Emperor had so many women.

There will always be fresher and more beautiful faces.

Unless it's true love, even when the Emperor favored Consort Lan, he didn't neglect admiring Lady Jiamei and Consort Shujie.

Consort Lan was never the only one.

The Emperor must have liked her at some point, or he wouldn't have elevated her status.

But to say she's indispensable, that's certainly not the case.

So, breaking the deadlock solely based on personal charm is very difficult.

At this point, if she wants to progress further, she can only have children. But until now, she hasn't been able to conceive.

Coupled with the occasional scent of medicine, even if Yunli doesn't know the details, she can guess that Consort Lan's fertility might not be as smooth as before.

In that case, if she still dares to act recklessly towards others, that would be foolish.

Once someone retaliates, she won't even be able to maintain her current position.

Should someone be eaten alive because of old grievances?

So Yunli isn't too worried. Without intelligence, relying solely on the Emperor's favor won't secure her position as a second-rank consort.

Finally feeling the chill, Yunli led her people back.

Only upon returning did she learn that after leaving the Floating Fragrance Pavilion, Consort Lan didn't return but instead wandered in the Imperial Garden for a long time.

Perhaps her inner turmoil is indeed quite uncomfortable.

Who knows?