Chapter 0134 Wisdom

Chapter 0134 Wisdom

However, after the Noble Consort's rebuke, they stopped talking, at least for now.

"Speaking of which, it's almost the Empress's birthday again. I haven't heard any plans from Her Majesty this year. What should we do?" Consort Jinde asked.

The Empress shook her head. "My mother's birthday wasn't properly celebrated this year, so I won't make arrangements either. We'll just set up a table somewhere when the time comes."

When the Empress's mother had her birthday, Yunli was still ill and could only send gifts.

She couldn't attend in person.

However, last year's celebration was grand, and this year the Empress's mother was also very low-key.

It must be related to what Wei Niang said.

As the Empress, even though she was the mother of the nation, she still had to consider the Emperor and the Empress Dowager's opinions.

If the Empress Dowager was so low-key, and the Empress wanted a grand celebration, wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

Consort Jinde chuckled, "If Her Majesty doesn't celebrate, what about Sister Noble Consort? Her birthday comes before the Empress's."

Lady Lan chuckled disdainfully but remained silent.

Her laughter sounded particularly grating.

The Noble Consort's hands clenched inside her sleeves. "Naturally, it depends on His Majesty and the Empress's intentions."

The Empress nodded. "At that time, I will consult His Majesty."

The Noble Consort could only tilt her head up, pretending not to care.

As the illustrious Noble Consort, whether or not her birthday was celebrated was just a matter of words. However, with the Empress's remark, it made her feel unworthy.

When the morning greetings were over, the Noble Consort was the first to leave, ignoring everyone. The rain outside continued, not heavy, but the pitter-patter was annoying.

It wasn't safe to ride in this weather, so most people chose to walk.

Zhu Ding held the umbrella while Zhifu held Yunli's hand, walking behind Shujieyu and Ning Jieyu.

"I wonder if Consort Li is feeling better now? It's been a month since she fell ill. Shouldn't she come out to pay her respects?" Zhou Baolin suddenly remarked.

"Yes, it seems like it's time, especially since the Empress's birthday is approaching," Liu Baolin added.

"Probably soon," Ye Baolin said.

Yunli listened to the conversation behind her, her heart unmoved.

Regardless of whether she had inflicted a sting back then, Li's favor had come to an end.

It's easy to stumble when the road ahead is unclear, and easy to perish when one can't see oneself clearly.

Because she had moved, Yunli soon arrived, bidding farewell to the others and returning home.

Shujieyu left even earlier than her; they lived close by.

Lady Mei and Ning Jieyu walked together.

"Li Baolin, they say he has terrible scars on his face," Lady Mei remarked.

"Yes, and they say he's in pain every day, unable to sleep well," Lady Ning added.

"That day scared me terribly, and she's quite bold. I've seen such people among my elder brothers; they were extremely formidable," Lady Mei continued.

Lady Ning whispered, "Indeed, I've never seen anything like it. It's fortunate His Majesty wasn't angry."

After all, how could a palace woman dare to wield a knife?

Although hairpins aren't knives, they can be just as effective.

"I suppose she was infuriated. I was quite angry too, but I don't have that kind of courage," Lady Mei shook her head.

Lady Ning smiled and agreed.

Having spent over a year together, she also realized that Lady Mei wasn't naive.

She knew her background and origin well enough to lead a good life as long as she didn't overstep.

So, she was quite straightforward about everything.

She was indeed the daughter cherished by Yuanzheng Khan, who even sent her gifts during the New Year.

The nature of the gift didn't matter; it was the thought that counted.

Even if you were a princess married off through a political marriage, wouldn't you feel adrift afterward?

But if your family still cared for you, that would make all the difference.

Of course, with Yuanzheng Khan keeping Lady Mei in his thoughts, the princess sent to Da Jin wouldn't be mistreated.

Princess Jingning is probably due to give birth soon. She mentioned being four months pregnant during the New Year.

At the entrance of the Chaoyang Palace, they bid farewell.

Lady Ning returned to the Yong'an Palace on her own.

Before changing her clothes, Jasmine came to say, "Jieyu, the Empress Dowager has a message for you, asking you to come over. What do you think?"

"Then let's go."

So, just after returning, Lady Ning went to the Cian Palace again.

After giving birth, she visited more frequently.

After greeting the Empress Dowager, she inquired about the Fifth Prince.

After discussing the child for a while, the Empress Dowager ordered tea and only a few people remained in the room.

Lady Ning knew the critical point had arrived.

"Did you know that yesterday the Empress summoned officials from the Imperial Kitchen?" the Empress Dowager asked.

"Yes, I know. Wasn't it said to be just for verifying some documents?" Lady Ning replied.

The Empress Dowager shook her head. "In the past, I didn't pay much attention. But it's not difficult to know such things, especially since she transitioned from Empress to Empress Dowager. She had issues with her diet."

"Ah? The Imperial Kitchen?" Lady Ning was astonished.

"Whether the Imperial Kitchen dared or not, it has already happened. Due to dietary conflicts, she developed coldness in her abdomen. I consulted the court physician; she already had a miscarriage due to shock, and the child was weak. Now, after half a year of inappropriate diet, her condition has worsened."

"Can this... be remedied?" Lady Ning asked.

"It's possible to manage, but since the Empress's time in the Eastern Palace, despite her numerous consorts, she's had only two children over the years. Now, with more women in the palace, His Majesty visits less frequently than before. Adding this ailment, it might not be easy for her to conceive again in the future," the Empress Dowager remarked.

Lady Ning bit her lip. "Yes, but... about this matter... since the Empress herself knows, she might investigate."

"She will surely investigate, not overtly, just to ascertain whether or not it was my doing," the Empress Dowager said with a cold smile.

Lady Ning actually harbored suspicions herself. But she didn't dare to voice them.

"How could that be? Your Majesty, why would you do such things?" Lady Ning shook her head.

"I would never do such a thing. Even if I had ideas, I wouldn't resort to such strenuous means. However, there are many in the palace who hope for her demise," the Empress Dowager snorted.

"Yes, what should be done now?" Lady Ning inquired.

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment. "I'll tell you, it's to prevent you from getting involved. As for this matter, if the Empress Dowager remains unaware, it's better. Once known, it cannot be ignored."

Lady Ning nodded in confusion.

The Empress Dowager looked at her. "You're young, already a Jieyu, and you have a prince. If I continue to elevate you, it will harm you. You need to understand this."

"I have no such intentions. I understand Your Majesty's meaning," Lady Ning hurriedly responded.

"Good. Take care of your child. As long as the Fifth Prince is well, even if I don't support you, you will ascend to the position of the Ninth Consort in the future. As for the Empress, you pretend not to know. Be cautious, I can't watch over you all the time. Handle the people around you carefully. Don't just focus on the outside; sometimes, the danger lies closest to you," the Empress Dowager advised.

"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. I will remember," Lady Ning said.

"Hmm, you may leave now. I'll have someone fetch the Emperor," the Empress Dowager said.

Lady Ning responded with acknowledgment, having no desire to stay if the Emperor wasn't coming, and then took her leave.