Chapter 0185: The Consort

Chapter 0185: The Consort

It was only a matter of time.

Doctor Li stood up, smiling as he accepted the reward, and encountered Huai Yi waiting outside.

Upon inquiring, Huai Yi received the news.

"Really?" Huai Yi pressed.

"What's there to doubt, miss? This sort of thing is still within certainty," Doctor Li said with a smile.

"Yes, yes, it's just unexpected. If it's true, that's wonderful, it's a joyous occasion," Huai Yi said with a laugh.

Doctor Li nodded and then left.

Thinking to himself, a joyous occasion? Perhaps not in your eyes.

Being relatively young, Doctor Li still harbored some curiosity and was willing to ponder the affairs of the harem.

Knowing that Yunli was pregnant, Huaiyi couldn't proceed with her original line of questioning.

After being invited in, she first offered congratulations: "Congratulations to Consort Qiong, I've heard the news, it's indeed a joyous occasion."

Yunli smiled: "It is a joyous occasion, but I wonder why the Queen sent you here?"

"To answer the beauty, Consort Wu Zhao went and made a scene, crying and complaining. The Queen was at her wits' end, not knowing the full story, so she sent me to inquire," Huaiyi spoke eloquently.

Zhenyu then explained the situation to her.

Huaiyi said: "I see, we really can't just listen to one side of the story. Rest easy, I will go back and report."

Yunli sighed: "Alright, please convey my apologies to the Queen for the disturbance."

Upon Huaiyi's return and report, the Queen was also taken aback.

"Already pregnant?"

"Yes, indeed, Doctor Li was quite certain. I guess it couldn’t be wrong?" Huaiyi said.

The Queen waved her off, dismissing her.

Since Consort Qiong was pregnant, the issue naturally dissolved.

The Queen frowned, feeling uneasy about the quick pregnancy.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. Apart from whether she can give birth, even if she does, the Qi family has already declined. Now, Consort Jing is more formidable than her," Ruyi said.

Consort Jing was already over seven months pregnant, a fact the Queen couldn't influence anymore.

Calming down, the Queen seriously contemplated what to do next, just as the Emperor visited Yuqu Palace.

The news of Yunli's pregnancy quickly spread.

Naturally, He Jinli was informed.

He visited during dusk when Yunli was sleeping inside.

Upon He Jinli's entrance, she opened her eyes: "Your Majesty?"

"How do you feel?" He Jinli asked with a smile.

Yunli acted coquettishly: "I need a hug from Your Majesty."

He Jinli extended his arms, embracing her: "So coquettish, seems like you're fine."

"I am upset. It's not the first time she's bullied me. You never intervene," Yunli pouted.

"How can I not intervene? This time I will. Meng Chang, convey my order, Consort Qiong is to be promoted to Imperial Concubine. Consort Wu Zhao is confined for a month, with half a year's allowances forfeited. Tell her, if she continues this behavior, I will not be lenient," He Jinli said lightly.

Meng Chang went to carry out the orders.

Yunli looked at him gleefully: "Should I kneel to thank for Your Majesty's grace?"

"Just thank me while sitting," He Jinli said.

Yunli then kissed his chin: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

He Jinli's hand rested on her stomach: "Is your wish fulfilled now?"

"Not yet, it will be once the child is born and resembles you," Yunli laughed. "You prefer princes, right? Then I shall bear a prince. A princess wouldn't be bad either, for the next one."

He Jinli agreed with a laugh, but thought, which woman in the harem dares to speak like this?

Such an obvious solicitation for favor.

Who dares to hope for several children?

Yunli's energy has been somewhat low.

She felt a bit off even before knowing she was pregnant, and now, the reason for her recent tiredness and lethargy has become apparent, making her even more prone to fatigue.

He Jinli noticed and ordered an early meal so she could rest afterward.

Yunli grabbed his hand: "Where will Your Majesty spend the night? The new concubines cannot serve you yet..."

She looked pitifully at him.

He Jinli chuckled: "Alright, eat in peace, I'll stay with you."

Yunli immediately smiled: "Really?"

"Hurry up, won't you?" He Jinli said sternly.

Yunli nodded: "Yes."

She couldn't have been more obedient.

With the child not yet three months along, she wouldn't serve in bed. Naturally, it was best for the Emperor to stay.

At night, lying next to He Jinli, she talked about what the child would look like.

Just before falling asleep, she said: "When he's older, Your Majesty must teach him horseback riding and hunting, you look so good on a horse..."

Hearing her steady breathing, He Jinli slowly exhaled.

He felt that this woman's affection for him was profoundly heavy. He gently caressed her beautiful face, thinking, alas, I cannot give you the same affection.

But for your sake, I will protect you.

So, the next morning, he instructed Meng Chang to ensure Yuqu Palace was well-guarded until she gave birth.

Meng Chang agreed, thinking this meant Consort Qiong was securely protected.

Zhifu and Zhenyu thought, this is indeed where the Imperial Concubine excels.

She never pleaded with His Majesty, yet she had already described to him the child she envisioned with him.

A child with His Majesty's brows and eyes, His Majesty's likeness.

Did His Majesty truly have no expectations?

Even a slight curiosity to see the child from her descriptions would lead him to ensure the child's protection.

Thus, the child he personally ensured was protected, might he grow more expectant of it in turn?

After the birth, would he pay more attention?

In this palace, a child that receives an extra glance from His Majesty is set apart.

Now, the master has been promoted to an Imperial Concubine.

How could this not draw attention in the harem?

Others are promoted after giving birth, but only Consort Qiong was promoted while pregnant.

In the morning, Yunli received the imperial decree.

After expressing her gratitude and sending the eunuch away, her attendants hurried to congratulate her.

Yunli rewarded each of them.

The entire Yuqu Palace was filled with joy.

Zhifu and Zhenyu attended to her as she lay down, still feeling sleepy.

"Now you're an Imperial Concubine, and once the child is born, you'll be one of the nine consorts."

Yunli closed her eyes: "Don't be too happy, my rank wasn't given just because His Majesty was pleased."

"This... Is there another reason? I'm slow to understand," Zhenyu said, puzzled.

"It's likely because Ning Jieyu is to be promoted," Yunli explained.

Zhenyu then understood: "You mean, you... you and her..."

"Putting me in this position now is more suitable than Consort Jing."

Originally, it shouldn't have been necessary.

But after the crown prince's demise, among the consorts with princes, only Consort Lan and Consort Shu remain.

Regardless of how Consort Lan views her child, it is, after all, born of a criminal.

Consort Shu, with her average family background and low profile, likely isn't a match for Ning Jieyu.

"I just don't understand why Ning Jieyu is suddenly being promoted. Zhujian, go out of the palace, send a message to my family, help me inquire about the backgrounds of this batch of newcomers," Yunli requested.