Chapter 189: Inquiry Results

Chapter 189: Inquiry Results

Back at Yuqu Palace, Yun Li sat down in the corridor.

"Consort, you're not upset, are you? Yu Baolin clearly isn't the brightest. His Majesty giving her a title must have its reasons; please don't be agitated. It's not worth it," Zhuyu said.

"What's there to be upset about?" Yun Li waved off carelessly, "But, about the backgrounds of the newcomers, should we have some results by now?"

"It should be soon; it's been quite some days," Zhuyu replied.

Indeed, the news came quickly, on the ninth day.

It was Yun Li's mother who entered the palace.

Lin Shi, under the pretext of visiting her daughter to check on her pregnancy, easily met with Yun Li.

Lin Shi first congratulated her daughter. Yun Li wasn't overtly cold but also lacked their previous closeness.

Madam Lin has probably gotten used to it, or rather, being a consort's daughter, she's not the same as before.

She doesn't seem as troubled as she was in the past.

"Your great uncle has looked into the matter you asked about. Except for the Pei and Jiang families, the others are not very notable. The Pei family is a second-rank official locally, promoted to that position only after the current emperor ascended the throne, considered a trusted official by the emperor. The Jiang family is of marquis rank but has declined, holding only the title without any official position, yet still counts as nobility. The rest are of lower ranks, seven or eight, some are minor officials, and some are merely scholars," Madam Lin handed a list to Yun Li.

"But your great uncle said, this He family, Miss He's father is named He Changsheng, currently a county magistrate under Jinyuan. However, this man changed his surname more than twenty years ago, originally being Zhang. Your great uncle followed up on this lead and found out that he was originally from the capital, later sold into the Jinyuan region. The He family has no other members. However, it was discovered that He Changsheng has an elder sister, who was also sold."

"Further investigation revealed she was sold to the Lin family of that time, the Empress Dowager's Lin family, and went with their daughter when she married. It's unknown whom she followed. However, Empress Dowager He, who was part of the empress's dowry, also had no family when she became a consort; she had no maternal home."

Yun Li understood; so that was the situation.

"It seems, He Changsheng must be Empress Dowager He's younger brother," Yun Li said.

Actually, those outside the palace probably don't know about the phrase said by Wei Niang before.

After all, spreading such words benefits no one who knows.

Perhaps, Qi Tongxi knows, but Madam Lin definitely doesn't.

"So it is. Well, that doesn't matter much. Empress Dowager He has been deceased for many years now. Even if there are some familial relations, it doesn't matter. It only depends on the Empress Dowager's affection for the Seventh Princess, maybe some care. But it's not a concern. Your great uncle asked me to ask you, do you have any plans?" Madam Lin said.

Yun Li smiled, her great uncle indeed knew.

"Thank my great uncle for his efforts. Mother, please convey this when you return: 'Hold steady and do nothing.'"

Madam Lin was stunned, clearly understanding that Yun Li had intended to know this.

Is it that the great uncle knows, the daughter knows, but she doesn't?

"Li'er... but... is there any difficulty?" Madam Lin asked.

"Difficulty is futile. With the Qi family in its current state, we can only remain calm and abide by our duties. Mother, also tell father, new people entering the palace are gaining favor. Although I am pregnant, the child is not yet born, and there are too many uncertainties. At this time, we cannot afford for the family to create problems for me," Yun Li said.

"Don't worry, your father won't," Madam Lin said.

"That's good," Yun Li ultimately didn't mention staying for the meal.

After sitting for a while and giving some advice on pregnancy care, Madam Lin prepared to leave.

Zhu Yu personally saw her out.

Once outside, Madam Lin sighed, "She's young, take good care of her. I'm really worried without an experienced nanny here."

"Madam need not worry, a nanny will be arranged, we've already started selecting one. No rush for the moment," Zhu Yu said with a smile.

"That's good, be careful in all things. If she is well, you all will be well," she said, sliding her bracelet off her wrist and putting it on Zhu Yu, "Good child, be diligent."

Zhu Yu did not refuse and escorted her out of Yugu Palace.

After she left, Zhu Yu went in, "Consort, this is a reward from Madam."

Zhu Yu presented the bracelet to Yun Li.

Yun Li said, "Keep it."

It wasn't one her mother wore often, clearly put on just to give as a reward, but it was a pretty good jade bracelet.

Zhu Yu thanked Yun Li and wore it.

Having confirmed Miss He's background, Yun Li felt relieved.

She could find out, as consorts with powerful maternal families were always traceable.

The Empress knew as well.

Consort Jing Ji, who had just given birth, also knew.

The rest, a bit later, would come to know too.

Knowing yet not speaking, this matter must never be disclosed, lest one seeks their own demise.

Those in the know regard He Shi with a meaningful look.

Mei Shufei invites Yun Li to enjoy the flowers; years have passed, and this consort still indulges in her love for flower appreciation and hosting banquets, leading a particularly carefree life.

The envoy smiled, "Our lady says your health comes first. If you're feeling unwell, you needn't attend."

Yun Li replied, "I'm perfectly fine. Tomorrow, is it? I'll be there on time."

Rui Xiang left with a smile.

Zhi Fu sighed, "She came of her own accord, who else would actively invite someone pregnant to go out?"

"Isn't it nice? Everyone in the harem is cautious on the surface but schemes behind the back. How wonderful that Mei Shufei, unaware of these matters, invites me so openly," Yun Li said cheerfully.

"True, you do need to get out a bit. And you've just reached the three-month mark," Zhu Yu added.

In the afternoon, the Internal Affairs Department sent over a nanny.

A palace maid in her thirties, looking closer to forty – a common occurrence for those who are overworked and sleep-deprived.

"I am Cui Ying, from the Internal Affairs Department, specially assigned to serve pregnant consorts. Greetings to Consort Yun," she said, bowing deeply.

"You may rise," Yun Li gestured.

Standing up, Cui Ying said, "Thank you, Consort Yun. According to the manager, I am now your servant and will not return to the Internal Affairs Department."

Yun Li was surprised, "Oh? Is that so?"

Usually, nannies and maids serving consorts through childbirth return after the first month.

They serve not only consorts but also high-ranking princesses and duchesses within the royal family.

While some do stay on, it's rare and requires mutual desire and high status from the consort. Otherwise, they wouldn't stay.

Yun Li was indeed surprised by this direct assignment.

"Yes, I await a name from Consort Yun," Cui Ying said.

"Since it's the manager's suggestion, you'll stay. The maids here are all named after plants, so you'll be called Hong Cao," Yun Li decided.

"Yes, I am now Hong Cao. Thank you for the name, Consort Yun," Hong Cao breathed a sigh of relief, knowing a return would be shameful if rejected.