Chapter 0240

Chapter 0240: Morning Greetings Suspended

The Empress Dowager waved her hand: "Then you all may return first, except for Consort Jin De and Consort Min. Stay and discuss the matters at hand with Nanny Xiang."

The crowd responded and gradually withdrew.

In the Imperial Garden, Consort Mei asked Yunli, "Do you think the Empress will rest easy?"

Yunli, gently waving her fan, replied, "In my opinion, she definitely won't be content. But her discontent doesn't change the current situation."

"Originally, the Fourth Prince was frail. Even if there were calls in court to establish a Crown Prince, he wouldn't be suitable. But as he grows, who knows? Now with the Empress in this condition. Is this what people here call bad luck in one's destiny?"

The people of Yuan Zheng do have their superstitions, but not about reading fortunes.

Yunli shook her head: "I don't know about that, but the Xie family does seem to have its share of insurmountable troubles."

Although the Empress's brother was killed by Qi Xiaohe, being so easily schemed against also speaks to negligence.

And the Empress herself, facing calamities time and again, it's not the Qi family's fault.

In fact, since the premature birth of the Fourth Prince due to a fright, the Emperor's attitude towards her has not been the same.

After all, Ning Xiuyuan was also pregnant at the same time, yet her pregnancy was less advanced and she wasn't scared into premature labor.

The Empress was seven to eight months along and yet was frightened into early delivery.

Perhaps even then, the Emperor felt she was somewhat unreliable.

This incident was due to her negligence; such accidents wouldn't have happened to someone else.

But for the mother of the nation, it indicates a lack of steadiness and the inability to command respect.

Perhaps, these were not tasks meant for the Empress.

Unfortunately, what's done is done.

The Empress herself is also suffering and has been wronged and endured hardship. However, the expectations for women of this era are stringent. The higher the status of a legitimate wife and mother, the stricter the demands.

The Empress was supposed to be a paragon for all women. Her failure to uphold this image is disappointing to the Emperor, and it's hardly surprising.

It could also be said that the Empress is simply unlucky.

The Xie family cannot bear the weight of such immense fortune.

Fate.

---

Duan Fei and Min Fei quickly took over the authority from the Empress.

Lan Xian Fei has not yet completed her confinement period, but she dispatched her eunuchs, citing the urgency of palace affairs.

"I am at Duan Fei's command. Our mistress says if things get too busy, please direct me," Song Mingke said with a smile.

Duan Fei nodded, "Lan sister is considerate."

Being both of the first rank, there's little difference between a Virtuous Consort and a Consort of Virtue.

It might be mentioned that Consort of Virtue entered later, but she is actually a year older than Lan Consort.

Both came from the Eastern Palace, initially holding equal status.

Having been Consort of Virtue for so many years, even if Lan Consort were to rise, it wouldn't be out of place for her to call her 'younger sister.'

She can assume this seniority.

Min Fei had no objections, whether ambitious or not, she knew better than to intervene at this moment.

To avoid being a nuisance.

In Zuiyun Palace, hearing Song Mingke's words, Lan Xian Fei scoffed, "She wouldn't dare not have you there. Go ahead these few days. You need not attend to me during the day."

Song Mingke was naturally pleased; being tasked by the mistress meant trust and reliance.

Though he was reluctant to relinquish his daily duties, he understood the priority of matters.

After Song Mingke left, Lan Xian Fei said, "See, there's no one who commits harm without facing retribution. Now she's in this state, let her suffer. I truly hope she becomes a laughingstock."

Mu Yu whispered, "Regardless of whether it's true or not, the Empress can no longer bear children. I've inquired, and they say if she were to become pregnant, by five or six months, her pelvis wouldn't hold."

Lan Xian Fei snorted coldly, "Even without this issue, she couldn't have children anymore. But it's better for her to know she can't."

Lan Xian Fei herself also finds it difficult to have more children; she's not naive.

To say it doesn't hurt would be a lie.

Now that the Empress knows this about herself, wouldn't she be furious? Deservedly so.

After the change in management, life for Yu Qu Palace remained largely unchanged.

In fact, the staff even say that getting supplies, far from being hindered, has become smoother.

It's obvious that Duan Fei and Lan Xian Fei wouldn't easily obstruct people's needs and offend others.

Their best move would be to win people's hearts.

Yun Li doesn't much care about this; according to her status, she lives her life as usual.

By August, when Lan Xian Fei completed her confinement, she didn't delay a day in taking over authority.

Honestly, with her health compromised and her age, after having this child, she should have rested more.

She should have taken proper postpartum care. But she was indeed in a hurry.

Watching all this unfold, Yun Li found it all quite amusing.

While everyone was watching Lan Xian Fei and Duan Fei, Yun Li, accompanied by Zhu Yu, visited the Fengyi Palace.

She went to pay her respects.

The Empress was surprised to hear of Yun Li's visit: "Is something the matter?"

"Your Majesty, not at all, there's been no trouble. Consort Yun Li simply came to pay respects and inquire about your well-being. See..." Ruyi was also quite surprised.

After pondering for a moment, the Empress said, "Let her in, but we'll speak through the screen."

"Yes." Ruyi complied, arranging the screen before calling Yun Li.

After paying her respects behind the screen, Yun Li was invited by the Empress to sit.

Sitting on her side of the screen, she said, "It's been over a month; I wonder how Your Majesty's health has been?"

"My condition requires quiet rest, and there hasn't been much improvement," the Empress sighed.

Indeed, a month was hardly enough time.

She was anxious, but haste wouldn't help her recover.

Now, staying still meant less pain.

"Your Majesty, try not to worry too much. Resting peacefully is crucial. You will get better," Yun Li said with concern.

"You're right. This past month, lying here, I've often thought of the past. Fengyi Palace used to be so lively, and now it's quieted down. It's rare for you to visit me today," the Empress said, half in reflection, half questioning Yun Li's visit.

Yun Li smiled, "The usual squabbles during our visits could be tiresome, but now that we don't gather as much, something seems missing. Your Majesty knows me well; I'm rather lazy. I seldom visit Zhu Yun Palace and Zhao Hua Palace, so I rarely see the sisters. It's been hot, too. I've wanted to come before, but thought it might be inconvenient for you. Now that I'm here, I hope Your Majesty won't hold it against me."

The Empress was about to respond when Yun Li continued, "I admit I can be difficult and not very sensible, but I've always been willing to listen to you. I just hope you recover soon."

The Empress held back her previous remarks, sighing, "Sister, you truly care. Hearing these words warms my heart."

"May Your Majesty recover soon, so we can return to how things were before," Yun Li said.