Chapter 297

Chapter 0297: Unfit for Use

Yunli was unaware of what Yang Baolin and Consort Shu had discussed.

Upon her return to Yuchu Palace, Zhu Que came to report.

"Your Highness, I've found out that Physician Lu specifically visited the Qi residence. He said he brought gifts."

Yunli nodded, "I understand. Instruct someone to give him some trouble and make him leave the Imperial Medical Bureau."

"Yes."

"Your Highness, even though Physician Lu may not be very useful, he is still part of the Imperial Medical Bureau. What if he could be of use? Isn't it enough not to trust him?" Zhifu suggested.

"No need. Such a person isn't smart enough. Using him once would bring a host of troubles. Besides, I don't resort to poisoning, so why bother?" Yunli replied.

"Yes," Zhifu conceded.

Even if Yunli didn't know the specifics, Qi Tongxi's assessment that the man was unfit for use was enough for her.

It must be that he used the Crown Prince's health issue as a way to curry favor with the Qi family, taking sides.

After all, the matter of the Crown Prince's infertility was bound to come out eventually. What future could a childless and sickly Crown Prince have other than being deposed?

Physician Lu chose the Qi family.

He probably thought it was not suitable to approach directly in the palace, as it would attract attention, but outside it was more appropriate.

However, his approach was not very wise; even if one decides to take sides, there's no need to start with a bang.

Too impatient, Qi Tongxi didn't regard him highly at all.

Naturally, Yun Li didn't hold them in high regard.

With Yun Li's status today, it's easy for her to either win someone over or exclude them.

Especially excluding someone, she doesn't even need to expose herself.

She had no personal vendetta against Doctor Lu, but his foolish visit to the Qi family became a problem. If the Crown Prince's infertility had been exposed earlier,

The Empress would certainly investigate, and it would've been troublesome if discovered then.

Better to have him leave early. If it's exposed later, the Empress wouldn't be suspicious.

At eighteen, they bid farewell to the departing Khan of Yuanzheng and the Consort, along with their entourage.

The Consort's return was uncertain, but it would likely be within three months at most. After all, one cannot stay in Yuanzheng too long.

Naturally, an army escort was provided.

Eunuchs and palace maids accompanied them.

After the people of Yuanzheng left, the capital gradually returned to tranquility. The Yuanzheng merchants who came with them sold all their goods, exchanging them for a bounty of money, grain, silk, and other items to take back with their Khan to Yuanzheng.

Honestly, even if they are naturally belligerent, such days are far more comfortable than waging wars every day.

Some merchants are even planning to make another trip when the Consort's procession returns. Running these two trips this year could sustain them for three years.

After all, the people of Da Jin are wealthy and covet the goods they bring.

The Consort's journey was a mix of joy and sorrow.

But overall, there was great anticipation.

In the palace, the Consort's absence made little difference.

At most, one fewer person roams the gardens every now and then.

However, there are plenty of newcomers, dressed beautifully, almost wandering the gardens daily, hoping for a chance encounter.

As the Emperor grows older, the opportunities for advancement become increasingly rare.

High positions tend to be occupied by those who came before, and the princes keep being born one after another.

For newcomers to stand out, they must possess exceptional talent and beauty.

And withstand the exclusion and pressure from those already in high positions.

Only if the Emperor takes a special liking to you can you rise to a high position.

Because any emperor not indulgent in pleasures will, with age, focus more on state affairs.

Thus, the young concubines must find every possible way.

Yunli sat in the pavilion at the center of the lake, watching a few concubines bow from a distance, having instructed them not to come closer.

"Your Highness, look, that's Zhou Baolin and Pei Cairen, and who's that one?" An Chongyi asked someone nearby.

"Replying to Chongyi, that looks like Yun Baolin? I think so," An Chongyi's maid speculated.

"It does look like her," An Chongyi nodded.

Since they were not permitted to come closer, the three of them left for elsewhere.

"Pei Xiaoyi has always kept a low profile," Yunli remarked.

The Pei family is not ordinary either, being significant figures themselves.

"Yes, she never stands out. How come she's with Zhou Baolin and Yun Baolin? Zhou Baolin is understandable, they live together. But Yun Baolin is unusual," An Chongyi took another glance at the distance, thinking Yun Baolin was born with such beauty, yet sadly not favored.

Not just unfavored, but she rarely even visits Bixi, right?

In terms of beauty, Lady Yun of the palace maids could rival Consort Qiong.

Lady Hu is also beautiful, but she falls slightly short compared to Lady Yun.

Unfortunately, Lady Yun did not receive favor.

"Ah, the peach and apricot blossoms are all blooming. It's a shame the Consort Sister has left; she would have asked me to admire the flowers with her every day," Yun Li said, looking into the distance.

"Indeed, they look so beautiful. Viewing them across the water seems to intensify their colors," An Chongyi laughed.

"The crabapple blossoms will open soon too," Yun Li added.

"Seasons change, and there are always plenty of flowers. The Consort might have missed this year's blooms, but there will be more next year," An Chongyi chuckled. "Consort Yun, you shouldn't worry."

"You're right. How is the Sixth Princess? I heard she was ill some time ago; has she recovered?" Yun Li inquired.

"Ah, she's better now. It was all because her nurse was causing trouble, scaring the child," An Chongyi explained.

"If the nurse isn't good, she should be replaced," Yun Li suggested.

"I thought about replacing her, but then I felt pity. After all, I'm not her biological mother. Changing nurses now would only scare her more. But I've scolded them. They need to know their place. With Xu's death, they should behave. They've been much more obedient now," An Chongyi said.

"I wouldn't have guessed you could be so firm," Yun Li was genuinely surprised.

"Your Highness underestimates me. Since my days in the Eastern Palace as a serving lady, I've been out of favor. You wouldn't know, but back then, His Majesty, then the Crown Prince, hardly visited the back courtyard. He'd go to the Crown Princess, Xu Liangyuan, Song Chenghui, occasionally to Zhang Liangyuan, Ye Liangru, Wu Liangru. Then Li Zhaoxun entered the scene and split the favor. I barely served a few times," An Chongyi recounted.

"Probably because I wasn't outstanding in looks or talent, from being Li Xiaoyi in the Eastern Palace to An Chongyi in the harem, it took me five years, then eleven more years to get to my current rank," she continued.

"I've always had a temper, but who cares about the temper of someone without favor or status? Who would indulge me?"

"You make a good point," Yun Li shook her head and sighed.

"Now, my position isn't so low. Having a daughter has fulfilled my life. I don't seek favor anymore. My family wasn't distinguished, but now they hold some official positions. Relying on my history from the Eastern Palace, I've managed to survive to my current rank. I can look forward to a peaceful retirement without making enemies," An Chongyi smiled.

"For you to see things this way shows you're a person with a bright outlook," Yun Li smiled.

[The next chapter will be delayed; I've been encountering some hiccups lately.]