Chapter 52: Determining the Gender

Chapter 52: Determining the Gender

Chaos is on the Horizon

Imperial Physician Liu remained calm amidst the turmoil in the hall, showing no trace of surprise or curiosity. He simply nodded slightly again and said, "I have already prepared the detoxification prescription. Your Highness only needs to follow the prescription to get the medicine."

Noble Consort Mi glanced at him indifferently and said, "I do not wish for today's events to be known by anyone else. This prescription should not seem like it's for detoxification."

She glanced at the kneeling Mo Ling and said coldly, "Imperial Physician Liu, please examine Mo Ling. Mix my medicine and Mo Ling's medicine with other prescriptions. Do it discreetly, so no one can detect anything unusual."

Noble Consort Mi commanded Imperial Physician Liu from her high position, "Understood?"

Imperial Physician Liu straightened up, his gaze cool as he looked at Noble Consort Mi, his voice as calm as jade, "I will say that Your Highness is feeling unwell and prescribe some tonics to boost energy and soothe the mind, supplemented with dietary remedies. Mo Ling's facial injury was caused by accidentally breaking a vase."

"Since you are understanding, I will not mistreat you," Noble Consort Mi turned and returned to her seat, speaking lightly, "I recall that Imperial Physician Lin happened to leave the palace today to attend to the Princess's health. It makes sense to summon you here."

"Yu Ling, Imperial Physician Liu is highly skilled. Reward him with a jade ruyi scepter."

Yu Ling stepped forward and said, "Yes, I will handle it immediately."

Imperial Physician Liu remained as composed and detached as ever, neither refusing nor showing any hint of joy. He simply bowed respectfully to Noble Consort Mi and said, "I thank Your Highness, Noble Consort Mi, for your grace."

With that, Imperial Physician Liu stepped forward to examine Mo Ling's injuries, then retreated to write a new prescription. The hall fell silent once more.

The continuous betrayals and blows left Noble Consort Mi utterly exhausted. She waved her hand and said wearily, "Once Imperial Physician Liu finishes writing, escort him out. There is no need for him to see me again."

Seeing this, Su Jiaojiao also curtsied and said, "If there is nothing else, I shall not disturb Your Highness's tranquility."

Noble Consort Mi frowned, massaging her temples. Hearing Su Jiaojiao speak, she lifted her eyes to look at her with a probing gaze and said in a deep voice, "Now you and I are in the same boat. Noble Consort Wang has harmed both me and you. If I die, you will not escape unharmed. Since you were involved in today's events from start to finish, you cannot avoid responsibility. Once I personally write a letter to settle Mo Ling's matter outside the palace, it will be time to make Noble Consort Wang pay the price."

"When the time comes, I will send someone to summon you."

Su Jiaojiao paused for a moment, then quickly nodded and said, "Yes, I understand."

She bowed to Noble Consort Mi and exited the Jiangyun Hall, then turned and left the Chang Le Palace.

After walking some distance, Su Jiaojiao said softly, "Upon returning to the palace, conduct a thorough investigation of the palace staff. Ensure that each one is scrutinized to see if anyone has been in close contact with Yutang Palace or Fengyi Palace. Noble Consort Wang and the Empress have too many tricks up their sleeves. It's possible they have planted more than one spy in Pixiang Palace. It's always good to be cautious. Noble Consort Mi's pregnancy was lost without a trace. The Empress was definitely not inactive."

Hearing the Empress's name, Yu Ying was surprised and then whispered, "Your meaning is... I hadn't considered it before, but Noble Consort Mi's pregnancy was sabotaged by both sides. It's clear they didn't want her to bear the imperial heir..."

Su Jiaojiao's expression remained calm as she gazed at the long palace path shrouded in rain, her tone somewhat mocking, "Who among those who have secured the position of Empress lacks some cunning? The Emperor and Empress's marriage was arranged by the Empress Dowager, who selected the most suitable candidate from the daughters of high-ranking officials close to the Dingguo Marquis's family. Her family background is decent, but compared to the four great families, it falls short, even inferior to mine. Such a woman, maneuvering between the Crown Prince's residence and the palace, could not have done so without some scheming and strategy."

Yu Ying nodded and whispered, "Every time I see the Empress, she appears gentle and fair, never mistreating the servants and handling matters impartially. From what I know, many palace servants deeply admire and respect the Empress."

"To achieve one's desires, one must win the hearts of the people. Look at Noble Consort Wang and Noble Consort Mi—both come from prestigious families and hold high positions of power, but one is cruel and ruthless, while the other is domineering and vicious. Everyone in the palace fears them. How could anyone willingly serve such masters? The more loyal the servant, the less they can be bought with money or power. The Empress understands this deeply."

After speaking, Su Jiaojiao turned to Yu Ying and said softly, "Wait for Imperial Physician Liu on his way back to the palace. Tell him to cooperate fully with Noble Consort Mi and avoid arousing suspicion in the Imperial Medical Bureau."

Yu Ying nodded and accepted the order, "Yes."

Su Jiaojiao stood alone on the palace path, holding an umbrella, surrounded by emptiness with only the sound of rustling rain. Her fingers, as white as jade, slightly adjusted the angle of the umbrella handle, and her view suddenly became clear.

Looking up, raindrops fell from the unseen sky, a few splashing onto her chin, the cold sensation making her even more alert.

If Noble Consort Mi and Noble Consort Wang were to fiercely clash, she would be more than happy to see it.

Noble Consort Wang is extremely vicious. She once planted a spy in the Pixiang Palace to poison me and schemed to implicate me in Noble Consort Mi's loss of her child.

Before I gained favor, she also caused Consort Shu to miscarry. Every incident was life-threatening. If we can obtain evidence of her harming Noble Consort Mi, even if she doesn't die, the Emperor will surely punish her severely for Noble Consort Mi and her family's sake. Once Noble Consort Wang loses her power, dealing with her will be as easy as beating a drowning dog.

Everything now hinges on word from Noble Consort Mi...

Su Jiaojiao stood in the rain for what felt like an eternity before finally taking a step.

It’s anyone’s guess how Zhu Baolin will react once Lady Ji regains favor, or how Lady Ji plans to retaliate for Zhu Baolin’s past schemes against her.

Whether by chance or design.

After returning from the Crimson Cloud Palace that night, Su Jiaojiao began her monthly cycle and felt unwell, making it unsuitable for her to see the Emperor.

In the past few days, only Lady Ji had attended to the Emperor twice. It seems her service was satisfactory, as the Emperor issued an edict today promoting her to the position of Ji Baolin.

When the edict was announced throughout the palace, Zhu Baolin was drinking tea in the Bamboo Painting Pavilion. Upon hearing the news, her expression darkened.

"That conniving wretch actually managed to charm the Emperor into promoting her!" She lost all interest in her tea, slamming the cup down with a clatter. Her mood remained unsettled for a long time. "I only got promoted to Baolin after becoming pregnant, and she, after just a few nights of favor, gets such a promotion? She’s not worthy of it!"

Cui Mei, seeing her mistress in a bad mood, cautiously reminded her, "Mistress, you’re now six months along. Please take care of yourself. It’s not worth ruining your health over this."

She comforted Zhu Baolin, speaking softly, "Let Ji Baolin bask in her glory for a few days. Once you give birth to the royal heir, let’s see how she can still be so smug. She stood in the rain for hours, staking everything on her looks to win favor. The palace is never short of beauties, and favor without an heir is nothing but a passing breeze."

Mentioning the royal heir, Zhu Baolin’s mood gradually calmed. She placed her hand on her belly, staring ahead in a daze, and said softly, "You’re right. My greatest treasure is the child I carry. These past few days, I’ve even felt the baby kick frequently. I wonder if it’s a prince or a princess..."

Cui Mei smiled and said, "Mistress, you are truly blessed and will surely deliver a prince. If the Emperor is pleased, he might even elevate you to Noble Lady."

Zhu Baolin’s smile immediately faded. She glanced at Cui Mei and said coldly, "Noble Lady? If I can give birth to a prince for the Emperor, how could I be content with merely a Noble Lady title?"

Cui Mei was startled. Realizing her mistake, she slapped her own mouth hard, "This servant misspoke, this servant was wrong!"

Seeing her quick reaction, Zhu Baolin reluctantly nodded and glanced at her, "Enough, stop hitting yourself."

"If you can’t learn to gauge the mood while serving me, there are plenty of others willing to take your place."

Cui Mei looked up at Zhu Baolin in surprise, then lowered her head meekly and whispered, "Yes, this servant understands."

She carefully stepped aside, not daring to speak further.

Zhu Baolin was an exceptionally fortunate mistress, having become pregnant after just one night with the Emperor. Coinciding with Noble Consort Mi’s miscarriage, the entire palace regarded her pregnancy as a priceless treasure.

In Cui Mei’s eyes, Zhu Baolin’s looks were only average, not enough to rely on beauty for favor. Even Ji Baolin outshone her mistress in beauty, let alone Consort Zhen and Noble Consort Mi, whose beauty was particularly striking.

Even if the Emperor valued royal heirs highly, it was impossible for him to promote her from Baolin to a higher position. Being bestowed the title of Noble Lady would already be a great honor. What more could she want?

No matter what, this child would not be raised by the mistress herself.

If one grows too greedy, they’ll inevitably face retribution...

But these thoughts Cui Mei only dared to keep to herself, not daring to share them with Zhu Baolin. If she found out, she would surely throw a fit.

Just as Cui Mei was deep in thought, a palace maid on duty suddenly entered, curtsied, and said, "Mistress, Yu He from the Empress’s side and Imperial Physician Lin have arrived."

Zhu Baolin’s eyes flickered, and she immediately put on a gentle demeanor, saying, "Please invite them in."

Moments later, Yu He entered with a courteous smile, curtsied gracefully, and stepped aside to reveal the person behind her, saying, "Mistress, as you are now in your later months of pregnancy, Her Majesty has personally appointed Imperial Physician Lin, a renowned gynecologist, and also invited a highly skilled midwife from outside the palace to examine you and ensure the safety of the royal heir."

She stepped aside, "Please, both of you."

Zhu Baolin smiled warmly, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Yu He’s words sounded pleasant, but she hadn’t even asked for Zhu Baolin’s opinion, clearly just informing her. Yu He represented the Empress’s face outside, and even a maid dared to treat her like this. It was clear that the Empress viewed her as nothing more than a breeding animal!

Though Zhu Baolin was seething inside, she showed no trace of it on her face. She obligingly placed her wrist on the diagnostic cloth and said gently, "Her Majesty the Empress’s concern for me is deeply appreciated."

"Cui Mei, please serve tea to Aunt Yu He and the two gentlemen."

With that, Zhu Baolin discreetly observed the physician waiting behind Imperial Physician Lin, growing more and more puzzled.

Imperial Physician Lin was already a renowned expert in gynecology, so why go through the trouble of bringing in a physician from outside the palace?

The Imperial Medical Bureau had plenty of physicians. If they were really worried, they could have summoned a few more physicians.

Could this physician possibly be more skilled than the imperial physicians?

She lowered her gaze slightly, her brows faintly furrowed.

Something didn’t feel right...

As Imperial Physician Lin carefully took her pulse, a maid entered from outside, carrying a tray. Seeing the crowd in the room, she hesitated for a moment and instinctively glanced at Yu He, who was standing to the side.

Not daring to look around, she quickly averted her eyes and said, "Madam, your prenatal medicine is ready."

Zhu Baolin glanced at her and smiled gently, "Imperial Physician Lin is taking my pulse now, so I’ll hold off on drinking it in case he needs to adjust the prescription."

The maid, about to step forward with the medicine, paused. Yu He spoke up promptly, "Fen Rui, since the Madam has spoken, just place it aside."

She smiled calmly, "Her Majesty has entrusted you with the Madam’s care, so you must be diligent."

Fen Rui placed the tray on the table and curtsied, "This servant will do nothing less than her best."

Though it was framed as care for her pregnancy, it was really just to keep an eye on her, making sure she delivered a prince without any issues.

Zhu Baolin inwardly sneered, watching Fen Rui and Yu He talk, her irritation mounting.

After a moment, a sudden idea hit her.

Summoning Imperial Physician Lin and specifically bringing in a physician from outside the palace must mean this physician had some edge over the imperial physicians.

What could it be!

Was it his pulse-reading skill, or did he have some miraculous prenatal formula?

Zhu Baolin eyed the physician suspiciously—he didn’t seem like a typical doctor running a clinic outside...

Could it be!

Was this physician here to determine the gender of her unborn child!

This thought startled even Zhu Baolin herself, her heart pounding rapidly.

Imperial Physician Lin, who was taking her other wrist's pulse, obviously noticed something amiss and looked up at her.

Zhu Baolin smiled apologetically, "I'm worried about the child's health, so I'm a bit tense."

She skillfully changed the subject, "How is my pulse?"

Imperial Physician Lin smiled and said, "Based on my experience, the Madam's pregnancy is smooth and stable, like beads rolling on a plate. There's just a slight heat in the blood and a deficiency in qi. I will adjust the prenatal prescription slightly for you."

Zhu Baolin immediately appeared relieved and smiled, "That's wonderful, thank you, Imperial Physician Lin."

Yu He smiled and said, "Since Imperial Physician Lin has finished, let the physician take a look at the Madam as well."

Hearing this, Zhu Baolin's heart immediately raced with alarm.

This doctor was surely sent by the Empress to determine the gender of the fetus in her womb.

If it were a girl, the Empress would surely cast her aside, and her child might not even survive.

If it were a boy, the Empress would protect the pregnancy at all costs, but she’d likely be forced to die during childbirth. Once the mother was gone, the Empress could raise her son.

She couldn’t accept either outcome!

In a split second, Zhu Baolin made up her mind. She stood up and said, "I had too much water earlier; I need a moment..."

Before she finished, Zhu Baolin tripped on her skirt, losing her balance and stumbling forward, her belly hitting the edge of the round table.

Pain shot through her, and her face went pale as she cried out, "My belly... someone, help!"

Yu He, startled, quickly called out, "Imperial Physician Lin, check on Zhu Baolin’s baby!"

Cui Mei and Fen Rui helped Zhu Baolin to bed, while Imperial Physician Lin hurriedly checked her pulse. After a moment, he frowned and said, "Madam was frightened earlier and hit the table. This has upset the baby!"

He stood up hastily and said, "I’ll prepare a remedy to calm the baby."

Yu He's face also showed anxiety as she walked over to Zhu Baolin, worriedly saying, "How could the baby be upset so suddenly? How will we explain this to the Empress?"

She turned and asked, "Imperial Physician Lin, is Zhu Baolin's condition serious?"

Imperial Physician Lin, who was in a hurry, turned back and said, "Though the baby is upset, Zhu Baolin’s pregnancy has been stable. There should be no major issues."

Yu He nodded, somewhat relieved, and said, "In that case, Imperial Physician Lin, please go and prepare the prescription."

After speaking, she looked down at Zhu Baolin, who was lying on the bed with a pale face and moaning softly, hesitating, "Have the doctor check her pulse again. I need to report to the Empress."

Zhu Baolin on the bed tightly closed her eyes, her forehead covered in sweat. She gripped the bedding, refusing to let go, her heart filled with hatred for Yu He, this insignificant servant.

"It hurts... it’s unbearable..."

Seeing Zhu Baolin in such a state, clutching the bedding and unwilling to let go, Yu He didn't force the issue. She turned to the physician and gave him a look, saying gently, "Since she’s in pain, I won’t make you check her pulse."

She folded her hands neatly and said firmly, "Fen Rui, take good care of Zhu Baolin. If anything happens, the Empress will blame you."

Fen Rui hurriedly curtsied and said, "I’ll do my best and won’t slack off."

Yu He nodded, realizing that the task assigned by the Empress might not be completed. She had no choice but to say, "She needs rest."

With that, Yu He took a step back and exited the Huizhu Pavilion, with the physician following closely behind.

Only then did Zhu Baolin dare to release her grip.

If the outside doctor came too often, it’d raise suspicions. Even the Empress would not summon him again in a short period.

She never imagined the Empress would act so hastily when she was just seven months pregnant, even going so far as to bring someone from outside the palace to determine the gender of her child.

Zhu Baolin's anxiety and anger intensified, and the pain in her belly grew worse. Sweat drenched her forehead, leaving her disheveled.

No—

She must find a way to protect herself and her child before the baby is born!

Luanming Palace - Zuique Pavilion

Ji Baolin sat in the main seat, watching the person entering from the door, a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

The person was followed by two palace maids and two eunuchs, each holding gifts in their hands, standing in a row before Ji Baolin.

Ji Baolin smiled faintly and said, "Her Majesty is too generous. How could she send so many things? And even trouble Aunt Le He to deliver them personally."

Le He and Yu He were the most capable maids by the Empress's side.

Yu He was in charge of managing affairs, while Le He was the personal attendant, holding a position in the harem that even most concubines had to respect.

The Empress sending Le He personally indicated her current emphasis on Ji Baolin, hoping to win her back and put her to use again.

It was a pity that when Ji Baolin was poisoned and disgraced herself before the Emperor, the Empress had immediately discarded her without a second thought, never showing concern for her again.

Now that Ji Baolin had listened to Consort Zhen’s advice, taken a bold step to regain favor, and was fortunate enough not to fall ill, she was promoted. The Empress now wanted to reap the benefits.

No matter what, Ji Miaoyi would not be used by the Empress like a mindless pawn. It was absurd that she once believed the Empress to be kind-hearted, gentle and pure, always thinking for her...

But it was all just a façade to fool outsiders.

Le He said politely, "Her Majesty is occupied with managing the harem all day. Recently, she has been concerned about Zhu Baolin’s pregnancy, and many matters have been neglected. Now that you have regained favor, Her Majesty is also happy, so she specially sent me to deliver the gifts personally and ask if you like them."

"Please take a look, each item is carefully selected. If there is anything unsatisfactory, do not hesitate to point it out."

Ji Baolin stood up slightly and glanced, exclaiming in surprise, "Indeed, they are all top-notch items. Her Majesty’s thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated, and I like them very much."

Le He smiled with satisfaction, clapped her hands twice, signaling the palace servants to put down the gifts, and then said, "Since that’s the case, my task is complete. You have recently been promoted to the rank of Baolin. According to the rules, Zuique Pavilion should add two more maids. I will go back and report to Her Majesty, and she will surely select two efficient ones to send to you. You can wait at ease."

Ji Baolin smiled politely and said, "It’s hard for Her Majesty to remember."

"Ruo Wei, see Aunt Le He off."

After Ruo Wei escorted Le He out of Zuique Pavilion, Ji Baolin looked at the table full of gifts and couldn’t help but sneer.

Even if she wanted wealth and honor, she should have the backbone to do so.

The Empress had underestimated her, thinking that everyone was a little cat or dog that could be summoned and dismissed at will!

When Ruo Wei returned, Ji Baolin said coldly, "Pick out some good ones from these gifts, and register the rest for storage. After the rain stops, I will personally go to Pixiang Palace to pay a visit to Consort Zhen."

Ruo Wei curtsied and said, "Yes."

She paused after responding and said, "My lady, when I went to see Aunt Le He off, I heard some gossip."

"They said—they said that today it was originally Aunt Yu He who brought Imperial Physician Lin and the doctor to check Zhu Baolin’s pulse. Unexpectedly, Zhu Baolin had a miscarriage scare and is now resting in Huizhu Pavilion."

Ji Baolin’s gaze sharpened, and she immediately turned back and asked, "Is it true?!"

Ruo Wei lowered her head and said, "When I sent them to the gate of Fengyi Palace, I happened to see Aunt Yu He coming. They entered Fengyi Palace before they spoke, but I was not far away and still heard some."

Ji Baolin suddenly smiled, her eyes and brows filled with joy: "She has been brimming with pride since her pregnancy, and now it’s finally my turn to laugh at her. It’s really satisfying!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly thought of something, her eyes deepening, and she said leisurely, "I wonder when her miscarriage scare will stabilize. I remember the Emperor rewarded her with a palanquin for travel, and she often rides it around the palace to show off."

Ji Baolin raised her eyes to look at Ruo Wei, her voice extremely cold, and said in a low voice, "Assign more people to monitor Zhu Baolin. When she can go out—I will make her suffer a little more."