" Ji Mingxuan immediately shut her mouth and nodded, then said softly, "Miss Ji obeys." Zhao Sanyue saw that the cheerful person was suddenly gloomy. He laughed and said, "Wait until you become a real genius, and I'll give you a title." Ji Mingxuan's eyes lit up as she asked, "What do you think makes a genius, Your Majesty?" Zhao Sanyue said, "Any talent you choose—winning against me proves it!" Ji Mingxuan first pulled down her face, and Zhao Sanyue found her reaction interesting. Suddenly, Ji Mingxuan's eyes lit up. She said, "Doesn't everything count?" Zhao Sanyue nodded. Ji Mingxuan said proudly, "Your Majesty, Miss Ji wants to dance with you." Even after facing countless storms, Zhao Sanyue couldn't help but change his expression when she mentioned dancing. He darkened his face once again, seeing Ji Mingxuan smugly, he couldn't muster any anger. "You're heavy, this competition can wait until after you give birth." Dragging word? Ji Mingxuan's eyes and eyebrows curled with a smile. Zhao Sanyue's dignity was hurt, and he turned around. Seeing him getting up, Ji Mingxuan suddenly hugged his waist. "Your Majesty is going?" Her voice was melancholic but not resentful. Zhao Sanyue's body stiffened for a moment. He lived for nearly three decades, and this was the first time a woman directly hugged him. After a long time, Ji Mingxuan's hands slowly relaxed and she finally released him. Lowering her head, she said, "Pardon me, Your Majesty." Zhao Sanyue turned around. He couldn't see Ji Mingxuan's expression, but her tightly clenched hands revealed everything. Zhao Sanyue sighed and his voice softened, "Tomorrow, I'll issue an edict to promote you to Concubine. Prepare yourself." Ji Mingxuan was surprised internally, but her face showed no surprise externally. Zhao Sanyue watched her intently, trying to find any flaws. Ji Mingxuan smoothly lifted her head and calmly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhao Sanyue said, "This is what you deserve." Seeing that she didn't react, he continued, "Since you've been promoted to Concubine, you have the qualifications to take charge of a Pavilion. I'll grant you a favor and let you pick one." Pick? What qualification did she have? Moreover, it was known that Concubines had the qualifications to foster princes and princesses. Moving out of the Qing'an Palace pavilion meant living independently and raising her child. Although this was a great temptation, Ji Mingxuan was very clear that this contained risks that made it impossible for her to escape. "Move to another pavilion?" Zhao Sanyue smiled and said, "Yes, take control of a Pavilion!" Ji Mingxuan asked, "Does Your Majesty dislike Miss Ji?" Zhao Sanyue said, "Why do you think that? Will moving to another pavilion benefit or harm Miss Ji?" Ji Mingxuan's voice was choked up as she said, "From a young age, Miss Ji wasn't outstanding. From entering the palace, Miss Ji knew that Your Majesty looked at Miss Ji more because of Mother Empress. So, Miss Ji worked hard to serve Mother Empress. This move to another pavilion, does Your Majesty not want Miss Ji to serve Mother Empress anymore? Is… Does Your Majesty not want to see Miss Ji?" Zhao Sanyue looked at the tearful woman. He expected multiple scenarios, but he didn't anticipate that she would open up completely. "You're overthinking it. Forget it. Since you don't want to move, follow your heart!" Ji Mingxuan turned her head and secretly wiped away the tears in her eyes. Zhao Sanyue's final doubts vanished. "Rest properly." He felt like he wanted to run away. Opening up like this was too passionate, and he didn't want to meet her hopeful gaze that made him feel uncomfortable.
Ji Mingxuan recovered her usual performance and said, "Your Majesty, take care of Your Majesty's health. Miss Ji is fine." Zhao Sanyue nodded absentmindedly. Seeing him step out of the room, Chucao walked in. Seeing Ji Mingxuan still staring in the direction where he left, she said, "Your Highness, take care of your health." Ji Mingxuan had to lie back on the bed again. If he cursed or spoke calmly, she would be confused. At this moment, he avoided contact, and she had the urge to laugh. Could the emperor who never believed in love ever be affected by a woman who openly expressed her feelings for him? Actually, even if he didn't like it, he wouldn't hate her, and he would remember her deeply. Ji Mingxuan's lips curled slightly. Entering the palace was the most terrifying thing for her. She should thank ancient women for their restraint, and she should be grateful that the emperor didn't encounter a sexually aggressive woman. Ever since she confessed her feelings for the emperor to Zhou Xiuhua, she felt that she was always being tested and monitored. Today, saving his offspring with her life, combined with him personally listening to and passing on the information from the secret guards, followed by her open expression of feelings, this 'true heart' was confirmed in his mind. In ancient palaces, giving and receiving were never equal. As the weaker party, Ji Mingxuan gave more. Love for the emperor was unrealistic for him, and Ji Mingxuan never dreamed of receiving his love. Her goal was merely to occupy a position of trust. To win his trust, the simplest way was to make him believe she could pay any price for him. Ji Mingxuan was walking this dangerous and distant path! *** Being elevated to Concubine, a fourth-grade rank, although not as dazzling as the title of First Princess, was no longer just a decree issued to the palace. It was a formal ceremony in the palace, even entering the imperial register. Later, when history recalled her, she might mention a few words. Starting from Concubine, every position had its designated status. Concubine and Consort were only one grade apart, but the gap between them was heaven and earth. Most people spent their entire lives unable to reach this position. The imperial decree elevating Ji Xiuhua to Concubine caused a huge stir in the palace. Although she expected Ji Mingxuan to receive a large reward, she didn't expect it to be a promotion to Concubine. A Pavilion position, being recorded in the imperial register, and having the qualifications to raise princes and princesses—all this made the people in the palace jealous. Ji Mingxuan had been in the palace for four months and climbed so high. Ming Yi Pavilion East Courtyard, because the Empress dealt with the fake mountain incident overnight, they skipped the morning audience. Ming Yifeng was preparing to visit Ji Mingxuan when she heard the news and her hand trembled. Concubine! Concubine Lady! She had a premonition that she might not catch up to her. Clenching the handkerchief tightly, rationality told her to be happy and joyful. The Ji family had a Lady now, and she would have future royal heirs. This honor was beneficial to the Ji family in many ways. Emotionally, she couldn't accept why her younger sister could surpass her. Why couldn't she be farther ahead than her? Ming Yi Pavilion East Courtyard's palace maids suppressed the expressions on their faces. They should report to Constant Princess Lady adding fuel to the fire. That day, Ming Yifeng didn't go to Qing'an Palace. Qing'an Palace was bustling with happiness. The Lady was pregnant and had royal heirs, making her prospects bright. These people were rejoicing at following the right mistress. In the Honorable Residence, Zhao Sanyue and Dowager Empress were talking. "Mingxuan is now Concubine, she deserves a proper residence." Zhao Sanyue said, "She declined, saying she misses Mother Empress." Dowager Empress flashed a satisfied look. Her voice was warm, and she said, "This girl has a good nature." Zhao Sanyue smiled faintly. If Mingxuan hadn't treated him with sincerity and endured deep palace intrigues for decades, Mother Empress wouldn't have loved her so much. If she continued like this, he promised that she would live a lifetime of prosperity. "Dowager Empress, Mingxuan's child needs protection." Zhao Sanyue said, "Mother Empress decides." Dowager Empress sighed, "The Two Palaces are close. Mingxuan should take the baby home during her confinement and return when she recovers." Zhao Sanyue was somewhat alarmed by Mother Empress's change in attitude. Dowager Empress had her own plans. By retreating a step, Mingxuan naturally remembered. Paying back kindness, transparent Mingxuan wouldn't disappoint her. Others might not know, but Dowager Empress was very clear. There were so few princes and princesses because the emperor allowed them to grow up freely. The emperor had experienced numerous dangers from childhood. He always believed that anyone who couldn't protect his bloodline didn't deserve to produce his offspring. Without the ability to have children, how could one protect the prince and princess growing up? To avoid hurting people's hearts further, it was better not to have them at all. "Yuliangyuan suffered such a great scare, the emperor should comfort her," Dowager Empress mused. Zhao Sanyue said, "According to Dowager Empress…" Dowager Empress said, "Promote her to Fifth-Rank Honorable Beauty." Zhao Sanyue couldn't understand Dowager Empress's intention. He didn't answer immediately but said, "Dowager Empress, starting today, I will also ensure Wang Wanru's child." Dowager Empress was surprised but mostly content. The emperor finally changed his policy of allowing them to grow up freely? Zhao Sanyue said, "I will promote her to Sixth-Rank Cultivator.
The Empress Dowager considered for a moment and said, "Princess Yun visited Lady Liu yesterday to seek medical treatment from the Imperial Physician, and I have made arrangements regarding Miss Mingxuan's matter. Let the Emperor reward them together!"
Ou Zongliang was certain that once the Empress Dowager changed her mind, she would wholeheartedly consider his interests.
"Who will take care of Prince Liu?"
Ou Zongliang replied, " Consort Chang, I also intend to let her handle all matters related to Princess Liu."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager immediately understood that there was something happening in the court and decided not to interfere.
"I understand, Your Majesty can rest assured."
Ou Zongliang smiled and said, "I know how much Mother Empress loves me."
The Empress Dowager gave Ou Zongliang a fruit with a smile.
In the morning, the imperial edict was issued, elevating Ji Mingxuan to the position of Fourth Rank Concubine. By afternoon, the imperial edicts were issued for Yu Liangyuan being promoted to Yu Xiuhua, and Yun Chun being promoted to Yun Guipin.
At Qing'an Palace, Xiao Dingzi informed Ji Mingxuan about these news, but she merely smiled faintly without expressing any opinion.
"Where is Second Sister?"
Zhi Cao was taken aback and shook her head.
Ji Mingxuan looked lost somewhere as time passed so quickly.
Just then, a voice from outside interrupted her thoughts.
"Miss Linggui, please enter."
Ji Mingxuan exclaimed with joy, "Please come in quickly."
Zhi Cao hurriedly opened the door and saw Ji Mingfu walking in from far away.
Before she could bow, Ji Mingxuan helped her up and gestured for Zhi Cao to bring everyone out.
"Second Sister has finally arrived..."
Ji Mingfu smiled and said, "Such a beautiful day, how could I miss you? I was afraid you might be unwell and not see me."
Ji Mingxuan said, "Second Sister coming makes me happy."
Ji Mingfu sighed and said, "Idiot girl."
Ji Mingxuan said, "I'm so scared... Sister, that rock was so big... 'Bang!' and it fell down. At first, I thought I would never see Second Sister again..."
Ji Mingfu hugged Ji Mingxuan, only seeing her glory but not realizing the danger she had experienced or the lingering resentment in her heart, which slowly disappeared.