The people from Jing An Pavilion who were sent to the Ministry of Punishment soon became known throughout the palace. Everyone knew that these two people were originally the managers of Re Fang Palace, whom Zhu Lu had investigated. The women in the palace felt very surprised. Why would Ji Pingnannv, who hated Zhu Lu so much, agree to use him again?
Regardless of what others speculated, Jing An Pavilion remained silent.
The new maids and eunuchs who moved into the same quarters as Xiao Xiaozi and Xiao Liuzi suddenly worked harder and kept themselves clean. They realized that the strict rules Ji Pingnannv imposed were real.
Just one day later, there were reports that Xiao Xiaozi and Xiao Liuzi committed suicide out of fear of punishment. The Ministry of Punishment did not continue their investigation. Then, the Emperor and Empress rewarded Ji Pingnannv generously, claiming that her pregnancy was due to bearing the heir. In reality, Ji Mingxuan lightly smiled. It was merely a way to calm everyone down and reward her good behavior.
In the palace, there always needed to be someone who knew when to keep quiet.
This matter seemed to be settled, settled so cleanly and swiftly that it resembled the stone that fell from above. Moreover, both incidents shared a striking similarity, with the culprit being an inconspicuous little eunuch.
As Feng Mumu said, she only needed to bear a child for the three concubines to lie awake at night.
After thinking through everything, Ji Mingxuan strengthened her defenses around her and rested peacefully while pregnant.
She initially planned to return Zhu Lu to Re Fang Palace but ultimately waited for the Queen's approval since Zhu Lu had come with the previous Empress. However, although the Queen was no longer in immediate danger, she couldn't handle matters, so Ji Mingxuan still had to wait.
While the Queen recuperated and Ji Mingxuan carried the fetus, Yu Xiu Huo protected the pregnancy, making the Imperial Medical College extremely busy.
De Fei and Constant Consorts were hoping to gain power over the palace. Who knew that the Emperor's edict shattered their dreams?
The Empresses of Zhaofeng Palace handled affairs under the guidance of the Grand Princess, and the Empress came out to assist.
Ji Mingxuan curled her lips. She could imagine the faces of De Fei and Constant Consorts.
While palace authority was important, such obvious attempts at seizing power appeared too hasty.
Since Ji Mingxuan took charge after the Grand Princess, she hadn't faced any repercussions.
After all, the Grand Princess was young and junior, holding the imperial seal but interfering in the affairs of the empresses and mothers-in-law went against etiquette. This led to various minor incidents. But everyone knew that if these things escalated, the Empress would not spare anyone.
De Fei and Constant Consorts felt indignant and tried to test the Grand Princess with small matters, which the Emperor and Empress found acceptable.
That day, after drinking porridge, Ji Mingxuan felt very comfortable.
"Grand Princess, the Grand Princess has arrived!" Xiao Shuzi reported from outside.
Ji Mingxuan found it strange that the Grand Princess would visit her place.
"Quickly invite Grand Princess in." After saying this, she got up.
When the Grand Princess saw Ji Mingxuan waiting at the door, she smiled and said, "I disturbed Your Highness's rest!"
Ji Mingxuan shook her head and said, "Grand Princess visiting is highly honorable."
She sat facing the Grand Princess, and Purple Chu and Green Chu brought tea.
"Princess,"
The Grand Princess said, "I just came out of Rongshou Palace and stopped by here to pay a visit."
Ji Mingxuan smiled, looking at the small belly that had yet to become prominent. She said, "How have You Highness and the concubines been? Anything needed can be reported to the Grand Princess. If any of the servants are slacking off, the Grand Princess will make sure to show You Highness some grace."
Ji Mingxuan said, "Everything is fine with me. Thank you for taking care of Jing An Pavilion recently."
The Grand Princess smiled, "That's what I'm here for. The Empress often reminds me to take care of You Highness."
Ji Mingxuan expressed gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for worrying about me."
Seeing Ji Mingxuan's sincere expression, the Grand Princess nodded approvingly.
Initially, this Ji Pingnannv had respected her, and now seeing her express gratitude without appearing insincere made the Grand Princess pleased. Over these days handling palace affairs, she had grown a lot. The concubines were each calculating, and the Empress' back was weak. This made her life difficult in the palace. If it weren't for the Empress' hard work, where would the palace have its territory? This Ji Pingnannv, being respectful even during her most prosperous times, was rare indeed.
The Grand Princess looked around at the furnishings inside. Although grand, they weren't extravagant. There was nothing excessive compared to what one would expect from an empress with a child.
Ji Mingxuan didn't actively engage in conversation, and the Grand Princess found it boring. She continued to talk about caring for Ji Mingxuan and then left. Seeing the Grand Princess leave, Ji Mingxuan said, "Call Zhu Lu over."
A eunuch quietly retreated to find him.
In the garden, the Grand Princess couldn't help but ask, "Mumu, why must the Grand Princess agree to that Ji Pingnannv? Isn't this giving an advantage to Constant Consort?"
This Mumu was named Liu. She was a senior attendant who had accompanied the Queen to the capital and was one of the Queen's closest confidants. Soon after the Princess was born, the Emperor ascended the throne, and the newly crowned Empress began managing the palace. Concerned about the Princess, the Empress assigned her to Liu.
Liu Mumu said, "Highness, today, the Empress wouldn't refuse. There are two reasons for this."
The Grand Princess asked seriously, "Please explain to the Grand Princess."
"The first reason is that Ji Pingnannv is seeking the Grand Princess's permission in a reasonable situation. With the pregnancy, she might as well send Zhu Lu back to Re Fang Palace anyway, and nobody would say anything. By asking the Grand Princess, she avoids offending the Empress."
The Grand Princess understood. The Empress was known for her kindness, so this matter had to be allowed. Rather than waiting for Ji Pingnannv to automatically send someone or for the Emperor and Empress to issue an order, it was better for the Grand Princess to agree. After all, she respected the Empress, and as the Empress's mother, she naturally had to give some tolerance and mercy. Otherwise, it would hurt the other concubines and be detrimental to the Empress's management of the palace.
Seeing this, Liu Mumu nodded.
"The second reason is that Zhu Lu is now doing his utmost to help Ji Pingnannv. Constant Consort is arrogant and easily suspicious, especially after childbirth. Zhu Lu may not be the same as before."
The Grand Princess's eyes lit up.
Liu Mumu continued, "One day, if Zhu Lu truly becomes envious of Constant Consort, the Empress can push the opportunity to strike back at Constant Consort's haughty demeanor."
The Grand Princess laughed, "Fortunately, Mumu reminded the Grand Princess."
Liu Mumu said, "This is my duty."
The Grand Princess asked, "Then this Ji Pingnannv has helped the Grand Princess and the Empress."
Liu Mumu narrowed her eyes, fearing it might have been designed by Ji Pingnannv. Recalling Ji Pingnannv from before, Liu Mumu couldn't help but shake her head. Could she really have such cunning?
She had to admit that Ji Pingnannv's previous role had deeply ingrained itself in everyone's minds.
Liu Mumu whispered, "Highness, we need to observe this Ji Pingnannv closely before drawing conclusions!"
---
The main one is very smart! "Cloud Gui Ping nodded her head as a mother would naturally feel no ill will towards others praising her child's intelligence.
Ji Mingxuan swept her gaze at the eunuchs carrying the sedan chair and said, "Move to the side."
Seeing this, Cloud Gui Ping kindly said to Ji Mingxuan, "Sister please go first."
Ji Mingxuan nodded.
She watched Cloud Gui Ping walk away before allowing the sedan chair to continue its journey.
Far away, Yu Xiu Hua was holding hands with her personal attendant Chun Lu as she observed the scene.
After Ji Mingxuan's sedan chair left, an indescribable light flashed in Yu Xiu Hua's eyes.
Chun Lu said, "Your Highness, it's windy here."
Yu Xiu Hua nodded and asked, "Chun Lu, do you think I have any chance of sitting on that sedan chair?"
Chun Lu flattered, "The Emperor holds Your Highness in such high regard; you definitely can."
Yu Xiu Hua sighed, "Since that's the case, why did the Emperor give my child to Consort Chang? He didn't even leave me a name for him?"
Chun Lu fell silent.
Yu Xiu Hua involuntarily squeezed Chun Lu's hand. If she were a concubine, her child wouldn't become someone else's, but instead, he would stay beside her.
Running her hand over her abdomen, she had already given up once, so she couldn't bear to let go again.
Consort Chang, we'll see what happens!
An indomitable look flashed across Yu Xiu Hua's eyes.
In the Zhao Feng Palace.
The imperial throne in the upper center wasn't occupied yet, but the palace hall was filled with most of the concubines of the Zhao Feng Palace.
After the other concubines arrived, they subconsciously closed their mouths, not wanting to speak again and draw attention.
Deqi and Changfei sat in the first positions below the empress dowager.
Cloud Gui Ping sat below Deqi, while Ji Mingxuan sat below Changfei.
The remaining concubines took their seats according to their ranks. As for the eldest prince and Princess Er who were brought by their wet nurses and attendants to the inner palace to pay respects to the primary mother, they went inside.
"Emperor is here!"
Everyone stood up.
"Lady, your servant respectfully pays respects to the Empress Dowager and wishes Her Majesty good health."
The empress dowager got onto the imperial throne with the help of a lady-in-waiting, then said, "Everyone, please sit down."
Everyone thanked her and slowly raised their heads.
They saw the empress dowager wearing bright yellow formal attire, with the phoenix on her dress spreading its wings, looking particularly solemn. Coupled with her dignified appearance, she exuded an aura of grandeur and magnificence, making people dare not meet her gaze.
She looked at Zhou Hai beside her, and Zhou Hai whispered, "Please take a seat!"
Everyone thanked her and then retook their seats.
"The Empress Dowager has been ill for many days, and everyone has worried about us immensely. This isn't right, the Empress Dowager is better now, so everyone quickly came to ask how the Empress Dowager is!" Deqi smiled and said.
The empress dowager said, "I heard about it during my illness. Thank you to all the sisters."
Everyone bowed, and then slowly looked up.
But seeing the empress dowager dressed in splendid attire with a majestic phoenix spread out on her dress, she appeared exceptionally graceful and dignified, leaving no room to stare.
Her complexion was excellent, which made everyone conclude.
However, it disappointed those with ulterior motives.
The empress dowager looked at Zhou Hai, who seemed about to faint, and hated these two people.
Because of the incident on that day, the emperor felt guilty towards Yu Xiu Hua, and today, she came to offer condolences at the Zhao Feng Palace, which would inevitably lower her reputation and diminish her image in the emperor's heart.
Ji Mingxuan swept her gaze at Yu Xiu Hua, and the empress dowager softly said, "Consort Chang seems too harsh on Yu Xiu Hua."
Then, she handed back the two strings of prayer beads from her wrist to Qi Yue.
"While recuperating from my illness, I often read Buddhist scriptures, hoping that Ji and Yu Xiu Hua could ensure the peace and prosperity of the royal family. These two strings of prayer beads are the ones I've used since praying. Now, I am giving them to you."
Everyone was startled. The empress dowager personally prayed for Ji and Yu Xiu Hua while recovering from her illness, which was a great honor, and the empress dowager was incredibly virtuous and kind.
Ji Mingxuan and still trembling Yu Xiu Hua hurriedly stood up. Qi Yue had already passed one string of prayer beads to Ji Mingxuan and another to Yu Xiu Hua.
To everyone's surprise, when Yu Xiu Hua received the prayer beads, her body stopped shaking. Moreover, her previously pale and weak appearance seemed much more vibrant and spirited.
Ji Mingxuan smiled inwardly, and Cloud Gui Ping laughed loudly: "Still, the Empress Dowager has great fortune. Look at how much better Ji Pinnan and Yu Xiu Hua look. Clearly, these two strings of prayer beads are valuable."
Ji Mingxuan and Yu Xiu Hua hurriedly bowed, saying, "Lady thanks the Empress Dowager for her care."
The empress dowager looked even more gentle. She swept her gaze at Deqi and Changfei and immediately guessed that these two women would bring up the matter of Yu Xiu Hua.
"Get up quickly, both of you. Take care of yourselves. If anything needs to be done, just tell the Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager will make sure it gets resolved," the empress dowager said.
Ji Mingxuan and Yu Xiu Hua thanked her again.
The empress dowager sent a nursemaid to help them sit down and watched around. Then, she continued, "Ten days until the Imperial Birthday Festival. In the next ten days, the Empress Dowager will be preparing the grand ceremony. So, for the next ten days, there will be no need for any of you to pay respects."
Everyone wore smiles. It was still the emperor's thirtieth birthday, and if they performed well on this day, they might receive his favor. Even Deqi and Changfei forgot their earlier disagreement, recalling some ideas.
Who knew that the imperial birthday banquet this time would give people an opportunity to win his favor?
Seeing everyone eager to seize this chance, the empress dowager smiled calmly.
"I obey Your Majesty's command." All the concubines said together.
Ning Mingxuan felt embarrassed and said in annoyance, "The emperor knows, don't poke fun at the concubine."
Zhao Suncheng cleared his throat. This place was more relaxed for him now. He didn't know yet if it was because this place was relaxed or because his heart was relaxed.
Since he heard that sentence 'If anyone makes the emperor unhappy, Sister will make them uncomfortable too!', Zhao Suncheng would feel less tense when facing Ning Mingxuan.
Zhao Suncheng said, "You are also the main concubine. After reporting to the empress, you still have the chance to summon noblewomen into the palace."
Of course, Ning Mingxuan knew it, but her grandmother, mother, and aunt didn't have ranks, so summoning them would be difficult. The husband's status might exist, but an imperial decree wasn't easily obtained.
Zhao Suncheng continued, "Tomorrow, return to the empress and let your family members see you."
Ning Mingxuan was startled and said, "Emperor, is this not against regulations..."
Zhao Suncheng was very satisfied with Ning Mingxuan's attitude. He said, "Females who are pregnant have precedents, so you can rest assured."
Hearing this, Ning Mingxuan finally felt relieved.
"Noblewoman, thank the emperor's mercy!" Ning Mingxuan stood up and bowed.
Zhao Suncheng gently supported her, then she stood up.
The two of them sat together, creating a rare silence in the room.
Ning Mingxuan secretly glanced at Zhao Suncheng a few times. With martial arts skills, Zhao Suncheng could sense it naturally.
Zhao Suncheng got up and went to the inner chamber.
Ning Mingxuan hurriedly followed behind, her steps small. Due to her pregnancy, she moved slightly slower. When she reached the inner chamber, she found Zhao Suncheng lying on the couch in front of the bed.
His expression seemed very exhausted.
"Call me awake after an hour!"
Ning Mingxuan nodded eagerly, wondering why he had come here to sleep during her time.
Oujiang Xun's eyes were already closed.
Ning Mingxuan sat on another chair beside the bed and took out needles and thread.
Occasionally glancing at Zhao Suncheng's sleeping face, she wore a smile.
This smile appeared soft and happy to others, but upon close inspection, it hadn't reached his eyes.
Zhao Suncheng was handsome, with outstanding intelligence and martial arts skills. His high status made many people like and love him. Privately, he would encounter various beautiful women who threw themselves at him, confiding their feelings in him. However, the bone of an emperor was mostly indifferent; they decided how to treat women based on their preferences or interests.
As for Zhao Suncheng's kindness towards her, Ning Mingxuan never believed he liked her.
He favored her partly due to Empress Dowager and partly because his initial interest in her hadn't faded and there was a child in her womb. The freshness of being an emperor was a unique word. Because this freshness could lift someone to great heights. But this freshness couldn't last long.
When the freshness disappeared, to continue receiving favor from the emperor, there were three ways:
1. Making the emperor fall in love,
2. Making the emperor think she was useful,
3. Never touching the bottom line while loving him.
Among these three types of people, the easiest way was the third. This third type had thick and thin qualities. Before her roots were solid, Ning Mingxuan could only choose this, even though this kind of favor was the thinnest.