Chapter 131: Endless Means

"My lady, the Empress truly values ​​you very much. Look at this red jade bead, it is truly exquisite."

After returning to the palace, Xiaolan couldn't help but speak out again when she saw what Rouchang was holding in her hand, and the envy in her eyes was not concealed at all.

"If you like it so much, I'll give it to you."

Rou Changzai placed the red jade bead in Xiaolan's palm, and at this moment she became fully wary of her.

Xiaolan was brought into the palace from her mother's home. She originally thought that she could trust her completely, but she didn't expect that the temptations in the palace would not only cause the concubines to fight each other, but now even a little maid could betray her master.

"Really? How could this servant accept such a valuable item? After all, it was a gift from the Empress. If the Empress knew about it, she would definitely punish me."

Although she said this, Xiaolan's hands did not relax at all. She held the beads tightly, as if she had already seen the good day she had imagined.

"It's okay. This is a gift from me. Just don't take it out and let the Queen see it."

Rou Changzai waved her hand casually, unwilling to say anything more. Xiaolan seemed to be eager to put away her beloved item, and did not pay much attention to her master's mood. After getting the consent of Concubine Sun, she left the room.

Watching Xiaolan leaving, Rou Changzai showed a faint smile on her face. Since she likes this thing so much, then let her enjoy it.

This queen probably thought she was a fool like Guaerjia, and thought that she would not notice anything because she had never seen these precious things.

Although she felt a little more resentment towards the Queen, Rou Changzai knew very well that now was not the time to turn against her. If she wanted to get rid of strong rivals like Nian Shilan and Zhen Huan, she would need the Queen's power. What she needed to do now was to lurk quietly and wait for the right time to get rid of all these people.

Rou Chang always remembered what her mother said to her before she entered the palace. Before she could hit the enemy with one strike, she could only endure it with all her might, even if it meant suffering humiliation. One day, she would be able to inflict upon the enemy what she suffered today.

As for the Queen, she did not place all her hopes on Rou Changzai. She also knew from the previous incident with Guaerjia that no matter what she did, she had to make several plans before she was 100% sure.

She secretly ordered people to put some things in An Lingrong's diet, which were all common things that pregnant women needed to replenish qi and blood. So even though An Lingrong's daily diet was checked in advance by someone, no abnormalities were found. The only difference was that in just a few days, An Lingrong's appetite was getting better and better.

"Sister Huan, I'm a little hungry again."

When Zhen Huan and Nian Shilan came to visit her together, they were chatting and An Lingrong said something embarrassedly.

"Ah, didn't you just have some snacks? It's only been a short time, why are you hungry again?"

"Yeah, I don't know what's going on. I just feel like my appetite has gotten bigger these past few days. I feel hungry again not long after eating. It might be because the baby is growing."

An Lingrong didn't know either, but she didn't have any other discomfort, so she didn't take it to heart. She just thought that the baby was getting older and her stomach might need more nutrition.

"Lingrong, have you noticed that your belly has gotten much bigger these days?"

"Yes, I just noticed it too. I haven't seen you for about ten days, but I feel like your belly has suddenly grown a lot. Isn't this a bit too fast?"

Nian Shilan stared at An Lingrong's belly with some confusion. She had noticed it when she just entered the room, but she just thought that this might be because the fetus would be like this when it was time to give birth, so she didn't say anything else.

"Yeah, I haven't really noticed it myself."

An Lingrong looked at her bulging belly.

"Baojuan, go and get Doctor Wen over here."

Although there were imperial physicians coming every day, Zhen Huan was still a little worried. An Lingrong's case was not entirely under the responsibility of Wen Shichu. There were other imperial physicians coming on weekdays. To be on the safe side, she decided to let Imperial Physician Wen take another look.

After Wen Shichu arrived, he first carefully looked at An Lingrong's complexion, took her pulse, and then carefully asked about her diet during this period.

It happened that it was soon time for lunch, so An Lingrong ordered the kitchen to set out the lunch for Wen Shichu to examine carefully.

"My lady is about to give birth. Some of these dishes are appetizing, but it's best not to eat too much. If you don't control your diet for a long time, the fetus will grow too fast in a short period of time. The mother will feel very painful during childbirth, and there is even the possibility of a dystocia. I see that my lady's complexion is very rosy, so I think the fetus in your body is well nourished. You must not eat too much in the next few days."

An Lingrong listened to Wen Shichu's words in disbelief. She thought she had just eaten a few more bites of snacks, but she didn't expect such consequences.

"Doctor Wen, Lingrong is about to give birth. I'd like you to take care of her body."

Regardless of whether this was a coincidence or an accident, Zhen Huan was still hesitant to leave An Lingrong to the care of other imperial doctors. After all, her current health could not afford any mistakes.

"I will definitely live up to your Majesty's trust."

Zhen Huan patted An Lingrong's arm soothingly and asked Baojuan to send Wen Shichu out safely.

"Lingrong, you must be extra careful in the days ahead. If you encounter anything, you can come to us."

An Lingrong's place is not as well guarded as the places where Zhen Huan and Nian Shilan live. All the people in the palace have been replaced by her own confidants. If the Queen and others want to do something, An Lingrong's place is the easiest place to break through.

"Lingrong, if you trust me, I will send a few people over to you. They will protect you until you give birth, and then you can send them back after you give birth."

Although Nian Shilan was not as close to An Lingrong as Zhen Huan, she was still somewhat sincere to her, so after what happened today she was willing to help her.

"With your help, I am naturally grateful."

An Lingrong did not refuse Nian Shilan's kindness.

She knew very well that although this incident seemed to be an accident, it was definitely man-made. Even for the sake of the unborn child in her belly, she could not take any risks now.

Afterwards, Zhen Huan chatted with An Lingrong for a while before leaving with Nian Shilan.

"It seems that Lingrong's previous speculation is quite reasonable."

On the way back, Zhen Huan thought about what had just happened, and combined with everything that had happened before, she was even more certain of An Lingrong's guess.

"Yes, ever since I met Lingrong, she has never been one to care about food and drink. Today's incident is obviously not a coincidence. It seems that some people are getting impatient."

A hint of deep meaning flashed in Nian Shilan's eyes. The more anxious she was, the more likely she would make mistakes, and then it would be their chance.