'Host, something seems to be brewing.'

The system has also started using more elegant language, which shows that it has indeed learned a lot in this world.

'When the Empress gives birth to a legitimate son, some will be willing, while others will not.'

Xiu Ning looked calmly at the courtyard adorned with red lanterns and red silk cloths, and smiled slightly.

Just like last year, some of the festive decorations were very celebratory, but the air was filled with a cold and somber atmosphere.

"The existence of a legitimate son involves many things, but the most important point is that his very existence naturally blocks the path of many others."

The reason why Emperor Kangxi and others valued the eldest son was partly due to the political reasons of the previous dynasty, and partly due to the instability of the Qing Dynasty's borders.

Compared to other sons born out of wedlock, the benefits of a legitimate son are clearly greater. Therefore, the empress was eager to give birth to a legitimate son to consolidate her position. The emperor paid great attention to the Kunning Palace on a daily basis. All these actions deepened everyone's fear and wariness of the legitimate son.

As far as Xiu Ning knew, Consort Shu next door had already arranged for people to be included in the Empress's list of expectant mothers. In other words, if she was not careful during the Empress's delivery, she might face unexpected consequences.

A warm feeling spread through my body; it was the spring rain that had brought me a cloak to keep out the wind.

"Your Majesty, let me help you inside."

Turning around, Xiu Ning handed her hand to Chun Yu and asked Kang Gonggong, who was colluding with Yongshou Palace, "There's been no movement at all?"

Chunyu shook her head. "They're very well-behaved. Apart from their occasional contact with Yongshou Palace, there's no other indication of anything."

Xiu Ning sighed upon hearing this, "What a pity." She thought that because she was pregnant, Consort Shu would be restless and try to use Eunuch Kang and others to get rid of her. It would be a good opportunity for her to kick Eunuch Kang and his ilk out of Qixiang Palace. "I can only wait for the next opportunity. I should pay more attention to Yongshou Palace. Consort Shu has been acting crazy lately. Let's see who is more capable, her or the Empress."

Xiu Ning of Qixiang Palace chose to observe the situation from the sidelines, while Cining Palace, which had also noticed the commotion, chose to remain inactive.

Sumalagu wanted to remind her mistress that the situation in the court required a legitimate son to maintain stability. If Consort Shu were to truly scheme against the Empress, then…

"I'm not afraid. I'm not saying anything because I want to see what the Empress can do."

Moreover, Consort Shu's methods were too crude. The midwives and wet nurses selected by the Imperial Household Department had already been thoroughly investigated by Hesheli, so how could they not have discovered Consort Shu's scheme?

The Empress hasn't revealed it yet, probably because she wants to surprise Consort Shu during childbirth.

With Ao Bai and Ebilun falling from power one after another, Hesheli, who had been suppressed for several years, was finally able to vent her anger. How could the Empress not take this opportunity to completely suppress Consort Shu?

Slowly fiddled with the Buddhist prayer beads in her hands, the Empress Dowager was somewhat disappointed in Consort Shu, who did not seem to be a legitimate noblewoman. "When it is time to chant the sutras, help me to the small Buddhist hall."

As she spoke, Sumalagu stepped forward and steadied the Empress Dowager's arm.

The master and servant left the main hall and then entered a small Buddhist shrine in the side hall.

The once quiet Buddhist hall was filled with the sound of chanting. Su Ma La Gu stood upright at the door, her expression unchanged.

Kunning Palace

The Empress, supporting her soon-to-be-born baby bump, walked around the main hall for exercise, aided by her maids.

There was no other way; in order to ensure a smooth delivery, the Empress had to endure more hardship during her pregnancy. In particular, the midwife had already stated that the little prince in her belly was growing too fast, and if things went wrong, she could easily have a difficult delivery.

Beads of sweat rolled down his face, and Tan Yun felt a pang of heartache for her master.

"Your Majesty, you have been walking for a quarter of an hour. According to the midwife, you can rest now."

Tan Yun took out a handkerchief to wipe his master's sweat, and was about to take his master to the inner room to lie down, but was stopped before he could do so.

"Help me and keep walking."

Hesheli Fangyi's lips were pale, but she remained firm, saying, "The midwife said at least a quarter of an hour, but for the sake of the little prince, more time would be better."

“But, your health…” Tan Yun hesitated, afraid that this would be counterproductive.

Pregnant women can exercise, but moderation is key in many things.

Especially since their master is already at her due date, no one knows when she might suddenly go into labor.

In this situation, they should have rested quietly, but their master was too insistent, and they couldn't persuade him at all.

Hesheli Fangyi took a breath and said, "I'm fine. Help me walk."

Becoming a mother for the first time, and finally gaining confidence after years of hardship, Hesheli Fangyi poured all her heart and soul into the child in her womb.

Whether it's taking medicine to prevent miscarriage or drinking nourishing soup, as long as it's good for her stomach, she can patiently drink it all. Anyone who sees this spirit has to admit that they admire her.

Tan Yun felt helpless, but she didn't slow down her movements. She secretly slowed down her walking pace and increased the strength of her support to make Hesheli Fangyi as comfortable as possible.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, Hesheli Fangyi finally waved and stopped.

Tan Yun breathed a sigh of relief and, after helping the man to bed, brought him some warm water to quench his thirst.

After taking small sips, Hesheli Fangyi fanned herself with her hands and said, "Go and call the midwife over. I feel a bit bloated and painful in my stomach."

Startled, Tan Yun quickly called the person over.

Fortunately, Hesheli Fangyi did not give birth; such bloating and pain are normal prenatal reactions.

"Your Majesty's baby is in the right position. At today's rate, it should be ready in about two more days."

The midwife gave an approximate time for delivery, which allowed Hesheli Fangyi to make arrangements.

The palace servants in Kunning Palace began to busy themselves, preparing all the necessary items in advance. The atmosphere in the entire palace was like preparing for an extremely serious war, one that they had to win.

Two days later, in the early morning, Hesheli Fangyi was awakened from her sleep by a pain coming from her lower body.

She gritted her teeth and called Tan Yun to have someone summon the midwife and the imperial physician, "Quickly, I'm about to give birth."

Tan Yun nodded repeatedly, then turned and knocked on the door of the midwife and others' room. She didn't forget to call over the waiting palace maid, "Quickly go and inform the Emperor and the Empress Dowager that the Empress is about to give birth."

Kunning Palace is bustling with activity, the comings and goings of palace servants indicating that today is no ordinary day.

Qixiang Palace Side Hall

Xiuning only heard the news of the Empress's delivery from Chunyu after she got up.

Why didn't you wake me up beforehand?

Because of her pregnancy, Xiuning was sleeping much longer than before. The price of waking up naturally every time was that she missed breakfast and had to go out and get it herself.

Therefore, Xiuning even asked Chunyu to allocate more money to Xuanting so that she wouldn't have to skimp on her meals.

"His Majesty specifically sent someone to say that since you are pregnant, you do not need to rush over immediately."

Chunyu spoke with delight about Kangxi's favoritism towards Xiuning, even citing the example of Consort Nara of Chuxiu Palace, saying, "Consort Nara had to go to Kunning Palace even though she was pregnant, but she didn't receive the same treatment as Your Majesty."

Sure enough, it was their own master who was favored by the Emperor.