Chapter 19 Concubine Shu is pregnant

Someone asked, "Which mansion are these two girls from?"

Concubine Xie glanced at everyone in the hall before she said slowly, "One of the girls is from the Ding'an Earl's Mansion and is the Empress Dowager's niece. According to seniority, she should call our Emperor cousin."

"The other girl is from an even more distinguished family. She is the eldest daughter of the Duke of Li's mansion. The late emperor's first wife, Empress Li, our emperor's adoptive mother, also came from this mansion."

A hissing sound of gasps was heard in the hall.

The concubines knew that these two girls must have a background as they missed the selection and entered the palace in a special way, but they did not expect their background to be so great.

This is not just a matter of distinguished birth, but also because they either have a personal connection or a blood relationship with the emperor.

As long as you don't do anything wrong, you will definitely have a master position in the future.

No.

Maybe you will be the main seat as soon as you come in.

Thinking of this, the concubines felt mixed emotions, both envious and jealous.

What they have been pursuing so hard is just within the reach of these two girls. How can they feel balanced?

Although they felt uncomfortable, no one showed it. Instead, they all smiled.

"Empress, when will these two girls enter the palace?"

"My mother said that the emperor's birthday is in early June. If the two girls can perform on that day, they will be admitted to the harem."

"There are still two months left. The Empress will be burdened with the many tasks of repairing the palace and welcoming the new concubine."

“…”

The hall became lively again.

Pei Tingyue did not participate, her eyes seemed thoughtful.

The beautiful girl who blocked the road today should be one of the new concubines who are about to enter the palace.

I just don't know which one.

Thinking of the woman's arrogance just now, Pei Tingyue felt a little headache.

It’s not that she’s scared.

But this kind of person is stupid and has a backer. If he deliberately targets her and makes things difficult for her, she would probably be crushed to death in one go.

A sharp light flashed in Pei Tingyue's eyes.

If an enemy comes, she will fight him; if a flood comes, she will block it with earth. If anyone wants to make things difficult for her, she will just wait!

If you can’t crush him in one go, then crush him twice. If two times still don’t work, then double it!

The concubines in the hall were joking around, and the atmosphere was quite relaxed.

Lin Zhaorong also said a few words. Now she asked with a smile, "The Empress just said there were two happy events. This is only one of them. Why is the Empress hiding the other one from us?"

All the concubines looked towards the main seat, and Pei Tingyue collected her thoughts and looked over as well.

"This is even more joyous news." Empress Cui's smile widened as she said, "Just now, Concubine Shu sent someone to report that she is three months pregnant."

A bolt from the blue.

This news shocked the concubines again.

Almost all eyes in the hall were focused on Concubine Jiang Shu's belly.

Lin Zhaorong was the first to come back to her senses. She looked around the hall and saw that all the concubines except Concubine Xie understood and stood up. They all saluted Concubine Jiang Shu.

"Congratulations to Her Majesty on your pregnancy."

Concubine Jiang Shu hurriedly said, "My sisters, there's no need to be so polite. Please stand up quickly."

A few clever people said some auspicious words, and then everyone returned to their seats.

Concubine Xie Xian sat steadily. She and Concubine Jiang Shu were both second-rank concubines, so there was no need to stand up. However, she still had to say congratulations: "Concubine Shu is so lucky."

Concubine Jiang Shu gently stroked her belly and said modestly, "If only I could have half the blessings that Concubine Xian has. Yuchuan is smart and filial. If the child in my belly can have some of his style, I will be very satisfied."

Yuchuan is the prince born to Concubine Xie.

It was not obvious how happy Concubine Xie was when her son was praised. She just replied with a forced smile.

After the concubines congratulated them, Empress Cui, sitting on the Phoenix Throne, spoke in a gentle voice, "Our Emperor has not had many children. Since ascending the throne, he has only had the eldest prince, born to Lin Zhaorong, and the second prince, born to Concubine Xian. Concubine Shu's child has arrived at the perfect time."

Concubine Jiang Shu touched her belly, a smile appearing on her delicate face. "I have served the Emperor for many years without a child. I thought I would never have an heir, and my heart slowly died. Who knew this child would come so suddenly? It has put me in such a state of panic for a while."

"It's normal for you to be nervous about your first pregnancy," Empress Cui consoled her. "I've instructed the imperial physician you frequently call to stop worrying about other matters and just obey your orders. If you feel unwell, please don't endure it."

Concubine Jiang Shu smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

The Queen nodded, and a complex expression flashed across her eyes as she thought of something. She paused and said, "You have served the Emperor for many years, and now you are pregnant. You are considered a meritorious person. Logically speaking, it is not impossible for you to be promoted."

In terms of promotion, above the second-rank virtuous concubine is the first-rank imperial concubine. There is already one imperial concubine in the palace, and one vacant position remains.

If this vacancy is filled, the highest potential for promotion in the future will be the position of a second-rank concubine.

Queen Cui's words again made the concubines feel very nervous.

Pei Tingyue looked at the concubines quietly.

Concubine Xie's body tensed for a moment, then returned to normal.

Lin Zhaorong didn't react much, but among the remaining old people in the Eastern Palace, several of them looked unhappy.

Pei Tingyue understood after a little thought.

These concubines are of high rank and have the longest seniority. Originally, it was still possible for them to get the first-rank position. Although it is not very possible, it is still possible to have a sweet dream.

If Concubine Jiang Shu really became a noble concubine, they would no longer have a chance to get this position. There would be no need to even think about it. It would be completely hopeless for them.

The few who entered the selection with Pei Tingyue did not react much. Now they could only dream of the position of the mistress of the palace. The rank of imperial concubine was too far away.

Empress Cui seemed oblivious to the undercurrents surging within the palace. After a long pause, she spoke slowly, "It's just that I'm confused as to whether the one in Yaohua Palace is a Liang Consort or a Gui Consort. If she's a Liang Consort, I can still give you a heads up, but if she's a Gui Consort, I'm afraid I can't do anything about it."

Before Consort Jiang Shu could speak, Consort Xie Xian took over Empress Cui's words and said, "Until the canonization ceremony has been held, Consort Liang is still Consort Liang, not a noble concubine."

She glanced at Concubine Jiang Shu, who was sitting opposite her. "I'm afraid the Emperor favors that one. Even without the canonization ceremony, he would recognize her as the Imperial Concubine! Otherwise, I wouldn't be sitting here. I should be sitting in the first seat!"

Concubine Shu lowered her eyes and shook her head, saying, "I dare not dream of becoming a noble concubine."

Empress Cui felt a headache. She pinched her forehead and sighed, "What is the status? It seems I have to go to Chengming Palace. Okay, you all can go away."

On the way back to the palace, Pei Tingyue looked very solemn.

The conversation just now kept appearing in my mind.

This was the first time Pei Tingyue heard the concubines mention the heroine, Concubine Shen Liang, during this period of time.

These few short sentences surprised her.

The virtuous concubine and the virtuous concubine of the same rank did not dare to show any edge to her.

There is also the so-called extreme partiality of the emperor.

What a great favor this is!

No wonder she lost her child. She was too big a threat to the concubines!