Chapter 115 The Legend of Zhen Huan: An Lingrong 25

An Lingrong adjusted her posture and fiddled with the orchid-patterned handkerchief in her hand. "By the way, did Consort Shen also go to Shou Kang Palace today?"

"Yes." Qingwu nodded, a hint of regret in her eyes. "Since Consort Shen entered the palace, she has been paying her respects to the Empress Dowager every day. Consort Hui, who used to be the Empress Dowager's favorite, is not going to Shou Kang Palace as often as before."

"Consort Shen's appearance is only considered pretty, but she is gentle and kind. She probably felt that she would not be favored much, so she thought of serving by the Empress Dowager's side and being taken care of by her."

However, this would make Consort Hui, who frequently entered and exited Shou Kang Palace to curry favor with the Empress Dowager, her rival, and she would inevitably target Consort Hui secretly in Shou Kang Palace.

Consort Shen was, after all, the Empress Dowager's own niece, so the Empress Dowager naturally favored her. After several such incidents, Consort Hui stopped visiting Shou Kang Palace as often.

An Lingrong lowered her eyes and smiled. She had expected this day would come before Consort Jin and Consort Shen entered the palace.

People have varying degrees of closeness and distance. To the Empress Dowager, Consort Jin and Consort Shen were considered "close," while Consort Hui was considered "distant."

"After Consort Hui cleared herself of the suspicion of faking her pregnancy, she has been lukewarm towards the Emperor. Over time, she has lost the Emperor's favor and now she has also lost the Empress Dowager's protection. This is not a good thing."

Qingwu suddenly realized that the two sisters, Consort Wan and Consort Hui, were the most affected by the arrival of the new concubines in the palace.

Because of her appearance, Consort Wan had a dispute with the Emperor and lost his favor. Now, Consort Hui has also lost the Empress Dowager's favor. They are truly sisters in misfortune.

"It's alright. Consort Wan still has the power to assist in managing the six palaces, which is enough to protect her and Consort Hui."

An Lingrong looked up at Qingwu, her eyes seemingly both playful and sorrowful. "Qingwu, look, the only person you can rely on in this world is yourself. This is a living example."

Because she had to take care of three children, An Lingrong had previously requested the Emperor to grant Consort Jing and Consort Wan the right to assist in managing the six palaces.

It is precisely this power that has allowed Consort Wan and Consort Hui to continue living peacefully without bowing to the Emperor.

But this palace power ultimately doesn't belong to them; the emperor will eventually take it back or bestow it upon someone else.

This stability is supported by a bridge that has been in disrepair for many years, and it will eventually collapse.

Now that the positions of two Imperial Concubine are vacant, the four Imperial Concubines are full, and two of the six Imperial Concubines have already been filled, new people will always enter the palace.

Once both concubine positions are filled and there are no more spots for promotion, the only way for someone who wants a promotion is to bring someone down.

Unfavored concubines who have no children will be their primary targets.

Consort Wan and Consort Hui knew that they would eventually have to bow their heads, but they both wanted to delay it for as long as possible.

When paying respects at Yongshou Palace, the scent of various cosmetics mingled together. Although fragrant, the aroma was too mixed and unpleasant.

Consort Qi looked at the empty seat and asked in confusion, "Your Highness, Consort Jin is always punctual, why hasn't she arrived yet today?"

"She shouldn't be called Consort Jin anymore."

An Lingrong paused, teasing the audience, "Last night, Yonghe Palace announced good news: Consort Jin is more than a month pregnant. The Emperor promoted her to Consort Wan, and I have also exempted her from paying her respects during her pregnancy."

Consort Jing frowned, glanced at Consort Wan with concern, and asked, "Consort Wan? Which Wan?"

“It’s the ‘Wan’ in ‘You Mei Yi Ren, Qing Yang Wan Xi’ (有美一人，清扬婉兮).” An Lingrong looked at the concubines with different expressions and offered a perfunctory reassurance, “It’s just a homophone with different characters.”

"It's the same principle as Consort Qi and Noble Lady Qi, except that His Majesty thinks the character 'Wan' is more suitable for Consort Wan."