Chen Ruzhu, cautiously hiding in the Eighth Prince's inner quarters, finally gave birth to a child—a princess. Perhaps the Eighth Prince was busy trying to impress Emperor Kangxi, or perhaps he was concerned about his image, and even his image within the household; in any case, he had sternly warned his wife not to harm Chen Ruzhu's unborn child. So, even someone as timid as Chen Ruzhu managed to deliver the child safely. Because the Eighth Prince had accompanied Kangxi to the northern deserts, Chen Ruzhu was filled with anxiety during childbirth. She feared that the Eighth Princess would take this opportunity to harm her, making her exceptionally tense during labor. But perhaps fate was merciful; the Eighth Princess did not attempt anything, allowing her to give birth peacefully.

Upon learning that it was a girl, Chen Ruzhu was somewhat disappointed, but it was still better than having no child at all. Moreover, the Eighth Prince's wife seemed to have let go of her hostility towards her, bestowing many gifts upon her and arranging for a wet nurse and maids to take care of the child.

Emperor Kangxi passed away, and the Eighth and Ninth Princes followed him, leaving only the elderly, women, and children in the palace. Consort Hui, knowing that the Eighth Prince had acquired a princess, sent word that his wife should bring the princess and her newborn child to the palace for a visit. Perhaps Consort Hui was simply bored, or perhaps she wanted to see Consort Liang, and being the Eighth Prince's adoptive mother, she wanted to promote his daughter. This was because the Eighth Prince had so few children.

Consort Hui not only arranged the visit herself, but also encouraged the Empress Dowager to send all four consorts to the Empress Dowager's palace to see the children. The Empress Dowager herself became interested and decided to send all the princes' wives and concubines with their children into the palace, making it a grand gathering of women and children in the harem. Since the Emperor was not in the palace, the Empress Dowager was the most powerful, and no one dared to object to her wish to have fun.

Lanqin naturally received Consort De's order to bring the Second Princess into the palace, leaving the other children behind. Upon receiving this order, she was genuinely puzzled. Was the Empress Dowager truly after the Second Princess?

Lanqin dared not delay and dressed up the next day. She naturally told the Second Princess the reason why the Fourth Prince had arranged the marriage for her, and told her to be careful with her words after entering the palace.

The Fourth Prince got up early and took Lanqin and the Second Princess to the palace. He originally disdained to attend Consort Hui's gathering, but why should he make such a fuss over a mere concubine's daughter of the Eighth Prince? However, Consort Hui had persuaded the Empress Dowager, so the Fourth Prince reluctantly took Lanqin and the Second Princess to the palace.

"Elinzhu, remember this well. If the Empress Dowager asks you, just say that your father has already arranged a marriage with the Nian family." Lanqin and the Second Princess rode in the same carriage, while the Fourth Prince rode outside on horseback.

"Yes. Thank you, Auntie!" Since Erlinzhu took over the management of the kitchen vegetables and fruits for Lanqin, her relationship with Lanqin had gradually improved. She felt in her heart that Lanqin might really be thinking of her, which was why she let her manage the household.

"No need to thank me, it was just my duty. I know you don't like me, so there's no need to force yourself," Lanqin said directly, not wanting to waste time with a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl.

Erlinzhu was surprised by Lanqin's bluntness and couldn't help but say excitedly, "Auntie is so direct, no wonder she is different from others in Father's heart. Auntie has been the only one favored in the inner quarters since she became my mother, so there is a reason why Erlinzhu doesn't like Auntie."

Lanqin already knew this would happen. It must be because the Fujin had said such things to Erlinzhu. So it's not surprising that Erlinzhu has always held a prejudice against her.

"Do you still remember your birth mother?" Lanqin asked.

“Of course, I was raised by my mother’s side until later when I was raised by my stepmother,” Elinzhu said.

"Then do you know what your mother hates most, and what she desires most?" Lanqin decided to defend herself in front of this young girl; she couldn't let the Fujin (principal wife) continue to tarnish her reputation. She not only wanted to get things done, but also to build her own reputation. Doing things without seeking recognition was fine once, but doing it repeatedly would be foolish!

Erlinzhu was clearly taken aback by Lanqin's two questions. She lowered her head and pondered for a moment before saying, "I used to dream of competing with my stepmother. But Father is not the kind of person who favors concubines over his wife. I was just wasting my time and ended up losing Father's heart. It was truly a loss."

Lanqin was a little surprised after hearing what the Second Princess said. She didn't expect that a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl could say such things. She could be said to be much better than Li Shi.

“Now that you understand, why do you believe your stepmother’s words? Do you believe that I caused your stepmother’s death?” Lanqin said.

“I don’t know, but I do know that Mother is not someone who would commit suicide. On the contrary, she values ​​her life very much. With my third and fourth brothers, she shouldn’t have thought about taking her own life,” Erlinzhu said, frowning.

“Your mother has passed away. Apart from Mingyan, all the others who took care of her are no longer in this world. So, it’s probably hopeless to find out the real reason for your mother’s death,” Lanqin said.

“So why are you saying these things to Erlinzhu, Aunt? Anyway, Mother is now imprisoned by Father, and Aunt is in control of the inner quarters. Although she is not the Fujin (principal wife), she is practically the Fujin. Aunt has done everything that Mother could not do,” Erlinzhu said.

"I know it's pointless to tell you all this. You'll be married off in just one year, and we might never see each other again. I'm telling you this simply to let you know that sometimes the truth isn't what it seems. Since you're going to be a daughter-in-law of the Nian family, you should spend more time with Madam Nian. She's a daughter of the Nian family, and you can learn more about your future in-laws from her, as well as the personalities of your uncles, aunts, and sisters-in-law. This will help you integrate into their family more quickly." Lanqin was kind-hearted. She knew that the Nian family would eventually decline, and what would become of the Second Princess then was uncertain. So she decided to give her some advice now.

“Auntie is so kind-hearted, no wonder Third Brother says she’s so good. But how did such a kind-hearted auntie win Father’s heart? That’s what Erlinzhu wants to know most.” Second Princess said, looking at Lanqin.

"Treat others with sincerity, stay true to yourself, and never forget your original aspirations. These are the only twelve words I want to give you," Lanqin said.

The Second Princess was pondering Lanqin's twelve words when, before she knew it, the carriage had arrived at Shenwu Gate. After the Fourth Master called out from outside, the two of them were helped out of the carriage by their maids.