In the imperial harem, the empress's deposition shocked and terrified all the concubines.

Inside Jingyang Palace, Consort Yu, Geng, trembled slightly as she held a handkerchief in her hand. She whispered to the maid beside her, "How long has it been? Consort Nian has fallen, and the Empress has fallen too... For Consort Shu's sake, the Emperor has even deposed the Empress."

Her voice carried a hint of fear, yet also a hidden trace of unspeakable jealousy.

The palace maid said cautiously, "Your Highness, Yanxi Palace is currently very powerful, so it would be best if we avoided it."

Consort Yu smiled bitterly: "Avoid? Can you really avoid it? The Emperor postponed the imperial concubine selection for her sake, and even disregarded the depletion of his offspring... Who wouldn't be envious of such favor?" She looked out the window; the night was dark and heavy, as if it were suffocating her.

On the other side, Consort Song was doing her makeup in front of the mirror. Although her face in the bronze mirror did not look old, her eyes were full of sadness.

She sighed softly, "Back then, the Emperor favored Consort Nian, but compared to Consort Shu today, she was nothing."

She gripped the jade hairpin tightly, her fingertips turning white. "If Consort Shu gives birth to a prince, I fear there will be no place for us in this harem..."

Meanwhile, Consort Qi, though rough in character, couldn't help but mutter to her trusted nanny in Zhongcui Palace, "What has the Emperor gone mad with? He even deposed the Empress for Consort Shu! Ulanara is a noblewoman of Manchu descent, and he just deposed her like that..." She shook her head, feeling both shocked and frightened, and even more worried that her son Hongshi would be implicated.

Upon hearing the news, the wives of members of the imperial family discussed it amongst themselves.

A member of the imperial family whispered to her companion, "The Aisin Gioro family is known for its romantic lovers. The last imperial concubine to act like this was Emperor Shunzhi with Consort Dong'e. The Emperor's current behavior reminds one of the past..."

Her companion covered her mouth and chuckled: "Although Lady Dong'e's ending was tragic, what woman wouldn't envy such favor? It's just a pity that we don't have that kind of luck."

"Shh, keep your voice down, you can't say anything like that..."

What woman wouldn't be envious and jealous? After seeing Consort Shu on New Year's Eve, even they, as women themselves, couldn't help but praise her beauty: outstanding looks, gentle yet principled character. Truly, men were captivated by her, and women felt ashamed of their own appearance.

Wow, what a lucky and fortunate person!

Meanwhile, the Lin family in Shangyang County was in a completely different situation.

The Lin family mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the servants were busy going in and out, all with happy faces.

The third young master, Lin Yan, passed the imperial examination and became a scholar. Although it was not a world-shaking event, it was a rare honor in a small place like Shangyang County.

Lin Feng grinned from ear to ear, personally directing the servants to set up the banquet, his steps light as if he were walking on clouds. He patted Lin Yan on the shoulder and said loudly, "Third brother, well done! Our Lin family can now be considered a scholarly family!"

Lin Yan smiled shyly, but his words were firm: "Brother, this is just the beginning. In the future, I will take the imperial examinations to become a Juren and a Jinshi, bringing glory to our family!"

Mr. and Mrs. Lin sat in the main hall, watching their sons enjoying each other's company, their hearts filled with joy.

Lin's mother wiped her eyes and said softly, "If Yun'er were home, she would be so happy to see this..."

When Lin Yun was mentioned, Lin Feng's smile faltered slightly, then he relaxed again: "Mother, Yun is now Consort Shu, we should be happy for her. Once Third Brother's business is finished, I'll take you and the two elders to the capital, and maybe we can even see the Consort."

Tears welled up in Lin's mother's eyes as she nodded repeatedly, "Good, good... I haven't seen her in a long time, and I don't know if she's doing well in the palace."

In the stillness of the night, Lin Feng picked up his pen and wrote a letter to Lin Yun. He wrote slowly, carefully choosing each word: "Your Highness, I am well. My third brother, Lin Yan, has passed the imperial examination and is doing well at home. I will soon be taking my parents to the capital. I hope to receive your reply so I can make further arrangements. My family misses you dearly. I hope Your Highness will take good care of yourself..."

After finishing writing, he gently blew the ink dry, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

The little sister who used to pester him for candy is now the high and mighty Consort Shu, and he can no longer casually call her "Sister Yun".

Inside Yanxi Palace, Yongzheng handed a letter from Shangyang County to Lin Yun, his gaze gentle: "Yun'er, a letter has arrived from your home, saying that your younger brother Lin Yan has passed the imperial examination and wants to bring your parents to the capital to see you."

Lin Yun took the letter, her fingertips trembling slightly. She read it word by word, her eyes gradually welling up with tears.

When she looked up, her eyes were full of anticipation: "Your Majesty, I also miss my family very much... Could you please send someone to bring them to the capital? I would like to invite my mother to the palace for a meeting."

Yongzheng gently stroked her hair and said softly, "I have already ordered people to prepare accommodations at Yunxiang Villa for your parents and younger brother to stay temporarily. As for your mother, I will arrange for her to come to the palace to accompany you for a few days."

Lin Yun felt a warmth in her heart, leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Yongzheng held her tightly, his voice low but firm: "You are pregnant now, so it is most important that you are in a good mood. I will protect you, and I will also protect your family."

The moonlight outside the window was as clear as water, and Yanxi Palace was peaceful.

Meanwhile, the fourth prince, Hongli, who had been demoted to guard the imperial tomb, was standing on a hill outside the mausoleum, looking at the distant, rolling mountains with a furrowed brow.

He is only 10 years old now. He remembers that there was no such Consort Shu in his previous life, and he was never demoted to the imperial mausoleum.

Since his rebirth last month, he has found that everything has changed. His father ascended the throne ahead of schedule, the power structure in the harem has been completely overturned, and he has inexplicably become a victim of this upheaval.

“This year is unlucky…” Hongli murmured, a cold glint in his eyes.

He clenched his fist and thought to himself, "Since history has changed, I have to plan anew."

Though the imperial mausoleum is a harsh place, it is also a safe haven. Father is currently infatuated with Consort Shu; if I act rashly, it will only backfire. It is better to observe the situation and proceed cautiously.”