Outside the main hall of Kunning Palace, Consort Ma Jia, Consort Na La, and others from the Eastern Six Palaces waited quietly. Xu Lejin glanced at Consort Ma Jia and Consort Zhang, who were heavily pregnant, as well as Consort Zhao Jia, who was two months pregnant.

With a smile playing on her lips, Xu Lejin's face was beaming.

The concubines entered Kunning Palace in order. Concubine Niohuru arrived just in time, while Concubine Tongjia arrived late, supporting her waist.

Both Consort Niohuru and Consort Tongjia stopped and stared at Xu Lejin for a few breaths as they passed by her waiting in the corridor outside the palace.

Xu Lejin was always humble and respectful, bowing and greeting Consort Niohuru and Consort Tongjia.

Inside the main hall, a eunuch's shrill voice rang out.

"By imperial decree of the Empress, Consort Xu of Yikun Palace is invited to enter the palace."

Xu Lejin led Yingchun into the palace.

A palace maid from Kunning Palace quickly placed a prayer mat next to Xu Lejin.

Looking at the thin prayer mat in front of her, Xu Lejin frowned slightly, then pretended not to notice. "Concubine Xu greets Her Majesty the Empress. May Her Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

"Consort Xu greets the Lady of Chuxiu Palace and the Lady of Chengqian Palace. May the Lady of Chuxiu Palace and the Lady of Chengqian Palace be blessed."

"Concubine Xu greets Sister Ma Jia, Sister Na La, Sister Li, Sister Wan Yan, Sister Dong, Sister Zhang, Sister Zhao Jia, and Sister He She Li. May all of you be well."

Xu Lejin knelt on the prayer mat, enduring the chill of the ground.

The Empress smiled gently, glanced at Consort Niohuru and Consort Tongjia, and said, "Consort Xu, please get up. You used to serve me, and you know all the sisters in the palace, so I won't introduce you to them one by one."

Upon hearing this, Xu Lejin smiled awkwardly and stood up with Yingchun's help.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xu Lejin quietly sat down at the end of the table with one side of her buttocks.

As she listened to the concubines in the palace gossiping and arguing, with their words seemingly vying for attention, she maintained a gentle smile on her face when no one mentioned her.

If someone mentions her, Xu Lejin carefully chooses her words and replies softly.

Half an hour later, the Empress's gaze fell upon Xu Lejin...