"The Empress's actions are nothing more than jealousy of the Emperor's favor towards you. Even if the person who was slandered last night was someone else, if she is upright and without any hypocrisy, I will speak up for her."

But Aunt Xu, wouldn't that offend the Empress?

Um?

Aunt Xu?

This was the first time she had ever heard this title.

Her younger brother is not yet married, and she has no children.

The princes and princesses in the palace would always address her respectfully as Consort Xu.

No one has dared to use such an affectionate form of address yet.

Xu Qingzhi's background destined her to be an exceptionally intelligent woman, so how could she not tell whether someone was flattering her or being sincere?

This sweet, childlike voice addressed her in this way, expressing concern for her situation.

That really shows they were thinking of her.

Consort Jin also whispered.

"The Empress is, after all, the head of the inner palace; even I am afraid—"

"Afraid of her retaliating against me?" Xu Qingzhi sneered.

"I now have the power to assist in managing the six palaces, and with the Xu family currently enjoying great influence, unless the Empress has lost her mind, she wouldn't dare to plot against me at this time. However—"

Xu Qingzhi glanced at Consort Jin's belly.

"Since the Empress dared to harm you once, she dares to plot against you a second time. You should be careful."

"Thank you for your concern, Consort Xu."

[Thank you so much, Aunt Xu, for your concern for my mother. I, Qianqian, am grateful even before I'm born! When I'm born and grow up, will you play with me? As long as Aunt Xu doesn't mind that I'm born out of wedlock.]

Xu Qingzhi couldn't help but smile.

This little princess knows how to please people.

Therefore, she was willing to protect the little princess.

However, she won't directly reveal her feelings!

"Since I am in charge of managing the six palaces, I have an obligation to take good care of the pregnant concubines. I will send a trusted confidante to the Chuxiu Palace to serve her."

[Wow! Aunt Xu, you're not actually acting this way out of obligation to manage the six palaces, are you? You're genuinely worried about Mother and me, aren't you?! I knew it! Your domineering and cold demeanor is just a protective facade! Aunt Xu has a sharp tongue but a soft heart, a fire beneath an iceberg, a spring breeze, a summer rain, an autumn cloud, and a winter plum blossom!]

Alright, alright! I know you're good at praising people! Let your little mouth rest for now.

"I will send you some tonics, but you must not take too many, lest the fetus become too large and cause a difficult delivery."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

[Thank you, Aunt Xu! Aunt Xu even specifically reminded my mother to moderate her intake and not overdo it with tonics! What a considerate and kind older sister! My mother is born of a concubine, and her legitimate older sister has always abused her. If only Aunt Xu were truly my mother's sister! Aunt Xu doesn't care about the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children at all. This position of Empress should belong to Aunt Xu! What right does that stupid Empress have to cling to this position and refuse to step down!]

[Hmph! If I had the power to summon wind and rain, I would surely strike her dead with a bolt of lightning! Let's see if she can still be so smug!]

Consort Jin was stunned by Ye Qianqian's words.

Even if the Empress has done something wrong, such disrespectful words cannot be spoken!

Only the Empress Dowager and the Emperor have the right to deal with her.

Xu Qingzhi pretended not to have heard anything.

"I am tired and will return to the palace now."

[Aunt Xu, please rest well! Have a good afternoon nap! The weather is hot, so don't overdo it with cold drinks; drink plenty of rock sugar chrysanthemum tea!]

Xu Qingzhi muttered to herself: quirky and mischievous!