The painting was first sent back to the art gallery, and not long after, it was taken to the Beichen Palace. This can be considered one of His Majesty's prized possessions.

Because of this painting, His Majesty has been going to Zhaochun Palace every day for the past four or five days.

Even the vexed geese returning south started to frown.

As for the jealousy among the women in the harem, that goes without saying.

Originally, Consort Wen had kept His Majesty lingering for a few more days because of her injuries and illness.

But the painting of wild geese returning south made Consort Wen feel utterly ashamed.

The marks on her face have improved a lot. Although they haven't completely disappeared, with the medication, they probably won't last much longer.

It had just snowed outside, and she stood in front of the porch of the side hall of the Jade Essence Palace, looking at it.

"Jieyu, it's very cold outside, please don't catch a cold." Qingshuang handed over a hand warmer.

Even though she was wearing a cloak, she still couldn't help feeling cold.

"It's alright."

Qing Shuang sighed, "You've just recovered from your illness, why don't you take care of yourself?"

“Qing Shuang, do you know, I never thought about entering the palace when I was a child. That year, the late emperor was choosing consorts for the princes. When my father sent me out, I didn’t want to come either. But I came anyway. Knowing that my status was too low and that I could never become the primary consort, I was terrified when I was sent to the Crown Prince’s harem.”

"For so many years, I've been cautious, afraid to make a mistake. Everyone says I'm favored, but I'm so tired."

"Sometimes I feel that all the women in the harem are the same, just like me, afraid to take a single wrong step. But that's not true. Consort Ye comes from an outstanding family, so even if she makes a mistake, she has a chance. Consort Chen comes from an outstanding family, so she has never been careful."

"Those who live like me, constantly on edge and walking on thin ice, are the minority."

"Consort Jieyu, you've been overthinking since you fell ill." Qing Shuang smiled. "How could those who follow the rules like you be a minority? How many women in the harem are without manners? Look at Consort Xiangxian. Hasn't she been diligent and respectful all these years? Although you are only a Consort Jieyu, you have a princess. Look at Consort Yi, how favored she was before?"

"Ever since the miscarriage, so what? Let's not talk about others, just look at this past year, how much favor has Consort Xiangxian received?"

“There are fewer than before,” Wen Jieyu said.

“Yes, how many women in the harem can enjoy the emperor’s favor until old age? You have the princess, so you will always have hope,” Qing Shuang said.

“You’re right.” Wen Jieyu sighed, “Good Qingshuang, with you constantly advising me, I really…”

“I have served you for many years and am naturally devoted to you. Now you are a Jieyu, and in the future you will be promoted to Sanyi Sanrong and eventually to the rank of Consort. There are always beauties in the harem, but only a few have a relationship with His Majesty and come from the palace. There will always be a place for you.”

Consort Xiangxian is not as favored as before, so the extra days are naturally given to Consort Chen.

Consort Chen is much more favored than those in the manor.

The days that belonged to Wen Jieyu and the others were given to Mei Xiaoyi and the others.

Mui Siu-yee is now considered to be somewhat favored.

Speaking of which, compared to Consort Ning and Consort Huo, which of our own concubines is not better?

Not to mention Xiao Liangren and Ding Liangren.

In the past, they were all above their own concubines.

It was snowing just as well, and Consort Chen was lounging on the couch in the outer room, playing with His Majesty's hair.

Shu Chengfeng helplessly let her tug at his hair: "If I really go bald, it'll all be your fault."

"I didn't use any force." Yan Nangui finally let go.

"You're more likely to go bald if you read too many official documents."

"I am not particularly diligent. The cabinet has seen it all, so I don't worry about it. Emperor Jingrun was the one who was truly diligent, burning the midnight oil every night."

Yan Nangui smiled and thought to himself that Emperor Jingrun was diligent and his crown prince was good, but unfortunately, he was unlucky.

"What are you thinking about?" Shu Chengfeng waved his hand in front of her eyes.

"Tsk." Yan Nangui grabbed his hand: "I was just thinking randomly, how could I be so engrossed?"

"Hmm, it's good that you weren't engrossed in anything." Shu Chengfeng said, then lay down and looked at the snowflakes outside: "This winter isn't as cold as last year."

“It’s cold every winter,” Yan Nangui grumbled.

"That's because you're weak. You should take good care of yourself."

"Stop talking, it's so annoying, you keep saying this every day." Yan Nangui rested her head on his stomach.

Shu Chengfeng shut up without saying a word.

The two lay there, exchanging a few words now and then, until the emperor fell asleep...

Okay, I guess he's tired.

There's been so much concern about Meng Haijiang lately.

Yan Nangui got up and went to make himself some tea.

The emperor actually slept for two hours amidst the fragrant tea aroma.

After November, it got even colder.

Luo Wanyi and Rong Guiyi have stopped going out altogether.

Their bellies are quite large now, and the midwives have already moved into the ward, just waiting for them to give birth.

Luo Wanyi's belly is quite big, and she walks around her residence every day, afraid that she might have trouble giving birth.

Consort Ye began experiencing morning sickness, and this time it was quite severe; she couldn't eat anything for a while.

In any case, all three pregnant women are key protected animals.

As the year drew to a close, Shu Chengfeng became busier and spent less time in the inner palace.

After the second princess gradually developed pimples, she recovered.

Wen Jieyu's scars have also disappeared. Now, you can only see a trace if you look closely, and they can't be seen after applying powder.

After a while, it will be completely gone.

It was only November, and Yan Nangui had already arranged New Year's gifts for various places.

It was sent to the border, to her father's and her older brother's families.

She was from Bailuzhou, from her second brother's family.

And my aunt's house.

The Yan family also has some, but they're not in a hurry; they'll wait until December.

“Your Majesty, Consort Huo has been frequently visiting the Empress Dowager these past few days,” Jiangxiang said.

"Hmm, they're getting impatient, aren't they? It's been several years already. They want to improve themselves, so there's no need to interfere. As for the Empress, her subtle attempts to curry favor with Consort Mei aren't very obvious," Yan Nangui said.

“Mei Xiaoyi… she must be shrewd; she wouldn’t really listen to the Empress, would she?” Jiang Xiang said.

"Who knew that the Empress would serve him less these days?" Shu Chengfeng wasn't exactly a model of propriety either.

I might not go on the first or fifteenth of the month, but I definitely won't go to the harem on the first and fifteenth.

The Empress is probably starting to realize what's going on.

But when things go smoothly, the emperor's favor and his intentions make things easier.

Once things go wrong, it's not something you can get back on track in a day.

It's estimated that the Empress is already distressed just looking at the Second Prince, and if she can't raise him properly, there's no hope left.

Yan Nangui smiled, thinking to himself that in this harem, there really isn't anyone who can stay in power forever.

The central palace is also not acceptable.

No wonder everyone in the harem wants to have children; children are indeed wonderful.

"I have high hopes for the Kim family."

"Yes, Shuanzi has people watching over him. I suppose it's not just our people, His Majesty is keeping an eye on him too." It's not that he's trying to protect the Jin family, but rather to see who's so bold.

Yan Nangui nodded and then put the matter aside.

However, it's none of her business.