With more people, more trouble arises.

In particular, they were all eager to serve the emperor in bed.

Qiao Baolin was a rather outspoken person; she was indeed beautiful and lively. After serving the emperor once, Shu Chengfeng rewarded her handsomely.

Lu Yu Nu was also quite eloquent, and the two of them secretly began to compete with each other.

The next day, the Empress Dowager said that Consort Jing was not feeling well and the Fifth Prince was also ill, so she came to the Lotus Garden.

This made the Empress very uncomfortable.

Not only did she arrive, but she also brought Consort Ning and Consort Huo with her.

It's just that the eldest prince is getting older, and he should learn from His Majesty from time to time.

The Empress had nothing to say about this.

As for Consort Huo, the Empress Dowager said nothing, but simply brought her along.

The Empress arranged for Consort Ning and her son to stay in Hanxiang Pavilion, and also arranged for Consort Huo to stay in Ziling Pavilion.

The Empress Dowager naturally resided in the Five Blessings Garden.

Now that the Empress Dowager has arrived, everyone naturally has to pay their respects.

In the Five Blessings Garden, the Empress Dowager had obviously changed her clothes and was sitting at the head of the table, chatting with the Empress.

Upon seeing the arrival of the crowd, he waved his hand, indicating that they should dispense with formalities and sit down.

After everyone had gathered, the Empress Dowager asked, "I heard that Consort Song is pregnant?"

Song Baolin stood up: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am not even three months pregnant yet."

"You must be tired from the long journey. Take good care of yourself." The Empress Dowager waved her hand and said, "Give her that piece of cloth I have. I'm getting old and don't need anything so bright."

"Your Majesty, I thank you very much," Song Baolin said hurriedly.

"As long as it can help His Majesty have children, I am eager for your benefit. As concubines, you have a responsibility, and I will be happy if you do your duty." These words were somewhat pointed.

They didn't really care that the wild geese were flying south.

Her father is still alive, so how could the Shu family mother and son not need her?

Since it's useful, there's no need to say such useless nonsense.

It was nothing more than a warning, a way of telling her that she was taking up too much of the emperor's time these days.

Haha, who can do it just right?

The Empress could also hear it, and glanced at Yan Nangui.

Consort Jing also lowered her head and smiled.

All the high-ranking concubines understood who this was referring to, but Yan Nangui remained unmoved.

Whoever gets nervous loses.

Seeing that she didn't move, the Empress Dowager frowned: "Yan, I heard that you served the emperor the most times on this trip to Menghai Frontier?"

"Your Majesty is wise. I didn't actually calculate it." Yan Nangui smiled. "However, I am Consort Chen, and the other two are Jieyu and Baolin respectively. His Majesty often summons me to serve him in bed. Consort Jia hadn't even served him in bed yet at that time."

"I know your temper. You have served the Emperor for so many years and have been quite respectful. But you should also help out your other sisters," the Empress Dowager said.

"I wonder which one Your Majesty the Empress Dowager wishes to promote?" Yan Nangui's attitude was extremely polite, but the question she posed was quite impolite.

"Consort Huo is close to you, and Consort Jia is also close to you, so it's natural that you can both be promoted. I'm not targeting you personally, but since you're not feeling well, it's only right that your sisters help you out," the Empress Dowager said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty." Yan Nangui said with a smile.

Seeing this, the Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction: "Seeing you all so harmonious makes me happy. I myself rose from Empress to Empress Dowager, so I know what the inner palace is like. Empress, you've worked hard too."

Ever since Consort Jing had a child, the Empress Dowager seems to have changed her personality.

He was more polite to the Empress than before.

She was only polite in her words, but she was anything but polite in her actions. When Consort Ning and her son were brought here, who would believe it wasn't to disgust the Empress?

Now that the Empress Dowager has a grandson with Ye family blood, it's inevitable that a distinction will be made between them.

However, the Empress certainly wouldn't sit idly by and wait for her fate, and Consort Jing might be blocking someone's path as well.

Thinking about the wild geese returning south, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.

After everyone dispersed, Consort Jia came over, and Yan Nangui, who wanted to enjoy the scenery, walked with her.

It's the peak blooming season for lotus flowers, and you can enjoy them simply by sitting in any pavilion.

"Sister, I know what the Empress Dowager said. I have only been here a short time, and I only ask for your guidance in everything. I am willing to be your vanguard." Consort Jia's words were quite direct.

Although she looks frail, she is actually very intelligent.

In a short time, she also noticed some clues. In any case, Consort Chen was someone she absolutely could not afford to offend.

Judging from her past experiences, the fact that she was able to maintain a high position and remain favored shows that she is a formidable person.

A good family background can give you a high position, but it can't guarantee you favor.

Although Consort Jing had a son and a daughter, her life was truly comfortable.

Both were born into noble families, so why was Consort Huo not favored?

Therefore, understand this point clearly and don't take chances.

Never underestimate a person.

This is what her brother taught her; Prince Daya spoke to her at length the night he saw her off.

He said that although sending her to the palace was to stabilize the bond between Meng Haijiang and the court, he did not abandon her.

Because she is my most beloved younger sister, I feel the most at ease with her.

Even on the grasslands, her status required her to marry someone from another tribe.

They're all the same.

Daya told her that she didn't need to do anything for Meng Haijiang, and that she should just stay in the palace peacefully.

Being favored is certainly good, but if you can't be favored, you must protect yourself.

Then he told her not to underestimate anyone.

If you can't scheme against someone and then walk away unscathed, then be a compliant person.

Obey His Majesty and the favored concubines.

I need shelter.

Therefore, she decided that Consort Chen was the one who would protect her.

Yan Nangui smiled and said, "Sister, your directness makes me feel embarrassed. I don't lack affection now. But when I do, what can you do for me?"

“Sister is right, but at least I can stand with you. I will speak up for you and stand with you.” Consort Jia smiled. “I was fortunate to be granted the title of Consort. His Majesty did so because of my brother, but the war in Menghai will eventually subside. I have no support in the Dayan Dynasty. In time, my status will no longer be an advantage. I have no other requests, I just want to live a peaceful life.”

"My sister is too straightforward, which makes it hard for me to beat around the bush. I don't like taking sides. I don't like being on someone else's side, nor do I like asking others to be on my side. But since you put it that way, I'll help you out if you need anything. Otherwise, we'll just treat each other the same way we always have."

“You might as well tell your sister that Consort Huo has been loitering around here for several years. If I agree to your request now, you will offend someone,” Yan Nangui said.

"Thank you for your advice, elder sister. I understand now. My feelings for you remain unchanged, and I will simply maintain a calm and respectful relationship with you in our daily lives," Consort Jia said with a smile.

Yan Nangui smiled at her but didn't say anything more. Actions speak louder than words.