That evening, Yinzhen summoned Yinxiang.

"How's your investigation into Nian Gengyao going?"

"Your Majesty, I have already investigated some of the information, but his power structure is complex, and I will need some more time."

"Hurry up."

"yes."

Unbeknownst to him, Nian Gengyao had already been added to Yinzhen's death list.

Meanwhile, Nian Yunrong in the palace knew nothing. She thought the emperor was wary of her brother, so she did whatever she wanted in the palace.

For example, when it came to paying respects to the Empress, being late or leaving early was a minor matter; most of the time, he wouldn't go at all.

Relying on her brother Nian Gengyao, Nian Yunrong gradually developed ambitions.

Several concubines in the palace who were not particularly favored also attached themselves to her.

The smug Consort Nian began to cultivate her own power in the palace, selecting people from respectable families who all worked under her brother.

For example, Consort Guarjia and Consort Wu.

Although these two were young, they were both exceptionally good-looking and were considered quite favored among the lower-ranking people.

Furthermore, one of these two lived in Consort Xi's Jingren Palace, while the other lived in Consort Yu's Chengqian Palace.

To put it bluntly, it's about sharing the favor between these two people and keeping an eye on them at the same time.

But women who can enter the palace and rise in rank are hardly foolish.

These two people each had their own ideas, and both wanted to have a child for the emperor first.

Fu Pei died young. If I could have given the Emperor a child soon, I might have gained status through my son and lived a few more carefree years.

Nian Yunrong is a good example.

Unlike the other princes, Fu Hui was raised by his biological mother from a young age. He was intelligent and quick-witted and was very much liked by the emperor.

"Mother!"

On this day, Fu Hui returned from the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Fu Hui is back! Did you see your uncle at Father Emperor's place?"

"Yes, I saw him! My uncle even brought a gift for Fu Hui!"

Xiao Fuhui didn't understand the power dynamics among adults. He only knew that he was the only one in the palace who spent all his time with his father, the Emperor, who personally taught him to read and write. He also stayed with his mother on weekdays.

Unlike his other brothers, he had to ask his father, the Emperor, for permission to visit his mother.

However, Fu Hui is different from Nian Yunrong in one way: her personality.

Perhaps because she was raised and educated by Yinzhen, the young Fu Hui was humble and polite, and was well-liked by the ladies in the palace.

One day, Consort Nian invited the ladies of various palaces to Yukun Palace under the pretext of celebrating her son's birthday.

The palaces naturally dared not be negligent and prepared gifts for the young prince.

"Your Highness, this is a gold lock that I had made, to give to the young prince."

"Consort Yu is truly thoughtful."

Even though it's just an ordinary gold lock, it depends on who gives it to.

On that day, Yinzhen himself attended the event to celebrate his son's birthday.

That evening, Yinzhen stayed at Yukun Palace.

Meanwhile, Geng Youran, who was bored, called over Wu Changzai, who lived in the same palace, to chat.

"The scene today is truly grand. I never expected that His Majesty would come to celebrate the young prince's birthday in person."

"Our Emperor has always doted on this child, so it's only natural that we should come to celebrate his birthday."

"Sister Geng, why haven't you thought of giving Fifth Prince another child to keep him company all these years?"

Unlike other empresses who were eager to have more children, Geng Youran felt that one child was enough, and she couldn't manage more than that.

Besides, Hongzhou alone is enough to worry her about.

"Why have so many children? Besides, I'm getting old. Even if we want to bring good fortune to the Emperor, that's for you young people to do."

At this moment, Wu Changzai blushed and whispered:

"Your Majesty, my period is a few days late. Do you think I might be pregnant?"

"Why didn't you say this when the Emperor was here? This is a good thing."

"Today is the young prince's birthday..."

Geng Youran immediately realized that Wu Changzai was probably worried about overshadowing Consort Nian, so he didn't say anything.

"Don't worry, you should go back and get some rest. Tomorrow, the Imperial Palace will send someone with a letter to invite the Imperial Physician, who will also take your pulse while he's there."

The current Geng Youran is not like before; she thinks much more than she used to.

She suddenly realized that the reason Wu Changzai first told her about her pregnancy was simply because she was worried about being framed by others.

And just now, they were testing the waters to see what I'd say.

It has to be said, there isn't a single person in this palace who gives her any peace of mind.

After Wu Changzai left, Qianxue brought in tea:

"Your Majesty, Consort Wu is clearly here to anger you. Why are you so kind as to cover it up for her?"

“Helping her is helping us. Right now, Consort Wu is living in our palace. With her looks, it’s only a matter of time before she gets promoted. Besides, the Emperor doesn’t have many children, so this is just a good deed for us.”

"I'm afraid our good intentions will not be rewarded in the future."

"That's their business, it has nothing to do with us. Give the order to keep our people away from Wu Changzai, and don't let them get close to him for some petty gains."

Qianxue was stunned for a moment:

"Your Majesty, do you know something?"

Geng Youran's eyes darkened, and she picked up the tea on the table and took a sip:

"You're quick on your feet; you dealt with those two girls before I could even say anything."

Qianxue smiled:

"No matter how fast I am, I couldn't hide it from you. Those two maids are useless. They sold your information to Consort Wu for a little money. Everyone in the palace knows that Consort Wu is close to Consort Nian. They've really been blinded by greed. I've already sent them to the laundry department."

"Qianxue, you are really starting to resemble the old nanny who used to teach me."

"Is Master praising me or saying I'm too old?"

"Of course it's a compliment. Those two girls you mentioned, it must be more than just taking money, right?"

Qianxue was taken aback, then nodded awkwardly.

"It's true that nothing can be hidden from your master. I caught them red-handed. That day, while you were bathing in the inner room, the Emperor was sitting in the outer room reading. They dared to seduce the Emperor while I was away. The Emperor told me not to tell you, only that I should get rid of them."

After saying that, Qianxue lowered her head, not daring to look at her mistress.

"I'm not blaming you, but you should still let me know about things like this in the future."

"yes."

The next day, Geng Youran had Xiao Anzi bring his invitation to the imperial physician, and also used two silver notes to have the physician take Wu Changzai's pulse.

"Your Highness Consort Yu, Consort Wu is indeed pregnant. However, she is still in the early stages of pregnancy, and other details will be available in a few days."

"I understand. Thank you for your help, Imperial Physician."

After seeing the imperial physician off, Geng Youran patiently comforted Consort Wu:

"Just take good care of yourself these days. I will find a reason to temporarily remove your green plaque. However, I can't help you for long. You will have to find a suitable opportunity to tell the Emperor about this later."

"Yes. Your Highness, thank you."

"Go."