An Lingrong didn't care much about these things. She had long realized that her appearance and personality were never the type that Big Fat Orange liked.

She didn't want to go against her own nature and pretend to be someone else who fawned over others.

The emperor is her best option, but he is not the one she loves. Right now, his greatest use is to give her a child.

With the warm fragrances she blends, she won't fall out of favor, and she doesn't need to worry about this.

However, after the child is born, we can follow Sister Sun's example and ask the Emperor to put in more effort.

Sun Miaoqing picked up a 30,000 yuan note and made a payment, then continued, "That's how people are. They never cherish what they get easily. They only become reluctant to part with it when they have to spend a lot of money."

Zhen Huan said, "That's true. So, although the Third Prince is the Emperor's eldest son, the Emperor doesn't like him."

"Everyone says it's because the Third Prince is honest and kind, but his talent is limited. Now it seems it's because the Third Prince lacks a mother like you who knows how to please the Emperor."

Sun Miaoqing said, "It's fine for the few of us to say this. If Consort Qi hears it, she'll be heartbroken again."

Shen Meizhuang smiled and said, "There are only a few of us in the room, and the maids are all serving outside. What is there to worry about?"

"However, the Emperor is preparing to bestow titles upon the harem. I wonder which concubines will be fortunate enough to receive this honor this time."

An Lingrong said with a smile, "Others may worry about this, but what does Sister Mei have to worry about? Sister Mei is favored by the Emperor and helps manage palace affairs, so her promotion is inevitable."

"The Emperor's favor towards Sister Huan is remarkable. There have been rumors in the palace that the Emperor wants to promote her to the rank of Consort Wan."

"It's just that before Huan-jie was even served the emperor, she was promoted to the rank of Noble Lady. It's not good to advance too quickly, so it was delayed."

"This time, the timing is perfect, so of course the Emperor won't leave Sister Huan out."

Shen Meizhuang was overjoyed at her promotion, as becoming a concubine was a world apart from being a noble lady.

She not only became more adept at managing the trivial matters of the harem, but also gained the leverage to try to carve out some more palace power from Consort Hua.

Zhen Huan didn't think much of it, since the emperor had already told her that he would promote her to the rank of Consort Wan.

After they met, she received a favor that other concubines could only dream of. The love of an emperor is indeed intoxicating.

But in the quiet of the night, she couldn't help but wonder: Was everything he gave her because of Chun Yuan, or because of Zhen Huan herself?

Although she now holds the rank of Noble Lady, she lives alone in Suiyu Pavilion. With her large, plump son frequently visiting, she has no shortage of food and clothing, and has long been living the life of a concubine.

Therefore, whether or not she was promoted did not bring her much joy.

But it's a good thing overall; at least there are fewer people who want her to bow.

Zhen Huan said, "For such a joyous occasion, the absence of anyone would not mean the absence of any of us. My sister-in-law should be promoted to a concubine, but I also heard that the Emperor is planning to promote Consort Hua to Noble Consort Hua."

"Speaking of this promotion, it was somewhat due to Consort Hua's influence. I don't know where to begin."

Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang had mixed feelings, especially Shen Meizhuang. She had developed some understanding with Consort Hua, but that didn't mean she had no complaints about Consort Hua.

Nobody is a masochist, able to calmly accept being bullied and mistreated. Even if you rationally remind yourself that it's understandable, it's not so easy emotionally.

And some things, you should still fight for, but you have to find the right balance.

An Lingrong said, "Consort Hua's personality is not likable, but she has no mortal enmity with us."

"There's only one man in the harem, the Emperor, so these things can't be avoided. Even if it weren't Consort Hua, it would have been someone else."

Zhen Huan said, "That's true. If it were someone who is two-faced and treacherous, I would rather it be like this."

"It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. Overt harassment is nothing serious."

Sun Miaoqing said, "Ever since her serious illness, Consort Hua has been different. Although she doesn't get along with you, I still have to say something."

"Nowadays, most of the power in the palace is in the hands of Consort Hua, and Huang Guiquan, the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department, is also her man."

"Sister Mei has been managing the Imperial Garden for some time now, so she must know this well. With the power in the palace in her hands, it's much easier for her to do whatever she wants."

[Their daily necessities, including food, clothing, and other necessities, are all prepared and delivered by the Imperial Household Department. If Hua Pangpang really wanted to harm Zhen Huan and Mei Zhuang, he had plenty of ways to kill them without shedding blood.]

However, given Hua Pangpang's intelligence, it's highly unlikely he could orchestrate a flawless plan that leaves no room for anyone to find fault.

Shen Meizhuang frowned; she knew all too well. Just like back then, if it weren't for her managing the Imperial Garden...

Did Zhen Huan want to set up a swing set in a corner and wait for her prey to come to her?

This is simply a dream!

Shen Meizhuang said, "I shouldn't have brought these things up in front of you, since we are the ones who owe you this favor."

"General Nian has returned to the capital in triumph. For a long time to come, Consort Hua will be the sole recipient of the emperor's favor."

"It's perfect for playing a few more rounds of mahjong when I have nothing else to do. I don't feel like going out on such a hot day, so it's best to stay indoors to cool off."

*

Qingliang Hall

Consort Hua had just finished bathing. Wearing a rose-red nightgown and with her hair down, she sat on the couch, holding a small bowl of chilled watermelon, and ate it slowly.

While eating, they listened to Songzhi report on the events of the past few days.

"The grand investiture of the six palaces will take place after the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Imperial Household Department has already received the imperial decree to make two sets of imperial concubine robes in preparation for the investiture ceremony."

Consort Hua asked, "Two bodies?"

Songzhi nodded, "The General has made such a great contribution this time. The Emperor was overjoyed and bestowed titles upon the six palaces. No one else will be missing, but Your Majesty will be."

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