Chapter 114 Yanxi Palace Strategy

Time flies, and three months have passed in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Nan's baby was over nine months along, and her body was getting heavier every day, but her pregnancy looked surprisingly good.

With Chunlan, a skilled female physician, taking meticulous care of him day and night, and ensuring a proper diet and nutrition, he was able to recover.

Unlike most pregnant women, she was not tired and exhausted. On the contrary, she was energetic and radiant every day.

Sometimes even Jiang Nan herself couldn't help but mutter to herself.

This transmigration gift of an immune-to-all-poisons physique probably also comes with a super immune system.

Upon reflection, she realized that she had never been sick since she transmigrated.

He didn't even have a headache, fever, or diarrhea.

Wow, that's a really generous way to cheat.

If you don't get sick, you can live a long life; maybe you can even become the oldest tortoise in the Qing Dynasty and outlive Emperor Kangxi...

At that time, hmph, all the descendants of the Aisin Gioro family will have to kowtow and call me their ancestor when they see me.

Just imagining that scene made her smile.

For the past three months, the inner palace has appeared calm on the surface.

Empress Hesheli remained in seclusion in Kunning Palace.

Chenghu also died shortly after the Empress confined him to his quarters, and was buried quietly and hastily by Emperor Kangxi.

Slightly saddened, Emperor Kangxi transformed into an even more diligent little bee, conscientiously and evenly bestowing his favors upon all.

Clearly, they were striving to increase the population of the Qing Dynasty.

Yongshou Palace assists in managing the six palaces, and everything is in perfect order.

On this day, it was time for the triennial period of introspection.

Inside the main hall of Yongshou Palace, all the concubines had already arrived.

Those who were familiar with each other, such as Daijia, were chatting and laughing quietly with Niohuru, which made the other woman's lips curl into a slight smile.

Others either sipped tea alone or chatted in small groups, creating a fairly harmonious atmosphere.

With Chunlan and Fangruo's careful assistance, Jiang Nan slowly walked into the main hall and took her seat in the main seat.

Niohuru was the first to rise, and all the concubines bowed in unison.

"Your humble servant/I respectfully wish Consort Jin good health."

"Get up, everyone."

Jiang Nan spoke calmly, her gaze sweeping over everyone, and got straight to the point.

"I am about to give birth, and my body is becoming increasingly uncomfortable. This ritual of reclining in the palace will be suspended from today. It will be resumed after I give birth and complete my postpartum confinement. Consider this a two-month leave for you all to rest well in the palace."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"If there is any urgent matter in the future, you can come to Yongshou Palace to report it privately. However, at that time, my energy may be limited, and I may not have time to meet with you. You must carefully consider the importance and urgency of the matter."

The crowd responded in unison.

"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree."

"Is there anything else you need to report today? If so, say it now and make it clear in person. It might not be convenient to come alone in the future."

Jiang Nan asked routinely.

At this moment, a concubine below slowly rose and curtsied.

"Your Majesty, I am fortunate enough to be pregnant with the Emperor's child."

The one speaking was Nara, a concubine of Yanxi Palace.

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to Nara's still-flat abdomen.

In that gaze, there was an unconcealed sourness, a deep calculation, and a simple surprise.

Jiang Nan looked at the future Consort Hui, Nara, her expression calm and composed.

"It is a good thing to conceive a royal heir, to continue the royal lineage, and to make a great contribution."

She turned to Zhao Deyi, who was standing to the side, and gave him instructions.

"Go to the Imperial Household Department later and tell the chief steward Su Jing that Consort Nara's diet, daily life, and pregnancy care should all be handled in accordance with palace regulations. Her monthly allowance and tonics must be provided in full without any mistakes."

"Yes, Your Majesty! I understand and will make sure to explain everything properly."

Zhao bowed with a triumphant air.

After hearing this, Nara bowed again.

"This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness."

Jiang Nan nodded slightly.

"Sit down and take good care of yourself during pregnancy."

Nara sat down as instructed.

Consort Wanliuha, who lived in Yanxi Palace with her, glanced at her with a complicated expression.

He then lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

Jiang Nan took in everyone's reactions, and her gaze finally fell on Niohuru, who had been silent all along.

Seeing her with her head down, unconsciously twisting the handkerchief between her fingers, Jiang Nan knew exactly what was going on.

Well, this person must be thinking about the sad story of not being able to have children again.

While I'm at it, I'll mentally drag that person from Kunning Palace out and curse them eight hundred times.

With a change of heart, Jiang Nan spoke.

"Sister Niohuru."

Niohuru looked up at the sound, a question in her eyes.

Jiang Nan spoke casually, but her words carried a hidden meaning.

"If you like children and feel that Yikun Palace is too quiet and want to add some liveliness... I can make the decision to move Nara, who is pregnant with the dragon's offspring, to your palace so that you can take care of her. That would add some baby talk and fragrance to your Yikun Palace."

Niohuru's heart did indeed stir slightly upon hearing this.

Having a child by your side might really dispel some of the loneliness of being deep in the palace.

But she subconsciously looked at Nara and saw that although the other woman had her head down, her posture was stiff.

It was clearly written all over his face, filled with a hundred expressions of reluctance.

Niohuru's pride immediately kicked in.

She disdains doing things that force others to do things that would cause resentment.

So she composed herself, stood up, and gave Jiang Nan a slight bow.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. However, this arrangement may be inconvenient, and I am used to the tranquility of Yikun Palace, so I will not trouble Your Majesty."

Jiang Nan also noticed Nara's resistance and inwardly complained.

Well, this Nara clan…

Historically, if her child had been a prince, it would have been Chengqing, the third prince of Emperor Kangxi who died young.

If she were to give birth to a prince now, wouldn't Chengqing be called the Fourth Prince?

The original intention was to find an emotional anchor for Niohuru, and also to provide insurance for the little boy Chengqing, who might not even be able to raise him.

And they didn't appreciate it?

As for why the Nara clan rejected it, it was simply because they wanted a little bit of autonomy.

That's enough. Respect other people's fate and let go of your desire to help others.

She didn't insist, and said calmly.

"If that's the case, then so be it. Let's call it a day and everyone disperse."

"Your Majesty, I take my leave."

After paying their respects, the concubines exited the main hall of Yongshou Palace in turn.

The hall returned to silence, and Jiang Nan sat in the main seat with a playful look in her eyes.

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The lights were dim in the west wing of Yanxi Palace.

Concubine Wanliuha sat upright in the main seat, her face gloomy.

Although her family background was not as illustrious as that of the Nara clan, her family still had considerable influence in the local area.

When they were sent to the palace, they were naturally accompanied by capable confidants.

At this moment, she was having a private conversation with her personal maid, Qingzhu, who was also a trusted confidante she had brought from home to the palace.

"This Nara clan!"

Wanliuha's deep voice was filled with barely suppressed jealousy and annoyance.

"She's usually so quiet, yet she's gotten pregnant with the emperor's child. If it weren't for Consort Jin announcing the suspension of the imperial harem today, which prompted her to rush to report, she would still be completely in the dark. She's really good at keeping it a secret."

Qingzhu stood at attention with her hands at her sides and asked cautiously.

"Master, do you mean...?"

Wanliuha snorted coldly, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

“What could your mistress possibly mean? Think about it, if she gives birth to the prince safely, wouldn’t all the servants in Yanxi Palace rush to curry favor with her? At that time, would we still have a chance to be in the main seat of Yanxi Palace? We would have to live in this West Side Hall forever, having to watch her every whim.”

She became increasingly angry as she spoke, and her tone became more urgent.

“If you are slow to act, you will be slow to act at every step. In this harem, without children, you are like a rootless duckweed. If she gains power, I will either have to be completely dependent on the empress dowager like Dai Jia, or... I will have to make my move before she gains a foothold and compete to become the empress dowager of Yanxi Palace myself.”

Upon hearing this, Qingzhu was startled and quickly whispered.

“Your Majesty, you know Consort Jin’s temper and methods. Especially now that she is about to give birth, if we make a commotion and disturb Yongshou Palace, I’m afraid… the consequences will be unimaginable.”

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Jiang Nan: When the tiger is away, the monkeys jump out.