Empress Niohuru had never been so troubled in all the years she had been in the palace.

Miao Chang was an immature girl to begin with. From the very beginning of her pregnancy, she made a fuss every day, jumping around endlessly because of her belly. To put it bluntly, if it weren't for the imperial heir in her womb, she might have been demoted to a lower rank... no! She might even have been reduced to a palace maid.

Of course, all of this continued until Consort An became pregnant.

Ever since Consort An became pregnant, Consort Miao's treatment has plummeted.

It makes sense, since Consort An was pregnant herself, how could she possibly care about Consort Miao's unborn child? But Consort Miao, who had enjoyed herself for several months, couldn't take it anymore and kept complaining that Consort An was neglecting her and the imperial heir in her womb.

Consort An was inherently very arrogant.

Instead of backing down, she came to Kunning Palace to cry and complain that she had been very considerate to Consort Miao, but Consort Miao, taking advantage of her pregnancy, had no respect for her elders and made a lot of noise, making it difficult for her to sleep and leaving her physically and mentally exhausted. She only begged the Empress to do justice for her.

Empress: ...Hehe.

Consort Miao was dishonest, but is Consort An the same? Her faults are similar to Consort Miao's. If Consort Miao stubbornly insisted on comparing herself to Consort Qi's treatment back then, then Consort An stubbornly insisted on comparing herself to Consort Tong.

Consort An was smarter than Consort Miao at the time.

Her comparisons weren't blatant. For example, she would subtly mention that she had no appetite, while having heard that Consort Tong had a very good appetite—so the head imperial physician would have to go and change the food.

Once the replacement process begins, problems will arise.

If they are the same, Consort An feels she has been slighted: Why must she be exactly the same as Consort Tong? Is it because you find it too troublesome? If they are different, Consort An also feels she has been slighted: Does Consort Tong have the right to eat, but I can't? Is it because you don't want the imperial heir in my belly?

Who would dare wear such a tall hat?

The imperial physicians had to carefully consider the food and snacks for the three meals a day.

To be on par with Consort Tong, yet slightly different, Consort An would absolutely not eat a meal without going back and forth three or four times. Not only did the imperial physician in charge lose a lot of weight and secretly complain, but there were also discontents within the imperial kitchen.

The Empress wanted to teach Consort An a lesson.

However, when someone went to visit her, they discovered that despite eating and drinking all this time, Consort An, who was pregnant, had not gained weight but had actually lost a lot of weight in a month, and her face was sallow.

What else is there to say?

Not only could the Empress not speak out, but she also had to have the imperial physicians take turns caring for Consort An, hoping that she could stay healthy.

As for Miao Changzai?

The Empress handed her over to the eagerly awaiting Consort Jing, and subtly remarked, "It seems that Consort Miao has gained some weight?"

It's more than just gaining weight.

Miao Changzai had gained more than three sizes, and her whole body jiggled with every step she took. But she didn't seem to care at all. Stroking her round cheeks, she said, "Your Highness, you don't know, this humble servant needs to replenish her nutrition properly for the sake of the little prince in my belly!"

The Empress hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped herself.

Turning back, she couldn't help but sigh, "Although I have never been pregnant, isn't it a bit strange that I'm this fat?"

The palace servants nodded in agreement.

Granny Zhou had a strange expression. She lowered her voice and said, "Master, this is probably Consort An's doing."

The Empress thought for a moment and came to her senses.

She sighed slightly. If Consort Miao wouldn't listen to advice, then she could only rely on Consort Jing's conscience.

Conscience? Consort Jing would abandon her conscience for the sake of her child.

Consort An was disgusted, but she wished she could elevate Consort Miao to the heavens—as long as the child would ultimately be hers.

Most people in the palace knew what Consort Jing was thinking.

They simply remained silent, observing Miao Changzai with cold indifference.

The Empress didn't pay much attention to Consort Miao.

Consort Tong faced another problem. Due to the shadow cast by the Twelfth Prince, she was like a frightened bird, easily startled and fearful that someone might want to harm her.

The entire Chengqian Palace was surrounded like a fortress, and of course, she didn't use any of the imperial physicians or old nannies sent by the Empress.

The Empress was both annoyed and amused.

In the end, she got angry—Consort Tong could do whatever she wanted, and if she interfered, something might go wrong, and she would be blamed for it!

Looking around, it seems that Consort Dai, who used to be quite spoiled, is now much more obedient and docile. Apart from taking walks in the garden with Consort Duan, she spends the rest of her time reading and writing in her room, living a relaxed and comfortable life. Her skin is fair and rosy, and it is obvious that she is very well cared for.

Even the Empress Dowager praised him privately.

In the Empress's eyes, this was simply a case of being highlighted by her peers.

Not only did others feel favorably toward her, but the Empress also held Dai Jia Changzai in high regard.

As for the rest of the people...

The Empress only hoped they wouldn't cause any trouble and that she could give birth to the imperial heir safely. After finishing her work, she picked up her teacup and took a sip: "Bring me a cup of lemon iced tea."

Lian Nan smiled and agreed.

Granny Zhou asked from the side, "Master, what was lunch today...?"

The Empress frowned slightly: "Just have the Imperial Kitchen prepare some light and refreshing side dishes and porridge."

Granny Zhou agreed.

As she stepped down, she couldn't help but sigh—ever since Consort Qi went to the West Garden, the Empress's appetite has decreased considerably.

Life in Xiyuan was peaceful and serene.

Wan Anran would spend her days either visiting the pandas at Zhaoxiang Garden, taking the Empress Dowager on a boat trip on the lake, or cooking with Yinzhen and the Fourth Prince.

When I occasionally think of Emperor Kangxi...

Wan Anran glanced guiltily at the resentful Kangxi Emperor—this couldn't be blamed on her, could it? After all, while she was engrossed in playing with pandas with the Empress Dowager, Consort Yi, who should have been enjoying the Emperor's favor, was unexpectedly defeated by Consort Xi.

Consort Xi now has a new beauty by her side.

Even Wan Anran, who had seen many beauties in the palace, couldn't help but hold his breath for a moment when he first saw her.

This person is Wei Yingying.

Consort Wei was slender yet curvaceous, with a face no bigger than a palm, a snow-white nose, and round, pitiful eyes like a fawn. Her every glance exuded charm, making Wan Anran secretly regret that she hadn't transmigrated into the body of Emperor Kangxi.

Such beauties have actually benefited the emperor!

Wan Anran's gaze was fixed intently on Wei Yingying, and the way her eyes shone made Wei Yingying's heart skip a beat, her brows and eyes filled with fear and helplessness.

Does Consort Qi have some kind of opinion about me?

Wei Ying was very uneasy. Wan Anran was unaware that in the hearts of all the palace maids and servants, she was already an extraordinary person.

Born into a bondservant family, she was ridiculed and seen as a short-lived woman who wouldn't survive the winter. Yet, she transformed herself, rising from a low-ranking concubine to the top of all the imperial consorts. Apart from the Empress and Consort Tong, Consort Qi was actually ranked third among the imperial consorts. Most importantly, Consort Qi also had a prince. In a palace where there would be no imperial concubine selection in the near future, Consort Qi's position was extremely secure.

How could such a woman be a simple person?

After being chosen by Consort Xi and presented to the Emperor, Consort Wei was terrified, fearing that Consort Qi would turn her attention to her.

Wan Anran came to her senses.

Seeing the beauty's pale face, she smiled kindly.

Wei agreed, and the blood drained away in an instant.

Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she quickly lowered her head to stare at the back of her feet, not daring to look up at herself again.

I am genuinely kind, not just psychologically kind!

Wan Anran felt wronged and was just short of stepping forward to press down on Wei Daying's shoulder and tell her that she was just an ordinary, kind, and gentle older sister.

Beautiful lady, let's stick it on!

Wan Anran made a sound as if she wanted to get intimate, but Wei Yingyi rejected her without hesitation.

Wan Anran persevered and continued her efforts.

Consort Wei paled, tears streaming down her face.

Wan Anran suffered a devastating blow, casting a shadow over her entire being.

Consort Yi watched coldly, but couldn't help but sneer—only Consort Qi thought she was a sheep, as if no one could see that she was a wolf.

If Wan Anran knew what Consort Yi was thinking, she would definitely let out a wail. She wasn't a wolf at all; she was clearly a docile, obedient sheep in wolf's clothing QAQ

Emperor Kangxi felt a little uncomfortable seeing Consort Qi's enthusiastic manner, and even harbored some resentment towards Consort Wei. He unusually dismissed Consort Yi, Consort Xi, Noble Lady Guo, and Consort Wei, and took Consort Qi's hand as they strolled along the lush green path.

Wildflowers of unknown names bloom on both sides of the path, and the chirping of birds can be heard. As you walk along the path, you will soon see a tranquil lake and a sprawling grassy slope.

The grass is lush and green, dotted with wildflowers of all colors. A gentle breeze blows, causing the flowers to sway and startling several butterflies. This is truly a scene of unbridled beauty in the mountains and fields.

Kangxi and Wan Anran sat on the grass, unperturbed by the dirt, gazing at the white clouds drifting in the sky. After a long while, Wan Anran murmured, "Your Majesty, do you think that patch looks like a giant chicken leg?"

Kangxi: …………

He was about to criticize Consort Qi's vulgar idea when he looked up and was startled by Yun Duo's appearance.

And you know what? It's just a big chicken leg!

As he watched, Kangxi even started to feel a little hungry... well, he really was hungry.

Emperor Kangxi touched his belly.

Wan Anran laughed as well: "Your Majesty, how about we have cold noodles for lunch?"

Kangxi nodded.

He reluctantly looked away, coughed, and said, "Add two more big chicken drumsticks, please."

"Braised?"

"It's braised in soy sauce, right?"

The emperor and empress turned over and got up.

Despite being surrounded by picturesque scenery, their conversation was surprisingly down-to-earth.

Who wouldn't want a bowl of cold noodles on a hot summer day?

Cold noodles are simple and convenient. No matter what kind of noodles you like, just cook them and then pour them into ice water until they become chewy and bouncy. Then, add cooked shrimp, shredded ham, shredded cucumber, and shredded carrot, and serve with a sauce made with chili, sesame, and other seasonings. The result is a refreshing and appetizing cold noodle dish that is suitable for all ages.

Different ingredients, different sauces, some are dry-mixed, some are with soup. There are many ways to make cold noodles. Wan Anran ate with great relish, and the Empress Dowager and Emperor Kangxi also loved the taste. For several days in a row, the three of them took turns eating cold noodles to cool off in the summer heat.

Wan Anran also had the list sent back to the palace.

The empress, who had just said she had no appetite, pulled the eldest princess along that very day, and the two of them each ate a large bowl of cold chicken noodles.

The eldest princess wiped her mouth with lingering satisfaction: "Delicious."

The Empress was filled with sorrow and grief, and couldn't help but sigh, "When will Consort Qi finally return to the palace?"

Granny Zhou: ...

The eldest princess covered her mouth, her eyes crinkling with laughter.