News of Yu Jingchen's return to Ya Jing Ju and his subsequent punishment of some palace servants quickly spread throughout the harem.
Zhiyun Palace
Chen Xiurong, who was holding a cat in her arms, just smiled mockingly after hearing the news.
"The Empress Dowager is about to return. Although His Majesty's relationship with the Empress Dowager isn't particularly close, they still have to maintain appearances. Nan Zhiyun's status alone means she's destined never to receive His Majesty's favor. The most important thing right now is to have a child..." Chen Xiurong remained completely calm.
Her father was just a minor official of the fifth rank, and when she entered the palace through the imperial concubine selection, her rank was the lowest. But now, she has risen to the position of one of the Ninth Consorts.
“Your Majesty is right. Only when she has a child can her position be considered secure,” said Ruixin, her maidservant.
“Let’s go. Our Consort Nan has been ill for so many days, and we haven’t visited her. His Majesty forbade anyone to enter the palace a few days ago, so it’s time to go and see her.” Consort Chen handed the cat in her arms to the palace maid beside her and stood up.
Yajingju
When Chen Xiurong arrived, Yu Jingchen had not yet left, and Nan Zhiyun had just finished drinking her medicine.
"Your Majesty, Consort Chen has arrived," a palace attendant reported.
"What is she doing here?" Yu Jingchen frowned subconsciously. He still remembered Chen Xiurong; she seemed to be Consort Yun from his previous life. It was because of her miscarriage and the identification of Nan Zhiyun that he had dealt with Nan Zhiyun as well.
"Let her in," Yu Jingchen said, not kicking her out.
However, he did not notice the nervousness that Nan Zhiyun showed after he said those words.
Consort Chen was quickly summoned in. Upon entering, she first bowed to Yu Jingchen and said, "This concubine greets Your Majesty."
"Get up," Yu Jingchen said in a flat tone.
Nan Zhiyun was about to bow as well, but just as she was about to make a move, Yu Jingchen said to her, "Just sit there and stay put. What else do you need to do?"
This meant there was no need for formalities, which surprised Nan Zhiyun for a moment. Chen Xiurong's eyes flickered slightly, then he looked at Nan Zhiyun: "Consort Nan is not in good health, so there's no need for such formalities. These are just empty formalities."
"Yes, Your Majesty, and Consort Chen." Although Nan Zhiyun did not perform the proper bow, she still observed the proper etiquette.
"What are you doing here?" Yu Jingchen asked directly.
"This concubine has come to see Consort Nan. I heard that His Majesty is here as well. It just so happens that this concubine has not seen His Majesty for a long time and misses him somewhat." Consort Chen was speaking the truth.
Unlike many women in the harem, she was quite direct and would occasionally express her thoughts openly to Yu Jingchen.
"Now that we've seen him, let's go." Yu Jingchen's words stunned Chen Xiurong, her expression freezing. Nan Zhiyun was also somewhat surprised; Chen Xiurong had always acted this way, and Yu Jingchen had always managed to "seduce" her.
"Your Majesty, it has been a long time since I last saw you. If you have time today, would you please come to Zhiyun Palace for a visit? I have learned some new dishes and would like to cook them for Your Majesty yourself." Consort Chen's words were very clear, without any attempt to conceal her true intentions.
"You think you're too comfortable in this position?" Yu Jingchen's eyes suddenly turned cold.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me!" Chen Xiurong immediately knelt on the ground.
Compared to the other concubines in the harem, she was indeed bolder, but when Yu Jingchen was angry, she dared not show any emotion.
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