Seeing Nan Zhiyun so happy, Yu Jingchen suddenly felt it was all worthwhile. Oh well, as long as she's happy from now on.
Yu Jingchen spent the entire afternoon with Nan Zhiyun. Fortunately, he managed to investigate the matter thoroughly. That same afternoon, Yu Jingchen issued an imperial edict, declaring that Consort Rong had failed in her duties of managing and disciplining her subordinates, and demoted her to the rank of Lady-in-Waiting, to remain permanently in the palace.
It is said that when Consort Rong received this imperial edict, she fainted immediately. Her health was already poor, and this ordeal nearly killed her.
However, Yu Jingchen gave a strict order forbidding the imperial physicians from treating her, effectively cutting off Rong Chongyuan's escape route and leaving her to fend for herself. Oh... I misspoke, she had no chance of survival.
"Isn't His Majesty's punishment of Consort Rong a bit too harsh this time?" Bai Yusheng was still with Consort Yuan.
"Now that she's Consort Rong, it's no surprise His Majesty punished her so severely for offending Consort Shu. It seems Consort Shu is truly special in His Majesty's heart. Consort Bai should probably avoid provoking her in the future." Consort Yuan said coldly.
"So what if Consort Shu is favored? Consort Yuan has a prince. His Majesty has few children, and only one prince. In my opinion, Consort Shu is much more fortunate," Bai Yusheng said.
"Your Majesty is in the prime of life, and he will have children sooner or later. I only wish for Ye'er to grow up peacefully, and I dare not ask for anything else," Consort Yuan replied.
“What Consort Yuan says is true. However, His Majesty currently favors Consort Shu, and the harem is like a mere formality in His Majesty’s eyes. How can she conceive an imperial heir? Even if she does, it can only be Consort Shu. But... how long has it been? There is still no good news about Consort Shu’s pregnancy. Therefore... Consort Yuan’s eldest son is naturally precious.” Bai Yusheng said meaningfully.
Consort Yuan's expression remained unchanged as she took a sip of tea. Seeing that she was still unmoved, Bai Yusheng tightened her grip, then smiled again: "This concubine envies Your Highness... at least you have a Crown Prince." As she spoke, her expression lowered.
"What's there to envy? Consort Bai is still young, she'll have that sooner or later." Consort Yuan still seemed unmoved.
"What? This concubine is not as fortunate as Consort Yuan. I'm afraid it'll never happen to me in this lifetime." Bai Yusheng's mood became depressed.
Upon hearing this, Consort Yuan finally looked at her. Seeing Bai Yusheng's desolate state, she frowned slightly and asked, "Why does Consort Bai say such a thing?"
"Your Highness, Consort Yuan, you may not know this... On the day of your first night with His Majesty... His Majesty did not actually touch me. Not only that, but he also gave me a bowl of safflower, thus denying me the chance to become a mother..." Bai Yusheng was now laying her cards on the table.
Consort Yuan paused slightly, looking at Bai Yusheng's expression, she didn't say much.
"His Majesty has never done that before." Consort Yuan meant she didn't believe it.
"Perhaps I offended Consort Shu before entering the palace... It's also my fault for being so ignorant of the rules, I have only myself to blame." Bai Yusheng said, wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief.
"I am all alone in this palace, and I have been fortunate to receive Your Highness's care these past few days. I truly wish to keep Your Highness company," Bai Yusheng continued.
"Consort Bai, you flatter me. I am older than you all, so these things are only natural." Consort Yuan seemed to soften her stance.
"Your Majesty!" Bai Yusheng suddenly knelt down, and Consort Yuan looked at her without saying a word.
"I know Your Majesty has many concerns, so I am willing to help you accomplish them. I am doing this only in the hope that Your Majesty will take better care of me. Nowadays, apart from Consort Shu, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager show me much favor on the surface, but Your Majesty also knows that these are just appearances."
"I am all alone in the palace, with no one to rely on. There are so many people in the palace who are thorns in my side. I am really afraid and have no choice but to come and bother Your Majesty."
"If Your Majesty does not believe what I have said today, you can have the imperial physician examine me and you will know that what I have said is not nonsense. I sincerely want to help Your Majesty, and I truly need Your Majesty's protection." Bai Yusheng had now made her intentions clear.
Consort Yuan remained silent, leaving Bai Yusheng unsure of her meaning. After a long while, she heard Consort Yuan's voice from above: "Did you do this?"
"Yes," Bai Yusheng readily admitted. Only in this way could Consort Yuan see her usefulness.
"You do have some skills, but... I don't need anyone to do anything for me." Consort Yuan seemed to still be considering.
"Yes, Your Highness knows. Consort Yuan only wishes to live a secluded life and avoid trouble." Bai Yusheng naturally understood the meaning behind Consort Yuan's words. Some things are better left unsaid.
"My sister is truly a clever person. I find it quite pleasant to talk with you. If you feel bored after returning to the palace, you are welcome to come and sit here for a while," Consort Yuan said.
"Yes... Thank you, sister. I will definitely come often." Bai Yusheng bowed her head in greeting, which was enough to get things done. The two exchanged a knowing glance, and everything else was understood without being said.
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