"Prepare? No need to prepare."
It's like answering the system's question, but it's also like speaking only to oneself.
Xiu Ning smiled, speaking very seriously about Consort Ping releasing Consort De back, but she did not take any action herself.
The system doesn't understand Xiu Ning's actions. Didn't they say that Consort De's return to the palace would pose a great threat?
“When Consort De returns, I won’t be the first one to be threatened.”
Tong Jia Rongyue is still alive, and the Empress Dowager is still alive. No matter who Consort De is looking for revenge against, she wouldn't immediately confront her. Whether it was back in the summer palace or in her years of power in the harem, Xiu Ning is very clever.
Completely absolving herself of any wrongdoing, Xiu Ning leaned back on the soft pillows, her gaze calm and her tone unwavering, "For Consort Ping, letting Consort De return is not a very worthwhile thing."
But Consort Ping was confident that she could keep Consort De in check and also gain benefits from her, so she decided to let her try.
People only realize their true strength after suffering losses. Consort Ping thought she could control a concubine who had long since withdrawn from the inner palace (the summer palace was far from the inner palace and naturally posed no threat). Little did she know that Consort De had already made ample preparations for this day's return to the palace. Whatever Consort Ping sent, whether people or goods, would only be used by Consort De. After all, the matter of Consort An, Li Shi, was still fresh in her mind.
The system said nothing more, and Xiuning no longer mentioned Consort De to the system.
Ultimately, since the person hasn't returned yet, everything can be discussed once they officially enter the harem.
Spring rain
"This servant is here."
Like a ghost, appearing and disappearing without warning, the moment Xiuning called for help, Chunyu appeared before her.
"Send people to keep an eye on the area outside the palace; someone wants to let Consort De return."
Xiu Ning smiled, looking completely relaxed.
Chunyu didn't press for details after hearing what was said, but before leaving, she asked if she should tell Jingren Palace the news.
"I will tell you, but we'll have to wait a bit," Xiu Ning said, her eyes half-closed, her words free and fearless. "I'm sure Jingren Palace will take this news very seriously."
Jingren Palace would certainly take the news of Consort De's return to the palace seriously, because the reason Consort De was kept in the summer palace was related to Tongjia Rongyue's son, Yinyu.
As time went on, with Consort Ping's guidance, Consort Zhangjia brought up the issue of Yinxiang's upbringing during an audience with the Emperor after her confinement period.
Emperor Kangxi probably anticipated that Consort Zhangjia would mention Consort De, and after a moment's thought, he agreed to Consort Zhangjia's request.
Consort Ping's plans were accomplished with ease, much to her surprise.
"Could there be a problem with this?"
Consort Ping, who was eight months pregnant, suddenly felt a little frightened.
The maid comforted Consort Ping, saying, "Consort De is just a discarded consort; she has no ability to compete after returning to the palace."
Your Majesty's actions can be considered a favor to Consort De's lineage. If it weren't for your consideration for Prince Yinxiang, Consort De would still be living in the summer palace.
Therefore, Consort De would not likely find fault with the Empress; at most, Consort Tong would be dissatisfied because of her past relationship with Consort De.
However, these words were brought up by Consort Zhangjia. Since every wrong has its source and every debt its debtor, Consort Tong will likely seek help from Consort Zhangjia.
The maid's series of remarks made Consort Ping lower her guard considerably.
To be honest, Consort Ping thought the same way. After all, she was just strategizing behind the scenes, and no one could find her.
If that's the case, then what is she afraid of?
"Once Yinxiang's affairs are settled, I will then focus all my efforts on preparing for the delivery."
No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, you must protect the little prince in my womb.
With her hand pressed against her swollen belly, Consort Ping spoke earnestly.
The maid nodded in agreement, "This servant understands."
...
Elsewhere, chaos erupted over Consort De's return to the palace.
Compared to when she first entered the palace, Tong Jia Rongyue has become unrecognizable.
It's hard to find any trace of her former self in her; it's as if they are two completely different individuals.
"Your Majesty, Consort De has not returned for several years. I'm afraid the Emperor has even forgotten what she looks like. You really don't need to worry about this."
While trying to comfort her mistress, the maid Qianli pondered how to appease her.
Not appeasing them won't work. When their mistress mentions other people, they can barely control themselves. In fact, because Consort Hui has fallen, their mistress no longer has as much hostility towards Prince Yinti as before. This is because they feel that the other party is easy to deal with and they are not nervous. But Consort De is different. Consort De is the one who plotted against Yinyu and left him with lingering problems. Tong Jia Rongyue wished she could tear her apart with her bare hands.
It was because Consort De had not returned for several years that Yinzhen could only endure being bullied in the harem. The mediocre and incompetent behavior of the mother and son kept Tongjia Rongyue rational. But now, this situation has completely disappeared because of Consort De's return.
Tong Jia Rongyue must not allow Consort De to set foot in the Forbidden City.
"Ha, she says it's not allowed, so I can't go back?"
What a joke! She's been waiting for this day for years. Why should she listen to Tong Jia Rongyue? She's not some supreme emperor.
Inside the summer palace, Consort De held her teacup in her hand, speaking casually.
She is different now than she was a few years ago. The changes in her appearance and aura are secondary; the key is her mindset, which has long since settled down.
"Your Majesty, given Consort Tong's style of doing things, I'm afraid you'll encounter all sorts of unexpected situations these days."
The maid had long been aware of Tong Jia Rongyue's methods, just like when she prevented her mistress from returning to the palace. Although it was just a minor trick, it was effective nonetheless.
"I have been in the summer palace for many years, and I have encountered countless unexpected situations."
Now that her return to the palace is imminent, I hope that Consort Tong can make even greater efforts.
She also wanted to see how Tong Jia Rongyue had managed to do things. She hadn't improved at all over the years, and she was truly worthy of being someone who had been tricked by her before.
That period of time has passed, and Wuya Chenglin has become somewhat carefree. Everyone says that she lost miserably while staying at the summer palace, but who knows that it is precisely because of this that she has the confidence she has today.
These things complement each other.
The maid smiled upon hearing this, and her words were full of flattery towards Consort De.
Consort De waved her hand, "Alright, there are still half a month before we return to the palace. Prepare what needs to be prepared in advance, and for the rest, we'll just wait for Consort Tong to come."
The maid nodded in agreement, "This servant understands."
Neither side was willing to back down on this issue, because they both understood that backing down would mean being put on the defensive in this struggle.
Being passive is unpleasant, and no one wants to experience it if possible.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Just as Consort De said, she encountered quite a few unexpected events in the past two weeks.
From major incidents like being attacked when going out to minor ones like falling while walking, problems can be found in everything from food and clothing to daily necessities.
Even so, Consort De still managed to get through it safely and boarded the carriage back to the palace without incident.
When this news reached the palace, everyone except Tong Jia Rongyue, who was sulking alone, read it with great interest.
I haven't seen such a grand spectacle in a long time; it's truly exhilarating to watch.
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