"A lively scene is not a good thing; you also have to be careful not to get caught up in the chaos."
Xiuning kept her distance from the ensuing commotion. In her view, it was none of her business whichever side gained or lost.
However, as a concubine in charge of palace affairs, she touched her chin and realized that she still needed to keep an eye on Yonghe Palace.
"Chunyu, once Consort De enters the palace, send a servant from the Imperial Household Department to visit her."
"I haven't been back for several years, and the main hall of Yonghe Palace is uninhabited and has changed its appearance."
The place is so dilapidated; if Consort De were allowed to live there any longer, it would severely damage the image of the harem.
Consort De was able to regain favor even after falling out of favor before. Now that she has returned to the palace, having endured for so long, she might just be able to turn the tables and take control again.
Xiuning expressed her admiration for Consort De's ability to be flexible and adaptable.
Therefore, she readily provided conveniences for Consort De. After all, it didn't matter who was making a scene; at least Consort De could still stir things up in the harem, preventing her harem life from becoming too boring.
Chunyu nodded, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant understands."
"Alright, I have nothing to do here, you can go about your business."
She waved in the direction of Chunyu, and just as Chunyu turned to leave, Xiuning's voice suddenly drifted out from behind Chunyu, "Has the Crown Prince already taken action against Consort Ping?"
Xiuning had not forgotten that, in addition to Suo'etu outside the palace, the Crown Prince also had some connections left by the late Empress.
These people were even more loyal than the family members outside the palace.
With Consort Ping about to give birth, the Crown Prince could not possibly remain indifferent.
"Your Majesty's plans are flawless; the people around the Crown Prince have already made their move quietly."
Consort Ping is pregnant; it will only become apparent during childbirth.
It acts on the fetus but is harmless to Consort Ping; in fact, it may even make Consort Ping better.
Such miraculous medicinal effects are truly unexpected.
While Chunyu was marveling at the miracle, even Xiuning, who was standing next to her, remarked to the system that this medicine was truly suitable for survival in the harem.
After all, most of the medicinal effects are aimed at ensuring the safety of offspring. This prescription takes an unconventional approach, instead using offspring to replenish the mother's body, which goes against the natural order and is quite miraculous.
However, given that pregnancy is harmful to the mother's body, and that almost everyone in the harem is selfish and cold-hearted, it is not surprising that this recipe appeared. After all, no matter how good the offspring are, they are ultimately not as important as one's own safety.
"Well, let's suppress this news for now," but if you don't want people to know, then don't do it in the first place.
Xiu Ning didn't think the Crown Prince could hide anything from people. She only lamented that power was blinding, and that even blood ties could be abandoned, let alone mere clansmen.
Chunyu had no objection to Xiuning's arrangements; she only needed to follow her master's instructions.
...
In the days that followed, news from outside the palace was sent into the palace day by day, and Consort De, having left her summer palace, slowly approached the magnificent Forbidden City.
"She really came back."
Unlike her initial excitement, once everything settled down, Tong Jiarongyue seemed to have rediscovered her true nature.
She gazed calmly out the window; the air was slightly bleak in the increasingly cool temperature.
Autumn is almost here.
"Your Majesty, at the current pace, Consort De will enter the palace first thing tomorrow morning."
The summer palace was not far from the Forbidden City. Now, with Tong Jia Rongyue blocking the way, but as long as Consort De's health doesn't suffer, how many more days can be delayed? In the end, Consort De will still step into the Forbidden City.
"As a mere concubine, there is no need for me to welcome you. Just prepare your congratulatory gifts and send them over promptly."
Turning around, ignoring the commotion behind her, Tong Jiarongyue stepped into the inner room.
Another day passed, and the carriage that was to pick up Consort De stopped at the palace gate.
Consort De got out of the carriage, holding onto her maid's wrist. Not far from her was Yinzhen, who had asked for leave to come and greet her.
"The son greets his mother."
Yinzhen bowed respectfully to Consort De. Although his facial expression remained unchanged, Consort De knew that he genuinely hoped for her return.
Since there were no other children, the relationship between Yinzhen and Consort De was much better than in the original timeline.
With a slight smile, Consort De nodded to Yinzhen and gestured to the palace servants waiting around to carry her luggage inside.
"Now is not the time to speak. Let's go into the hall."
He whispered something that only he and his mother could hear, and Yinzhen nodded, following Consort De into the room.
She instructed a maid to stand guard at the door, and then Consort De sat in the main seat and asked Yinzhen why he had come.
Yinzhen said helplessly, "Since Father Emperor specifically asked for leave, I took the opportunity to ask for leave."
It wasn't that he wanted to come; rather, it was Kangxi who ordered him to come, so he had no choice but to comply.
Upon hearing this, Consort De's expression turned cold. "I don't know if my return to the palace this time will be good or bad. If possible, you should not come to Yonghe Palace recently. We should wait until the situation stabilizes before discussing anything else."
It wasn't that Consort De didn't want to communicate with Yinzhen, but rather that the timing didn't allow them to communicate.
Yinzhen frowned. "Mother, if your son doesn't come, what will become of your reputation?" He didn't finish his sentence, but the underlying meaning was already revealed.
Not only will Consort De's reputation suffer, but his reputation as well will also suffer.
After all, Yinzhen had a history of being abandoned by the Empress Dowager, and he was already at a disadvantage compared to the other princes. If he were to add this reputation to his list, Yinzhen would know without even thinking how bad things would become.
Consort De was unusually upset upon hearing this. It wasn't that she and her son didn't get along, but rather that she was worried about what might happen to Yinzhen, since the woman in Jingren Palace was still there.
"It's just a damage to my reputation; after a while, no one will talk about it anymore."
"Zhen'er, you are my only child now, and naturally I only hope that you will be safe and sound."
Therefore, even if her reputation were to suffer, she was still willing to sacrifice herself for Yinzhen.
This was also Consort De subtly reminding Yinzhen that after all she had sacrificed, he must not forget his mother.
Yinzhen: ...
Yinzhen was a smart man, and he could understand certain relationships very clearly after a little thought.
Without saying much, Yinzhen succinctly expressed that he understood Consort De's good intentions and that he would never forget her if he became successful in the future.
After the mother and son had a pleasant chat, Consort De did not linger and simply saw Yinzhen off.
"Your Majesty, Consort Zhangjia, who lives in the side hall, has arrived."
The maid walked up to Consort De and whispered about the most prominent concubine who had moved into Yonghe Palace in recent years.
"Consort Zhangjia?"
Consort De smiled to herself, thinking that if it weren't for Consort Zhangjia giving birth to Yinxiang, she wouldn't have had an excuse to return to the palace. It was truly a matter of fate.
“Please invite her over. In the years I have been away, Yonghe Palace has gained several low-ranking concubines. When there is an opportunity, I will invite them all to sit in the main hall.”
She had just returned from the summer palace; perhaps the imperial harem had already forgotten about her.
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