"The princess is studying with the princes?"

Concubine Lin noticed the handwriting on the table and picked up two of them with interest.

After savoring it for a moment, the imperial concubine's heart was slightly moved, and her expression showed several changes of emotions, which were difficult to read.

Princess Xiyan had two red marks on her face. She rubbed them quietly a few times and was startled by the imperial concubine's question.

"Your Majesty, I'm just learning for fun. My level is not good enough, so I just do it to kill time." Xiyan said without confidence.

She stole a glance at the imperial concubine and saw that she showed no anger at all, which made her even more uneasy.

It is hard to predict people’s minds. After what happened to Xiwen, Princess Xiyan no longer dared to speculate about others.

After Lin Guifei finished reading all the waste manuscripts on her desk, she looked up and said, "Your writing is quite talented. It would be a pity if you just learned it for fun."

"If I remember correctly... you don't take scripture classes, right?"

Xiyan nodded.

Concubine Lin put down the manuscript and said, "In that case, from today on, you will come to my place every time I have a scripture class. You don't have scripture class anyway, so you're free anyway, why not come and keep me company."

Xiyan didn't know the situation, so she had to agree first: "...If the queen doesn't mind, Xiyan would be more than happy to do it."

Concubine Lin smiled and said, "Of course, even though I am in a high position, I am not completely idle. If you find it boring, I have a rich collection of books in my study, including many rare books that are hard to find in the world. You can read them at will."

Xiyan blinked and realized something.

She asked cautiously, "Madam, can I read any book?"

Concubine Lin did not answer the question directly, but said slowly: "Of course there are no banned books in my study, and no one dares to enter without permission, so you don't have to worry about being disturbed by others."

Xiyan was dizzy by this sudden surprise.

——You can read any book!

——No one will disturb her yet!

——Finally, she no longer has to borrow books from her royal brothers in secret!

She tried her best to calm her breathing which was a little rapid due to excitement, but she still couldn't hide the joy in her eyes.

Concubine Lin raised the corners of her lips unconsciously, "But there are a few miscellaneous books in the corner, you'd better not read them."

At this point, a hint of disdain flashed across the imperial concubine's face. "Those books are the novels and romantic quizzes that Lady Ji likes to read in her spare time. The plots are wildly imaginative and lack literary talent. Don't learn from her."

Xiyan secretly thought in her heart that Concubine Lin's words, on the surface, were admonitions, but in fact they were indulgences.

If Concubine Lin really didn't like it, why would she allow Concubine Ji's books to be stored in her study?

"Your Majesty, of course I am willing to come. I'm just afraid that your book is too profound and I can't understand it." Xiyan hesitated.

Concubine Lin said, "If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Chang..."

She paused and reluctantly called out the title of Defei, "Although Defei is known as a talented woman, she follows the Queen Mother to worship Buddha, so it is difficult for her to give you guidance. I can also answer some of the questions you encounter in your studies."

When it comes to the word "talented woman", Concubine Lin really wants to sneer.

The Chang family is really good at making a name for themselves.

Before entering the palace, Chang went to various poetry gatherings and won the favor of others with her informal personality. As a result, although she was of average talent and learning, she was able to surpass many young ladies from aristocratic families.

After entering the palace, Chang quickly changed her appearance. In order to please the Queen Mother, she completely changed her personality, became unapproachable, and tried to be a cold-faced jade Buddha.

When it comes to real talent and knowledge, Concubine Lin believes that she is no less than her.

Xiyan looked at her and said, "...Is it okay? Would it be too much of a bother to you, Your Majesty?"

Concubine Lin chuckled. "Why not? You should ask Concubine Ji for advice. She would always ask for my advice even on trivial matters."

"Did you know that her biggest worry every day is what to eat for every meal?"

This is indeed the unique style of Concubine Ji, Xiyan nodded secretly.

"Then... Your Majesty, how did you respond to Concubine Ji?" Xiyan asked curiously.

Concubine Lin smiled and said, "I told her that what's in her bowl is always inferior to what's in other people's bowls. Instead of always worrying my chef, why not just be a 'guest' and go to the emperor and the queen for a visit."

"This trick is extremely effective. Sometimes, Lady Ji will even bring some snacks back for me."

Talking about Concubine Ji, the atmosphere between the two became more relaxed.

Concubine Lin was talkative and gentle, erasing Xiyan's reservedness.

Dinner time was approaching, Xiyan took the lead and bowed and left: "My queen, I will come tomorrow."

Concubine Lin nodded with a smile and reminded softly, "Remember to come early. Concubine Ji is making a fuss about making seafood casserole porridge by herself tomorrow morning. She said she wants to put shrimps, scallops, crabs, and shellfish, and it will take several hours to cook... If you make it in time, she will definitely give you a portion."

Xiyan had never heard of this practice, but it didn't stop her from swallowing her saliva.

Her voice suddenly became louder, and she assured him with a solemn oath, "Don't worry, Madam, I will definitely arrive early and live up to this rare treat."

Concubine Lin nodded.

She has everything here, how can she not keep a little girl?

…

Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The emperor sighed wearily.

He slowly sat back on the dragon throne, which symbolized supreme power, and looked at the map of Yushan on the table, feeling a mixture of emotions.

After a moment's silence, he remembered something and called out the name of the chief eunuch.

"...How is Concubine Zhao?" the emperor asked in a deep voice.

There has been no news from Concubine Shu's palace, and I'm afraid the situation is not good.

The eunuch's old face wrinkled into a ball, and he stepped forward to answer, saying that there was no news yet, for fear of touching the tense string in the emperor's heart.

Upon hearing this, the emperor's brows furrowed even tighter.

Although this painting, jointly drawn by the eldest prince and the second prince, was immature in brushwork, it revealed a lot of information, especially someone's ambition.

People often say that "there is no family affection in the royal family", but the emperor does not want to go to the point of brothers killing each other.

Thinking back to what the Queen had told him about Concubine Ji's inner thoughts, the Emperor couldn't help but sigh again.

...Liang An, Liang An, what do you want me to do?

When I was upset, the voice of Guiren Ji kept ringing in my mind.

[What is the emperor busy with? ]

[Giving birth is such a big deal, but he actually stayed in the Yangxin Palace for a whole day? After all, it was his child, and he didn't even go to the delivery room to take a look. ]

[The Emperor had no feelings for Zhao Changzai. Even if she was pregnant, he only promoted her from a concubine to a noble lady. The moment when he loved Zhao Changzai the most was probably when he posthumously conferred her the title of concubine.]

[The heart of an emperor is as cold and hard as iron. It is chilling, truly chilling. You deserve to die without anyone loving you.]

Concubine Ji's words were always sharp and hit the heart, making the emperor stroke his forehead and sigh.

——How did he offend Lady Ji again?

However, Concubine Ji could still blame him in her heart as usual... Does this mean that something good is happening over there, Concubine Zhao?

As expected, with the sound of brisk footsteps, the chief eunuch came in with a smile on his face and congratulated, "Your Majesty! Great joy! After all the hardships, Concubine Zhao finally gave birth to the third prince! The mother and child are healthy, which is a great blessing for our dynasty and a great fortune for all the people!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the dark clouds dispersed.

The emperor was delighted. He stood up suddenly and said "good" three times in a row.

The chief eunuch said, "The Empress is here too. She said she came to ask for a reward from you to show her emperor's great favor."

The emperor laughed even more heartily, "Reward, of course I will reward! And I will give a great reward to show the queen's merits and to show my joy!"

The emperor could hardly contain his joy after not having a child for many years.

The heavy curtains were lifted by servants, and the queen walked in first with a smile on her face.

Wu Qing followed her quickly and walked into the Yangxin Palace with familiarity.

But it wasn't over yet. After Wu Qing, another strange young woman walked into the room.

When the emperor saw the person coming, his eyes suddenly froze and his chest heaved violently uncontrollably.