However, Holland immediately sent someone to invite Lanqin to Guanlan Residence for a meeting. Because of her status, Lanqin had no choice but to go.
"My sister is here!" Holland exclaimed as she saw Lanqin being led in by palace servants. She was taking medicine to prevent miscarriage.
"Lanqin greets Your Excellency! Your Excellency is now pregnant, so please be careful. You must pay attention to what you eat and drink, and avoid cold foods." Lanqin racked her brains and said what little she knew about the precautions pregnant women should take.
"I've told you so many times, when there are no outsiders around, you and I, sisters, shouldn't be too reserved. Come on, sit next to me." Holland warmly invited Lanqin over.
After Lanqin sat down next to her, Holland suddenly grabbed one of her hands and said, "Sister, this time, you have to help me!"
Lanqin felt a little uncomfortable being held so tightly, but out of politeness, she refrained from pulling her hand away and asked in confusion, "Why do you say that, sister? You are now pregnant with the Emperor's child, so why do you need to use the word 'save'?"
Holland's eyes immediately welled up with tears as she said, "Sister, you may not know this, but in this harem, you must be extremely careful with every step you take. Otherwise, if you're not careful, the child in your womb might be harmed."
Lanqin couldn't stand seeing others cry. Although Holland was not kind-hearted, his pitiful appearance at the moment naturally made Lanqin gradually lower her guard.
"You don't need to worry too much. Isn't the Emperor here? Besides, this isn't the palace. Who would harm you, Consort Hui?" Lanqin comforted her. When she mentioned "Consort Hui," she thought of that gentle-looking woman and immediately dismissed the idea that she would harm anyone.
Holland's eyes flickered slightly, and he said in a barely audible voice, "It's not just her. Who can guarantee that there aren't spies from the palace among the palace servants accompanying the emperor this time?"
Lanqin glanced at Holland in shock. She had seen countless palace dramas depicting the struggles between women, and their brutality was truly appalling. In order to gain the trust of that supreme man, they would stop at nothing.
“Sister, I am the Fourth Prince’s concubine, and my status is vastly different from yours. I’m afraid I can’t help you.” It’s not that Lanqin really doesn’t want to care about Holland’s life or death, but in terms of status, she is the Fourth Prince’s concubine, while Holland is her father-in-law’s concubine. The difference in status between them is huge, and she really can’t interfere in the affairs of Kangxi’s inner quarters.
Holland hurriedly grasped Lanqin's hand and said, "Sister doesn't need you to do anything more, just stay with me while you're away. Once the baby in your belly is more advanced and the pregnancy is more stable, those with ulterior motives won't be able to harm it easily." Holland didn't care whether Lanqin had any grudges against her; she was determined to hold onto anything that could be used to her advantage.
Lanqin looked bewildered and said, "Sister, do you want me to stay with you? But even if I stay with you, I'm afraid it won't stop anything. Sister should talk to the Emperor, after all, he is the one who can protect you and your child."
Holland certainly didn't want Lanqin to protect her from dangers from all sides. In her mind, Lanqin was a naive and innocent girl who didn't understand scheming at all and was only meant to be schemed against. Holland was now thinking of using her relationship with Kangxi to firmly control Kangxi's favor in her own hands.
But how could she possibly tell Lanqin these thoughts directly?
So, Holland pretended to be lonely and helpless, surrounded by crises. In reality, she feared that if she became pregnant, Consort Hui would take advantage of her inability to serve the emperor. Furthermore, since Emperor Kangxi had only brought the two of them with him this time, if she became pregnant, she would inevitably be unable to serve him, and Consort Hui would naturally become the sole favorite. Therefore, she wanted to bring Lanqin to her side, hoping that Emperor Kangxi, remembering Rongxian's influence, would surely show more favor to the sisters.
“Sister, I know I haven’t treated you well before, but I’ve truly repented this time. As long as you can save the child in your womb, I’ll grant you any request. My honor and disgrace are related to our father and mother. You don’t want me to be harmed and implicate the family, do you?” Holland astutely grasped Lanqin’s weakness.
Lanqin really didn't want to face Holland, but Holland was right. If something happened to Holland, Lingzhu and Anjia would be implicated to some extent. She couldn't just ignore them. But the thought of not being able to see the Fourth Prince made her very conflicted.
Holland noticed the hesitation on her face and continued, "Sister, don't worry. As long as you come to sit in your elder sister's tent every day, the Fourth Prince can take you back in the evening."
Upon hearing this, Lanqin could only nod and say, "Then we must speak to the Emperor."
Seeing that she had agreed, Holland quickly said, "I will speak to the Emperor myself. Thank you so much, sister. I don't know how to express my gratitude enough."
After Lanqin left, Holland said to Hui'an, "Help this noble lady go to the Emperor."
Huian carefully helped Holland towards Mingzheng Residence. When the two reached a corner, they unexpectedly saw Consort Hui also coming this way.
“My sister is pregnant, why is she walking around? She should rest more in the house.” Consort Hui was wearing a light purple Suzhou satin cheongsam with a hundred flowers welcoming spring, and a purple crystal hairpin bestowed upon her by Emperor Kangxi. She looked graceful and charming, unlike her usual self.
"Thank you for your kindness, elder sister, but I suddenly have something to discuss with the Emperor. Since you're here, let's go in together." Holland, observing her attire, knew that she intended to take advantage of her pregnancy to monopolize Kangxi's favor. Therefore, she would definitely not give Consort Hui this opportunity.
The two entered Kangxi's Mingzheng Residence one after the other, only to find Kangxi instructing Liang Jiugong to pack his things. The room was filled with boxes, making it impossible to find a place to step.
"Oh dear, my two esteemed guests, what brings you here? We're packing things up here, so please be careful not to bump into anything. Consort Lan, please watch your step." As soon as Liang Jiugong saw the two of them arrive at the same time, he inwardly cried out in alarm. Emperor Kangxi was taking a midday rest, and their group was to set off the next day.
"Where is the Emperor?" the two asked simultaneously, then exchanged a glance before looking away.
“Your Excellencies, His Majesty is still resting. You two should return home. Once His Majesty wakes up, I will inform you of your visit,” Liang Jiugong said.
Seeing that Holland remained silent, Consort Hui said, "Sister, I think we should go back and not make things difficult for Eunuch Liang."
Holland helped Hui'an up by the arm and started walking out. They hadn't gone far when they heard the sound of flowerpots stomping on the ground getting closer and closer. They turned around and saw Consort Hui following behind.
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