The commotion at Yanxi Palace had already alerted the entire palace. Upon hearing the news of Lin Yun's pregnancy, the concubines in each palace were consumed with jealousy.
The Emperor's favor towards Consort Yun was already enviable, but now she is pregnant with the Emperor's child. This honor is something that even Consort Nian could not match back then.
Although Consort Nian was favored in the past, she had no children, which everyone could still tolerate; now that Lin Yun has both favor and children, her future position is probably unshakeable.
Consort Xi, of the Niohuru clan, sat in Jingren Palace, clutching her handkerchief tightly in her hand.
Her brows furrowed, a sense of unease churning within her: "The Emperor now favors Consort Yun above all others, leaving no chance for anyone else to even get close. What will become of Hongli's future?"
She used to be able to keep her composure, but now that Lin Yun is pregnant, the situation is different.
She suddenly stood up and said to the palace maid beside her, "Prepare the sedan chair. I am going to Changchun Palace to see the Empress."
————
When Empress Ulanara heard the report from her trusted maid, the teacup in her hand trembled violently, and scalding tea splashed onto her hand, but she was completely unaware.
"...Pregnant?" The Empress's voice was as cold as ice, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes.
The palace maid whispered, "It's absolutely true, the imperial physician has already made a diagnosis."
The Empress slowly put down her teacup, her fingertips turning white. She secretly resented herself: the Emperor had been busy with official duties lately, and she had not dared to make any rash moves. She also blamed herself for taking a chance, thinking that since Lin had been favored for so long but her belly had not conceived, she would be unable to have children like Nian.
Now that she's pregnant, she can't be blamed.
"Very well, very well..." The Empress sneered, already plotting a vicious scheme in her mind. "Since you're pregnant, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
At this moment, another palace maid whispered, "Your Majesty, Consort Xi requests an audience."
The Empress raised an eyebrow, a meaningful smile playing on her lips: "Let her in."
Consort Xi stepped into the hall and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress."
The Empress raised her hand to gesture for her to rise, her tone gentle yet sharp: "What brings you here today, sister?"
Consort Xi lowered her eyes and said softly, "I heard that Consort Yun is pregnant, so I came to congratulate Your Majesty. However..." She hesitated, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes.
The Empress knew perfectly well what was going on, but feigned concern and asked, "Is something troubling you, sister?"
Consort Xi sighed, "Your Majesty is wise. Hongli is still young. I am only worried that if Consort Yun gives birth to a prince and is favored by the Emperor, it may be detrimental to Your Majesty the Empress."
A hint of satisfaction flashed in the Empress's eyes as she slowly said, "My sister's concerns are not without merit. However, I have my own plans regarding matters of the inner palace."
The two exchanged a knowing smile. For the next hour, whispers rippled through the hall, followed by moments of complete silence. They plotted for a long time until dusk fell, at which point Consort Xi rose to take her leave.
When she left Changchun Palace, her steps were much lighter.
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When Yongzheng returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he patiently discussed state affairs with several ministers. He appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was already in turmoil.
After the officials had left, he immediately stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, his fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist, his eyes gleaming with undisguised joy.
"Su Peisheng!" Yongzheng suddenly stopped, his voice tinged with urgency.
"Your servant is here." Su Peisheng hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to obey.
"Summon the imperial physician; I wish to question him personally," Yongzheng said in a deep voice, a hint of tension in his tone.
A moment later, the imperial physician rushed over, knelt down and bowed: "Your Majesty, I have examined Consort Yun's pulse, and it is indeed a happy pulse, and the pregnancy is stable."
Yongzheng took a deep breath, a flicker of emotion crossing his eyes. He turned his back, gazing at the palace walls outside the window, his voice low yet unable to conceal his excitement: "Good, very good... Reward me!"
After the imperial physician left, Yongzheng stood alone in the hall, his heart filled with turmoil.
His lineage had dwindled in his previous life, but now a new life was about to be born—Yun'er's child. How could he not be overjoyed? This was his first child since he ascended the throne. Yun'er's child was also his most long-awaited treasure.
"Issue the decree," Yongzheng turned around, his gaze firm, "promote Consort Yun to the rank of Noble Consort, and temporarily reside in Yanxi Palace, with all her treatment as that of a Noble Consort."
Su Peisheng was slightly startled, and quickly replied, "This servant will take care of it immediately."
Yongzheng added, "I will assign someone else to take care of Consort Shu's daily life. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you responsible!"
"This servant will do his utmost and will not dare to be negligent in the slightest." A bead of cold sweat appeared on Su Peisheng's forehead as he hurriedly withdrew to draft the imperial edict.
The next morning court session
Emperor Yongzheng sat upright on the dragon throne, his cold gaze sweeping over the civil and military officials.
He had just announced the imperial decree that Lin Yun would be promoted to the rank of Consort Shu, not to mention how shocked and devastated the concubines in the harem were by this news.
Although the courtiers of the previous dynasty had their own thoughts, none of them dared to offend the emperor at this time.
However, there are always those who don't understand the times. Zhao Mingcheng, the Vice Minister of Rites, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."
Yongzheng glanced at him indifferently: "Speak."
Zhao Mingcheng said loudly, "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have been diligent in governing and loved the people, and the whole country is devoted to you. However, offspring are the foundation of the country. The late Emperor had many children, which ensured the stability of the Qing Dynasty. Now Your Majesty has few children. I humbly request Your Majesty to select many concubines to enrich the harem and continue the imperial line!"
These words immediately sparked a great deal of discussion in the court. Several senior officials echoed their sentiments, arguing that the imperial selection of officials was an ancestral system that should not be abolished.
As soon as he finished speaking, Censor Li Chengen stepped forward and echoed, "I second that! His Majesty's favoritism towards Consort Shu, though showing deep affection, is not a long-term solution. The selection of consorts is an ancestral tradition and should not be lightly abolished!"
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