The moon rises above the willow branches
Xu Lejin meticulously wrote calligraphy in the main hall. On the pure white Xuan paper, Xu Lejin's small regular script with floral patterns, after several years of practice, was already quite good.
The strokes are smooth and round, with a distinct calligraphic quality.
Ru Hua, who was serving at the side, said with a smile, "Your Majesty's handwriting is so beautiful. It is a great pleasure to look at."
"Ruhua's little mouth is getting sweeter and sweeter."
Putting down her brush, Xu Lejin slowly turned around, her gait elegant, and walked to the soft couch beside her. With Ru Hua's careful assistance, she gracefully sat down.
After a moment, Xu Lejin asked softly, "Did His Majesty summon any concubines to serve him tonight?"
Ru Hua quickly pondered for a moment.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty is busy with court affairs and has already rested in Qianqing Palace."
Xu Lejin nodded, her expression indifferent.
At this moment, Ru Hua looked up and quickly glanced at Xu Lejin, then hesitated before speaking, "Your Majesty, news has come from Consort Hui's palace that Consort Hui secretly informed Consort Tong that Consort Wen had instructed the Imperial Household Department to hang up Consort Tong's green plaque."
"This servant has heard that Consort Tong flew into a rage and swore to be irreconcilable enemies with Consort Wen."
After a moment of surprise, Xu Lejin sighed softly.
"Consort Tong was sincere and longed to serve the emperor as soon as possible for the sake of her birth mother, so that she could be legitimate and protect her birth mother outside the palace. Consort Wen not only did not offer help in her time of need, but also kicked her when she was down."
"When Consort Tong found out, she naturally hated Consort Wen intensely, but Consort Hui..."
After a pause, Xu Lejin said slowly, "Ever since Consort Hui was promoted to the rank of Consort, she has always had a close relationship with Consort Wen. The two are inseparable."
"Now, Consort Hui has even learned to stab people in the back."
Ruhua and Nongying exchanged a glance and quickly lowered their heads.
Xu Lejin scoffed and said coldly, "Actually, what sisterly affection is there in the palace? Half-sisters may call each other 'sisters' and be very close, but no one knows what they really think."
"How can sisterly affection in the palace last? It's nothing more than mutual exploitation and each getting what they need!"
The next day
Consort Duan brought the Thirteenth Princess to visit.
"Your Majesty, Consort Niu in my palace is four months pregnant. Consort Niu is in good health, the baby's pulse is strong, and she is already showing slight signs of pregnancy."
Xu Lejin was taken aback upon hearing this.
With a look of surprise, Xu Lejin said in a deep voice, "Niu Changzai's pregnancy is already showing after only four months? Don't pregnant women usually start showing around five months?"
Consort Duan nodded, her expression thoughtful.
After a moment, Consort Duan spoke in a low voice, "I think it's probably because after Consort Niu became pregnant, she didn't experience morning sickness, her appetite increased, she ate everything with relish, and she could eat and sleep well!"
"Um."
After responding, Xu Lejin instructed Consort Duan to have the imperial physician examine her, just in case.
Consort Duan respectfully agreed, her face showing a look of anticipation.
After a short while, Consort Duan, steeling herself, said softly, "Your Majesty, Consort Niu's rank is low. After she became pregnant, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager didn't pay much attention to her. The imperial heir in Consort Niu's womb will be born when the time is right..."
"I have considered this matter. Even if Consort Niu were to give birth to the imperial heir, she would not be able to raise him herself. Although I am raising the Thirteenth Princess, I..."
Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, and Consort Duan spoke in a low, humming voice.
"This concubine wishes to raise Consort Niu's child; I beg Your Majesty's permission."
Upon hearing this, Xu Lejin nodded slightly and said, "Consort Niu's unborn child is only four months old. Whether it is a prince or a princess is still unknown. If it is a princess, Consort Duan, are you still willing to raise it?"
Consort Duan was taken aback.
After a quick moment of consideration, Consort Duan respectfully said, "This concubine is willing."
Xu Lejin pondered,
After a cup of tea, Xu Lejin said, "Given Niu Changzai's position, she cannot raise the child after its birth. As the head of Jingyang Palace, it is best for you to raise it, however..."
“You have already raised the Thirteenth Princess, and the Emperor will not agree to change the imperial genealogy to be registered in your name, given that Niu Chang is still pregnant with the child.”
One hour later
Consort Duan, accompanied by the Thirteenth Princess, rose to take her leave, and Xu Lejin had Liuying escort Consort Duan out.
Ru Hua hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice, "Your Highness, this servant thinks Consort Duan seems reluctant? Consort Duan already has a thirteenth princess, is she not satisfied yet?"
"The dragon's offspring, often born to Niu Changzai."
Xu Lejin glared at Ruhua and said coldly, "Shut up. What kind of behavior is it to talk about a concubine behind her back?"
Ru Hua lowered her head sheepishly.
With a deep sigh, Xu Lejin spoke softly again, "Water flows downhill, and people strive for higher positions. As a concubine in the harem, Consort Duan naturally wants to climb to a higher position."
“It is only natural that Consort Duan wants a prince.”
Afternoon
Xu Lejin squinted contentedly, basking in the warm sunlight under the eaves. Qing Tan strode in from outside the hall, holding a sealed letter in her hand.
"Your Majesty, this is a letter that the Lady sent to the palace through someone outside the palace."
Xu Lejin nodded and gestured to Ruhua.
Ru Hua took the letter, tore open the wax seal, and handed the thin sheet of paper inside to Xu Lejin. Xu Lejin quickly read it through, her expression somewhat solemn.
After a moment of contemplation, he spoke softly, "Gao Sai, the Duke of Zhenguo, is the sixth son of Emperor Taizong. He is seeking to marry his younger sister of marriageable age as his second wife for his third son, Yun Sheng."
"Mother has already agreed to betroth her twenty-fifth sister, born to Consort Chun, to Yun Sheng as his second wife. Two years from now, when the twenty-fifth sister turns fifteen, she will marry him."
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