The Empress Dowager's ability and cunning in becoming the biggest victor in the palace intrigue are self-evident. Originally an unfavored concubine, she was fortunate enough to give birth to Emperor Liang Yuan. Without any powerful family backing her, she single-handedly helped Emperor Liang Yuan ascend the throne.
Although the Empress Dowager favored her own family and wanted another empress from them to maintain the family's glory, what mattered most to him was his own flesh and blood. She wasn't an ordinary woman lacking political acumen who only knew the intrigues of the harem; she saw further. Bai Yiran's favor was certainly a good thing for the Bai family, but it was definitely not a good thing for Emperor Liang Yuan.
Quietly waiting for March, he silently observed his surroundings like a tiger, looking for the most suitable opportunity to capture his prey. The Empress Dowager had thought that Wuyou would be the first to lose his temper and make a scene, but unexpectedly, Wuyou suffered difficulties during childbirth and stayed at home to recuperate, thus thwarting his plans.
The harem was empty; only Consort Xian and Consort Duan were worthy of being mentioned, or in other words, only these two could be used as pawns. Consort Xian was not useful, and Consort Duan was even more indifferent to worldly affairs, so she had to take matters into her own hands since she had no good pawns to point at.
The Empress Dowager had spoken with Bai Yiran before, expressing her hope that Bai Yiran wouldn't control the Emperor too tightly and would allow him to bestow his favors more evenly. However, Bai Yiran pretended to be oblivious and evaded the question with jokes. Emperor Liang Yuan even personally went to find her.
This behavior made the Empress Dowager feel somewhat threatened. Her sons and nieces were not of one mind with her and could not understand her good intentions as a mother. They even joined forces to oppose her.
After a brief period of melancholy, the Empress Dowager quickly came up with a plan. Emperor Liang Yuan had been on the throne for half a year and should be observing mourning for the late emperor, so he shouldn't hold a large-scale selection of concubines. Instead, he could summon the daughters of his ministers to the palace! It wouldn't do to see the emperor's harem empty and his lineage in short supply.
With so many beauties in the palace, he couldn't believe the emperor wouldn't be overwhelmed by the choices. The world is full of beauty, far more than just white flowers; how could he possibly abandon such exquisite splendor?
The Empress Dowager's suggestion was perfectly legitimate, and even Bai Yiran had no choice but to compromise, forcing a smile as she agreed. Even if she hadn't agreed, it wouldn't have changed anything; she was seething with resentment. They were both daughters of the Bai family, so why didn't her aunt help her? She was actually creating a rival for her niece's affections—how utterly foolish!
Just like in her previous life, the Empress Dowager specially selected the daughters of two high-ranking ministers to enter the palace, bestowing upon them the titles of Consort Liu and Consort Chun. Consort Liu was strikingly beautiful and dignified, with an outspoken personality and the bold spirit of a military general; Consort Chun was charming and adorable, and adept at acting coquettishly and feigning silliness.
As daughters of high-ranking officials, Emperor Liang Yuan had to give his trusted ministers some face, showing more favor and patience towards Consort Liu and Consort Chun. At first, he was somewhat impatient, but over time he grew to appreciate Consort Liu's radiance and Consort Chun's charm, developing a fondness for them.
Just as the Empress Dowager thought, there are all kinds of women in the world. Bai is still very outstanding. No woman in the harem can compare to her. But isn't it much better for a hundred flowers to bloom than for one to stand out?
Emperor Liang Yuan's favorite was still Bai Yiran, but this did not stop him from appreciating the beauty and temperament of other women. He spent five or six days out of ten with Bai Yiran, and the remaining days with his high-ranking concubines.
Although Wuyou is out of favor and has been keeping a low profile these days, she is the birth mother of the eldest prince, and no one dares to underestimate her. The flamboyant Consort Liu once tried to provoke her, but Wuyou always managed to retaliate with ease. Having suffered many losses, she gradually learned her lesson and realized that Wuyou was not someone to be trifled with. She would give Wuyou a cold look when they met, but she would no longer try to provoke her.
Three years have passed, and Bai Yiran remains as beautiful as ever, still deeply favored by the Emperor. The high-ranking concubines huddle together for warmth, with Wuyou subtly leading the pack. What is regrettable is that since the birth of the eldest prince, Liang Qingchen, no more cries of a newborn have been heard in the harem.
The Phoenix Palace was magnificent and resplendent, with plum blossoms planted everywhere around it. These were Bai Yiran's favorite flowers, and even the extremely rare green plums were planted, making it look like a sea of flowers in winter.
Bai Yiran converted a side hall of the Phoenix Palace into a dance studio, where she often sang and danced with Emperor Liang Yuan to please the emperor. Bai Yiran had a supple waist and slender figure, and when she danced, she resembled a butterfly fluttering in the air. The fragrant breeze stirred up by the swaying of her clothes was intoxicating.
The woman in the dance studio wore a light red gauze dress, a smile on her lips, and danced gracefully. The red silk in her hand waved like a nimble snake, so agile and natural, as if it were an extension of her body, at her beck and call.
After practicing for an unknown amount of time, fine beads of sweat appeared on Bai Yiran's forehead, and her face turned pale. Yet she still gritted her teeth, waving the red silk in her hand, her body turning and creating gusts of fragrant breeze.
"My lady, please rest. You've been practicing for two hours now, your body can't take it anymore." Mei Xiang, Bai Yiran's personal maid, looked at Bai Yiran with concern and heartache in her eyes, and quickly stepped forward to stop her.
"It's nothing. Is there any news from my mother?" Bai Yiran shook her head, gently pushed Meixiang away, and clenched her red silk hand slightly. She bit her lip, and a hint of unwillingness appeared on her stunningly beautiful face.
Everyone knew that the Empress of the Great Liang Dynasty was deeply favored by the Emperor, and had not rested for three years. Emperor Yuan of Liang even left the harem empty for her sake. Who in the court and the harem didn't secretly curse him for being unvirtuous and domineering?
Three years without conceiving was a hidden pain in his heart. Despite being so favored, with the emperor spending most of his time with her and her drinking bowl after bowl of fertility-enhancing medicine, there was still no sign of pregnancy.
The eldest prince, this illegitimate son, is already three years old, and she hasn't even laid an egg yet. Every time she sees the lively eldest prince and hears the concubines in the harem praising him and belittling her, the empress, Bai Yiran's hatred intensifies.
These women were simply jealous of her favor, which is why their words were so sour and childishly ridiculous. But to be fair, those words really struck a chord with him, making him depressed and unable to sleep.
She was the Empress, and the Emperor's darling. If she were to give birth to a legitimate son, he would be far more noble than the eldest prince or any of the illegitimate sons, and inheriting the throne would be a matter of course. But he just couldn't have a child; not only did he not have a legitimate son, he didn't even have a legitimate daughter.
If he were to adopt a concubine's child, he would inevitably feel uncomfortable, and he would not want to give up the favor he held so tightly.
Although the Emperor didn't say it, he had already sensed a hint of disappointment in her expression. Unbeknownst to him, the Emperor visited her less and less often, and began to visit the palaces of other concubines, gradually showing a desire to extend his favor more evenly.
Sometimes, men care more about offspring than women. Emperor Yuan of Liang, in his youthful arrogance, already had a son and naturally didn't care about such things. But as he grew older, he began to realize the importance of having children.
Emperor Yuan of Liang wanted a son with his beloved woman, but his wish was not fulfilled. He couldn't very well give up having children because of that, could he? That would make him a laughingstock.
"Your Majesty, Consort Duan is pregnant." Before she could even speak, a palace maid rushed in, dropping a bombshell. Bai Yiran felt a wave of dizziness and fainted.
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