The Empress thought that Ulanara was mentally unstable because of her presence.
Didn't she know that the Empress could persuade the Emperor to bestow his favor equally upon all his subjects?
However, as an empress with power but no favor, it would not bring her much benefit in persuading the emperor to distribute his favors equally, but the disadvantages would be obvious: she would displease the emperor.
The Empress couldn't help but frown and dismissed Consort Ulanara.
After she left, the Empress couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. She pressed her temples with her fingers and complained to her confidante, "How did Mother choose this person? Does Consort Nara think I'm an idiot?"
“Your Majesty! It’s a good thing that Consort Nara is impetuous and naive. If she were to be meticulous in everything at such a young age, Your Majesty wouldn’t be able to use her.”
"Indeed, she's a bit stupid, but she's still presentable. Well then, let's make some arrangements. Consort Zhao hasn't been having an easy time lately. The Nine Provinces Imperial Harem is far from being completely open and honest. Let her make a scene and let the Emperor know that there's more than just one Consort in the harem."
"Zhao Changzai's personality is somewhat similar to that of Consort Qi when she was young; they both tend to be mischievous. I just don't know if the Emperor will be moved by it."
As people get older, they tend to reminisce about the past. After all, Consort Zhao and Consort Qi were related by blood.
"Whether His Majesty is moved or not, I do not know. Letting her make a fuss is just to let His Majesty know that the hearts of people in the harem are not stable. If His Majesty truly cares for the Consort, he should extend his favor to all.
If there were no selection of concubines, it would be fine. The old servants in the former prince's residence were used to the fact that the imperial concubine had almost exclusive favor. But how could the new concubines bear to be neglected like this?
Two days later, Yinzhen encountered Consort Zhao on his way to visit the Imperial Concubine.
With the help of someone who was interested, Consort Zhao wore an outfit that Consort Qi had liked when she was young. For a moment, it did remind Yinzhen of the past.
However, it was just a fleeting thought; he wasn't one to dwell on the past. He was someone who always looked forward.
"Your Majesty, I greet you. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
"Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"What brings you here on such a hot day?"
A hint of grievance flashed in Consort Zhao's eyes. Her maidservant quickly spoke up for her, "Your Majesty, you may not know this, but our young mistress is afraid of the heat. Using ice is faster. The room is even hotter than the outside, which is why she came out for a walk."
Yinzhen also disliked the heat. When he came to see the Consort, it was already evening. Although it was hot, it was indeed better than during the day.
Her reasoning is somewhat valid.
Upon hearing this, Yinzhen frowned: "Has someone been embezzling your allowance?"
Zhao Changzai quickly shook his head: "No, that's not true."
Actually, yes, there are such things, but the Imperial Household Department operates discreetly, so no one dares to say it out loud! It's not like we're really stupid enough to go against the Imperial Household Department.
Even without deductions, the regular allowance is barely enough to get by, so life is naturally difficult.
Yinzhen had also come from the princes' quarters. Unfavored princes inevitably suffered some hardships, and unfavored concubines naturally suffered even more. Thinking of this, he realized that since arriving at the Yuanmingyuan, apart from the Consort, he had indeed neglected everyone else.
"You should go back first. I will come to see you when I have time."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Zhao Changzai's eyes. He would go see her again when he had time, but who knew when that would be?
Although she was dissatisfied and disappointed, her face was full of joy: "Yes, Your Majesty, I will wait for you."
Perhaps recalling the past, even though Yinzhen understood that Consort Zhao was deliberately intercepting him here, he still said, "Su Peisheng, send someone to escort Consort Zhao back!"
The Imperial Household Department really needs to be reprimanded.
Su Peisheng: "Yes, Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Consort Zhao's joy became more genuine: "This concubine thanks Your Majesty for your grace."
Yinzhen then left, leaving Consort Zhao still immersed in surprise.
Consort Nian had no idea that there was such a scene on the way. Seeing that Yinzhen arrived a little later than yesterday, she hurriedly said with concern, "Your Majesty must be very busy, as you have arrived much later than yesterday."
Yinzhen didn't mention the encounter with Consort Zhao, but changed the subject: "Not too busy. Are you feeling unwell today?"
"With Your Majesty's concern, I feel much better."
As she said this, Consort Nian's face was filled with a happy smile.
Indeed, in the harem, besides the Empress, she held the highest rank, and no one could match her favor. While pregnant, Yinzhen visited her every day for several days in a row.
How could she not be happy?
Yinzhen would inquire about the imperial physician who treated her every day. Upon hearing this, he nodded and said, "Your good health is the best thing. It puts my mind at ease."
The two were inseparable, and the night passed quickly.
The next day, Yinzhen sent someone to tell the Consort that he would not be coming today.
Upon hearing this, the Imperial Concubine dismissed the people in front of her and summoned her trusted confidants.
"Go and keep an eye on him, see if the Emperor intentionally goes somewhere else?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Not long after, Consort Nian received the news.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor went to Consort Qi's place. I heard that he encountered Consort Zhao on his way here yesterday, and the Emperor even sent someone to escort Consort Zhao back."
Consort Nian's face immediately darkened.
"I remember someone saying that Consort Zhao is Consort Qi's cousin. It seems the rumors are true. Consort Qi is quite adept at vying for favor; she's even using her cousin."
"Your Majesty, please don't worry. His Majesty's feelings for Consort Qi are not what they used to be. He is only concerned about the Third Prince now. Your Majesty's most important thing right now is your pregnancy."
Consort Nian touched her belly; although she was still breathing, the gas had subsided somewhat.
She finally understood that Yinzhen was no longer just her prince, but the emperor of the harem and the people of the world.
But I really feel bad inside.
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