That very night, news spread throughout the palace that the Emperor had appointed a palace maid from Zhongcui Palace as a concubine. When Ulanara first heard the news, she could not believe it. However, when she heard that the appointment had been made in front of Qian Shengyan, she couldn't help but become suspicious.
Yanruo's face lit up with joy: "Your Majesty, is the Emperor tired of Consort Xi? Why is he embarrassing her like this in front of everyone..."
Ulanara was puzzled by this. In her opinion, the Emperor was genuinely fond of Consort Xi, but why would he appoint a palace maid who looked somewhat similar to her as a concubine in front of Consort Xi?
Ulanara couldn't understand it, but it was a good thing for her; her plan could continue...
In fact, not only was Ulanara confused, but Yinzhen was also bewildered. He was inexplicably granted the title of "Consort," and after the appointment, he didn't even get a clear look at what she looked like before Consort Qi led him back to the palace.
With something on his mind, Yinzhen arrived at Yongshou Palace a little early that day, just in time to find Qian Shengyan having dinner with Fuerguochun and Hongshan.
He had never eaten before, but he didn't mind. He immediately sat down and asked someone to bring him a bowl and plate, and then he started eating.
While he couldn't ask anything in front of the children, Ferguchun couldn't contain himself and asked Yinzhen, "Father, does Consort Xiang really smell good?"
Yinzhen: ...
He was three meters away, how could he know?
He calmly replied, "Ask your mother."
Qian Shengyan almost burst out laughing, but managed to stop herself. She then glanced at Folgochun sideways and said, "Don't talk while eating."
Foergochun sighed and continued eating.
After the meal, Foerguochun wanted to ask something, but Qingxue, knowing how to read her master's expression, coaxed and persuaded Foerguochun to go back first.
After everyone had left, Yinzhen coughed and was about to ask a question when Qian Shengyan smiled and leaned close to him to kiss him.
Yinzhen: ...
"Does Your Majesty want to ask me why I wanted to request a title for Na Xiang?" Qian Shengyan asked with a smile, her face full of mischief.
Yinzhen: ...
Yinzhen suddenly didn't want to ask anymore.
It was just a promise, he waved his hand casually: "It's alright, if you find it pleasing to the eye, what's wrong with bestowing upon you the title of 'promise'?"
Qian Shengyan was taken aback, then laughed even harder: "Doesn't Your Majesty find her familiar?"
"Familiar? Hmm?" Yinzhen raised an eyebrow, deliberately saying, "How come I didn't recognize you?"
Qian Shengyan chuckled, then couldn't help but wrap her arms around Yinzhen's neck and hang on him, laughing wildly.
She laughed as she spoke haltingly, "The Emperor didn't see it, hahaha, that face he had, hahaha..."
The palace has been unusually quiet lately, which Qian Shengyan finds very strange. Moreover, she doesn't want Hongshi and Consort Hua's affair to be discovered too soon. It would be good to appoint a new person at this time to divert everyone's attention.
Since Nian Gengyao has already left the capital, Shan Xiu should be careful and spend more time with Hongshi.
Qian Shengyan hoped that, according to the original historical timeline, Consort Hua would "die" at the end of the third year of Yongzheng's reign, and Hongshi would be stripped of his official rank and expelled from the palace at the beginning of the fourth year of Yongzheng's reign. However, there was still a year to go, and she was really afraid that the two of them might be discovered prematurely, and she didn't know what kind of changes might occur then.
"What are you thinking about?" Yinzhen heard her laughter gradually subside, followed by silence. He lifted her up with both arms and sat her down on the chair with her in his arms. "Are you still angry? If you're unhappy, just hit or scold that person. Why make yourself angry?"
Qian Shengyan looked up at him, her eyes slightly watery (from her earlier laughter), and said, "I was thinking that sooner or later, people would enter the harem..." After saying that, she smiled again, "Xiang Ying is not bad either. She is young and beautiful, and she is barely worthy of serving the Emperor."
"Hmph." Yinzhen snorted, "I don't need her to serve me."
“Well… Oh, Your Majesty!” Qian Shengyan said reproachfully, then laughed, “How about Your Majesty bestow titles upon whoever you prefer to serve? The Imperial Noble Consort’s niece has been living in the palace for more than half a year. Even if Your Majesty is only considering the Tongjia clan, shouldn’t you also bestow a title upon her?”
Seal it all up, let's make this harem lively.
Qian Shengyan had a wicked thought, but Yinzhen said, "Anyone is fine, but not her."
"Why?" Qian Shengyan was taken aback. Yinzhen smiled and said, "It's only because of Tongjia's sake that it won't work."
After he finished speaking, he didn't explain further, but carried Qian Shengyan to the bed, saying, "I only realized today how virtuous the Imperial Concubine is. Even before the mourning period is over, she is already making plans for my harem. I should reward you handsomely..."
Qian Shengyan: ...
She knew she shouldn't ask, but she couldn't help herself: "What will Your Majesty reward me with?"
"Hmm, I'll reward you with another prince," the big jerk said.
Qian Shengyan: ...
She didn't believe he would dare. The small porcelain bottle containing contraceptive pills was always kept by her bedside. Others might not care about having a child during the mourning period, but Yinzhen had a lot to lose face.
The eyes of the harem were still fixed on Zhongcui Palace, unaware that Consort Hua in Chengqian Palace had cried until her eyes were swollen.
Ever since she refused Hongshi's request, he hadn't come over for a long time. She panicked and wanted to go find him, but she didn't know where to look.
As a concubine, even though she was already a Noble Consort, her activities were limited to the twelve palaces in the east and west of the inner palace. It was absolutely impossible for her to go to the princes' quarters in front.
Hongshi didn't come, and she was helpless. Then one day she suddenly heard that a very beautiful palace maid had been given to the Third Prince by Consort Qi. The Third Prince dressed her up as a little eunuch and always kept her by his side. The two of them were very close, going in and out of the study together.
Shan Xiu refused to believe such words; she insisted on asking Hong Shi herself—were all those sweet words and affectionate phrases just lies? No, she didn't believe it. Hong Shi definitely liked her; she could tell just by looking into his eyes.
In the past, many people fawned over her, but Shan Xiu never paid them any mind. However, in the years since she came to the capital, she has been playing a different role. Although she holds a noble position, the Emperor is unwilling to give her anything—no affection, no favor.
She even felt that she was not as good as that little palace maid who was on the right side of the meal.
Without the nourishment of love and the affection of a man, Shan Xiu felt like a flower that had bloomed to its fullest potential, about to slowly wither away in this deep palace.
No one comes to take a look, no one cares.
It was at this time that she suddenly learned what the relationship between men and women was, and was suddenly loved passionately by a young and handsome prince. How could she not be moved?
but……
She was attracted to him, but dared not take it any further.
She knew her true identity; even if it was just a shell, she was still the Emperor's Consort Hua.
But Hongshi was so audacious, he actually wanted to—??
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