The next morning, everyone gradually gathered at the courtyard of Consort Ulanara. It wasn't that these few were particularly diligent; rather, it was that several of the newlyweds had arrived too early.
It wasn't the fault of these newcomers; they were just trying to curry favor with the Fujin (princess).
At this moment, Yunzhu came out and invited the people in the courtyard in.
"This humble servant greets Your Highness, may Your Highness be blessed."
"Sisters, get up quickly."
Although Ulanara was confined to her quarters for a long time, she was still a Fujin (princess) and retained her imposing presence.
"I've missed my sisters so much since I last saw them."
No one responded; they simply smiled politely.
Ulanara didn't mind and waved her hand. Yunzhu, who was standing to the side, stepped forward with a tray and began distributing the items from Li Jingshu.
"I had the Prince order several hairpins. Each of you sisters can choose one as a gift when we meet again. Don't be shy, just pick one."
Li Jingshu looked at the tray placed in front of her and, without being polite, carefully examined it before choosing a magnolia-shaped one.
Unlike Li Jingshu, Nian Yunrong didn't have such magnanimity. She casually picked up a cigarette and handed it to Qingyan, who was standing behind her.
Ulanara saw this scene but remained silent.
After that came Geng Youran and several other princesses and concubines.
“Last night, the Prince and I talked a lot, including about Sister Li returning the seal. The Prince said that Sister Li was adamant about returning the seal, and I would like to ask why.”
Li Jingshu responded gently and respectfully:
“Replying to Madam, I was forced into managing the household when I was first appointed. Now that you have taken over the management of the inner quarters and Nian has already given birth, I have nothing to worry about and will naturally return the seal.”
Hearing Li Jingshu's high-sounding explanation, Nian Yunrong almost gritted her teeth. She didn't expect Li Jingshu to be even more eloquent than her, easily pushing her in front of Ulanara.
"In that case, we won't force Sister Li. What do you say, Sister Nian?"
"I will follow the Princess's arrangements."
Nian Yunrong had no choice but to temporarily back down.
Geng Youran and Niohuru Wanru were watching intently when they were surprised to find themselves being called upon by Ulanara.
"Sister Geng, how has Hongzhou been lately?"
"Thank you for your concern, Madam. As for Hongzhou, he's always been quite mischievous. I'll have him come and pay his respects to you later."
Ulanara nodded lovingly, which was taken as her agreement.
She then asked about the other children's well-being before dismissing them.
"Yunzhu, do you think Consort Li's words are sincere?"
“Reporting to Madam, this servant believes that what Consort Li said is indeed the truth. Before this, this servant had heard that Consort Li’s focus is now on Prince Hongshi and she has no interest in the affairs of the household.”
Ulanara rubbed the prayer beads in her hands while lost in thought.
"Go and tell Sister Li that something has come up and you need to ask her to come over this afternoon."
"yes."
Yunzhu then left, leaving behind Ulanara's weary figure.
After returning to the courtyard, Nian Yunrong began to smash things and vent her anger.
"I didn't expect Li Jingshu to be so opportunistic and to pledge allegiance to the Fujin so quickly. She's quite generous, actually handing over all the seals she had. Before, no matter how I asked her for them, she wouldn't give them to me."
"Consort Li, please forgive my bluntness, but Consort Li doesn't seem to be trying to please anyone. She's acting all business."
Nian Yunrong snorted and then said:
"What do you know? Now that the Prince has lifted the confinement of the Princess Consort, it seems to everyone that she is about to regain her former status. Consort Li will definitely take advantage of this opportunity to cling tightly to the Prince Consort's coattails in order to secure a good future for her son."
Nian Yunrong really overcomplicated the matter. In fact, Li Jingshu was just too lazy to care, which was one of the reasons why she went to great lengths to bring up the Fujin (wife of the deceased).
It's important to understand that as a manager, it's impossible to avoid offending anyone.
Li Jingshu lacks a strong family background and resources; everything she has now is given to her by Yinzhen. If she were to lose Yinzhen's trust due to a single wrong decision, she would truly have suffered a great loss.
The situation with Consort Ulanara was different. Now that she had been released from confinement and even regained some of the power to manage the household, it was largely due to the influence of her family behind Yinzhen.
Li Jingshu clearly understood this mutually exploitative situation, so she chose the safest option for herself and her child.
It must be said that Li Jingshu's rise from the daughter of a minor prefect to Prince Yong's mansion, from a concubine to a secondary consort, could not have been achieved without precise calculation.
Geng Youran and Niohuru Wanru also returned to their respective courtyards to catch up on sleep.
Perhaps because the weather is getting warmer, Geng Youran is feeling increasingly weak.
At first, Qianxue thought that her princess was pregnant, but before she could even ask the imperial physician to come and take her pulse, Geng Youran's period started.
"Qianxue, I'm going to take a nap. Xiao Anzi can keep watch at the door. You should go to sleep too. You got up early enough today."
"No need, Your Highness, I'm used to it. You're asleep, I'll go to the small kitchen to make you some black chicken soup."
Geng Youran looked at Qianxue's energetic expression and felt a little envious.
"Okay, go ahead then. Call me if you need anything."
Then Geng Youran yawned, looking like she was really sleepy.
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