After the banquet, Gu Heng went directly to Jinwu Palace with Consort Yi, making the other concubines grit their teeth in frustration.
“Sister Anfei, I thought that with Consort Rong in such a state, the other ladies in the harem would have something to look forward to.” Noble Lady Qi wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. “Who would have thought that Consort Yi would suddenly appear?”
The concubines dared not act presumptuously in front of Jiang Yu, so they all turned to Consort An, who was in charge of managing the six palaces.
“After all, Consort Yi was recommended by Her Majesty the Empress, and now she is pregnant with the Emperor’s child, so it’s only natural that the Emperor would show her more pity.” Consort An wore a standard smile on her face. “If you sisters put in more effort, the Emperor will naturally notice you all.”
Only after Consort An's words did the other concubines feel somewhat at ease.
This tacitly allows them to freely compete for favor.
After the concubines dispersed, Consort An sighed deeply. The nanny behind her quickly followed, asking, "Why did Your Highness get involved in this mess?"
“Granny, I am unable to bear children. I thought I could rely on the Emperor, but look, another Consort Yi has appeared in the harem.” Consort An put her hand on the nanny’s arm. “I think I can only rely on Her Majesty the Empress.”
The Empress has many children; if... perhaps she could still have some hope.
"Does Your Majesty only think that Consort Yi might have other intentions?"
A sneer rang out, and Consort An's expression was tinged with mockery. "Tonight, Consort Yi is determined to act like she's being bullied in front of the Emperor. She doesn't even have the Empress in her eyes. It's good that the harem is full of beautiful women."
Having one dominant figure is detrimental to both her and the Empress.
At the same time, in Jinwu Palace.
Gu Heng had drunk quite a bit of wine and was somewhat drunk, so he let Consort Yi support him.
"This Emperor Zhaoyuan doesn't take me seriously at all." Gu Heng pointed to the top of his head, feeling dizzy. "At my family banquet, he looked down on my princesses. He came here just to provoke me."
Consort Yi helped Gu Heng to the bed with some difficulty, and then unbuttoned his clothes. "Your Majesty is drunk."
"I'm not drunk! I feel like I've seen this Emperor Zhaoyuan somewhere before."
Gu Heng stared wide-eyed at the pear blossom tent. "Daqing is no match for Da Ning in military strength and manpower. I... I cannot clashed with them, but I... I am the Emperor!"
Consort Yi's hand, which was unbuttoning her clothes, suddenly stopped, her eyes filled with struggle.
Half an incense stick later, Consort Yi spoke softly, "Your Majesty, I noticed that this Emperor Zhaoyuan seems quite interested in Her Majesty the Empress?"
"Insolence!" Gu Heng abruptly shoved Yi Fei away. Her swollen belly slammed against the edge of the bed, and the pain sent a jolt through her. Yi Fei's face turned deathly pale.
"Your Majesty, I...I have a stomachache..."
Gu Heng was fully awake and immediately summoned the imperial physician to Jinwu Palace. However, the words of Consort Yi kept replaying in Gu Heng's mind: "Is Emperor Zhaoyuan really interested in the Empress?"
......
The next morning, when Jiang Yu woke up, she only felt that her eyes were swollen and painful.
"Where is Ayan?"
"Your Majesty, the Third Prince has gone to the Imperial Study." While calling for the maids to come in and help Jiang Yu wash up, Ling Mama spoke again in a low voice, "Consort Yi suffered a miscarriage last night, and the imperial physician has been waiting at Jinwu Palace."
"Did the baby get a fright?" Jiang Yu's expression turned slightly serious. "Didn't the Emperor also go to Jinwu Palace last night?"
Could it be that Gu Heng has forgotten that Consort Yi is pregnant?
Jiang Yu was startled by her own thoughts and her lips twitched. "After breakfast, I will personally go to Jinwu Palace."
[Last night, Consort Yi's behavior suggested she had ulterior motives.]
"Your Highness, Consort Yi has been visiting Zhaoning Palace less often lately," Ling Mama added, hinting from the side. "Although Your Highness claims to be ill and doesn't see the concubines, the other consorts still pay their respects outside Zhaoning Palace."
“Which concubine in the harem doesn’t want to compete for the emperor’s favor?” Jiang Yu’s eyes were deep. “Even I have my own interests to fight for. If Consort Yi’s little schemes don’t affect me, then so be it. But if they do get in my way, I won’t be merciful.”
When Jiang Yu arrived at Jinwu Palace, all the concubines were already waiting in the courtyard. Gu Heng rushed over after finishing the morning court session.
"How is Consort Yi now?" Gu Heng asked the imperial physician with some urgency. Even when Jiang Yu arrived, Gu Heng only nodded indifferently.
"Your Majesty, Consort Yi's pregnancy has stabilized, but she will need to stay in bed for the next month to rest and recuperate."
Gu Heng breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, "It's good that you're alright."
"Consort Yi, just focus on your pregnancy. Imperial Physician Zhang, I'm entrusting this pregnancy to you." As soon as Jiang Yu spoke, Gu Heng's brows furrowed deeply. "I heard that Marquis Dingyuan is hosting a banquet at his residence to entertain Emperor Zhaoyuan today?"
Jiang Yu was taken aback, somewhat confused by Gu Heng's sudden change of topic.
"My brother mentioned it yesterday, but I don't know if Emperor Zhaoyuan will accept the invitation today."
Gu Heng gave Jiang Yu a meaningful look. "He's gone. He should be chatting and laughing with Marquis Dingyuan right now."
These things were clearly not hidden from Gu Heng yesterday, and Gu Heng did not show any displeasure. In just one night, Gu Heng has become like this.
Jiang Yu glanced in the direction of Consort Yi's room, lost in thought.
"Your Majesty, I was originally planning to have Wanji take the princes to the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence after they finished their studies. Since Your Majesty has spoken, I will ask for leave for them in advance."
"Approved."
On the way back to Zhaoning Palace, Jiang Yu's pretty face was icy.
"Your Majesty, should I go and speak to the Marquis in advance?" Wanji asked softly, but was interrupted by Jiang Yu, "It seems that someone deliberately instigated this. They are quite clever, knowing that the Emperor is wary of Emperor Zhaoyuan."
"Tell Ayan what happened earlier when you have a chance. There's no need to go to the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence beforehand, lest it seem like I'm guilty."
She had no connection with Emperor Zhaoyuan, so why was she at a disadvantage for no reason?
"Also, investigate the backgrounds of the palace servants around Consort Yi." Jiang Yu's steps became increasingly hurried. "If no one deliberately guides Consort Yi's temperament, she would never have developed disloyal thoughts so quickly."
"This servant will take care of it immediately."
......
On the other side, at the Marquis of Dingyuan's residence.
Jiang He invited Gu Lin here for two reasons: firstly, Gu Qingyan had accepted a generous gift from Gu Lin, and secondly, to discuss the true nature of Da Ning.
If the two countries go to war, the Marquis of Dingyuan's mansion will be at the forefront.
"Today, Emperor Zhaoyuan has come to keep his appointment, and the Marquis's residence is honored." Jiang He led Gu Lin into the residence, and Gu Lin felt that everything in the residence was familiar to him to the bone.
"I had thought that the Marquis's mansion would be a hidden paradise, but it seems that it is no different from an ordinary household."
Scenes from the past inexplicably surfaced in Gu Lin's mind.
"Why doesn't Your Excellency repair the Marquis's residence? I will pay for it for you." Before the young Gu Lin could finish speaking, he was glared at fiercely by the old Marquis of Dingyuan.
"The money should be saved for the war, and also for Ayu's dowry."
After saying this, the old Marquis did not forget to remind him, "Your Highness should not be extravagant with your money."
Thinking of the old Marquis's stingy manner, Gu Lin couldn't help but laugh out loud.
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