Queen looked at Zhao Xunliang's retreating back, feeling extremely miserable. But what could she do? She couldn't afford to act correctly if she wanted to survive in this palace.

Nursemaid Què held up the fainting queen, feeling deep pain.

Lady's situation back then didn't allow her to make the correct choice!

"Nursemaid, Princess Dà should return to the palace,"

When Queen heard this, she instantly calmed down.

"We'll go back to the palace."

Nursemaid Què quickly nodded.

Indeed, when they returned to theBright Phoenix Palace, they saw Princess Dà. Queen's heart softened, and she immediately summoned Princess to her side.

Nursemaid Què quickly brought attendants to set food for Queen and Princess.

By midnight, after Princess rested, Queen returned to her bedroom.

"Nursemaid, rest!"

Queen shook her head. "Nursemaid, I don't want to sleep."

Nursemaid Què said, "The imperial body is important. Princess and the palace need Your Majesty."

Queen sighed softly. "Nursemaid, maybe Your Highness knows..."

Nursemaid Què said, "Your Majesty, don't worry too much! If Your Highness knew, how could Your Highness not punish him?"

"But what about Your Highness's last words tonight?"

Nursemaid Què sighed. "Empress Dowager has issues with Your Majesty. Your Highness might be hinting at something."

Queen had many thoughts in mind, but Nursemaid Què's explanation was the most acceptable to her. She quickly asked, "Nursemaid, is it really done?"

Nursemaid Què said, "Your Majesty can rest assured. Not a single trace remains."

Queen closed her eyes.

"That's good!"

Nursemaid Què said, "Your Majesty, you could have avoided suspicion by asking for seals for De Fei and Consort Chang before the incident. Also, the person who moved the princess was a slave brought into the palace by the two ladies themselves. They couldn't involve Your Majesty."

Queen finally put her mind at ease. Although she lost an important chess piece placed by her within the two ladies' entourage, she had rid herself of a major threat.

Scenery despised Consort Chang deeply, and Queen knew this well.

Besides personal resentment, it was because Scenery's father, Shen Zishan, was the one leading the request for severe punishment. So, these two could be considered sworn enemies.

Queen just needed to send word to her, and Scenery would surely not be able to bear it.

Plus, she knew where Scenery's younger brother was. She wasn't afraid that Scenery wouldn't risk everything. Scenery had martial arts skills, and if anyone else assisted her, Consort Chang would find it difficult to escape. Since morning, Queen hadn't seen Consort Chang, and she had predicted that Consort Chang would come later in the afternoon.

As for how Scenery escaped the cold palace, it was due to the Crown Prince.

The Imperial Garden was the favorite playground of Princess and Crown Prince, and Crown Prince loved flying kites and playing catch with balls there.

Moreover, the Imperial Garden was only separated from the Cold Palace by a very high wall.

Although Crown Prince had entered school, he was still a child. Although clever, he became domineering due to his mother's loss over her son, whom De Fei had lost. This led to Crown Prince's domineering personality.

Crown Prince broke the kite string, and the kite fell onto the Cold Palace. When people around him scolded him, he took a group of people and made a big circle around the Cold Palace. This led to an incident, which allowed Scenery to sneak out.

Scenery was a smart person; she seized her opportunity and didn't plan on living. Queen only wanted Consort Chang to miscarry, but Scenery wanted Consort Chang to die with her.

She never expected that Consort Chang was lucky. She fell off the carriage, was pushed into the water, and yet managed to survive.

The rivalry between Scenery and Consort Chang had formed the "truth," and this truth had no flaws. Queen then investigated who released Scenery according to what Emperor said.

This investigation led to De Fei, who was innocent despite her repeated apologies. Because De Fei always catered to Crown Prince's every wish, even if he insisted, those around him naturally helped achieve it.

The Cold Palace was off-limits without the Empress Dowager, Emperor, or the Queen's imperial decree. Anyone entering the Cold Palace would face punishment.

So, Crown Prince's close associates argued with the guards of the Cold Palace, causing chaos. Even if it was ordinary, this small matter turned into a big one because of Consort Chang's miscarriage!

Therefore, De Fei's confinement was light.

As for why Consort Chang was also confined, it was because the eunuch who advised Crown Prince to retrieve the kite was one of the deepest spies in the De Yi Pavilion. Upon receiving Consort Chang's imperial decree, this eunuch was instructed to eliminate Crown Prince.

Thus, he first provoked Crown Prince to go to the Cold Palace, and while the eunuchs and palace girls were arguing in the Cold Palace, this young eunuch provocatively urged Crown Prince to climb the tree outside the Cold Palace.

This led to Consort Chang's tragedy. His younger brother was still under Consort Chang's father's control, making the evidence clear. Moreover, Consort Chang had actually planned to attack Crown Prince. Perhaps, until now, she still believed that the mistake was made by that clumsy servant!

All these calculations meant that Queen found no fault with the emperor.

Normally, plotting against the crown prince, Consort Chang could have faced severe punishment. However, Consort Chang had recently miscarried, and her uncle was still fighting in the battlefield, so this matter was suppressed by the emperor.

"Maidservant, tomorrow will be the day to send the badges of the newly arrived concubines to Yan Cheng Palace."

"Your Majesty, you..."

"Postponing the peace of the harem for too long makes people feel stale! It's time for new faces to bring freshness!"

"Your Majesty, Ning Xiu Hua and Zhou Xiu Hua?"

Queen sneered. "Even if Your Majesty blocks it, how can Your Majesty forget them?"

Què Maidservant sighed inwardly. These two were outstanding, and their families couldn't be ignored by the emperor.

"Old maidservant, I'll go and handle it!"

Before Què Maidservant reached the door, Queen suddenly said, "Old maidservant, split them into two batches."

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Què Maidservant was stunned.

Queen said, "First, send the ones with beautiful appearances. Then, send the rest after three days."

Què Maidservant nodded.

Queen looked at the bright moon outside and slowly tightened her hand.

Tonight, Emperor did not invite any concubines to Yan Cheng Palace. He spent all day dealing with political matters and went to Yun Ping Palace instead.

Everyone in the harem sighed.

Having children, even just a princess, was good.

The next day, in the Hall of the Bright Phoenix.

Queen sat at the top, and Yun Ping had no proud expression on her face. Instead, she humbly addressed Queen.

Ji Mingxuan lowered her head, thinking carefully.

Seeing these beautiful concubines, Queen's eyes dimmed momentarily but quickly regained her regal demeanor as a queen.

She adhered to the etiquette of a queen and reprimanded everyone present, emphasizing strict discipline and adherence to rules. Hearing these words, Ji Mingxuan had a guess.

Sure enough, after the reprimand, Queen said, "Today, I have registered the identities of all the sisters and will have them serve the imperial presence. I hope that each sister will honor the imperial presence and bear descendants." The old ladies in the harem had different expressions, while the new concubines showed excitement and shyness.

Ji Mingxuan remained indifferent.

Ji Mingfu gripped the handkerchief tightly.

These two—one introduced by the Empress Dowager, the other utilized by Queen—were the first to take precedence even before the name plates were made. If the name plates of the other concubines weren't ready, the emperor wouldn't choose the newcomers. So, serving the imperial presence involved either the old ladies or these two sisters.

Although she anticipated that Queen would make the harem lively, she didn't expect her actions to be so swift.

After returning home late from paying respects, all the concubines went home early. Clearly, the news of being invited to serve the imperial presence excited many of them.

Qigang Palace was currently confined, so Ji Mingxuan and Ji Mingfu exchanged a few words before separating.

On that day, all the concubines were extremely anxious.

Until the imperial decree came, although they already knew what was going to happen, they still felt disappointed.

That evening, Ning Xiu Hua was chosen!

21.

Fanghuaxuan Nanfang, Zhou Xiu Hua heard the report from the attendant, though her face still wore a beautiful smile, a chill ran down her spine.

Zhen'an Palace Dongfang, Ji Mingxuan received the message and continued eating her apple.

Zhi Cao watched Ji Mingxuan worriedly. Ji Mingxuan chuckled lightly but didn't say anything to her?

She slept well last night.

After washing up, the announcement came down ordering the harem to prepare.

Ning Xiu Hua, now known as Consort Ning, advanced two ranks and became a fifth-grade Jieyu. This didn't surprise Ji Mingxuan. However, the subsequent imperial decree made her alert, as the emperor granted Consort Ning the authority to manage the main hall of Pavilion of Virtue and Elegance.

A main hall of a pavilion usually required at least a fourth-grade position for a concubine, and a main hall of a palace required at least a second-grade position for a wife. Having the authority to manage a main hall was highly valued among concubines.

Concubines initially gained favor based on their appearance, but later it depended on their offspring.

Consort Ning was one rank short of becoming a Jieyu, but being favored by the emperor allowed her to advance to the main hall of a pavilion. Even if she became pregnant now, she wouldn't have to worry about her child being taken away! Having a good family background meant climbing fast!

"Servant, you're healed!"

Ji Mingxuan nodded and looked at the reflection in the mirror. She smiled and said, "Zizhu is skilled, matching Zi Cao's workmanship."

Zi Cao remained calm. Hongzhu scanned Zizhu sharply, and Lǜzhu hung her head, unsure of what she was thinking.

Zizhu quickly said, "Servant praised you, Master. All thanks to Zi Cao's guidance."

Ji Mingxuan looked at Zi Cao, who calmly said, "Zizhu learns quickly. Now, Zizhu can comb your hair, and during holidays, she can apply makeup for you."

Ji Mingxuan appreciated Zi Cao and said, "I rarely hear Zi Cao praise someone. Looks like you truly deserve it. From now on, you and Zi Cao will accompany me closely."

Zizhu's heart skipped a beat. She was happy and cautious at the same time.

Hongzhu stood out, and the master heavily relied on her. Furthermore, Hongzhu had done many things for the master, but the master still hadn't let her accompany him closely. Lǜzhu performed excellently but was placed in less important positions. Yet, she had never underestimated her and knew her ambition.

Now, the master letting her accompany him closely, Hongzhu and Lǜzhu might unite to exclude her.

"Zizhu, what are you thinking? Don't forget to thank the master!" Zi Cao smiled.

Zizhu was startled, her heart tightening. She quickly bowed to Ji Mingxuan.

"Servant thanks the master's grace."

Ji Mingxuan called her up.

After tidying up, Ji Mingxuan still had Zizhu and Xiao Shuzi follow her out.

In the Hall of the Bright Phoenix, it was bustling with activity. Consort Ning, now known as Consort Ning, arrived early. Ji Mingxuan smiled inwardly; arrogant behavior shouldn't occur here.

"Concubine gives the Queen Mother respect."

Queen smiled warmly: "Sister Ji, please skip the formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Queen said, "Please sit."

Ji Mingxuan nodded.

With De Fei and Consort Chang confined, now the Queen Mother's right-hand concubine was Yun Ping, and her left-hand was Consort Ning. Thinking about it, the two senior concubines below the Queen Mother didn't have titles. Consort Ning was considered a high-ranking concubine in the palace.

Ji Mingxuan sat down, looking at the other concubines. Their gazes all shifted to Consort Ning and then back to her.

Ji Mingxuan picked up the teacup beside her and sipped a little. Beside her, Dān Xiūhúa looked over, having been unafraid of the Queen Mother since her first visit, but now on her third day, she still behaved like before. Recalling this, she felt some sympathy and amusement! She wished the Queen Mother would add something to the tea.

Feeling Dān Xiūhúa's gaze, Ji Mingxuan put down the teacup and said to Dān Xiūhúa, "Sister, why aren't you speaking when you're looking at Ning?"

Dān Xiūhúa wasn't angry and said, "Sister, are you comparing yourself to Ning?"

Everyone immediately quieted down, waiting for the performance between Ning and Jī Mingxuan.

Ji Mingxuan enjoyed watching plays but was often cast in the lead role. Turns out, she Ji Mingxuan was seen as the aggressive and competitive woman in their hearts!

Hearing Dān Xiūhúa's words, Ji Mingxuan looked at Consort Ning, who, with her new wife's charm, occasionally flashed a happy and satisfied look, making her previously elegant face even more alluring.

Although the emperor was handsome, Consort Ning probably wouldn't fall in love with him overnight!

"Ji sister, why aren't you talking when you're looking at Ning?" Dān Xiūhúa asked again.

This Dān Xiūhúa had suffered losses before and was coming back for more? Could it be that this was about her position? Ji Mingxuan wondered if she should change positions soon! (Author: No level up, who will give you a promotion!)

Because of Dān Xiūhúa's words, Consort Ning looked at Ji Mingxuan.

Ji Mingxuan said, "Perhaps you don't realize that if you're looking at Sister, you'd definitely talk."

Another laugh erupted, and Consort Ning blushed.

Dān Xiūhúa immediately understood. Women valued tranquility as beauty, whether admiring or sitting gracefully. Ji Mingxuan's meaning was that Consort Ning was beautiful, so she should quietly admire her. As for the latter part, it was mocking her lack of beauty, making one unable to focus on quiet admiration! Which woman doesn't care about her own appearance? Dān Xiūhúa was no exception.

She wanted to react, but the events of the previous day kept her from rebelling in front of the Queen Mother. Thinking about it, she became beet red.

The Queen Mother swept a glance at Ji Mingxuan and then at Consort Ning, her eyebrows involuntarily twitching.

"Well, stop teasing Consort Ning," she said.

Everyone immediately quieted down.

The Queen Mother smiled kindly and asked, "Consort Ning has been promoted to a concubine and has been given permission to manage the main hall of Pavilion of Virtue and Elegance. She should get more staff. I've already ordered the Inner Affairs Bureau's director to assign staff according to her rank. Please don't disappoint the emperor and me."

Consort Ning felt a sharp sting on her back. Today was quite a boost, but worth it! Thinking about it, she gratefully bowed to the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother then looked at Ji Mingxuan and Ji Mingfu.

"These two have served the imperial presence well these past two days. By tradition, they should also get more staff. I've already told the Inner Affairs Bureau. Return if you're unsatisfied!"

Ji Mingxuan and Ji Mingfu got up immediately and thanked the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother said, "These three have served the imperial presence well and deserve this honor. Do not envy them. There will be opportunities for service in the future, and you'll see who uses their hearts properly."

Everyone listened and got up.

Together, they said, "We will follow Your Majesty's teachings."

The Queen Mother nodded satisfactorily, letting everyone get up.

The Hall of the Bright Phoenix resumed chatting idly, but no one dared approach Consort Ning. This was the difference. When she was promoted to Xiūhúa, those who spoke acidly and looked at her strangely were bold and unapologetic.

As soon as she appeared, the atmosphere in the palace became tense.

Everyone was speculating who had done it.

The queen ordered someone to check on this Qin Guiren and found that she was indeed suffering from water intoxication due to her weak constitution. She had been enduring it for a few days until today when the illness broke out.

The queen then instructed the doctors to treat her carefully.

Suddenly, people began mocking Qin Guiren for not being able to handle her good fortune. At the same time, they took pleasure in her misfortune. Among the new concubines above the rank of beauty, except Zhou Xiuhua, only this Qin Guiren had not had an opportunity to sleep with the emperor.

With Qin Guiren now ill, everyone's attention turned to Zhou Xiuhua. If Zhou Xiuhua were to sleep with the emperor next, it would be the turn for the lower-ranking concubines below beauty.

Seeing Qin Guiren's condition worsen, Ji Mingxuan curled her lips. This timing was too convenient. After countless novels about palace intrigues, she knew that someone who avoided court favors upon entering the palace was the true protagonist.

Ji Mingxuan was deep in thought about Qin Guiren in her room.

At that moment, joyful footsteps echoed outside.

"Go out and see what happened," Ji Mingxuan said to Zhi Cao beside her.

Zhi Cao opened the door slightly, ready to forcefully kick out the person disturbing the mistress's rest. However, seeing who came through the door, her hand did not immediately move.

"Your Highness, it is Lady Yancheng's people," Zhi Cao exclaimed excitedly.

Ji Mingxuan was taken aback but quickly walked over to the door.

She saw the people outside the courtyard with eyes full of contemplation.