Seeing this, the Empress' gaze flashed. This sister truly lived up to being cultivated by the Ji family.

Dan Xiujuan saw that no one refuted her and smiled, as if she hadn't noticed the Empress' displeasure, commenting, "Too bad, they're just one seat apart!" She pretended to be ashamed.

Concubine Ji Mengfu's gaze flashed, Miss Ji Mengxuan sneered inwardly. These words of provocation were much worse than the Empress' tactics last night!

At this moment, beside them, Yun Pin suddenly said slowly, "Speaking like this, no one in the palace can match Dan Sister."

Dan Xiujuan was taken aback, seeing the smiles on many concubines' faces, she looked extremely ugly, but before confronting Yun Pin, she held back.

Empress Liu laughed and said, "Yun Pin speaks as usual, really hitting the nail on the head."

Miss Ji Mengxuan and Concubine Ji Mengfu looked at Yun Pin, impressive. With just one sentence, she transferred the awkward situation between the Empress and the sisters. Yun Pin smiled and said, "Does the Empress think I'm praising or criticizing me? If the Empress criticizes me in front of so many sisters, I won't back off."

Empress Liu scolded, "That's good, I bet you've never seen me being unkind to you."

Yun Pin listened and said, "Empress Auntie, you'll always tease me."

Seeing Yun Pin's appearance, everyone couldn't help laughing, creating a warm atmosphere. Empress Liu took the opportunity to let everyone chat.

Miss Ji Mengxuan and Concubine Ji Mengfu didn't speak this time. They quietly sat in their seats. Dan Xiujuan and Miss Ji Mengxuan were next to each other, she sneered and said, "Miss Ji, the Empress doesn't allow you to say what you want. Now that she does, you two have become silent like stone statues."

Miss Ji Mengxuan didn't answer but smiled and asked, "Dan Xiujuan, do you know what's more annoying than crows?"

Dan Xiujuan was momentarily stunned, unable to follow Miss Ji Mengxuan's logic.

Miss Ji Mengxuan softly said, "A crow's beak!" It seemed she was answering a question, yet she was also insulting her. Dan Xiujuan, however, mistakenly believed Miss Ji Mengxuan was insulting her. She pointed at Miss Ji Mengxuan and said, "You... you're a crow's beak!"

These words were quite serious. Everyone fell silent, turning to look at Dan Xiujuan and Miss Ji Mengxuan.

Empress Liu asked, "Dan Xiujuan and Miss Ji, what's going on? In the palace, harmony among sisters is the most important thing!"

Later, she spoke seriously, "Miss Ji, your crow's beak!"

Dan Xiujuan glared at her.

Empress Liu looked at Dan Xiujuan and asked, "What question did you ask?"

Miss Ji Mengxuan said, "I just asked you, what's more annoying than crows?" Without hearing Dan Xiujuan's actual words, it was hard to imagine.

"I asked you, and you couldn't answer, so I told you the answer is 'a crow's beak!' I didn't expect you to curse me just because of one answer! I'm so wronged! Please speak up for me, Empress!" Finished speaking, Miss Ji Mengxuan stood up, wiping her tears with a handkerchief, looking extremely wronged.

So this Dan Xiujuan actually believed she was a crow's beak!

Empress Liu's expression was strange. Yun Pin burst out laughing, and some concubines also started laughing, the funniest part was that a Ben Guin who entered the palace around the same time spat out the tea in his mouth.

Dan Xiujuan couldn't say anything as she was furious. Because Miss Ji Mengxuan was telling the truth. Someone merely asked her a question, and she thought she was a crow's beak!

Empress Liu said, "Alright, Dan Xiujuan, Miss Ji, you're young and lively, it's okay to be playful sometimes. As an elder sister, you should bear with us."

Dan Xiujuan's face turned pale, but she had no choice but to comply.

Empress Liu then turned to Miss Ji Mengxuan and said, "Miss Ji, your elder sister often talks without thinking, don't argue with her."

Miss Ji Mengxuan nodded, "I'll abide by the Empress' teaching!"

Empress Liu nodded satisfactorily.

After a short while, Sun Liangyuan and other concubines arrived. The chatting in the Zhaofeng Hall became louder. The topic was mostly about Consort Chang, but no bad words were spoken; mostly expressions of envy and congratulations.

Time passed slowly. Only Deji and Consort Chang had yet to arrive.

Everyone began guessing.

Another half-hour later, Zhou Hai came in from outside the hall.

Empress Liu frowned. Despite the gazes of everyone, Zhou Hai still paid respect to the Empress and said, "Reporting to the Empress, the female official from Deji Palace said that Deji Duchess is ill with a cold. She dispatched a female official to seek your forgiveness, Empress."

Empress Liu sternly called out, "Announce!"

Zhou Hai went out, soon seeing a young and ordinary woman slowly walk over. Her bearing compared to some of the princesses inside the palace wasn't inferior.

"Nianao, reporting to the Empress, and to Princess Yunpin and other maids."

Empress Liu's expression slightly improved. Nianao was the highest-ranking female official from Deji Palace, and Deji Duchess dispatching her indicated her sincere remorse.

"Please forgive us, Empress."

Nianao got up and Empress Liu asked, "How is Deji Duchess? Has a doctor been called?"

Nianao replied, "Duchess is feverish. Recently, she hasn't been able to blow the wind. The doctor prescribed medicine, and she fell asleep."

Empress Liu wore a worried expression, "Really that severe?"

Nianao lowered her head.

Everyone was shocked. Yesterday, Deji Duchess had a rosy complexion and excellent health. How could she suddenly be so ill? After all, there wasn't any heavy wind last night.

Empress Liu sighed, "Send her back to rest properly and don't come to seek your forgiveness for these few days."

Nianao gratefully said, "Thank you, Empress."

Empress Liu turned to Qi Mo and said, "Select the best ginseng and send it to Deji Duchess. Also, go to visit her properly on behalf of the Empress."

Qi Mo hurriedly stepped forward and knelt to receive the order.

Nianao knelt down and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Empress, for taking care of Deji Duchess."

Empress Liu waved at them.

When these two left, the hall became extremely quiet. Only Consort Chang remained. Could Consort Chang be relying on her pregnancy to avoid coming to seek your forgiveness from the Empress?

Empress Liu's smile gradually stiffened as time passed.

Then, footsteps echoed outside again, but it wasn't Consort Chang, it was Zhou Hai.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Empress Liu still maintained her composure, Zhou Hai felt sorry in his heart.

"Reporting to the Empress, the manager of Reimeng Palace, Zhu Lu, seeks an audience."

"Announce!" The tone of her voice contained no anger. This ability to endure made Miss Ji Mengxuan take notice.

Zhu Lu walked in, greeted Empress Liu, then said, "Reporting to the Empress, today morning, the doctor checked Consort Chang's pulse. The doctor said that the Duchess has a constitution that is yin-cold. For the first three months, she must rest quietly, otherwise there might be the worry of miscarriage. Therefore, Consort Chang dispatched an attendant to seek your forgiveness, Empress."

Empress Liu's gaze sank slightly, staring intently at Zhu Lu, "The matter of the dragon fetus is so urgent, why didn't Reimeng Palace inform earlier?"

Zhu Lu said calmly, "Consort Chang said that Empress has been tending to the entire palace, she doesn't want to trouble Empress. She already prepared a medical aid to accompany her."

Empress Liu tightened her grip on the seat.

"Why didn't Grand Physician Wu treat Consort Chang promptly?" Empress Liu asked.

Zhu Lu said, "Grand Physician Wu treated Consort Chang, then he was recalled by Empress Deji. That's why..."

Empress Liu sternly said, "Since Grand Physician Wu was treating Empress Deji's illness, for safety, the treatment of Consort Chang's dragon fetus will now be handled by Grand Physician Wang! Qi Yue, convey this imperial decree to the Imperial Medical College!"

Empress Liu's attendant Qi Yue stepped forward to obey the order.

Zhu Lu had beads of sweat on his forehead. Yesterday, Empress Liu, using the excuse that Empress was pregnant and shouldn't stay with the Emperor, moved him to the western pavilion. Today, Empress wanted to embarrass the Emperor by not giving him Consort Chang, but unexpectedly, Empress ended up appointing Grand Physician Wang instead of the Emperor's request for Grand Physician Wu.

"Empress, Grand Physician Wu was personally requested by the Emperor," Zhu Lu rushed to explain.

Empress Liu said gently, "Although Grand Physician Wu bears the responsibility of Empress Deji's illness, he may be exhausted, so the Empress will report this to the Emperor and appoint Grand Physician Wang as the primary physician while Grand Physician Wu assists!"

Zhu Lu was startled. This way, the Emperor would still praise Empress Liu's handling. Since Empress was still angry, if this news spread back, Zhu Lu couldn't help but tremble.

"Just do it this way, Qi Yue, quickly read the imperial decree to the Imperial Medical College," Empress Liu instructed.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Qi Yue hurriedly bowed, not giving Zhu Lu any chance to speak!

The rest of the people either understood or didn't understand. Miss Ji Mengxuan watched this covert battle, her lips curling slightly. Glancing at Concubine Ji Mengfu, Miss Ji Mengxuan was surprised. When had Concubine Ji Mengfu's face become so pale?

The concubines chatted for a while longer, and the 'early morning audience' for seeking forgiveness ended.

Because Consort Chang didn't come, this time Miss Ji Mengxuan stayed behind to walk with Concubine Ji Mengfu. Neither of them rushed back to the palace immediately. They slowly walked along a less crowded path, their attendants and eunuchs following far behind.

Concubine Ji Mengfu said, "Fourth Sister, ask whatever you want directly!"

Miss Ji Mengxuan bit her lip and said, "The Emperor yesterday..."

Concubine Ji Mengfu sighed softly and said, "You figured it out?"

Miss Ji Mengxuan said, "When I returned to the palace, I saw the Empress, was it...?"

Concubine Ji Mengfu hurriedly stopped her next words, she nodded, forcing a weak smile, "So you guessed?"

Miss Ji Mengxuan shook her head, "If not for going to see Second Sister yesterday, Consort Chang originally kept a distance from us. Thinking carefully, Consort Chang wouldn't be so kind. And I know Second Sister is as virtuous and upright as ever, so I guessed a little."

Concubine Ji Mengfu whispered, "It's hard for me to trust you."

Miss Ji Mengxuan said, "What Second Sister says, in this palace, besides Second Sister, whom can I trust? Moreover, Grandmother and Mother have asked Second Sister to advise me."

Concubine Ji Mengfu clutched Miss Ji Mengxuan's hand. Her heart filled with a sense of nostalgia. Originally, the simple and reckless stepdaughter trusted her so much, but trusting one person brought her no benefits.

"Second Sister, what should we do next?"

Concubine Ji Mengfu said, "The Empress has appointed another physician. Consort Chang will definitely focus on the heir in the recent period. I must gain some favor during this time to have the strength not to be devoured."

Though so, how could Consort Chang not think of it.

With her identity and means, Concubine Ji Mengfu had limited opportunities to stand out. Unless the Emperor really liked Second Sister yesterday, otherwise, there were so many beauties in the palace, even if Second Sister's face was handsome, it would end in decay.

Concubine Ji Mengfu looked at Miss Ji Mengxuan and said, "Grandmother likes you, you need to use your heart. Even if I really work against Consort Chang, with you, there's still a possibility of overturning things."

Miss Ji Mengxuan forcefully nodded.

Concubine Ji Mengfu pulled Miss Ji Mengxuan's hand and continued walking, "Fourth Sister, actually, this palace, you shouldn't trust anyone."

Miss Ji Mengxuan stopped and Concubine Ji Mengfu smiled sweetly, "Not even our sisters."

Miss Ji Mengxuan lowered her head.

Concubine Ji Mengfu continued, "Never rely on anyone, whether it's me, the Emperor, or Grandmother. Because in the palace, having reliance makes your survival ability smaller."

Miss Ji Mengxuan frowned, her face expressing confusion.

Concubine Ji Mengfu straightened Miss Ji Mengxuan's clothes and softly said, "Don't worry if you don't understand. Remember it, maybe it will be useful someday."

Miss Ji Mengxuan's body trembled as Concubine Ji Mengfu released her hand.

"I should return to the palace, Fourth Sister should also go back!" With those words, Miss Ji Mengxuan saw Concubine Ji Mengfu turn around.

Miss Ji Mengxuan only saw her figure disappear before calling over Purple Pearl who had been following far behind.

At Deji Palace, Yellow Deji lay on the bed, her complexion extremely poor, obviously suffering from a major illness.

Winter Court supported her up and asked, "Winter Court, have you thoroughly investigated and found out that Consort Chang really didn't go to seek your forgiveness from the Empress?"

Winter Court nodded, "The Empress dared to pretend to be benevolent in her domain, and this morning when she heard that Your Majesty was sick, she indeed fulfilled her prediction. Consort Chang called a physician but didn't go to Zhaofeng Palace. Instead, she made the Empress wait for a long time, and in the end, it was only Zhu Lu. Today, the Empress lost a lot of face."

Deji Duchess curled her lips into a smile, "Consort Chang, having the heir, her courage grows."

Winter Court said, "Your Majesty, don't worry, today Grandmother will call Grand Physician Wu to speak the truth. I have already hinted to Grand Physician Wu to indirectly mention the facts. Grandmother most dislikes arrogant concubines who rely on their favors."

Imprison the Consort Chang for three months. This is because she failed to bear a royal heir, as decreed by Empress Dowager Liu.

There's something hidden?

Ji Mingxuan pondered for a moment, the interest in her eyes flashing briefly before she shook Ji Mingfu. Ji Mingfu came back to her senses and immediately asked, "Did the Queen Mother issue any other imperial edicts?"

Xiao Lousi said, "De Fei has also been confined to her quarters for three months."

Ji Mingfu hurriedly waved her hand. "I know, you can leave now."

Xiao Lousi quickly bowed.

Ji Mingfu smiled bitterly. "This matter has changed so quickly. I thought Consort Chang would rise further, but who knew that everything changed just a few hours ago."

Three months had passed, and the palace had almost changed completely. After all, there were so many new arrivals.

Ji Mingxuan was worried. "Second Sister..."

Ji Mingfu shook her head. "It's nothing. It's just that we couldn't borrow the wind."

"The palace is about to become lively."

Ji Mingxuan agreed inwardly. With two empresses confined to their quarters, the Queen Mother naturally felt relieved. During the initial days of the new arrivals, one could expect a period of great competition.

"Lively?"

Ji Mingxuan asked.

Ji Mingfu replied, "Fourth Sister will see it soon."

Ji Mingxuan pouted, trying to decipher the riddle.

***

Rong Shou Palace.

Queen Liu knelt on the ground as Empress Dowager Li looked at her calmly. At this moment, a eunuch reported from outside.

"Imperial Highness has arrived!"

Empress Dowager Li did not call her up.

"Mother, Jin An!"

Empress Dowager Li smiled and said, "How have you been, Imperial Son?"

Zhao Xunliang said, "Son comes to ask Mother how she is!"

Empress Dowager Li nodded, feeling very satisfied. "Your son is filial to me, but he should prioritize state affairs above all!"

Zhao Xunliang laughed and said, "I know Mother loves your son."

Empress Dowager Li let Zhao Xunliang sit down.

Zhao Xunliang looked at the queen kneeling in the center and said, "Has the Queen displeased Mother?"

Empress Dowager Li said calmly, "I am unhappy because my grandchild was taken away and nearly caused trouble for the Crown Prince! She is the mistress of the palace, so I must question her."

Zhao Xunliang said, "The Queen is indeed negligent, but most of the blame lies with De Fei and Consort Chang. The Queen has ruled the palace for years and has worked hard. Why don't you overlook her this time?"

Empress Dowager Li smiled and said, "As per your son's wishes, but..." She looked at Queen Liu and said seriously, "From now on, the Queen must pay more attention to the palace. If such mistakes happen again, do not blame me."

Queen Liu breathed a sigh of relief and bowed. "Your servant will follow Mother's instructions."

Empress Dowager Li said, "Get up!"

A nursemaid beside Queen Liu helped her up.

"Imperial Highness, De Fei has been confined. How is Crown Prince arranged?" Empress Dowager Li asked.

Zhao Xunliang said, "Crown Prince is already studying in the study. He will temporarily stay in the Academy of Deliberative Learning."

Empress Dowager Li nodded, saying, "That's fine."

"The Academy of Deliberative Learning isn't part of the palace. Your Highness needs to arrange suitable people too."

Zhao Xunliang nodded.

Empress Dowager Li looked at Queen Liu and asked, "According to what Your Highness said, she asked for an imperial decree to promote De Fei and Consort Chang?"

Zhao Xunliang said, "Your Highness mentioned that!"

"What does Your Majesty mean?"

Zhao Xunliang said, "Not right now."

Empress Dowager Li only then nodded. Throughout this process, Zhao Xunliang didn't look at Queen Liu once. He accompanied Empress Dowager Li through another display of maternal affection towards her son. Queen Liu felt bitter inside but still forced a smile, occasionally serving them attentively.

Later that night, after bidding farewell to Empress Dowager Li, the two walked together.

Zhao Xunliang said, "Have the people in the cold palace been dealt with?"

Queen Liu nodded. "They have been handled. There won't be any leaks about the incident involving De Fei and Crown Prince."

Zhao Xunliang said, "Take care!"

Queen Liu's heart trembled slightly.

And Zhao Xunliang suddenly quickened his pace, leaving Queen Liu behind!