As expected, she said, "My lady will always ensure that His Majesty isn't troubled."

Zhao Songlou said, "Good intentions are enough." He didn't make any further comments.

Ji Mingxuan lowered her head, blushing slightly.

They entered the house together. The evening meal was already set out.

Even though she had become a concubine and had her own small kitchen, when the emperor came, the imperial kitchen would still bring food.

During dinner, both remained silent.

Zhao Songlou ate sparingly, clearly having a poor appetite.

Ji Mingxuan also didn't think that dining with the emperor would fill her stomach. So, she had eaten beforehand.

When the evening meal was cleared, she looked around the room and recalled what her mother had said about not raising him. She said, "Tomorrow, you'll move into the main hall to live."

Ji Mingxuan was extremely surprised. A primary residence was at least from a second-class concubine position. Even though Jing An Hall wasn't as grand as some pavilions, it did bear the title of a primary residence. Today, allowing various concubines to visit her in the main hall was already exceptional favor, and now he allowed her to move into the main hall tomorrow. Tomorrow, there would surely be much gossip.

Zhao Songlou asked, "Are you unhappy?"

Ji Mingxuan said, "My lady is happy, but my lady is also worried."

Zhao Songlou tapped the table and said, "What are you worried about?"

Ji Mingxuan said, "Rules, His Majesty."

Zhao Songlou laughed. She didn't hide her feelings at all.

"This place is remote. Imperial Mother sought the opinion of Grandmother and changed it to Jing An Pavilion. So, you're officially named."

Ji Mingxuan immediately relaxed and bowed deeply. "Thank you, His Majesty, thank you, Grandmother."

Zhao Songlou said, "Take good care of your body."

Ji Mingxuan nodded.

Zhao Songlou looked at the sky, it was still early.

There weren't many court affairs today, so coming early was a bit unusual.

He glanced at the blue basket of needles on the distant platform and walked over. "Are you making this?"

Ji Mingxuan said, "I wanted to make clothes for the child I may have in the future, but my needlework isn't good. The nanny said a child's skin is very delicate, so I'm afraid of hurting the child. That's why I can only make toys."

Zhao Songlou picked up a ball in his hand and played with it. Suddenly, he remembered the baby clothes from his childhood. According to his nanny, they were all made by Imperial Mother one stitch at a time.

Seeing this expression on Ji Mingxuan's face, she knew her goal had been achieved.

Zhao Songlou put down the ball and turned back. Seeing Ji Mingxuan's gentle expression, he felt a slight stir.

He had seen similar protectiveness from Empress Dowager Dechang and Empress, even more moving than Ji Mingxuan's. But why did this remind him of his mother at this moment? Was it because he was closer to his mother, or was it simply due to the peaceful mood today?

"His Majesty?" Ji Mingxuan asked doubtfully.

Zhao Songlou said, "It's late, making this kind of thing is bad for your eyes. Go to bed early."

Ji Mingxuan said, "Thank you, His Majesty."

Zhao Songlou said, "Rest well. I'm going to see Grandmother."

Ji Mingxuan was taken aback, but she didn't show any displeasure. Instead, she said, "Yes."

Zhao Songlou slowly walked out.

Ji Mingxuan respectfully saw him go out the door.

Once Zhao Songlou's figure disappeared, Ji Mingxuan returned to her sleeping quarters. While Zhi Cao was helping her remove her makeup, she said, "Why did Your Highness let His Majesty leave?"

Ji Mingxuan said, "His Majesty's steps wouldn't be held by a mere concubine?"

"But..."

Ji Mingxuan said, "Tell everyone in the palace to keep quiet. Those new ones must guard Your Highness closely. This news mustn't leak out. Otherwise, Your Highness' reputation will suffer greatly!"

Hearing this, Zhi Cao quickly put down her hand and went outside to instruct them.

Ji Mingxuan smiled slightly, reflecting herself in the mirror. She lied down, hoping something exciting would happen tonight.

The emperor didn't return.

Ji Mingxuan slept soundly, unlike Jing An Hall, no, Jing An Pavilion, where the palace maids and eunuchs were constantly anxious.

Midnight arrived, and footsteps echoed from afar, heading straight for Jing An Hall's entrance.

Ji Mingxuan was woken up, and Zhi Cao said, "Your Highness, Yu Xiu Hua is in trouble. People outside the palace are clamoring to see Emperor!"

Ji Mingxuan sighed inwardly. Consort Chang said it well. This way, not only could she distance herself from her failure in caring for him, but she could also reasonably explain the disturbance last night.

Zhao Cunliang said, "Your heart is good, but you're too lenient towards your servants. Last night, you were causing a commotion in the palace. What kind of rules is this?"

Consort Chang's hand froze as she glanced at Zhao Cunliang's expression. She immediately said, "Imperial Majesty, I'm guilty."

Zhao Cunliang said, "Fine then. You should properly discipline your servants in the future."

Consort Chang lowered her head, suppressing her emotions, and respectfully said, "Thank you, Imperial Majesty."

Zhao Cunliang didn't look at Consort Chang again. He strode into the inner bedchamber.

Empress saw this and hurried in after him.

Consort Chang swept a glance at Ji Mingxuan before following in.

The rest stayed outside. De imperial concubine sat down, and Yun Pin smiled and greeted Ji Mingxuan, "Sister Jianpin, come wait together." After saying that, she moved aside to make room.

Yun Pin had a title, and in ten days, she would be promoted to Yun Gui Pin. Compared to her, who had no title, Ji Mingxuan was much lighter in weight. Ji Mingxuan wasn't someone who acted arrogantly; she proactively sat on another side, "Thank you, Sister Yun Pin."

Yun Pin smiled and sat back down again.

De imperial concubine seemed not to notice as she played with her long nail clippings.

Once Ji Mingxuan was seated, looking at the group of standing concubines inside the chamber, she slowly spoke, "Ni Jiejuyi can sit too. Although her status isn't high enough, at least she has been granted permission to reside in the main hall."

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Ni Jiejuyi's heart skipped a beat. Ji Mingxuan smiled faintly, as if she hadn't heard De imperial concubine's implied meaning. Was it just pointing out that she, with her status but living outside the main hall, was being deliberately pushed away to become the true mistress of the main hall? Or was it purely humiliating her in front of others? Only De imperial concubine knew clearly.

When De imperial concubine cast a sharp glance at Ni Jiejuyi, her heart trembled. She bowed and then sat next to Ji Mingxuan.

Many people turned their gazes toward Ji Mingxuan, while some looked at Ni Jiejuyi.

The room fell silent.

After Ni Jiejuyi sat down, De imperial concubine didn't speak again.

Yun Pin kept her gaze fixed on the door to the inner chamber.

Ji Mingxuan did the same.

Ni Jiejuyi heaved a sigh of relief. She feared Ji Mingxuan might find trouble with her. Ji Mingxuan was competitive; if things got big, it would definitely be her carrying the brunt of the loss because she was pregnant. The other concubines either lowered their heads or stared at the door to the inner chamber.

It was unknown how long they waited, but the pearl curtain at the entrance to the inner chamber stirred.

Everyone's hearts sank as they saw Empress, feeling disappointed.

Soon after, Consort Chang and Lady Wu, who was responsible for repairing Huixiu Hua, came out.

Empress said, "Huixiu Hua's dragon fetus has been saved, but we need to take extra care. So, everyone, please return home."

Everyone congratulated, "Congratulations, Imperial Majesty! Congratulations, Empress!"

Empress slightly raised her hand, and everyone wore a faint smile.

De imperial concubine went first, followed closely by Consort Chang.

Yun Pin and this place were neighbors, so she wasn't eager to leave.

Empress gave Ji Mingxuan a glance and said, "Sister Ji, you've suffered injustice. The imperial edict has already been issued to send Zhu Lu, who has completed his punishment, to your palace to serve as a servant."

Ji Mingxuan was startled, but since Empress had already made up her mind, she couldn't refuse her kindness. She could imagine the expression Consort Chang had when she received the news.

Since the person was sent over, she would take care of him next.

"Thank you, Empress."

Empress nodded.

Ji Mingxuan also thanked her and walked out to Xifang Pavilion. Zhichao said, "Mistress, the carriage frame hasn't arrived yet!"

Ji Mingxuan said, "There's no need to wait. Just go back."

Zhichao was worried, but Ji Mingxuan said, "The weather is so nice. The path between the two pavilions isn't far. We can walk back."

Zhichao looked at the sky and saw that Ji Mingxuan was very energetic, so she nodded.

At that moment, footsteps approached quickly behind them.

Ji Mingxuan instantly turned around and saw Ji Mingfu approaching.

"Big Sister didn't leave yet?"

Ji Mingfu bowed first and then walked closer to Ji Mingxuan. Using a voice that only the two of them could hear, she said, "Zhu Lu, you should get rid of him sooner rather than later."

Ji Mingxuan said, "Big Sister don't worry. Once he's in Jingan Pavilion, he won't dare do anything mischievous."

Ji Mingfu said, "You still have your body, which is unstable. It's better to remove the potential threat first."

Ji Mingxuan thought for a moment and said, "I know."

Ji Mingfu gripped Ji Mingxuan's hand and then bid farewell before leaving.

Zhichao finally approached Ji Mingxuan. Ji Mingxuan said, "Let's go!"

They walked peacefully until they reached Jingan Palace. When they arrived, they noticed that the plaque had been changed to Jingan Pavilion.

The people below worked swiftly to move everything into the main hall.

Zhichao's eyes lit up. She looked at Ji Mingxuan, and Ji Mingxuan remained neither sad nor happy. She said, "Imperial Majesty's grace."

Zhichao said, "Lady is delighted."

Ji Mingxuan remembered De imperial concubine's sneer. She really knew how to create enemies.

The garden of Jingan Pavilion was larger than the side pavilions. Ji Mingxuan ordered that the lounge chairs be placed outside the pavilion.

Lying on the lounge chair, her demeanor appeared leisurely.

It was now winter, and plum blossoms had flower buds. Coincidentally, there were several plum trees in the courtyard. Although they hadn't bloomed yet, she could smell a faint fragrance.

By the lounge chair was a small stove, on which warm tea water was boiling.

Zhichao brought a stack of books, and Ji Mingxuan took one and began flipping through it. After this period of time, Ji Mingxuan had developed an interest in these ancient books.

As the day grew darker,

Ji Mingxuan put down the book and asked, "Any news?"

Zhichao knew what Ji Mingxuan was asking about?

"He is resting at Xifang Pavilion."

Ji Mingxuan sighed. This Huixiu Hua really had great means.

"Lady... Huixiu Hua is still in danger... so..."

If it weren't for Huixiu Hua, the emperor would certainly have spent more time with Lady. Today, Lady wouldn't have been waiting outside for so long.

Ji Mingxuan sat up, and Zhichao helped her stand up. She looked at the door to Jingan Pavilion, her expression unsure if it was joy or concern.

After a long while, Ji Mingxuan asked, "How is Zhu Lu?"

Zhichao replied, "He's living with a few new arrivals, looking quite obedient."

Ji Mingxuan said, "Keep a close eye on him. In a month, give him to Consort Chang."

"Lady..."

Zhichao didn't understand.

Ji Mingxuan said, "Tell Zhu Lu privately that once this palace is safe, you can return to Qi Fang Pavilion."

Zhichao's eyes brightened. In a month, Lady's pregnancy would probably be stable.

"Can he do it?"

Ji Mingxuan said, "He's lived in the palace for over ten years and knows how to distinguish right from wrong."

Zhichao said, "Servant, I'll handle it."

Ji Mingxuan said, "Even though it's so, remember that no matter how capable he is, a common eunuch is still a common eunuch, especially one from outside the palace. Don't trust him easily."

Zhichao nodded heavily.

Ji Mingxuan said dismally, "Go back to the palace!"

Zhichao hurriedly called for eunuchs to bring things back. Then she instructed Zizhu to help Ji Mingxuan back, and Ji Mingxuan, exhausted, rubbed her temples.

Zizhu lowered her head, exactly covering the complex expression in her eyes.

Ji Mingxuan left the pavilion, passed through the staircase of the courtyard, and entered the main hall. However, when she stepped onto the stairs, her foot suddenly slipped, almost causing her and Zizhu to fall together.

Zizhu, using unexpected strength, steadied Ji Mingxuan and carried her over this slippery spot.

Steadily held by Zizhu, Ji Mingxuan was shaken. Upon regaining her composure, she pointed at the small staircase.

Zhichao heard the noise and, originally watching a young eunuch help carry things, ran over without thinking. Ji Mingxuan pointed at the ground, and Zhichao squatted down, touching it for a moment. Her heart raced. There was oil, very slippery!

"Lady, there was oil on the road."

Ji Mingxuan said, "Investigate."

Zhichao knew the severity of the situation.

Zhichao glared at Zizhu and then hurriedly found someone else.

Ji Mingxuan didn't want to leave. Zizhu hurriedly said, "Lady, it's cold here, and the wind will make you ill!"

Ji Mingxuan said, "Wind or cold, it won't be colder than my own heart. My own palace having this incident makes me unable to stay calm."

Zizhu lowered her head silently.

Ji Mingxuan looked at the floor, gripping her hands tightly.

Zizhu's expression became even more complicated.

"Lady, Imperial Son..."

Ji Mingxuan paused, closed her eyes, and opened them again, already calm.

"Back to the palace."

Zizhu quickly nodded.

Returning to the sleeping quarters, Zizhu led people to investigate.

Seeing Ji Mingxuan busy washing her hands, she suddenly said, "Zizhu, can you martial arts?"

Heart, Princess Heart heard the footsteps and quickly looked over. She saw that it was Ji Mingxuan and her entourage. There was disappointment in her eyes, but Princess Heart still nodded slightly to Ji Mingxuan as a sign of respect.

Ji Mingxuan also nodded slightly.

At this stage, she didn't need to bow, nor did Princess Heart have to.

After an unknown amount of time, footsteps sounded outside again.

Everyone turned their heads together, not the people they were expecting.

Empress Dowager De and Empress Consort Chang appeared together. Princess Heart's mouth tightly closed as she met the gazes of the two ladies. She performed a half-bow.

"Princess Heart, Empress Dowager De, Empress Consort Chang!"

Everyone hurriedly paid their respects to these two women.

Empress Dowager De sighed softly. "These days, Queen Mother has been busy with many matters and her body is uncomfortable. However, she's hiding it from everyone. Now that there's no main person holding the heart of the palace, it really makes us worried."

Princess Heart felt extremely angry inside. It was so bold of them to openly show their ambition for the throne. If the Queen Mother's health was compromised, could she just be the stabilizing force of the palace?

If it weren't for these two jealous ladies vying for the throne, how would the Queen Mother have been able to push herself so hard and work tirelessly?

Empress Consort Chang noticed the look on Princess Heart's face and laughed along, saying, "Empress Dowager De said it well. Recently, there've been many things happening, and Queen Mother has been handling everything personally. No wonder she fell ill." Her words might sound flattering, but everyone present could hear the mockery in her tone towards Queen Mother's grasping power.

Princess Heart lifted her head, and the anger in her eyes was obvious.

Ji Mingxuan shook her head inwardly. While Princess Heart was intelligent, she had been protected too much by Queen Mother. With her young age and proud nature, any attack would naturally lead to surprising actions, especially involving her mother. These two ladies' taunting made it impossible for Princess Heart to stay calm...

If Princess Heart acted against the standards expected of a princess, it would be a huge blow to Queen Mother. How could someone who couldn't even teach a princess manage the palace?

As Princess Heart stepped forward, the nursemaid behind her wanted to step forward too, but was pushed aside by someone next to Empress Dowager De.

"Are you here to serve your illness, Your Highness?" Ji Mingxuan asked.

Princess Heart paused, Empress Dowager De's gaze flickered, and Empress Consort Chang turned away.

Serving one's illness? This already revealed the gap in status between them and Queen Mother.

Princess Heart smiled. At just ten years old, she had an air of inexplicable preciousness.

"My mother always relied heavily on Your Highnesses, so this time, I must rely on You Highnesses for my mother's illness!" Princess Heart smiled as she bowed. She was truly clever and quick-witted. Among children of the same age, Princess Heart had done exceptionally well.

This time, serving one's illness meant that, while Queen Mother was still sick, they had to continue serving her. There was no room for thinking about palace affairs.

Empress Dowager De and Empress Consort Chang glanced at Ji Mingxuan, and Ji Mingxuan looked confused, as if what she had just said was unintentional. Actually, Empress Dowager De, as long as her child was around, she and she had nothing to reconcile. As for Empress Consort Chang, the feud between them wasn't small either.