Chapter 131:

The days passed swiftly, and before long, the newly selected palace women had all entered the palace and received titles according to their statuses.

Layue only remembered a few names vaguely, and paid little attention to the others.

Now her child was already over six months old, and Layue focused more of her attention on him each day.

The Jing Emperor still hadn’t named their two sons yet, and Layue didn’t understand his intentions. Later, after cautiously probing, she learned from his words that he intended to announce the names only when the children turned one year old. Layue simply called them by their nicknames and wasn’t particularly anxious about it.

The fourth child, Xiao Si’er, was the liveliest. He could already roll over at three months, even though his little neck wasn’t very strong yet. Despite this, he still exerted himself every day, happily playing by himself.

Compared to him, Xiao Wu’er and Jiao Jiao were somewhat weaker.

They didn’t learn to roll over until they were over four months old.

Since the children could now roll over, Layue had instructed everyone to watch them very carefully, fearing they might bump or hurt themselves. However, she didn’t overly restrict the children either.

After all, young babies should be lively.

Now that they were six months old, the babies could already sit up by themselves.

Sure enough, Xiao Si’er was a particularly easygoing child. He was the first to sit up and would happily babble and wave his little hands at his siblings.

Whenever Layue saw this, she thought that this child would surely grow up to be cheerful and energetic.

Not long after, Xiao Wu’er also learned to sit up. He wasn’t as vocal, and when he got tired of sitting, he would simply lie down. Only Jiao Jiao still needed someone to support her.

Her two younger brothers, whenever they sat up, liked to tease her. The little girl would get very upset.

Especially when she saw her father, the emperor, and her two older brothers, she would babble even more, though no one could tell if she was tattling or not.

The emperor truly doted on the little girl. Previously a man with a strong sense of cleanliness, he now didn’t mind her messiness at all.

He often ended up covered in the baby’s drool.

Among the newly promoted palace women, the highest ranks went to Li Yanran and Zhang Lan.

As for Fu Jin Yan, perhaps because she was born of a concubine, her rank was one level lower than the other two.

Fu Jin Yan was assigned to Tingyu Pavilion.

Thinking about it, both of them had lived there at different times.

The emperor had his own explanation: Tingyu Pavilion and Zhuxuan Pavilion were close to each other, so it was better for the two sisters to be near each other and get along more.

Today was the day the newly selected palace women entered the palace, so tomorrow during the morning greetings, they would all arrive. Layue smiled.

She wondered if tomorrow would be a peaceful day.

Thinking back three years ago, Lian Xiuyun had deliberately arrived late, but now she was long gone.

It was truly inevitable to sigh at the impermanence of worldly matters.

Jin Xin was playing with the young prince while chatting casually with her mistress: “My lady, shall we go early tomorrow?”

“No need. My status is high enough; there’s no need to arrive early and witness their scheming.”

“Yes, then I’ll wake you at the usual time.”

Because Layue had a child, she was now busy every day and slept soundly, unlike before when she used to be a very light sleeper.

Naturally, there were many servants in the palace, so Layue actually didn’t need to do so much herself. But she always recalled her childhood, when she enjoyed the most the moments her mother took her for walks and adorned her with pretty hairpins.

Her younger sister had grown up without a mother, and although she was loved, she was in a different state.

At that time, Layue had always believed that if she ever had children, she would be extraordinarily kind to them, never allowing them to suffer the slightest grievance. She would personally take care of them with all her heart, never entrusting them to others.

After a brief thought, Layue said, “Half an hour earlier.”

The other three maids were naturally around as well. Since the birth of the three young masters, the original four senior maids had become extremely busy. Although there were wet nurses, they also had many responsibilities.

Shen Layue never left the wet nurses alone with the children. Regardless of which wet nurse was on duty, there would always be a senior maid present.

This was considered the most prudent arrangement. It wasn’t that she distrusted the wet nurses—they were sent by the emperor and certainly reliable. However, there was always the possibility of deception, so vigilance was necessary.

Tao’er gently patted the drowsy fifth prince and said, “Tomorrow, we must have Sister Apricot dress our mistress in a dignified and luxurious manner. We need to overwhelm those new concubines at first sight.”

“You shouldn’t talk like that,” Layue laughed gently reprimanding her.

Apricot also joked, “Indeed, Tao’er deserves a scolding. Our mistress would still be the most beautiful even without elaborate adornment.”

“Oh, look at me, I really don’t know how to speak properly. Our mistress is naturally exquisite, but we just want to add beauty to beauty,” Tao’er quickly replied.

Layue pretended to glare at her, though her tone carried amusement.

“You clever girl, your mind certainly works fast.”

They chatted and laughed, and time passed quickly.

The next day.

Layue set out today with Guo’er and Cui Wen, which came as a surprise to everyone. Except for Jin Xin, no one else knew the reason.

Layue naturally had her own considerations.

With the new palace women entering the palace, she dared not assume they were all good. Cui Wen was skilled in herbal medicine, so bringing her along was much safer.

Moreover, during Layue’s childbirth, Jin Xin had taken Cui Wen to inspect the midwives. Layue understood that the emperor must have known Cui Wen was her trusted maid.

Therefore, Layue no longer concealed it. Recently, everyone knew that besides the four senior palace maids, Cui Wen was also highly favored in Qing’an Palace.

After being promoted to the rank of Guifei, Layue was entitled to have several first-class palace maids. Therefore, she promoted both Cui Wen and Qiao Ning to first-class palace maids.

Although they were promoted, Layue’s attitude toward Qiao Ning remained unchanged—she wasn’t particularly affectionate. Everyone understood that in recent years, Guifei Shen had always appreciated Qiao Ning’s skills.

Thus, her promotion to a first-class palace maid was considered normal.

Upon entering Huici Palace, the concubines and consorts rose to greet her.

Layue smiled slightly: “Please rise.”

Then she didn’t say much and directly took her seat.

The palace maids of Huici Palace were naturally more familiar with Shen Layue than others and quickly poured tea for her.

Working in the Empress Dowager’s palace naturally allowed one to know some secrets—even if only superficially—giving them an advantage over others. Because of this, the attitude of others toward Shen Guifei was quite cordial and enthusiastic.

It wasn’t that they treated others badly, but whether their kindness was genuine could still be discerned.

Some newly entered palace maids felt bitter inside when they saw that Shen Layue’s tea was different from theirs.

However, many of them naturally felt even more motivated.

She was a Guifei (Imperial Consort) and could enjoy better treatment. Perhaps one day, they might also attain the same status.

Looking at the eager and ambitious expressions on some of the new concubines’ faces, Layue remained expressionless.

Since the day of the selection was also the day of their entry, Layue had already seen all these women during their time in the palace, so she didn’t particularly scrutinize any of them.

In fact, even without scrutinizing, she recognized many of them. She also knew their personalities.

After all, memories from her past life remained.

“Her Highness Hui Fei arrives—”

Speaking of the last to arrive, it wasn’t the recently entered Shen Layue, but Fu Jin Yao.

Seeing that she was the last one, and that Shen Layue had already arrived, she also observed the etiquette, properly greeting everyone.

Layue smiled in response.

Fu Jin Yao’s complexion wasn’t too good. Although she was dressed beautifully, Layue carefully observed her expression and could see the sorrow within.

Fu Jin Yao didn’t look at Fu Jin Yan. Fu Jin Yan had been granted the title of Guiren, which wasn’t a high rank, but if she truly rose in status, it would be quick.

Shen Layue remained silent, while Qi Fei was a shrewd woman. Among those present in the palace hall, the only one who was somewhat restless despite having a decent rank was An Xiu Yi.

Sure enough, An Xiu Yi couldn’t contain her nature.

“Although Her Highness Hui Fei and Guiren Fu are sisters by blood, they don’t seem very similar!” she said, covering her mouth with a laugh, though her expression was far from pleasant, clearly attempting to stir discord.

Fu Jin Yao glanced at Fu Jin Yan, gave a slight humph, and said nothing.

Fu Jin Yan, however, slightly bowed: “My elder sister has always been naturally beautiful, and I have admired her greatly since childhood. However, even dragons have nine sons, each different from the others, let alone those of ordinary families. Speaking of which, Elder Sister An and Younger Sister An also don’t resemble each other. Elder Sister An is dignified and noble, while Younger Sister An is delicate and charming. I truly envy them greatly.”

Layue held her teacup, a smile on her lips.

If Fu Jin Yan were truly clever, she shouldn’t speak to An Xiu Yi in this way. She should be more cautious in her words and actions, avoiding drawing attention.

In this way, Layue was more inclined to believe that she had entered the palace as a decoy for Fu Jin Yao.

It remained to be seen whether this woman had willingly accepted this role or was being manipulated by someone.

Perhaps because they were in the Empress Dowager’s palace, or perhaps because of Fu Jin Yan’s compliments, An Xiu Yi didn’t become angry.

“Just look at this little sister’s sweet mouth! No wonder Her Highness Hui Fei favors her and brought her into the palace for companionship!”

This remark truly disgusted Fu Jin Yao. Everyone in the palace knew that Fu Jin Yao had smashed all the porcelain in her chambers over this very matter. An Xiu Yi was truly bringing up a sore subject.

Perhaps Fu Jin Yao was displeased. She lifted her head without a trace of a smile: “Speaking of companionship, there’s still a gap between myself and Guiren Fu. However, An Xiu Yi has brought her own younger sister into the palace. I imagine Guiren An must be even happier. Previously, she could only see her elder sister once a year, but now they can serve the emperor together. Isn’t that wonderful?”

An Xiu Yi hadn’t expected Fu Jin Yao to be so blunt. Considering she had initiated the conversation and that she couldn’t possibly provoke the Hui Fei, she felt disgruntled and forced a weak smile, choosing not to speak further.

Seeing that no one was talking, Qi Fei stepped in to mediate: “In my opinion, the emperor is considerate. The palace has few sisters to begin with, and even fewer from the same family. Now that everyone has more companions, it’s certainly a good thing to have sisters together in the future.”

This was a typical case of speaking without considering the consequences. Her Qi family had no one in the palace, so she could speak freely.

The concubines who had already been in the palace for some time smiled on the surface but secretly muttered among themselves. Wasn’t it her who had insisted on undermining Shen Guifei despite her poor health?

Now she was pretending to be so virtuous—it was truly a performance worthy of an actress.