Chapter 68:

The year passed swiftly, and before long, the first month of the lunar calendar had ended. The weather seemed much warmer, no longer as cold as it had been a month ago.

During this time, the palace remained largely unchanged, with the same few concubines receiving the Emperor’s favor. However, the Emperor did not mention the incident of Consort Hui’s injury again, as if the person responsible had never existed. The previously mentioned resolution after the New Year had also vanished without a trace.

Layue couldn’t help but cynically suspect that the Emperor was indeed a man of his word only when it suited him.

Fortunately, no one in the palace dared to question the Emperor’s decisions or inquire further. After all, if the victim, Consort Hui, did not bring up the matter, who else would willingly invite trouble?

Yet Layue sensed that Fu Jinyao was not doing well. When had it started? Perhaps it was after the Eldest Prince Yanyu fell ill. The Emperor visited her less frequently, and the Empress Dowager no longer showed any warmth toward her.

Some whispered in the palace that it was Consort Hui who had caused the Eldest Prince’s illness, which was why the Emperor had halted the investigation into the attacker.

But Layue found this hard to believe. After all, the palace was filled with unseen guards, and the Eldest Prince’s poor health was common knowledge. Moreover, she and others were present when the Prince had insisted on going out and had specifically asked Consort Hui to accompany him. Therefore, his illness could not be entirely blamed on her.

Additionally, the Eldest Prince’s attitude toward Consort Hui, regardless of the circumstances, was one of deep resentment. After all, she was his maternal aunt, a blood relative. Combining this with her past experiences and his current behavior, Layue could clearly sense his disdain.

Why? What could be the reason?

Suddenly recalling the Empress Dowager’s occasional glances toward Consort Hui, and knowing that the Eldest Prince had been raised under her care, Layue seemed to suddenly understand something.

Did the Empress Dowager truly look down upon the Fu family?

After pondering for a while, Layue shook her head and stood up, preparing to trim some potted plants.

Layue had always enjoyed gardening in her spare time, which was one of her hobbies. As she examined the potted plants she had just trimmed, she nodded in satisfaction. Just as she was about to sit down for tea, she heard hurried footsteps approaching.

Indeed, it was Ta’er who entered, bowing slightly before standing up at Layue’s gesture.

“You silly girl, always so hasty. What’s the matter? I could hear your footsteps from afar.”

Ta’er stamped her foot. “My lady, you wouldn’t believe it. I just came back from outside and heard that Concubine Chen has been diagnosed as one month pregnant.”

Concubine Chen was none other than the former Chen Yulan, who had been promoted from the rank of Attendant to Concubine during the New Year celebrations.

Layue, who had just taken a sip of tea, immediately spat it out.

Seeing her lose composure, Ta’er quickly handed her a handkerchief.

“Pregnant? Pregnant?!”

Chen Yulan was pregnant? How was that possible?

Ta’er nodded, clearly indignant. “It’s true! I don’t know how that little wench got so lucky. Now she’ll probably strut around arrogantly.”

According to the original timeline, wasn’t the mother of the Third Prince supposed to be Bai Youran?

Layue remembered clearly that at the time of her death, the Emperor had four princes: the Eldest Prince born to Empress Huixian, the Second Prince to Consort De, the Third Prince to Bai Youran, who held a relatively low rank but was still allowed to raise her child by the Emperor, so Layue had always thought that Bai was no ordinary woman. The Fourth Prince was born to Consort Qi.

As for daughters, the Emperor had none.

Yet now, Chen Yulan was pregnant.

“What do the Emperor and Empress Dowager have to say about this?”

Ta’er nodded quickly. “It’s said that both the Emperor and Empress Dowager have sent gifts. The physicians have already confirmed it, but neither of them has visited her yet. In my opinion, the Emperor doesn’t seem to be taking this child too seriously.”

She added, hoping to ease her mistress’s mood by subtly criticizing the child.

Unbeknownst to Ta’er, Layue’s surprise was not because the Emperor had another child, but because of the child’s unexpected appearance.

After regaining her composure, Layue said calmly, “Don’t speak carelessly. This is the Emperor’s child, no matter who the mother is. We must be cautious with our words and actions. From now on, I need not remind you further: when anyone in the palace becomes pregnant, our people should keep their distance to avoid being caught in any crossfire.”

Ta’er nodded solemnly, though her expression still showed some confusion.

Seeing this, Layue explained, “The loss of Consort Hui’s child will not go unanswered. As for Concubine Chen’s child, whether it can be safely delivered is still uncertain. We must not become someone else’s weapon.”

Upon hearing this, Ta’er quickly straightened her posture. “I understand. I’ll take care of the others later.”

Layue nodded. As if recalling something, she continued, “No matter what, if Chen Yulan or anyone from her quarters requests an audience, we must not meet them.”

“Understood.”

Layue knew Chen Yulan’s personality all too well. She had always been eager to compete with her cousin, her senior, ever since entering the palace. She had never gained any advantage and had even been demoted several times due to her schemes. Now that she had managed to become pregnant first, she was sure to come boasting.

Moreover, others would not let her child live peacefully. Even if she did nothing, there would be those trying to frame her. It would be better not to see Chen Yulan at all.

Yet another thought crossed her mind: some things could not be avoided. If she kept retreating, others might think her weak and come after her.

In a short while, Layue’s mind had already turned over countless possibilities.

Jin Xin entered from the door, having already heard the news, and was clearly angry. This cousin of hers had always seemed close to her mistress but had constantly tried to outdo her. Fortunately, her mistress’s attitude had changed before entering the palace.

This cousin’s pregnancy was certainly not a good omen for their mistress.

Seeing Jin Xin’s worried frown upon entering, Layue smiled lightly. “What’s wrong? You came in with such a gloomy face.”

Jin Xin was still upset. “My lady, what should we do this time…?”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but her tone was filled with concern.

“It’s nothing. We’ll deal with whatever comes our way. Besides, even if Chen Yulan is pregnant, she’s still just a low-ranking concubine. Do you think others will let her give birth peacefully? Even if she manages to deliver the child, does she have the status to raise it? If she has any sense at all, she should know she needs to be cautious. If she becomes too arrogant, she won’t even know how she died.”

Jin Xin remained frowning. “But she has long harbored resentment against us. If she chooses to harm us at the cost of her own child…”

Jin Xin voiced her concerns.

Her words struck Layue like a thunderclap, suddenly illuminating her thoughts.

Sacrificing her child to harm others?

Fu Jinyao? Consort De?

Thinking of the Emperor’s ambiguous attitude and Fu Jinyao’s rise in status, Layue began to suspect: was Fu Jinyao’s miscarriage really caused by someone else?

But how could she bear to?

Then she recalled how Fu Jinyao had appeared pale and weak during her pregnancy, despite heavy makeup. Layue couldn’t help but smirk. If the child had never been meant to survive, wouldn’t Fu Jinyao use it as a weapon against her enemies?

Perhaps she would.

If the truth was indeed like this, then it was clear that hiding away was never a good strategy when others were determined to scheme.

The best defense was a strong offense. After all, it wasn’t her who was pregnant, and it wasn’t her who should be fearful or anxious.

Layue smiled brightly.

“Jin Xin, prepare a generous gift and arrange a meeting with Bai Youran. We’ll go visit my dear cousin.”

Jin Xin nodded and left to carry out the task.

Gift-giving had its own set of rules and nuances. She wouldn’t entrust such a task to anyone else.

***

Inside a room filled with fragrant incense, Chen Yulan couldn’t hide her joy, her lips curling into a wide smile, radiating happiness.

Since she had just received gifts from the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, her senior maid Lan’er was busy organizing the items. Her face was also filled with joy. What could be more delightful than this? Their mistress was now with child, a unique honor among the newly entered palace maidens.

She conveniently ignored the recent miscarriage of Consort Hui.

“Madam, look at this red brocade with the pattern of mandarin ducks. How auspicious it is! The Emperor is using this gift to imply that he envies only you and your blissful union.”

Chen Yulan smiled even more broadly, though she pretended to scold her maid. “You silly girl, talking nonsense again.”

Lan’er giggled happily.

The room was filled with a peaceful and joyful atmosphere.

After finishing her tasks, Lan’er dismissed the other palace maids, leaving only the two of them in the room. She cautiously spoke up. “Madam, now that you are with child, everything has changed. I’m sure the Emperor’s official recognition and rewards will soon follow. After all these days of hardship, we’ve finally had a breakthrough.”

Chen Yulan smiled. “Even if there are no rewards, as long as this child is a son and is born safely, everything will be different.”

“Exactly,” Lan’er said joyfully. Ever since their lady entered the palace, she had faced many setbacks, and the other palace servants had often treated them with neglect. But from today onward, everything would be different.

“Ever since I entered the palace, even my cousin has always tried to dominate me. Now I’ve taken the lead, let’s see who dares to show off in front of me.”

Chen Yulan felt that her long-held resentment was finally being released. Soon, her child would help her regain her dignity.

What good is your daily favor? It can’t compare to my belly’s success.

With a malicious smile, she began plotting how to make those who looked down on her suffer…