adding to the Duke's Mansion"Pingxi Wang raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased with Feng Lingxi's actions. Shutai, hearing this, felt a bit embarrassed, "This Xi'er hasn't said she doesn't want child...Knowing the situation at General's Mansion after wind and rain, she naturally wouldn't inquire like Mo Huilan. Ever since Mo Huilan became pregnant, it's almost four months now, her belly visibly rounded. Besides caring about the fetus in her womb, Du Gu Yan spent less and less time staying overnight at her place.
Even if Mo Huilan sought him out, Dugu Yan used various excuses. Feng Yu Xi, on the other hand, demonstrated the magnanimity a queen should possess by arranging other concubines for Dugu Yan. This impartial distribution of favor greatly increased Dugu Yan's fondness for her.
Such a change, Mo Huai Lan's discontent towards Dugu Yan, instead made her become somewhat neurotic. She often caused Dugu Yan annoyance because of jealousy. Adding to this, Bei Ping Wang's attitude further caused Dugu Yan's attitude towards Mo Huai Lan to shift extremely quickly.
She has a pretty good understanding of the palace intrigues and power struggles. As Empress, she's experienced both highs and lows, more than the other concubines, and she also has someone backing her up, so she doesn't fight as fiercely as they do.
When Shu Taifei received the news that she was to enter the palace, she dispatched someone to inform Dugu City before being escorted into Shou'an Palace.
When Feng Yuxi heard that Shu Taifei had arrived at Shou'an Palace, she went there with her maidservants to pay her respects. Cen Taihou didn't treat Feng Yuxi coldly like before, her attitude towards her changed drastically. She invited Feng Yuxi to sit down. Mo Huai Lan naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity. She had always been resentful of Feng Yuxi. If she lost to Feng Yuxi in front of the Empress Dowager this time, the position of the head consort might be taken by Feng Yuxi.
The bustling scene at Shoushan Palace was a pity without Feng Lingxi's presence.
"Your Highness, how is your health lately"
Instead of asking about Feng Lingxi, Empress Cen showed concern for Taifei Shu's health. Of course, who would believe that Empress Cen truly cared about Taifei Shu's well-being
"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, this servant is well and thanks the Empress Dowager for her concern."
Shu Taifei glanced at Feng Yu Xi and Mo Huai Lan standing beside her, a slight smile playing on her lips. She chose to ignore their presence.
Mu Huilan saw that the Empress Dowager wanted to inquire about Feng Lingxi's affairs, so she took the opportunity to ask, "Noble Consort Shu, this servant has heard that the Fourth Princess returned to the General's Mansion for a short stay, and the Fourth Prince did not accompany her. Did the two have a quarrel"
"Lady Lan, wouldn't you know The Fourth Prince and Princess have a deep affection for each other, so how could they possibly quarrel The Fourth Princess merely returned to her natal home for a few days, is there anything amiss with that Moreover, the Fourth Prince shoulders heavy responsibilities for the court. It's natural he couldn't accompany the Fourth Princess back to the General's Mansion, wouldn't you agree, Your Majesty Empress Dowager"
Feng Yu Xi's words were quite clever. They served multiple purposes: first, to probe Shutai's attitude; second, to demonstrate the relationship between Feng Yu Xi and Feng Ling Xi; and third, to express Tai Hou's concern for Feng Ling Xi. It was a win-win situation.
The Empress is right, the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess have always had a good relationship. How could Lan Fei ask such a foolish question.
Empress Dowager Cen was very displeased with Mo Huilan's attitude. She looked at her pregnant belly.
"When you're pregnant, don't overthink things, it's not good for the fetus."
Mo Huilan's face turned pale and flushed, and she replied, "This servant knows her mistake and will not do it again."
Shutai looked at them singing in harmony, trying to smooth things over.
"Your Majesty, Your humble servant knows that Lan Fei and Xi'er have always had a close relationship. Lan Fei is only concerned and thus acted rashly. I hope Your Majesty will not blame Lan Fei."
Shu Taifei looked at Mo Huai Lan with eyes full of love, "Lan Fei is pregnant, so move around less and focus on recuperating in Zhao Yang Palace."
Mo Huilan responded, her voice softened. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I understand."
Fēngyǔ xī měi mù sǎo guò Mò Huáilán de fùbù, xiào zhe dào, "Lánfēi, Shūtàifēi shuō de bù cuò, nǐ zhè fùzhōng kě shì huángshàng de lóngsī, zhè yǐhòu chūlái le, kě jiù shì Dàyuáncháo wèilái de Tài子 dēngxiǎo, nín kě yào hòu hòu bǎohù hǎo zhè háizi cái shì."
Upon hearing Feng Yu Xi's words, Mo Huai Lan's face suddenly changed color.
Empress Cen was displeased.
“How could the Empress say such a thing The child in Lan Fei’s womb hasn’t been born yet, how can this bestowal of the title of Crown Prince be spoken of so casually The Empress should focus on diligently giving birth to a Crown Prince for the Emperor.” Cen Tai-hou’s words caused Feng Yu Xi’s smile to falter slightly.
She hasn't conceived a child to this day. The imperial physician said her body finds it difficult to become pregnant. In the harem, besides Mo Huai Lan, no other concubines have shown any signs of pregnancy. Regarding the position of Crown Prince, she is saying this to test whether the Empress Dowager truly intends to give the position to Mo Huai Lan.
Now that the answer is out, she is both happy and worried.
Unable to bear a child, this position of crown prince, even if given to her child, she still needs to have a child first.
"The Empress Dowager's lesson is, I will definitely try my best."
Feng Yu Xi's composure pleased Tai Hou Cen, who nodded in satisfaction. However, this scene fell into Mo Huai Lan's eyes, making her jealousy rage uncontrollably. She felt Feng Yu Xi was deliberately doing this, trying to make her humiliate herself and shame both her and the child she carried.
“Shutai, these few days has the Fourth Princess spoken to you about when she will return I heard some rumors spreading into the palace. Although I know these are just rumors, hearing them makes me uncomfortable.”
Shutai, in a hurry, said, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, please be at ease. Outside rumors are not to be believed."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, sighing softly, “This Fourth Royal Wife is truly a child. She has a playful nature and this trip back to her family home caused quite a stir throughout the city.”
"This servant knows her mistake. After returning, she will definitely discipline A'er properly."
"Hey, that's not right."
The Empress Dowager Cen looked at Concubine Shu, her tone laced with a hint of admonition. "Although the Fourth Princess Consort is your daughter-in-law, she is after all the Holy Master of the Yao clan. Everything should be done in moderation, lest the world sees us, the Great Yuan Dynasty, as a laughingstock."
Shutai, responding with a voice low in remorse, said, "This subject knows she erred. The Empress Dowager's reprimand is right; this subject was indeed lacking in forethought."
When Empress Dowager Cen saw Imperial Noble Consort Shu's attitude, which had always been so calm and collected, she felt that it was quite different from before.
Feng Lingxi has yet to enter the palace and question her about why she wouldn't allow her to leave the city. Now that she is back at the General's Residence, causing quite a stir throughout the city, it makes one wonder what she truly intends.
A few days ago, this palace heard that there were many complaints in the Jianghu about Xi'er's identity. Because she married into the Great Yuan Dynasty, everyone wanted to hunt her down, so this palace wouldn't allow her to leave the city. This matter, this palace hasn't had time to tell her yet.
"This servant will tell Xier. Xier knows that the Empress Dowager is doing this for her own good, so she hasn't entered the palace."
Only when Shu Taifei appeased the situation was Cen Taigi satisfied.
Having Shutai bestow this message to her on her behalf, the matter was resolved. Feng Lingxi, despite her displeasure, dared not do anything about it.
"Forget it, if she knew the intentions of this humble one, everything I did would be worth it."
Lady Shu quickly spoke up for Feng Lingxi, "Your Majesty, I thank Your Imperial Grandmother on behalf of my daughter. I will personally inform her and ask her to enter the palace on another day to express her gratitude for Your Imperial Grandmother's kindness."
"This servant also expresses gratitude on behalf of the Fourth Royal Princess for the Empress Dowager's grace and protection. Tomorrow, this servant will return to the General's Residence and personally inform the Fourth Royal Princess."rry her in the first place... she...""Don't want to talk about the past."Feng Aotian interrupted her words, looking into Feng Lingxi's eyes that held a hint of inquiry. "Don't ask, there's nothing to...