The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 85 - Silly Woman

It seemed as if the two of them had a very good relationship. Wen Xiuyi, with a worried expression, explained, "You are just a Liangdi now; above you are the Liangyuan, Consorts (Fei), and Guifei (Noble Consort). Is the Emperor planning to promote you several ranks?"

Her tone couldn't hide the glee she felt at others' misfortune. "You are the first in the history of the Da Yue Dynasty to carry twins; it truly makes one envious."

Bai Jingxian was no saint and wouldn't let such arrogance pass without comment. "It is not the place of a mere concubine to worry Wen Xiuyi. The Emperor has not mentioned this matter to me, but I believe he will certainly find a good place for the princes. Regardless, they are his own children; I have faith in him."

Her voice was neither loud nor soft, neither hurried nor slow, flowing smoothly as she spoke.

"I have never thought of using my children to elevate my status; after all, rules cannot be broken. Everything depends on the Emperor and the Empress's grace." She didn't deny that she would refuse if the Emperor and the Empress insisted on promoting her status.

"No, there's a clever tongue at work here. Unfortunately, your confidence is useless. You may not know, but the Guifei is quite envious that you are expecting twins." Wen Xiuyi lowered her voice and leaned closer to Bai Jingxian. "Guifei intends to petition the Emperor for grace; she wants to raise the children in your womb. How does that make you feel, Liangdi? After all, your children would have a much more noble status if they were raised by Guifei."

Even though she lowered her voice, everyone around them heard her loud and clear.

Those serving Bai Jingxian instantly looked tense.

They had never considered this possibility.

Even Wang Momo thought that once her mistress gave birth to twins, the Emperor would surely promote her mistress. They had never considered that their mistress might not be able to raise the children herself.

Bai Jingxian, being a time traveler, knew all about such matters, but what did it matter? She didn't believe that her children would be handed over to someone else to raise.

"As for your worries, there's no need, Wen Xiuyi. If Lan Guifei really sees the children in my womb, that would indeed be my blessing. It is I who should be thanking you." Bai Jingxian would not lose her composure just because of a few words.

"You truly have a big heart; I underestimated you. However, you are also ruthless, willing to trade your own children for glory. I have indeed underestimated you." Wen Xiuyi was not angry.

"However, since we are both mothers, I will tell you something." Wen Xiuyi began to embellish the accusations against Guifei.

Every word made those serving them tremble.

There was no way around it; it was too frightening. After all, that was Lan Guifei. Who would dare discuss her so openly? Not only that, but they were slandering her.

Wen Xiuyi was truly bold.

"Enough. Guifei's matters are for the Emperor and the Empress to decide, not something for you to discuss. I am feeling unwell and will take my leave." Bai Jingxian was not foolish; it was clear that this woman wanted to use her as a weapon.

No matter who she spoke to about this, it wouldn't end well; she might even be accused of slandering Lan Guifei.

"You've been given an opportunity. If you don't seize it, you might end up separating from your children. If the Emperor shows grace and gives the child to Lan Guifei, you will become a dispensable person. How pitiful."

Bai Jingxian chose not to say much. "Thank you for the reminder, but I have faith in the Emperor and the Empress. If it comes to that, it is surely because I am unworthy to be a mother, and I will not resent that."

Seeing her so unyielding made Wen Xiuyi grit her teeth in anger. "Heh, I hope you can face it with such calmness then." With that, she turned and left.

Her goal for the day had been achieved; now, it was up to this Liangdi to show her ambition.

In the harem, who didn't have a heart for rising up?

Wen Xiuyi wasn't afraid of He Liangdi's inaction; after all, she was someone who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Lan Guifei.

Unbeknownst to anyone, not far away stood a figure, covered in a few flakes of snow, indicating he had been there for quite a while.

Looking at that frail figure, his heart was filled to the brim. "De Fu, go investigate whether Guifei truly intends to raise the children of Liangdi."

The person standing there was none other than the reigning Emperor, Zhao Jinrui.

He had merely been annoyed and wanted to step outside for some fresh air. Unexpectedly, he witnessed this scene and saw the unwavering trust on her face, which filled him with bitterness.

Because no one had ever trusted him like that.

Everyone treated him with caution; even his Empress and father had never trusted him so completely.

When someone hands everything over to you, it shows just how great their trust is.

She was far too trusting of him, and he truly did not deserve it.

At that moment, it would be a lie to say Zhao Jinrui was not touched.

"Yes." De Fu didn't expect Lan Guifei to have such thoughts at this time.

The Tan family was almost finished; whether her status as Guifei could be secured was another matter, and raising princes was likely impossible.

Watching her departing figure, Zhao Jinrui, for some reason, took a step forward and followed her.

He followed her all the way to the front of the Lanyue Pavilion before he realized what he had done.

Given her sincerity, he felt that once this matter was settled, he would not let her down.

"Your Majesty, the dark guards report."

Just as Zhao Jinrui was about to enter the Lanyue Pavilion, Xia Xiazi's voice rang out from behind him.

"Ah." He sighed heavily. "Return to the Qinzheng Hall."

No one noticed the scene outside the Lanyue Pavilion, and even those who did were low-ranking palace servants who were not qualified to speak with the nobles.

Bai Jingxian remained unaware of the Emperor's melancholy.

Wen Xiuyi's every move was being watched; everything she did and said reached the ears of those observing her.

In Kunning Palace.

"Ha ha, she really knows how to spin a tale. Lan Guifei is not in the mood for such things right now," the Empress remarked. She had not expected Wen Xiuyi to be so bold as to set her sights on He Liangdi.

The Emperor had mentioned to her that once Liangdi gave birth to the child in her womb, she would be promoted, and she would naturally be able to raise her own child.

Although she didn't understand why the Emperor hadn't clarified things with Liangdi, making her worry, it was not something she could decide.

If the Emperor did not speak, she naturally wouldn't say a word.

To be honest, if she had the choice, she would prefer to carry a prince herself, someone who could inherit the throne in the future. However, the imperial physicians had not mentioned anything, so she naturally didn't know whether she was carrying a prince or a princess.

This situation was a long story, and it was all Zhao Jinrui's doing. He had ordered that no one disclose the gender of the children in the wombs of the consorts, and even he hadn't asked the doctors a single question.

What a patient man.

Others didn't know, but the Empress knew full well that she was also carrying twins. However, compared to Liangdi, her belly appeared much smaller, which dispelled a lot of suspicion from those around her.

The Emperor was aware of this as well; since they were both carrying twins, naturally, the Empress's belly was more precious.