The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 101 - The Emperor's Suspicion

"Your three children are all well-raised. Sometimes, it's not that avoiding competition ensures safety. You should keep a close watch on them. I hope that the next time I see them, they'll still be as lively."

After saying this, Liang Fei stood up. "Whether it's virtuous or magnanimous, it all depends on interests. He Fangyi, don't disappoint me. Perhaps, in the future, my well-being will depend on you."

These words were whispered into Bai Jingxian's ear, so quietly that even those attending nearby couldn't hear. Bai Jingxian's eyes widened as if startled by the statement. "Your Highness..." She was about to respond, but Liang Fei quickly covered her mouth.

"That's enough. No need to see me off. I'm heading to Qinzheng Hall to see the Emperor."

With that, Liang Fei left, but Bai Jingxian's mind was far from calm. She began to wonder if the Empress might be planning something against her children, or if there was another scheme in play. Her thoughts were in a whirlwind.

However, before Bai Jingxian could figure things out, news spread that Liang Fei would adopt the unborn child of Li Changzai. Even though the child was yet to be born and Li Changzai held a low rank, since the Emperor had already agreed, she had no power to object. Once the child was born, it would be handed over to Liang Fei. This was Liangfei's gamble—what if it turned out to be a son?

Soon, everyone in the palace had heard about it.

In Kunning Palace, the Empress was playing with her son and daughter when a servant reported the news.

"The Emperor actually agreed to this. It seems he's displeased about my father wanting to return."

The women of the palace were all sharp and able to connect various events to the bigger picture. It must be said that the palace intrigues Bai Jingxian had experienced was mere child's play in comparison.

"Sigh, the old general is getting on in years. Wanting to retire in comfort is perfectly reasonable. The Emperor likely didn't mean anything by it," her Momo softly reassured. The Empress had worked hard to secure the Emperor's favor and ensure the future of her children. This was not the time to jeopardize everything over trivial matters.

"If you're troubled by this, why not ask the Emperor directly?"

The Empress chuckled lightly and shook her head. "Liang Fei comes from a family of military men. She was favored when she first entered the palace. If not for... well, let her adopt the child if she wants. After all, my son is already the Crown Prince."

The Empress considered the consequences of confronting Liang Fei and decided it wasn't worth it. No matter what schemes were in play, as long as the Emperor didn't agree, Liang Fei couldn't alter the current balance.

But Li Changzai, the other party involved, was far less at ease. She had hoped that by giving birth to a child, she could rise in rank. While she never expected to rival the mother of triplets, she had hoped to at least earn the title of Liangyuan. But with the Emperor's decision to let Liang Fei adopt her child, all her dreams were dashed. Although the child would have a better status, it was still her child. How could she bear to part with it?

At this point, Li Changzai fervently prayed for a daughter. If it were a girl, perhaps Liang Fei wouldn't want the child. She could always have another later—who knows what the future might hold?

It must be said, her thinking was quite optimistic. Still, it would be better if she didn't hold her hopes too high. After all, if not for Bai Jingxian's intervention, even the current number of princesses might not have been born.

One day, Zhao Jinrui visited Lanyue Pavilion and immediately brought up the subject of Bai Jingxian's good relationship with Liang Fei, which nearly made Bai Jingxian jump in shock.

"Liangfei only likes children. She came to see the three little ones, nothing more," she stammered, her heart racing with anxiety.

Zhao Jinrui glanced at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Why is my beloved concubine so nervous? I didn't accuse you of anything."

This insufferable man, Bai Jingxian thought, wanting to smack him.

His teasing was worse than being directly questioned.

"Your Majesty, please don't jest. You know I've never been good at forming friendships with the other women in the palace. If Liang Fei truly liked me, she would have taken a liking to me when I first entered the palace. But I'm simply not that likable," Bai Jingxian muttered.

Zhao Jinrui thought for a moment and laughed. "My beloved is certainly likable—to me, at least."

As they continued chatting, Zhao Jinrui brought up the topic of the triplets' first birthday celebration. Hearing this, Bai Jingxian became quite interested.

"What does Your Majesty have in mind?" she asked eagerly, her eyes wide with curiosity and anticipation.

Zhao Jinrui tapped her forehead lightly. "What would you like, my love? If possible, I'll grant your wish."

Bai Jingxian pondered seriously for a moment, but since she had never attended such traditional events in modern times, she struggled to come up with any ideas.

"Your Majesty, don't tease me. You know I have no experience with these matters. Just tell me what you've planned," she finally said with a pout, giving in and resorting to a bit of playful whining.

"Your Majesty, please, I'm so curious," she pleaded, batting her eyes.

Seeing her like this, Zhao Jinrui laughed heartily, even drawing the attention of the three children nearby. The little ones began making noises to get their mother's attention. Despite not being a year old yet, they were already quite sharp, calling out loudly.

To Bai Jingxian's embarrassment, she had taught them to call for her first, so instead of calling for their father, the children had only learned to say "mother."

"They've learned to call for people already?" Zhao Jinrui asked, sitting up straight in surprise.

Feeling a bit awkward, Bai Jingxian quickly explained, "Your Majesty, I'll teach them to say 'Father' next time, I promise."

Zhao Jinrui immediately understood the situation. This woman was truly different from the others in the palace. While most concubines would teach their children to curry favor with their father, she had them call for her first.

"My beloved, it seems your courage has grown. I think I'll have to teach you what it means to 'revere your husband as the sky.'"

With that, Zhao Jinrui walked over to the three children, sat down cross-legged in front of them, and started teaching them how to say "Father."

"Come, say 'Father,' 'Father.'"

Xiao Xu glanced at his mother, then looked back at his father, grabbed onto Zhao Jinrui's robe, and stood up with a bit of effort, calling out, "Fu...ang, Fuang."

Fearing the child might fall, Zhao Jinrui quickly supported him. "It's 'Father,' let's try again."

Before Xiao Xu could respond, his brother Xiao Ze piped up with a loud "Aye!"

Hearing this, Bai Jingxian could no longer hold back her laughter. Even the youngest, Xiao Xuan, followed suit, calling out "Aye, fu aye."

Bai Jingxian burst out laughing uncontrollably.

The attendants, seeing their emperor sitting cross-legged on the floor, desperately tried to hide their own amusement, their shoulders shaking as they lowered their heads.