The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 56 - Demotion

"Indeed, the Green Team has achieved today's results thanks to your excellent leadership. You are awarded a cold iron dagger. The rest of the team members are promoted by one rank."

As expected, this statement caused a stir among the surrounding people.

They were all born into noble families, starting off higher than others. Now, being promoted by one rank brought honor to their families and themselves.

Lin Guifei squinted at Lin Xingzhi, feeling a bit apprehensive.

He was originally an unranked guard in the Imperial City Division. Even with the promotion, he was only at the ninth rank, not even considered a palace guard.

However, the second branch had been suppressing the main branch for years. Suddenly promoting him by one rank naturally caused some displeasure.

But the emperor had spoken, and the decree was issued. No matter how unhappy she was, it was already a done deal.

Lin Wanyi, standing at the back, was overjoyed upon hearing this! Finally! Finally! Her brother had finally made some progress with his own abilities, even though he was still lower-ranked compared to others.

But at least it was a good start.

Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly felt something wrap around her waist, pulling her back, and she was quickly separated from the crowd.

Her foot slipped, and she was about to fall to the side.

Unexpectedly, Ying Pin was standing next to her.

She was pregnant!

If this fall caused her to lose the baby, her days in the harem would be over.

Her brother had just gained the emperor's favor, and if something happened to her, wouldn't it shatter the family's hopes?

Without thinking, she slightly twisted her body to cushion Ying Pin's fall.

Before she could cry out, the railing and floor where they were standing suddenly broke, and she fell down.

Her mind was filled with thoughts of protecting Ying Pin.

So, she used all her strength to push Ying Pin upwards.

Ying Pin ended up stuck at the edge, too scared to speak.

But Lin Wanyi fell into Shounan Lake, along with several wooden stakes and stones.

"My Lady!"

"Qianqian!"

Lin Xingzhi, who was standing not far away, reacted first upon hearing the commotion and tried to grab her.

Unfortunately, he couldn't reach her hand as she fell. Without hesitation, he jumped in after her.

"Save her! Save her!"

Jiang Huanqing shouted as he jumped into the water.

The Green Team members quickly jumped into Shounan Lake, moving the floating stakes to make way for Lin Xingzhi.

Everyone in the Lin family knew that Lin Wanyi couldn't swim.

So, Lin Xingzhi's first reaction when she fell was to jump in and save her.

Fortunately, they were near the edge of Shounan Lake, where the water wasn't too deep, about one zhang (approximately 3.3 meters).

Lin Xingzhi was very fast and quickly pulled her out of the water, so Lin Wanyi only choked on a few mouthfuls of water and was otherwise unharmed.

However, Ying Pin, who was saved, fainted from the shock.

The sudden fall into the water turned the festive occasion into chaos.

The palace concubines and maids nearby screamed in fear, but luckily they were far enough away to avoid falling in.

Chunqi and Xia'an quickly ran to the shore, taking off their outer garments to cover Lin Wanyi.

Falling into the water in front of everyone could easily lead to accusations of impropriety, which they couldn't allow to happen!

Others thought the same.

Especially Chu Guiren, who had a deep grudge against Lin Wanyi, immediately shouted.

"Oh my, Lin Daying is hugging that man! How improper!"

Her shout drew everyone's attention.

Although it was a rescue, in the conservative atmosphere of Wei Dynasty, it indeed caused a lot of gossip.

The emperor looked coldly at Chu Guiren, clearly displeased with her sudden outburst.

Lin Guifei, although wary of Lin Wanyi and her brother, couldn't let the family's reputation be tarnished at this moment.

She quickly said, "Chu Guiren, stop talking nonsense. That's her brother! Should a brother not save his sister when she falls into the water?"

It's her brother! So, he wasn't an outsider.

Moreover, Lin Guifei was right. Should a brother just stand by and do nothing when his sister falls into the water?

Everyone looked at Chu Guiren with reproachful eyes, leaving her speechless.

She gritted her teeth at the Lin siblings.

Indeed, the Lin family and the Chu family were at odds. The sister constantly opposed her, and the brother overshadowed her own brother.

Hmph! The whole family was despicable! Even the emperor noticed her dissatisfaction.

With a cold snort, he said sternly, "Chu Guiren, your behavior is inappropriate. You are demoted to Daying and confined for three months!"

Everyone was shocked.

First, they didn't expect such an incident on a festive day.

Second, Chu Guiren had only entered the palace two months ago and had already lost favor. It was pitiful.

But thinking of her repeated offenses, everyone remained silent.

Yi Fei looked at Chu Guiren, feeling she was hopeless.

But being from the northwest, it would be a pity if she was truly ruined.

She was about to plead for her when Lin Guifei interrupted, asking the imperial physician about Ying Pin.

"Imperial Physician, how is Ying Pin? Is she alright?"

The imperial physician, who had been carefully checking her pulse, finally smiled and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. Ying Pin is five months pregnant."

"What!"

The most shocked was Lan Fei, who was also pregnant.

She had gained a lot of status in the harem due to her pregnancy, thinking she was uniquely favored. But now, Ying Pin was also pregnant!

And for five months! She had hidden it well!

Her eyes flashed with malice as she looked at Ying Pin's belly, feeling a bit resentful.

But it quickly passed, and she stood up, showing her belly, and said with a gentle smile, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. It looks like there will be two new imperial heirs in the palace by the end of the year."

Her words made everyone realize.

The concubines' faces showed surprise, envy, and some bitterness.

But no one felt more ignored than Chu Daying. (Previously Chu Guiren)

She wanted to say something, but a eunuch quickly gagged and knocked her out, dragging her away.