The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 291 - Winding Paths

Now that she had finished her confinement, it was time to resume paying respects to the Empress.

Just yesterday, they had held the full moon banquet, and she couldn't even take a day to slack off before being called up early the next morning.

Ye Yun found it exceedingly difficult to adapt.

After all, during her confinement, nobody had stopped her from sleeping, and she had become quite lazy.

Now, having to return to a regular schedule was truly uncomfortable.

However, given her current favorable position, she couldn't act out of line; otherwise, she would inevitably be caught and ridiculed. No matter how tired she was, she had to get up early to pay her respects.

Fortunately, Zhao Chun Pavilion was now closer to Fengxi Palace than the previous Yuxi Pavilion, which was somewhat more convenient.

When she arrived, she was relatively early.

Only a few people were inside.

There were Jing De Fei, Hui Shunyi, Zhang Wanrong, Huo Cairen, and Qin Baolin.

When Ye Yun entered, she first paid her respects to the two women in high positions and then returned the greetings of the other three before sitting down.

"At yesterday's full moon banquet, I didn't bring the Second Princess with me. Oh, that girl threw a tantrum when we got home, insisting on seeing her younger siblings. I thought it wouldn't be convenient since the Emperor was with you, so I didn't take her along. I wonder when my sister will be free, then I can bring the Second Princess to visit you."

Hui Shunyi greeted her with a friendly smile.

Ye Yun naturally didn't refuse and nodded in agreement.

"I usually don't have much to do. Since the princess wants to come and play, why not do it today at noon? I'll prepare some snacks and wait for my sister to bring the princess over."

"Alright, then I'll trouble you today, sister," Hui Shunyi said with a smile.

The two chatted for a while, and everyone else remained silent. Once they stopped, Jing De Fei said, "Hui Shunyi and Ming Xiuyi have such a good relationship. If all the harem were as harmonious, it would be even better."

Ye Yun smiled, "Your Highness is gentle and approachable; everyone in the harem gets along well with you."

"Indeed! I've often seen Qin Baolin visiting  Xiefang Palace during this time," Hui Shunyi added, glancing at Qin Baolin beside her. "It shows that De Fei's temperament is good; both the newcomers and old-timers love to converse with her."

This remark wasn't made lightly. It was to inform Ye Yun that Qin Baolin had now allied herself with Jing De Fei. Ye Yun quickly grasped her meaning. Although she had been in confinement and not venturing outside, she was still keeping an eye on things outside. She had heard that Qin Baolin had recently been getting closer to Jing De Fei but wasn't entirely sure. Now that Hui Shunyi mentioned it, it must be true.

In the palace, it was no longer easy to stand out on one's own. When Qin Baolin entered the palace, she was still considered a notable presence, but after more than a year, there had been no improvement. Currently, she had to rely on the higher-ranking consorts for support.

In the past, no one would seek to curry favor with Jing De Fei, who was regarded as an outcast, but things had changed. Jing De Fei had the second prince under her care. With a child, the emperor would naturally pay her visits, regardless of how often, allowing her to be seen by people. This was what made seeking her favor worthwhile.