The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 331 - Difficult to Handle

Ye Yun frowned. "Are you saying that Wan Meiren might be pregnant?"

"The servants in the kitchen seem to think so, but we can't entirely conclude that just based on her food preferences," Nan Zhi replied.

Some people just enjoy sour flavors, or perhaps she simply craved it at this time. Without the imperial physician's confirmation, it cannot be fully trusted.

Ye Yun nodded, agreeing with this reasoning.

"We should just observe the situation; there's no need to interfere with something that has no definite conclusion. However, since there are suspicions, we must remain vigilant. While we have no malicious intentions, we should also guard against others plotting against us."

"I understand. I'll relay this message and maintain less contact with Wan Meiren, being cautious in our words and actions," Nan Zhi said.

Ye Yun tapped her fingers on the table, contemplating the current dynamics in the harem.

Although the Empress is not favored, she hasn't made any significant mistakes and is respected by the Emperor. With a stable position and the First Prince at her feet, she is naturally more secure than ever.

Among the consorts, both Shu Fei and Jing De Fei are not favored, but they have deep backgrounds, high ranks, and children. These two are essentially above the fray and remain largely unaffected.

Of course, Jing De Fei has Qin Wanrong beneath her. Last year, Qin Shi saved the Second Prince at great risk, and after being promoted, she gained a bit more favor, allowing her to rank among the others.

Next, Hui Zhaorong is aligned with her; although Hui Zhaorong hasn't served the Emperor in a while, she still has a certain status before him.

As for Ye Yun herself, she can now be considered the most favored among the consorts, firmly overshadowing Yi Shunyuan.

Yi Shunyuan misjudged the situation. The daughter of Jingzhao Yin, Li Shi, is not favored at all among the newcomers; to this day, she has only secured a position as a Meiren thanks to her family background. For her, there's no help to be found in the current situation.

As for Huo Meiren, it's unclear why, but she once had some favor, which diminished after her family gained merit. Perhaps it's because the Huo family isn't particularly outstanding.

At this point, only Qi Meiren and Wan Meiren can share some favors between her and Yi Shunyuan.

Since Wan Shi has a good family background, she hasn't had to curry favor with anyone since entering the palace. Now that she's pregnant, she will surely pursue an independent path.

Being one step ahead of Qi Meiren, she's likely to suppress her from here on out.

After all, the favor for these two has been roughly equal from the start, and once someone breaks the balance, it will quickly tip in one direction.

A Meiren rising to the rank of one of the nine consorts is just two levels away; as long as she safely gives birth, she will surely be promoted.

In the near future, Wan Meiren will also have a voice in the harem.

What Ye Yun is certain of is that she cannot be friends with Wan Shi.

Based on Wan Meiren's temperament, while she hasn't known her for many years, she has gathered enough insight to know that she's a lone wolf. As a high-born noble lady, she only accepts others' support and never actively allies herself with anyone else.

In a way, her character is somewhat similar to Ye Yun's.

Two tigers cannot coexist on the same mountain; if Wan Shi truly gains power, it will be more challenging than dealing with Yi Shunyuan.