The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 333 - Not in Control of One's Own Body

Speaking of which, Zhang Wanrong was quite unfortunate. After entering the palace for so long, she had put in great efforts every time but had never had the chance to accompany the Emperor outside the palace. She truly had ambition and had always been striving for favor, yet her luck was simply not on her side.

There were two main reasons...

The first was that she was born at the wrong time. Currently, Ning Chen's foundation was unstable and needed support from the previous dynasty. Therefore, looking around the harem, those who were favored were all from prominent families whose maternal homes could do something for Ning Chen. Zhang Wanrong's background was humble, and she had never caught Ning Chen's eye from the beginning.

The second reason was related to Ye Yun. Zhang Wanrong's white lotus demeanor had disgusted Ye Yun thoroughly in the early years. She had openly expressed her dislike for Zhang Wanrong in front of Ning Chen more than once. If it weren't for the Empress continuously supporting her, Zhang Wanrong would have already been treated as if she had entered the cold palace.

"Your servant pays her respects to the Empress. Now that summer has arrived, I've specially made two sets of new nightclothes for you, and I came here today to present them," Zhang Wanrong said, bowing.

"Don't bother, just sit down," the Empress said with a smile, waving her hand. "If all the women in the harem were as obedient and sensible as you, I wouldn't have to work so hard."

Zhang Wanrong lowered her eyes obediently, "Your Majesty's virtue is unparalleled, and you are destined to be a golden phoenix. No matter how others stir trouble, it will be of no use."

Upon hearing this, the Empress was quite pleased. She raised her hand to adjust her hairpin and smiled.

"Fortunately, I now have the Eldest Prince, which eases my mind a bit. This time we go to Lingxi Garden for the summer, I've already included you on the list of attendants. I'll have someone send you some new clothes and jewelry later. Now that we'll be outside the palace, the rules are a bit relaxed, so you can be bolder."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your support. I am deeply grateful and will never forget it," Zhang Wanrong said, feeling happy and hurriedly rising to express her gratitude.

The Empress glanced at her. "Just remember my kindness. Have you been taking the pills I gave you every time?"

Zhang Wanrong nodded. "I wouldn't dare disobey Your Majesty's instructions; I've taken them every time I served in bed."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's smile deepened. She then put on a serious expression.

"I'm not against you having children; I just think you're still young. The most important thing right now is to first gain the Emperor's favor. Once you have that, and you've established yourself, having children will be easier to manage."

Zhang Wanrong lowered her head, skillfully masking the darkness in her eyes. "Your Majesty is only thinking of me; I understand."

"Alright, you may return now. The Eldest Prince should be finishing school soon; I'll go check on him," the Empress waved her hand.

Zhang Wanrong bowed and then retreated.

Once outside Fengxi Palace, she finally looked up at the sky. The glaring sunlight made her feel momentarily uncomfortable. Yet this little discomfort paled in comparison to the pain in her heart.

She wanted to rise above her current station, but after years of struggle, her desires remained unfulfilled. Now, serving under the Empress, she found herself even more constrained, unable to decide whether or not to have children.