The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 397 - A Decision

Thus, it was finally settled that Jing Xian Fei, Rong Shu Fei, Hui Zhaoyi, Ye Yun, Yi Zhaoyuan, Qian Shunrong, Qin Jieyu, and Ying Wanrong would accompany the Emperor.

Eight people were quite a number.

However, Ye Yun was now wary of Jing Xian Fei and didn't want her to go along.

So, while taking a walk with Ning Chen, she mentioned that the Fifth Prince was still too young to go, the Empress Dowager was "recovering" in the palace, and Qi Xiurong, who was pregnant, needed someone to take care of her. Wouldn't it be better to leave a reliable person in the palace?

Speaking of reliability, in Ning Chen's heart, besides Ye Yun, it was Jing Xian Fei and Hui Zhaoyi who were more steady.

As the highest-ranking among the concubines, Jing Xian Fei naturally had to shoulder this responsibility.

That night, Ning Chen went to Zhongcui Palace for dinner and conveyed this decision.

Jing Xian Fei had no room to refuse; this was the Emperor's trust in her.

Guarding the harem well would allow the Emperor to see her capability, helping her rise further. She couldn't go to the garden; then she wouldn't be able to control the arrangements in Zhao Chun Pavilion herself.

After Ning Chen left, Jing Xian Fei's expression turned grim.

"Ye Yun really underestimated me by pulling this on me."

If the plan couldn't be implemented normally, all her arrangements during this time would go to waste, and she wouldn't accept that.

Tanxiang frowned, "Your Highness, what should we do? Should we think of a way to make the Emperor keep Rong Shu Fei here?"

"Absolutely not," Jing Xian Fei shook her head. "Ye Yun has no evidence and won't be able to tarnish my reputation. She can only praise me for taking care of the harem on behalf of the Emperor, which is why I have to stay. If I refuse, it would undermine the Emperor's trust in me, and wouldn't that just let that shameless Rong Shu Fei steal the credit?"

Looking at the flickering candlelight on the table, Jing Xian Fei's gaze was obscure.

After a moment, she spoke, "Go and call Qin Jieyu."

Tanxiang nodded and immediately went to do so.

Before long, Qin Jieyu entered the main hall.

"I pay my respects to Your Highness."

"There's no need for formalities; please sit. I have some matters to discuss with you."

At this moment, Qin Shi still didn't know that Jing Xian Fei wanted to stay in the palace and couldn't go to Lingxi Garden, so she was still somewhat perplexed.

After she sat down, Jing Xian Fei then informed her of the matter.

In an instant, Qin Shi understood that there must be something Jing Xian Fei couldn't handle herself and was passing on to her.

Sure enough, she heard Jing Xian Fei speak up.

"Although you have given birth to the Fifth Prince, you are still merely a Jieyu and not favored. The Emperor hasn't found a noble foster mother for the Fifth Prince, which indicates he still has some expectations of you.

But now, Ming Zhaoyi is pregnant, and Qi Xiurong is also with child. Both of them have noble backgrounds and are well-favored. If they both safely deliver their babies, how can the Fifth Prince survive in between?"

"I am incapable and of low birth, and I cannot provide anything good for the Fifth Prince; he can only rely on your grace, Your Highness," Qin Jieyu replied, lowering her head.