The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 156 - Proud and Unyielding

Du Momo wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, regained her composure, and continued.

"The late emperor's love for Xian Fei was profound. After she passed, he fell ill, his health deteriorating until he passed away when the emperor was eight, leaving the young emperor without any close family. The Empress Dowager treated him with more sternness than affection, while the ministers constantly interfered with his decisions. This life under pressure continued until Empress Xu entered the palace and married him, easing some of the strain."

Lin Wanyi listened quietly, not making a sound.

"Empress Xu was very similar to the late Xian Fei, but she came from a duke's family, embodying the dignity of an empress. Talented and graceful, she managed the harem skillfully, first helping the emperor secure his authority, then giving birth to the First Prince."

"It seemed the emperor's hardships had finally come to an end. But, unfortunately, fate was unkind. The First Prince passed away from a simple illness, and soon after, Duke Xu also passed away. These blows greatly weakened Empress Xu's health, and from then on, the smell of medicine lingered in Changle Palace until she passed away."

Lin Wanyi had heard about these events from Lin Guifei, but now, they seemed more than mere coincidence. The Xu family's influence in court and the harem had been systematically dismantled, likely prompting Empress Xu to leave a final wish that no Xu family woman should enter the palace, hoping to protect her family from further turmoil. It was truly lamentable.

As Du Momo spoke, she observed Lin Wanyi's calm expression, feeling somewhat reassured. Lin Wanyi was indeed different from Xian Fei and Empress Xu. Perhaps facing too much prosperity in youth wasn't always a blessing. Xian Fei and Empress Xu had both been showered with love and care, yet this had hindered their resilience. Lin Wanyi, however, though in poor health, exhibited an unyielding strength, much like winter plum blossoms—staunch and undeterred by the cold. This quiet strength was why Du Momo felt compelled to share this story with her today.

"After Empress Xu passed, the emperor became increasingly cold. Despite being in his prime, there was a scarcity of offspring in the harem. Other than the Second Prince, Third Prince, and the eldest princess, no other concubine bore children. For months, sometimes even longer, the emperor wouldn't summon any concubines."

"Only when Lan Fei and Ying Fei were with child did the palace finally break free from that desolate period."

"But everything changed once you entered the palace."

"Since you entered, the emperor hasn't summoned any other concubine. At first, I thought it was just a temporary interest, but now it seems the emperor is truly captivated. I've served him for many years and have never seen him hold such an attachment toward anyone or anything. Yet, it seems you've been trying to keep your distance."

For an emperor, it was essential to remain unreadable. To rule the harem without favoritism, bestowing his favor evenly. But ever since Lin Wanyi entered the palace, these conventions had been gradually overturned.

For now, Lin Wanyi had not faced any open hostility, thanks to the emperor's interference and protection.

The truth cannot be hidden forever, and once it's discovered, Lin Wanyi would face not only the intrigue of the inner palace but also the pressures from the court.

In the face of such overwhelming challenges, if her mind isn't strong enough, she could end up like Xian Fei, who was emotionally devastated and met a tragic end, or like Empress Xu, who was persecuted to the point of exhaustion and died bedridden.

Neither outcome is something Du Momo wants to see.

That's why she's saying these things today.

She hopes Lin Wanyi can see herself clearly and understand the complexities of both the court and the palace.

If Lin Wanyi wants to reciprocate the Emperor's feelings, she needs to be fully prepared.

This path of accompanying the Emperor is not easy.

It requires a person with an exceptionally strong will to face countless obstacles.

Lin Wanyi is not foolish; she understands the deeper meaning behind Du Momo's words.

But now, her worries are different from Du Momo's.

Du Momo is concerned about Lin Wanyi's ability to stand by the Emperor through thick and thin.

Lin Wanyi, however, worries whether those around her can stay true to their intentions and walk beside her.

Therefore, she cannot give Du Momo a firm answer for now.

After a moment, Lin Wanyi takes a deep breath and says to Du Momo, "Du Momo, your words today are heartfelt. Since you're not hiding anything, I'll also speak my mind.

My background, as you may already know, is as the legitimate granddaughter of the Prime Minister's first wife, but in reality, I lived a life worse than the children of the second wife. Even entering the palace wasn't my wish, nor my family's.

Since entering the palace, I've faced constant calamities, whether it's today's humiliation or being pushed into the water tomorrow. The medicine has never ceased. I understand the Emperor's intentions towards me, but ultimately, Momo, tell me, what capability do I have to stand firmly by his side?

Is it my looks? My talent? Or the Emperor's affection for me?"

Lin Wanyi smiles bitterly, seemingly mocking herself.

Du Momo, seeing her so clear-headed and restrained, felt her gaze deepen.

She is strong, but behind this strength lies much suffering and bitterness.

"The most heartless place is the Emperor's household. Today the Emperor's favor is towards me, but who knows if it will be someone else tomorrow. If I lose my integrity and compete for his favor, Momo might think she has judged me wrongly."

"I do not fear misfortune, but I also never seek it. If the Emperor were an ordinary man, I would naturally walk hand in hand with him. But the Emperor is the bright sky for all in the harem and the revered one by all under heaven. If he is delayed by love for me alone, wouldn't that be a pity?"

"Therefore, I cannot return these feelings, nor accept them."

"An emperor should have an emperor's concerns, and a consort should have a consort's considerations."