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Chapter 28
The news that Changchun Pavilion had summoned an imperial physician reached the Emperor's Palace by noon.
Lu Yu raised an eyebrow, his fingers tapping unhurriedly on the imperial desk:
"What's wrong with her?"
Liu An scratched his head: "I heard Gu Meiren's body is fine. She only said her constitution was weak and had the physician prescribe a tonic."
Lu Yu had just taken a sip of tea. After hearing Liu An's words clearly, he nearly choked. Liu An was startled and hurriedly handed over a handkerchief. Lu Yu covered his mouth and coughed a few times, the veins at his temples twitching. After a long while, he closed his eyes.
He felt somewhat embarrassed and annoyed, how did the Marquis of Rongyang's household educate their daughter? If they were going to send her to the palace, why raise her to be so naive?!
An offhand comment in the bedchamber, and she actually took it seriously and went to find a physician for a prescription.
For the first time in his life, Lu Yu tasted the feeling of being hoisted by his own petard.
Lu Yu pulled at the corner of his mouth. A stifled anger was stuck in his chest, unable to go up or down, what an unpleasant feeling.
Forget it. In any case, having the woman take some tonics wouldn't hurt.
****
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the imperial palace became visibly livelier than usual. In Changchun Pavilion, Jiu Nian had also replaced today's potted landscape with noon-blooming flowers, dewdrops still seeming to cling to the petals, ready to fall but not falling.
On this day, after the morning greetings ended, Gu Han had just returned to Changchun Pavilion and was about to eat when Xiao Fangzi came rushing in:
"Mistress, news just came, Yi'an Palace has asked the Empress to hang the green tablet back up."
Gu Han's face flashed with astonishment. She immediately put down her chopsticks and inquired carefully: "What's the situation?"
In just this one month, Gu Han could tell that Consort Shu's temperament was particularly proud. As for how much of this pride came from relying on imperial favor, others couldn't know. Some time ago, Consort Shu still had the attitude of preferring to pretend illness rather than actively go to Kunning Palace to pay respects, sitting and waiting for Empress Niangniang to proactively remove her green tablet. How could she suddenly bow her head?
"This servant doesn't know either. I only heard that earlier, a servant from Yi'an Palace went to Kunning Palace, saying that Consort Shu Niangniang has recovered from her illness and requesting that Empress Niangniang hang Consort Shu Niangniang's green tablet back up."
Gu Han paused, always feeling things wouldn't go so smoothly.
Sure enough, she heard Xiao Fangzi continue:
"But Empress Niangniang said that today Consort Shu is still too ill to come to Kunning Palace to pay respects, so the illness may not be completely cured yet."
Gu Han slowly took a sip of tea, knowing full well that tomorrow's morning greetings would surely feature a good show. She glanced at the hourglass in the hall and suddenly felt time was passing somewhat slowly.
The next day, Gu Han didn't need Jiu Nian to urge her, she rose very early. When she arrived at Kunning Palace, she discovered she wasn't the only one with this idea.
Kunning Palace was filled with quite a few concubines. Gu Han made eye contact with these people, then they all nonchalantly looked away. None wanted to admit they had come to the morning greetings to watch the drama.
They didn't have to wait long. The second pearl curtain was suddenly lifted, and Consort Shu was supported by servants, casually stepping over the threshold. Even though she had come to bow her head in defeat, Consort Shu still kept her spine ramrod straight. She didn't display her domineering nature on her face like Zhou Meiren, but everyone could sense her arrogance.
Gu Han's eyes focused slightly as she finally realized this lady's drama wouldn't be easy to watch. She picked up a cup of tea and lowered her eyes to sip it carefully.
Consort Shu swept a glance around the hall and suddenly laughed coquettishly: "Today all the sisters have arrived quite early."
As soon as the words fell, the concubines whose eyes met hers all stiffened, their expressions somewhat forced. Gu Han had lowered her eyes early to sip her tea, thus avoiding this moment of awkwardness.
The Empress's arrival broke the frozen atmosphere in the hall. She seemed very surprised to see Consort Shu:
"Has Sister Consort Shu truly recovered?"
Consort Shu only curved the corner of her mouth, her brows tinged with a delicate smile, saying unhurriedly: "If Niangniang doesn't believe it, why not summon a physician to take my pulse?"
The Empress naturally couldn't be so bored. With Consort Shu personally coming to pay respects, no matter how sharp-tongued she was, she had lost this contest.
The Empress happily raised her eyebrows, not caring about Consort Shu's current impertinence:
"Since younger sister's health is fine, the Bureau of Attendance department should hang sister's green tablet back up."
Having achieved her purpose in coming to pay respects, Consort Shu coldly watched the Empress's smugness. She withdrew her gaze, a barely perceptible mockery flashing in her eyes.
Gu Han took in both ladies' expressions, and yesterday's doubts surfaced again. Even with her green tablet removed, Consort Shu still had ways to make the Emperor come to Yi'an Palace. She hadn't cared much about the green tablet before, why would Consort Shu suddenly bow to the Empress?
After returning to Changchun Pavilion, Gu Han still hadn't figured it out. What was about to happen recently?
The Empress Dowager's return to the palace, and the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet.
Suddenly, a flash of realization crossed Gu Han's eyes. She summoned Xiao Fangzi:
"You've been in the palace so long, what do you think the relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Empress is like?"
"The Empress Dowager rarely interferes with His Majesty's harem affairs, leaving almost everything to the Empress to handle. If we're only talking about the Empress Dowager and the Empress…" Xiao Fangzi gave an embarrassed smile, looked around, and lowered his voice: "In this servant's opinion, it can only be called ordinary."
Gu Han was stunned. How could that be?
If the relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Empress was ordinary, then why would Consort Shu become wary when the Empress Dowager was about to return to the palace, and even submit to the Empress before the Empress Dowager returned?
Seeing that after hearing his words, his mistress kept furrowing her delicate brows, Xiao Fangzi guessed at something in connection with today's events. He said softly:
"This servant is lowly and doesn't understand much about the consorts affairs, but I once heard some rumors that Empress Dowager Niangniang doesn't particularly like the one in Yi'an Palace."
Gu Han was surprised. Palace servants spoke very cautiously. To get this assessment from Xiao Fangzi, it seemed the Empress Dowager not only disliked Consort Shu but felt more than just dislike.
No wonder then.
Consort Shu might rely on the Emperor's favor and not fear Empress Niangniang, but she had to be wary of the Empress Dowager. After all, the Empress Dowager was the Emperor's birth mother.
Having figured out why Consort Shu would suddenly submit, Gu Han cast the matter aside.
During the morning greetings, the Empress had given orders that there was no need to come to Kunning Palace tomorrow. But the next day, Gu Han rose early. The palace servants in Changchun Pavilion were so busy their feet didn't touch the ground, wishing they could clean Changchun Pavilion until it was spotless. Among the palace dresses Jiu Nian had prepared, Gu Han hesitated for a moment, then chose one in rouge color.
Today was the day the Empress Dowager returned to the palace. The Empress had ordered the imperial consorts to go to Nanchen Gate before the third quarter of the chen hour to welcome her.
Gu Han usually dressed in elegant, understated colors, but the Empress Dowager was, after all, elderly, her clothing should be more vibrant. Today, Gu Han carefully applied her makeup, delicate willow-leaf eyebrows, naturally red powder lips, clean almond eyes, paired with a tasseled pearl-studded hairpin, adding a touch of feminine charm.
After everything was ready, Gu Han glanced at the hourglass in the bronze mirror. Without even having time to eat breakfast, she hurried to Nanchen Gate.
Gu Han arrived neither early nor late, discreetly standing in her proper position. Zhou Měirén usually liked to put on airs, but today she had arrived particularly early, dressed brightly, her face full of joy, as if afraid others wouldn't know she was happy.
Gu Han inconspicuously swept a glance around, frowning slightly and imperceptibly.
She hadn't seen Rong Ling in the crowd.
Gu Han considered herself to have some understanding of Rong Ling, she loved to join the excitement but was generally cautious. Even He Xiuyi, the primary consort of Chaoyang Palace, had arrived. Why hadn't she come yet?
Just as Gu Han was wondering, she suddenly heard Zhou Měirén beside her gritting her teeth in a charming hiss:
"Vixen!"
Gu Han was puzzled. She looked up following Zhou Měirén's line of sight and saw the imperial carriage approaching from afar. And following beside the imperial carriage was none other than Rong Ling, whom Gu Han had been wondering about!
For a moment, almost all the concubines saw Rong Ling, their expressions varied and emotions unclear. No matter how brainless Zhou Měirén was, she couldn't possibly cause trouble at this moment. Gu Han saw her glance at herself, then snort coldly with pointed meaning:
"I told you long ago, this kind of woman could never be content and dutiful!"
People from low backgrounds, as soon as they caught a whiff of opportunity, were like dogs smelling meat, clinging on desperately, more annoying than flies.
Gu Han's expression was somewhat strange.
Not because of Rong Ling, people climb upward, it's human nature. Whether today was coincidence or Rong Ling's deliberate action, Gu Han actually didn't care much. What made Gu Han curious was that compared to Miao Měirén, Zhou Měirén's attitude toward her was excessively friendly.
Yes, friendly.
Even though Zhou Měirén's tone was sarcastic, and some of it was because she disliked Rong Ling, Gu Han wouldn't overlook the fact that Zhou Měirén was warning her to be careful not to capsize in the gutter.
Gu Han immediately calculated in her mind, had she and Zhou Meiren had any interaction in the past?
She quickly arrived at an answer, no.
Gu Han soon had no mind to think about these things, because Rong Ling had walked to her side. Her refined, pure, and beautiful face showed some nervous confusion. She explained in a low voice: "When I came, my dress got dirty, which delayed me for some time. That's why I encountered His Majesty on the way."
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly. Indeed, she discovered some dirt marks on Rong Ling's hem. Regarding this explanation, Gu Han neither said she believed nor disbelieved it.
But actually, Gu Han felt Rong Ling didn't need to explain to her.
Gu Han wasn't so naive as to think that just because Rong Ling had allied with her, she shouldn't compete for favor and the Emperor's bed. The Emperor had three palaces and six courts, if she worried about these things, she'd probably worry endlessly every day.
But just because Gu Han didn't care didn't mean others didn't. After hearing Rong Ling's words, Zhou Měirén scoffed mockingly, then tilted her body slightly, moving farther from Rong Ling, not concealing her disgust for her.
Rong Ling's face paled for a moment.
Gu Han's temple twitched slightly. She somewhat didn't want to deal with the discord between the two, but she couldn't not. She said softly:
"The Empress Dowager's procession is about to arrive. First, wipe your hem clean."
Improper appearance could sometimes also be great disrespect.
Rong Ling wanted to say something more. Gu Han interrupted her: "Being able to encounter His Majesty on the way is also Sister's good fortune."
Rong Ling paused, looking carefully at Sister Gu. Seeing her eyes were clear without any darkness or displeasure, all the explanations she wanted to make got stuck in her throat. She could tell Sister was being sincere, Sister Gu truly didn't mind.
Rong Ling should have been relieved, but her heart felt heavy instead.
Because she knew full well that the hem getting dirty wasn't an accident at all. She had deliberately waited on that road, knowing it was the only route from the Imperial Study to Nanchen Gate, and only then had she waited for this opportunity.
She knew doing this today was very risky, but she had no choice. Aside from today, she didn't know when she would have another chance to encounter His Majesty.
Rong Ling lowered her brows and obediently closed her mouth.
Gu Han didn't know what Rong Ling was thinking. Her mind was entirely on the Empress Dowager, wondering what kind of person this Empress Dowager was. Soon, the Empress Dowager's procession arrived at Nanchen Gate. Gu Han saw from afar that the Emperor and Empress had gone forward to welcome her.
Their group of concubines stood in place. When the Empress Dowager approached, everyone bowed. Gu Han lightly lowered her eyelids and bent her knees, until she heard a somewhat weary voice:
"Rise, all of you."
Gu Han boldly raised her head slightly and finally saw the Empress Dowager clearly. Apart from the nobility emanating from her entire being, she seemed not much different from her own mother. There were more fine lines at the corners of her eyes, and she held a string of prayer beads in her hand, in this aspect, she was somewhat similar to her grandmother.
The Empress Dowager bore a three-point resemblance to the Emperor, especially around the eyes, one could see the Empress Dowager's magnificent beauty in her youth. The Empress Dowager only glanced once in the direction of the imperial consorts, and Gu Han immediately lowered her head, completely overturning her previous thoughts. At least her mother and grandmother wouldn't give her this much pressure.
The Empress Dowager paid no attention to the consorts. Travel-worn, she was supported on either side by the Emperor and Empress, and the group walked farther and farther away.
Only when footsteps could no longer be heard did the various concubines rise. Gu Han saw Consort Shu looking toward Cining Palace for a long time, her emotions seeming somewhat stirred, but soon, she returned to normal and laughed charmingly:
"Empress Dowager Niangniang has such a noble status, she has no time to pay attention to us."
Even though these words were true, no one dared respond. They watched helplessly as Consort Shu boarded her sedan chair and departed in a grand procession. Gu Han lowered her eyes and took a step back to make way for Consort Shu's procession.
Just then, Gu Han heard Zhou Měirén softly snort: "Only she is so ostentatious."
Gu Han pulled at the corner of her mouth, truly wanting to tell her that the two of them were birds of a feather.
But Zhou Měirén certainly didn't think herself ostentatious. She glanced at the departing Consort Shu, and in complete contrast to others returning to their respective palaces, she directly turned and walked toward Cining Palace.
Everyone was used to it. Zhou Měirén had always been like this, doing everything according to her whims. After Zhou Měirén had walked away, someone curled their lip and muttered:
"What's she so proud of? It's just because she has a good aunt."
Gu Han didn't want to be dragged into these disputes. She acted as if she hadn't heard anything and led Jiu Nian back to the palace. Along the way, Rong Ling kept following her. Only when they reached the fork in the road did she reluctantly part with repeated backward glances.
Gu Han felt somewhat absurd.
She wasn't the Emperor, what was the point of Rong Ling acting this way toward her?
Jiu Nian frowned at the side: "Since the last morning greetings, Rong Bǎolín has been much quieter."
In the past, Rong Bǎolín's temperament was gentle but truly couldn't be called quiet. Like women of this age, she loved to join the excitement and could talk endlessly about any new thing.
Gu Han understood the implication in Jiu Nian's words. Rong Ling's transformation was too quick. Perhaps that day Zhou Měirén's words had dealt her a blow, but regardless, before determining what impact this transformation would have on her, Gu Han needed to pay extra attention to Rong Ling.
Often, those closest to you could make you fall the hardest.
Gu Han gave Xiao Fangzi a look. Xiao Fangzi nodded subtly. Gu Han said: "Her thoughts are meticulous. If you're not careful, she'll easily discover you. Be careful."
The opposite effect would be unfortunate.
On the first day of the Empress Dowager's return to the palace, the Emperor stayed in Kunning Palace.
In a certain sense, the Emperor was very rule-abiding. For example, on the first and fifteenth of each month, as long as he entered the harem, he would definitely stay in Kunning Palace. But at other times, the Emperor basically wouldn't go to Kunning Palace.
Today was neither the first nor the fifteenth, so when she learned this news, Gu Han was still surprised. She said thoughtfully:
"No wonder the Empress is pleased about the Empress Dowager's return to the palace."
Even with a mountain pressing down on her head, the Empress Dowager didn't interfere, and could still restrain His Majesty somewhat. At least knowing the Empress Dowager disliked Consort Shu, no matter how much the Emperor favored Consort Shu, he still had to show some consideration.
Just as Gu Han was lost in thought, Jiu Si came in carrying a medicine bowl. The bitter taste immediately permeated the entire room. Gu Han covered her nose:
"Why is it so bitter?"
Jiu Si shrugged, expressing confusion: "This servant doesn't know either. Originally, the Imperial Medical Bureau's prescription wasn't this one, but I heard from the medicine boy that His Majesty sent word to Physician Zhang, and only then did Physician Zhang adjust the prescription, saying it would be better for Mistress's health."
Gu Han had originally been suspicious, but hearing it was a message from His Majesty, her doubts immediately dissipated. If the Emperor wanted to harm her, there were too many methods, he wouldn't use such an obvious one. In this harem, perhaps the only one who could be trusted was the Emperor.
It was just that this medicine tasted too bitter. Gu Han furrowed her brows. In the past when she was ill at the manor, she wouldn't resist taking medicine. She had just picked up the medicine bowl when she felt somewhat apprehensive. She closed her eyes, tilted her head back, and drained it in one go.
In that instant, Gu Han's entire face scrunched up.
Jiu Nian hurriedly presented a tea cup. Gu Han rinsed her mouth, but it still didn't improve. This feeling was like drinking an entire bowl of coptis juice. Gu Han grimaced and asked hoarsely:
"How many doses did the physician say to take?"
Gu Han covered her lips, tears nearly forced out by the bitterness. Jiu Nian brought cherries for Gu Han. Gu Han tasted one, immediately, the sweet and sour flavor filled her mouth, mixing with the previous bitterness in an indescribably strange way.
Gu Han hurriedly waved her hand, having Jiu Nian take the cherries away.
Jiu Si was somewhat dumbfounded by her mistress's series of reactions. She answered hesitantly: "The physician didn't say."
Gu Han paused. After a long while, she said tentatively:
"From now on, brew one dose every three days."
Nourishing the body wasn't something that could be done in a day, it needed to be done slowly.
As she spoke, Gu Han reached out to push the medicine bowl farther away. The resistance and fear in her eyes were extremely real. If Elder Sister's medicine had all been this bitter back then, Gu Han could understand why she had been so resistant to taking medicine.
Jiu Nian felt distressed: "Mistress, why don't this servant go ask the physician if the prescription can be adjusted to at least reduce some of the bitterness?"
Gu Han's eyes lit up, and she nodded hurriedly.
When the news reached the Emperor's Palace, Liu An wiped nonexistent cold sweat from his forehead, pushed open the door, and went in to report:
"The Imperial Medical Bureau says Gu Měirén sent someone to ask whether the medicine's bitterness could be reduced somewhat."
While speaking, Liu An glanced at the Emperor, thinking to himself that their Emperor was truly petty.
Lu Yu leaned against the chair back. Hearing this, he raised an eyebrow:
"She actually drank it?"
Liu An couldn't claim to know everything about Changchun Pavilion, but he could at least learn about some situations: "I heard that after Gu Měirén drank the medicine, it was so bitter her face turned white, and she barely ate any dinner."
The curve of Lu Yu's lips flattened somewhat. He frowned:
"Have the Imperial Kitchen send some pastries to Changchun Pavilion."
Liu An acknowledged this, then said: "I heard Gu Měirén said from now on to brew the medicine once every three days."
Lu Yu was somewhat stunned: "Is it really that bitter?"
Liu An didn't know how to answer. After a long while, he said carefully: "Gu Meiren was raised in comfort and luxury. Even when eating lotus seeds, someone removes the bitter core for her. Naturally, she can't endure this bitterness."
With Liu An putting it this way, Lu Yu also recalled how delicate Gu Měirén was that day.
There was something Liu An didn't say.
The Emperor had personally decreed that, without affecting the medicinal efficacy, the medicine's bitterness should be increased. How could the physicians below possibly gauge this degree accurately? They probably increased the bitterness to the maximum.
Only Gu Měirén suffered, knowing nothing about it and enduring this ordeal for nothing.
Lu Yu was just about to have Liu An go to the Imperial Medical Bureau and tell them to use the previous prescription when a palace servant pushed open the door:
"Your Majesty, Minister of Revenue is waiting outside."
Interrupted, Lu Yu's expression became serious. He waved his hand, dismissing Liu An.
Gu Han was completely unaware of the Emperor's malicious intentions. She even trusted the Emperor, so although the medicine was bitter, though she hesitated, she never refused to drink it each time. Gu Han indeed noticed her body was better than before, she felt particularly energetic every day.
Time turned, and it was the eve of the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet.
This year's Mid-Autumn banquet will be held in Taihe Hall.
Gu Han, afraid there wouldn't be time tomorrow, took advantage of the daylight and prepared tomorrow's attire together with Jiu Nian. Jiu Nian said:
"This is Mistress's first palace banquet since entering the palace. You should dress more brightly."
She shook out an apricot-red palace dress and had a young palace maid hold it up for Gu Han to see. Gu Han rested her chin on her hand, somewhat hesitant. She said softly:
"Tomorrow, the Empress and several other ladies will all be there. Consort Shu habitually loves all shades of red. If we clash with those of higher rank, that wouldn't be good."
Jiu Nian was somewhat disappointed but knew her mistress made sense and didn't argue. She only said quietly: "Tomorrow at the palace banquet, Master and Madam will surely enter the palace too. If Mistress dresses brightly, it will also put the Family's minds at ease."
Gu Han immediately sat up straighter. She pondered for a moment, then raised her hand to point at the sapphire blue palace dress, saying:
"You're right. Tomorrow I'll wear this one."
Jiu Nian looked up, the sapphire blue palace dress was made from the cloud-weave brocade the Emperor had bestowed. The Clothing Bureau had just delivered it to Changchun Pavilion two days ago. The color was bright, and there were no taboos. Jiu Nian nodded hurriedly. Suddenly, Jiu Nian paused slightly and said hesitantly:
"This servant remembers that when He Xiuyi came to pay respects, she often wore blue."
Gu Han rested her chin on her hand and looked up, the confusion on her face not seeming feigned: "Really?"
Jiu Nian thought of how, after returning that day, her mistress had nursed her hands for several days. She immediately swallowed her words and smiled:
"This servant must have remembered incorrectly."
With everything prepared, a message also came from the imperial presence, tonight Yi'an Palace would attend the Emperor's bed. Gu Han had just closed her eyes and was about to fall asleep when suddenly there was a commotion outside. Gu Han furrowed her delicate brows slightly. The candles in the hall had just been extinguished and were relit. Gu Han pressed her brow:
"What happened?"
Hearing the commotion, Jiu Nian hurried in, taking clothing and putting it on Gu Han while lowering her voice to explain:
"News came from Rongcui Hall, Miao Měirén accidentally fell after dinner and summoned a physician."
Gu Han allowed Jiu Nian's movements while feeling puzzled:
"Just a fall, why all this fuss?"
Jiu Nian paused. After a long while, she said slowly and hesitantly: "I heard... Miao Meiren is bleeding."
Gu Han's eyes suddenly sharpened, becoming completely awake. She stood up, cooperating with Jiu Nian's movements to dress properly. She simply gathered her black hair, didn't wear much jewelry, and hurried with her people toward Rongcui Hall.
Along the way, she encountered many concubines, most looking preoccupied, none chatting with others.
Gu Han also saw Zhou Měirén, whose eyes couldn't hide her sour jealousy. Gu Han immediately looked away. They had entered the palace together. Because Gu Han had been recovering from injury in between, if one counted carefully, the number of times she had attended the Emperor's bed was actually less than Miao Měirén.
But the difference wasn't great.
No one could have imagined Miao Meiren would have such good fortune, only a month after entering the palace, she had conceived an imperial heir.
This was Gu Han's first time coming to Rongcui Hall. She had no time to examine whether Rongcui Hall was more refined than Changchun Pavilion, her attention was drawn by the sounds of pained moaning coming from inside. Gu Han looked up. The Emperor and Empress had already arrived and were seated in their positions.
The candlelight in the hall flickered bright and dim. For a moment, Gu Han couldn't quite make out the Emperor's expression.
But Gu Han thought the Emperor's mood must not be good.
The Emperor was now twenty-seven years old with only one son and one daughter under his knee. He couldn't possibly not value imperial heirs. Miao Měirén conceiving an heir was originally a good thing, it was just that the timing of learning about it was rather unfortunate.
Gu Han inconspicuously swept a glance at the expressions of the concubines in the hall. All wore looks of concern, but how much was real and how much fake, only each of them knew.
Gu Han lowered her eyelids slightly. She gripped her handkerchief lightly. If one were to ask what was most important for gaining a firm foothold in this harem?
It must be an imperial heir.
But Gu Han had seen what pregnant women looked like, their abdomens swelling high, their skin stretched taut, then covered with spots that were difficult to eliminate. Not to mention these things, she had only just entered the palace, her favor not yet stable. Giving up a year to bear a child might result in more loss than gain.
So regarding Miao Měirén's pregnancy, she didn't know what emotions to hold.
With the Emperor having a son under his knee, Gu Han's main goal was still focused on maintaining favor.
Moreover, Gu Han quickly glanced at Consort De.
Currently in the harem, only Consort De had a prince under her knee. Would she tolerate others giving birth to heirs and threatening the eldest prince's position?
In such a short moment, Gu Han thought of many things.
In the end, she had to admit that Miao Měirén being pregnant at this time was actually a good thing for her.
She could use this to test the attitudes of everyone in the harem, as well as the degree of the Emperor's concern for imperial heirs.
Author's Note:
Gu Han: Son of a b*tch
---
Author's Note:
Kunning Palace: Empress
Yi'an Palace: Consort Shu
Xianleng Palace: Imperial Consort De
Zhaoyang Palace → Main Hall: Xiuyi He
Zhaoyang Palace → Side Hall: Rong Baolin
Yihe Palace → Changchun Pavilion: Female Lead
Rongcui Hall: Beauty Miao
Cuizhu Pavilion: Beauty Lin
Changning Courtyard: Zhou Meiren
Hanleng Palace → (Main Hall transferred to Side Hall): Talented Lady Yuan
Also appearing: Noble Lady Lin, Liu Baolin
Here are the ranks of imperial consorts:
- Empress (皇后 Huánghoù) — Head of the Imperial Harem
- Imperial Noble Consort (皇贵妃 Huáng Guìfēi) — Rank 1
- Noble Consort, Pure Consort, Virtuous Consort, Worthy Consort (贵妃、淑妃、德妃、贤妃 Guìfēi, Shūfēi, Défēi, Xiánfēi)** — Senior Rank 1 (The Four Consorts, with Noble Consort as the highest)
- Consort (妃 Fēi) — Junior Rank 2
- Bright Deportment, Bright Countenance (昭仪、昭容 Zhāoyí, Zhāoróng) — Senior Rank 3
- Cultivated Deportment, Cultivated Countenance (修仪、修容 Xiūyí, Xiūróng) — Junior Rank 3
- Noble Lady (贵嫔 Guìpín) — Senior Rank 4
- Imperial Concubine (嫔 Pín) — Junior Rank 4
- Beauty (美人 Měirén) — Senior Rank 5
- Talented Lady (才人 Cáirén) — Junior Rank 5
- Precious Grove (宝林 Bǎolín) — Senior Rank 6
- Imperial Woman (御女 Yùnǚ) — Junior Rank 6
- Palace Maid (宫女子 Gōngnǚzǐ) — Senior Rank 7
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