CHAPTER 145: CHAPTER 145: PILLOW TALK

Yet, this Consort Wei was indeed very competent.

Even though she was just an ordinary maid, she was well-versed in the art of timing.

Not only did she tightly hold onto Prince Zhan’s heart, but she also gave birth to three sons in succession.

Now, her eldest son has even married the legitimate daughter of General Zhen Nan’s family, blessed with children and a promising future.

Not to mention, the entire Wei Family benefited from her success.

Nowadays, her father and brothers are court officials, albeit just fifth-rank civil servants, yet it is still a remarkable stroke of luck.

Consort Wei pondered for a moment upon hearing the words.

Then she analyzed the situation with her unique insight and said.

"Prince, do not fret. It might be wise to let this matter simmer for a while."

"Hmm?"

Prince Zhan looked at her, puzzled, but saw her smile, which prompted him to smile indulgently in return, looking at her with affection.

Even though she was over fifty, she still looked remarkably youthful.

If she stood with her three sons, she might easily be mistaken for their elder sister.

"If the Emperor truly decided on punishing the Imperial Concubine because of the Lin Family’s first household, then it suggests that the second daughter the Lin Family introduced is quite skillful. The charms whispered between a man and a woman can be quite potent, so it wouldn’t be wise to rashly offend the Emperor at this point."

"Moreover, though the Imperial Concubine is confined, there has been no formal decree demoting or punishing her, so we should not panic. It is better to identify the source before resolving this issue, rather than rushing to the palace to plead."

"Hadn’t you mentioned, Prince, that the Emperor is distancing himself from the Prince Zhan Mansion and you? Then, at this time, it’s best not to add fuel to the fire. It would be advantageous to resolve the Concubine’s predicament through the hands of others."

Consort Wei’s reasoning was logical and well-grounded, and Prince Zhan found it well-reasoned.

But, who might be the appropriate person to carry out this task?

The two exchanged a glance, each reading the other’s thoughts.

"The Dong Family."

The words spoken out loud matched the sentiment: it takes a master to untie the bell.

Since the matter originated with the Lin Family’s first household and Lin Wanyi, dealing with them was most prudent.

Over the years, they naturally understood the intricacies of the Lin Family’s affairs quite thoroughly.

Thus, after the family split, the Lin Family’s first household’s only remaining reliance was the Dong Family.

In that case, starting with the Dong Family was the swiftest course of action.

"Zhen’er truly understands my intentions!"

With that, he lightly inhaled the scent of Consort Wei’s neck.

A familiar fragrance wafted into his nose, arousing Prince Zhan’s wandering thoughts.

Outside the palace, everyone was scheming, and inside the palace, no one was idle either.

After the banquet at Qiqiao Palace, it was indeed Ming Changzai who received the Emperor’s constant favor, being frequently summoned to accompany him in Qiqing Hall.

Although sometimes she only prepared ink for the Emperor, or was merely sent to sit for two hours in the East Attendant Hall and sent back later,

it couldn’t stop the rumors outside from changing direction.

Everyone said she was now the new favored one, and the servants in the traveling palace were busy trying to encounter her "by chance" along the way.

If they could catch Ming Changzai’s eye and get selected to serve in her courtyard, it would be like rising to the top overnight.

Her courtyard continuously received congratulatory gifts from all sides.

Looking at the pile of brocade and silk on the table, Ming Changzai remained unmoved.

"Pei’er, put it away."

"Yes, my lady!"

She held a scroll in her hands, going through it carefully.

But upon closer inspection, she seemed to have remained on the same page for quite some time.

What is the Emperor playing at?

On the surface, he showered her with endless favor, pushing her into the limelight,

but in reality, let alone touching her, he barely spoke a few words to her.

Most of the time, she was doing the same tasks as the palace maids who served in the hall.

Pouring tea, handing over water, grinding inkstones.

Utterly unamusing!

Could it be that he intended to test her character?

So deliberately "making things difficult"?

Ming Changzai was deeply perplexed.

Recalling the many events in Dengzhou, the heavy stone in her heart never settled.

"Empress Xu must have been murdered, you must..."

"The Empress treated you with great favor, you must avenge her!"

"If you ever get close to the Emperor, make sure to report this injustice!"

Her mind was filled with conversations with the Xu Family members.

The more she delved into it, the more her head throbbed in pain.

Finally, she was breathing heavily.

Not until her maid Pei’er noticed her unusual state did she snap out of the "nightmare."

"My lady, what’s wrong?"

Seeing the sudden beads of sweat on her forehead and her pale face, Pei’er’s heart filled with unease.

The Mid-Autumn Festival was just around the corner. Was something unclean disturbing her?

The thought sent a gulp down her throat.

She even waved her hand in front of her mistress, fearing her sanity had truly been taken away.

"I’m fine, it’s probably just the hot weather causing breathlessness. I’ll be okay after a short rest."

Seeing Ming Changzai responding, Pei’er finally felt relieved.

However, she still felt uncomfortable inside, considering going to Jinghan Palace for some talisman paper to ensure peace.

Lying in bed, although she wished to sleep, Ming Changzai couldn’t find peace.

Seeing the sun outside was not as glaring, she decided to get up and take a walk.

Since coming to the traveling palace, she had only been out a handful of times.

Once was to stroll around and enjoy the scenery, another was a secret summons by Lin Guifei, and now for today.

To the east of the traveling palace were several courtyards where the concubines resided.

As such, it was quite possible to encounter people wherever she went.

Soon after she stepped out, she bumped into Consort Ye and Du Changzai.

The two of them had cooperated on the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, hence they had a bit more closeness than with others.

Upon seeing Ming Changzai, Du Changzai’s smile quickly turned to one of darkness.

"Oh, what wind blew the favored Ming Changzai here? I thought only we unnoticed ones would be leisurely wandering around here!"

Du Changzai never spoke politely.

She would lower her demeanor when facing someone of a higher rank,

but if they were of equal or lower rank, she wouldn’t be as amiable.

All the more so with this Ming Changzai who abruptly rose to prominence, unlikely to get any nice words from her.

Listening to Du Changzai’s sharp tongue.

Ming Changzai, however, remained composed.

"Sister greets the two elder sisters."

Consort Ye, on the other hand, would not easily offend others. Having been in the harem for many years, she enjoyed modest favor, relying on her even temperament for some goodwill.

Therefore, she consistently kept a good disposition towards everyone.

"Ming Changzai is too courteous. Are you here for a walk in the gardens?"

"Yes, staying indoors becomes suffocating, so I thought of getting out when the sun isn’t too harsh. Little did I expect to encounter the two sisters."