Entering the palace means entering a high position; I'm His Majesty's cousin, who am I afr

Shen Jiayu continued to worship Buddha and recite scriptures at Cining Palace as usual.

When she returned to Yihua Palace in the evening, she saw a figure that surprised her.

"Why is Steward Qing here?"

Qing'an bowed to her and respectfully stepped forward, saying, "This morning His Majesty heard that the Noble Consort's appetite was poor due to the heat, so he ordered me to bring some ice to help her cool down."

Shen Jiayu glanced past him and saw that, sure enough, several eunuchs behind him were carrying a large ice urn, from which wisps of icy mist were constantly billowing out.

Shen Jiayu led his men into the hall and had someone bring over an ice jar to hold the ice.

After the ice was placed inside, the hall immediately became much cooler.

Actually, it's not hot today, just a bit stuffy.

However, Shen Jiayu grew up in Beiyuan, where winter lasts for half the year. Therefore, she was used to the cold but could not stand the heat.

The air was cooler, and Shen Jiayu's mood improved somewhat. She sat down on the soft couch and said with emotion, "My people from the palace went to the Sixth Bureau of the Imperial Household Department to ask before, and they said it would be more than half a month before the ice cellars could be opened and the ice produced. I thought we would have to wait until then. I didn't expect His Majesty to remember such a casual remark."

Qing'an bowed and said, "His Majesty treats Consort Gui differently. As soon as he returned to Xuanzheng Hall this morning, he specifically instructed me to handle this matter. However, the opening of the ice cellar caused some delays, which is why I delivered it a little late."

Shen Jiayu nodded: "I will also trouble Steward Qing to pass on a message for me, saying that I am very grateful for His Majesty's grace and will definitely go to express my gratitude in person when I have time."

Qing'an's smile deepened: "This servant will certainly relay Your Majesty's words without missing a single one."

A faint smile appeared on Shen Jiayu's lips: "I'm truly grateful to Steward Qing for his help today."

She ordered that everyone who came with her be given a reward, except for Qing'an.

Qing'an could not refuse and accepted the gift with gratitude.

After everyone left, Hongling asked, "Your Highness, when shall we go to the Xuanzheng Hall to express our gratitude to His Majesty?"

Shen Jiayu raised an eyebrow: "I'm not going."

Hongling asked, puzzled, "Not going? But Her Majesty just said..."

Shen Jiayu said casually, "We still need to say what we need to say."

If we don't say it this way, how can we win over the emperor's heart?

Wanting to get close yet remaining distant.

To lure someone in at the first sign of trouble, one must feign indifference.

That's what makes it so captivating.

*

Recently, vassal states have been sending tribute, bringing with them many precious and famous flowers.

Empress Luo then chose a fine day and invited all the concubines to enjoy the flowers and hold a banquet.

They also invited Shen Jiayu.

At that time, Shen Jiayu was in Cining Palace listening to monks preach when she suddenly heard the report. She originally wanted to refuse directly.

Unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Shen said, "I've been confined in my palace for too long. It's time to go out and see the flowers and plants and get some fresh air. I don't need you to accompany me today. You may go."

Since Empress Dowager Shen had said so, Shen Jiayu did not refuse again.

She led her entourage to the Imperial Garden.

As soon as you approach the Imperial Garden, a faint fragrance of flowers fills the air, refreshing and delightful.

Looking around, there are indeed many precious flowers and plants.

The majority of the flowers are peonies and herbaceous peonies, with varieties such as Yao Huang, Wei Zi, Zhao Fen, and Dou Lü. There are even rare purple petals with golden hearts, layer upon layer, exuding elegance and magnificence.

There is also exotic bamboo, its green leaves as white as jade, pure and elegant.

Dazzling.

The banquet was held in a pavilion, with a winding stream flowing through it, creating a beautiful and elegant atmosphere.

When Shen Jiayu arrived, most of the palace concubines had already arrived.

Upon seeing her, the lower-ranking concubines all rose to pay their respects. Shen Jiayu invited them to sit down and found their own seats.

Before long, the concubines gradually arrived, and Empress Luo also came, and the banquet officially began.

Actually, this kind of banquet is meaningless, at least that's what Shen Jiayu thinks.

She was bored and drowsy.

She was awakened by a commotion.

Shen Jiayu frowned almost imperceptibly, glanced around the table, and saw that Ruan Baolin was vomiting incessantly, as if he had eaten something.

Empress Luo had someone bring her warm water.

Ruan Baolin refused, only dry heaving repeatedly, tears welling up in his eyes, looking quite uncomfortable.

One of the palace concubines speculated, "Did he eat something he shouldn't have?"

At this moment, the usually taciturn and low-key Consort Lan spoke up, "Hand her a sour plum to help her calm down."

Ruan Baolin's personal maid was taken aback at first, then reacted and handed her a sour plum.

Ruan Baolin ate it, and that stopped feeling nauseous.

She sat weakly at the table, still looking unwell.

As the Empress, Empress Luo naturally had to show concern for her. "Ruan Baolin, have you eaten too much cold food?"

Before Ruan Baolin could respond, Consort Lan spoke up from below the stage, "It doesn't look like she has an upset stomach. She looks more like she's pregnant."

Consort Lan has a son, the eldest prince, and has experience as a biological mother.

What she said is highly credible.

Because of its high credibility, this statement stunned all the concubines in the harem.

Even Empress Luo was stunned for a moment.

Ten years have passed since Your Majesty ascended the throne, yet the concubines in the palace have only given birth to two sons.

He had very few children.

The news that Ruan Baolin might be pregnant was like a bolt from the blue, leaving the other concubines looking at each other in disbelief.

Empress Luo was the first to react. She took a deep breath and hurriedly said, "Quickly, go and fetch the imperial physician."

The palace maid left in a hurry.

Before long, two imperial physicians arrived and took turns taking Ruan Baolin's pulse.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the two imperial physicians bowed to Empress Luo in unison, "Your Majesty, Consort Ruan is more than a month pregnant."

She really is pregnant!

The concubines looked at Ruan Baolin's belly, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.

There was jealousy, envy, and scheming.

Empress Luo, seated on the main seat, was delighted upon hearing the news: "This is a great joy for the palace. Someone, go to the Xuanzheng Hall to report to His Majesty."

Meanwhile, Ruan Baolin, who was at the table, couldn't hide his surprise on his face, but upon closer inspection, he seemed a little bewildered.

They must have been shocked by the news and couldn't react for a moment.

Even if the concubines were unwilling, they had to save face, so they all congratulated Ruan Baolin.

After congratulating her, Empress Luo personally appointed a reliable imperial physician to take Ruan Baolin's pulse and ensure a safe pregnancy every day, and also bestowed upon her many tonics.

Ruan Baolin respectfully thanked the emperor.

Before long, Qing'an from the Imperial Guard arrived. He informed Empress Luo, "His Majesty is busy with state affairs and cannot come. Please take good care of Consort Ruan."

Ruan Xiaoyi!

This further elevates the Ruan family's rank.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Bao... Ruan Xiaoyi was both surprised and delighted, and stood up to express her gratitude.

Empress Luo smiled gently and said softly, "You are carrying the imperial heir, so it is only right that you be promoted. Please sit down, don't overexert yourself."

Ruan Xiaoyi sat down, lowered her head and gently stroked her lower abdomen, a loving smile on her lips.