The wicked imperial concubine is courting death again; the comments section teaches her how to win w

[It has to be a villainous emperor, he's so doting. Much better than that fat bastard who, after losing weight, becomes unkind?]

[I didn't mess with the fat guy, thank you.]

[It feels like the female supporting character's storyline is all sweet romance, while the female lead's side always has so many unexpected problems.]

[This is still considered good; old-school female-oriented novels loved all sorts of twists and turns, heart-wrenching and brutal plots. The more the female lead suffered, the more readers there were.]

That's why I now only watch games with no romantic pairings and strong female protagonists—it's so satisfying!

"You're speechless now, huh?"

Xie Ling placed his warm palm on Qi Yitang's lower abdomen, "You've been menstruating these past two days, which has already made you irritable. Don't get upset because of other people."

Menstruation was mentioned, and Qi Yitang looked a little uncomfortable, but she still said, "That's right, I'm already prone to irritability when I'm menstruating, and he just added to my troubles. He deserved to be beaten."

After saying that, he wrapped his arms around Xie Ling's neck and leaned in for a sweet, sticky kiss, "mua!"

That coquettish manner clearly indicates that she wants something.

Xie Ling was still pleased. "What's wrong? Missing me?"

Qi Yitang snuggled against him affectionately, her eyes sparkling as she pleaded, "Yanzhi, could you give me a pass to leave the palace?"

Xie Ling paused slightly. "What are you doing?"

"I want to go back and see my cousin. She must be heartbroken after being humiliated like this. After all, it was my idea to arrange the match, so I made a mistake. I need to go back and comfort her."

Qi Yitang said considerately, "You go ahead with your affairs of state, I can go back by myself, okay?"

Xie Ling did not agree immediately.

Without special permission, imperial concubines could never leave the palace for the rest of their lives, but Xie Ling did not restrict Qi Yitang's freedom—provided that she was with him.

He disliked that Qi Yitang cared more about others than about herself.

Even family members, even future offspring, are not allowed.

But Xie Ling also knew that no matter what, they were cousins, and their blood ties could not be severed. Could he really argue with a girl over a short time?

Besides, even if we don't let her go, she still worries about it every few days.

If this matter is resolved sooner, her attention can return to herself.

"How many days will you be gone?" Xie Ling asked.

Qi Yitang held up five fingers.

Xie Ling raised an eyebrow, his expression meaningful. "For five whole days, you left me all alone in this deep palace, all by myself?"

Qi Yitang awkwardly withdrew her two fingers. "As for those three days, I'll definitely go early and come back early so you won't be lonely, and I won't let anyone find out."

Xie Ling reluctantly agreed.

If they exceed the time limit, he'll have to catch the rabbits himself and bring them back to their cages... She doesn't want to know the consequences.

……

Under Xie Ling's arrangement, Consort Qi, who was supposed to be "confined" to her quarters, disguised herself as a eunuch who was shopping and left the palace with Chi Zheng.

Inside Chengqian Palace, Qin Lianyue was consuming the tribute bird's nest.

Now, all the good things in the palace are reserved for the precious baby in her belly, and she dares not be careless in the slightest.

Qin Lianyue was incredibly bored—Qi Yitang was confined to his quarters and couldn't even swagger in front of her; he could only stay in the palace and focus on his pregnancy.

She didn't know that Qi Yitang had sneaked out of the palace, but she overheard Ning Nishang being stood up by Prince Anning.

Qin Lianyue: "It's really hilarious! The fish food is right in front of their mouths, but they still won't bite. Anyone who didn't know better would think the fish food tastes terrible."

The palace maid chimed in, "Your Highness is right. The Prince is of noble birth; how could a mere orphan like me be worthy of him?"

"Consort Qi went to such lengths to bring them together, even asking His Majesty for help, but she is likely to be greatly disappointed this time."

Qi Yitang was unhappy, and Qin Lianyue was happy.

How many people know about this?

Not many people actually know about this, at least it hasn't spread among the common people, but Prince Anning has been the focus of attention since he entered the capital, and it's no secret in the circles of the powerful and wealthy.

Qin Lianyue smiled and said, "Spread the word about this."

It's better to make her cousin lose face than to dampen Qi Yitang's spirit.

Qin Lianyue didn't particularly dislike Ning Nishang; the problem was that she and Qi Yitang shared similar bloodlines.

The palace maid acknowledged, then added, "By the way, Your Highness, the Lady has already written to the General about the injustice you suffered. The General is furious and I heard he has already sent a memorial back to the capital. Judging by the time, it should be presented to the Emperor in the next few days."

Qin Lianyue's eyes lit up.

Father has always disliked domineering concubines and will definitely have his cousin severely punish Qi Yitang.

Heh, let's see how long she can keep up her arrogance.

……

"cousin--"

Upon returning to the Grand Tutor's residence, Qi Yitang immediately went to see Ning Nishang.

She was half-lying on the bed, not very ill, but her face was pale and her lips were almost bloodless.

In just three or four days, it was as if a flower bud about to bloom had withered after being hit by a cold wind and bitter rain.

Qi Yitang was shocked and rushed over to hug her, saying pitifully, "Cousin, it's all my fault. I've hurt you. I'm not a good person..."

Ning Nishang was actually a little unaccustomed to Qi Yitang's behavior.

From childhood to adulthood, she was always an arrogant little cat. Even after entering the palace, she was pampered by the emperor and always held her tail high.

Ning Nishang believes that kittens should always be happy and joyful.

Besides, Tangtang meant well; how could she have foreseen this outcome?

She experienced so much intrigue and deceit in the deep palace, and I couldn't help her at all; instead, I made her worry about me.

Ning Nishang tried to downplay it, saying, "It's alright, Tangtang, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I?"

"What's so good about you?" Qi Yitang asked, her eyes brimming with tears. "Look how thin you are, your arms aren't even as thick as my wrist..."

Ning Nishang chuckled softly. "Perhaps the food in the palace is just too good. After all, not everyone under house arrest gets to eat braised pork knuckle, and the imperial chefs are incredibly skilled, aren't they?"

Qi Yitang was speechless: "..." The female lead isn't cute like this.

[That's great! The female lead is joking with the female supporting character now. Before, she was always so careful, afraid of doing something wrong.]

The female supporting character's awakening has really changed a lot; at least she's no longer "vicious" enough to be unlikeable.

"Don't worry, Tangtang, I'm really fine."

Ning Nishang: "With a cousin who is a concubine, I can live a good life even if I don't get married."

That's true.

Who says the female lead has to rely on the male lead? She can rely on the female supporting character just as well.

She didn't lie to her feelings, but she abused her physically and emotionally.

Most importantly, the female lead has been heartbroken by the scumbag and will not be easily fooled by men.

Xie Jingyu can't win her heart, and he has this ridiculous male lead aura.

Qi Yitang tried to sow discord within her, saying, "Cousin, this time it was my fault, but as you've seen, all men in the world are heartless and wicked, except for Yanzhi. From now on, you must keep your eyes open and never trust any other men."

"I will take care of you, and you can have anything you want."

She's just a concubine now, but once she kills Qin Zhenxiong, she'll be the empress, all-powerful and able to command the wind and rain.

Ning Nishang smiled and leaned gently on her shoulder, amused. "Okay, our Tangtang is the best."

[Hart Ruanruan, both the female lead and the supporting female character are wonderful characters.]

Although she was only allowed to stay at home for three days, the effects of Qi Yitang's return home were immediate.

Ning Nishang stopped staying in her room all the time, her appetite gradually returned to normal, and a smile returned to her face.

The Qi family members finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Their family consists entirely of men; the wife has a fiery temper, but thankfully they have a sweet and caring daughter.

The next day, after breakfast, Qi Yitang planned to take Ning Nishang out for a walk to relax, so they went to Wangjiang Pavilion, Tingyu Pavilion and Qizhen Pavilion, which she had visited before.

Men are unreliable, so she takes care of the female lead herself.

Unexpectedly, while Ning Nishang was changing her clothes, the gatekeeper came to report that someone was visiting from outside.

"Who is it?" Qi Yitang asked casually.

The gatekeeper, forcing a smile, said, "Your Highness, it is the Dowager Princess Anguo and Prince Anning who have come to apologize."