The Emperor has been too busy to visit the Harem lately. With the Empress not in the palace, everyone could even skip the morning greetings.
When they felt like it, a few of them would arrange to go out for a stroll. When they were not in the mood, each would return to their own quarters and live peacefully. Thus, the Harem had been very calm. Rarely were there any open disputes or unpleasantness between the Concubines.
ăQingya Residenceă
After breakfast, Little Bun went to the Study Room.
Xia Ruqing, feeling a bit lonely by herself, went for a walk with the Palace Maids and eunuchs.
The weather in May was already somewhat hot. Fortunately, there were many shady spots in the Imperial Garden, and she slowly walked down the paths, leaning on Zi Yueâs arm.
Pregnant women are sensitive to heat. It wasnât long before Xia Ruqingâs forehead was dotted with fine beads of sweat.
Zi Yue then said, "Your Grace, just around the corner is Taiye Pool. Itâs cooler there. Letâs go sit for a while!"
Xia Ruqing nodded, and they headed in that direction.
However, just as they turned the corner, she saw Consort Ning and The Eldest Princess sitting in a pavilion by the lake. From a distance, the mother and daughter seemed to be embroidering.
Xia Ruqing immediately halted, then frowned. "Zi Yue, letâs go back!"
But as they were about to turn around, The Eldest Princess suddenly stood up in the pavilion and looked in their direction.
Since they couldnât avoid it, Xia Ruqing had no choice but to approach.
ăIn the pavilionă
Consort Ning feigned a polite smile and quickly stood up to offer her seat. "Oh, Sister Xian, why are you leaving just as youâve arrived! On such a hot day, you should at least come in and rest for a bit! Could it be... you find our mother-daughter presence bothersome?"
Xia Ruqing knew what she was hinting at and smirked inwardly.
Isnât it precisely because I find you two a nuisance!
Yet outwardly, she responded courteously, "Consort Ning, what are you saying? Itâs precisely because the day is so hot that I wanted to return quickly!"
Now that they all held the rank of Consort, no one outranked another. Protocol dictated that Xia Ruqing should call her âSisterâ due to seniority. However, she disliked Consort Ning and refused to misuse the address of âsister.â So, she usually called her plainly "Consort Ning."
In the past, Consort Ning might have dared to find fault. But now, they held equal rank as Consorts. Moreover, Xia Ruqing was the mother of the Crown Prince and was carrying twins. What could Consort Ning possibly compete with?
Thinking this, Consort Ning felt intensely jealous, but she dared not show it and could only say with a sour smile, "Indeed, before you know it, youâre so far along already! The heat is tough, especially at this time! But, speaking of which, Iâve yet to properly congratulate you, my sister!"
With that, she pulled The Eldest Princess over. "Come, congratulate Consort Xian!"
The Eldest Princess had grown up quite a bit, her features more defined now, but she was still timid. As Consort Ning pulled her forward, a flash of fear and panic crossed her eyes.
The Eldest Princess begrudgingly offered her congratulations.
Xia Ruqing quickly replied, "Thank you, Princess!" Then she didnât forget to instruct Zi Yue to return to Qingya Residence and prepare a thank-you gift for the Princess.
Zi Yue dared not delay and personally took someone to fetch it.
Meanwhile, Consort Ning continued, "My sister, as expected of someone carrying twins, your belly is already so big at just six months! When I was carrying Yiming, my belly didnât show until I was almost eight months along!"
Xia Ruqing gave a faint smile, finding no need to respond, and casually praised The Eldest Princess.
Unexpectedly, Consort Ning was delighted. "Oh, my sister, you are right! Having a daughter is like having a little cotton-padded jacket! Our Yiming is so sensible! Donât worry, my sister, maybe youâre carrying two Little Princesses in your belly! Then youâll have two little cotton-padded jackets!"
These words... Are they really meant to be kind?
Zi Yue returned with the items. Just as she walked in, she heard this remark, her face turning an angry shade of green.
A daughter? Sheâs the one who has a daughter! She probably wants everyone to only have daughters so their family lines end! Consort Ning is so vicious! Isnât this outright cursing Her Highness?!
Xia Ruqing sneered coldly. "I actually wish for twin daughters! As for you, Sister Ning, the Emperor has few heirs. You should be the one working harder!"
The smug look on Consort Ningâs face vanished instantly. Instead, her complexion fluctuated between ashen and pale, quite a sight to behold.
Before Consort Ning could say anything, Xia Ruqing added another stinging remark. "Consort Ning already has her âlittle cotton-padded jacket.â Next time, it should be a Prince, right?"
Xia Ruqingâs smile was mocking. After she spoke, she even calmly took a sip of her tea.
Consort Ning, on the other hand, was nearly muddled with rage. "Lady Xia, you..."
A Prince? Good heavens, the Emperor hasnât entered my chambers in two or three years, and she expects a Prince! Besides, who in the Harem doesnât know? Xia Ruqing has been doted on for years. Even during her pregnancy, the Emperor doesnât visit anyone else. Even the Empress, when she was in the palace, couldnât secure such favor, let alone me!
Just as Consort Ning was about to lash out, Xia Ruqing suddenly frowned, clutched her belly, and cried out in feigned pain.
Zi Yue rushed forward in fright. "Your Grace, whatâs wrong?!"
While signaling with her eyes, Xia Ruqing groaned, "The babies are kicking me again! Zi Yue, help me back quickly! These two little rascals, they arenât fighting in there, are they?"
Zi Yue immediately smiled. "Your Grace, what are you saying? The two Little Princes might be practicing their kicks and punches in there! Letâs hurry back!"
Xia Ruqing nodded. Zi Yue quickly called over Zi Su and the others, and the entire group of mistress and servants left in a flurry.
Throughout the entire exchange, Consort Ning wasnât given a single chance to speak. She could only watch helplessly as Xia Ruqing and her entourage strutted off.
"Lady Xia, you...!" Consort Ning was so angry that she immediately threw down the embroidery in her hands. "Sheâs become so arrogant just because sheâs favored and has children! Hmph! She doesnât even consider her own status, yet she dares to act so insolently in my presence!"
The Little Eunuch, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke up. "Your Grace, Consort Xian is also a Consort, just like you!"
This only irked Consort Ning further, and she was about to erupt.
Just then, The Eldest Princess tugged at her sleeve. "Mother Consort!"
Consort Ning looked down at the Princess, swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue, and finally said resentfully, "Letâs go! Weâre not staying. Weâre returning to the palace!"
The Little Eunuch beside them hurriedly complied, helping to pack their things and following his mistress back.
The Eldest Princess, however, remained somewhat puzzled. "Mother Consort, why are you angry?"
Seeing the Princessâs curious face, Consort Ning snapped, "What would I be angry about? Iâm not angry! Hurry, letâs go!"
With that, she forcefully pulled the Princessâs hand and started walking away.
The Eldest Princess was only eight years old and not yet fully grown. Pulled so suddenly, she couldnât keep up, stumbled a few steps, and fell. "OUCH!"
Her arm hit a railing, and the sharp pain made her grimace.
"What are you crying about? Youâre not that delicate! Even though youâre a Princess, you will one day marry into another family. Youâll have to honor your in-laws and serve your husband! Being so useless wonât do! Go back and do your embroidery properly!"
Tears welled up in The Eldest Princessâs eyes from the pain, but Consort Ningâs pace only quickened.
A nearby Sister cautioned, "Your Grace, the Princess is still young!"
Consort Ning, however, felt a bitter sense of disappointment.
If only she had been a Prince!