Concubine of the Eastern Palace (Qing Dynasty Time Travel)

A line of mule carts stretched out in a continuous chain, weaving through the long palace lanes like a great serpent, and finally arrived at the Shenwu Gate.

A few eunuchs in blue robes came out from within the gate. They took the flower name list from the Ministry of Revenue officials, checked it, then compared it with the cart numbers. Afterward, they called out six girls per group and made them disembark one by one.

Wanhe tightly gripped Wanyan’s hand as she got off the cart. The two of them dared not speak, but the palms of their hands were already sweating.

There were many others who were just as nervous. The girl in front of Wanyan tripped and nearly fell as she stepped down, and Wanyan instinctively reached out to steady her, preventing her from making a fool of herself. The girl turned pale with fright, but fortunately, their mule carts were further back, and the eunuchs were still at the front, checking the names, so no one saw what happened.

“Thank you.” The girl glanced ahead, ensuring no one was coming, then turned back and smiled gratefully at Wanyan. She was extraordinarily beautiful, with skin as fair as snow and delicate features. The dappled sunlight filtering through the branches made her seem like a celestial being descended from the heavens. For a moment, Wanyan was completely stunned.

In her life, Wanyan had always thought the most beautiful woman she knew was her older sister, but now, upon entering the palace, she was struck by the realization that there were indeed women in the world with such stunning, world-shattering beauty.

Seeing Wanyan lost in thought, the girl glanced at her nameplate and softly murmured, “Cheng Wanyan? Is that from ‘The Book of Songs’? ‘Yan Wan’s pursuit, attained through this family,’ such a lovely name. Your father must really dote on you…” She then looked up and smiled. “We’re fated to meet. I’m fourteen this year as well, and my father is also a county magistrate.”

All the girls in the selection had a green nameplate on their chests. Wanyan paused for a moment when she heard the words. The name list had been submitted to the Ministry of Revenue last year, and Master Cheng had only been transferred in April of this year, so her nameplate still read: “Cheng Wanyan, daughter of Master Cheng, County Magistrate of Shexian, Han Army Bordered Blue Banner, aged fourteen.”

Though there was a misunderstanding, Wanyan didn’t feel the need to correct or explain herself to a stranger. She recalled her older sister’s advice from home: “When you’re outside, don’t talk to strangers.” So, she simply glanced down at the girl’s nameplate, where the neat and small writing read: “Wang Ayu, daughter of Wang Guozheng, County Magistrate of Xiaoshan, Han Army Bordered White Banner, aged fourteen.”

So her name was Ayu. Wanyan gave a respectful nod to her.

Wang Ayu was about to say something else when she saw Wanhe, who was a little shorter, tugging at Wanyan’s sleeve and making a shushing gesture. “The eunuch is coming.”

She quickly turned around, and the three of them stood with their heads lowered and hands at their sides. Once the eunuchs finished checking their nameplates and walked away, the three of them let out a simultaneous sigh of relief. They were momentarily startled by their shared reaction, then quickly exchanged small smiles, and the tension and unease seemed to lift slightly.

“Is this your younger sister?”

Wanyan slightly turned to the side, revealing Wanhe’s shy smile. “Yes… her name is Wanhe.”

“Wan Ya, Ruihe, the lotus flower with branching leaves,” Wang Ayu was not only beautiful but also well-versed in literature, and she casually recited the origin of their names. “Your father must be a scholar, to give such beautiful names.”

“Where…” Wanyan and Wanhe exchanged a glance, both blushing slightly from the compliment.

“I’m from Suzhou, and you? Where is Shexian?”

“In Huizhou,” Wanyan answered.

“That’s also a good place…” Before Wang Ayu could continue, they heard the sharp voice of the eunuch calling her name. She smiled at Wanyan and Wanhe. “I hope we meet again someday.”

She then followed the other five girls through the Shenwu Gate.

Wanyan and Wanhe couldn’t help but feel a bit melancholic.

However, they didn’t wait long before it was their turn. One eunuch led the way, and another walked alongside them. The Shenwu Gate was the northern gate to the Imperial Garden and connected to the inner court. Wanyan and Wanhe kept their heads down, only daring to focus on the stone pavement beneath their feet. After walking for about a quarter of an hour, the eunuchs stopped and arranged for them to wait outside the Yanhui Pavilion.

At that moment, the eunuch walking beside them suddenly dropped a small paper packet from his sleeve, which landed on Wanyan’s foot. She jumped in surprise and looked up, only to see the eunuch with a smooth, clean-shaven face silently mouthing two words to her. Then, without a sound, he quietly walked away.

The whole exchange happened so quickly that even Wanhe, who was standing behind her, didn’t notice anything amiss.

Instinctively, Wanyan took a step forward and stepped on the paper packet.

She read the eunuch’s lip movements and saw that he had mouthed “Yuqing.”

It was for her older sister!

After the eunuch who had spoken to her walked away, he went to speak with another eunuch. His back blocked the view of the other eunuch, giving Wanyan the opportunity to quickly bend down and pick up the paper packet.

At this moment, Wanhe noticed her sister’s odd behavior and whispered from behind, “Second sister?”

Wanyan, with trembling fingers, unwrapped the paper packet and found it contained broken yellow-green tea leaves. The tea was unusual, curled and delicate, and since she had stepped on it earlier, it was almost reduced to powder.

This tea… Wanyan instantly understood.

It was a kind of wild mountain tea that grew on the hills of Shexian. When brewed, it produced a golden, aromatic tea, but the only downside was that the tea would stain one’s teeth, and the color would remain for days before fading.

Last year, when their mother was going to visit their older sister, she had searched for the best items from Shexian. She suddenly remembered that their sister loved using the tea to dye handkerchiefs and nails, and it seemed like she had packed quite a bit for her.

Another eunuch came out of Yanhui Pavilion, and the three eunuchs were talking to each other, not noticing them. Wanyan’s heart raced as she quickly took a pinch of the tea leaves, chewed it a few times, swallowed, and then hid her hands behind her back.

“Wanhe, take this.”

Wanhe instinctively reached out to hold her sister’s hand, and the paper packet was placed into her hand.

She looked down and immediately understood.

But the eunuch was already approaching them. The group of palace maids ahead seemed to have finished their selection and were being led out through a side door by a few other eunuchs.

They were about to go in, and with the eunuch calling out loudly, the first group of girls began to move.

Wanyan didn’t dare to say anything more, but gave her sister a tight, meaningful glance.

Wanhe, however, clenched the paper packet tightly in her hand, as if making up her mind, and swiftly tucked it into her sleeve pocket. With great calm, she continued walking along with the group into the Yanhui Pavilion, where ancient cypress trees lined the way and green shadows covered the ground.

Yanhui Pavilion, facing south, was a two-story building. There were six lantern doors in the middle, and only four seats were set up inside. Today, Concubine De was absent due to illness, and only Noble Concubine Niu Hulu, Concubine Hui, and Concubine Rong were present.

Concubine Yi lazily leaned back on a “Eight Immortals Chair,” fanning herself. “Wuya’s not coming again? She really knows how to avoid work.”

Concubine Hui took up a teacup and smiled, “It’s her old problem, her stomach isn’t well. I heard she vomited early this morning.”

Concubine Rong, spinning a Buddhist prayer bead bracelet around her wrist, also smiled, “Yes, this problem of Wuya’s flares up more often in the summer.”

Concubine Niu Hulu, who was giving orders to the eunuchs to summon the next group of girls, shook her head in resignation at the three consorts’ words. She had no interest in involving herself in the rivalry between the four consorts.

Concubine De wasn’t faking illness. The news from the Qianqing Palace the day before had confirmed that the wives of several princes had been decided, causing a mixture of happiness and sorrow. Concubines Rong and Yi were naturally pleased, as the wives of the third and fifth princes had been carefully selected over the past two years by the maternal families of Concubines Rong and Yi.

The third prince’s wife was from the Dong E clan, a family well-connected with the imperial family.

The fifth prince’s wife, though of humble origins, came from a family of prosperous merchants, her father an official in charge of the royal estates. She was from the same family as Concubine Yi. Although Concubine Yi didn’t have much hope for the fifth prince, she hoped he would at least live a carefree life as a wealthy man. It was actually the high status of his wife that might have hindered him.

As for the Fourth Concubine:

Concubine De couldn’t get a word in. Reluctantly, she acknowledged the situation, though it left her feeling very frustrated. The relationship between the Ulanara clan and the Tongjia clan was so close that she wondered how the Fourth Prince would still care about Wuya’s family in the future. He would only grow more dependent on and closer to the Tongjia clan.

It had been three years since Empress Xiaoyi had passed, yet Concubine De still found herself under her shadow.

How could Concubine De not be angry? She had spent the whole night stewing in frustration, unable to sleep. The more she thought about it, the more miserable she felt. The next morning, she woke up feeling unwell. Even after eating breakfast, she ended up vomiting. Thinking about having to face the smug expressions of Concubines Hui, Yi, and Rong in Yanhui Pavilion, after all these years of rivalry, it seemed that the Fourth Concubine had lost again. The thought of it made her head spin, and in her agitation, she even broke her tea cup. That was when she decided to take a sick leave.

However, despite her absence, the three consorts still mocked her in a sarcastic way. If the news reached her ears, she feared the illness, which was already worse, would worsen even more due to anger.

The moment the first group of girls entered, the three consorts fell silent.

Today, they were inspecting the girls from the Han Army’s Blue and White Banners. Both banners were part of the lower five flags of the Han Army, and the girls’ backgrounds were quite ordinary. Concubine Hui came purely for entertainment; if it weren’t for the Emperor’s command, she wouldn’t have bothered to come.

Concubines Yi and Rong, having resolved their own concerns, had little interest as well.

They had reviewed two batches of girls, almost just glancing at them before dismissing them with a wave, not even bothering to ask any questions.

However, Concubine Niu Hulu examined the girls carefully. First, she was a serious person. Since the Emperor had entrusted her with overseeing the initial selection, she had to see it through to the end. Second, she wanted to pick a few good candidates to be placed in her own palace.

She and the other concubines were growing older, and although the Emperor wasn’t one to favor new faces over old ones, in the past couple of years, besides Concubine Yi, the younger and more beautiful concubines had been the ones most frequently chosen to spend the night with the Emperor.

Consort Niu Hulu only had one son, the Tenth Prince. He was the only child she had, a son who had been born when Empress Xiaozhao had fallen seriously ill, and it was then that she had begged the Emperor for a son to carry on the Niu Hulu family’s legacy.

She knew the Emperor wouldn’t let her have another child, but that didn’t stop her from planning for her son’s future.

The Tenth Prince ranked lower among the sons, his talents average, and it was clear he wouldn’t surpass his older brothers. If a few close and capable brothers could support him, he would not be ignored by the Emperor.

A Han Army-born mother was just the right fit. Raised in her palace since childhood, this boy would be almost like an adopted son to her. Once he grew up, with his birth mother’s family being weak, he would have no choice but to rely on Concubine Niu Hulu. Even if the Tenth Prince didn’t amount to much in the future, Concubine Niu Hulu would still have other close princes by her side, maintaining some influence in the court.

For the sake of her family and the Tenth Prince, Concubine Niu Hulu examined the roster again and again.

At this point, the morning’s inspection was nearing its end. As the next group of girls entered, Concubine Niu Hulu’s eyes immediately lit up. The other consorts, Hui, Yi, and Rong, straightened up as well.

The eunuch, who was calling the names, happened to announce, “Wang Ayu, daughter of Wang Guozheng, the magistrate of Xiaoshan…”

Before the three consorts could react, Concubine Niu Hulu had already spoken up, “Summon Wang Ayu to the front and have her raise her head.”

The eunuch immediately relayed the order loudly.

Wang Ayu stepped forward slowly, then properly bowed her body and said, “This humble woman greets the esteemed ladies.”

After finishing, she raised her head.

“Ah…” Even Concubine Yi, renowned for her beauty, couldn’t help but gasp in surprise.

Niu Hulu, had a glint in her eyes. She didn’t need to ask any further. With this girl by her side, even if she were just a pretty but empty-headed vase, the Emperor would surely cross the threshold of her palace, Yongshou Palace, without hesitation.

“Wang Ayu, keep her token and grant her a sachet.” Niu Hulu, full of satisfaction, smiled as she gave the command, “The rest of the girls may leave their tokens and let the next batch of girls enter.”

The other three concubines’ faces didn’t look good. What was she trying to do?

They all knew this girl wasn’t being kept for the nine-year-old Tenth Prince. Who else could she be reserved for? While the Emperor wasn’t a lustful fool, who doesn’t like beautiful women? Besides, the Emperor had his share of romantic interests! How else did Concubine De, Daijia Guiren, and Wei Guiren (Guiren: a title means noble person, higher than a Gege) get their positions? They had all been palace maids originally!

Especially Wei Guiren, who came from the Xinzhe Kuan; without her exceptional beauty, how could she have risen to the position she had?

No matter how displeased the three concubines were, they didn’t dare show it in front of Niu Hulu. They exchanged glances while holding their handkerchiefs, silently wondering: Who is she targeting with this?

Niu Hulu didn’t care what the other consorts thought. She had enough pride to ignore them. Just like her sister, Niu Hulu had never relied on the Emperor’s favor or her son’s achievements to get where she was. She sat here because the Niu Hulu family was powerful, and her prestigious family was behind her.

As long as the Niu Hulu family remained strong, she and the Tenth Prince wouldn’t need to worry about anyone’s approval.

However… when Niu Hulu opened the next roster of girls, she saw two familiar names. She squinted and silently read aloud, “…The daughters of Master Cheng.”

As the ruler of the harem, Niu Hulu always kept an eye on Yuqing Palace. She hadn’t forgotten which concubine had just given birth to the young princess this year.

When the girls lined up before her, Niu Hulu thought for a moment before speaking up, “Cheng Wanyan, Cheng Wanhe, come forward and lift your heads.”

This time, the three concubines were completely stunned. One wasn’t enough? She was going to pick more?

Concubine Yi directly snorted, covering her mouth with her fan as she rolled her eyes. She had no respect for those who relied on small palace girls to gain favor; if they were capable, they should try doing it themselves.

Wanyan and Wanhe stepped forward together and greeted the Niu Hulu, nervously lifting their heads.

Niu Hulu felt some satisfaction when she saw them. Although they couldn’t compare to Wang Ayu, the two Cheng sisters were undeniably beautiful with delicate features, giving off a fresh and graceful vibe. They were both beauties in their own right.

She had been troubled for some time about how to form a subtle connection with Yuqing Palace.

If Niu Hulu had approached the Crown Prince during the previous dynasty, it would have been too conspicuous. She feared that before the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the Emperor would strike her down with a single blow. The same applied to her and the Tenth Prince.

However, Niu Hulu wasn’t willing to accept this. Though the Emperor was still in his prime, the world would eventually belong to the Crown Prince, and who wouldn’t want to secure a position early on? Currently, there was only one person by the Crown Prince’s side, and that was Hesheri.

Who could have imagined that a perfect opportunity would present itself?

Through the Cheng family, the connection could remain discreet… Niu Hulu thought more and more that this was a good strategy. She smiled warmly and asked, “What do you usually do at home?”

Wanyan answered first, “Replying to the question, at home, I often do some sewing and assist my mother with household chores.”

Her voice trembled, but she answered politely. Unfortunately, as she spoke, Niu Hulu noticed the yellowish tint to her teeth and felt a bit of distaste. She furrowed her brows and then turned to Cheng Wanhe, asking, “What about you?”

Wanhe took a deep breath and answered clearly, “Replying to the question, at home, I enjoy painting, making lace, and listening to my grandmother tell stories.”

Niu Hulu immediately felt a liking for her. Her teeth were not like her sister’s; they were clean and even. Niu Hulu already had a plan in mind and nodded slightly to the eunuch who was keeping track of the names. The eunuch immediately called out loudly:

“Cheng Wanhe, keep her token and grant her a sachet; the others may leave!”

#

The maple tree in the courtyard had thick branches and lush leaves, shading half the window. Cheng Wanyun sat in the cool, deep green of the shade, stitching a small vest for the young princess.

Bitao brought in plums and watermelon that had been chilled in well water. Normally, Cheng Wanyun could eat half a watermelon on her own, but today she had little appetite. She glanced at the food and said, “Put it over there.” After a few more stitches, she still felt restless. She sighed and set aside her embroidery, stood up, and said, “I’ll go check on the little princess.”

The little princess, under the care of Mama Geng and Mama Suo, was crawling around on the cool couch, wearing a pale yellow dress. As soon as she saw Cheng Wanyun appear at the door, she immediately turned and straightened up, opening her short, chubby arms and continuously reaching out for a hug: “A… A…”

Her two little pigtails swayed with her movements. Every time Cheng Wanyun saw her, she couldn’t help but smile at her chubby and adorable appearance. She momentarily forgot about her worries and held her daughter in her arms.

The little princess looked more and more like her, especially her eyes and brows—she seemed like an exact replica. Everyone who saw her said she was a clever child, inheriting all the best qualities of her parents.

She had perfectly inherited all the physical traits of Cheng Wanyun and the Crown Prince—Cheng Wanyun’s almond-shaped eyes, small face, and fair skin; the Crown Prince’s high nose and full lips.

Ah, her daughter was truly beautiful. Cheng Wanyun held her tightly, unable to resist inhaling deeply in her little neck. She had just finished a bowl of milk and egg custard, her body smelling of milk, round and soft like a milk candy or a delicate dumpling.

The little princess giggled and wriggled with laughter, twisting around in her mother’s arms.

Cheng Wanyun then placed her back on the small bed and squatted down to play peek-a-boo with her. She hid behind the bed’s rail, and when her daughter looked around in confusion, she suddenly popped her head out and said, “Ha! Mommy’s here!”

The little princess was excited, waving her hands and crawling towards her, laughing even louder.

Yinreng walked in and immediately caught sight of the scene before him.

In the midst of the summer’s intense sunlight, the room was bright and clear. The bamboo curtains were half-rolled up, and A Wan, like a child, was playfully circling around the small bed with the little princess, both of them laughing together in the end.

A Wan’s eyes and brows were curved in a gentle smile. She was still dressed simply, in a green embroidered banner gown. Her long hair was loosely styled into a side bun, with a jade hairpin embedded with pearls slanting through it. The sunlight illuminated her profile, her delicate features clearly visible, as if she had not changed at all since the time she first entered the palace.

Yinreng couldn’t help but stop in his tracks, unwilling to enter and disturb this beautiful moment.

Cheng Wanyun felt a sudden quietness in the surroundings and instinctively turned her head.

“Crown Prince?” she exclaimed in surprise. “You’re back?”

Last month, the fifth princess, born to Lady Zhaojia, had been granted the title of Princess Heshuo Duan Jing and betrothed to the second son of the Mongolian Karaqin tribe’s Duke Wu Lianghan, Gar Zang.

Yinreng had been summoned by Emperor Kangxi a few days ago to escort the princess to her wedding, traveling all the way to the Gubeikou Pass before returning. He had just come back after reporting to Emperor Kangxi at the Qianqing Palace.

The Karaqin tribe of the Mongols was one of the most favored among the Mongolian tribes. Last year, during the campaign against Galdan, they had helped Prince Yuchin win a major victory at Wulambton. Moreover, the Karaqin tribe was one of the closest to the capital, so continuing the Karaqin tribe’s loyalty to the Qing Dynasty through marriage was of great importance.

A princess’s marriage was the highest recognition for the Karaqin tribe, especially for their support in repelling Galdan and consolidating the border defense.

Having the Crown Prince escort the third princess to her wedding was a grace and honor from Emperor Kangxi for this composed and gentle daughter. It was also a way to show the Mongol Karaqin tribe the importance of the princess, ensuring they wouldn’t neglect her.

However, the journey was not easy for Yinreng.

The trip took several days, during which the third princess cried in the carriage for most of the time. When it was finally time to part ways, the third princess, dressed in her magnificent wedding gown, tearfully begged him: “Second brother, I won’t be able to come back in this lifetime. This jade pendant was given to me by Father when I was made a princess. Please take it back and give it to my mother, so she can have something to remember me by.”

Yinreng took the jade pendant—a peace and unity token—in silence, watching as the guards escorted the third princess across the mountain pass, disappearing into the vast, dusty desert.

When he returned to the Qianqing Palace to report to Emperor Kangxi, Lady Bu ( Lady Zhaojia) was also present. She was dressed brightly and cheerfully, smiling as she thanked the Crown Prince, clearly delighted that her daughter was married: “To have His Royal Highness the Crown Prince take care of her along the way is the princess’s honor and blessing. I thank you on her behalf.”

She then personally served tea to Emperor Kangxi, thanking him as well: “I must also thank His Majesty for specially building a residence for the princess and arranging everything so meticulously. Compared to that, I feel like an unworthy mother who hasn’t done much for her daughter.”

Emperor Kangxi, hearing this, was pleased and patted Lady Bu’s hand with satisfaction. “You are someone who understands the big picture,” he said. He also instructed Liang Jiugong to go to the storage room and retrieve some newly gifted silk from Suzhou to reward Lady Bu.

Lady Bu thanked the Emperor and then lowered her head to take her leave.

Yinreng, putting on a smile, carefully informed Emperor Kangxi that the journey had gone smoothly, that the third princess was very grateful, and had bowed to thank the Emperor many times before their departure.

Emperor Kangxi nodded and sighed, “Your third sister has always been obedient and sensible. It’s not in vain that I have cherished her.”

For Emperor Kangxi, the marriage of the princess was inevitable, but he had chosen the Mongol tribe nearest to the capital, the Karaqin tribe, for her marriage. He had spent a large sum of money to build a princess’s residence and had even broken the rules to send fifty guards as her entourage. He had done everything he could.

At this point, some ministers came to attend to the Emperor, so Emperor Kangxi waved his hand, and Yinreng seized the opportunity to leave.

However, as he exited the Qianqing Palace and walked to the East Second Palace Alley, he saw Lady Bu waiting by the side of the road with her maids.

Yinreng immediately understood why she was waiting there—she wanted to know the real condition of her daughter. Yet, when Yinreng met Lady Bu’s reddened eyes, he could not bring himself to tell the truth. Instead, he took out the jade pendant and gently reassured her, “The third princess said she’s married nearby and will often send letters back. I met Gar Zang from the Karaqin tribe at Mulan Pass. He is tall and respectful. Please don’t worry.”

Lady Bu held the jade pendant in her hands, tears welling up in her eyes. She deeply bowed to Yinreng before leaving with her maids.

Yinreng gazed at her lonely back and let out a long sigh.

When he returned to the Yuqing Palace, he was eager to see his daughter. After changing his clothes in the Chunben Hall, he rushed to the back room. The moment he saw A Wan and his daughter, his gloomy mood from the past few days finally lifted.

“Ah, you’re back,” Yinreng said, taking the little princess into his arms. She was very mischievous, grabbing the jade ring on his other hand and playfully picking at it with her little finger.

He held her close and said, “I’ve thought of a name for her. How about E Linzhu?”

Emperor Kangxi wouldn’t name his granddaughter, so Yinreng could name her himself. He had been thinking about it for months since her birth, but nothing seemed right. Just now, when he saw his daughter sitting in the sunlight, smiling so pure and innocent like a Buddhist child, the name came to him.

E Linzhu in Manchu means “Buddha’s head bead,” a precious treasure, symbolizing “a treasure never leaving the hand.”

Yinreng hoped his daughter would always stay by his side, never leaving.

“E Linzhu, E Linzhu,” Cheng Wanyun repeated twice, poking her daughter’s chubby cheek with her finger. “E Linzhu, such a beautiful name! Now you have your name!”

The couple played with their daughter for about half an hour. As Cheng Wanyun was organizing the meal, she suddenly heard He Baozhong come in and whisper a few words into the Crown Prince’s ear.

The Crown Prince replied, “I understand,” and then looked at Cheng Wanyun apologetically. “I can’t stay to eat with you. Don’t leave food for me; I’ll probably need to stay at the Qianqing Palace tonight.”

Cheng Wanyun didn’t know what to say, only thinking that Emperor Kangxi was too attached to his son!

The Crown Prince came and left in a hurry, and Cheng Wanyun’s appetite disappeared along with him. She picked up her chopsticks, staring at the dishes she normally loved, but felt no desire to eat. She reluctantly picked up a couple of bites when, just as she was about to take another bite, Tianjin, who had been sent to wait for a report, came in, kneeling to deliver bad news: “Gege, the second daughter of the Cheng family has left the palace after handing in her token, and the third daughter has left a token…”

In the morning, Song Gege had sent someone to say that everything had been arranged and the items had been delivered, so why was it still… Cheng Wanyun only felt a churn in her stomach and immediately vomited the food she had just eaten.

Qingxing and Bitao were frightened half to death and quickly had someone bring water and medicinal pills to soothe the stomach.

“It’s fine, it’s just a temporary discomfort,” Cheng Wanyun pressed them down and only rinsed her mouth with a sip of water, sighing.

Given the Cheng family’s status, once she was in the palace, the chances of her two younger sisters entering the palace were slim. So her arrangements were merely precautions, not something she intended to discuss with the Crown Prince. However, she hadn’t expected them to be selected in the first round! Now, she had to communicate with the Crown Prince before the second selection. Cheng Wanyun had really not wanted to bring up such a vague matter, especially since the Crown Prince didn’t seem close to Noble Consort Niu and the Fourth Concubine, perhaps out of caution. Moreover, with the recent change of leadership in the Imperial Household Department, every move the Crown Prince made was under the Emperor’s watch, which made things more difficult.

She wasn’t sure where things had gone wrong, but Wanhe had still been retained in the first selection. This was a big surprise to Cheng Wanyun, who had thought that, at most, it would be Wanyan who had a better chance of entering the palace. It was so strange—could there be something else going on behind the scenes?

Cheng Wanyun’s expression grew heavy. She felt like there was something else at play here. Could it be because of her daughter, the little princess of Yuqing Palace? Was someone trying to use the Cheng family to win favor with the Crown Prince? But what was the purpose of getting a Cheng family daughter into the palace? Was it really to make friends, not enemies? Cheng Wanyun sometimes couldn’t make sense of the way people thought in this era.

Bitao then brought honey water to sweeten her mouth, as the taste in her mouth from vomiting was still bitter. Cheng Wanyun took a sip, but remarked, “Why does it taste a bit sour?”

“How could that be…” Bitao was confused. The items the princess ate were always tested by them first, and she had poured a fresh cup for her, which tasted sweet when she drank it earlier!

It was Qingxing, however, who suddenly realized something. She quickly flipped through the records of Cheng Wanyun’s cycle and found that the usually punctual Cheng Wanyun had delayed by more than half a month. She exclaimed, “Gege…”

Cheng Wanyun’s heart skipped a beat.

Could it be… is my body more prone to pregnancy???