The Imperial Concubine is the Most Favored in the Harem

"Not bad. The Blue Team's performance today was commendable. You've led them well—bestow him with a Coldsteel Dagger. The rest shall each be promoted by one rank."

As soon as those words fell, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

They were all sons of noble or titled families, already starting out higher than most. To now be granted another step upward—it was both an honor to their houses and their own merit.

Noble Consort Lin narrowed her eyes at Lin Xingzhi, a faint trace of wariness rising in her heart.

He had started as a rankless guard in the Imperial City Patrol. Even with this promotion, he was still only Ninth Rank—unfit to be called a palace guard.

But for the second branch who habitually suppresses the main branch, this unexpected advancement was displeasing.

Still, once the Emperor had spoken, the edict was as good as sealed. No matter how reluctant she was, the matter was settled.

Standing silently behind the crowd, Lin Wanyi could barely contain her joy.

Finally—finally!

Her brother had, at last, won recognition through his own abilities. Though his rank was still modest, far beneath many others, it was a start.

Just as the thought stirred her heart, she suddenly felt something tighten around her waist and pull her backward, yanking her away from the crowd.

Her foot slipped. She lost her balance.

Unknowingly, she found herself standing beside Consort Ying.

Consort Ying was pregnant.

If this fall caused a miscarriage, Lin Wanyi's life in the palace would surely come to an end.

Her brother had just caught the Emperor's eye—if she were to make a mistake now, wouldn't it ruin everything for their entire family?

She didn't have time to think. Twisting her body, she let herself fall beneath Consort Ying to break the impact.

Before she could even cry out, the railing and floor beneath them gave way with a loud crack.

Lin Wanyi tumbled downward.

Her only thought was that Consort Ying must remain unharmed.

So she pushed upward with all her strength, hurling the consort back toward the platform above.

Consort Ying landed at the edge, wedged in place, too frightened to speak.

But Lin Wanyi plunged straight into the waters of Shounan Lake, dragging down planks and stones in her fall.

"Young Mistress!"

"Qianqian!"

Lin Xingzhi had been standing just behind her. The moment he heard the commotion, he rushed forward, hand outstretched.

He missed.

Watching helplessly as she fell, he leapt into the lake after her without hesitation.

"Help! Someone help!" Jiang Huanqing shouted, jumping in behind him.

The rest of the Blue Team followed suit, diving into the water, clearing the floating planks to make way for Lin Xingzhi.

Everyone knew Lin Wanyi couldn't swim—it was common knowledge in the Lin family.

That was why, the moment she fell, Lin Xingzhi's first instinct had been to jump in and rescue her.

Luckily, they were near the shore of Shounan Lake, where the water wasn't deep—barely ten feet.

And Lin Xingzhi was fast. He pulled her out almost immediately.

She had only swallowed a few mouthfuls of water and was otherwise unharmed.

Ironically, it was Consort Ying, despite being saved, who fainted from fright.

And once she passed out and fell into the water, the entire celebration fell into chaos.

Nearby consorts and palace maids screamed and fled. Had they been standing any closer, they too might have fallen.

Chunqi and Xia'an dashed toward the bank, stripping off their outer robes as they ran, ready to wrap them around their mistress.

To fall into the water under so many watching eyes—if they weren't careful, their mistress's reputation could be sullied beyond repair. She might be accused of impropriety.

They weren't the only ones thinking this.

Especially Noble Lady Chu, who had long held a grudge against Lin Wanyi. She immediately raised her voice and cried out, "Heavens! Lin Daying being wrapped in that man's arms—how scandalous!"

All eyes turned.

True, it was a rescue. But the conservative customs of Great Wei left little room for such "accidents." Whispers quickly stirred among the crowd.

The Emperor's gaze turned cold. He clearly disliked Noble Lady Chu's sudden outburst.

Even Noble Consort Lin, who had harbored wariness toward Lin Wanyi and her brother, knew that the Lin family's name couldn't be tarnished like this.

She promptly stepped in. "Noble Lady Chu, mind your words. That man is Lin Daying's elder brother! Should a brother watch his sister drown and do nothing?"

Her brother?

So he wasn't an outsider after all.

And truly, as Noble Consort Lin said, should a brother stand by while his sister drowned?

At once, everyone looked at Noble Lady Chu with reproach. She found herself at a loss for words.

Hatred surged within her for the Lin siblings.

The Lin family and the Chu family must truly be cursed opposites. The sister always stood against her. Now the brother had stolen her own brother's spotlight.

A whole family of wretches!

Even the Emperor noticed the twisted fury on her face.

He let out a cold snort. Then, in a voice like thunder, he declared:

"Noble Lady Chu has spoken out of turn. She is hereby demoted to Attendant and confined to her quarters for three months!"

Gasps spread across the crowd.

First, at the sheer disruption on such a festive day.

Second, that Noble Lady Chu—barely two months into her new title—had lost the Emperor's favor so quickly. It was pitiable.

But recalling her repeated provocations earlier, most simply looked on in silence.

Consort Yi shook her head. Noble Lady Chu was a hopeless case.

Still, coming from the northwest, her family's position made her demotion unfortunate.

Consort Yi opened her mouth to plead on her behalf—

But Noble Consort Lin cut in smoothly, glancing toward the imperial physician tending to Consort Ying. "Physician, how is Consort Ying? Is she all right?"

The physician had been taking her pulse this entire time. After several confirmations, he finally smiled with relief and exclaimed:

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Rejoice! Consort Ying is five months pregnant."

"What?!"

The one most shocked was none other than Consort Lan—also pregnant.

She had enjoyed newfound status in the harem because of it, believing herself uniquely favored. She never imagined Consort Ying was expecting as well—and five months along?

She'd hidden it well.

A flash of venom glinted in her gaze as she looked at Consort Ying's belly.

Resentment flickered—but only for a moment. Then she rose gracefully, making sure to show off her own pregnant figure as she offered a gentle smile.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. How fortunate. It seems by year's end, the palace will welcome not one, but two imperial heirs."

Only then did everyone begin to react.

Faces shifted—some shocked, some envious, some quietly bitter.

But no one looked more out of place than the now-forgotten Noble Lady Chu.

She tried to speak again—only for a eunuch to swiftly gag her and knock her out.

She was dragged away like a sack of flour.