Concubine Qian is of a good nature, and after taking a glance at Yi Changzai, she comforted Ming by saying. "Sister, take it easy. If this child’s fate has yet to come, it can’t be forced. Look at how many concubines the Emperor has taken since his marriage, yet there aren’t many heirs. So, sister, don’t worry too much. With the favor you currently enjoy, there will surely be opportunities, won’t there?" Ming’s face only turned more sorrowful at the mention of this favor. If she had it, she naturally wouldn’t say anything. But the scariest thing is that while outsiders believe she has it, she actually doesn’t. Even if she wished to conceive, she couldn’t. And she had to endure constant ridicule and mockery. This is what made Ming the saddest. But she couldn’t say any of this to outsiders, nor did she want to tell Yi Changzai. In this harem, if there was anyone she could trust a bit more, it would be Concubine Qian. Noticing her hesitation to speak, Concubine Qian understood that there was something she wanted to say to her, and alone. So she casually comforted a bit and said. "Both sisters should go back and rest. It’s this hour; more weeping and fuss won’t help. It’s better to take care of your body and plan for the future." Yi Changzai had come to vent some anger by chatting idly, and seeing that Concubine Qian had already issued a gentle dismissal, naturally, she couldn’t say much more. Standing up, she said. "Sister is right; then I shall go back to rest first." After saying this, she gave Ming a look, initially intending to take her along, but seeing her like that, grew annoyed and left without a word. After Yi Changzai had left for a while, Concubine Qian consoled Ming again. "Don’t take her words to heart. She and I both suffered in the palace, so it’s unavoidable that her temper is a bit extreme. But you, do you have something to tell me?" "Sister is wise and perceptive and can see through my intentions immediately. Actually..." This kind of thing was hard for her to say, but it was necessary now. "Actually, I’ve never spent the night with the Emperor. Previously accompanying him was just a facade; the Emperor has never even touched me." Upon finishing, she covered her face with a handkerchief, crying uncontrollably. This news shocked Concubine Qian. She herself had been summoned twice, but it was merely to converse with the Emperor; at other times, she would grind ink for him or serve tea and such. She always thought it was merely because she was getting old and losing favor. Unexpectedly, Ming was in the same situation. Since these concubines entered the palace, although favor wasn’t abundant, there was always a summons every month or two. So everyone thought the Emperor was the same as before. Just preoccupied with state affairs, thus paying less attention to the harem. However, this incident appeared deliberate. Yet why would the Emperor act this way? A bold idea suddenly sprung to mind. As the most thorough-minded in the palace, connecting everything, she guessed a thought. So, those who seemed favored weren’t, and those who seemed unfavored might truly be favored. Noble Princess Consort Yi Ning! Thinking of this, more and more it felt like everything linked together. Since entering the palace, Lin Wanyi had either been ill or in accidents, or stayed at the traveling palace, and now was even confined. No matter how you looked at it, her path seemed full of obstacles. But in reality, she had a son and a daughter and was currently pregnant. Her rank surpassed other concubines who entered a month earlier, not to mention those of us who have been in the palace longer. Indeed, her rise from a noble to noble concubine was largely due to Lin Guard saving the Emperor’s life. But her title as Noble Princess Consort Yi Ning, along with the heir, was personally arranged by the Emperor. The more she thought, the more it seemed like she had cleared a fog. Yet, she felt a slight ruefulness. Turns out, the Emperor wasn’t either loving or cold-hearted; it just so happened that his affections never extended to them. She inadvertently felt envious of Lin Wanyi. To be treated with such love and care by the Emperor, even going so far as to deliberately arrange so many things just to ensure the other women in the harem left Lin Wanyi alone? The effort was painstaking indeed. However, these are merely her conjectures. She wouldn’t carelessly mention it to anyone. In the palace, knowing how to preserve your life meant keeping your mouth shut was paramount. This she deeply understood. Therefore, she could only pretend to be surprised and comforted Ming by saying. "It’s probably that the Emperor is too occupied with state affairs, so he has no time for the harem. Sister, don’t think too much. Now that the Noble Consort is confined, it’s a good opportunity for you. With your talents, you can surely win more favor from the Emperor." Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel•fire.net Although she said this, deep down, Concubine Qian didn’t agree. For the Emperor to go to such lengths for Lin Wanyi showed how deeply his affections ran. She’s afraid others wouldn’t catch his attention. As such, she reminded herself not to provoke Lin Wanyi much; when necessary, it would be better to offer goodwill. Ming had heard such comforting words many times. Palace maid Pei’er recited them daily, but they were of little use. Considering this, there was no need to stay longer. "I’ll remember sister’s words. It’s late; sister should rest early. I will visit you another day." "Hmm, be careful on your way back." After Ming left, Concubine Qian took a sip of the tea on the table. The tea had cooled, but at this moment, it was most suitable for Concubine Qian. It wasn’t to quell her fire, but discovering a hidden secret left her with mixed feelings. All night until dawn. In Yihua Palace, the gates were tightly shut. They only opened when the Second Prince went out for school. Yesterday, when the news reached Yihua Palace, everyone was startled by the confinement news. Especially the Second Prince, who didn’t understand. Clearly, Lady Lin was pregnant with difficulty, so why was she confined! He paced anxiously in the back hall, unable to stay still for a moment. Only when Lin Wanyi returned and explained did the worries in his heart relax. "Since Father has made arrangements, then I am relieved. Lady Lin, just focus on ensuring a healthy pregnancy; I will handle everything else for you!" Lin Wanyi looked at the Second Prince, with a sense of responsibility despite his young age, and felt a surge of comfort. Sometimes, she truly felt incredibly lucky. Compared to the Second Prince’s unconditional trust and support for her, she always felt she hadn’t done enough in return. Thus, the only thing she could do was to treat him even better. Now that her pregnancy was no longer a secret, she didn’t have to worry much. Anyway, within Yihua Palace, a small garden could be cleared for daily strolls, so that wasn’t an issue. But with summer approaching, her propensity for heat intolerance increased. Not being able to go to the traveling palace for cooling off was somewhat regrettable. Yet compared to being able to give birth to her child in peace with fewer outside disruptions, this small discomfort wasn’t significant.