"How can such things happen in the world? A pregnant concubine being oppressed by a noble with neither pregnancy nor favor? Is there no respect for status anymore?" Yi Changzai vented her frustrations to Bai Pin. But Bai Pin no longer carried the pride and arrogance she once had. Thinking back, she was once a rare beauty in the palace, a sight to behold for anyone. But now, with her sallow complexion, perpetually furrowed brows, and thin frame, she hardly looked pregnant. She seemed utterly devoid of blessings. Perhaps recalling her past, Yi Changzai sincerely comforted her. "No matter what, the child is innocent. If you’re not eating or sleeping well, the child won’t grow. Your belly doesn’t seem bigger than mine was at four months; the child is too small and hard to raise if born." Bai Pin felt a pang of bitterness. This child, who knows if it will even be born. She never understood before why the Emperor showed such tolerance towards her and this child. But now, with Lin Wanyi’s twins born, she finally understood the reason. Turns out, her life, or rather the child’s life, was just to serve as a bridal gown for others. She recalled mocking Lin Wanyi once. But now, Lin Wanyi was a young concubine with two sons and daughters, while she seemed to be enduring a slow grind in the palace. Without any use value left, she feared her days were numbered. The only sadness she felt was implicating her former lover. She wondered if the Emperor had secretly investigated this matter. If discovered, she feared the person wouldn’t survive. Thinking about this brought tears streaming down her face like pearls on a string. "Oh dear, why do you cry the more we talk? Pregnant women shouldn’t cry so casually. Too much crying, and the child in your belly suffers too." Yi Changzai was originally outspoken and warm-hearted, but after staying long in the palace, she became somewhat sharp-tongued and unreasonable. Yet, regardless, she always had a soft spot for children. What she yearned for, others squandered thoughtlessly. How could her heart not be anxious? Bai Pin wiped her tears, stifling her sobs. With some gratitude, she spoke. Dıscover more novels at 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅✦𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾✦𝗇𝖾𝗍 "Thank you for your comfort, Yi Changzai. Right now, you’re the only one with a heart to speak such words to me." "The Empress Dowager is ill, and the Fourth Prince needs care. Concubine Qian is in the Empress Dowager’s courtyard every day, leaving me with nowhere to go, so I thought I’d come to see you." She then pointed to a few little shirts she brought, all meant for newborns. "I feared bringing food would make people suspect me of harming your child, so I didn’t bring any. These little shirts, made over the days, might not have the flawless stitches of the embroidery workshop, but are filled with my sincerity. Have the Imperial Physician examine them later, and only if they’re fine, let the child wear them. I don’t want my kindness misconstrued." Yi Changzai’s forthrightness made Bai Pin smile. It was the first time she felt cheerful in days. "I never knew you were so interesting, Yi Changzai. It’s a pity we’ve only recently become acquainted. Who knows if we’ll have the chance to converse more in the future?" "It’s fine. If Bai Pin doesn’t mind my chatter, I can come by every few days. After all, staying in the courtyard is quite boring, especially with the Emperor absent from the traveling palace. There’s nothing to look forward to." Yi Changzai spoke wholeheartedly. Indeed, as she said, after the Emperor left the traveling palace, an unusual calm descended on the consorts who followed. Princess Consort Yi didn’t like going out, nor did she keep an ostentatious display like Lin Guifei did once before. Thus, there was no need for them to guard her courtyard daily to chat. Concubine Qian was busy taking care of the Empress Dowager and the Fourth Prince, making her scarce. Bai Pin, being pregnant, wasn’t fit to go outdoors. The previously active Ming Changzai had also been remarkably quiet these days, leading to speculations of her hiding from something. Lady Chu was restless, but without opponents to rival with, naturally lost interest. She longed to return to the palace, having stored up a bellyful of grievances to trouble Lin Wanyi with. Thus, a rare harmony permeated the traveling palace. After exchanging a few words, Yi Changzai revealed another purpose of her visit. "In a couple of days, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival. I reckon we won’t return to the palace. I don’t know if Princess Consort Yi has made any plans?" The Qixi Festival that Princess Consort Yi organized last year received much praise. If she intends to host it, this Mid-Autumn night could be something to look forward to. Yi Changzai had no prior connections with Princess Consort Yi, so joining her in festivities was futile. Bai Pin used to be favored by Princess Consort Yi, so it was apt to ask her. However, since Bai Pin’s pregnancy was revealed, Princess Consort Yi stopped paying much attention to her. Perhaps, with the Marquis of Northwest’s return, Princess Consort Yi had too much to prepare, leaving her no time for these matters. "I have no idea either, but I don’t think it will be grand. After all, the Empress Dowager and the Fourth Prince are ill, and excessive extravagance might irk others." "Yes, not expecting it to be very lively, just hoping to gather, eat, and drink is also nice." The secluded palace has been lonely. Now, with the Emperor showing no particular favor to anyone, there’s little desire for contention. Hence, a harmonious gathering at appropriate times isn’t implausible. While the pair conversed, Lady Chu from the adjacent courtyard got the news. "Yi Changzai is clueless, unable to even grasp the right connections. Does she actually think Bai Pin’s child will be born smoothly?" Lady Chu’s eyes brimmed with disdain. Though young, her heart was dark. As for an unborn child and anyone in her path, none would have a good end. "Go, keep watch well. Once Yi Changzai leaves, report to me. I’d like to see what good things she brought." The servant Yingshuang, attending her, dared not voice her anger at Lady Chu’s recent actions. Unaware of Bai Pin’s pregnancy intricacies, she was shocked at Lady Chu openly intercepting Bai Pin’s nutrients for herself. The Chu Family, reputed as they are, raised a daughter with this temperament, as if... As if everyone opposed her. Were it not for Princess Consort Yi backed by the Liu Family of Northwest, Lady Chu’s ire would surely target her too. "Despised by people and avoided by dogs," seems to describe Lady Chu perfectly. Thus, she planned to offer a word or two of advice.