♂?，，

  Ming Xuan returned to Anhe Gate again, it was already past noon. The scorching summer evening sun slanted down, shedding the intense heat but still without a hint of coolness. The dark and heavy palace walls stood like steles, oppressively suffocating.

  She turned back and took a last glance at the dark and majestic palace behind her, with a mix of emotions in her heart.

  This magnificent wall that the world admires is filled with ugliness and calculation, the imperial court is in constant turmoil, deceitful and ruthless, all for fame and wealth. The harem may not see bloodshed, but it's full of sword and dagger shadows, intrigue and backstabbing. Father-son, brother-brother, husband-wife, son-daughter, these are the most ordinary human emotions, but for the imperial family surrounded by this palace, they are things that they can't get in their lifetime.

  Even the most beautiful person will become disfigured here.

  Despite this, the lingering regret and longing in Ming Xuan's heart unknowingly added a deeper sorrow, that unyielding sense of injustice and indignation lingering around her mind, refusing to disperse. She thought, if only her sister were still alive, even if she had become shallow, selfish, and vain, at least she would be living, which was far better than now when even memories had become a luxury.

  She got off the carriage with a heavy heart and walked all the way to Xihua Gate in the slight jolts.

  The horse carriage came to a stop, and a pair of warm, jade-like hands lifted the curtain and entered. "Why are you so late?"

  Ming Xuan looked up to see a handsome man, like an immortal, sitting down beside her. His bright eyes sparkled with concern as he gazed at her, and her mouth curved into a smile without thinking. "The Empress Dowager summoned me to Kun Ning Palace for a casual chat, then Shu Fei came and we talked for a while before it got late. How did you come here?"

  Pei Jingchen wrapped her in his arms with one hand, and the other hand picked up the round fan in the car to gently shake it beside her bun. "Today, there are fewer official duties in the government office, so I'll go back first. I heard from Yan Niangniang that you entered the palace, although I roughly guessed that most of it was because of Shu Fei's affairs, but after all, I'm still not at ease."

  He slightly paused, his tone carrying a hint of tension "What's wrong, is Shu Fei in trouble?"

  Ming Xuan shook her head and told Pei Jingchen about the big and small things that happened in Kun Ning Palace, including the details. "This method of sowing discord is not clever, but unfortunately, Empress Shu was deceived. The empress deliberately left me to talk to my sister, seemingly intentionally giving me the opportunity to frame Empress Shu. It doesn't seem like this matter was her doing, and she has apparently formed an alliance with Empress Shu."

  Her cheek gently rubbed against his arm, but her expression was very serious. "The queen would not do these things without reason, and she even gave up the main hall of Kun Ning Palace, so there must be some meaning in this, it's just that I can't think of it for the time being."

  Pei Jingchen brushed aside her scattered hair in front of her forehead, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "Not something the Empress would do."

  His eyelashes fluttered, and he said in a low voice, "The Empress Dowager framed the Shu Fei who was pregnant. For her, there is no benefit at all. It's better to let the Shu Fei restrain the Hui Fei than to let the Yu Hui Fei give birth to the child alone. The Empress Dowager is a clever and ruthless woman, much more brilliant than her mother, she won't do things that harm others without benefiting herself."

  Ming Xuan raised her head. Her eyes sparkled brightly "So, it's Consort Hui!"

  The child in Huifeng's belly is about four months old, and the clever imperial physician can diagnose the sex early. With the joke of Guifei being a precedent, Huifeng must be extremely cautious. If it were a girl, she would not have taken such actions. It seems that she is carrying an imperial son.

  If Shu Fei gave birth to a princess, then her son would be the crown prince. As long as the empress remained childless, it was highly likely that the crown prince would succeed to the throne in the future.

  If Shu Fei had also given birth to a boy, then some things would be hard to say. She was already two years older than the Emperor, and in terms of beauty and youth, she couldn't compare to Shu Fei. In the past, she had been favored because she had spent more time with Yuan Fei, but since Shu Fei entered the palace, this favor would likely not last long.

  The son relies on his mother's nobility. The emperor dotes on the virtuous imperial consort, and will surely look at her child with different eyes. By then, where would be the place for her eldest son?

  Besides, Hui Fei and Shu Fei became pregnant at almost the same time. Shu Fei had already been secretly favored by the Emperor for a long time. Who knows which child would be born first? If she were to lose even in terms of timing, then even if she gave birth to a prince, it would be pointless.

  The emperor was very considerate of Consort Shu, and there were many people who protected her. She also had the protection of the empress, so Consort Hui could not harm her easily.

  So it would make people suspect Shufei's character and speculate about the origin of the child in her womb?

  He also took this opportunity to alienate Shu Fei and Gui Fei sisters, which was a double gain.

  Pei Jingchen buried his chin on Ming Xuan's shoulder and said in a low voice, "This matter can be sent to Yongning Houfu with someone, there is no need to put yourself inside. Behind Empress Hui is the Dingguo Gongfu Yu family, and the Yu family is also deeply entangled with the Linnan Wangfu, we are not afraid of them, but it is also unnecessary to offend them."

  He suddenly sighed softly, "The water in the palace is deep, and that Shu Fei sister is not very clever. Unless the emperor continues to pamper her like now, it's not easy to live safely. I think the empress might have seen this point, so she would protect the child in her belly."

  Ming Xuan's expression changed slightly, and she nodded with a bitter smile. "The Empress summoned me to the palace today, probably to remind Yongning Houfu that they need to be careful of the Yu family. Outside the palace, the Yu family is being suppressed by the imperial guards, while inside the palace, she uses Shu Fei to balance out Hui Fei's power. With Shu Fei's favor, she has already given birth to a princess and will likely become pregnant again in the future."

  "As long as Consort Shu gives birth to a prince, Empress will withdraw those protections, no need for her to take action herself, Consort Shu won't live long..."

  She let out a soft breath "The Queen is indeed good at calculations."

  If the virtuous imperial concubine were to die, then the children she left behind would naturally be recorded under the name of the childless empress. In that case, this child's maternal family in the future would be the Duke of State's household. Whether they became rich and noble or fell into decline, they would no longer have anything to do with the Gu family.

  Pei Jingchen gently stroked Ming Xuan's palm. "Where there is power and interest, there will be struggle, it has always been so. In fact, those things are just external objects, even if one is rich and powerful, what can compare to the joy of a simple life with wife and children?"

  His eyes gleamed "Ah Xuan, wait for me two more years and we'll leave the Pei family!"

  Ming Xuan nodded slightly "Uh-huh."

  She leaned on Pei Jingchen's shoulder, her eyes gazing through the carriage canopy into the unknown void, whispering softly to herself, "A long time ago, I used to think that if I already had enough wealth, what would I do? Expand my business, earn more silver, and then continue to expand my business, becoming an even richer person?"

  Later, I thought for a long time and felt that if there really was such a day, I would choose a place with beautiful mountains and rivers, build a house, raise a few rabbits, have some children, and spend every day watching the sunrise and sunset with my loved one. That's what life is all about!

  Unfortunately, for her in her past life, this matter was too difficult.

  Born in a bustling city, the house price is expensive to the point of being unaffordable. Even with her not-so-meager salary, she's afraid that she won't be able to afford a villa even if she works hard for her whole life. By the time she was over 20 years old, she had never experienced a regular life, let alone having a loved one by her side, except in romantic fantasies about her destined other half.

  Ming Xuan's heart moved, and she couldn't help but reach out to stroke the man's face behind her, which was as bright and handsome as a clear moon. She thought to herself that heaven had been so kind to her, not only allowing her to live again, but also giving her all sorts of possibilities to fulfill her dreams from her past life.

  She is now wealthy, with a thick private house, even in the relatively expensive Shengjing City, she can live without worrying about food and clothing for several generations. In the future, if it's Pei Jingchen's turn, they can choose a suitable place to build a satisfactory house; as for the person she loves... She seems to have taken a step forward, even her husband is already there, and he is such an excellent person, as long as they love each other more, um, children will definitely come!

  Thinking so, she couldn't help but laugh softly.

  Pei Jingchen gazed quietly at Ming Xuan, who had fallen into deep thought. Her expression was rich and changed quickly, he didn't know what she was thinking about, and he wanted to ask her with a gentle heart, but the rare lively and charming expression on her face made him unable to bear breaking it.

  He didn't rush to know what she was thinking, one hand holding her into his arms, the other hand fanning the fan more vigorously, wanting to create a bit of cool breeze for her in this sweltering carriage.

  Returned to Jingxuan Temple, Ming Xuan sent Yan Laolao personally went to Yongning Marquis's mansion.

  It involves the imperial heir and the inner palace of the court. Although Dan Hong has gone through today's events with her, she is still a bit young after all. Such important news can probably only be clearly explained by someone like Shu Yi who has seen the big world.

  Yan's mother rushed back before nightfall, bringing news from the Gu family: "The young master's wife was diagnosed with a joyful pulse two days ago, and Madame Hou is still recovering from her illness in the villa. She won't be able to return for the time being, so Old Madame will help the young master's wife manage the household for the next two days."

  I told the old lady what you entrusted me with, and coincidentally Fourth Master was also there. Fourth Master said that he knew about this matter, so Big Madam, you don't have to worry. If Shu Fei summons you to the palace again, just be playful and humorous, no need to say anything more."

  Ming Xuan thought for a moment and then nodded, saying "I understand."

  She raised her head and asked, "What else did Fourth Master say?"

  Fourth Master only mentioned that there will be a flower banquet at Yang Right Commander's residence in a few days, and he has already received the invitation. I suppose you, Madam, are also attending, so it won't be late to discuss anything when we meet then."

  "She hesitated for a moment, 'Right, Fourth Master also had some things sent over to you, they were rewards from the Emperor himself, two large chests, just placed outside, do you want someone to bring them in for you to take a look?'"

  Ming Xuan asked, "Is there a bill?"

  Yan's aunt hastily presented it and handed over a box the size of a book. "This is the list made by the Imperial Household Department, these two boxes are antique jewelry, the fourth master didn't touch any of them, just let them be carried over. This one was given to you personally by the fourth master, saying that when you got married he wasn't at home and didn't have time to prepare more dowry for you, not fulfilling his duty as an older brother. These are his personal gifts to make up for it."

  Ming Xuan opened it, and inside was a thick stack of silver notes, which had been carefully exchanged for smaller notes with a face value of twenty taels. Her heart warmed up, and the corners of her eyes felt moist, as she said with some resentment, "Brother is really too reckless, so many silver taels, he's not even married yet, when we divide the family property in the future and start anew, there will be plenty of places to spend money, why did he...".

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