After receiving her father's reply, Zhao Guiren realized she could no longer stop that vixen from rising in rank. She was so enraged that she literally fell ill from anger.
During Zheng Qingling's confinement, Xiao Qianming would occasionally stop by to sit with her for a while, showing her favor. But he never forgot to continue frequenting the other concubines, dutifully carrying out his mission of "population expansion."
At first, Chunxiu worried that her mistress would feel hurt upon learning that the emperor was staying overnight with other women, and that this sadness would hinder her recovery.
But she soon realized she was mistaken. Though her mistress would, from time to time, display affection before the emperor, it never interfered with her own eating and drinking.
If Zheng Qingling knew what Chunxiu thought, she would probably laugh herself to death. She had never been someone who indulged in matters of love—least of all with a feudal emperor who was legally entitled to countless women.
Upon returning to the palace, there was good news again—this time, two concubines were found to be pregnant. Clearly, the emperor had been quite diligent recently.
But Xiao Qianming himself was indifferent. After all, three women had already miscarried before. This time, he did not dare place too much hope.
And the secret guards' investigation left him shaken: his late father had left behind a hidden power force in the hands of the Empress Dowager Cining. To think, someone was secretly watching from the shadows even as he lay on his bed—this only deepened Xiao Qianming's vigilance against the Empress Dowager.
Thus, Zheng Qingling's decree of promotion was announced at the same time as those of the two pregnant concubines.
If she had truly loved the emperor, she might have vomited blood—other women advanced because of pregnancy, a joyful event, whereas her own promotion was nothing but compensation.
But Zheng Qingling was clear-headed. She knew what she wanted. Besides, Xiao Qianming still had her investiture ceremony arranged quite decently.
Although Zheng Qingling was promoted to the rank of pin (Consort), the other women of the harem did not envy her. After all, she was now seen as a pitiful one who would have difficulty bearing children. At this time, all attention was drawn to the two pregnant women.
Since the former Noble Consort Zhao had fallen, her responsibilities in managing palace affairs were split between Consort Shu and Consort De.
As for the daily greetings, they were arranged to be held in Consort Shu's quarters—because she had a child under her knee.
When Consort De learned that she had to pay respects to her old rival Consort Shu, she flew into a rage, smashing the teacup in her hand.
"The emperor goes too far! Shu and I hold the same rank, yet just because she has a princess, I must bow my head to her!"
The matron beside her immediately comforted her: "My lady, now that Concubine Li has conceived with our secret medicine, please endure these nine months. Soon, you too shall have a prince at your side."
(Note: Because of her pregnancy, Noble Lady Li was promoted to Concubine Li. Meanwhile, Fang Daying was promoted to Attendant Fang.)
Hearing this, Consort De's gloomy face brightened into joy. "Nanny, thank goodness you had this heir-producing medicine. Otherwise, with that useless one, who knows when we'd have news."
The old woman forced a laugh. The truth was, she herself had only gotten that "secret medicine" from someone else. As for whether it truly worked—she dared not make promises!
Their private conversation took place inside Consort De's chambers, so Xiao Qianming's secret guards were unable to gather this intelligence.
Zheng Qingling's first appearance at the morning greetings after her return was filled with hidden daggers—though none of them were aimed at her.
When Concubine Yi saw Concubine Li beaming, she found it intolerably eye-piercing and deliberately said:
"Congratulations to Sister Li. May you bear a princess as well, so she can accompany our Second Princess."
Concubine Li was enraged by this remark. Who would want a useless princess? She was certain she carried a prince!
"Sister Yi jests. Such matters are for Heaven to decide. Unless, of course, you have the ability to divine fates and already know whether my child is male or female?"
At that, Concubine Yi dared not confront her directly and could only drop the matter—for now, after all, the woman carried a golden nugget in her belly.
"Consort Shu, why hasn't Attendant Fang come to pay respects?"
The one asking was Noble Lady Xiao, of Consort Shu's faction. She only spoke out of curiosity.
"Perhaps you don't know—Attendant Fang's pregnancy is precarious. The emperor has granted her special leave to rest until she safely delivers."
Concubine Li, however, despised Fang's timid behavior. With Consort De backing her, she naturally refused to accept the emperor's suggestion to seclude herself in her chambers.
When Xiao Qianming learned that Concubine Li had rejected his protection, he was displeased. But since it was her own choice, he could not very well forcefully confine her.