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Since Mu Junqi became pregnant, many concubines have come to congratulate her. As June has arrived and the weather outside is getting hotter, after having breakfast, Mu Junqi took the palace maids and eunuchs to Jinghe Palace to pay respects.
Upon arriving at the entrance, she saw them each carrying large and small packages. Normally, they rarely came together to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, but today, whether by appointment or coincidence, they all chose this moment to visit.
Consort Wang brought deep-sea pearl powder, while Fang Guiren presented a pair of jade Ruyi. Looking at these gifts, Mu Junqi smiled gently and said, "Sisters, you are all too kind. I have just become pregnant; there are still many days ahead of us. Let’s not be too formal among ourselves."
Consort Wang, with a beaming smile, replied, "Your Highness is too modest. This is just a small token from us sisters; please accept it as our goodwill towards the prince."
"Exactly! With so few offspring in the harem nowadays, we only hope you can give birth to a healthy and plump Elder Brother," Consort Qian said sarcastically as she entered.
Everyone turned to look at her. Consort Wang shot her a glare and said, "Yes, unlike some who have been unable to bear any children for years."
This remark made everyone present tense up since all of them were childless concubines, naturally provoking anger among them. Consort Qian, furious, retorted, "Some things should not be said. I hope Zhao Yi sister can Understood." After saying this, she angrily sat down on a nearby chair.
Mu Junqi merely smiled lightly and remained silent.
At that moment, Jingxi helped the Empress Dowager enter. Everyone stepped forward to pay their respects, but the Empress Dowager directly said, "Empress, you do not need to bow to me; please sit down." She then glanced at the others and added, "You all sit down as well."
Once everyone was seated, the Empress Dowager turned her head to look at Mu Junqi and kindly smiled, "Empress, now that you are pregnant, you need not be so formal. It’s so hot outside; it’s better for you to stay in more."
Mu Junqi smiled softly and said, "I’m sorry to worry you, Empress Dowager. It’s all because of the Consort. Only now that I am pregnant do I realize how difficult it is to be a mother. Before, I was thoughtless; I hope Empress Dowager can be more forgiving in the future."
The Empress Dowager, satisfied with this response, nodded. This conversation not only erased her previous actions but also established a gentle reputation for her. Consort Qian merely smiled coldly and looked elsewhere.
"Although this child is still young, has a name been decided?" the Empress Dowager said again.
"This child has not yet taken shape. Moreover, the Emperor has been busy lately and hasn't had time to think about it. Besides, we don't even know if it's a boy or a girl yet, so there's no rush," came the reply.
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager was even more pleased, her eyes filled with smiles. After hearing her speak, she felt that the person before her had indeed changed significantly from before.
Next, they chatted about what to pay attention to during pregnancy. A few palace maids were also assigned to serve her in Jingxian Palace. The other consorts occasionally chimed in, but Consort Qian remained expressionless throughout. However, upon closer inspection, one could see the anger simmering in her eyes.
As noon approached and it was time for a break, the Empress Dowager also felt a bit tired, so everyone withdrew. Once outside, Consort Wang suggested they take a stroll in the Imperial Garden. Everyone was not keen on resting, so they agreed and went together.
In the garden, a gentle breeze blew, making this summer feel particularly pleasant. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, creating a harmonious atmosphere throughout the garden.
The consorts surrounded Mu Junqi with smiles as they walked along the cobblestone path. Ziyue and Huixin closely followed behind, worried that something might happen to her.
Consort Wang pointed at a peony and said, "This flower is truly beautiful; it suits the Empress very well." As she spoke, she looked at Mu Junqi.
Mu Junqi chuckled lightly and was about to respond when Fang Guiren suddenly came over and picked that flower, presenting it to Mu Junqi while saying, "Sister, it seems the Empress really likes this flower, so I borrowed it to offer to you."
Mu Junqi remained silent and simply gazed at her. Then Consort Wang seemed to notice something and said with an unpleasant expression, "Sister Fang, this flower is akin to the Empress. What do you mean by picking it like this?"
What started as a small matter seemed to escalate into something significant because of Consort Wang's words. Fang Guiren stood there holding the flower, unsure whether to throw it away or keep it.
"How can it be that serious? This Palace does not take it to heart," Mu Junqi said lightly before walking ahead without taking the peony from Fang Guiren's hand.
Fang Guiren coldly glared at Consort Wang while everyone was distracted. At that moment, Pear quietly whispered a few words into Consort Qian's ear. Consort Qian's expression changed instantly as she looked at Pear in disbelief. After receiving a confirming nod from her, she stepped forward.
Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Mu Junqi soon felt extremely tired. Upon reaching Pingyue Pavilion, she said to everyone, "Sisters, are you all tired? Let's take a break here." After saying that, she was the first to enter. Ziyue hurriedly placed the soft cushion she had been holding on the chair, allowing Mu Junqi to sit down.
"Huixin, you and the others go brew some tea and bring over some snacks," Mu Junqi suddenly said.
Huixin curtsied and left with several palace maids. Only then did Consort Qian speak up, "Your Majesty, it was just that my sisters were inexperienced before. I hope you won't take it to heart."
Upon hearing this, Mu Junqi smiled and replied, "What are you saying, sister? We are all family here; there's no need to hold grudges."
They chatted casually as if they were truly close sisters. Although everyone knew there were no genuine feelings in the harem, they still pretended to laugh and joke with one another.
Before long, Huixin returned carrying items and bowed to everyone before placing them on the table. She then respectfully stood aside.
Consort Qian glanced at the items on the table and smiled gently, "These snacks were made by the chef from His Majesty's palace." She looked at Mu Junqi, her eyes filled with laughter, and continued, "It seems that His Majesty really cares about you."
After that, everyone covered their mouths with silk handkerchiefs and laughed. Seeing their smiles, Mu Junqi also smiled back, her face flushing slightly as she shyly said, "Sisters, please don't tease me. It's just that my appetite hasn't been great lately; that's why His Majesty sent that chef to Jingxian Palace. If you all like these snacks, feel free to eat more. If you have time, you can also come to Jingxian Palace to chat with me."
"Then please don't find us bothersome in the future," Consort Qian said while looking at everyone.
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