This question made Quan Fu’s heart ring alarm bells.
He hadn’t received any specific news here, but Mr. Dong did mention a few things during idle talk.
Indeed, news from Princess Consort Yi comes quickly.
So, he thought about it and said.
"I have yet to receive any news. Currently, the Second Prince is still recovering at the traveling palace, whether he can go to the Prince’s Residence will likely depend on his health condition."
What he said was as good as saying nothing.
Princess Consort Yi glanced at him and felt that he was indeed a crafty one.
No less than Dong Yuzhong.
Thinking of this, she found it pointless to haggle with him further, so she waved her hand to let Quan Fu leave.
After he left, the palace maid Ruyi brought a bowl of blood swallow soup.
Princess Consort Yi took a sip; the taste was just as before.
She didn’t consume more.
"Do not worry, even if the Second Prince goes to the Prince’s Residence, he cannot threaten our Third Prince."
The words sounded reassuring, but if a surprise contender shows up, no one would be pleased.
Even if that person was the sickly Second Prince, she felt quite troubled.
This struggle for royal power is inherently unpredictable.
With one more person, there is one more obstacle.
It would be best if all the Princes were wiped out, leaving only the Third Prince, then she might feel a bit secure.
As she pondered, she suddenly remembered the soon-to-deliver Noble Princess Consort Ying.
She then showed a cold smile.
"Life has been comfortable; I’ve almost forgotten about Noble Princess Consort Ying. Ruyi, do you think her child will be a Prince or Princess?"
"I wouldn’t know, but I do know that whether it’s a Prince or a Princess, neither can compete with our Third Prince."
Hearing this, Princess Consort Yi didn’t intend to stop her actions there.
"Since that’s the case, let’s go together to see Noble Princess Consort Ying. She is currently the most noble in the palace. Mustn’t let others say that without the Emperor, no one cares for her."
As she spoke, she stood up.
Ruyi assisted her and arranged the carriage.
Then, they went with many of their attendants to Yao Yue Palace where Noble Princess Consort Ying was.
In Yao Yue Palace, Noble Princess Consort Ying now felt a certain heaviness in her belly.
The delivery nanny had mentioned that she would be due in the next few days.
So she was extremely cautious.
Everyone in Yao Yue Palace was on their toes, fearing any mistakes at this critical juncture.
Noble Princess Consort Ying walked in the courtyard, preparing for the birth of the child.
Unexpectedly, Princess Consort Yi came.
She had no past grievances or disputes with her, so why has she come now? Is there something she wishes to convey?
Thinking of this, Noble Princess Consort Ying furrowed her brow with worry.
But now was not the time for concern, so she said to her attendants.
"Quick, invite Princess Consort Yi in."
"Yes, as your servant commands."
Then she also walked slowly toward the entrance, meeting Princess Consort Yi just as she entered.
"I have seen Princess Consort Yi, may you be blessed with prosperity."
"Sister, please rise, your condition allows you to forgo formalities."
"Thank you for your empathy, I am deeply grateful."
Princess Consort Yi changed her demeanor and spoke gently as she looked at Noble Princess Consort Ying’s bulging belly.
"Sister, it looks like the child is about to be born."
"The delivery nanny said it’s within these days."
"Hmm, are all preparations complete? If anything is lacking, feel free to tell me. Though the Emperor and Imperial Consort Lin are not in the palace, I will ensure you give birth safely."
Noble Princess Consort Ying smiled, maintaining her usual calm demeanor.
"Thank you for your concern, everything is arranged."
She had always been courteous, and thus had no grudges with Princess Consort Yi.
But in this palace, sometimes grudges don’t need actual incidents to develop.
Even between two people who have never interacted, a conflict could arise at the snap of a finger.
Noble Princess Consort Ying understood very well that if she gave birth to the Fourth Prince, the conflict between her and Princess Consort Yi would be relentless.
Thinking of this, her eyes showed a firm determination never seen before.
She had always been low-key in the harem, but for the sake of her child, she would fight with all her might to protect them, even against the powerful Princess Consort Liu, she was fearless.
It seemed Princess Consort Yi understood the look in Noble Princess Consort Ying’s eyes, feeling like she was eyeing prey.
She had seen the solitary wolf stalking prey while with her father and brother in the Northwest.
Sometimes waiting quietly, sometimes pausing.
Grinding it out for several days and nights, driving the prey to near madness, before delivering a fatal blow.
The Noble Princess Consort Ying before her was truly underestimated.
It seems she also has some abilities.
Smiling with genuine amusement, prey should always be somewhat challenging to be interesting, right?
Thinking this, she chatted a bit more casually with Noble Princess Consort Ying before leaving.
Noble Princess Consort Ying thought she came for something urgent, but she left so easily it was hard to believe.
However, for her own and her child’s safety, Noble Princess Consort Ying thought for a moment and said to the palace maid Rong Le.
"Go to the Inner Court Department and inform them that I’ll soon give birth, have them bring my mother into the palace, and remind her not to forget the peace talisman paper from the Three Pure Ones Temple."
This seemed like a reminder, but in truth, it was a code between her and her family.
Her mother would surely come prepared this time.
This way, she should be able to deliver the child peacefully.
The Mid-Autumn Festival passed uneventfully, and the following days didn’t see any commotion.
When Noble Princess Consort Ying’s mother, the Lady-in-waiting, was brought into the palace, it was all in accordance with protocol.
This time, she only brought a matron and a maid, reputedly those who served her closely daily.
They checked the luggage from every angle to ensure nothing was amiss before allowing entry into the palace.
The Imperial City cannot be compared to the traveling palace.
Not just anyone could enter at will.
Even in the case of those like Noble Princess Consort Ying who was about to give birth, the Lady-in-waiting could only stay for seven days; beyond that, she must leave without delay.
Seven days, if Noble Princess Consort Ying delivered early, she might have two days with her.
If she delivered late, time might be insufficient.
Indeed, the hour had arrived, just three days after the Mid-Autumn Festival.
It was a fortuitous day on August eighteenth; after dinner, Noble Princess Consort Ying and her mother were discussing private matters.
Just a few words in, Noble Princess Consort Ying felt something amiss.
She had just stood up when her skirt became soaked. The source of this content ɪs novᴇlfire.net
Noble Princess Consort Ying was usually composed, but facing childbirth for the first time, her worry outweighed her pain.
Words became tangled.
Thankfully, the Lady-in-waiting had experienced childbirth twice, seeing this situation didn’t faze her, she immediately instructed.