Four months later, at Prince Zhuang's mansion
Inside the pavilion, An Ning was comfortably lounging on a rocking chair while Suxin in green qipao carefully peeled grapes beside her, removing the seeds before feeding the glistening fruit to her mistress with a spoon. On the other side, Suwen with her hair in a small bun gently fanned An Ning with a round fan, her attitude far more attentive than when they first met. An Ning only needed to relax—life couldn't be more comfortable.
As An Ning had predicted earlier, life in Prince Zhuang's mansion was peaceful. Without heirs, there was no source of conflict. The mansion only had a few concubines, mostly long-term residents who couldn't even be bothered to compete for favor. The primary consort appeared extremely kind—whether genuinely or not—and treated all concubines generously regardless of whether they were favored. Even morning greetings were reduced to mere formalities on the 1st and 15th of each month. This minimal routine was completely waived after An Ning was diagnosed with pregnancy.
Yes, just last month, An Ning was officially confirmed pregnant, now two months along. Though her belly wouldn't show for several more months, that didn't stop people from making a fuss. The rosewood table was piled with assorted snacks and fruits, while musicians played soothing melodies in the distance—all carefully selected to avoid causing the slightest discomfort to the listener.
This was per the prince's explicit orders. The young concubine had suffered hardships in her early years, so during this critical period, they mustn't trigger any melancholy that might affect the little heir in her womb—or their lives wouldn't be enough to atone for it.
Sipping freshly squeezed fruit juice fed by her maid, An Ning idly flipped through newly published romance novels from the market. Tsk, who said ancient people were prudish? Look at this—monks and female demons, ascetic young Taoists next door to beautiful widows... Well, An Ning was thoroughly enjoying it.
While the matron wasn't around, she'd have Wanqing bring more next time! She openly loved these!
The silently observing system: "......"
Having witnessed everything over the past weeks, the system could only marvel. Other hosts diligently completed tasks—scheming in palaces and mansions, preventing plots, striving to protect pregnancies—so how did its host's style suddenly diverge so much? As a system still in its juvenile phase, it truly couldn't comprehend.
This old matron, specially assigned by the prince, was well-versed in medicine and pregnancy taboos—but notoriously strict. If she caught the young mistress reading such books... Wanqing shuddered at the thought. There were two other matrons, but neither was as severe.
Not that Wanqing blamed the precautions—Prince Zhuang was over thirty without a single child, so being extra careful was only natural. Her friend was truly fortunate! Thanks to the pregnancy, Wanqing herself had been promoted from a lowly cleaning maid sleeping in crowded barracks to a senior maid.
Overjoyed that her friend had immediately arranged her transfer upon getting pregnant, Wanqing eagerly shared gossip: "Concubine, remember I mentioned Consort Zhangjia was rumored pregnant when I left the palace?"
An Ning nodded, feigning curiosity, which spurred Wanqing on. The equally gossip-addicted system pricked up its ears.
"But after all this time, His Majesty still hasn't promoted her. She remains an unnamed concubine, still crammed in the back hall with others. Sisters from Yonghe Palace say she suspects Consort De influenced the emperor."
Wanqing lowered her voice—Consort De commanded great respect among palace staff. Since Zhangjia was currently favored, many maids believed the rumor had merit. In their view, if the emperor favored someone, he'd surely promote her! Powerful men were always generous to women they liked—just look at her friend! Immediately promoted upon pregnancy, receiving most of the palace's summer lychee gifts.
Before the child was even born, the prince already deemed Hibiscus Residence too cramped for proper pregnancy care. If not for construction constraints, they'd have moved to the mansion's most spacious courtyard near the prince's study. Even now, Wanqing considered their residence among the mansion's finest—yet the prince still found it lacking!
Both were Aisin-Gioro men—one being the emperor with greater power—surely the difference couldn't be that vast!
This child clearly hadn't heard of being favored without being loved!
An Ning gave her maid a knowing glance from the rocking chair, neither confirming nor denying the rumors. For rulers past thirty who'd experienced countless beauties, physical and emotional intimacy were likely separate matters. Enjoyment didn't equate to genuine affection—otherwise, no pregnant consort would lack decent quarters.
Having personally witnessed the Forbidden City's cramped conditions, An Ning wished nothing but misfortune upon the woman who might have framed the original host. Sipping juice contentedly, she found this outcome unsurprising.
Meanwhile, the system fell into stunned silence.
Favored consort + pregnancy should be an unbeatable combination! In dramas, this meant instant promotions with family members leaping three ranks!
To which An Ning would say: read less fiction.
This was nothing—during Kangxi's mid-late reign, many bore several children while remaining low-ranked concubines. Like the 13th Prince's mother, only posthumously titled Consort Min, who spent her life under Consort De's shadow, even deprived of raising her own son. Or Consort Mi, who bore three princes yet remained a low-rank for over a decade—and she was considered favored!
Imperial princes were precious—until there were too many.
This only confirmed Zhangjia's unusual capabilities—how else could a backgroundless maid maintain her pregnancy after offending Consort De?
But An Ning quickly dismissed her curiosity—the original host's wishes didn't include revenge, and without certainty or perfect timing, she wouldn't recklessly confront enemies anyway.
Whether it was time-traveling heroines or supporting characters seeking revenge, palace conflicts could turn bloody—but what did that have to do with a prince's concubine?
Instead, it was time to meet the younger brother the original host constantly worried about.