Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Everyone in the palace was beaming with joy, chatting excitedly with one another, as if it were Chinese New Year. This was because the Emperor Qian had decreed that everyone would receive an extra month's salary to congratulate the Crown Princess on the successful birth of the eldest prince. This news spread throughout the palace, filling everyone with immense excitement. The maids danced with joy, the eunuchs smiled with delight, and even the guards couldn't help but reveal a hint of relief and joy. Everyone understood that this reward was more than just a sum of money; it reflected the Emperor's high regard for the Crown Princess's childbirth and his joy for the continuation of the royal bloodline. This joy permeated every corner of the palace, filling it with a festive atmosphere.

Amidst this joyful atmosphere, one person seemed particularly unhappy: Qiao Xinran. She stood quietly to the side, her gaze fixed on the scene before her, a complex shimmer of emotion in her eyes. Seeing her sister being so highly regarded by Emperor Qian and the Crown Prince for having given birth to the eldest prince, the resentment and jealousy within her raged like a raging fire, threatening to consume her completely.

Qiao Xinran clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, trying to suppress the anger and resentment she felt within. She felt that fate had been unfair to her. Why wasn't she as lucky as her sister? Why couldn't she receive the same attention and respect? She believed she was no worse than her sister, but reality was so cruel.

Qiao Xinran's eyes fell on her sister, filled with resentment and jealousy. She couldn't understand why her sister could easily get everything while she could only endure it silently. This sense of unfairness made her resentful, and she began to question her own value and status.

However, despite being filled with resentment and jealousy, Qiao Xinran suppressed her emotions and didn't show any obvious dissatisfaction. She knew that in this palace, any expression of emotion could have unexpected consequences. So, she chose silence, burying all her resentment and jealousy deep in her heart, waiting for the right opportunity.

But this opportunity soon arrived. Before Wang Yuyan had even finished her confinement, the news from Qiao Xinran was like a bolt from the blue, plunging her into a bottomless abyss. Qiao Xinran was unexpectedly pregnant! This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to Wang Yuyan. She knew that pregnancy was inevitable, but she had not expected it to come so soon. She had just given birth to the eldest prince and her body had not yet fully recovered when she heard the devastating news.

The news haunted her like a nightmare. She felt as if she were in a raging fire, in agony and agony. Even more heartbreaking was the suddenness of it all, leaving her completely unprepared. She had thought she had time to prepare and cope, but reality cruelly shattered her illusions.

Wang Yuyan was filled with disappointment and pain when she heard the news, but she did not show it. She knew that she could not change it and could only accept the reality silently.

During her confinement, she had hoped the crown prince would give her more care and companionship, but the reality made her feel extremely disappointed. The crown prince only visited the eldest prince a few times, said a few insignificant words to her, and then hurriedly left, saying he had something to do. This indifferent attitude made Wang Yuyan feel heartbroken.

However, she didn't complain or get angry about it. She understood that as the Crown Princess, she needed to remain graceful and composed, and not easily reveal her true emotions. Although she felt bitter, she chose to bury these feelings deep inside, not allowing them to affect her image and status.

Every day, Wang Yuyan endured this pain alone, looking at the children around her with a heart full of helplessness. But she still tried to stay strong, hoping that one day she would receive the prince's true attention and love. Wang Yuyan also knew that the imperial family was the most ruthless, so she should not lose sight of her unique love.

One day, after finishing his official duties, the Crown Prince rushed to the side hall where Qiao Xinran lived. As he crossed the threshold, he happened to catch a glimpse of the Crown Prince approaching. He quickly turned around, feigning grief, and began to sob.

The prince watched Qiao Xinran from behind, her back trembling slightly as she cried, as if she were in great pain. Feeling pity, the prince quickly stepped forward, gently straightened her body, and wiped the tears from her eyes with his warm fingers. He asked softly, "Xinran, what's wrong? Why are you crying here?"

Qiao Xinran turned around, hugged the prince's waist, buried her face in his broad chest, and tears burst out like a dam breaking. She sobbed and said in a trembling voice: "Brother Prince, Xinran thought...thought that I would never see you again!" Her cry was like the sound of a broken string, full of despair and sadness.

The prince looked at the woman in his arms with heartache, gently stroked her hair, and whispered comfortingly: "Why can't you see me? Am I not here?" His voice was low and soft, as if it could heal all the pain.

However, Qiao Xinran did not stop crying. She clung to the prince's clothes tightly, as if she was afraid that he would disappear if she let go. Her body was trembling slightly, and her sobs continued to be heard, which made people feel pity.

The prince sighed softly, knowing that no amount of words could stop Qiao Xinran's tears. So, he held her quietly, letting her unleash her emotions in his arms. As time passed, Qiao Xinran's sobs gradually subsided, though she still let out a slight sob from time to time.

As the prince heard her sobs grow quieter, his patience gradually returned. He spoke gently to her, "Xinran, tell me why you are so sad. Don't worry, just tell me what's on your mind. I'm the current crown prince. Besides Emperor Qian, what else could possibly stump me? If you're willing to talk, I'll do my best to help you resolve your problem."

Qiao Xinran raised her head and gazed deeply into the prince's face, her eyes filled with affection and dependence. Her voice was soft and trembling as she spoke, "Brother Prince, I'm afraid I'll bring you trouble. It would be better if I just died..."

When the prince heard this, he was filled with anxiety and anger. He asked anxiously, "What happened? Why are you trying to commit suicide?" His voice was filled with a hint of impatience, but more of his concern for Qiao Xinran.

Seeing that the prince was already a little angry, Qiao Xinran knew that she could not delay any longer, so she gritted her teeth and plucked up the courage to tell the truth: "Brother Prince, I'm pregnant..." After saying this, her face turned pale, as if all the blood had been lost.

Upon hearing this news, the prince was stunned for a moment, then a complex expression crossed his face. He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "So what if you're pregnant? Don't let your imagination run wild. I'm here for you. No one would dare to hurt you." His tone was firm and powerful, reassuring.

However, Qiao Xinran still looked worried. She whispered, "But, Crown Prince, I'm worried that the Crown Princess and other concubines will not tolerate my existence, let alone accept this child. After all, I don't have a status yet. If this child is born, I don't know how to face everyone's eyes. They will definitely think that I am a shameless woman who is pregnant before marriage. This will become a shame for me. Moreover, in this harem, I have no status and may be bullied or even killed by others." When she said this, Qiao Xinran's eyes were wet and tears slid down her cheeks.

The prince's heart softened after hearing Qiao Xinran's words. He gently stroked Qiao Xinran's hair and comforted her, "Xinran, don't worry about these things. I will protect you and the child. No matter what difficulties you encounter, I will stand by you. As for the issue of status, when the time is right, I will give you a suitable position. Believe me, I will not let you suffer any grievances." His voice was full of tenderness and promise, which made Qiao Xinran feel extremely warm.

Qiao Xinran nodded gratefully, tears glistening in her eyes. She held the prince's hand tightly and said, "Thank you, Prince. As long as you are here, I am not afraid of anything." The two looked at each other, and deep love was revealed in each other's eyes.

Upon learning of Qiao Xinran's pregnancy, the Crown Prince was delighted, but he also knew that now was not the time to embrace another woman. After all, the Crown Princess was in confinement after childbirth, and if she were caught being intimate with another woman at this moment, it would surely cause an uproar. And within the harem of the previous dynasty, she lacked the power to withstand such a storm.

Furthermore, Wang Yuyan's father had previously served as a concubine, and if he were to learn of this, it would likely incur his father's displeasure. He might think he was only focused on beauty and neglecting the affairs of state. Therefore, he decided to seek the help of his mother, the queen, hoping she could help arrange for Qiao Xinran to become his concubine or a royal concubine, giving her a legitimate status so she could safely bear his child.

He gently stroked Qiao Xinran's hand and whispered, "Xinran, you must take good care of your pregnancy and don't think too much." Then he turned around and instructed several palace maids around him, "You must take good care of Concubine Qiao. If you need anything, just let me know." Then, he left his personal attendant and instructed, "You stay here and take good care of Concubine Qiao's diet and daily life." After arranging these, he turned around and left with peace of mind.

However, he did not return to his own chambers, but instead headed towards the harem. His steps were firm and powerful, as if carrying a sense of mission. Finally, he arrived in front of a magnificent palace with the three characters "Chaoyang Palace" engraved on the door.

He was determined to secure a bright and smooth future for Qiao Xinran and her unborn child. Although Qiao Xinran's status wasn't particularly high, she was the woman he had chosen, and he couldn't let her suffer any injustice. He decided to use his own strength to change everything, so that they and their child could live a happy life.