Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

During this year, both the imperial court and the imperial harem were plunged into chaos. The concubines within the harem grew uneasy, fearing for their future. Simultaneously, the imperial court became turbulent, as various factions sought to profit from the shifting imperial power and positions, seeking to enhance their own family's status and prestige. Some colluded and plotted in secret; others sought power through bribery and flattery. The entire palace was filled with intrigue and calculation, each striving for their own self-interest.

In this turbulent and treacherous atmosphere, Qiao Xinran successfully gave birth to her first child. The news made the prince ecstatic, and he immediately promoted Qiao Xinran to concubine. This move undoubtedly made Qi Zhenzhu and Meng Wanjun feel very disappointed and angry, because they were left far behind by Qiao Xinran.

However, Qi Zhenzhu's anger didn't last long. She soon began to rejoice. It turned out that she was already three months pregnant, and the pregnancy was stable. She decided to tell the Crown Prince this good news to consolidate her position. This way, she believed she would surpass Qiao Xinran and become the Crown Prince's favorite concubine. Thinking of this, Qi Zhenzhu couldn't help but smile triumphantly, as if she saw a bright future.

Meng Wanjun, on the other hand, is deeply jealous and resentful. She cannot accept the fact that she has been surpassed by Qiao Xinran and is determined to find a way to regain the prince's favor. A new palace struggle is about to begin...

Wang Yuyan did not focus her attention on those women. Even though her harem was as bustling as an ant on a hot pot, she still held on to her position as Crown Princess tightly, not afraid of how much trouble they could stir up.

However, the situation in the previous dynasty was completely different. The Crown Prince's failure to ascend the throne was undoubtedly a major uncertainty. The Emperor Qian was seriously ill and could die at any time. Wang Yuyan had secretly consulted the imperial physician who was waiting by his side, and the doctor gave a clear answer: the Emperor Qian's condition was extremely serious due to excessive work and constant anxiety about state affairs, and it was difficult to be optimistic. He was expected to die within the next month or two.

When Wang Yuyan heard the news, it was like a thorn in her side. If she couldn't help the crown prince ascend the throne smoothly within a month or two, she and her son would be in danger, becoming prey on the chopping block of someone else's sharp blade. This situation was unacceptable to her, so she had to go all out to ensure the crown prince's smooth succession.

Wang Yuyan knew that the situation was very delicate and that if she directly let her father enter the palace, it might cause unnecessary trouble. So she decided to use a more subtle method - inviting her mother to the palace to accompany her on the pretext of missing her mother.

When Wang Yuyan finally saw her mother in the palace, she immediately dismissed the surrounding maids, leaving them alone in a room. Without hesitation, Wang Yuyan told her mother directly, "Mother, I've observed that Emperor Qian will pass away within the next month or two. I must quickly support my son's ascension to the throne and stabilize the court. To do this, I need the full support of my mother's family to help me navigate external affairs and maintain stability."

When the Queen Mother heard this, a wave of shock surged in her heart. She hadn't expected things to develop to this point, and she couldn't help but say with distress, "Yan'er, it's really hard for you! You have to go forward alone in this turbulent situation."

Wang Yuyan said helplessly, "Since I have chosen this path, I have to go on even if I have to kneel. Since I have married the prince and become the daughter-in-law of the royal family, I must find a way out for my children and husband. I can't let others hold a knife to my neck and still not know it." Wang Yuyan said painfully, "Mother, you must explain everything clearly to father. Tell him the most important news, that he will soon die. He will know what to do. Mother, I will just convey the message to you."

The Queen Mother said firmly, Yan'er, "I know. I will definitely tell your father. Don't worry. In order not to arouse other people's suspicion, I'd better wait until the palace gates are locked before leaving." Wang Yuyan nodded in agreement when she heard this.

Before the palace was locked, the Queen Mother hurried home. Her steps were hurried, and her face was a little tired and worried. As soon as she reached the door, she saw her husband standing there anxiously waiting for her.

The prince's father saw his wife's pale face and felt a pang of fear, knowing something bad must have happened. He hurried forward, gently helped her down from the carriage, and said softly, "Madam, don't worry. Let's go home first."

The Queen Mother nodded slightly and followed her husband into the palace. Neither of them spoke during the journey, but a tense atmosphere hung between them. They both understood that this incident might cause some trouble for the family.

After entering the room, the king's father gently closed the door, then turned around and looked at the queen's mother with concern. His eyes were full of worry and anxiety, and he asked softly, "Madam, what happened? Why do you look so sad?"

The Queen Mother sighed, slowly sat down, and told her husband everything she had experienced in the palace today. Her voice was low and heavy, as if every word was a burden.

The king's father listened quietly, his brows furrowing. When he heard the queen mother mention the emperor's attitude toward their family, a flicker of worry crossed his eyes. But he remained calm and soothed, "Madam, don't worry too much. We still have time to find a solution."

The Queen Mother nodded and looked at her husband gratefully. Although she still felt uneasy, her husband's support warmed her heart. In the days ahead, they would need to face this challenge together and protect the interests of their family and clan.

After Wang Yuyan told her mother about this, the heavy burden on her heart finally fell to the ground. The next morning, she enjoyed breakfast in her shop as usual, and even took the time to play with the eldest prince. At this moment, Qi Zhenzhu and Meng Wanjun came to pay their respects. After paying their respects to Wang Yuyan, they each found a place to sit down. Qi Zhenzhu looked at Wang Yuyan with a strange expression on her face, and then said in a mocking tone: "Concubine Qiao is really different! Ever since she gave birth to a child and was named a concubine, she doesn't even care about the Crown Princess. She didn't even come to pay her respects."

Meng Wanjun tried to smooth things over, saying, "Sister Qi, don't say anything. She must be holding back because of the child. Maybe when you have your own child, you'll understand how difficult it is to raise one." After saying this, Meng Wanjun laughed herself and covered her mouth with a handkerchief. Wang Yuyan looked at the two of them and laughed too. Then, she took a sip of tea and said nonchalantly, "What's the big deal? Everything is for the sake of the child. It's no big deal whether she greets you or not."

Upon hearing this, Qi Zhenzhu did not hesitate and walked to the middle of the hall. She bowed respectfully to Wang Yuyan who was sitting on the main seat, and then said, "Your Highness the Crown Princess, I felt a little unwell yesterday, so I went to the imperial physician to take my pulse. Guess what? I'm already three months pregnant!" After saying this, she patted her belly gently, a happy smile on her face.

Everyone was stunned when they heard this, then they all showed surprised expressions and began to congratulate Qi Zhenzhu.

Qi Zhenzhu looked embarrassed and said with a smile: "Oh, don't praise me. I feel like I was too careless. I didn't realize it until the child was three months old. Alas, I am such a failure as a mother!" As she spoke, she shook her head gently, her eyes full of self-blame and guilt.

Seeing this, Wang Yuyan quickly comforted her, "Sister Zhenzhu, don't say that. It was just an accident. Who could have imagined it? It's good that you know now. You must take good care of yourself and the child in the future."

Qi Zhenzhu glanced at Wang Yuyan gratefully and nodded in response, "Thank you, Crown Princess, for your concern. I will definitely pay attention to it."

Meng Wanjun had a smile on her face and words of congratulation, but her heart was filled with resentment and jealousy. She was conferred the title of concubine along with the other concubines, but now Zhenzhu was pregnant, and even Qiao Xinran had a son.

Qiao Xinran, in particular, was already pregnant before being appointed a concubine, a fact that filled Meng Wanjun with immense resentment. Qi Zhenzhu, who had been appointed a concubine at the same time as herself, was now pregnant, leaving her the only one who remained. Meng Wanjun couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't been able to conceive. Was fate truly so unfair? Her resentment and discontent surged like a tidal wave, constantly battering her soul.

Wang Yuyan ordered her nanny to go to her storehouse and fetch some fine supplements, clothing, and fabrics to bring to Qi Zhenzhu. Qi Zhenzhu politely replied, "No, no, how can I let the Crown Princess spend money?" But inwardly, she was beaming with joy. While these things weren't of the utmost importance to her, the feeling of being valued made her feel particularly proud. She sat there, savoring the moment's vanity, her heart filled with pride. After a while, she left with a haughty air, as if the world held her at her feet.

As soon as Qi Zhenzhu left, Meng Wanjun also said goodbye to the Crown Princess and followed her out of the Crown Princess's hall. He followed Qi Zhenzhu slowly, staring at her back. How did he get pregnant so quickly? Thinking about it carefully, it seems that the Crown Prince rarely comes to his place these days. If I go to Qiao Xinran, then I will go to Qi Zhenzhu. Did he secretly give the Crown Prince some medicine to make him linger there?

Meng Wanjun unwillingly encouraged herself in her heart, she couldn't go on like this, she must have a child, otherwise she would be eaten to the bone in this cannibalistic palace.

What should I do? How can I find out Qi Zhenzhu's secret? Meng Wanjun suddenly remembered that there seemed to be a younger sister working in the laundry department among Qi Zhenzhu's employees. When Meng Wanjun thought of this, she came up with a solution, and a plan quietly formed in her mind.