An Lingrong sat alone on her bed, her mind racing. After Nian Shilan's downfall, she realized she would be the Queen's next target. The thought of Zhen Huan now allying herself with the Queen filled her with unease and resentment. She had to find a way to sow discord between the newly allied master and servant, turning them into enemies.

Her fingers unconsciously stroked the quilt beside the bed, a sly glint in her eyes. The bottle of elixir originally intended for Shen Meizhuang and Concubine Jing could be put to good use. If the palace were to overflow with happy news, the Empress would find it difficult to maintain her dignified facade.

Even better, she could take advantage of this opportunity to get pregnant. Pregnancy would not only earn her the emperor's favor, but also allow her to stay out of the turmoil that was about to erupt in the palace. The more An Lingrong thought about it, the more she found this idea feasible.

The next day, An Lingrong got up early to dress up and carefully chose a light pink skirt.

She asked Qiuyue to prepare some exquisite snacks, and ordered people to set up a round table and rattan chairs under the pear tree.

"Go and invite Concubine Hui and Concubine Jing to come and appreciate the flowers." An Lingrong said to Qiuyue.

Soon, Concubine Hui and Concubine Jing arrived. The three of them exchanged pleasantries in the garden, and An Lingrong casually mentioned, "Before entering the palace, I was given four secret fertility pills. They're said to be quite effective, but the sex of the fetus can't be guaranteed."

A hint of surprise flashed in Huipin's eyes, while Jingfei looked at An Lingrong thoughtfully.

An Lingrong continued, "I became pregnant with Hongxi after taking this medicine. Now that Shilan has just fallen from power, the palace will surely be quiet for a while, which is perfect for you sisters to get pregnant and take care of your babies."

As she spoke, she pulled out a delicate brocade pouch from her sleeve, which contained several crystal-clear pills. "I have three more here. Are you two sisters interested?"

Concubine Hui and Concubine Jing looked at each other, with some hesitation and desire in their eyes.

When Concubine Hui and Concubine Jing heard An Lingrong's words, a hint of surprise and desire flashed in their eyes. They looked at each other, as if communicating something silently.

Concubine Jing spoke first: "Empress Shu, is this medicine really so magical?" There was a hint of doubt in her tone, mixed with a hint of expectation.

An Lingrong smiled slightly and said softly, "I also got it by chance. But Hongxi did get pregnant after taking this medicine, and the effect is still very significant." As she spoke, she handed the sachet to the two of them, "If you two sisters are interested, you may want to give it a try."

Huipin hesitated for a moment, then reached out to take a pill and examined it carefully. "This medicine... doesn't have any side effects, right?" she asked cautiously.

An Lingrong shook her head. "I didn't feel any discomfort when taking it. But if you two sisters are worried, you can ask the imperial physician to take a look first."

After hearing this, Concubine Jing also picked up a pill. A flicker of determination flashed in her eyes, and she whispered, "Thank you, Concubine Shu, for your kindness. If this medicine is truly effective... I will definitely keep it in mind."

An Lingrong nodded slightly, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes. She said softly, "Sister, you're too kind. We sisters should help each other."

The three chatted for a while longer, then Concubine Hui and Concubine Jing said their goodbyes and left. Watching them disappear, An Lingrong's lips curled into a meaningful smile, her fingers gently stroking the remaining pill.

As autumn deepened, the summer vacation quietly ended. The emperor and his concubines returned to the Forbidden City from the Old Summer Palace, and the palace became lively again.

The Emperor summoned his ministers to discuss the possibility of rewarding the officials who had quelled Nian Gengyao's rebellion. The Empress seized the opportunity to offer the Emperor a suggestion: "Your Majesty, why not allow the daughters of these meritorious officials to serve in the palace? This would not only benefit them from the Emperor's grace, but also provide new support for the court."

The Emperor nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. He knew the Empress was trying to consolidate her power within the harem, but he couldn't refuse. "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Let's do as you wish."

The news quickly spread throughout the harem, causing a surge of unrest. An Lingrong, upon hearing this, felt alarmed. The arrival of a newcomer to the palace would undoubtedly disrupt the existing equilibrium, and she had to prepare for it.

Just as she was thinking about countermeasures, a palace maid hurried over: "Your Majesty, Concubine Hui and Concubine Jing have both sent good news, saying that they are pregnant!"

An Lingrong was startled when she heard this, then smiled meaningfully. She gently stroked her belly and murmured softly, "Looks like it's my turn now."

A few days later, Qiuyue hurried into An Lingrong's palace, a look of nervousness and excitement on her face. "Your Majesty, the Queen's newly selected Consort Qi, Guaerjia Wenyuan, has entered the palace today."

An Lingrong paused with her embroidery needle, then raised her eyes, her eyes flickering, "Guarjia Wenyuan?"

"I heard that she has skin as white as cream and features as beautiful as a painting."

An Lingrong smiled faintly, her eyes shimmering with wit. "The Queen truly has a keen eye."

Qiuyue continued, "When Concubine Qi first entered the palace, she petitioned the Empress to live in Jingyang Palace, but the Emperor did not agree. In the end, she chose Suiyuxuan."

It seems that this idiot couldn't target me, so he changed his target to Zhen Huan.

A clear announcement came from outside: "The Emperor has arrived."

An Lingrong quickly stood up, her expression revealing a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

Just as An Lingrong was about to bend her knees, the emperor quickly stepped forward and gently held her arms with both hands.

"Rong'er, don't be polite. I came to see you, okay?" His voice was low and magnetic, as if it could soothe the waves in her heart.

"I have been busy with court affairs these days and have neglected you. I wonder if you miss me?" The emperor's eyes were gentle and filled with concern.

As the emperor spoke, his eyes swept over the unfinished embroidery on the table.

An Lingrong's heart warmed, a hint of tenderness flashed in her eyes, and she replied softly, "Of course I do, Your Majesty."

An Lingrong lowered her eyelashes, her voice soft and trembling.

The emperor smiled slightly, with a doting look in his eyes, as if every word she said could warm his heart.

The Emperor held An Lingrong's hand and whispered in her ear:

"Rong'er, today the Queen mentioned that Concubine Qi wants to move to Jingyang Palace."

The Emperor paused, looking deeply at An Lingrong's beautiful face:

"I did not agree to this."

The Emperor raised his hand to brush away the strands of hair from An Lingrong's forehead, his tone tinged with guilt:

"I'm sorry to have you living in Jingyang Palace."

The emperor's eyes were gentle, and he asked with some concern:

"Do you want to change your residence?"

An Lingrong felt warm in her heart and a touch of emotion flashed in her eyes.

An Lingrong leaned forward slightly, rested her head on the emperor's shoulder, and said softly:

"Your Majesty, as long as you have me in your heart, I will be happy wherever I live."

An Lingrong looked up and gazed at the emperor's handsome face, her eyes full of tenderness and affection.

Seeing this, the Emperor hugged An Lingrong even tighter. He secretly decided in his heart that he must choose a better place for her to live.

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