Resisting the Wind and Splendor

Consort Yu did not respond to the Empress's overtures with much enthusiasm, which is consistent with the image of Consort Yu in everyone's mind.

As for Consort Rui, she used to only cause trouble for the Empress, but today she has even taken on Consort Yu.

Whether making two major enemies at once was foolish or truly audacious is anyone's guess.

Has Prince Jin recently performed some great service before the Emperor?

After the minor incident passed, the Empress continued to entertain everyone as if nothing had happened, as if the conflict had never occurred.

About half an hour later, Su, the nanny beside the Empress Dowager, came out and said, "Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, the Empress Dowager invites you to go to Chang Le Palace to pray for blessings."

The Empress was the first to stand up, and the other concubines quickly followed suit.

Upon exiting, they saw the Empress Dowager's jade carriage waiting quietly.

The Empress Dowager came out with Chu Yueli. The two walked hand in hand, chatting and laughing, looking very intimate.

A hint of sadness flickered in the Empress's eyes.

If her son were still alive, he would be married and have children by now.

The Second Prince Rong and the Third Prince Ning are now married, but there is no news of either of their wives being pregnant.

She had just inquired about Chu Yueli's symptoms of morning sickness, which is why the Empress Dowager was paying special attention to her today.

Of course, everyone knew that it was very likely that Chu Yueli pretended to vomit in front of the Empress Dowager in order to help Consort Yu escape punishment, but what if it was true?

Prince Mo is the fourth in line. Princess Rong and Princess Ning have not yet made any moves, so it's time for Princess Mo to take her place.

"Mother Empress." The Empress hurried forward and bowed to the Empress Dowager. "May Mother Empress be well."

The Queen Mother nodded.

Seeing that Chu Yueli was about to bow to the Empress, the Empress Dowager quickly supported her hand and said with a smile, "Ali is not feeling well today, so there is no need for you to bow. The Empress will not blame you."

Chu Yueli was somewhat shy.

The Empress quickly smiled and said, "A-Li is not feeling well. Has a doctor been called to take a good look at him? Don't delay."

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "It's New Year's Eve today, and we won't see the doctor. Besides, it's not something urgent. There's no point in rushing it. Let's talk about it later."

The Empress replied with a smile, "Your Majesty is right. Your Majesty, please ascend the imperial carriage; the time is almost here."

After glancing once more at the interaction between Chu Yueli and the Empress Dowager, the Empress said nothing more and stepped aside to let the Empress Dowager go first.

Consort Rui glared fiercely at Chu Yueli.

Anyone could see that Chu Yueli was only pretending to have morning sickness for Yufei's sake. How could the Empress Dowager, a woman who had lived in the harem for decades and had experienced many palace intrigues, be so easily deceived?

To still believe in Chu Yueli, I don't know what's wrong with the Empress Dowager today!

However, although everyone had their doubts, they dared not say anything.

In the palace, being careful with one's words and actions is of utmost importance. As long as the Empress Dowager is happy, no one dares to speak recklessly.

"Ali, sit with me. You will be by my side later, and we will pray together." The Empress Dowager held Chu Yueli's hand the whole time.

Chu Yueli smiled and nodded obediently: "Yes, I will follow the Empress Dowager's arrangements."

Chang Le Palace is not far away, and today, apart from the Empress Dowager, everyone went there on foot.

However, Chu Yueli sat with the Empress Dowager, indicating that her status had completely surpassed that of all the other concubines present.

Consort Rui didn't know what had gotten into the Empress today, and seeing that she seemed preoccupied, she decided against confronting her directly for the time being.

But Yu Fei couldn't swallow her anger: "She's clearly just putting on an act. How long do you think she can fool Mother with such tricks?"