Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

The Empress's face darkened. "The Empress Dowager is clearly trying to guard against me. She's been treating me with medicine and even putting the Third Prince under my sister's name. If I go too far, I'm afraid I'll be forced to fall ill and stay in the palace to recuperate."

The Empress Dowager would not depose her as Empress, but as long as she held the position, it would be enough for the Ulanara and Uya clans.

“Your Majesty, Consort Zhuang comes from a humble background, and her child is nothing more than another Fourth Prince. What if we allow her to give birth? Your Majesty cannot afford to lose the Empress Dowager’s support.”

A ruthless glint flashed in the Empress's eyes. "I have my own plans."

In the Broken Jade Pavilion, Xiao Lezi was ordered to deliver a reward to Zhen Huan, which was a pair of Ru kiln long-necked gourds made in the imperial workshops.

After Xiao Lezi left, Zhen Huan asked Cui Jinxi, "Who is this Consort Zhuang?"

Cui Jinxi bowed and said, "Replying to Your Highness, Consort Zhuang was originally a maid in the Empress Dowager's palace. After serving the Emperor, she became pregnant and was promoted to the rank of Lady-in-Waiting, and was given the title of Zhuang, residing in Zhongcui Palace. Later, due to some unforeseen circumstances, she miscarried. The Empress Dowager took pity on her and promoted her to the rank of Attendant-in-Waiting to comfort her. Last month, she was found to be pregnant again, so the Emperor promoted Consort Zhuang to the rank of Noble Lady."

Zhen Huan was somewhat surprised that a mere palace maid could become a Noble Lady.

Huanbi, who was standing next to her, suddenly brightened up.

An Lingrong in Yanxi Palace also heard Baojuan tell the story of Yu Ying'er's rise to power. She had always felt inferior because of her humble family background and insignificant origins, and felt quite ashamed in front of the concubines and palace maids.

Upon suddenly learning that there was a noble lady in the palace who had come from a maid background, his depressed mood eased slightly, and he developed a liking for Yu Ying'er even before they met.

She stroked the exquisite and luxurious gold hairpin in the box, which was designed in the style of butterflies and flowers on trembling branches.

It is inlaid with light pink agate beads, and the tassels hanging down are made of rice-grain pearls.

Although the materials used are not particularly precious, the workmanship is excellent, making it especially suitable for girls of seventeen or eighteen years old to wear.

"Put it away. I will wear this gold hairpin on the day I pay my respects."

In Zhongcui Palace, Yu Ying'er frowned and complained to Xi Qiao about the large pile of imperial gifts still left in the storeroom, "Honestly, I don't know why the emperor always sends these imperial gifts. They're neither edible nor usable, and if you damage them, you'll be charged with a crime."

Qingzhu chuckled as she carefully packed the porcelain ornaments and other items into a safe place. "My lady, you really are... I don't even know what to say. Other ladies would be overjoyed to have these, but you only look at them with disdain."

Yu Ying'er pouted, "I'm not wrong! Silk and satin can be used to make clothes, and gold and silver jewelry can be worn, but what can paintings and porcelain be used for?"

"They can be given away." Apart from Consort An, all the other newly arrived concubines received gifts bestowed by the emperor.

Speaking of this, Yu Ying'er recalled how her elder sister treated Consort An differently, even saying that this person might become her helper. She even took a hairpin that had just been sent by the Imperial Household Department from Consort An's dressing case and gave it to her.

Yu Ying'er was puzzled and a little jealous.

On the second day after the new concubine entered the palace, Xi Qiao took Yu Ying'er for a walk in the Imperial Garden. Zhongcui Palace was right next to the Imperial Garden, and they could enjoy the scenery and flowers in just a few steps.

Xi Qiao helped Yu Ying'er walk in front, with Qing Zhu and Jin Shuang following closely behind.

In September, the osmanthus flowers are in full bloom, and the Imperial Garden is filled with their sweet fragrance.

The Imperial Garden is beautiful, shaded by trees, and a gentle breeze brings coolness, making the temperature feel very comfortable.

"It's definitely more comfortable than our palace."

Yu Ying'er sighed, "Auntie, let's plant some flowers, trees and shrubs in Zhongcui Palace sometime."

Although the Imperial Garden was beautiful, Yu Ying'er still felt safer in Zhongcui Palace. It was crowded with people there, making it easy for something to happen to her.

Xi Qiao readily agreed, saying, "I'll have Xiao Lezi go and get some pretty and easy-to-care-for flowers and plants for you, and also build you a swing."

Yu Ying'er's eyes lit up. This is great!

The master and servants were chatting and laughing when they ran into a young concubine they didn't recognize.

Looking at the concubine's delicate face and her outdated brocade cheongsam, a smile flashed across Xi Qiao's eyes. An Lingrong.

An Lingrong was also somewhat surprised to see Yu Ying'er and her party. They were extremely beautiful with exquisite features. In the middle of the two girls was a tuanfu huasheng (a type of traditional Chinese wedding dress) with pearls and tourmaline, and on both sides were multi-jeweled hairpins in the style of vases and bouquets.

Although there were only three pieces of jewelry, each one was precious and beautiful.

"The Lady of Yanxi Palace has met with her elder sister."

Since she is of lower rank, it's always better for her to pay her respects first.

An agrees?

Yu Ying'er looked at the other person in surprise and saw that her face was not as good as before she entered the palace, and her clothes were simple and rough. She couldn't understand why such a person would be chosen.

“Sister An, no need for formalities. I am Consort Zhuang from Zhongcui Palace.”

Yu Ying'er put on her business-like fake smile.

Listening to her older sister meant getting something sweet—this was a belief ingrained in Yu Ying'er since childhood. Since her sister wanted her to befriend An Ying, she naturally had to do so.

"What's wrong, An-mei?"

Her attitude was very amiable. An Lingrong did not come from Yanxi Palace, and the maid behind her was carrying a piece of cloth, which must have come from one of the concubines.

Consort Zhuang?

An Lingrong was pleasantly surprised, and felt even warmer and happier when she saw how kind Yu Ying'er was to her.

"Replying to Sister Zhuang, I just visited Consort Wan at Suiyu Pavilion and was on my way back to Yanxi Palace. Did you come to stroll in the Imperial Garden, Sister?"

Although An Lingrong's appearance was only that of a girl from a modest family, her voice was truly excellent, clear and melodious, like a gentle breeze.

Yu Ying'er began to understand why the emperor had chosen her.

"Yes, if you're not in a hurry, why don't we take a stroll together? The scenery in the Imperial Garden is different in each of the four seasons, and its beauty can only be truly appreciated by experiencing it firsthand."

An Lingrong was tempted. She had long wanted to stroll through the Imperial Garden, but unfortunately, her rank was too low and she didn't know people well enough to avoid offending high-ranking concubines and being punished. That's why she had been unable to come.

"I dare not refuse what you have asked, sister. Please."

Yu Ying'er liked this kind of straightforward person. "Please, sister."

Both of them had their own agendas and wanted to befriend each other, so for a time they got along quite well.

Because Yu Ying'er was pregnant, An Lingrong was especially considerate and slowed down her pace, asking her every now and then if she needed to rest.

Yu Ying'er chuckled, supporting her belly as she said cheerfully, "Sister An is such a thoughtful and considerate person. Don't worry, I'm not some delicate person, so these few steps won't tire me out. I didn't expect you to be so caring at such a young age."

After saying that, she caught sight of a cluster of tender pink roses in full bloom, and exclaimed with delight, waving her arms and legs to indicate that she wanted to pick the flowers. "Those flowers are so beautiful! Let's pick some to take home and put them in that white jade vase. It will look so pretty!"

"Oh, my little darling, don't go over there. Jin Shuang and I will go. We'll pick the prettiest ones for you to put in the vase."

Yu Ying'er gave up on picking the roses herself, and seeing that the roses had thorns, she was afraid of hurting them. She said with annoyance, "I should have brought Xiao Xizi with me. Girls' skin is so delicate, it hurts so much if they get pricked."

Qingzhu chuckled softly, turned to look at her and said, "Since you care about us, why not give the cheese that Auntie made for you to your servant and Jinshuang?"

Yu Ying'er glared, "Don't think I don't know you've all tasted Aunt's cooking quite a bit in private. That cheese curd was made especially for me by Aunt!"

Qingzhu and Jinshuang burst out laughing, standing in front of the rose wall, laughing so hard they almost fell over.