Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

In early June, the Sixth Prince celebrated his one-month birthday, and Yu Ying'er finally finished her postpartum confinement.

Early in the morning, the imperial decree promoting Yu Ying'er to the rank of Consort Zhuang was issued.

She was promoted on the same day as Consort Xin and Consort Cao, but Consort Zhong Cui was the first to receive the imperial decree, followed by Consort Cao Qinmo, who was then promoted to Consort Jin, and finally Consort Xin.

After the investiture ceremony and the Empress's admonition, Yu Ying'er became a concubine in the harem.

With the Sixth Prince as her golden goose, Yu Ying'er was somewhat unwilling to agree to the Emperor's demands. After all, she had already obtained wealth and honor, and with her all-powerful older sister supporting her, why should she bother?

Therefore, Yu Ying'er, whose body had clearly recovered and was ready to serve the emperor, did not report the truth. Instead, she and the imperial physician fabricated a story about postpartum bleeding. As for when she would recover, that would depend on her mood and specific circumstances.

The day after the investiture ceremony, the emperor led his entourage to the Yuanmingyuan Garden to escape the summer heat.

Yu Ying'er, the newly promoted Consort Zhuang, was naturally included in the list.

The Yuanmingyuan Garden truly lived up to its reputation as a summer resort; the heat dissipated as soon as you entered the garden.

Yu Ying'er's residence was Anlan Garden, the main hall of Siyi Study. It was a spacious place, and no one lived with her. After settling in, she took Qingzhu and Jinshuang and went off to have fun.

It was as if she were a person who had been released from prison and was finally able to come out of the cell that had confined her to get some fresh air.

But life in the Yuanmingyuan was indeed much more relaxed; even Xi Qiao felt a long-lost sense of leisure there. Without the high palace walls confining them, it seemed as if the air itself was filled with the scent of freedom.

Yu Ying'er and her palace servants went completely wild, wandering around outside all day long, and you could hardly see anyone until mealtime.

He not only forgot about the emperor, but also about his own son.

Fortunately, Xi Qiao still remembered him and stayed by the Sixth Prince's side every day.

After a few days of carefree fun, Yu Ying'er finally remembered her precious son and would occasionally take the Sixth Prince to play with Consort Xin's eldest princess.

Occasionally, they would run into Consort Jin. All three of them were children of consorts and were close in age, and all of them received little favor from the emperor, so there was no conflict between them.

They can barely manage to have fun together.

Meanwhile, things were quite lively for An Lingrong, Zhen Huan, and the others on the other side.

Only after gaining favor did An Lingrong finally understand the wonder of it and wholeheartedly devoted herself to vying for the emperor's affections.

With Consort Hua supporting her, she gained the emperor's favor and was even able to rival Zhen Huan.

Although their trio had fallen apart, they hadn't completely broken off relations. If they met, they could still exchange a few polite words and maintain a semblance of civility.

Unfortunately, on this day, when Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang went for a stroll in the garden, they inexplicably began to sigh that An Lingrong had finally made it through.

It's not that these words are unspeakable, it's just a pity that Huanbi was with them.

Huanbi, who considers herself the second young lady of the Zhen family, is ambitious and looks down on An Lingrong, who comes from a humble background.

Seeing An Lingrong so favored now fills him with contempt and resentment. Hearing Shen Meizhuang's praise, the intention to win her over is obvious, and he can't help but feel jealous and resentful.

"Miss Shen thinks too highly of her. She's just the daughter of a mere county magistrate. She's timid, stingy, and lacks any of the grace of a lady from a prominent family. Even the lowest-ranking maid in our Zhen household is better than her. The Emperor's interest will only last a few days."

Zhen Huan turned around and glared at her, "What nonsense are you talking about! If someone hears you gossiping about the mistress behind her back, they'll beat you."

Huanbi retorted, "Am I wrong? When she first entered our Zhen family, she had two old and ugly plain silver hairpins in her hair."

“Even the lowliest maids in our household are better off than her. How long has she been in the palace? She’s still the same timid, unpresentable woman she used to be. She’s annoying to look at.”

Shen Meizhuang frowned and glanced at Zhen Huan with displeasure.

How did Huan'er control her servants?

Zhen Huan didn't notice and was busy talking to Huan Bi, "You still speak so bluntly. It's fine to say these things in front of me and Sister Mei, but you must not let Ling Rong hear them."

Huanbi was overjoyed to see that she had tacitly agreed with her.

"Don't worry, my lady, I know what I'm doing."

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang suddenly lost interest in continuing her stroll and casually made an excuse to leave with her maid.

Once they were some distance apart, she asked Caiyue beside her, "What's wrong with Huanbi? She's been gossiping about the concubines time and time again. And Huan'er too, not only is she not punished for such a servant, but she's even been tacitly allowed and indulged. Something bad is bound to happen sooner or later."

Caiyue also looked down on Huanbi, but didn't say much, "After all, she's someone close to Consort Wan, it's not good for Consort Wan to say too much."

Shen Meizhuang's displeasure wasn't about that, but rather, "No matter how low Lingrong's birth, she's still a royal concubine. Huan'er, today you've allowed Huanbi to humiliate and belittle Lingrong like this. Who knows if you've said the same thing about others?" or if you've said it about her before.

Shen Meizhuang pursed her lips slightly and remained silent.

Inside the artificial hill, near where Shen Meizhuang and Zhen Huan had just spoken, Xi Qiao and An Lingrong heard Huanbi and Zhen Huan's conversation clearly.

As for the conversation between Shen Meizhuang and Caiyue, only Xi Qiao heard it.

She raised an eyebrow in surprise. Shen Meizhuang and Zhen Huan had actually developed a rift!

But thinking about it, it makes sense. Although the two of them acted like their friendship was stronger than gold, they had only played together for two years when they were children. Their close relationship was probably due to their desire to stick together for warmth.

Since Zhen Huan gained favor, Shen Meizhuang has fallen out of favor precipitously. All she still holds is the power in the palace (which she only obtained after Consort Hua gave up her power when she became pregnant).

Having personally experienced the feeling of being favored, who would willingly lose it?

An Lingrong's expression was not good. "I never thought that in Consort Wan's eyes, I was not even as good as their household maids."

"Why should you take it to heart, my lady? It's just the nonsense of an unrelated person."

Xi Qiao gently fiddled with the lotus leaves he had just picked, and pointed at her with a smile, "That Huanbi by Consort Wan's side is not honest. It just so happens that Consort Xia and Consort Wan don't get along. If Consort Xia knew what Huanbi was thinking, she might be able to vent your anger for you, Your Highness."

An Lingrong recalled what Consort Jin and Consort Hua had said earlier; they also intended to give Huanbi a push.