The Changchun Palace team travels back in time to Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

Over the years, Eunuch Xu of the Imperial Household Department has summarized the patterns of the emperor summoning or staying overnight in the palaces of his concubines: if some major events occur in the court or the palace, the emperor will often go to Changchun Palace; if he chooses Consort Shen, then for the next two days the emperor will stay alone in Yangxin Hall and not choose anyone else, until the third day when he will start again, and he will often choose Consort Ling.

As for Consort Xian, the emperor would visit her about every ten days to half a month. After each visit to Cuiyun Pavilion, she would usually go to Chengqian Palace the next day, and sometimes Yongshou Palace. Only after that would he start to select other consorts.

In recent years, Consort Ling has been the most favored. Before she had any children, she was granted the title of Consort along with Consort Chun, who had given birth to the Seventh Prince. Moreover, the chief envoy appointed was Lord Chen, who held several important positions and also had the honorary title of Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince.

Now that Consort Ling is pregnant again, she is even more popular. Eunuch Xu thought to himself that if this child is born smoothly, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl, he would probably have to start calling Consort Ling "Noble Consort" soon.

After all, everyone in the palace knew that Consort Gao, who had once been the most favored concubine, had been removed from the palace due to illness after the Mid-Autumn Festival three years ago. In the years since, the Emperor had not once set foot in Xianfu Palace, and Consort Gao's illness had never improved. Now, it seemed that she was on the verge of death. Two years ago, the renowned physician Xue was summoned to the palace and said that her condition was so critical that medicine was useless, and further treatment would only increase her suffering. Therefore, the Imperial Hospital stopped even medication and acupuncture, only allowing the Consort to eat some medicinal meals to dispel the cold and use some calming incense.

As for Consort Shen, perhaps due to a miscarriage years ago, she has not conceived despite receiving the Emperor's favor all these years. She only has an adopted daughter and will likely remain a consort for a long time. As for Consort Chun, although she has given birth to two princes, she has repeatedly offended the Emperor, and he has always treated her with indifference.

Among the other concubines, only Consort Shu received a little more favor from the Emperor, and Consort Wan, a former concubine from the Prince's residence, was remembered by the Emperor from time to time. Most of the others did not receive much favor.

However, under the Empress's rule, although the concubines often bickered, they rarely harbored resentment due to unequal favor. Those concubines who were not favored did not lack food, clothing, or daily necessities. They often gathered together to play cards, chat, listen to music, and take care of their children, so their days were not lonely.

Even Consort Gao, who had been ill for a long time and rarely left her home, was kindly treated by the Empress. In recent years, her rations of charcoal, food, and medicine have been increased on top of her original allowances, and they are supplied all year round. So, except for the summer, the Xianfu Palace is always filled with burning charcoal braziers.

The Empress also instructed the Imperial Household Department to try their best to satisfy any desires Consort Gao might have.

On this day, Yi Huan arrived at Cuiyun Pavilion and discussed the matter with Ruyi.

Yi Huan sighed, "The Empress's kindness to the Consort is also to fulfill the Emperor's wishes."

Ruyi raised her finger and picked up her brush to draw, saying, "The Consort is seriously ill. No matter how much she wants things, her spending is limited. The Empress's actions not only preserve her reputation for virtue but also do not violate her long-standing principle of frugality. It is killing two birds with one stone."

As they were talking, Jinbao arrived at Cuiyun Pavilion and said, "This servant pays his respects to Consort Shu and Consort Xian. His Majesty said that Consort Shu served him last night and was specially given a bowl of medicine to help her conceive. Please drink it immediately so as not to miss the time for taking the medicine."

Yi Huanfei blushed and asked He Xi to bring her the medicine, which she drank in one gulp.

After bowing and leaving, Yi Huan said, "These past few years, perhaps the Emperor felt that you were afraid of hardship, and because Physician Qi had passed away, he hadn't given you any fertility medicine for a long time. But today, for some reason, he gave you some again. Perhaps it's because another prince has been born in the palace, and Consort Ling is pregnant again, so the Emperor is eager to have a child with me. Unfortunately, I am weak, and all these years, there has been no sign of pregnancy."

When Ruyi heard the words "Consort Ling", her expression immediately froze.

She had initially thought that Yanwan was frivolous, ignorant, and short-sighted, but that she had only won the emperor's favor for a short time because of her youthful appearance. However, she did not expect that Yanwan's favor would not wane for several years. First, she was made a concubine without having a child, and now she is pregnant.

Yi Huan, feeling somewhat shy after drinking the fertility-enhancing medicine, took her leave. Seeing Ruyi's displeasure, Hailan knelt down to massage Ruyi's legs, saying, "So what if you're pregnant? Even if you give birth safely, who knows if it'll be a prince or a princess?"

Ruyi said, "Winter is dry, have the kitchen stew a bowl of bird's nest and white fungus soup, and I will send it to the Emperor."

Hailan said with difficulty, "Master, we've run out of bird's nest and white fungus."

Ruyi glanced down sideways, and Hailan immediately said, "This servant will think of a way."

In the afternoon, Ruyi had Hailan carry a food box and accompany her to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Inside the food box was a bowl of chicken soup with wood ear mushrooms and rice noodles.

The guards, having already received instructions, stopped her from entering when they saw her and sent someone to announce her arrival.

Although Ruyi was outside the palace, she heard words coming from deep within the Hall of Mental Cultivation that no one else could possibly hear at this distance.

It was the emperor and Physician Huang.

The emperor urged Imperial Physician Huang to continue processing fish maw for him, because the supply of fish maw was insufficient, which was why he had no choice but to ask Imperial Physician Huang to prescribe a "pregnancy-enhancing medicine".

Physician Huang said he would expedite the process, and then cautiously added that the fertility-enhancing medicine should probably not be prescribed in large quantities. He also advised that Consort Shu should stop using the incense and the Lingling incense in her bracelet.

"Your Majesty, I dare not disobey your will. However, when Lady Fuheng entered the palace, I sometimes served the Empress. That's when I learned that Lady Fuheng usually enjoys making rouge and powder and is also an expert in incense. Even if the incense has been burned to the point of being tasteless, I'm afraid she can still tell something from it."

The art of beauty shares the same roots as the art of medicine. Many spices are also recorded in medical texts. Lady Shu and Consort Shu are sisters, and they will inevitably have contact. If one day she discovers that the medicinal scent or spice is not right, I'm afraid, I'm afraid..."

The emperor took a deep breath before saying, "Alright, just make the fish maw. Now you may leave."

Ruyi was shocked. She suddenly handed the food box to the guard, asked him to pass it on, bowed slightly, and left.

She sent a message to Jiang Yubin, wanting to ask Linglingxiang.

Although Jiang Yubin hated Ruyi to the core, she was still a courtier, so he had no choice but to reluctantly come.

When Ruyi asked about Linglingxiang, Jiang Yubin replied, "This incense is expensive and is mostly used for Buddhist offerings in the outside world. However, it is used more often in wealthy households and the palace. It is frequently found in the incense and perfumes of the masters."

Ruyi paused for a moment, then asked, "Does this have any effect on a woman's pregnancy?"

Jiang Yubin's heart tightened, and he said, "There are many people who burn incense and worship Buddha, and apply cosmetics, but I have never heard of anyone being unable to get pregnant because of incense."

Ruyi sullenly told him to leave.

As soon as Jiang Yubin left Cuiyun Pavilion, he headed towards Yongshou Palace.

Ruyi thought to herself that ordinary women were unaffected by the smell, probably because they rarely smelled it. The bracelet Yihuan gave her contained so many fragrant ingredients; if it truly had no effect, why would Imperial Physician Huang and the Emperor have said such things?

I heard that the bracelet was given to Yi Huan and Gao Xiyue, one each...

Ruyi pondered for a moment and asked Hailan, "Hailan, if you are sincere to someone, but that person is scheming against you without letting you see it, wouldn't you be afraid?" (Dialogue quoted from the original drama)

Hailan asked, "What is the master saying?"

Ruyi then said, "If you know someone has been deceived all along, but if you tell her the truth, she will be heartbroken, would you tell her or not?" (Quoted from the original drama)

Hailan sensed something was wrong and asked, "Master, what happened?"

Ruyi asked her to bring the bracelet and incense given to her by Yihuan, saying, "These incense in the bracelet are probably Lingling incense, which can cause infertility."

Hailan's mind raced. She asked, "Who wants to harm Consort Shu? The Empress? Or..."

Ruyi changed the subject, saying, "Since Consort Ling is pregnant, we haven't gone to send her a gift yet. We should at least make sure to save face."

Hailan's eyes lit up, and she said, "Yes. How could someone like Consort Ling deserve to have her own child?"

The next day, Hailan went to the Imperial Household Department and asked for some jewelry.

She slipped the scented bait into a silver bracelet with a lock and sent it to Chengqian Palace.

When Yanwan saw the bracelet, she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

After Hailan left, Chunchan immediately went to a distance, unlocked the clasp, and poured out all the bait.

Lan Cui said angrily, "Consort Xian is really in a hurry! She asked Physician Jiang the day before yesterday, but she still didn't get a definite answer, and now she's resorting to such methods! If Consort Shen hadn't sent someone to remind you, wouldn't you have fallen into her trap! Your Highness, let's go and complain to the Emperor!"

Yanwan stroked her slightly protruding belly beneath her rose-red embroidered floral cotton robe, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes. She said, “No rush. According to Physician Jiang, he only said that these are commonly used incense in the palace, but he never mentioned that they can terminate a pregnancy. At this point, Consort Xian can easily claim ignorance, which would make us seem arrogant and presumptuous. Let’s put these incense sticks back exactly as they were and put them away. We need to find a suitable opportunity to expose this matter.”

As Chun Chan filled the fragrant bait, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "But Master, since Physician Jiang didn't say that Lingling incense can terminate a pregnancy, why did Consort Xian do this?"

Yanwan said, "Chunchan, look at these baits. Don't they look like those in the Imperial Concubine's bracelet? Also, smell them. Do they have no scent?"

Spring Cicada looked at it, then smelled it, and exclaimed in surprise, "Just as I thought!"

Yanwan said, "This Consort Xian used to be on good terms with Consort Shu. After she was released from confinement, only Consort Shu went to visit her. Last time when she came to pay her respects, I saw that she was wearing Consort Shu's bracelet, so the incense bait came from Consort Shu. And Consort Shu's bracelet is a pair with the Noble Consort's."

Spring Cicada asked in surprise and uncertainty, "What does Master mean?"

Yanwan said, "In short, let's wait. The Empress and the Imperial Concubine were selected for the imperial concubine selection together with Consort Xian in the past. Consort Xian still holds a grudge about what happened back then, and she will definitely not be able to restrain herself towards the Imperial Concubine either."

Chun Chan hesitated and said, "My lady, if we know that Consort Xian will be detrimental to the Imperial Concubine, but we let it go, I'm afraid we won't be able to get past the Empress... Should we, perhaps, speak to the Empress?"

Yan Wan said, "Consort Xian is a cowardly and self-righteous person who can't do anything. The only thing she can do is tell the Imperial Concubine what she thinks is the truth. Back then, Hai Lan said in front of everyone that Imperial Physician Qi was making the Imperial Concubine's illness worse. As the former head of the Imperial Hospital, only the Emperor, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager could order him around. And that Mid-Autumn Festival, the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine both fell into the water. This matter caused such a big fuss, but in the end, only a few boatmen were fined. There must be something fishy about this."

Therefore, the Noble Consort is strong-willed and will not be defeated by the truth. What Consort Xian considers a bad thing is actually a good thing for the Noble Consort. However, what you said makes sense. This matter should still be reported to the Empress, but there's no need to say much. Just say that there are some things in this bracelet that I'm not entirely at ease with. Also, I should mention that the Noble Consort is ill and should not be disturbed by others. Also, Chun Chan, go and select some good leather and have the embroidery workshop make a bracelet. Once it's finished, send it to the Noble Consort as a small token of our appreciation.”

Gao Xiyue lay in thick bedding, looking up at the heavy beaded curtain, listening to the crackling of burning charcoal.

Even with the ground heating system burning brightly and several charcoal braziers burning, she still felt chilly.

The chill seemed to seep from the very marrow of one's bones, as if the Xianfu Palace was piled not with gold and jewels, but with snow and ice.

She suddenly felt very lonely.

She gently called to Moxin and said, "It's too quiet."

Mo Xin said, "Then, shall I keep you company for a chat, Master?"

Gao Xiyue said, "I don't want to hear voices. I... haven't left Xianfu Palace in a long time. I just want to hear the chirping of crickets."

Mo Xin thought for a moment and said, "Then this servant will ask the Imperial Household Department to send over a cricket jar."

She left, and after a short while, a palace maid came in carrying a jar.

Sure enough, crickets were chirping inside the jar.

Gao Xiyue smiled weakly and turned to see a palace maid kneeling by the bedside, holding a jar of crickets.

She suddenly felt that the palace maid looked familiar, so she said, "Come closer."

She looked at the palace maid's face and said uncertainly, "I've seen you before. You used to serve Lady Keliyete?"

The palace maid lowered her head and said, "Yes, this servant is Ye Xin. I used to be the head palace maid of the Keliyete clan. Now, due to an old illness, I am unable to serve my mistress. However, thanks to the Empress's kindness, she allowed me to feed crickets in the North Garden."

Gao Xiyue paused, as if suddenly remembering something, and said with difficulty, "Yes, yes, Her Majesty the Empress demoted Keliyete because of you..."

She fell silent, as if searching her memory. After a long while, she suddenly asked, "Was it cold back then?"

Ye Xin was momentarily confused and could only say, "This servant is foolish and asks Your Highness to enlighten me."

Gao Xiyue said, "Back then, when I wanted to teach Keliyete a lesson, I made her make prayer flags in the courtyard, and you knelt outside with her. Keliyete is a demon, let's not talk about her. But you, are you cold?"

Ye Xin suddenly raised her head, stunned for a moment, then lowered her eyes again and said, "The imperial physician said that I am seriously ill, which has led to a chronic illness. It is due to the cruel punishment of the Keliyete clan, as well as the fact that I was exposed to the cold several times before, which caused the cold air to enter my body and damaged my constitution."

Mo Xin was a little anxious when she heard her reply. Just as she was about to say something, Gao Xiyue raised her hand to stop her and then instructed, "Mo Xin, go and get that packet of ginseng and deer antler pills for her."

Ye Xin was startled and prostrated herself, saying, "This servant dares not accept such a generous reward from Your Highness!"

Gao Xiyue was a little impatient. She waved her arm slightly and then fell weakly onto the bed: "Here you go, take it. Take the cricket away, I'm tired."

Perhaps because she was too weak, Gao Xiyue had often been like this for the past two years. She would suddenly decide what she wanted to eat or what she wanted, but when the food was actually presented to her, she would take a bite or look at it and then become impatient.

Mo Xin was already used to it, so she took Ye Xin out and asked Xing Xuan to open the storeroom and get the ginseng and deer antler pills.

After sleeping for a while, Gao Xiyue woke up and suddenly said, "Moxin, I want to see Consort Shen, Consort Mei, and Consort Ling."

Mo Xin hesitated. All three of these women were people Gao Xiyue had offended in the past, with only Consort Ling being a lesser offender. Three years ago, after the Mid-Autumn Festival, none of the three had set foot in Xianfu Palace, except for Consort Ling, who had sent gifts to them a few times.

She pondered for a moment and said, "Please rest, my lady. I will send someone to invite you. However, I'm afraid the ladies are not very free these days, and Consort Ling is especially unwell. Even if she wanted to come, it would be difficult."

Gao Xiyue mumbled a reply, still half asleep, and closed her eyes again.

However, Moxin didn't even have the chance to invite them over.

A scabies outbreak suddenly occurred in Xianfu Palace. Xingxuan and several other palace maids developed rashes and were moved out for treatment. To prevent further spread of scabies, the Imperial Household Department sent people to collect all the items used by the patients, locked some of the palace maids' residences and the palace gates of Xianfu Palace, and only allowed to open the gates when someone brought food. Even the person bringing the food was not allowed to enter the palace; only Moxin could bring it in. Even the Empress, who used to visit occasionally, stopped coming after being advised by the imperial physicians.

The Xianfu Palace was sealed off for more than half a month, and at this time, Moxin could not invite the three concubines.

Gao Xiyue didn't blame her, but said, "Yes, Xianfu Palace is currently plagued by scabies and is not clean, so it's inconvenient to come."

However, the deserted Xianfu Palace welcomed an uninvited guest.