An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

While Consort Hua was anxious, An Lingrong suddenly understood.

The thought I couldn't grasp yesterday suddenly returned to my mind. It turned out that the strange thing was actually in the two Judges Jiang.

Yesterday, Xiao Yunzi mentioned that the messenger went to the Imperial Hospital, specifically requesting an experienced Taoist priest. The situation must have been urgent, hence the Empress Dowager's decree requiring an experienced physician to come. Coincidentally, both Imperial Physicians Jiang were present, so they went along.

However, upon arriving at Shou Kang Palace, the Empress Dowager changed her mind upon seeing that the two physicians were from the Imperial Physician Jiang, and instead sent another message to summon the other imperial physicians to come and examine the patients.

This contradicts the previous decree and is therefore somewhat unusual.

Upon closer examination, there are two points that remain unclear.

First, these two judges, Jiang and Jiang, have always been at odds, and they usually do not appear together unless it is for official business. Moreover, the Imperial Medical Academy has two judges, one chief and one deputy. Apart from the slight difference in their official titles, the purpose is to allow the two to divide their duties and cooperate with each other. In case of any emergency, one of them can always take charge of the Imperial Medical Academy.

Thinking of this, the thoughts that had been weighing on her mind for a long time were finally sorted out. An Lingrong couldn't help but frown slightly, thinking to herself, "Are these two Imperial Physicians Jiang really on official business at the same time, or is this a deliberate arrangement by someone?"

Secondly, there was An Lingrong's private speculation. An Lingrong vaguely knew that Jiang Yuanpan was one of Hua Fei's people. As for this young Jiang Yuanpan, although he didn't seem to be on good terms with her brother, An Lingrong guessed that he might also be one of Hua Fei's people in private because he was also involved in framing Shen Meizhuang in her previous life.

In this light, the Empress Dowager's last-minute request to add new concubines to the Shou Kang Palace was probably because she saw that the two new concubines were both from Consort Hua's faction. She then made up an excuse to invite other imperial physicians. This explanation makes sense for these two unusual occurrences.

But isn't this a bit too obvious?

If that's the case, then if Consort Hua wasn't truly plotting against the Fifth Prince, who was being raised by the Empress Dowager, then she must have been prescient to arrange for two Imperial Physicians Jiang to be waiting at the Imperial Hospital in advance. But isn't this arrangement a bit too blatant...?

When the Empress Dowager saw that all those who came were Consort Hua's people, although she did not directly refuse them, she gave them a very subtle rebuff, and her attitude was quite obvious...

The women in the harem are usually the best at covering up the truth, but now it seems like they are openly arguing and going back and forth like this. Could it be that they really want to tear off the mask?

Was Consort Hua truly losing her composure, or was someone plotting to deal with her for a long time?

Upon closer reflection, it seems rather illogical.

In her previous life, An Lingrong also witnessed the rise and fall of Consort Hua. Consort Hua cared a lot about status and favor. Whether it was a new concubine entering the palace, Zhen Huan being favored, or Shen Meizhuang sharing power, what Consort Hua valued most in these favors was their importance in the emperor's heart.

Wasn't Consort Hua the one who cared most about the Emperor?

Why are these troubles happening again?

Openly plotting to frame a prince would surely sever his long-standing relationship with the emperor.

Could it really be Consort Hua?

Thinking of this, An Lingrong felt a vague unease, as if some force was pushing things forward, but she couldn't figure out what it was. Things were very different now than in her previous life, and many things were difficult to judge at the moment; she could only take it one step at a time.

An Lingrong was deep in thought when she heard Consort Hua's voice suddenly soften and become melodious, completely unlike her previous submissive demeanor. Consort Hua raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? When the Fifth Prince was brought back yesterday, he was covered in blood, and his legs were bleeding profusely. Everyone saw it along the way, and it's not something I'm making up. Your Majesty's authority is awe-inspiring in the harem, and you issued an edict forbidding any discussion, but these are all things that the servants saw with their own eyes. They told me the truth, and I listened to it truthfully. I dared not add any further comments."

Looking at Consort Hua now, without her previous deliberate embellishment, she reverted to her former arrogance and domineering nature, seemingly oblivious to others. This newfound air, however, replaced her previous affectation with a more spirited air in her eyes. Judging from her demeanor, she was ready to confront the Empress directly.

An Lingrong observed secretly. Consort Hua was indeed as inept at scheming as she had been in her previous life; she couldn't control her temper even with Empress Xiao's lukewarm responses. It seemed that, in a moment of desperation, she might even be capable of having both Imperial Physicians Jiang enter the palace on the same day. But were all these elaborate schemes and calculations truly her own doing? Or…?

An Lingrong watched coldly, only to see that after Consort Hua finished speaking, she turned her gaze and gave Consort Cao a very stern look, making Consort Cao very uncomfortable.

This gave An Lingrong a sudden realization. That's right, how could she have forgotten about Consort Cao? Consort Cao was a top strategist by Consort Hua's side.

However, at this moment, there was no place for Consort Cao to use her skills.

The Empress spoke, a slight smile in her eyes, looking at Consort Hua who had just turned pale, and said calmly, "Consort Hua, although you are usually the most well-mannered, your temper is a bit too hasty. I was just chatting with you, why did you get angry?"

Consort Hua's phoenix eyes were upturned, and although her makeup was lighter today, her aura suddenly increased significantly with every movement of her brows. She was anxious to know the Emperor's attitude, but having received an imperial decree, she dared not disturb him at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. That's why she listened to Consort Cao's advice and feigned compliance, hoping to get some clues from the Empress. Little did she expect that the Empress wouldn't buy it at all, instead turning the tables on her and leaving her embarrassed in front of everyone.

"Your Majesty is right, but I am still young and impatient, unlike Your Majesty who is mature and composed." He emphasized the word "mature" when he said it.

An Lingrong couldn't help but chuckle to herself; Consort Hua's temperament was truly unforgiving.

However, the Empress seemed to want to stop there and had no intention of continuing the feud with Consort Hua. Therefore, she only smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor refuting, and her expression remained completely calm, making it impossible to guess what she was thinking.

Consort Hua was left alone, and without the Empress's response, she could not continue her tirade. She remained brooding, which was quite boring.

Seeing that there was no further news about the Fifth Prince's situation yesterday, all the concubines in the palace knew what was important, so they said a few more vague words, then bid farewell to the Empress and returned to their respective palaces.

An Lingrong and Zhen Huan walked hand in hand toward the palace gate, but as soon as they stepped out of the gate of Jingren Palace, they could vaguely hear Consort Qi walking in front of them angrily saying, "We are talking about the same thing that happened yesterday, so why does the Empress have to be so hostile towards me?"

But then Xin Changzai, who was walking by, said bluntly, "Because you don't have the surname Nian." As she said this, she gave a very polite and graceful bow.

Consort Qi rolled her eyes, ignoring Consort Xin, and led her maids and servants through the side gate, quickly heading towards her bedchamber.

An Lingrong looked on and couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, "Our Consort Xin is really quick-witted and outspoken."

Zhen Huan shook her head and smiled faintly, "Fortunately, she treats everyone the same way. Even with Consort Hua, she speaks her mind without hesitation. So she doesn't give anyone cause for gossip. It's just that it's rare to live so freely in the harem."

An Lingrong nodded; she understood this point Zhen Huan was referring to all too well. In her past life, she had to ponder everything for a long time, weighing every word carefully before uttering it, leaving her utterly exhausted. And yet, even this constant deliberation didn't guarantee a good outcome. Thinking of this, An Lingrong unconsciously let out a deep sigh.

Zhen Huan saw this and guessed what was going on. She said softly, "It's not easy for us to do everything according to our wishes in the harem. If we can retain seven or eight parts of our true selves, that's already very rare. Let's just ask to have a clear conscience, so that our sincerity won't be in vain."

These words also resonated with An Lingrong.

This also relates to another matter that has been weighing on An Lingrong's mind for the past two days.