The Eldest Daughter Returns: Imperial Uncle, I'm Pregnant!

Gu Hanjiao rode in a carriage to the palace gate, then changed into a sedan chair and was carried inside by palace staff. When she reached the second gate, she had to get out of the sedan chair and walk in herself.

Only those ladies with imperial titles or high-ranking concubines were qualified to ride in sedan chairs within the palace. Lower-ranking concubines only had the opportunity to ride in a special sedan chair once a day when they were to serve the emperor.

Even early in the morning, the heat began to rise gradually. The palace was quiet, and even the sound of footsteps was deeply concealed, giving people a very oppressive feeling.

When Gu Hanjiao arrived at Consort Yu's Xitong Palace, she saw a young palace maid she hadn't seen before waiting for her at the entrance. Gu Hanjiao wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief and followed the maid inside.

Upon entering, they did not see Consort Yu, nor did they see the two head maids, Yingyue and Amber. There were only some palace staff cleaning the palace.

"Please wait a moment, Miss. Her Highness the Imperial Concubine is still getting ready," said the maid who led her in.

"It's alright, then I..."

Before Gu Hanjiao could finish speaking, the little palace maid left on her own. No one in the entire palace paid any attention to Gu Hanjiao. Gu Hanjiao wanted to find a place to sit and rest, but she did not dare to make a decision without the master's permission.

The palace's headmistresses had previously addressed this issue, emphasizing that one must always obey the master's arrangements and never act on one's own initiative, as this would be seen as disrespecting one's superiors.

Gu Hanjiao's legs started to ache after standing for a while, and there was no ice basin in the palace. She also felt a light sheen of sweat on her forehead.

“Miss…” This time, Qiu Shuang came with her. Since only one maid was allowed to enter the palace, Gu Hanjiao chose the more composed Qiu Shuang.

Gu Hanjiao glanced at Qiu Shuang, who immediately understood and lowered her head, remaining silent.

Even if Gu Hanjiao was stupid, she understood at this moment that this was Consort Yu giving her a hard time. Gu Hanjiao couldn't help but sneer in her heart. She hadn't even become her proper mother-in-law yet, but she was already acting like one.

However, Consort Yu's attitude towards her before wasn't exactly good, but it was still quite decent. So why this time... Gu Hanjiao couldn't quite figure out when she had offended Consort Yu.

Finally, just as Gu Hanjiao was about to give up, Consort Yu arrived gracefully, and Gu Hanjiao quickly greeted her with Qiu Shuang.

"This humble woman greets Your Highness the Noble Consort, wishing you eternal youth and boundless blessings."

Consort Yu found Gu Hanjiao's greeting posture to be very standard and there was nothing wrong with it. Moreover, seeing that Gu Hanjiao's hair was wet from the heat, she felt that it was enough and she should stop, since she still had things to tell her today.

"Alright, thank you for coming so early in the morning. Get up."

"Your Majesty is too kind. There is no hardship involved. It is my honor to be summoned by Your Majesty. My father has been teaching me at home. Even the grace of Your Majesty is something we have cultivated for many lifetimes."

Consort Yu smiled, sat down, and said, "Look, the Prime Minister's child knows how to talk. What are you standing for? Sit down quickly, you're such a shy child."

“Aunt is right. Sister Gu is a wonderful person. Everyone in the capital praises her. If Qiu’er had even a bit of Sister Gu’s talent, she wouldn’t be so stupid.”

Gu Hanjiao had just sat down when she heard a familiar voice. When she looked up, she saw that the person standing next to Consort Yu was none other than Yu Xinqiu. It turned out that Yu Xinqiu had just stood there and accepted her greetings when she had just bowed to Consort Yu.

"You're not stupid at all. Look how beautiful the hairpin I chose for you today is. A girl as pretty as you shouldn't underestimate yourself."

Yu Xinqiu smiled shyly, humbly accepted Consort Yu's guidance, and then walked to the lower seat and sat down, with her own maid fanning her with a palm leaf fan.

Gu Hanjiao was instantly furious. So all that time she had been waiting was for someone inside to try on jewelry? Was Consort Yu blatantly supporting Yu Xinqiu and slapping her and the Prime Minister's Mansion in the face?

Gu Hanjiao took a deep breath, suppressed her anger, and put on a dignified smile, saying, "Miss Yu should listen to Her Majesty's teachings. The women of the Yu family are all outstanding. There is the Imperial Concubine as an example, and the eldest daughter of the Yu family, Yu Linglong, is even more admirable. So Miss Yu really shouldn't underestimate herself."

Sure enough, Yu Xinqiu's expression froze upon hearing this. She glanced at Gu Hanjiao and realized that this person was not only good-looking, but also knew exactly where to stab her to hurt her the most.

Yu Linglong, the eldest daughter of the Yu family, became famous at a young age. At least in the business world, she was a household name. At such a young age, she could spot problems with the accounts at a glance. She also single-handedly revived the Yu family's nearly bankrupt business and was groomed by the family head to be the next head of the family.

Yu Xinqiu was just one of the many daughters of the Yu family. Originally, Consort Yu had her eye on Yu Linglong and had tried to persuade the head of the family to let Yu Linglong become a concubine of the Third Prince. However, the Yu family had finally produced such a talented person, so how could they send her into the palace as a concubine? Therefore, they resolutely refused, even at the risk of offending Consort Yu.

That's how Yu Xinqiu managed to snag a bargain. It seems Gu Hanjiao did send someone to inquire.

Yu Xinqiu said, "Sister Gu is right, I have learned a lot."

Consort Yu took a sip of her cool tea, slowly waving her fan as she said, "Seeing how good your relationship is, I'm relieved. You two should still help each other out in the future."

Gu Hanjiao naturally wouldn't respond to Consort Yu's words, and simply lowered her head to drink the cool tea in her hand.

Consort Yu was somewhat annoyed when she saw that Gu Hanjiao did not accept her painting within a painting.

"What, does the Prime Minister's daughter look down on our Yu family's girls?"

"Your Highness is too kind. I am but a fool. I have only met Miss Yu twice and I really do not know if there will be any opportunities for us to help each other in the future. I beg Your Highness to enlighten me."

Gu Hanjiao made up her mind that Consort Yu would definitely not bring up the matter of giving a woman from the Yu family to the Third Prince as a concubine. After all, the principal wife had not yet been married into the family, and the concubine had been decided so early. Even ordinary families would not do such a thing.

Who was Consort Yu? Her rise to the position of Consort in the harem was not something that could be described simply.

She said, "Your father previously suggested to the Emperor that porridge be distributed in the suburbs of the capital, which is an excellent idea. However, since the Third Prince is not fully recovered, I asked you to go in his place. From now on, you and Heng'er will be husband and wife, and husband and wife are one. Although we have not yet held a wedding ceremony, I already regard you as my own daughter-in-law."

"Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated. I will definitely assist the Third Prince in doing this matter well and successfully. I hope the Third Prince will recover soon and be able to walk in the court."

Upon hearing this, Consort Yu realized that Gu Hanjiao understood what she meant.

"Yes, the Third Prince and I have had a tough time over the years. This time... alas, it's all fate. If we do this well, not only the Third Prince but I will remember your kindness. So, my dear, don't let me down."

"Your subject will do her utmost, seeking not merit but avoiding mistakes."

"Sit down, sit down. Why are you so nervous, child? Look, you're sweating. Someone, quickly bring up an ice basin. I was wondering why it feels so stuffy in the palace today. What did you do to get here?"

Aunt Yingyue explained with a smile, "You've been busy all morning, and after Amber went to fetch Miss Gu to the palace, she rushed to arrange breakfast. She forgot to prepare an ice basin in the main hall, which is a disservice to Miss Gu. I really deserve to be punished."

"Aunt Yingyue, you're exaggerating. Although the weather is hot, it's quite cool this morning. I was just too nervous about going to the palace. It's not your fault, Aunt."

"Speaking of breakfast, Yingyue, you should quickly send someone to ask Amber how the preparations are going. These two children came over early this morning and must not have eaten yet. Let them have something to eat with us later."

"Then Qiu'er is really lucky. The breakfast in Aunt's small kitchen is the best."

"You glutton, I called you here today for a serious matter, not to come here and beg for alms!"

The aunt and niece were very affectionate. Gu Hanjiao thought to herself, "Sure enough, they're finally getting down to business."

"Jiao'er, as you know, the rice for the porridge distribution was provided by the Yu family. Therefore, I plan to have Qiu'er take over the Yu family's work. You two sisters should cooperate well for the sake of the Third Prince and work together towards the same goal."

"Miss Yu?" Gu Hanjiao originally thought that Yu Linglong would be the one to connect with her, so that she could take the opportunity to get to know Yu Linglong and hitch a ride on her in business in the future, so that she could make her wallet a little fuller.

But right now, it's Yu Xinqiu, who has the least say in the Yu family, who's connecting her with the project. Does that mean her plans are going to fall apart?

"What, does Jiao'er have any objections?"

"Oh, no, no, I was just thinking that it would be even more convenient if it were Miss Yu. We are the same age, so communication should be very smooth."

"Then I'll have to rely on your guidance from now on."

"No, no, I'm just showing up at the soup kitchen to distribute porridge. The real work is done by Miss Yu. It will be even more difficult for Miss Yu to coordinate the food supply."

As the ice basin was brought out, and palace servants fanned it with palm-leaf fans, the hall immediately felt much cooler.

"I am delighted that you two sisters have reached a consensus. Ah, my Heng'er has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. It is his blessing to have such beautiful sisters as his companions. I will send someone to inform the Third Prince later. If you two need anything, just send someone to the Third Prince."

"Speaking of good fortune, Qiu'er thinks that her aunt and cousin are the most fortunate."