Imperial favor

Besides, in her previous life, Consort Xian had clearly been the first to give birth.

How had it become Noble Lady Wei now?

Looking at Noble Lady Wei's blissful expression, Wen Yunmian could not shake the feeling that something was wrong.

The moment she raised her eyes, she met Consort Shu's gaze. Her heart gave a jolt, and she heard Consort Shu say with a cold smile, "All our sisters are happy for Noble Lady Wei. Why do you alone look so displeased, Noble Lady Yan? Do you feel that she has stolen your limelight?"

Noble Lady Wei's expression changed slightly. Sure enough, Consort Shu's words had led her astray, and she cast a veiled glance at Wen Yunmian.

The hostility in that gaze was unmistakable.

Noble Lady Yu pressed her lips together in a smile. "When it comes to receiving His Majesty's favor, no one has been summoned more often than Noble Lady Yan. How is it that Noble Lady Yan has not conceived, yet Noble Lady Wei has?"

Consort Shu did not want to hear such talk. In her heart, she believed the emperor only favored those women in the palace because the greater picture demanded it. Every other woman was carried away by the eunuchs after serving him once. Wen Yunmian alone was the exception.

The emperor's infatuation with her left Consort Shu trembling with dread.

Yet her desolation lasted only a moment before her lustrous scarlet lips curved into a cold smile.

These days would not last much longer. Soon, Wen Yunmian would not even be able to preserve her life.

The Empress interrupted Noble Lady Yu and the others' mockery in a stern voice. "Enough. Whether one conceives also depends on fate. Noble Lady Yan has only just entered the palace. Why must you speak so cruelly, Noble Lady Yu?"

Reprimanded by the Empress, Noble Lady Yu fell silent.

Meanwhile, Jun Chenyu had also received the good news of Noble Lady Wei's pregnancy while attending court. This was his first child, and naturally, he was delighted.

Thus, he went straight to Fengyi Palace.

When he entered, the consorts hurriedly paid their respects. "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

A trace of warmth softened Jun Chenyu's stern face. "You may all rise."

Noble Lady Wei met the emperor's eyes, her heart racing as she shyly lowered her gaze. She had expected him to come to her first, but instead, Jun Chenyu stopped before Wen Yunmian.

When Wen Yunmian saw that slender hand extended toward her, her lashes trembled slightly. She lifted her lychee-like eyes and found Jun Chenyu gazing at her gently.

Wen Yunmian lowered her eyes bashfully, placed her hand in Jun Chenyu's palm, and rose. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Consort Shu stared at the scene, her pupils contracting. In that instant, turbulent emotions surged through her heart...

The Empress naturally noticed as well. She smiled faintly, leaving everything unspoken.

Noble Lady Wei bit her lip in disappointment. Only then did Jun Chenyu walk over to her and take her hand. "I just heard that you are with child. Is it true?"

His voice softened with a gentleness rarely heard. Noble Lady Wei's cheeks flushed as she murmured an assent. "The Imperial Physician examined me yesterday. It has been a little over half a month."

The Empress gave a dignified smile. "This is wonderful news for the harem, and Your Majesty's first child."

Jun Chenyu helped Noble Lady Wei sit down. At that moment, his gaze held only her. "Sit down first."

Noble Lady Wei's heart seemed filled with honey. She knew the emperor loved her. The tender affection in his eyes now made her fall hopelessly deeper.

She stroked her still-flat belly. She would surely give the emperor a healthy child, a child who belonged to her and His Majesty.

"Noble Lady Wei has rendered a service by conceiving an imperial heir. I intend to bestow upon her the title Shu. Once she safely delivers the imperial heir, she will be promoted to the rank of imperial concubine. What do you think, Empress?"

The Empress smiled gently. "I think it an excellent decision."

Jun Chenyu's words filled the consorts with both envy and jealousy.

Apart from Wen Yunmian, she was only the second to receive an honorary title.

Wen Yunmian, however, was not at all surprised by his decision.

The Duke of State Protection's Residence now stood unrivaled at court, and Qin Zhao would soon return to the capital. When that happened, the residence's prominence would only grow.

Consort Shu might even be promoted another rank.

After all, human greed was like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. By then, Consort Shu would likely set her sights on the Empress's position.

Thus, if the emperor wished to balance the great families through the arts of imperial rule, his best course was to support the Empress's clan, then find ways to elevate other capable families that were easy to control.

This was also why Wen Yunmian had sent her cousin and the others to provide disaster relief at this critical juncture.

By the time they returned to the capital, the Duke of State Protection's Residence would be at the height of the emperor's wariness. Then, the Gu Family and her cousin would be the capable family and individual he deliberately sought to elevate.

His favor toward the Wei Family now was likewise intended to curb the Duke of State Protection's Residence's prominence.

Overjoyed, Noble Lady Wei hurried to kneel and thank him, but Jun Chenyu stopped her. "You are with child. There is no need for such formalities."

Noble Lady Wei looked at Jun Chenyu with shy eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Consort Shu's expression shifted slightly. Fortunately, Noble Lady Yu reminded her from beside her, and she forced a stiff smile as she addressed Noble Lady Wei. "Congratulations, Sister. I hope you safely deliver a prince and rise to preside over a palace of your own."

Noble Lady Wei smiled faintly. "May your auspicious words come true, Your Highness."

The Empress naturally understood Jun Chenyu's intentions as well. She said gently, "Your Majesty, Noble Lady Shu's pregnancy has yet to stabilize. Why not let her return first to rest and recuperate?"

Jun Chenyu rose with a gentle look and took Noble Lady Wei's hand. "I will accompany her back."

Seeing how much importance Jun Chenyu placed on a pregnant consort, Wen Leyan grew even more excited.

Soon. Counting the days, it will soon be my turn to receive this favor.

After Jun Chenyu left with Noble Lady Wei, the other consorts also took their leave one after another.

On her way out, Wen Yunmian came face-to-face with Consort Xian. Seeing how carefully the maid beside her supported her, a shadow of depth passed through Wen Yunmian's eyes.

Consort Xian was the one with the deepest designs. The fact that she had safely given birth to the eldest prince showed that her scheming was far from ordinary.

Announcing a pregnancy before it had stabilized was undoubtedly making oneself a living target.

Noble Lady Shu clearly had not considered this.

On the way back, she saw eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department arriving in group after group, carrying all manner of rare treasures toward Lucky Cloud Palace, where Noble Lady Wei lived.

Now that Noble Lady Wei had received an honorary title, she would henceforth be Noble Lady Shu. With the emperor's personal promise that she would preside over a palace of her own, naturally, every fine thing was being sent to Lucky Cloud Palace in abundance.

Yun Fei could not help exclaiming, "The things they are carrying are so beautiful they dazzle the eyes. Being favored in the palace truly does bring boundless glory."

Wen Yunmian saw the rewards bestowed upon Noble Lady Shu, and naturally, so did many of the consorts passing by.

Quite a few began planning to visit Lucky Cloud Palace over the next couple of days to curry favor with Noble Lady Shu. There could be no harm in growing close to her.

Wen Yunmian's considerations ran much deeper. Lost in thought, she returned to Peony Pavilion.

As soon as she entered, she saw the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department hurrying toward her with his attendants, his face wreathed in smiles. "This servant greets Noble Lady Yan."

Wen Yunmian answered with a smile. "What brings you here, Eunuch?"

Eunuch Hong smiled and had several bolts of silk brought forward. "My lady, these are the latest bolts of Cloudglow Brocade from the Imperial Household Department. Her Majesty the Empress has ordered that they be bestowed upon you."

Yun Fei and Yun Yang smiled as they accepted the Cloudglow Brocade.

Wen Yunmian said gently, "Thank you, Eunuch. I will go and thank Her Majesty the Empress later."

"Her Majesty is feeling unwell, so she instructed that you need not come to offer thanks."

A deep glimmer passed through Wen Yunmian's bright eyes. Without betraying anything, she nodded. "Understood."

Yun Fei escorted Eunuch Hong out, while Yun Yang looked at the fabric with a smile. "These bolts would beautifully complement your snow-white complexion, my lady. Shall I have someone take them to be made into new clothes?"