If 1+3=4 doesn't agree with you entering the door, what will you do?

  Ru Mei let out a long sigh and said in a hateful tone, "It's all because of you, this unlucky person. This dead girl had been quiet for a few days, but unexpectedly, today she took advantage of no one noticing and rushed into the palace again. My mother-in-law and elder sister were so anxious that they were foaming at the mouth, and they hastily entered the palace to stop her. As for me, I came to inform you, so you can be mentally prepared."

  After a long while of silence, he suddenly asked: "Since this girl had come up with such a thing some time ago, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

  "As soon as she saw her, 'It's not you who are unlucky, when I heard that your fetal movement was unstable, the fourth sister-in-law had gone to Jiangxi on an imperial order. Originally, I thought you couldn't take the stimulation, so I concealed this matter from you. But unexpectedly, this cheap girl is someone who doesn't shed tears until she sees a coffin, and today she rushed into the palace, it's unknown what big thing she wants to do."

  Mei scolded, "You useless thing, usually you can fool Father, Grandmother and Brother into not knowing what's going on, how come this time you didn't use your skills to deal with the Empress Dowager? I don't know the situation very well, but all I heard was that the Empress Dowager seemed to agree to let that cheap girl become Fourth Brother's concubine."

  She was scolded so unjustly, not afraid of being framed by the thief, but afraid that the thief would frame her. How could she have known that Yang Qining would be so biased? As a result, she had to invite the Empress Dowager, this great Buddha.

  Ru Mei said with a scowl: "That cheap girl doesn't know where she heard the news from, saying that your fetal position is unstable, and the imperial physician says that there will be symptoms of miscarriage at any time. It's estimated that this life will never be able to give birth again. She is heartbroken for Fourth Brother-in-law, thinking that Fourth Brother-in-law, a dignified prince, actually has no chance with the eldest son. She deeply loves Fourth Brother-in-law and would rather become a concubine to give birth to a son or daughter for him and adopt them under your name, so that Fourth Brother-in-law will have an heir and not be laughed at for having no children...". Speaking of this, Ru Mei's eyes turned red with anger, staring at Ruo Xian's small belly: "I see you're healthy and eating well, where are the symptoms of miscarriage? How can it be spread outside that you have a nose and eyes?"

  "As bitter as a smile, 'Recently, I almost got killed by someone, so I pretended to be ill for a few days.' Later, pretending to be sick was really too painful. Not only did I have to put on a weak appearance, but also had to deal with wave after wave of guests coming to visit and show concern, putting on an air of deep sorrow. It was truly exhausting, so in the end, I just stopped pretending."

  Ru Mei really wanted to care about two sentences, but seeing Ru's tender and rosy face, where was the weak physique, lying in bed and not getting up? So she said: "The Empress Dowager has been living in the deep palace for a long time, only knowing how to worship Buddha, and truly does not understand the nature of this humble maid. Seeing this humble maid's deep affection for Fourth Brother-in-law, and her sincere words, she was almost moved by what was said."

  "Excuse me for asking, Third Auntie," Mother Zhou hastily asked, "Is the Empress Dowager really willing to accept Yang's daughter as a bride?"

  Ru Mei nodded with a serious face, "I heard that the Empress Dowager had intended to make this concubine a secondary wife for your fourth brother, but somehow it didn't work out. This time, however, she's really set her heart on it and is crying and begging. I think she's genuinely smitten." Then she said to Ru Qing, "You shouldn't just stand there like a fool, hurry up and think of something! If this concubine really enters the palace, where will there be any peace? That's why I rushed over to inform you, so you can prepare yourself mentally."

  As if sensing her emotions, Mei's heart was for her alone. "Third sister came here today, is it specifically to tell me this matter?"

  Ru Mei rolled her eyes, "Aren't you talking nonsense? Otherwise, I'd be stuffed from eating too much." Seeing Ru Xiang still looking dull and confused, she couldn't help but get angry, pinched her, and anxiously said: "Oh no, why are you still like this? Think of a solution quickly!" Indeed, the emperor is not anxious, but the eunuchs are worried to death.

  With a bitter smile, "What can I do? If the Empress Dowager really wants to give me in marriage, she will definitely summon me at that time. What's the hurry?"

  According to the general custom of heavenly family marriages, even if a concubine is to be bestowed upon a king or high-ranking official, it must first be reported to and approved by the legitimate wife before she can enter the household.

  Even if the Empress Dowager grants a marriage, it must go through her approval, and Yang Qining can only enter the palace. Of course, looking at the entire capital, once the imperial family grants a marriage, which daughter-in-law would dare not to obey?

  Even a noble lady like the British Duchess, who is the mistress of a powerful family that has been prominent for hundreds of years, would not dare to refuse when bestowed with a concubine by the emperor.

  "Ah, you mustn't agree to this! If you do, not only will our family lose face, but the Qingchang Marquis's household will also be humiliated." As the eldest daughter of the Marquis's household, she was supposed to be a proper wife and mistress, yet she was willing to become someone else's concubine. Although it was still a title of nobility, it was still a position lower than that of a proper wife, and any respectable family would laugh at her.

  "Will Qingchang and San Ge also agree to let her be a concubine?"

  "Big brother and your third sister's husband have gone to Jiangxi, it's beyond their control. That's why big sister asked me to come find you and tell you not to agree."

  "If you're not satisfied with the situation, why didn't your elder sister-in-law stop her from marrying into our family?"

  "Big sister, how can you not be angry? This cheap girl has been spoiled to the point of being lawless, and she's saying that if she's not allowed to marry into the Wang family, she'll kill herself by banging her head. That old woman is a doting mother, how could she bear to let her really go and kill herself? I heard that in front of the Empress Dowager, big sister said a few harsh words, but was scolded back instead. She was told that big sister is unfilial and unvirtuous, watching with her own eyes as her own younger sister goes to her death."

  As soon as the atmosphere was relaxed, Dao said: "This cheap girl is indeed doing things in a strange way, but she also has a brain, and she won't really let her mother-in-law see her die. Now that she sees her seeking death is true, she's also afraid, so she can only kneel down and beg the Empress Dowager to grant their marriage."

  Mrs. Zhou and others nearby had already been unable to hold back, scolding: "Shameless cheap woman, any respectable lady would not stoop so low like her. Truly shameless."

  He's mother, however, had a different view, "The young lady of the imperial family, willingly humbling herself and becoming insignificant, may be looked down upon by others, but if she were to truly receive an imperial marriage from the Empress Dowager... it would be entirely different."

  As if she had nodded in agreement, He's mother had indeed spoken her mind.

  Just as Mei was about to speak, suddenly Dong rushed in from outside, "Princess, there is a man named Yue in the palace who claims to be from the Empress Dowager's palace and asks to see you."

  As Ruqing's heart tightened, it seemed that what was meant to come had finally arrived. She looked around at the slaves and said in a low voice, "Summon Eunuch Yue." Zhou Mama and Xiangxiang hastily came forward to adjust Ruqing's clothes and then escorted her to the front hall, where she sat down on a large, intricately carved wooden chair adorned with dragon patterns. Xiangxiang quickly placed a thick, green-gold embroidered lotus-shaped pillow behind Ruqing's waist, and once everything was in order, a middle-aged eunuch dressed in dark red robes with flying birds and beasts embroidered on the chest and sleeves entered from outside. He bowed slightly at the foot of the stairs, saying, "Your humble servant, Eunuch Yue Dingkun of Cining Palace, pays his respects to Your Highness, may you live for a thousand years, a thousand times a thousand years."

  As if in a trance, she sat down on the chair, slightly bowed her head and smiled: "No need to be so polite, Uncle Yue. I'm not feeling well and can't entertain you properly. Please forgive me, Uncle Yue. Please take a seat."

  Yue Dingkun bowed again: "Thank you, Princess, for the seat." Then he sat down on a side armrest wooden official hat chair, his buttocks only touching the chair slightly, and his body remained in a forward-leaning respectful state. He said to Ruoxi: "I don't dare hide it from you, Princess, I came here today with an important matter to report to you."

  "As if sensing something, 'Is it that you, Your Excellency, have received an imperial edict from the Empress Dowager? If there's anything to say, please speak.'"

  "...Today, Yang Qining, the thousand-gold daughter of Qingchang Houfu, rushed into the palace and knelt down to beg Empress Dowager to take charge and give her to King Jing as his wife. If Empress Dowager does not agree, she will continue to kneel and not get up. The empress looked at Empress Dowager and Yang's manner, estimating that it won't be long before she can no longer hold on. That's why the servant was sent to inform the princess, telling her to prepare herself mentally, as it is expected that within two days, Empress Dowager will summon the princess. Please also ask the princess to think of a countermeasure early."

  Zhou's mother counted the faces, one by one, all of whom were indignant. Chen's mother couldn't help but step forward and ask: "Excuse me, sir, does the Empress Dowager really agree to let Yang's daughter enter the Wang mansion?"

  Yue Dingkun nodded, "Not to deceive the princess, previously the king was eager to welcome the princess, and the Empress Dowager had already made up her mind that after the princess entered the palace for half a year, she would give the king another concubine. She had already selected a suitable candidate, which is this Yang girl. Now, Yang girl has fallen to her knees in front of the old lady, insisting on marrying King Jing and refusing to back down even if it means death. The Empress Dowager actually praised her for being truly devoted to King Jing, and said that if she didn't fulfill her wish, she would be uneasy."

  His face was expressionless, but several people had already revealed a menacing glow, and if there were no outsiders present, they would have definitely scolded him on the spot.

  Yue Dingkun looked at Ruhua's expression, nodded slightly and said in a low voice: "Wangfei, the Empress Dowager is indeed on your side. She has also heard about Yang Taifu and her daughter's actions in recent days. This kind of woman who disregards family reputation and personal reputation for private desires is not favored by the Empress Dowager either. However, although the Empress Dowager is noble, she still has to consider the position of the highest-ranking imperial concubine in the palace, Taihuang Taifei, who does not like the Empress Dowager. The moment the Empress Dowager said something unfavorable about Yang Gu'niang in front of Taihuang Taifei, she was scolded and returned. Moreover, Lu Shufei and Qing'an Gongzhu also stand on Yang Gu'niang's side, even the Empress, Hualei Taifei, speaks up for Yang Gu'niang, the Empress Dowager is already in a difficult position."

  The current Empress Dowager, who had previously faked her own death and escaped from the palace, suddenly reappeared before the Emperor in order to secure the position of Crown Prince for her son. Although she was later justified and her son ascended to the throne, becoming the new Emperor, and she was honored as the Empress Dowager, after her success, she ruthlessly eliminated her rivals, sending all the concubines from the previous emperor's palace to be buried with him in the imperial mausoleum. Even Su Guifei, who held the highest rank among them and had won the favor of the Grand Empress Dowager, could not escape this fate. The Grand Empress Dowager was bedridden at that time and couldn't do anything about it, ultimately deciding that the Empress Dowager was cruel and ruthless, and never really liked her. Lu Shufei, the Empress's niece from her maternal family, had always been favored in the palace due to this relationship, and held great power over the harem. The Grand Empress Dowager disliked her even more, but today she surprisingly sided with Yang Qining. Furthermore, Princess Qing'an was also on the side, fanning the flames. The Grand Empress Dowager originally liked Yang Qining, and now that these people were all speaking in his favor, it's certain that her heart would be swayed towards him.

  Zhen Lü Empress Dowager asked, "This Zhen Lü is so ignorant and inexperienced, it's laughable. This Shu Fei, being the niece of the Empress Dowager, why does she still dare to oppose her? And as for Zhen Lü Empress Dowager, who exactly is this sacred person?"

  Yue Dingkun replied, "It's precisely because Empress Lu was biased towards Yang Gu Niang that the empress dowager became even angrier. As for this virtuous and pure imperial consort, she was originally the Virtuous Consort during the previous emperor's reign, with no sons but only one daughter, who is now Princess Qinghe. After the previous emperor passed away, this virtuous consort was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, and because her surname is Lu, people call her Virtuous and Pure Imperial Noble Consort Lu."

  As if nodding in agreement, I searched my mind for information about Empress Zhenlie and the gossip files of Princess Qinghe. Princess Qinghe was married off at the age of 15, and her husband was selected by the eunuchs of the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Rites together. He was handsome but came from a humble background. After marrying Princess Qinghe, they moved to another mansion. I heard that Princess Qinghe's life after marriage was not good, just like most princesses of the Great Qing Dynasty. However, I also heard that her husband was personally chosen by the Empress Dowager, so I guess Empress Zhenlie must have held a grudge against her.

  It's really a fight between gods and mortals, alas, the common people are suffering.

  Yue Dingkun said, "Princess, I shouldn't be delayed in leaving the palace. Now is the time to return and report back. The Empress Dowager wants me to convey a message to you: currently things are not going well for you, so please take good care of yourself. It's also not suitable to provoke the Grand Empress Dowager at this time. You should retreat and yield, temporarily agree to let Yang Gu Niang enter the palace. After all, there is still a long way to go, the Empress Dowager will not let you suffer injustice."

  As expected, Empress Dowager understood the meaning, even if Yang Qining entered the palace, Empress Dowager would stand on her side and slowly accept her. It's not too late. Even if Yang Qining had the support of the Grand Empress Dowager, time waits for no one. Although the Grand Empress Dowager looked healthy, how many more years could she live? Yang Qining's future days wouldn't be easy either.

  Although, but as soon as she thought of her having to submit to the feudal power's vulgar and licentious oppression, she couldn't help but feel suffocated. Yang Qining had been bestowed with the title of Imperial Concubine by the Empress Dowager, so even if she was only a concubine, she wasn't an ordinary one, but rather a recognized secondary wife in the feudal era, who couldn't be beaten or scolded, and whose children would have the same status as those of the legitimate wife. It was even a reversal of shame to honor for the household of Duke Qingchang.

  "As Ru Qing took a deep breath, she smiled at Yue Dingkun and said: 'Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency. I'm deeply moved by your kindness in traveling such a long distance to bring me news. It's indeed tiring, so please take a sip of hot tea before leaving.' Then she gave Chen Xiang a signal with her eyes, and Chen Xiang understood, entering the inner room to retrieve a silver tray wrapped in red silk. Ru Qing personally lifted the silk cloth, revealing an exquisite jade ruyi lying inside. She nodded at Chen Xiang to present the jade ruyi to Yue Dingkun, smiling: 'This jade ruyi was given to me by the Duchess of England as a token of our friendship. Now I'd like to gift it to you, Your Excellency. Please accept it with a smile.'"

  This jade Ruyi is made from a rare piece of purple jade, intricately carved with an image of Guanyin. It feels warm to the touch. Even though Yue Dingkun had been in the palace for a long time and had received many valuable gifts from various nobles, he was still startled by this purple jade Ruyi. He hastily declined, laughing and saying: "I don't have anything good to give to Your Excellency, I'm just borrowing flowers to worship Buddha. Please accept it, after all, we're not outsiders to each other."

  Yue Dingkun was only then moved to accept, stood up, bowed slightly towards Ruxin, and said: "The princess's kindness is deeply felt, I am honored. The princess is right, obedience is better than respect. It's getting late, I should also return to the palace to report back. Princess, take care."

  With great difficulty, he got up, supported by the fragrant and delicate sedan chair, walked down the steps covered with a thick rug embroidered with four-clawed golden dragons, and personally saw this person off at the ceremonial gate.

  After seeing off Yue Shoukun, the smile on her lips suddenly disappeared, and she quickly returned to the inner chamber. Like a beautiful fairy descending from heaven, she emerged from behind the screen with a worried expression, "What to do? Even the Empress Dowager thinks that marrying that cheap girl into the Wang family is a done deal, have you thought of a countermeasure, sister?"

  "Things are a bit tricky."

  "What the Empress Dowager has bestowed is no ordinary thing. The princess should think of a foolproof plan."

  As if awakened by her mother's reminder, she suddenly became clear-headed. Yes, the young lady of the Hou Mansion was willing to become a concubine, which would indeed be ridiculed, but if it were an imperial marriage bestowed by the Empress Dowager, that would be a reversal of fortune, turning shame into honor. If that were truly the case, then with the Empress Dowager personally bestowing the marriage, the position of concubine could not be escaped. With Yang Tai's protective nature towards her daughter, she would definitely give out a generous dowry of ten li of red silk, and with the Hou Mansion's support and a large dowry as backing, this kind of concubine was someone she couldn't afford to offend.

  Especially the two brothers, Qing Chang Hou Ye, have a powerful influence like the scorching sun. The Empress Dowager is afraid of being outdone by this young lady, who will be marrying into the Wang family not as a secondary wife, but as an ancestor.

  Ru Mei also knew that if Empress Dowager Yu personally intervened in this matter, with Ru Qing's temperament, she wouldn't dare refuse. So she didn't dare let Ru Qing really refuse either, and could only anxiously pace back and forth.

  Suddenly, as if Mei thought of something, her eyes lit up, "Huh, where's your mother-in-law? Your mother-in-law shouldn't be able to stand this kind of person entering the door, right? Why not call your mother-in-law to respond and refuse?"

  With a bitter smile, "The weather is getting hotter, so Mother and Father Wang have gone together to Tianjin Wei to escape the heat."

  "What time is it?"

  "Just moved body."

  Her beautiful eyes turned cold and she gritted her teeth, saying: "So, this cheap girl had planned it out long ago. How terrifying."

  Her expression sank, and she nodded slightly. Rubbing her bulging belly, it had been more than five months already, and she had started to feel the baby move. Given her current physical condition, she believed that even if something tragic were to happen next, it shouldn't have too great an impact on her.

  Ru Mei's face turned pale, "This girl is well-prepared, you'd better think of a countermeasure!"

  Her expressionless face, coldly smiled: "Sister, rest assured, I won't just sit and wait for death." After setting it up for so long, the scolding words were still written on paper, she had reviewed them countless times, even the maid by her side could recite them, she didn't believe that she couldn't win this battle.

  ……

  As expected, in the evening, there was news from the palace that Empress Dowager had finally agreed to let Yang Qining become Li Xiao's concubine after being persuaded by Yang Qining, Qing'an Princess and Lu Shufei. However, Empress Dowager still took into consideration those who were already pregnant, so she made Yang Qining wait another half year, and then formally issue a decree to allow her to officially enter the household.

  Yang Qining was overjoyed, she had been kneeling for more than half a day and could no longer bear it. If not for her pride and hatred to support her, she would have retreated long ago.

  Two palace maids came out of the Weiyang Palace and knelt down in front of Yang Qining, who was swaying unsteadily, saying: "Miss Yang, the Empress Dowager has summoned you to enter."

  Yang Qining knelt until his eyes turned black, his lips turned white, and he had already seen stars in front of him, but he still stubbornly supported his shaky body and said: "If the Empress Dowager is not willing to fulfill me, I will kneel forever."

  The palace maid's face was filled with a sympathetic and admiring expression, "Miss Yang has such a devoted heart towards the King of Jing, how could the Empress Dowager not be moved. She ordered me to invite Miss Yang into the palace to ask her a few questions."

  Yang Qining's eyes lit up, and finally... the great task was accomplished.

  Inside the Weiyang Palace, the Empress Dowager looked at Yang Qining, whose body was already trembling uncontrollably, and sighed with emotion, "It's rare for you to have such determination. Alright, I agree."

  Yang Qining was overjoyed and knocked his head to the ground, choking with sobs: "Your subject's daughter thanks the Empress Dowager for her kindness, thanks the Empress Dowager for her great favor."

  The Empress Dowager let out a soft sigh, "You child, usually looking so delicate and weak, I didn't expect you to be so resolute. You've moved me." Then she turned her head to look at Madame Yang, who was standing below, and said, "Don't be too hard on her either. Although as the legitimate daughter of a marquis's family, it's not right for her to be humiliated like this, but this child has deep feelings for Xiao Er. As her mother, just turn a blind eye. I won't let her suffer."

  Mrs. Yang felt unspeakable emotions at this time, on the one hand, she let out a sigh of relief, and on the other hand, there was a hint of shame flowing across her face. On that day in the King Jing's mansion, the behavior of Queen Jing, she had seen it with her own eyes. Although the Empress Dowager was in charge, if her daughter did not win the favor of Queen Jing, it would be difficult to take a step in the palace. Moreover, Queen Jing...

  Madam Yang's face turned pale again, her tone was difficult and obscure. "After all, the Empress Dowager pitied Qi Ning, couldn't bear to see this child's infatuation go to waste, but what if Princess Jing doesn't agree? What can be done then?"

  The Empress Dowager said nonchalantly: "She is a virtuous and clever girl, she won't disagree. You can rest assured."

  Madam Yang still had her concerns, but Yang Qining proudly said: "Mother, please rest assured. If Princess Wang does not agree to let my daughter enter the palace, my daughter will kneel in front of her until she agrees."

  Madam Yang's face turned pale with displeasure, and she was about to scold, but a clear and bright female voice came from outside the palace, "If it were I, the princess, who disagreed, what would you do?"

  Digression

  Originally, I was going to write a big update today, but my aunt had something urgent come up and left the kid with me. This little guy hates it when I sit in front of the computer, sigh... My husband is busy too, so I can only post yesterday's draft for now and try harder this afternoon. Last night, a 1.4-meter-wide bed was cramped with two couples, four mothers and sons, and four fathers and sons - it almost squeezed me to death! Today, I got a stiff neck and am in agony... I'll go get a massage later. See you all tonight, friends! I don't care about flowers or diamonds; instead, I like those yellow things that look like poop...