Imperial Concubine Ying Is With Child

In the face of such joyous news, who would spare a thought for her now?

Even Consort Yi, who might have otherwise spoken up on her behalf, was quietly fuming at the moment.

That seemingly delicate and timid Concubine Ying had hidden her pregnancy so well—waiting until the fetus was perfectly stable before revealing it. Clearly, she was a woman of calculated mind.

Consort Yi cast another glance at Noble Consort Lin. Her expression of surprise looked far too rehearsed.

After years of palace rivalry, she and Noble Consort Lin understood one another all too well.

What was this display about?

Was she trying to force Concubine Ying into revealing her pregnancy in public?

Or was she using her as a stepping stone to elevate Lin Wanyi?

Carefully watching every movement of Noble Consort Lin, Consort Yi couldn't discern her true intentions.

"Quickly, send Concubine Ying back to Yaoyue Palace to rest. As for Second-Class Attendant Lin—she fell into the water while saving Concubine Ying. She must have been frightened and may have swallowed some water. Summon the imperial physicians at once."

With a single sentence, Noble Consort Lin redirected everyone's attention to Lin Wanyi.

Indeed, after witnessing what had happened earlier, no one could deny that it was Lin Wanyi who had "saved" Concubine Ying.

Had she not reached out before falling into the lake, Concubine Ying might have fallen in with her. The child might not have survived.

That one act had likely saved two lives.

Concubine Ying was still unconscious, already being carried back to Yaoyue Palace under Noble Consort Lin's orders.

Lin Wanyi, meanwhile, was shivering uncontrollably. Her entire body was soaked, clad in cloaks borrowed from Chunqi and Xia'an.

Though it was summer and the lake water wasn't frigid, Lin Wanyi suffered from chronic cold. She had always feared the chill, and now, with water dripping from her clothes and her limbs trembling, she was visibly miserable.

Seeing her lips pale and quivering, Lin Xingzhi desperately wanted to lift her into his arms and help her change into dry clothes. But Lin Wanyi stopped him.

"Elder Brother, this is the imperial palace. Though we are siblings, propriety must still be upheld. Please, don't let a moment's impulse ruin the future you've worked so hard to obtain."

"Qianqian!"

There wasn't even time for them to speak further. Noble Consort Lin had already sent palace maids to escort Lin Wanyi back to Yihua Palace.

Watching her fragile figure being helped away, Lin Xingzhi clenched his fists tightly.

Even after falling into the lake, his sister still worried about his future. The thought twisted his heart with pain.

His future.

Yes—if he were a man like the Fourth Prince or the Marquis of the Northwest, would his sister still be humiliated like this in the harem?

Impossible.

Just look at Noble Consort Lin, standing proudly beside the emperor, radiant in her fine silks, conversing effortlessly with titled ladies.

She too was a daughter of the Lin family. Why was she allowed to stand so high, while his younger sister remained a mere low-ranked consort—scorned and pushed into the lake?

It was all because she had a powerful grandmother and the support of the Prince Zhan's household.

The thought struck deep, and Lin Xingzhi made a decision in that very moment.

Though irritated by the disruption to the celebration, Noble Consort Lin could only act quickly to contain the aftermath.

"The support beams beneath Qingyuan must have rotted from long exposure to the lake water. That's likely why they nearly caused harm today. I'll instruct the Internal Service Bureau to begin inspection and repairs immediately. Thankfully, nothing serious occurred—otherwise I would bear grave responsibility."

She dropped to her knees gracefully before the emperor, tears shimmering in her eyes.

The emperor glanced at her, then spoke slowly.

"Affairs of the inner palace are many. Noble Consort, your efforts are noted. Let this matter end here. Have the carriages prepared—everyone may return to their estates. I shall go and see Concubine Ying."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Just as the emperor was about to leave, the Fourth Prince stepped forward to stop him.

Seeing the urgency on his face, the emperor suddenly remembered what he had forgotten to address earlier.

"Those of the Blue Team who wish to join the Royal Guards may enter the camp immediately, starting from the rank of squad leader."

"On behalf of the young men, this old subject thanks Your Majesty for the honor!"

With this declaration, the Fourth Prince stepped aside. The emperor strode away from Qingyuan without hesitation, leaving Noble Consort Lin and the others no choice but to follow.

Catching a glimpse of Lin Xingzhi still standing there, soaked to the bone, Noble Consort Lin frowned slightly but said nothing. She turned to handle the other matters that needed attending.

Unbothered by decorum, the Fourth Prince made his way directly to the lakeside.

The Blue Team members had all fallen into the lake; not one was dry. Their clothes were heavy with water, shoes squelching with every step.

The Fourth Prince stood before them and called out in a loud voice.

"His Majesty has granted permission. Anyone wishing to join the Royal Guards may begin as a squad leader. So, which of you lads is willing?"

He didn't try to intimidate or coerce them into joining. His tone was sincere and straightforward, and the young men were taken aback by the rare respect.

While most were still hesitating, Lin Xingzhi stepped forward without pause.

"Grateful for Your Highness's favor. Lin Xingzhi of the Prime Minister's household volunteers to join the Royal Guards and serve Great Wei with all my strength!"

His face was resolute, voice steady and loud, echoing with determination.

The Fourth Prince looked him over with satisfaction and gave him a supportive pat.

"Well done. I didn't know the Prime Minister had such a fine grandson."

Lin Xingzhi said nothing.

He thought of his family's obscurity over the years, of his sister's constant struggles in the palace—and for the first time in his life, he felt truly resolute.

Moved by his example, Jiang Huanqing from the Rongchang Count's household also stepped forward and knelt on one knee.

"Your Highness, I too wish to serve in the Royal Guards for the glory of Great Wei!"

"Excellent! Another good man!"

Jiang Huanqing's situation wasn't much better than Lin Xingzhi's. Rather than wasting away in the capital, he would rather take a chance on a brighter future.

Seeing these two step forward, most of the Blue Team followed suit, kneeling one by one and declaring their willingness to join.

The Fourth Prince burst into hearty laughter.

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you lot! Good, all of you—very good!"

And so, after the dragon boat races, the Blue Team not only emerged victorious in the competition—they also won the highest reward of all.

Instead of being sent to the battlefields of the Northwest to face foreign enemies with real bloodshed, joining the Royal Guards during the current era of peace in the Central Plains was seen as an ideal opportunity. No real danger, and yet it offered prestige and a promising future.

News of over a dozen young men entering the Royal Guards spread quickly.

Back at the Prime Minister's manor, Princess Rongkang was the first to hear.

"Who would've thought that boy would seize the moment like that. With the favor of the Fourth Prince, not even I could've stopped it."

Second Madam Wang, seated below her, was agitated.

"If the main branch of the family rises because of this, we'll be in trouble! If our Zhou girl can't keep Lin Wanyi suppressed in the palace, we'll be sending a curse into the harem instead! What should we do, Mother?"

"Calm yourself."

Princess Rongkang, lounging on the couch, looked utterly untroubled.