Forced Into the Palace: Becoming the Emperor's Favorite-Chapter 312: The Prince’s Whereabouts

A single "this palace," and the disparity in status is glaring.

Mu Changzai originally wanted to say a few more words to get closer, but Lin Wanyi’s refusal left her only able to offer a sheepish smile.

Watching the distant figure of Lin Wanyi, she felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction.

When she returned to the rear hall of Yao Yue Palace, she was slightly dazed.

She had always thought that seeking support from Princess Consort Ying was the right move.

But now, she wasn’t sure anymore.

Moving from the side hall to the rear hall, from a concubine to a Changzai.

Clearly, each step seemed to be a climb up the ladder, yet why did she feel she was gradually drifting away from the Emperor?

If she had stayed in Yihua Palace, or perhaps maintained a good relationship with Lin Wanyi.

Would it have been a different scenario?

While she was still lost in thought, Concubine Qian on the other hand, concentrated all her efforts on caring for the Fourth Prince in Cining Palace, as she did in the traveling palace.

When the Emperor went to visit the Empress Dowager, she happened to be there.

"This concubine greets His Majesty, wishing His Majesty good health."

"Mm, you may rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After Concubine Qian rose, she saw the Fourth Prince clap his hands and reach out to her, wanting to play in her arms.

During these days of her meticulous care, the Fourth Prince’s health had improved significantly.

Apart from complete deafness in his left ear, the rest of his health had gotten much better.

Doctor Dou and Doctor Cheng had been continuously finding ways to improve his condition, and their efforts finally showed results.

Therefore, the Fourth Prince was now smiling more often.

His giggles gave him an appearance of being carefree.

Seeing the Fourth Prince’s improvement, the Emperor was also pleased.

He reached out intending to hold the child, but was rejected by the Fourth Prince.

Pouting, the child clung tightly to Concubine Qian, unwilling to let go even for a moment.

Seeing this, the Emperor did not insist, but simply smiled lightly.

"The Fourth Prince seems to be quite attached to you."

As for Concubine Qian, the Emperor hardly favored her.

First, the initial encounter with her was entirely due to a momentary drunken lapse.

Second, after the child didn’t survive, he felt somewhat guilty.

And Concubine Qian was not one to compete for favor, so naturally, there was little interaction between them.

It was merely occasional summoning.

"Being able to take care of the Fourth Prince is my blessing. He’s just a child and has suffered, spending more time with him will make things better. Your Majesty, don’t blame the Fourth Prince. As he gets older, he’ll know to look for his father."

Concubine Qian explained word by word, with heartfelt sincerity.

The Emperor glanced at her with a mild smile, without replying.

Upon hearing voices outside, the Empress Dowager emerged from her chamber.

"Your son greets Mother Empress."

"This concubine greets the Empress Dowager."

"The Emperor is busy with state affairs. There’s no need to come to Cining Palace every day. Coming once every three to five days or even half a month is fine."

"Rest assured, Mother Empress, your son will not let state affairs be delayed."

The Empress Dowager was assured of this.

After all, the country’s current peace and prosperity were due to the Emperor’s hard work.

"Sit down."

The Empress Dowager gestured to the Emperor, who unceremoniously sat down on the couch.

Then, he asked the Empress Dowager.

"Ming Ruo and the Fourth Prince are well taken care of here with Mother Empress; both children seem more spirited."

Especially Ming Ruo, who in just a few days, looked more relaxed.

This must be the outcome of the Empress Dowager’s diligent teaching.

Thinking of this, the Emperor felt immense gratitude.

"The children are still young; teach them more, and they’ll be fine. You wouldn’t visit without a reason, what is it you want to discuss?"

"Mother Empress is wise; if Ming Ruo stays with you, it would be fine. However, the Fourth Prince is still young and disturbing you daily might be a bit noisy. Therefore, your son wishes to move him to Yihua Palace, which is lively now with four children together, and even a separate play area set up. He’ll get accustomed in a few days."

Hearing this, Concubine Qian’s heart tightened.

She hoped to keep the Fourth Prince by her side to ensure peace in her later years, but now...

The Emperor’s words practically blocked her path entirely.

If she wanted such an opportunity in the future, it would be difficult.

Anxiously, she looked towards the Empress Dowager, desperately hoping she would speak up for her.

But unexpectedly, she agreed immediately.

"The Emperor’s arrangement is good; the children growing up together will deepen their bonds, but is there enough room in Yihua Palace for so many children?"

"Rest assured, Mother Empress, Zhaochun Palace has already been expanded; not only the Fourth Prince, but even two more children could reside there in the future."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled.

But restrained herself from further inquiries out of consideration for Concubine Qian’s presence.

Concubine Qian felt distressed about what she desired but couldn’t attain. If the Fourth Prince indeed went to Yihua Palace, what would become of her future?

Thinking of this, she hardened her heart and, while no one noticed, pinched the Fourth Prince’s thigh sharply.

The child cried out in pain immediately.

This instantly drew the Emperor and the Empress Dowager’s attention.

The Emperor frowned, watching the Fourth Prince cry sorrowfully.

Tears fell one after another, while Concubine Qian, with a somewhat sour nose, consoled him.

The Empress Dowager stood by without speaking, simply observing quietly.

"The Fourth Prince, don’t cry; at Yihua Palace, you’ll have brothers, sisters to play with, isn’t that great? Don’t cry."

Her words ostensibly aimed to comfort the Fourth Prince.

But in reality, it implied that the Fourth Prince was crying because he was unwilling to go to Yihua Palace.

The Emperor and the Empress Dowager were not fools; they naturally understood this.

"Has the Fourth Prince been under your care recently?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, it’s been this concubine looking after him. Since falling ill, he’s been particularly difficult to manage, so would it disrupt Princess Consort Yi Ning, the Fifth Prince, and the Third Princess? Otherwise, it might be better to let the Fourth Prince stay at Cining Palace; I’ll come daily to help out."

She wasn’t foolish enough to immediately claim she wanted to take care of the Fourth Prince.

In her position, she wasn’t qualified to raise Princess Consort Ying’s son.

Even if she was willing, the Pei Family likely wouldn’t agree.

Concubine Qian had been in the palace for many years without making many enemies.

She didn’t want to create opponents rashly because of the Fourth Prince’s matters.

The Emperor, listening to her words, did not immediately express a stance.

He looked at the Empress Dowager, waiting for her decision.

After all, ultimately, it was the Empress Dowager’s decision, so except for the sorrowful Fourth Prince, everyone’s eyes were on the Empress Dowager.

"Alright, it’s not a big deal. He needs to adapt; let’s send the Fourth Prince over. If the Emperor is worried about Princess Consort Yi Ning being overwhelmed, I can take the Second Prince here as well; older children don’t cause much trouble. Watching over Ming Ruo means I’d watch over the Second Prince too."

The Empress Dowager’s words nailed the matter down completely. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

And solidified the Emperor’s second issue.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Qian’s face didn’t look good.