Reborn as a Sickly Child: The Emperor's Beloved

In the harem, news spread as fast as the wind. It was like a tightly interwoven intelligence network, quickly transmitting every move in the palace.

The whereabouts of His Majesty spread like a beacon fire, spreading throughout the palaces in an instant. The palace maids whispered to each other, the eunuchs rushed around, and the news spread like ripples. Every corner of the palace was filled with a tense and excited atmosphere.

In this bustling palace, everyone's eyes were focused on Zhongcui Palace. That was where His Majesty had just stepped into, and it was also the source of the news. The power struggles and intrigues in the palace were all ignited at this moment, and the concubines in each palace began to plan their next move.

Some concubines looked delighted, as if they had seen the dawn of opportunity; others frowned, worried that their status would be affected. And those who were careful and thoughtful quietly observed the changes in the situation, ready to adjust their strategies at any time.

The transmission of messages in the harem is not just a simple exchange of information, but also a contest of intrigue. Every word and every sentence may cause an uproar. Under the surface of this seemingly calm palace, there are countless undercurrents.

When Xiao Jingzhan arrived at the Yaohua Palace, it was already late at night and the palace was quiet.

Xiao Jingzhan did not go through the main door, but flew in through the side door and found Shen Yanyan's bedroom.

When Xiao Jingzhan entered the inner room, Shen Yanyan was sleeping soundly. There was a large carved bed with a lot of space. Shen Yanyan was lying in the middle of the bed with one little foot on the quilt and one hand holding half of the quilt. Her long hair was casually spread on the pillow and the quilt. She was wearing a gauze pink nightgown on the quilt. The moonlight outside the window fell on her little face. Time seemed to be frozen, beautiful and quiet.

Xiao Jingzhan originally wanted to come and see her and then leave, but after arriving, he didn't want to leave.

He threw away his shoes and socks, leaving only his shirt on, then he opened the quilt, got on the bed and slept on the outside.

Shen Yanyan was sleeping soundly. She was usually alert and had good hearing due to her martial arts training. She felt someone suddenly opened his eyes, turned her head to look at the person on the other side, and when she saw it was Xiao Jingzhan, she relaxed instantly.

"Your Majesty, you scared me to death. I thought someone was going to chop me down." Shen Yanyan said as she rolled inside.

It's not like he hasn't slept before, and it's not easy to chase him away in the middle of the night, so I can only make room for him.

"Sorry, I scared you. It's okay. I'm here. Go to sleep!" Xiao Jingzhan pulled her closer to his arms, patted her on the back and said.

Shen Yanyan felt that this posture was a bit ambiguous. They had just done that during the day, so was it really okay to do it this late at night? But she couldn't chase him away, so she fell asleep soon after.

Xiao Jingzhan looked at the sleeping girl in his arms, and his heart felt as warm as if it was wrapped in the warm winter sun, just like a lonely boat floating on the river finally found its home. His soul finally had a place to rest.

Xiao Jingzhan hugged the person in his arms tightly, rested his chin on the girl's soft head, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep.

Two shallow breaths in the room entangled with each other, long and delicate.

The next morning, the sun shone through the window onto Shen Yanyan's face, and she slowly woke up. After rubbing her eyes, she realized that Xiao Jingzhan had already left.

Shen Yanyan got up, washed up simply, then called Xia Zhu and asked her to prepare some breakfast.

After a while, Xia Zhu brought some exquisite snacks and steaming porridge. Shen Yanyan sat at the table, savoring every bite of the food, with a satisfied smile on her face.

She took a bite of the dessert, and the sweet taste melted in her mouth, making her close her eyes and enjoy the beauty of the moment. Drinking the warm porridge, she felt the softness and sweetness of the rice grains, as if the whole world had become warmer.

At this moment, Shen Yanyan was completely immersed in the delicious breakfast and temporarily forgot all her worries.

In this quiet morning, she enjoyed her own time.

Thinking that she would be able to leave the palace tomorrow, Shen Yanyan made a small list, thinking that she would have to buy more storybooks this time. Two or three books were simply not enough for her to read.

Zhongcui Palace

The morning sun shone through the window lattice and sprinkled into the bedroom of Zhongcui Palace. Jiangpin slowly opened her eyes, her mind was blank, she tried to recall, but she couldn't remember what happened yesterday. Not only that, she felt sore all over and her limbs were weak, as if she had experienced a fierce battle.

A trace of doubt surged in her heart, but then it was filled with a subtle expectation. Perhaps, this was the favor of His Majesty? She couldn't help but blush, and secretly rejoiced in her heart. After all, being favored by His Majesty was something many women dreamed of.

In Cuichen Palace, the monthly day of paying respects to the Imperial Concubine has come again. The concubines have gathered here, chattering about Concubine Jiang's sleeping arrangements.

The palace was filled with a strong aroma. The concubines were dressed in gorgeous clothes and had delicate makeup, but they could not hide the undercurrents between them. They sat together, their eyes exposing their curiosity and jealousy towards Concubine Jiang.

"I heard that Concubine Jiang slept with us last night. I really don't know what tricks she used." A concubine said softly, with a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone.

"Yes, the Imperial Concubine has always been indifferent to us, so why did she fall for her?" another concubine echoed.

"Maybe Concubine Jiang has some special charm that can please the emperor." Someone speculated.

At this time, Concubine Jiang slowly walked into the palace. She was smiling and calm, but there was a hint of smugness in her eyes. The concubines suddenly became quiet and watched her every move.

Concubine Jiang bowed to Shen Yanyan, Xu Xiaolan and Lin Rongyue, then sat aside gracefully.

As for Yuan Hanshuang, I heard that she is still under house arrest.

Shen Yanyan sneered in her heart. It had been a long time since she last visited the noble person who was shedding her skin. She almost forgot about her.

The imperial concubine walked into the palace with great grace, and everyone suddenly fell silent.

Her appearance was like the brightest star in the night sky, attracting everyone's attention.

All the concubines stood up and saluted to the Imperial Concubine gracefully, with awe on their faces.

The imperial concubine was dressed in gorgeous brocade clothes, embroidered with exquisite patterns and shining with jewels.

Her steps were light, as if lotus flowers were blooming, and every step exuded a noble temperament. Her face was delicate and charming, her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, her skin was as delicate as cream, her red lips were slightly parted, and her voice was as gentle as an oriole.

Behind her, a group of palace maids and eunuchs followed, carefully serving. The imperial concubine's eyes slowly swept over the crowd, and everyone lowered their heads and dared not look directly at her, for fear of offending her.

There was a tense and solemn atmosphere in the palace, and only the presence of the imperial concubine made the whole scene come alive.

"Greetings to the Imperial Concubine, may Her Majesty remain healthy." Everyone saluted in unison.

"Everyone, get up," Concubine Gao said in a gentle tone, sitting upright.

Everyone sat down.

When Concubine Gao heard the news that Concubine Jiang was sleeping with her, a hint of barely perceptible jealousy flashed in her eyes, but she quickly returned to her usual noble demeanor.

She smiled and ordered someone to bring a precious reward, handed it to Concubine Jiang, and said earnestly: "Concubine Jiang, you must serve the emperor well and don't let the emperor down."

Jiangpin accepted the reward with a face full of gratitude, and said repeatedly: "Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty. I will do my best to serve the emperor."

Concubine Gao nodded slightly, with a satisfied look on her face, but secretly jealous in her heart. Then she looked at Concubine Lan next to her.

Concubine Gao sat upright on a gorgeous chair, with a barely perceptible contempt in her eyes.

She raised her chin slightly and looked at Concubine Lan in front of her with a sneer on her lips.

"Your Majesty, it has been a long time since you have visited your sister's palace." Concubine Gao's voice was neither loud nor low, but it was filled with obvious sarcasm.

Lan Fei's face turned pale in an instant, she bit her lips, trying to suppress her inner anger. However, her eyes flashed with reluctance and grievance.

Everyone around lowered their heads and dared not speak, for fear of angering Concubine Gao.

Shen Yanyan also lowered her head and remained silent, frowning slightly. This imperial concubine actually hated Concubine Lan quite a lot.

"Sisters, please go away. I am tired." Concubine Gao looked at the pale-faced Xu Xiaolan, her heart filled with pride.

The concubines took their leave one after another.

Concubine Gao looked at their departing figures, and the smile on her face became even more smug. She knew that her few words had successfully hit Concubine Lan's self-esteem and made her lose face in front of everyone.

After everyone left, Concubine Gao entered the inner room and told Lanxiang, "Let's get started. In the next few days, you must ask Your Majesty to visit Concubine Jiang and Concubine Sun more often, and take care of the Jingshifang."

"Yes, your majesty, I will arrange it." Lanxiang bowed and withdrew.

Inside the Yangxin Palace, Xiao Jingzhan looked at An Yi, who was dressed in black, and asked, "What did you find out?"

An Yi bowed his hands and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the prefect of Jinling has long been a subordinate of King Wu. Concubine Jiang was arranged by King Wu to enter the palace. She entered the palace through this selection. In fact, she has already entered the capital and has been living in a manor outside Gaoxiang City. I asked her last night and she and Concubine Sun did not know each other. They lived in the same manor in the suburbs, but had never met each other."

"Before entering the palace this time, I deliberately learned some things from Zhuangzi that are not presentable, in order to win the emperor's favor and gain his love. Jinling is very vigilant, and every time they write to me, they only explain the current situation and don't reveal too much. Your Majesty, please forgive me. I didn't ask for any other useful information." After saying this, An Yi knelt on the ground and apologized.

"Forget it. They won't stop just once. I want to see what Prime Minister Gao is planning."

"Go back"

"Yes, I'll take my leave." An Yi said and disappeared.

Xiao Jingzhan frowned slightly, his eyes staring into the distance, as if trying to see through the layers of fog what Gao Xiang was thinking.

His fingers tapped on the table intermittently, in a steady rhythm, as if accompanying the various guesses and speculations that kept popping up in his mind.

Gao Xiang, the powerful figure in the court, every decision he makes may cause a stir in the court and the country.

Xiao Jingzhan knew his methods and strategies very well, and understood that every move he made was full of meaning. These two chess pieces were definitely not just for the sake of gaining favor.