The baby-making system is unreliable

At the same time, in recent days, the autumn wind swept across the Northern Cang Imperial Capital, but it did not affect its grandeur and magnificence at all.

The most dazzling one is the magnificent and luxurious imperial palace. This palace covers a very large area, with numerous halls and pavilions scattered in the spacious courtyard.

The roof is covered with golden glazed tiles, shining brilliantly in the sun; the walls are mainly vermilion, painted with exquisite patterns and reliefs, highlighting the majesty and dignity of the royal family.

I have to say, this place is worthy of being called a prosperous capital, its grandeur is beyond words.

Pavilions, towers, gardens, ponds and other landscapes can be seen everywhere in the palace, which are breathtakingly beautiful.

The lake is clear as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds and the surrounding beauty.

The guards, dressed in gorgeous armor, patrolled and stood guard in a majestic manner; the palace maids moved lightly between the palaces, busy and orderly.

Everything here seems so orderly, as if a perfect painting is unfolding before your eyes.

However, behind this apparent prosperity, there are countless power struggles and intrigues.

Inside Fengyi Palace, sandalwood was rising in curls, and wisps of fragrance filled the air, lingering like light smoke.

Queen Shangguan sat upright on the couch. She had a graceful figure, elegant temperament, and a unique charm in her every move.

That beautiful and dignified face exudes a gentle and dignified beauty.

At this moment, Empress Shangguan said softly to the emperor: "Your Majesty, the weather is getting colder. I am worried that your body will catch a cold. It is better to add a piece of clothing for your Majesty."

Her voice was gentle and sweet, full of concern and love. After that, she stood up, walked to the emperor, and carefully put a thick brocade robe on him.

This brocade dress is finely embroidered, with gorgeous patterns outlined with gold and silver threads, which complements the noble temperament of Empress Shangguan.

The emperor nodded slightly without saying anything. He looked at Empress Shangguan in front of him.

His queen was not only outstanding in appearance, but also had the demeanor of a noble family. She had always been his capable and virtuous wife.

But his heart was not here, and his thoughts had already drifted away.

"The weather is getting cold!? Is it already autumn?! I can't even remember."

The emperor spoke absentmindedly, thinking secretly in his heart: Her health is probably going to get worse.

"The silver charcoal in the palace of Concubine Xian has already been provided, Your Majesty, don't worry."

Empress Shangguan was a meticulous person. She knew what he was thinking at a glance, and there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, the emperor came back to his senses, nodded and said, "The queen is my confidant, I am deeply pleased."

After saying this, the emperor flicked his sleeves, turned around and went to court without any reluctance.

Empress Shangguan had a look of helplessness in her eyes, and she was in a daze until her maid Su Yuan came to call her softly, "Your Majesty?!"

"No problem, I should be used to it by now. Hasn't it been like this for so many years? Please help me dress up. I also have to accept the greetings from all the sisters!"

She just smiled bitterly and shook her head, then stood up with Suyuan's help.

A close friend?! After years of companionship, I only get a close friend and feel relieved?! The important people are always her and her children!

There are four gentle and virtuous concubines in the Beicang Palace. Except for the Queen, Concubine Wen has the highest status and the most domineering personality. She likes to fight and be aggressive. Her father is General Weibei.

Concubine Wan's father was the sister of a civil official, the Prince's Grand Tutor. She had a gentle personality, was fond of poetry and prose, and on the surface did not offend anyone.

Shufei was the daughter of an old official of the previous dynasty. Her parents and family members had all passed away. She was brought into the palace in order to win over the hearts of some powerful officials of the previous dynasty.

In order to show that the emperor treated the former ministers equally, she had no backer now, and if she had one, it would probably be Concubine Yang.

Concubine Yang was a princess of the previous dynasty. She used to be lively and was proficient in riding horses, playing Cuju, and throwing pots.

She has known His Majesty since childhood, and the whole of Beicang knows that she has always been the favorite of the Emperor.

At the beginning, Your Majesty wanted to make Concubine Yang the queen, but all the ministers were against it because she was a princess of the previous dynasty. If she was made the queen, her son would be suspected of trying to restore the country.

There is a difference between legitimate and illegitimate children, and it should be even more clear within the royal family. Some even went further and wanted to force the emperor to kill Yang to prevent future troubles.

In desperation, he had to settle for the second best and made Shangguan, the daughter of the prime minister, the empress, and Yang, the concubine, enjoying the honors of the four concubines.

In the same year, the emperor also issued an edict to complete the positions of the four concubines. Two years later, the eldest son Li Gaoyun (born to Empress Shangguan) in March, the second son Li Hongsheng (born to Concubine Wen, who died) in May, and the third son Li Weiyang in August were born in the same year.

It snowed heavily in December. On the day of the Heavenly Sacrifice and City Tour, the Emperor, Empress and four concubines traveled together. However, the third son Li Weiyang, who was less than one year old, was missing. Since then, Concubine Yang was heartbroken and became increasingly weak.

For many years, Concubine Yang rarely appeared in public, and she almost never left the palace, living alone in Yangchun Palace.

That was her residence when she was a princess in her childhood. His Majesty has always indulged Concubine Yang.

Her confinement in the palace did not affect the emperor's search for her. Instead, the emperor felt even more distressed because of the loss of his son. Later, she gave birth to a son and a daughter for His Majesty.

After half an hour, the makeup and dressing were done, and Suyuan helped the queen sit on the high throne.

There are many concubines in the palace, but there are only a few main ones. It’s just that among the four below, there is always one vacant one.

It has always been like this, with a hustle and bustle of worship and insignificant conversation.

After an hour, the queen waved her hand, saying she was tired and asked them to leave.

"The osmanthus tree in Yangchun Palace was her favorite. Look. It's a pity that she has already chopped it down. Does she hate it more or love it more?"

Queen Shangguan looked at the empty seat and murmured something, but she didn't mean to interfere.

Because she was only the queen, she could only be virtuous and generous, keep aloof and set an example.

Maybe the position of queen should have been hers, she smiled bitterly and shook her head.

After coming out of Fengyi Palace and walking a few steps, several people started quarreling.

"Oh, what are you so proud of?! So what if she's the queen? There's not even a decent item in the palace. She looks so poor. I'm afraid that even the person who stays indoors has better things in the palace than those in Fengyi Palace."

Concubine Wen adjusted the ornaments on her head, brushed her hair, and rolled her eyes.

"Then why are you so proud? Are you proud that your son died young? That you haven't gotten pregnant in years?!"

Concubine Shu sneered and stepped hard on her sore spot without mercy.

Many years ago, her five-year-old child Li Hongsheng had a high fever and died early. This has always been a pain for her.

"You... don't think that I don't know. You are just relying on the presence of that bitch to ensure that His Majesty won't do anything to you, right?"

It makes me angry just talking about this. If it weren't for that bitch, I would have found someone to get rid of her long ago.

"After all, we only have one daughter, and she's a sickly girl. I don't know when she died."

Concubine Wen gritted her teeth and glared at Concubine Shu angrily, but she could do nothing.

"It has nothing to do with you anyway! What are you worried about?!"

Concubine Shu smiled nonchalantly, spoke coldly, then turned and left.

Seeing her reaction, Concubine Wen almost threw the bracelet off her wrist.

"Why is that bitch so lucky to give birth to two princes and a daughter?"

Concubine Wan tried to comfort them, saying calmly, "Your Majesty, calm down. Concubine Xian has also lost a son and is now confined to the palace."

"She finally experienced the pain of losing her son, but... it was not enough."

Concubine Wen stared fiercely at a high ground in the palace, her fists clenched and her breath held.

If all the imperial doctors had not been in her palace when she gave birth to a daughter, how could her son have died young? !

"How hateful! Humph! Do you think you can get anything good? Don't forget... you are also a victim!"

After she finished speaking, Concubine Wen turned around abruptly, her beautiful face distorted with anger, she clenched her teeth, and her eyes flashed with rage.

She threw her sleeves vigorously and staggered towards her palace.

Didn't Concubine Wan also miscarry a child? In the entire palace, no one was immune except the queen and her. She didn't believe that Concubine Wan didn't notice it.

……

Inside the Yangchun Palace, which was magnificent with carved beams and painted buildings, a graceful woman in gorgeous palace clothing was sitting on the main seat.

There was a hint of sadness on her beautiful face as she stared at the deserted and silent palace before her.

This woman is Concubine Yang. On the surface, her status is extremely noble, but at this moment she seems a little lonely and isolated.

She sighed softly and asked the maid beside her, "Dan Gui, the prince will be returning to the capital soon, right?"

The maid replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, yes. According to the news, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has already started his journey home and is expected to arrive in the capital soon."

When she heard the news, a sneer rose in her heart, but it was immediately replaced by worry.

She was well aware of the cruelty and complexity of court struggles, and the prince, as one of the heirs to the throne, would inevitably become the focus of everyone's attention.

This time, going to the north to lead the troops, although there is no war, it is also an experience. If the prince returns to the palace smoothly, I am afraid that the power of the court will be even more unstoppable.

"Then how should my Ruiming find his footing? He is already twelve years old, and I should make preparations for him."

Concubine Yang was thinking secretly, frowning slightly, as if she was thinking of some countermeasures.

After a while, she rested her head against his, and said slowly and tiredly, "Has Concubine Shu returned to the palace? I'm looking for her, please ask her to come over!"

It's time to find a way to get him back. We can't just sit there and wait for it to happen, we have to take the initiative.

After saying this, her expression drifted away, and her eyes were complicated, with guilt, helplessness, hatred, and even more entanglement.

Dan Gui looked worried, but still answered respectfully, "Yes, Princess."

She had served the princess since she was a child, and now she accompanied her in this palace, year after year.

Yangchun Palace is located deep in the imperial palace. It used to be full of flowers and shaded by green trees, but now only some broken and withered dead trees are left, making it look particularly deserted and desolate.

On ordinary days, few people would come to this place, only His Majesty the Emperor or the Concubine Shu would come here occasionally.

"Princess! What do you want from me?!"

After hearing the announcement, Concubine Shu raised her eyebrows and smiled, then hurried over at a leisurely pace.

When she saw Concubine Yang, a hint of surprise immediately appeared on her face.

It's amazing how much she has changed! She is now a completely different person than she was before.

The dull and listless image he once had has disappeared, and he looks much more energetic.

Then, he put on a serious and respectful expression, bowed to Concubine Yang and asked.

"You should know about the Crown Prince's return to the capital, right? Wei Yang is already in his twenties now, I want him to come back as well."

Perhaps she was touched by the prince's return to the capital, or perhaps she remembered her guilt towards the child.

Concubine Shu suddenly raised her eyes, met his gaze and said, "Princess, do you think it's time? The Crown Prince is already well-established, and he has an eldest son. I'm afraid his position will be difficult to shake."

Crown Prince Li Gaoyun now has both meritorious service and children, so it is unlikely that his position will be shaken for the time being.

"Do I need to explain to you what I did? I have my reasons!"

Although Concubine Yang had not left the palace for many years, she still had the demeanor of a princess of the previous dynasty.

Concubine Shu did not dare to say more. She responded quietly and left.

Dan Gui served a cup of tea and said earnestly, "Princess, this Concubine Shu cannot be trusted! If she hadn't instigated you, you wouldn't have let the Third Prince wander around."

"Enough!" Concubine Yang suddenly shouted angrily, her beautiful face distorted with anger, her eyes flashing with uncontrollable rage.

"He is my shame and should never be mentioned again! Those old memories are like poisonous stings that deeply hurt my heart and make it difficult for me to breathe!"

Whenever she recalled the painful past, Concubine Yang would fall into endless sadness and self-blame.

There is a scar in her heart, a wound that will never heal, which always haunts her.

"Princess, why are you doing this? You loved His Majesty deeply in the beginning! Even now..."

They still love each other deeply and have never let go. Otherwise, the Sixth Princess and the Seventh Prince would not have been born.

But when the Third Prince came, the princess was really...really in pain.

Dangui looked at the princess with heartache. She had seen how Concubine Yang had been through all these years.

"Don't mention what happened back then! It will remind me of... my father." Concubine Yang bit her lip and said with a trembling voice.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried hard not to let them fall. It was a heartbreaking memory, and she always felt that it was the biggest mistake of her life.

Every unintentional touch would trigger severe pain deep in her heart.

She tried to bury the past deep in her heart, but found that the more she wanted to forget it, the more clearly it emerged.

"Dan Gui knows, Dan Gui knows, it's not that the princess doesn't love her child, it's just that her heart is too bitter."

The deeper the love, the deeper the hatred. Li Weiyang was born when they loved each other the most, but also when they hated each other the most and had the deepest conflicts.

“Ahem… I don’t know if this is right or wrong!? But… there is no turning back for me, there has been no turning back since the beginning.”

Concubine Yang coughed for a while and mentioned the unstoppable sadness in the child's eyes.