Seeing Nan Zhiyuan so happy, Yu Jingchen suddenly felt it was worthwhile. Forget it, as long as she was happy from now on.
Yu Jingchen spent the entire afternoon with Nan Zhiyuan. Fortunately, the matter had been investigated and clarified that same afternoon. Yu Jingchen issued an imperial decree: Rong Chunveng, for her negligence in management and poor discipline, was demoted to Cai Nu and permanently confined to the imperial palace.
It was said that when Rong Chunveng received this imperial decree, she fainted directly. Her physical condition was already poor, and this ordeal nearly cost her half her life.
However, Yu Jingchen issued a death order, forbidding imperial physicians from treating her. This effectively cut off Rong Chunveng's lifeline, leaving her to fend for herself. Oh… speaking of which, there was no chance of survival.
"Isn't Your Majesty's punishment for Rong Chunveng a bit too severe?" Bai Yusheng was still with Yuan Fei.
"She is Rong Cai Nu now. She offended Shu Fei, so Your Majesty's punishment is not surprising. It seems Shu Fei truly holds an extraordinary place in Your Majesty's heart. Bai Jieyu would be wise to provoke her less in the future," Yuan Fei said with a cold expression.
"Even if Shu Fei is favored, so what? Yuan Fei Niang Niang has the First Prince. Your Majesty's offspring are few, and there is only one prince. If this concubine were to say, Niang Niang is the truly fortunate one," Bai Yusheng said.
"Your Majesty is in his prime; offspring will eventually come. This consort only wishes for Ye'er to grow up safely and dares not aspire to anything else," Yuan Fei replied.
"Yuan Fei Niang Niang speaks wisely. However, given Your Majesty's sole favor towards Shu Fei Niang Niang now, this harem is like an empty shell in Your Majesty's eyes. How can imperial offspring be conceived? Even if there were, it would only be Shu Fei Niang Niang. But… it has been so long? There has been no good news from Shu Fei Niang Niang's belly, so… Yuan Fei Niang Niang's First Prince is naturally precious," Bai Yusheng implied.
Yuan Fei's expression remained unchanged as she took a sip of tea. Seeing her still indifferent, Bai Yusheng tightened her grip, then smiled again, "This concubine envies Niang Niang… at least you have a First Prince." As she spoke, her expression drooped.
"What is there to envy? Bai Jieyu is still young; it will come sooner or later," Yuan Fei seemed unmoved.
"What is there? This concubine is not as fortunate as Yuan Fei Niang Niang; it is likely impossible in this lifetime," Bai Yusheng's mood sank.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Fei finally looked at her. Seeing Bai Yusheng's desolate state, she frowned, "Why does Bai Jieyu speak so?"
"Yuan Fei Niang Niang may not know… on the first night of our union… His Majesty actually did not touch this concubine at all. Not only that, but he also bestowed a bowl of ergot, ending this concubine's chance of becoming a mother…" Bai Yusheng revealed everything.
Yuan Fei's hand paused. Looking at Bai Yusheng, she showed little reaction.
"His Majesty has never done this before," Yuan Fei meant she didn't believe it.
"Perhaps this concubine offended Shu Fei Niang Niang before entering the palace… It is also my fault for being too ignorant of the rules, and I have only myself to blame," Bai Yusheng said, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief.
"This concubine has no one to rely on in this palace. In recent days, I have been greatly cared for by Niang Niang. This concubine genuinely wishes to be companions with Niang Niang," Bai Yusheng continued.
"Bai Jieyu is too kind. I am older than you all, so these matters are only right and proper," Yuan Fei seemed to be softening.
"Niang Niang!" Bai Yusheng suddenly knelt down. Yuan Fei looked at her without speaking.
"This concubine knows Niang Niang has many concerns, so this concubine is willing to help Niang Niang accomplish them. This concubine does this only in hopes of receiving more care from Niang Niang. Currently, besides Shu Fei Niang Niang, on the surface, His Majesty and the Empress Dowager show me much favor, but Niang Niang also knows these are merely illusions."
"This concubine has no one to rely on in the palace. Now, so many people see me as a thorn in their side. This concubine is truly afraid, and out of desperation, I have come to trouble Niang Niang."
"If Niang Niang does not believe what I have said today, you can ask an imperial physician to examine me. You will know that what this concubine has said today is by no means baseless. This concubine genuinely wishes to help Niang Niang, and truly needs Niang Niang's protection." Bai Yusheng had certainly laid her cards on the table.
Yuan Fei remained silent. Bai Yusheng was unsure of her intentions. After a long while, she heard Yuan Fei's voice from above, "Was this matter done by you?"
"Yes," Bai Yusheng admitted directly. Only by doing so could Yuan Fei see her usefulness.
"You do have some skills. However… this consort does not need others to do things for me," Yuan Fei seemed to still be considering.
"Yes, this concubine understands. Yuan Fei Niang Niang only wishes to live peacefully and avoid trouble," Bai Yusheng naturally understood the meaning behind Yuan Fei's words. Some things were best left unsaid.
"Younger sister is indeed intelligent. I find speaking with you quite pleasant. If you feel bored after returning to your palace, feel free to come to my place and sit for a while," Yuan Fei said.
"Yes… Thank you, Sister. Younger sister will visit often," Bai Yusheng bowed her head. This meant their understanding was reached. They exchanged a knowing glance, and everything else was left unspoken.