He asked you to serve him in bed and become his concubine, how did you manage to win his heart and s

The location of Youlan Garden in the inner palace was actually quite remote.

This place is close to the plum garden, and it's only lively when the plum blossoms are in bloom. During the other three seasons of the year, it's quite deserted, and hardly anyone comes here.

However, from another perspective, this place is closer to the Emperor's usual residence, the Dragon Palace. Going to the Yaoguang Palace would require a detour, so it would be more convenient for Mu Xiaoci to come and visit from here.

However, there is still one problem that needs to be solved.

Richard regretted his quick tongue and was now hurriedly trying to make amends.

"However, the Youlan Garden has been uninhabited for a long time and is probably quite dilapidated. Consort Lan is currently pregnant, so it would be best to repair it."

Even in the royal palace, palaces that are not usually inhabited are cleaned by staff.

Unfortunately, the Youlan Garden was too remote. When the late emperor was alive, no concubines were willing to live here. Over time, it became empty and seemed to have been forgotten.

Mu Xiaoci pondered for a while, then shook his head.

"Let's find another place. Winter is approaching, and even if it's repaired, it might not be warm enough. The prince's safety is paramount; let's choose a better palace for her."

In that instant, he thought of her sorrowful appearance and couldn't bear it anymore.

Although Mu Xiaoci was a man and did not understand the feelings of a pregnant woman, he believed that there must be a reason why she was so worried about the child.

He didn't know that the person at that time was not Li Ruolan, but Yun Xi.

I only felt that Li Ruolan was just a little spoiled in normal times, but I didn't expect that she would have this side to her after becoming a mother.

I suppose they will take good care of the child in the future.

When Mu Xiaoci was a child, his mother was weak, so the emperor entrusted him to the care of the empress, who is now the empress dowager.

He understood perfectly well what it meant for a prince to be by his mother's side, and he didn't want his child to suffer the pain of separation.

Right now, Li Ruolan should be able to be a good mother.

He could actually tell what Li Ruolan liked. If he sent her to a small place like Youlan Garden, she might not be happy.

Since it is a reward, it should naturally be given well.

"Jingyang Palace, it's still empty, it's time to let people move in."

"Your Majesty, this Jingyang Palace is where the future concubines will reside. Isn't your approach a bit hasty...?"

Richard felt a little guilty when he said those words, and even thought he wanted to subtly remind the emperor in front of him.

Besides the Empress, there should also be four Imperial Concubines in the harem. Jingyang Palace is the same size as Shaoyang Palace, and both are places where the Imperial Concubines reside.

Li Ruolan is currently only a concubine...

Richard dared not say the rest.

Although Li Ruolan is backed by the Li family, in terms of family background, the Li family is definitely no match for the Su family. Not to mention, the Su family's Grand Tutor was Mu Xiaoci's teacher, and he and Consort Su grew up together as childhood sweethearts.

Giving her the title of Imperial Concubine would be reasonable, but Li Ruolan hasn't yet gained enough favor to be promoted to Imperial Concubine in one fell swoop...

"Since she was the first to become pregnant, it's only fair to reward her. Besides, I am the Emperor. If I want to change the palace of my concubine, do I need anyone else's permission?"

Mu Xiaoci's expression was not good, and Richard immediately shut his mouth.

To put it bluntly, if he wanted Li Ruolan to move to Kunning Palace, no one else could say a word against it.

It's just Jingyang Palace, why can't you stand it?

Two years ago, Mu Xiaoci was also about to become a father. Less than half a year after he ascended the throne, the empress became pregnant, but unexpectedly, the child in her womb died before it was born.

The empress could not bear the blow and fell seriously ill afterward, even becoming unwilling to speak.

Mu Xiaoci had no choice but to hand over power to Consort Su, allowing her to manage the six palaces.

The entire harem cannot be left unmanaged just because there is no empress, nor can he abandon the dynasty because of a woman.

With the increasing number of concubines in the imperial harem, Li Ruolan might indeed become one of the candidates for the title of Imperial Noble Consort.

After all, the Li family's wealth far exceeds that of the national treasury.

With the Emperor showing such favoritism, the first person to be angry was naturally Consort Su.

She is now the only imperial concubine in the harem, and she believes that she relies not on the Su family, but on her long-standing friendship with the emperor.

In terms of looks and talent, she was in no way inferior to any of the women in the harem. Moreover, in terms of the Emperor's strategies, the Su family had always stood on the Emperor's side and were his supporters.

It was only right for her to be a Noble Consort. If she had a child, the Su family faction would probably petition the Emperor to change her position.

But what gives Li Ruolan the right?

Although my father was a fourth-rank official, he had only recently arrived in the capital and had little influence. Even though he had some money, it was not as powerful as that of the prominent families in the capital.

That Li Ruolan was even more arrogant. She clashed with her as soon as she entered the palace. Back then, she was just a beauty, but after a few months, she's now a concubine...

Consort Su was so angry that she slapped Aunt Rong hard.

"Didn't I ask you to give her contraceptive soup that day? How could this happen!"

Even when she was slapped in the face, Aunt Rong didn't dare to cry out in pain. She knelt down in front of Consort Su without hesitation and didn't dare to say a word of forgiveness.

"Your Majesty, this old servant personally forced it down her throat. It's absolutely true, and I wouldn't dare to hide a single detail. I'm afraid that hussy has seduced the Emperor again; it was our negligence!"

Aunt Rong has truly enlightened Consort Su.

Indeed, Mu Xiaoci visited her several more times afterward, but he spent quite a bit of time in her palace...

"No, impossible. Xiao Ci would never do such a thing in broad daylight. He said that licentious behavior in broad daylight is unacceptable. He is a monarch, not a tyrant..."

Throughout history, many emperors have been licentious and indulged in debauchery during the day, gradually turning into incompetent rulers, and some were even bewitched by their concubines, leading to serious mistakes.

Unlike those men, he was self-possessed and clear-headed from a young age. Even his father, Grand Tutor Su, praised Mu Xiao Ci, saying that he would be a good monarch in the future.

Consort Su had heard her father praise Mu Xiaoci since she was a child, and she trusted him completely.

He rarely appeared in the harem during the day, and his nightly visits were arranged according to palace rules. He was never particularly fond of any one concubine.

She felt that she had truly found the right person to love.

Even though her father passed away and the Su family lost its ceremonial procession for a period of time, Mu Xiaoci would not neglect her because of this.

Later, her brother joined the army and became a mighty general appointed by the emperor. Only then did she finally straighten her back and feel that she was worthy of such an excellent monarch.

Now, Mu Xiaoci's standing in her eyes has plummeted, causing Consort Su to begin to doubt herself.

At that moment, she seemed to have lost all her faith, sitting listlessly on the stool.

"What method did Consort Lan use? How dare she act so shamelessly right under my nose, even causing the Emperor to break his vows..."

Her near-collapse made Aunt Rong panic. She crawled forward on her knees and took her concubine's hand.

"Your Majesty, so what if she's pregnant? That slut got pregnant through such underhanded means, we can make sure she doesn't have the child."

"Can……"

"Your Majesty, this old servant knows you don't want to get into trouble, but in this harem, it's not just you who dislikes her!"

Aunt Rong's words enlightened Consort Su.

Yes, there are so many concubines in the harem, and she's not the only one who dislikes Li Ruolan.

Consort Wan, who lived in Yaoguang Palace with Li Ruolan, was also a troublemaker. They had a falling out over chrysanthemums last time, not to mention that Consort Wan had repeatedly tried to steal the Emperor's attention and had been warned. There must have been quite a few grudges between them.

Thinking of this, Consort Su regained some strength.

But she still had some worries.

"Even if Consort Wan is very capable, she has suffered so many setbacks at the hands of Consort Lan. Can she really shoulder great responsibilities?"

"Your Majesty, that's because Consort Wan is foolish. But if Your Majesty were to give her guidance, this old servant doesn't believe that little wretch could escape."

These words deeply resonated with Consort Su.

Indeed, she was well aware of Consort Wan's despicable methods. She had only saved the Emperor by chance when she was young, and after entering the palace, she used that favor to blackmail him time and time again. She was simply insatiable.

She knew even better that the Emperor had long been fed up with Consort Wan, and that the reason he later made her live in Yaoguang Palace, which was the furthest away from Longque Palace, was to give her some peace and quiet.

At that time, Consort Su arranged for Li Ruolan to stay there for the same reason, thinking that this would prevent the Emperor from developing feelings for Li Ruolan. Unexpectedly, she still succeeded and even made the Emperor reject Consort Wan himself.

Consort Su now has to re-evaluate this woman.

"Given Consort Wan's personality, she should take the initiative to seek my help. I just need to wait."

"Your Majesty is right. Consort Wan is a fool. If she doesn't come to Your Majesty now, she will never be able to surpass Consort Lan, and she will never gain the Emperor's favor."

Consort Wan actually did have some brains.

How could Consort Su not know her little tricks? But Consort Su never said much about it and treated her with the respect due to a concubine.

If Li Ruolan becomes a Noble Consort in the future, the first person she will deal with will be Consort Wan.

Having been exposed to these internal power struggles since childhood, Consort Wan knew even better who she should be looking for now.

Right now, she wants to survive more than to win favor.

Consort Su was right.

As the sun began to set, a rare guest arrived at her Zhaoyang Palace.

The two met and had a long talk. They were temporarily united by a woman to fight against their mortal enemy.

What about Li Ruolan now?

Naturally, she began packing her things, thinking about how she should celebrate moving into her new palace.

Of course, being promoted to the rank of concubine was only the first step.

She wasn't idle either; the next day, she went to Shou Kang Palace as required, setting off early just like the day before, and waiting in front of the palace.

This time was different from the last. Instead of being negligent, Li Mama invited her into the hall.

"The Empress Dowager has not yet come in person, Consort Lan is very thoughtful."

Compared to her cold attitude yesterday, Granny Li is now a completely different person.

Li Ruolan smiled and raised her hand towards Granny Li.

"Granny, I feel heavy today, and I'm a little unsteady on my feet. Could you please help me?"

You should know that Granny Li was someone who served the Empress Dowager.

The only person she could help was the Empress Dowager!