The Emperor’s ministers were equally excited, rushing to court to offer congratulations.
As for Ji, she was elevated because of her son, rising from a small palace maid to become a Virtuous Concubine, with a first-rank status, one of the three wives.
In the imperial harem of three thousand beauties, according to the ancestral rules: the Empress was first, the Noble Concubine second, and the Virtuous Concubine third. This meant Ji was below the Empress and Noble Concubine, but above all others. If luck was on her side, and her son eventually sat on the dragon throne, becoming the ruler, the Virtuous Concubine could surpass the Noble Concubine and Empress, potentially becoming the Empress Dowager.
Ji no longer had to do hard labor in the An Le Hall, but moved to the Yong Shou Palace to enjoy her life.
The Emperor’s actions of recognizing his son, announcing it to the world, conferring the title of Virtuous Concubine on Ji, and receiving congratulations from civil and military officials were done in one swift motion.
Wan Zhen’er found out, but it was too late. Everything was already a done deal.
Wan Zhen’er was anxious, angry, furious, and sad. The entire world was against her – including the Emperor.
Wan Zhen’er wondered: Did the Emperor still love her? Was she still in his heart?
Wan Zhen’er couldn’t be sure. Now, she was middle-aged, looking like a typical older woman: fat, old, with accumulated facial muscles giving her a fierce appearance.
Fine, a female butcher it would be.
Wan Zhen’er was determined to see this through.
Her first target was her little attendant Chun Yan. This despicable creature had tricked her earlier, telling her to give Ji abortion medicine, and when she didn’t, had betrayed her, deceiving her by saying Ji’s belly was just a tumor.
Wan Zhen’er’s face darkened as she called a palace maid: “Summon that wretched Chun Yan!”
Since the Little Prince’s matter was exposed, Chun Yan had been living in constant fear.
Chun Yan knew that in Wan Zhen’er’s world, there was only killing, never forgiveness.
As expected, when Wan Zhen’er saw Chun Yan, her eyes were full of murderous intent.
She coldly asked: “For deceiving me, what punishment do you deserve?”
Chun Yan knelt on the ground, trembling: “Mercy, Your Highness! Mercy!”
