无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Li Hongyuan ignored her words, picked up his brush and continued to write.

“Aren’t your hands cold?” Concubine Jin handed him the hand warmer she held in her embrace.

Li Hongyuan glanced at it and placed it on his lap.

Concubine Jin said, “You were so irrational, beating Wenren Zong in the street. Have you ever thought about the consequences? Now that you are locked up here, you are completely unaware of the things happening outside. In three months, when you are released, everything will have changed. By then, Jiang Ning will have married Wenren Zong, and your position as the Crown Prince will be snatched away by the King of Chen.”

“I didn’t think about that at the time.”

“Why not? When did you become so impulsive?”

“Because I was angry.”

“I think it was jealousy that got the better of you.” Concubine Jin shook her head. “Now look, you and Wenren Zong are both fighting over Jiang Ning, to the point where it’s causing a scene. The King of Chen benefits from this. The current atmosphere at the Imperial Court is not in your favor. Moreover, the Princess Consort of Chen is pregnant. Imperial Physician Dong examined her pulse and said it could be a boy.”

Li Hongyuan remained unmoved, “You don’t care if you become the Empress Dowager or not, why worrying so much? Aren’t you afraid of getting wrinkles?”

“You’re right. Anyway, I should go back to sleep now.”

Concubine Jin left without any hesitation.

Sometime later, a eunuch brought bedding and a brazier.

With the help of a palace maid, Concubine Jin strolled slowly, admiring the snowy palace scenery.

A group of people were approaching, led by Concubine Xian and Concubine Lan.

Concubine Xian’s son was the Prince of Huai, and Concubine Lan’s son was the King of Chen.

Prince of Huai’s birth mother was Concubine Shu.

Concubine Shu had always kept a low profile, rarely interacting with others.

Apart from the Empress and Concubine Jin, there were Concubine Xian and Concubine Lan in the palace now. The other lower-ranked concubines, even if they were beautiful and favored, couldn’t surpass them.

In the palace, having children made all the difference.

“My humble self pays respect to Your Highness.”

Concubine Xian and Concubine Lan bowed.

Concubine Jin casually picked a plum blossom, not even bothering to look at them. “No need for formalities. If your heart isn’t sincere, don’t bother.”

They had spent so many years in the palace together, everyone knew each other’s true character.

Concubine Xian sneered, “Your Highness still speaks in such a strange tone. How you came to be a concubine, we all know.”

As Concubine Xian, she ranked fourth and had her own son. She had entered the palace earlier than Concubine Jin and was not afraid of her at all.

Now her son was also punished by the Emperor.

He probably wouldn’t become the Crown Prince, so there was even less reason to pay her any respect.

Concubine Jin responded with a faint smile, “Why don’t you tell me how I got this position of Concubine?”

“Isn’t it because you look like someone from the Jiang Family…”

“Indeed, you should blame your parents for not making you as beautiful as me. At this age, I’m still favored. Concubine Xian, it’s been ten years since you were last called to bed, hasn’t it? How pitiful.”

“You…” Concubine Xian murmured, “Shameless.”

Concubine Lan laughed, “Why must you two sisters be like this, spoiling the harmony? I heard the Prince of Yu is locked up; it’s terribly cold lately, so I thought I’d go see him.”

Concubine Jin said, “Just look at your arrogant demeanor when you’re victorious.”

“My sister, what do you mean by that?”

“Concubine Xian, you’re such a fool. Your son is still imprisoned due to King of Chen’s scheme, yet you have the nerve to flatter Concubine Lan.”

“Concubine Jin, what are you talking about? How can you say Prince of Huai was schemed against by King of Chen?! Clearly, it was Prince of Yu’s doing!”