Side Consort

Upon returning to Meixiang Residence, the first thing she did was tell Lianrong to fetch the contraceptive soup.

She knew her status all too well. Lacking the ability to protect herself, if she dared to get pregnant, the women in this estate would have a thousand ways to make her miscarry.

She had only been in the estate for ten days, yet she had already heard that both Side Consorts had once been pregnant; one had inexplicably suffered a stillbirth, while the other had slipped and miscarried while admiring flowers in the courtyard.

There was also Concubine Yang, who died of a difficult labor during childbirth, losing both mother and child.

In truth, Jiang Jinxin knew very well that all of this was orchestrated by Jiang Yushu, because she had a female physician skilled in medicine by her side, and she was a highly competitive and jealous person.

Before giving birth to a legitimate son, how could she allow anyone else to bear a child first?

Early in the morning, the Princess Consort sent someone to deliver a message, saying that this year's newly tributed tea was excellent, inviting the sisters to taste it.

Jiang Jinxin had no choice but to brace herself, tidy her appearance, and arrive at Xiluan Court on time.

But it seemed she had arrived too early. The Princess Consort had not finished dressing, forcing a crowd of people to wait outside the door. Concubine Chen, Concubine He, and three other concubines were all present.

The two Secondary Consorts had been bestowed by the Empress during last year's New Year's Eve banquet. Because the Princess Consort had been in the estate for a year without bearing a child, the Empress bestowed two daughters of fourth-rank minor officials.

Later, Prince Rui married two more Side Consorts, namely Consort Cao and Consort Liu.

Consort Liu was the daughter of an imperial merchant, while Consort Cao was the younger sister of the general beside Prince Rui, as well as the legitimate second daughter of the Weiyuan Baron's Estate. One had wealth, the other had power.

Consort Cao had a fiery temper and had caused quite a few commotions, whereas Consort Liu was much gentler, never causing trouble or associating with anyone.

The three concubines were all chosen by Jiang Yushu for Prince Rui. Their appearances were not ugly, but they couldn't be considered beautiful either; moreover, they were timid and kept to their places.

Upon arrival, Jiang Jinxin immediately bowed to the two Secondary Consorts according to etiquette.

Concubine Chen glanced at her. With just one look, she was startled, then frowned and stared at her, sizing her up from head to toe without any restraint. Especially at her chest, then looking at her own—comparing oneself to others would truly drive one to madness.

All the good things were on this wench.

"Are you the concubine the Prince recently elevated?" Seeing her, Concubine He was also extremely jealous.

She had been in the estate for less than half a month, yet the Prince had summoned her to serve four times. She herself had been in the estate for a year and a half, yet all her visits combined didn't even amount to ten times.

Moreover, with such a seductive and coquettish appearance, she was clearly born to bewitch men.

"Yes," she replied gently.

"My, are you the bed-warming maid the Princess Consort recently found for the Prince? What is your name?"

A sarcastic voice sounded from behind. A woman, supported by a servant, slowly walked over, circling Jiang Jinxin. When she saw Jiang Jinxin's face, the mocking smile on her lips instantly froze.

"Your lowly servant is named Jiang Jinxin. Greetings to Consort Cao," she bowed in greeting.

Hearing this, Consort Cao sneered: "I heard you come from the Marquis of Qiyuan's Estate and share the same surname as the Princess Consort. Could you be some concubine-born younger sister of hers?"

"Your lowly servant is unworthy. Your lowly servant comes from a humble background and dares not claim relations with the Princess Consort. I hope Consort Cao does not think too highly of your lowly servant, lest others believe your lowly servant is intentionally causing a misunderstanding."