Chapter 55 Return to the Palace

On the second day after returning from the palace, His Majesty issued an imperial decree to hold a ceremony to confer the title of Queen on Chan Zhen. At the same time, he conferred the title of Duke Mu on Song Ge and the title of Lady of the First Rank of Wei. For a time, the Duke Mu's Mansion was the most powerful in the capital, and the Queen's favor became more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

After the ceremony of crowning the queen, Chan Zhen looked a little tired when she received the audience of concubines in her own palace.

The concubines gazed enviously at the empress in her magnificent attire, their hearts awash with unspeakable complexities. She was already the youngest in the harem, and when she was first appointed Imperial Concubine, she had a rather timid air. Now, however, she had cultivated a dignified demeanor. Even pregnant, she didn't look the least bit haggard; instead, her beauty became even more radiant and awe-inspiring.

With such a beauty in his arms, it's no wonder that His Majesty can't see anyone else.

Some people also felt jealous and aggrieved. Since Concubine De was left in the temporary palace, Concubine Xu no longer had someone to pressure her, and her temper became somewhat uncontrollable.

"Your Highness is pregnant now, so it's inconvenient for her to serve you. Please advise His Majesty to be more generous."

Chanzhen's mood suddenly turned bad. Before she could think of a reply, she heard Concubine Shu say leisurely, "Your Highness is now the Empress, and it is indeed your duty to advise His Majesty."

There was a hint of provocation in Concubine Shu's eyes. In the past, the Imperial Concubine had no obligation to advise His Majesty to treat everyone equally, but the Queen had this responsibility. If she continued to monopolize His Majesty while pregnant, she would not be able to escape the charge of being "jealous". The censors of the previous dynasty were all watching her.

Chan Zhen was originally wondering why Shu Fei, who had always looked down on him, had changed her mind today. She had been quiet since she entered the room. It turned out that she was waiting here to attack him.

"I will advise Your Majesty myself," Chan Zhen also took on some of his poise, imitating the tone His Majesty used when addressing his subjects. "Don't worry."

Hearing her reply, the eyes of the concubines who had been out of favor for a long time lit up, and even Concubine Shu had a look of surprise on her face.

She originally just wanted to make trouble because she couldn't stand the queen's smug look, but she didn't expect the queen to agree so easily.

"Then I would like to thank Her Majesty on behalf of all the sisters."

After all, she is old and it is unlikely that she will regain favor, but there are so many young beauties in the palace. No matter who is favored, as long as they can suppress the queen, she will be happy to see it.

After everyone had passed, Luzhu walked over to Chanzhen and asked worriedly, "Does the Queen really want to persuade His Majesty?"

The current situation couldn't be better. Even though the Empress was pregnant, His Majesty still came to the palace every day to accompany her, just like before. She absolutely did not want to see anyone take advantage of the situation and snatch the Empress's favor.

Zenzhen winked at her and said, "I was just trying to appease them."

She didn't want to push His Majesty to someone else. Besides, the legs were on His Majesty's own body. If His Majesty really couldn't help but want to go somewhere else, she was not in a position to stop him.

Lu Zhu felt relieved. Although the queen was soft-hearted, she was not someone who could be manipulated at will.

Having said that, when His Majesty came again in the evening, Chan Zhen was in a somewhat uneasy mood, with his brows lowered and a look of sadness covering his face.

"Why are you looking so miserable?" Chen Dingyao remembered that the concubines had come to pay their respects to her in the palace today, and a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes. "Did someone bully you?"

Was it Consort Shu? Or someone else? Chan Zhen was now the Empress, so how could anyone dare to bully her?

Zen Zhen raised his eyes in his arms and said hesitantly, "Your Majesty, isn't it inappropriate for Zen Zhen to occupy you all day like this?"

"Who told you that?" He rubbed her earlobe. "Isn't it me who monopolizes Chan Zhen all day long? Why doesn't anyone have any objections?"

Chan Zhen's earlobes were red. "Your Majesty, you have to promise me that you won't go to other people's places. Otherwise, I will never talk to you again."

It would be fine if she had not been sincere to His Majesty, but now that she likes His Majesty, she absolutely cannot tolerate His Majesty getting close to others. Even if outsiders want to call her a "jealous woman", she does not want to push His Majesty away.

Chen Dingyao hugged her, his voice deep above her head, "Ever since I met you, I haven't even looked at anyone else. Don't you think Chan Zhen has even this little bit of trust in me?"

"How could I not trust Your Majesty?" Chan Zhen looked up at him, his eyes moist. "I just want Yao Lang to comfort me more."

She had been having a lot of dreams recently, and she always felt uneasy when she was awake. Only when she heard His Majesty's voice could her mood calm down a little.

"I've noticed," he said, gently twisting a strand of hair that fell by her ear with his fingers, "Zenzhen has become more and more spoiled lately."

Zen Zhen's cheeks flushed, but he didn't avoid his gaze. He said confidently, "Isn't it your Majesty who spoiled you?"

Obviously, no matter how much hardship she had endured before, she would never complain, but in front of His Majesty, she could not help but want to get close to him and want him to comfort her more.

"Yes, I'm used to it." He bent down and kissed her lips obediently, his eyes gentle as he left, "I like to see you like this."

There was no need to endure the pain silently and exclude everyone else. She should have been raised in pampered condition.

Chan Zhen's eyes curved up, "Your Majesty, Yao Lang."

Chen Dingyao's heart softened as he listened to her calls one after another.

"Why do you keep calling me?"

Zen Zhen wrapped his arms around his neck affectionately, "Don't you like it when I call you Yao Lang?"

"How can I not be happy when you call me?" He put his arms around her waist tightly.

"Zenzhen feels like this is all a dream," she clung to him clingingly, "How could I have met such a wonderful Majesty?"

With her background, she had never thought that she would be held in the palm of someone's hand and cared for like this, as if all the hardships she had experienced in the past were not worth mentioning.

His throat moved, but no words came out. He just pressed her tightly against his chest.

When you recall the memories of your past life, you will no longer think that I am good.

The news of the Queen's pregnancy had already spread, and the next day Madam Wei received His Majesty's order to enter the palace for an audience.

Mrs. Wei had been worried about Chanzhen's weak body and the shock she suffered when she first became pregnant. She was afraid that her pregnancy would not be healthy, and she was only relieved after seeing her.

"Is your Majesty feeling unwell in any way?" She knew how difficult it was for a woman to be pregnant, and your Majesty was still so young, so she was afraid that there were many things she was not used to yet.

"Don't worry, mother," Chan Zhen reassured her, "His Majesty attaches great importance to this pregnancy. The imperial physician visits every day to check the patient's pulse and diagnose the condition. Everything is fine now."

"That's good." Madam Wei looked at her gently. "Although the fetus has stabilized after the first three months, we still need to be more careful. Everything that passes through our hands in the palace must be carefully inspected before use."

"Well," Chan Zhen felt a warmth in his heart as he sensed her concern. "I heard from His Majesty that my brother has been making quite a splash in the army lately, being called the Little Cavalry General."

The General of Cavalry refers to Huo Qubing, who was conferred the title of Lord of the Wolf's Lair during the Han Dynasty. Chanzhen always knew that the brother that His Majesty had found for her was capable, but she had not expected him to be so formidable. She probably took advantage of him because he was related to the Duke Mu's Mansion.

"It's nothing but flattery." Mrs. Wei shook her head.

After all, it was thanks to the Queen that the Song family rose in prominence with the Queen's favor, attracting the attention of countless people. Fortunately, Yue Ming still had some sense and did not become arrogant because of this.

"His Majesty also praised my brother a lot, saying that my brother's archery skills are very impressive, and everyone in the army is convinced." Chan Zhen's face showed longing. "I want to meet him too."

His Majesty was not shy about discussing state affairs in front of her, and told her many interesting stories from the army and the court. Chan Zhen then realized that the family of the old-fashioned censor was also a mess. In fact, no matter what happened in the capital, it could not escape His Majesty's eyes.

Seeing her eager expression, Madam Wei asked, "Has His Majesty said anything about the arrangements for this year's autumn hunt?"

Zen Zhen shook his head, looking somewhat lost: "Your Majesty didn't say anything, but I definitely can't go anyway."

She is pregnant, and His Majesty will definitely not allow her to participate in such an intense event.

Madam Wei agreed, "Your Majesty, you really need to prioritize your health."

Later, Chan Zhen asked His Majesty about the autumn hunt.

"I originally wanted to cancel this year's autumn hunt," His Majesty replied.

Zen Zhen opened his eyes wide, and asked sheepishly, "Is it because of me?"

Chen Dingyao nodded slightly, "You are pregnant, how can I leave?"

Zen Zhen held his hand and said in a clear voice: "I will take good care of myself, Your Majesty, don't worry."

She knew that the Autumn Hunt was one of the most important events of the year for the royal family. If His Majesty canceled this year's Autumn Hunt because of her, he would definitely be criticized by the censors again.

Chen Dingyao looked at her determined expression and couldn't help but sigh, "I'm not just worried about you staying in the palace alone. Chan Zhen, do you really need me to explain it more clearly before you understand?"

There was a hint of doubt in Zen Zhen's eyes.

Chen Dingyao rubbed her head, his eyes so gentle that they seemed to melt water.

"I can't bear to leave you."

Now he cherishes every moment he spends with her. Once she regains her memory, there may never be such days again.

Zen Zhen lowered his eyes shyly, but secretly hooked his fingers together.

"I am also reluctant to leave Your Majesty, but I don't want to be a burden to Your Majesty even more. I like Your Majesty most when he is full of vigor and energy, as if he can do anything."

Chen Dingyao looked down at her hooking her fingers and whispered, "I am not omnipotent either."

In his previous life, he failed to protect Yuan Zhao and failed to keep her. Even in this life, he was only able to take advantage of the fact that she had no memory of her past life.

Zenzhen looked up with a smile, his eyes shining with admiration.

"But in my heart, Your Majesty is omnipotent."

She knew that ever since she entered the palace, the previous dynasty had been boiling with resentment, but even with such great resistance, His Majesty single-handedly blocked it for her.

She took his broad palm and placed it against her ear. "Zenzhen has wanted to tell His Majesty a long time ago. Why doesn't Your Majesty believe in my feelings for you?"

She had often been able to sense His Majesty's inner uneasiness recently. He had become increasingly gentle and considerate towards her, as if he had deliberately smoothed out all his edges in front of her. However, she had actually seen him being cold and ruthless towards others at the palace banquet. Such an imposing His Majesty also made her heart beat faster.

His Majesty should be looking down on everyone from a high position. She would strive to climb to the same position as His Majesty, but she didn't expect that His Majesty would smooth out his edges and revolve around her alone.

Your Majesty is not only his Majesty, but also the Majesty of all the people in the world.

"As long as your Majesty's feelings for Zen remain unchanged, Zen will like you no matter what you become."

"Really?" Chen Dingyao felt the warmth in his palm and smiled. "Zenzhen, don't forget what I said today."

My feelings towards you will never change, and no matter what I look like or what I do, you have to accept everything about me.

…

Another sticky dream.

In the unfamiliar palace, the man hugged her intimately from behind, their skin touching without any barrier.

"I really want to bring you into the palace tomorrow."

Zen Zhen had a blank expression on his face, his tone cold with a hint of sarcasm.

"Many people in the palace have seen me. Under what pretext does Your Majesty intend to take me into the palace?"

The man was silent for a moment, then whispered, "I will make the arrangements, Zenzhen, don't worry."

Zen Zhen closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening his eyes and getting up from the bed to get dressed, but the man grabbed his wrist and dragged him back into his arms.

She kept a stiff face and refused to look back at him: "Your Majesty, I should go back now. His Highness will be here for dinner tonight."

His eyes darkened, and his voice was a bit cold: "What about after dinner? Do you dare to let Yun Yi touch you again?"

Zen Zhen endured it again and again, but finally couldn't help but push him away, tears of resentment in his eyes: "Your Majesty, don't you feel guilty for saying this?"

"I originally belonged to His Highness, and you forced me. Are you not allowed to touch me again?"

Seeing her tearful eyes, the coldness in his eyes dissipated a little.

"Okay, I don't blame you. I'll ask someone to assign Yun Yi something else to do and won't let him bother you at night."

He pulled her back into his arms and patted her back soothingly.

Zen Zhen shed tears of grievance, "Your Majesty, you have already obtained my body, so please let me go, okay?"

She had spent the past few days in shame confined to her room, not daring to step out. She felt sorry for His Highness and resented her own inability to resist, not even having the courage to commit suicide after being humiliated.

He gently wiped away the tears from her eyes, "You want me to let you go, but who will let me go?"

He had done such a thing, throwing his reputation behind him. Even though she resisted with all her heart, he was still happy to have her.

Zen Zhen closed his eyes in despair and let the tears roll down.

His Majesty refused to let her go, so was she destined to maintain this awkward relationship with him forever? If anyone discovered it, it would be nothing more than a scandal for His Majesty. Who would dare to blame the high and mighty Majesty for it? But what about her? Who would be able to protect her from the endless infamy?

…

When she woke up early, Luzhu saw her rubbing her forehead and asked worriedly, "Does your Majesty have a headache?"

After saying that, he walked up to her and started rubbing her.

Zen Zhen's eyes still carried the sleepiness and confusion of someone who had just woken up: "It's just that I had some nightmares last night, so I didn't sleep well."

Seeing her haggard face, Lu Zhu said distressedly, "Your Majesty has not been sleeping well recently. Why don't you ask the imperial physician to come and take a look?"

Zenzhen was massaged by her for quite a while, and now the soreness in his head has gradually improved a lot.

She shook her head: "No need to trouble the imperial physician, I just examined him yesterday."

The imperial physician couldn't tell whether she was good or bad, and always told her to relax and not worry too much. But she was actually already relaxed. She had already handed over the palace affairs to the female officials, and His Majesty was with her all day, so there was nothing for her to worry about.

But even so, she still had dreams every night, but most of the time when she woke up, she had forgotten most of the scenes in the dream.

Even His Majesty looked extremely nervous every time he saw her wake up from a dream. Not to mention that she looked haggard, she noticed that the dark blue under His Majesty's eyes was even darker than hers.

She felt sorry for His Majesty and suggested sleeping in a separate bed from him, but His Majesty refused to agree no matter what.

They can only keep torturing each other like this.

Lu Zhu wanted to persuade her again, but she heard from the palace servants that it was Princess Xuanyang who requested a visit.

Chan Zhen's eyes lit up and he became more excited: "Please invite the county lady over."

After they parted at the palace, she hadn't seen the county lady for more than three months. When she saw her today, she found that the county lady was more energetic than when she was at the palace, and there was less confusion in her eyes caused by love.

"Your Majesty." Princess Xuanyang was about to pay her respects when she was stopped by Chan Zhen.

"Why are you being so polite to me?" Chan Zhen was unable to move, so she asked Luzhu to help her sit aside.

Xuan Yang also became casual: "I came to the palace with my aunt today, and I wanted to see you."

"Has Her Royal Highness the Princess returned to the palace as well?" Chan Zhen asked in surprise. As far as she knew, Her Royal Highness the Princess Yu Zhen lived in Ziyun Temple all year round and seldom returned to the palace. She had not even attended the palace banquet for the Tianshou Festival last time.

Xuan Yang's face darkened. "In a few days it will be the anniversary of Concubine Yang's death. Every year at this time, my aunt always returns to the palace to pay her respects."

Concubine Yang was the biological mother of Princess Yuzhen. When she was alive, she was only granted the title of Talented Lady by the previous emperor. It was only after Your Majesty ascended the throne that she was posthumously granted the title of Concubine.

Zen Zhen's expression turned serious. "I didn't know about this. I'll go and pay my respects there when the time comes."

After all, Princess Yuzhen grew up with His Majesty, and Concubine Yang can be considered her elder.

"Your Majesty is pregnant now, so your thoughtfulness is enough." She looked at Chan Zhen's now somewhat pregnant belly with a gentle gaze, "Your Majesty and the unborn child are safe and sound. I was scared to death last time in the lotus pond, but luckily you are okay."

Zen Zhen narrowed his eyes and said, "I also want to thank the county lady. Fortunately, you helped me up at that time. It was me who caused you to fall into the water."

Xuan Yang waved his hand carelessly: "I have learned about water since I was young. The depth of the lotus pond is nothing."

"I see that the county lady is in a much better mood now than she was then." Chan Zhen said with a smile.

Xuan Yang smiled and said, "My mother no longer forces me to get married. I now live with my aunt in a Taoist temple on the mountain. I listen to the chanting every day, and I am naturally happy."

She finally understood why her aunt would rather stay in the Taoist temple all year round than return to Beijing. In an environment like that of a Taoist temple, all worries would indeed become a thing of the past.

"It would be good if the county lady let it go." Chan Zhen longed for a favored daughter like the county lady, and naturally did not want to see her trapped in love and fall into the dust.

"I see that the queen looks a little haggard. Has she been feeling unwell recently?" As soon as Xuan Yang entered the room, he noticed that her face looked thinner and unhappy than when she was in the palace.

Zen Zhen rubbed his forehead and said, "I've been having a lot of dreams lately and haven't been sleeping well."

Xuan Yang clapped his hands. "It just so happens that I brought a sachet of spiritual tranquility from the Taoist temple. My aunt asked Taoist Xuan Wei for it on my behalf. I tried it and it worked quite well. Your Majesty, why don't you try it too?"

She pulled out a sachet from her bosom and was about to hand it over when she became concerned and said, "Your Majesty is pregnant now, so you should first ask the imperial physician to see if this sachet is suitable for you."

After all, it was a kind gesture from the Princess of Xuanyang County, so Chan Zhen did not refuse and let Lu Zhu take it.

"Well, thank you, County Master."