Chapter 46 Jiang Mengmeng really wants to kiss me

Guanju Palace

These past few days, the news of Empress Dowager Shu's return to the capital has been spreading like wildfire in the palace, and how could A-Zhu not know about it?

When Empress Dowager Shu was not in the palace, A-Zhu was so far away that he naturally wouldn't remember her.

Now, it seems that another extraordinary person is about to rise above him, yet Ah Zhu has hardly heard Emperor Xuanpei mention this Empress Dowager at all.

Everyone says that Ah Zhu is a sycophant, and that's absolutely true.

Before the person even arrived, A-Zhu subtly probed the relationship between Emperor Xuanpei and the Empress Dowager, trying to find out more in order to better curry favor with the Empress Dowager.

"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has left the palace to pray for the nation's well-being for three years..."

Before she could finish speaking, A-Zhu noticed that Emperor Xuanpei's hands were slightly red and swollen, so she quickly asked the palace servants to bring her a hot towel and ointment.

After applying hot compresses to Emperor Xuanpei's hands for a while, Azhu poured the ointment onto her own hands and began to hold Emperor Xuanpei's hands and repeatedly knead and massage them.

"Your Majesty."

Ah Zhu frowned, "These past few days you've been going to the training ground to ride horses and practice archery, and you've also been reviewing memorials. Now your hands are injured..."

Over the years, Eunuch Chen had been serving Emperor Xuanpei, and Eunuch Chen was naturally a clever man.

But he wouldn't be like A-Zhu, who would shamelessly cling to Emperor Xuanpei and pinch him wherever he wanted.

When Emperor Xuanpei remained silent and showed no unusual expression, he dared not stare at the emperor, and thus did not notice the injury on Emperor Xuanpei's hand.

Emperor Xuanpei looked at Azhu, who had only spoken half a sentence before abandoning Empress Dowager Shu and was now completely focused on him, vigorously massaging the meridians in his hands.

After a moment of silence, Emperor Xuanpei said, "This is not even a superficial injury; it will be fine in a couple of days."

Thinking of the Empress Dowager's A-Zhu, once she made up her mind to curry favor, she was truly exceptionally gentle and considerate.

She used a hot towel to wipe the ointment that had just been rubbed onto Emperor Xuanpei's hands.

Even if it's not a superficial injury, it will still make people feel uncomfortable.

"How uncomfortable it must be for your fingers to be curled up like this, unable to fully open them, unable to grasp them properly, and forced to stay curled up like this?"

Ah Zhu held Emperor Xuan Pei's hand, which exuded the fresh scent of herbal ointments, and rubbed it against her soft face.

"In a few more days, it will be the day of Mulan's hunt."

"Your Majesty, you promised to teach me then. How about you take good care of yourself for a few days?"

Emperor Xuanpei gently stroked Azhu's face with the back of his hand and softly replied, "Alright."

Seeing that Emperor Xuanpei suddenly seemed to have gone limp, Azhu sat up slightly, then snuggled closer to him and nestled in his arms.

"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is about to return to the palace."

"When I was in the Yeting Palace, I never had the chance to formally pay my respects to the Empress Dowager... I owe my current status entirely to His Majesty's mercy, but I fear that the Empress Dowager is too strict with etiquette."

A-Zhu raised her head again, her expression as if she were making some kind of solemn oath, "This concubine promises to be obedient and well-behaved."

"If Your Majesty the Empress Dowager does not find me foolish, I will certainly serve her well."

"But if the Empress Dowager truly dislikes my status as a concubine... Your Majesty, please don't despise me, okay?"

Emperor Xuanpei rubbed Azhu's head.

"With so many palace servants in this palace, how could we possibly fail to serve the Empress Dowager properly?"

"If you feel that Shou Kang Palace is not manpower enough, I can issue an edict to send people from the Imperial Household Department, the Office of State Affairs, and the Imperial Ceremonial Office there."

"You yourself are not in good health, and you are currently taking medicine and carefully recuperating. How can you possibly serve anyone?"

"Just stay here in Guanju Palace."

Alright, that's enough with the emperor's words!

A-Zhu immediately hugged Emperor Xuanpei and said repeatedly, "Your Majesty is so kind."

Emperor Xuanpei also embraced Azhu.

These past few days, he had asked the palace servants who were attending to A-Zhu, and they said that A-Zhu was still experiencing morning sickness, but he didn't want them to report it, for fear of upsetting him.

Since A-Zhu had said so, Emperor Xuanpei had no choice but to send two imperial physicians to him.

Even the imperial physician Cao was at his wit's end.

They really wished they could just blurt out that Consort Jiang was "eager to have a child," and that "Your Majesty, why don't you just let her have her wish sooner?"

These days, Emperor Xuanpei has been "treating Azhu's heart ailment" in this Guanju Palace, not wanting to go anywhere else, and too lazy to listen to what others are saying.

Originally, the plan was to at least cure A-Zhu's morning sickness before considering anything else, but unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Shu suddenly decided to return to the palace.

"Two days from now is an auspicious day. I will join all the civil and military officials to welcome the Empress Dowager."

Azhu nodded.

"Her Majesty the Empress also said that my auspicious attire has been prepared well in advance."

Whenever Empress Dowager Shu was mentioned, Emperor Xuanpei's eyebrows would involuntarily furrow.

He thought for a moment, then began to give instructions to Azhu.

"You should stay away from those people and those places, and don't get involved in the affairs of Shou Kang Palace."

Ah Zhu nodded obediently.

"Your concubine will obey and stay far away."

Even so, Emperor Xuanpei was still very worried about his foster mother.

He touched Ah Zhu, wishing he could shrink her down and put her in his sleeve to take her away.

But Ah Zhu will never turn into a gerbil, one that can be held in one hand.

Slightly regretful and melancholy, Emperor Xuanpei pondered for a moment and then said, "If you are suddenly summoned to Shou Kang Palace without any reason, try to delay the time as much as possible."

"Tell your men to be quick-witted and report to the Emperor early. If neither I nor Delu are present, they should go to Fuhai."

Hmm... Looking at Emperor Xuanpei's expression, it was the first time that she had seen the usually composed Emperor Xuanpei looking rather helpless and caught in a dilemma.

"Your Majesty."

Azhu looked up and kissed Emperor Xuanpei's chin.

"I know that Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is of noble status and that she is a great contributor to the country's prosperity... I will not make things difficult for you, please rest assured."

Emperor Xuanpei sighed softly.

"What trouble can she possibly cause me now?"

"It was just a moment of triumph that made him powerful and influential, and he wanted everyone to know about it."

Just imagine how Empress Dowager Shu used to live in constant fear in this palace, afraid of everything, and even personally experienced the days when the late emperor was bloodthirsty. In her most anxious moment, her adopted son suddenly became emperor, and she herself became the empress dowager above all others... tsk.

The debts of birth and upbringing are inherently difficult to sever. Seeing Emperor Xuanpei in this state, Azhu, whose life had been ruined by her own mother, let out a rare sigh and remained silent.

*

The next day, when she paid her respects at Kunning Palace, everyone could see that Empress Wang was beaming with joy.

"Tomorrow you will accompany me to welcome the Empress Dowager. You must behave properly. If anyone is disrespectful, don't blame me for being impolite."

As Empress Wang warned everyone, Consort Zhang felt a headache coming on and wanted to rub her forehead.

She stared blankly at the smug Empress Wang, wishing she could rush up and shake her head.

What kind of temperament does Empress Dowager Shu have? Has she not learned her lesson yet?

She held concubines born into prestigious families in particularly low regard, especially those from renowned clans. She would rather humiliate them by watching them grovel and submit to her than feel any satisfaction in doing so.

In this palace, Empress Dowager Shu's orders are the most important; no one can disobey her commands.

In those years, even Empress Wang had to go to Shou Kang Palace early to learn the rules and serve her mother-in-law well, not to mention others.

Empress Dowager Shu looked down on Consort Zhang, who was of low status in the palace, but where could Consort Zhang hide?

So now Consort Zhang not only wants to complain about Empress Wang's bad idea, but she even blames herself. She wishes she could slap herself twice and swallow back the words she made to keep Empress Wang busy.

If Consort Zhang had known earlier that Empress Wang was going to invite Empress Dowager Shu, she could have helped Azhu keep her pregnancy a secret.

Now, haha, it's too late to say anything.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has worked hard to pray for the country and has now returned to the palace after fulfilling her merits. We concubines will serve her wholeheartedly."

Consort Zhang suddenly turned around and stared at Consort Tang, who had spoken those words.

Consider that Consort Tang entered the palace through the imperial concubine selection three years ago... which means she perfectly avoided the days when Empress Dowager Shu "poisoned" the harem.

"What are you saying, Consort Tang?"

"How dare you, a mere Consort, presumptuously assert that you have achieved perfect merit?"

"What are you? Are you some kind of reincarnation of a high-ranking monk?"

Consort Tang was caught off guard by Consort Zhang's sudden, almost cruel, humiliation, and her face turned red and white, looking extremely unpleasant.

"Your Highness, Imperial Concubine, you..."

Seeing Consort Zhang lashing out at Consort Tang, Empress Wang couldn't be bothered to care. They were both vixens; it was good that one of them was attacking the other.

Since the other concubines in the palace couldn't afford to offend Consort Zhang, the conversation naturally shifted to people who were easier to deal with.

Ah Zhu, who held his teacup but didn't drink a drop, and watched the commotion with great interest, naturally became the target of everyone's attacks again.

"The Empress Dowager is very particular about rules and regulations."

"Yes, these past few years since the Empress Dowager has been away, all sorts of cats and dogs have dared to show up."

"Now things are much better. With her in charge, everything in the palace will surely be peaceful."

"......"

Hey, is Ah Zhu afraid of these two words of chatter?

These ladies, with their refined and cultured manner, are far more eloquent than the crude and vulgar palace maids in the inner palace who hurl insults.

A-Zhu sat there calmly without changing her expression. When she noticed someone looking at her, she looked up without any panic—it was Consort Xian.

Considering that this lady had never criticized her and rarely made a sound when paying her respects, focusing solely on quietly caring for the sixth princess, A-Zhu smiled at her in a very friendly manner.

Consort Xian, who was prone to suspicion, clenched her fists immediately, sensing the deeper meaning behind A-Zhu's smile.

"Your Majesty the Empress."

Hearing the constant refrains and formalities from the Empress Dowager throughout the hall, Consort Zhang, unable to sit still any longer, said directly, "This concubine has a bit of a headache, so I'll take my leave."

Empress Wang, whose focus these past few days had been on A-Zhu, didn't bother Consort Zhang this time. She waved her hand and let her go.

Turning her head to look at Ah Zhu, who was as shameless as a rogue, Empress Wang was filled with rage.

Because of her pregnancy, Empress Wang didn't dare to punish her harshly. Seeing that everyone was watching the show with a leisurely and carefree attitude, Empress Wang decided to ignore them and simply dismissed them.

After leaving Kunning Palace, Azhu did not return to Guanju Palace.

When she was a palace maid, the entire palace was forbidden territory unless she had duties. But now, she no longer needs to hide and has plenty of time to come and enjoy the scenery.

Thinking that she would have to hide in Guanju Palace to avoid the Empress Dowager's arrival, Azhu wished she could just wander around the capital city all day.

Seeing that Azhu wanted to visit the garden, Sancai thought for a moment and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, Chief Steward Chen said earlier that in order to prepare for the Empress Dowager's return to the palace, the palace specially found the best quality koi and raised them in Changchun Garden."

"The red and gold colors will form a circle and rotate, which is very pleasing to the eye."

Upon hearing this, Ah Zhu became interested and asked for fish food. The group then headed towards Changchun Garden.

Just as they rounded the artificial hill, they heard a childish voice, tinged with a hint of coquetry, "Grandma, the fish's food is all gone. Can you get some more, please?"

Granny Sun looked troubled. "Princess, everyone has left after paying their respects to Her Majesty. We should return to the palace now."

"Then how about Mother Consort comes along?" Princess Jingyi blinked her big eyes. "Looking at the fish makes me happy."

Good heavens, we've seen far too many demons and monsters in this palace. It's rare to see such a sweet little cutie with a soft voice and adorable eyes. Even A-Zhu couldn't help but take a few extra glances at her.

Upon seeing that it was Ah Zhu and his group, Granny Sun quickly pulled the Sixth Princess over to pay her respects.

"Princess, this is Consort Jiang from Guanju Palace."

Princess Jingyi obediently bowed to Azhu and said in a proper manner, "Jingyi greets Lady Jiang. May Lady Jiang be blessed."

"Good fortune, good fortune." A-Zhu resisted the urge to reach out and pat Jingyi's head, and instead squatted down to look at her: "Sixth Princess, may you also have good fortune."

Princess Jingyi laughed immediately, then shyly hid behind Granny Sun. When she peeked at Azhu, her dimples were still visible on her face.

Back when A-Zhu first entered the Jiang family as a maid to play with Miss Jiang, she would hide behind Mama Qian like this when she saw people... A-Zhu, who had been suffering from morning sickness for many days and was somewhat sentimental, suddenly had tears in her eyes when she saw this scene.

She was about to get up with her head down when suddenly a pink figure appeared in front of her.

"Lady Jiang".

Jingyi handed over the small pink handkerchief and the candy, saying earnestly, "Eat candy, it'll make the bitterness go away."

People cannot be simply comforted by kindness when they are feeling sentimental.

Seriously, even if I get scolded, otherwise I'll end up like Ah Zhu, with tears suddenly streaming down my face.

Seeing the beautiful older sister who was suddenly very sad, Jingyi looked down at the handkerchief in her hand, pursed her lips, and wanted to reach out to wipe the handkerchief off Azhu's face.

"Jingyi!!!"

The usually gentle and demure Consort Xian shouted out loud for the first time ever.

Granny Sun quickly pulled Princess Jingyi over, and Azhu was also helped to his feet.

She hastily wiped away her tears. "Greetings, Your Highness, Consort Xian."

"No need for formalities, no need for formalities."

She looked at Consort Jingyi in a panic, and only then did she breathe a sigh of relief when she saw that her child was safe and sound.

She stood up, completely shielding Jingyi from view, and looked at Azhu. Seeing the tear stains on Azhu's face, Consort Xian paused, then softened her tone, "Consort Jiang, are you... feeling unwell?"

Fearing that Ah Zhu might say something unpleasant, she turned to look at Granny Sun, "Could it be that you and the princess offended Consort Jiang?"

"No, no," A-Zhu said repeatedly. "The princess is the kindest and most approachable girl. How could she have offended me? It was my own fault..."

Seeing the nervous Consort Xian, A-Zhu, knowing her terrible reputation, could only say, "It's just that I suddenly feel homesick."

Seeing Jingyi peeking at her again, Azhu forced back her tears and smiled, "Your Majesty has raised the princess so well."

Upon hearing Ah Zhu say that she missed home, Consort Xian felt as if her heart was being squeezed and clenched.

Seeing that she kept looking at her daughter, Consort Xian, as if in a fit of rage, really wanted to throw A-Zhu off the cliff and end it all.

But seeing A-Zhu surrounded by a retinue, Consort Xian was certainly not crazy enough to actually take action. After exchanging a few polite words, Consort Xian immediately turned around and left with Jing-Yi in her arms.

"Mother."

Jingyi turned to look at Azhu standing in the garden, "Empress Jiang was really sad just now."

"Just like my mother."

Consort Xian held Jingyi with her eyes closed, but tears silently streamed down her face.

Jingyi nuzzled against Consort Xian and then took out a piece of candy from her small purse and gave it to Consort Xian.

"Mother, don't be sad, it's sweet."

Consort Xian, with a candy in her mouth, hugged Jingyi tightly.

So be it. It's better to make the same mistake over and over than to sit and wait for death. No one can touch her child, no one!

***

Banners fluttered, and the imperial carriage was magnificent.

From the moment they entered the capital, the imperial road was guarded by guards. People on both sides of the street knelt down. Lanterns and palace servants led the way, followed by female officials. Behind them were a group of palace servants carrying ceremonial regalia and fans.

Once the carriage entered the capital, the people began to kowtow.

"Long live the Empress Dowager!"

"Long live the Empress Dowager!"

"......"

The shouts and cheers rose and fell, one after another, from afar and approaching, without end.

Empress Dowager Shu only revealed herself after entering the palace gates and seeing Emperor Xuanpei and his officials waiting to pay their respects to her.

After such a grand return to the palace, Empress Dowager Shu, who had made great contributions to praying for the country's well-being, became even more remarkable, and only the emperor was allowed to enter the Shou Kang Palace.

As for Empress Wang, who was leading the concubines outside to wait for their summons to pay their respects... she had been waiting since morning until lunchtime before Empress Dowager Shu, tired from her journey, told them to come and pay their respects the next day.

Consort Xian was kept by the nanny of Shou Kang Palace, but Consort Xian was a relative of the Empress Dowager, so who could say anything?

He slunk away in disgrace.

Shou Kang Palace

"This concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."

May Your Majesty the Empress Dowager enjoy good fortune and happiness forever.

Upon entering, Consort Xian knelt down properly and respectfully paid her respects to Empress Dowager Shu on the throne.

Having lived a life of luxury for many years, Empress Dowager Shu has now gained a little weight. She sits in her seat like a revered "Buddha," showing no sign of being moved.

"I left the palace to cultivate for three years, and now you only have one princess by your side?"

The virtuous concubine kowtowed on the ground, admitting her mistake, "This concubine is incompetent."

"You are incompetent!" Empress Dowager Shu said with displeasure. "What did I tell you when I left the palace?"

"Our two governments are counting on you, but you're the most disappointing one!"

“Nowadays, even a lowly servant can serve the emperor, yet you still only keep a princess.”

"How did this filthy servant get to the Emperor's side? Since you knew her identity, why didn't you stop her?"

"It's made the palace a chaotic mess, there's not a single peaceful place left!"

As Empress Dowager Shu continued to express her disdain, Consort Xian listened in silence, offering no explanation.

Seeing the wooden-headed Consort Xian, Empress Dowager Shu was still not satisfied with her scolding, so she asked Jiang Zhu, "Why hasn't Empress Wang dealt with this wicked maid who climbed into the emperor's bedchamber yet?"

How should we deal with a concubine who is pregnant with the emperor's child?!

Wait a minute... Consort Xian suddenly realized that if the Empress Dowager said that, then she didn't know about Consort Jiang's pregnancy?!

How could so many people in the palace have kept this news completely from the Empress Dowager?

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."

Consort Xian's mind raced, and she tentatively said, "His Majesty favors Consort Jiang, and Empress Wang is afraid that His Majesty will not like her..."

"Bang—!" Empress Dowager Shu slammed her hand on the table. "How dare you!"

"She's just a lowly maidservant from the inner palace; even the Empress can't deal with her?"

"What kind of logic is this?"

It turns out that no one really told Empress Dowager Shu... Consort Xian didn't know whether she should cry or laugh.

But the Empress Dowager was her support, so Consort Xian lowered her head and began to consider how to bring up A-Zhu's pregnancy without letting the Empress Dowager's anger fall on her.

Seeing that Consort Xian remained silent, Empress Dowager Shu found it too much trouble to even get angry at this useless person. She lowered her eyes and ordered, "Alright, you prepare to serve the Emperor in bed."

"From now on, you must focus all your attention on the Emperor... As for the princess beside you, it's inconvenient to keep her here, so let her move to my palace."

"You don't need to worry about her marriage anymore. Your aunt's son, Hui'er, is quite good, so you can rest assured..."

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

Consort Xian panicked immediately, "Jingyi is still young. She has always been with me. It would be a great pity if she left my side so abruptly..."

"You bastard!"

Seeing that Consort Xian still dared to talk back, Empress Dowager Shu's face immediately darkened.

"Are you saying that I can't even keep an eye on a princess in my Shou Kang Palace?"

"All these years you've been wasting your time on righteous things, which is why you've let a lowly maid win the emperor's heart!"

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."

Consort Xian crawled a few steps on her knees, pleading with tears in her eyes, "All the faults are mine."

"But Jingyi is still young, and she has never left my side. Your Majesty, I will certainly..."

"Alright, your unruly and disorderly behavior is giving me a headache."

Consort Shu felt extremely displeased when she saw Consort Xian daring to bargain.

If it weren't for her, the Empress Dowager, what would Consort Xian be? Could she have become the head of a palace?

If it weren't for her protection, would he be where he is today?

But this forced her to leave the palace and seek enlightenment in Buddhism.

Sure enough, this palace is full of greedy, ungrateful, and heartless people!

"That's settled then!"

"Five days later, Jingyi will be moved to Shou Kang Palace."

Empress Dowager Shu snorted.

"The rules of this palace need to be properly established."

“Granny Li, let’s start tomorrow.”

"Yes, this servant will go to Kunning Palace immediately."

Empress Dowager Shu glanced at Consort Xian and waved her hand, "Alright, alright, you may leave now."

Consort Xian chose to remain silent about Azhu's pregnancy at this moment.

Empress Dowager Shu will not give A-Zhu a chance to speak, and tomorrow, presumably no one will speak either.

Consort Xian thought that A-Zhu's pregnancy was not yet three months along, but she did not make it public and begged the emperor to cover it up, so who could know?

No one could know, no, not even she.

Empress Dowager Shu... she was still troubled by a thousand things and dissatisfied with ten thousand things, and couldn't care less about anything else.

With her head bowed and tears wiped away, Consort Xian silently and obediently bid farewell to Empress Dowager Shu and left Shou Kang Palace without uttering a word.

......

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Author's Note: Thank you all for your support, muah! [Dog head with rose in its mouth][Dog head with rose in its mouth][Dog head with rose in its mouth]