Chapter 82 Who can talk as well as Ah Zhu, this fairy?

Guanju Palace

Emperor Xuanpei, dressed in a light blue casual outfit, has been simply holding his hair back with a gold and jade-inlaid hair crown every morning for the past few days. He also wears a pair of sachets and jade pendants on either side of his waist, without any other trivial accessories.

He was sitting by the bed, looking at A-Zhu, who was nestled softly in the pink and gold hibiscus embroidered quilt.

After recuperating in the palace for more than a month, Ah Zhu seemed to have become soft and gentle from the inside out.

Emperor Xuanpei, whose gaze used to send chills down people's spines with just a fleeting glance, now seemed tender.

Emperor Xuanpei smiled as he took the still-steaming face towel offered by the palace maid with both hands and gently wiped Azhu's face.

Ah Zhu, her face flushed from sleep, closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and obediently raised her head.

She's so well-behaved.

Seeing this, Emperor Xuanpei couldn't help but smile and lean down to kiss Azhu's forehead.

A-Zhu opened her eyes and glanced at Emperor Xuanpei, then pouted and turned her head away from him. From this angle, only the tips of her pink ears were faintly visible in her hair.

Emperor Xuanpei reached out and rubbed her ear, coaxing her in a low voice, "In just over half a month, it will be the New Year's Eve banquet, and it won't be warm at all."

"During the banquet, apart from the hot pot which was steaming hot, everything else was prepared separately and would turn cold in no time. It was only served for good luck."

"If it snows, it will be even colder, and there will be many sacrificial rites and rituals. It will be busy until after the fifteenth of the month before things calm down."

"Even in spring, the lingering chill feels like it's seeping into your bones... You really can't stand the wind right now."

"Listen to me, take good care of yourself."

Emperor Xuanpei had fully recovered and his fever had completely subsided half a month ago.

He is always full of energy and has a very strong physique; he looks incredibly healthy.

A-Zhu originally thought that Emperor Xuanpei would immediately return to Hanyuan Palace and spend his days and nights with his affairs of state until the end of time.

But Emperor Xuanpei did not set off.

He would only spend an hour or two each day in his small study, looking at whatever Eunuch Chen or the Imperial Secretary presented.

Seeing Emperor Xuanpei so leisurely and not in a hurry at all, Azhu thought that the Crown Prince was doing a really good job as regent.

Even though Emperor Xuanpei didn't say when he would return, judging from the current situation, he would stay with her until New Year's Eve.

After the New Year, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, and two days later on the seventeenth, it will be the "full moon celebration" for the two children.

Two months is a long time to recover, but it's not too difficult to endure.

Originally, A-Zhu was patiently counting down the days, but Emperor Xuanpei wanted her to stay in bed until summer... Thanks to "Brother Tong's" help, A-Zhu, who was healthy and without any illness, did not want to be "confined" for so long.

Seeing that A-Zhu was pretending to be asleep with her eyes closed, pouting and pursing her lips, her long eyelashes trembling, and she looked like she couldn't hear anything he was saying, Emperor Xuanpei shook his head and smiled.

Just as he was about to continue coaxing Azhu, Eunuch Chen came to report that Empress Wang was outside requesting an audience.

Empress Wang, who made an unprecedented visit, was a truly rare guest.

In addition, she wished that Emperor Xuanpei could stay in Guanju Palace without having to worry about anything and recuperate properly so that all his illnesses would be cured. Naturally, she would not allow any other trivial matters or "unrelated people" to come and disturb the imperial procession.

As for the concubines in the palace, if Empress Wang had any instructions, she would send her maids or simply summon the concubines to give them instructions in person.

Aside from the day A-Zhu gave birth prematurely, this was the first time Empress Wang had taken the initiative to come to Guanju Palace.

Upon hearing this news, A-Zhu lost all interest in pretending to be asleep.

She immediately grasped Emperor Xuanpei's hand, and her previously feigned whining and whining were now filled with reluctance to part with him.

But after gripping for a moment, Ah Zhu slowly let go.

"His Majesty has been staying at Guanju Palace for so long... Now that Her Majesty the Empress has suddenly come to request an audience, I'm afraid there must be something important."

She tried her best to appear relaxed, giving Emperor Xuanpei a soft, sensible, and obedient smile.

"Your Majesty, please go quickly. I can take care of myself..."

His son, Ah Zhu, is so well-behaved.

Looking at A-Zhu in this state, Emperor Xuanpei felt as if he had been given a piece of honey.

He gently stroked Ah Zhu's face with affection and said with a soft smile, "The Empress is truly virtuous now."

"She's probably just worried that I won't be able to rest peacefully, so why would she bring up anything important to disturb my peace?"

Emperor Xuanpei smiled, stood up, and nodded to Azhu.

"I'll be right back."

*

Empress Wang, who had been enjoying the breeze at the palace gate, entered the outer hall and bowed to Emperor Xuanpei.

"Your Majesty, I wish you good fortune and happiness."

No need for formalities.

After standing up, Empress Wang naturally raised her eyes to look at Emperor Xuanpei.

Ah Zhu's former "depraved concubine"-like, crooked, trembling, and clinging "undignified" behavior.

No matter how serious and solemn Emperor Xuanpei was dressed, Ah Zhu, the most eloquent and flattering "fairy," could always make the atmosphere soft and blushing.

Therefore, Emperor Xuanpei had become accustomed to dressing very comfortably and simply inside the Guanju Palace, which was completely different from how he appeared outside.

Seeing Emperor Xuanpei, who no longer seemed so distant and unattainable, Empress Wang, who was eager to offer her advice, paused slightly.

He exuded a menacing aura and was not easy to approach—this was Empress Wang's first impression of Emperor Xuanpei.

Even after entering the Prince of Qin's residence, Empress Wang never changed this impression.

After ascending the throne, Emperor Xuanpei indeed became increasingly aloof, cold, and unapproachable.

No one found Emperor Xuanpei's behavior strange.

Shouldn't the emperor be so "isolated and unapproachable"?

But now...

Empress Wang lowered her eyes slightly, trying her best to control her chaotic emotions.

But the resentment and unwillingness that had already sprouted were like a fishhook soaked in poison, tightly hooking into Empress Wang's heart—why had Emperor Xuanpei never treated her like this?

If Emperor Xuanpei had not been so unapproachable when he married her, but instead had such a gentle and tender demeanor, why would the two of them have had to quarrel so many times?

Seeing Empress Wang remain silent for a long time, yet her expression seemed inexplicably tense, Emperor Xuanpei frowned: "Empress?"

Empress Wang's hand, hidden in her sleeve, tightened suddenly, then slowly relaxed. She tried her best to remain rational and say what needed to be said first—

"Is His Majesty feeling any better now?"

Seeing Empress Wang's almost forced smile, Emperor Xuanpei's expression also turned somewhat indifferent.

He nodded slightly. "I'm feeling much better."

Whenever he was facing her, the emperor would be so stingy, refusing to utter a single extra word, and even displaying such a cold and aloof expression!

It's happening again, it's happening again, it's happening again!!!

A sudden lump formed in Empress Wang's throat, making her feel utterly choked up.

Empress Wang, who had already rehearsed all her words in her mind several times on the way here, was desperately trying to control her emotions.

She almost gritted her teeth as she said that she should be "kind and compassionate" and care for A-Zhu and the two princes and princesses.

As expected of Empress Wang, who was "born with a noble destiny and could not learn to bend over".

The "concern" she spoke sounded more like an accusation, and Emperor Xuanpei's originally indifferent expression turned displeased.

"Your Majesty, Lady Jiang and the two children need to rest and should not move around too much. You should go back first."

"Your Majesty!"

Empress Wang's expression faltered when she heard Emperor Xuanpei directly tell her to leave.

Seeing that Emperor Xuanpei was about to get up and leave, Empress Wang could no longer hold back.

"Your Majesty, do you intend to bestow upon Lady Jiang the title of Imperial Concubine?!"

Emperor Xuanpei remained unmoved by Empress Wang's face, which was filled with shock, anger, and disapproval.

He even repeated it with great certainty.

"At the full moon celebration of my son, I will issue an edict to confer the title of Imperial Concubine on Lady Jiang."

Emperor Xuanpei's words were like "adding fuel to the fire," and Empress Wang's anger suddenly exploded!

"Your Majesty."

"You are the Son of Heaven, and have ruled for many years. Do you not know that it is a great taboo for one's virtue to be unworthy of one's position?!"

"Yes, Lady Jiang has been in the palace for many years, but what was her status when she entered the palace?"

"They are slaves!"

"Now that His Majesty has shown mercy and granted Jiang Shi and her entire family glory, Jiang Shi's ten years in this palace have been ten years of being a slave."

As if under pressure, Empress Wang once again became "unyielding and indomitable," offering her impassioned remonstrance.

"It was you who made an exception and promoted her to the rank of Consort Jiang. Otherwise, based on her qualifications, she would just be a palace maid."

"She has only been serving you in the palace for a short time; her experience is extremely limited."

"After studying in the inner palace for so many years, all I've learned is how to be a servant and wait on others. I know absolutely nothing about the affairs of the palace!"

"You have disregarded rules and laws and placed her in a high position based solely on your own likes and dislikes. How can this be accepted by the people?!"

"......"

Because we are currently in a side hall, the palace is not very large.

Even though it was divided into an inner hall and an outer hall, they were only separated by a wall.

In addition, Empress Wang's voice, which was "generous and tragic" and "righteous and awe-inspiring," was quite loud, and Azhu heard it very clearly—Emperor Xuanpei wanted to make her a Noble Consort.

How could she not know?

To be honest, even Ah Zhu, who was so shameless he was almost brazen, felt uneasy about this position.

If you had told Ah Zhu a few years ago that she would be on equal footing with the Imperial Concubine Nianfu Palace in just a few years, would she have believed it?

No, she would just think the person who said that is crazy.

But now the facts are right in front of us, and Empress Wang has even had a dispute with Emperor Xuanpei over this matter of "promotion to Imperial Concubine".

Consort Feng is currently in the main hall, but because Emperor Xuanpei is in a side hall with her, Azhu didn't dare to bring over the box containing the jade hairpin, fearing that the perceptive Emperor Xuanpei might notice something amiss.

Now that she had no one to discuss it with, Ah Zhu clutched the corner of the blanket, listening to the sounds outside, her mind beginning to waver—

Should I accept this somewhat "excessive" position as a Noble Consort?

Or perhaps she simply pretended to be confused and stayed put, waiting for Empress Wang and Emperor Xuanpei to have a big argument and reach a conclusion.

No matter how many years of friendship people claim to have, that kind of thing will eventually wear off.

Every time Empress Wang and Emperor Xuanpei "struggled" together, their relationship would gradually fade.

Only when it's all used up...

No, no!

A-Zhu suddenly sat up and slapped herself. How could she suddenly be so forgetful and confused?

Her stance had long been firmly aligned with the emperor's, "advancing and retreating together"!

If Empress Wang weren't in Guanju Palace, it wouldn't matter how much she and the Emperor argued; she wouldn't know, so why should she worry?

But now Empress Wang is arguing with the Emperor outside the palace.

Jiang Zhu loved the Emperor so much, how could she pretend not to know?!

"Green Lotus!"

Having figured it out, A-Zhu didn't waste a moment. She called out and someone came. Wrapped in her cloak, she said, "Quick, help me out."

"Your Majesty..." Before Green Lotus could say anything, Ah Zhu interrupted her with a firm expression.

"No need for further words, my mind is made up."

The people in Guanju Palace knew that once their mistress made up her mind, they simply had to obediently follow her instructions.

Green Lotus had no choice but to help A-Zhu to the outer hall.

Seeing Empress Wang offering her "unyielding" advice again in the outer hall, Emperor Xuanpei had long since lost any feelings of disappointment or anger.

It was really unseemly to "throw" the emotionally charged Empress Wang out in public like this.

Emperor Xuanpei then prepared to let Empress Wang leave on her own once she had calmed down and finished her "advice".

Without realizing it, I turned my head slightly and saw a familiar figure being helped out.

"Your concubine humbly submits..."

Before A-Zhu could finish his greeting, he was interrupted by Emperor Xuanpei, who strode over.

"Why didn't you rest inside? Why did you suddenly come out?"

Emperor Xuanpei picked up Azhu horizontally and looked at her with displeasure, even angrier than when Empress Wang had subtly mocked him for being "blinded by lust" and disregarding his reputation.

Azhu instinctively clung to Emperor Xuanpei's neck.

As the Empress Wang stared at her, her surprise turning into anger, A-Zhu hesitated for a moment, but still did not let go.

Seeing that Emperor Xuanpei was about to carry her directly to the inner palace without saying a word, Azhu quickly spoke up.

"Your Majesty, would you allow me to speak a few words with the Empress?"

Emperor Xuanpei looked at Azhu, while Azhu looked at him with a pleading expression.

"Your Majesty... has only a few words to say."

Emperor Xuanpei turned around, holding Azhu, and sat back down on the couch.

A-Zhu, who was being held, did not struggle. She nestled in Emperor Xuanpei's arms and looked at Empress Wang with sincere eyes.

"Your Majesty, I am currently unwell. Please forgive my rudeness."

What can be done if Empress Wang refuses to forgive her?

He rushed forward, dragged Azhu out of the emperor's arms, and then threw her to the ground.

That's simply impossible.

Even seeing Ah Zhu's meek and obedient appearance, and knowing that Ah Zhu also knew she had a weakness, Empress Wang suppressed her anger.

"You are still in your postpartum period and your health is not good, so there's no need for such formalities."

Ah Zhu immediately showed a relieved expression.

She then turned to look at Emperor Xuanpei, and then looked back at Empress Wang.

"Your Majesty, you know how dangerous my childbirth was that day... I was still quite shaken when I woke up, and I just cried and begged His Majesty in a daze."

"His Majesty is benevolent and tolerant, and in that situation, he naturally granted all requests."

So, it turns out that the position of Imperial Concubine was demanded by that greedy and lowly maid, Lady Jiang, at this time.

Empress Wang's pent-up anger suddenly found an outlet.

Before she could speak, Ah Zhu hesitated and said, "But this position of Imperial Concubine..."

Fortunately, this lowly servant girl isn't so shameless and foolish as to be completely oblivious.

Empress Wang looked at Azhu with a look that seemed to say, "At least you have some self-awareness."

"Consort Jiang, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but you've spent decades learning etiquette in the inner palace..."

"Let bygones be bygones. Your pregnancy and the risk of childbirth due to an accident made His Majesty feel sorry for you, which is only natural and understandable."

Empress Wang stopped arguing with Emperor Xuanpei. After saying a few kind words to the emperor, she began to reprimand Azhu.

"But you can't take advantage of the Emperor's favor and act recklessly, pushing your luck."

"...Now that you have given birth to twins, you have made a contribution to childbirth. Even if you rely on this merit to seek the position of Jieyu, or even the position of Zhaoyi of the third rank, no one will say anything against you."

"When the day of your promotion arrives, all the concubines in the palace will congratulate you. Why are you so greedy... only to invite ridicule from everyone?"

Ah Zhu listened obediently to Empress Wang's reprimand.

Seeing Emperor Xuanpei's displeasure, she took his hand and smiled at him.

Then she turned back to Empress Wang and asked very seriously, "Your Majesty, what do I need all these congratulatory gifts from the palace for?"

? ? ?

Ah Zhu's expression was innocent yet almost mocking: "Although I may have asked for this in a daze, His Majesty has granted my request."

"Your Majesty's kindness is a treasure to me. I wish I could hold it and serve you every day, and that would still not be enough. How could I care what others think?"

"Your Majesty, when I served you in Kunning Palace, I never dared to slack off and served you with all my heart. I am truly grateful for your kindness in helping me."

"I am foolish and stupid, so it is only right that you teach me or even scold me. But His Majesty's heart... Your Highness, you have been through this before. Tell me, who would be willing to harm him even a little?"

Ah Zhu held Emperor Xuanpei's hand, staring intently at Empress Wang, and shook his head very seriously.

"Your Majesty, I am reluctant and truly unwilling to part with you."

"You say that I am still inexperienced, which is indeed true, but my loyalty to Your Majesty is as clear as day and I would never regret it even if I died nine times!"

"You said that many of the concubines in the palace are dissatisfied with my promotion to Noble Consort. You can tell me which sisters are involved... I can go and explain to them one by one."

"You said that I am not familiar with the affairs of the palace, and that is true."

"But who is born with profound knowledge and expertise in all things?"

"I can learn these things that I don't know, even if it takes five or ten years."

"......"

The scene was so comical, almost absurd, that it made people laugh.

But looking at A-Zhu, who was standing in front of him and protecting him wholeheartedly, Emperor Xuanpei smiled and squeezed A-Zhu's hand, then reached out and rubbed her head. How could she be so silly and lovable?

Empress Wang, however, could not laugh at all.

Poor maid!

This vile maidservant only knows how to use sweet words to "bewitch the emperor's heart"!

That's disgusting.

That's incredibly arrogant and disrespectful!

Empress Wang's face flushed red with anger, and her whole body trembled almost uncontrollably.

"Jiang Zhu!"

"You..."

"alright!"

It was Emperor Xuanpei who interrupted Empress Wang, holding Azhu tightly, "Promoting Lady Jiang to the rank of Imperial Concubine has always been my intention."

"I will issue the decree as scheduled, and there is absolutely no intention to change this matter."

"Your Majesty, you may return."

After saying this, Emperor Xuanpei picked up Azhu and stood up, then walked towards the inner palace.

The eunuch Chen, who had been bowing his head like a lamppost, immediately stepped forward and stopped Empress Wang, who was about to chase after Emperor Xuanpei.

"Your Majesty, please go back."

Seeing Empress Wang standing there motionless with her lips tightly pursed, her eyes red-rimmed, and her expression resentful, Eunuch Chen sighed inwardly.

His Majesty has already handed over the reins of government to the Crown Prince, and he's staying in Guanju Palace and not going anywhere... Why can't the Empress understand this?

Conferring the title of Imperial Noble Consort on Consort Jiang does sound somewhat impulsive... but didn't His Majesty wisely refrain from bestowing the title of Imperial Noble Consort on Consort Jiang?

If Empress Wang cannot tolerate Consort Jiang now, and does not even give the birth mother of the "twins" any dignity, then in the future... His Majesty is still in good health, and the Crown Prince is still the Crown Prince.

"Chief Steward Chen, today I..."

Eunuch Chen had no intention of listening to what Empress Wang might say in her anger. He stepped aside to block Empress Wang, who had taken a few more steps, and spoke up to persuade her.

"Your Majesty the Empress."

"Now that Consort Jiang has given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, it is already a great joy. If she also receives an imperial decree to be promoted during the full moon celebration, it will be a double celebration."

Eunuch Chen said sincerely and almost bluntly, "Your Majesty, with the New Year approaching, there are many trivial matters to attend to. I'm afraid we should prepare for this matter well in advance."

"If Your Majesty is indeed unable to attend to everything, His Majesty will inevitably start to worry about it."

"His Majesty and Consort Jiang need to rest now. It is thanks to your hard work in managing the affairs of the palace, and also thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince in handling state affairs, that His Majesty can rest in peace."

"......"

Empress Wang, having failed to persuade the emperor, turned and left.

As Eunuch Chen bowed to see her off, he looked up at Empress Wang's figure and couldn't help but shake his head—in this palace, where is there any good thing that can truly bring you all the benefits?

There is never a perfect solution in this world.

......

Kunning Palace

Upon hearing the news that the Emperor intended to promote Lady Jiang to the rank of Imperial Concubine, Wang Xihui hurriedly rushed to Kunning Palace.

But she was clearly a step too late.

Upon hearing from the palace servants that Empress Wang had gone to Guanju Palace, Wang Xihui felt utterly disoriented.

Consort Jiang struggled to give birth to two premature and sickly children, and she herself is still not out of confinement... Regardless of the reason, how will the Emperor view Empress Wang's aggressive visit?

She was so anxious that she kept sending people to find out what was going on, pacing back and forth in the palace.

Upon hearing the news of Empress Wang's return, Wang Xihui hurriedly came out of the palace to greet her.

Seeing Empress Wang's somber face, Wang Xihui, still clinging to a sliver of hope, spoke up: "Your Majesty, you just went to Guanju Palace, did you see the Emperor and Consort Jiang...?"

The mere mention of A-Zhu would set Empress Wang off on a rampage.

"That vile servant girl, Jiang!"

Wang Xihui: ......

It's over.

......