Chapter 100 Chapter 100 Concubine Shu's Thirteenth Day

May and June passed safely. The weather this year was not that hot compared to previous years, so they did not leave the palace to escape the heat. In early July, the concubines in the harem went to Chengqian Palace to attend Concubine Shu's thousand-year banquet.

July is the beginning of autumn, and the weather is gradually getting cooler.

The three princes also began to show their talents this autumn. Everyone in the harem originally thought that the queen's eldest prince was the most intelligent, but they did not expect that the third prince Ji Cheng, who had always been low-key, would be praised by the emperor and the master of the upper study first. For a while, Yongshou Palace was the talk of the town.

However, soon, the news that Concubine Shu was pregnant in the Qianqing Palace quickly spread throughout the harem.

Everyone in the harem looked back at Concubine Shu, even the Third Prince stopped paying attention to her. After all, Concubine Shu was loved by the Emperor, so how could her child be ordinary?

The three princes are still young, so it is too early to make any final decisions or place any bets.

In Chengqian Palace.

Shen Qing touched her flat belly with a feeling of wonder. She should have gotten pregnant at the end of June. She was depressed throughout the whole month of June because she had been trying hard for a month but saw no results. Anyone would feel depressed.

The end of June was the time when she had calmed down and thought it would be better to let nature take its course. Unexpectedly, she became pregnant.

Sure enough, some things can't be rushed.

However, her body did not feel any discomfort. If her menstruation had not been delayed in the past few days, she would have mentioned it tentatively in the Qianqing Palace and Ji Chen would have summoned the imperial physician to take her pulse. Otherwise, she would not have known about this matter until a few days later when Ji Chen took her pulse.

There was no drowsiness, no violent reactions, and she was even more energetic than usual.

Shen Qing leaned on the soft couch, with her waist supported by the soft pillow placed by the palace maid. There were some soups and drinks at hand. As for the embroidery supplies, they had been put away. There were more books that she and Ji Chen had specially found for the enlightenment of the little prince or princess.

The baby was too young and she didn't think it would be useful, but ever since she learned of her pregnancy, she couldn't help but want to do something for the little one.

Fortunately, these books were very interesting and Shen Qing read them with great interest.

But reading was still too boring, so she thought about finding some skilled musicians to play musical instruments in a few days to educate herself.

What if the little guy’s skill is focused on music among the six arts?

The palace maids in Chengqian Palace have been in high spirits recently as they are celebrating the good news. They walk with a breeze, having swept away the gloom of the previous false pregnancy. They have been more attentive to their own queen and are trying all kinds of ways to please her. The people in the imperial kitchen and the small kitchen are also taking good care of Concubine Shu's changing appetite.

Anything that pregnant women are taboo about is not allowed to appear in Chengqian Palace.

Yu Gan saw her own queen rubbing her eyes and said considerately, "My queen, how about I read it to you?"

Shen Qing thought of Yu Gan's pleasant voice, a smile appeared on his lips, and a touching tenderness lingered around him. He handed the book to Yu Gan: "You have a nice voice, so read for a quarter of an hour and take care of your throat." Yu Gan took the book as a treasure and said yes with a sweet smile.

Yu Gan's clear, melodious and rhythmic voice rang in his ears. Shen Qing slowly closed his eyes, and his brows relaxed a lot.

She counted a quarter of an hour in her mind, and when it was almost time, she opened her eyes, wanting Yu Gan to stop.

Otherwise, if she didn't speak, Yu Gan would have continued reading, not daring to ruin her interest.

Unexpectedly, a bright yellow figure appeared beside him. Shen Qing was surprised and asked, "When did the emperor come?"

She actually neglected Ji Chen's thoughts.

It's all because he's too quiet.

Yu Gan stopped talking, and Shen Qing, while trying to do two things at the same time, pushed a cup of tea to her to moisten her throat.

Yu Gan took the tea and left with satisfaction.

Ji Chen said: "I just came a while ago, and I didn't want to disturb you, so I didn't ask the palace servant to stop."

Shen Qing smiled and said, "Don't do this next time. I feel uneasy leaving the emperor alone."

Ji Chen held her hand, feeling warm in his heart, he said: "It doesn't matter, my beloved concubine is the most important thing."

The two of them were very affectionate, touching hands and noses.

Finally, Shen Qing grabbed Ji Chen's hand and put it on her abdomen: "I still find it incredible that there is really an heir with the emperor here."

Ji Chen lowered his eyes and looked at Shen Qing's gentle appearance. Perhaps even she didn't notice that when she mentioned her offspring, there was a lot of love and pampering in her tone.

Ji Chenyi's eyes softened: "The little guy knows how hard his mother has worked, so he won't make trouble at all."

Shen Qing guessed: "Maybe it's not the time to make trouble yet."

"I think the little guy is sensible."

Shen Qing glanced at him and said, "The baby hasn't even been born yet, but you're trying to please the child. How can Your Majesty be a strict father?"

Ji Chen laughed: "Children don't remember things. It's not too late to establish authority when they are three years old. But if she is a princess, I also want her to be close to me, and don't let me scare her away."

Shen Qing said softly, "It's only right to pamper a child more."

When the two met, one had affectionate eyes, and the other had gentle and tender eyes.

…

After paying his respects these days, Shen Qing always liked to go to Shufanting, which is a small lake next to the Imperial Garden. Although it is a small lake, you can still go boating on it. The lakeside is full of lush flowers, which are reflected on the lake surface, making it look particularly elegant.

There are fences and small pavilions by the lake.

Shen Qing said: "Chengqian Palace is too stuffy, but fortunately it is already autumn, and the palace is not hot and stuffy. Walking by the lake makes me feel relaxed and refreshed."

She was accompanied by Bai Tao Yu Gan and several palace maids and eunuchs.

Tired of walking, she sat in the pavilion, and palace maids brought her water and snacks.

Shen Qing took a sip of warm water and scanned the surrounding scenery. If he wanted to attack her, there would be many opportunities here.

Oil could be poured on the gravel road, the railing she often held on to could be sawed loose, and a poisonous snake could suddenly jump out from the flowers by the lake.

Now that the nest has been made, all that’s left is for the fish to take the bait.

However, Shen Qing wondered if her actions were too obvious, as Wenxi, who had been staring at Su Fangting, did not notice anyone suspicious.

There has been no activity in Yongshou Palace recently.

Fortunately, she was able to stay calm. Although the first three months were the most critical time, it didn't mean that she had to start in the first three months.

She was diagnosed with pregnancy in late July, and it was almost October, which meant she was three months pregnant, indicating that her pregnancy was basically stable.

The palace was still calm. Although Concubine De and Concubine Xian were not mentioned, the childless concubines would always show some kindness when they saw her, and calling her Concubine Shu was particularly pleasant.

After all, the only chance to confer titles on the harem recently is when Concubine Shu gives birth to a child.

When Concubine Shu was pregnant, the Emperor only bestowed rewards on her but did not raise her rank. They could roughly guess that the Emperor wanted to wait until Concubine Shu gave birth safely before giving her a higher rank.

Above the Shufei, there are only Guifei and Huang Guifei.

According to common sense, there is no more title that can be given to Shufei. Her rank remains unchanged from Shufei to Guifei. Even if she is given a title, her status will not change much. There is nothing remarkable about it. She is still below the Empress and above the Xianfei and Defei.

Even the allowances have not changed much.

But the rank of Imperial Noble Consort is the same as that of Vice Queen, and the Queen is doing a good job. If she is suddenly given the title of Imperial Noble Consort, it would be a slap in the face of the Queen.

The Emperor has always respected the Empress and left all matters in the harem to the Empress. He should not be so foolish as to directly confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort on Shufei.

They couldn't guess the emperor's intentions, but they knew that their promotion depended on this time, so even if they pretended, they would not make Concubine Shu unhappy.

Ji Chen came to Chengqian Palace every day, and even if they couldn't sleep together due to some reasons, he would still accompany her for a meal.

Shen Qing has been pregnant for three months and her belly is slightly bulging, but it is not obvious if you don't measure it with your hands.

During the past three months, her morning sickness symptoms were very mild and everything went incredibly smoothly. She didn't even look haggard, and remained dignified and graceful with great manners.

It's just that people have become much gentler.

Ji Chen counted the days and thought that if he paid more attention, he should be able to safely wait until after the birth.

As October arrived, even Shen Qing himself relaxed a lot.

As the weather turned cooler, she stopped going to Salonfontein less often.

Once, Li Guipin said casually, "After becoming pregnant, Concubine Shu really likes to walk around the palace."

Feeling the gaze of Concubine De beside Li Guipin, Shen Qing smiled faintly and said, "Enjoy the scenery while you are not too heavy, so as to avoid being bored and boring in Chengqian Palace when you are heavy in the future."

"It's just that winter is about to begin, and the scenery of Sofontein has faded a lot and looks a little desolate."

Li Guipin said, "Please wait a moment, Madam Shufei. The camellia in the Imperial Garden is about to bloom. The Sofanting is adjacent to the Imperial Garden. I think the scenery will be pleasant in half a month. It will not ruin Madam Shufei's interest."

Shen Qing smiled and said, "Then I'll borrow your good words."

The virtuous concubine standing by curled her lips when she saw this happy scene. If she gets close to the virtuous concubine, it will be bad for the virtuous concubine.

There was only one person named He Cairen beside her.

Thinking back to half a month ago, she was annoyed that the Second Prince was too clumsy and timid. He could not take the lead in front of the Emperor and could not bring honor to her as his mother. He Cairen tried hard to protect the Second Prince and the Second Prince's dependent look, with lazy eyes. She felt that after all, they were mother and son. Even though she raised the Second Prince since he was a child, she still raised a little ungrateful boy.

After seeing Concubine Shu and Concubine De leave, Concubine Xian said to Concubine He, "You go back to the palace to look after the Second Prince. I will go to the Cining Palace."

He Cairen had no intention of pleasing the empress dowager, so she agreed and parted ways with Concubine Xian.

After seeing off the virtuous concubine with a humble look, He Cairen went to visit Shu Fangting.

She leisurely admired the lake view and thought it was indeed a beautiful scenery. Even if it was a little desolate, it was still worth stopping to take a look.

After watching, He Cairen took the palace maid Yingchun away.

In mid-October, after paying respects, Shen Qing was about to return to Chengqian Palace, but a palace servant came forward to report: "The palace road ahead was splashed with oil. Fortunately, it was discovered in time. Madam Shufei, please wait a moment. The servants will clean up the palace road soon."

When the other concubines heard this, they all took a detour back to the palace.

Shen Qing got off the sedan chair: "In this case, let's take a detour."

She had a premonition in her heart and did not dare to sit in the sedan chair again, for fear that if it was not stable, the eunuch's feet would slip. It was better to be safe.

Taking a detour from Kunning Palace to Chengqian Palace, the closest place is Sufangting, otherwise, she would not go here so often instead of other places.

When passing the lake, a man suddenly screamed and then covered his mouth tightly.

He was so scared, let alone Concubine Shu?

Shen Qing clenched Bai Tao's hand and looked over there calmly, only to see a corpse with a terrified face floating on the lake.

What a talented person!

She had been carefully watching her feet just now and hadn't noticed it at all. But now that she suddenly saw it, she felt her head buzzing, her breathing choked, and in an instant, the cold sweat on her back soaked her inner clothes, and her stomach tightened.