Chapter 231 Breaking Promise
Shoukang Palace.
At this time, the Queen Mother was silently reciting Buddhist scriptures with her eyes closed.
Nanny Zhu stepped forward and whispered, "Empress Dowager, news just came from the Qinzheng Palace saying that the Emperor has demoted Consort Zhao to a concubine."
The Queen Mother paused as she fingered her Buddhist beads and slowly opened her eyes: "The Emperor has finally made up his mind to be cruel to Concubine Zhao."
"I heard that it was Concubine Zhao who attempted to harm Concubine Xi and the heir last night. The Emperor had only confined them to his house, but only made the decision today after summoning Princess Duanrou to the palace."
The Queen Mother snorted coldly, "Just a demotion, and the Emperor is so hesitant? In my opinion, banishing her to the cold palace wouldn't be too much."
Nanny Zhu sighed softly, "Empress Dowager, Concubine Zhao is the niece of Empress Wen Yi after all."
Back then, Concubine Zhao lost her parents at a young age. Empress Wen Yi loved her niece very much and often brought her into the palace to accompany her. She studied music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry and etiquette with the eldest princess.
Before her death, Empress Wen Yi specifically instructed that if Xiao Heng ascended the throne in the future, he must protect Duanrou and Concubine Zhao.
Therefore, Xiao Heng's favor towards Concubine Zhao was also due to Empress Wen Yi.
When this person was mentioned, the empress dowager frowned deeply.
"The emperor didn't listen to a single word I said. But he kept Song Jinrou's words in his heart."
Only then did Nanny Zhu realize that she had said the wrong thing and quickly changed the subject.
"Fortunately, the Emperor did not protect Concubine Zhao this time. The Emperor still values Concubine Xi and the heir."
The Queen Mother continued to twirl her Buddhist beads and breathed a sigh of relief: "Fortunately, the Emperor is not like his father and grandfather. He is still sober in front of women."
There are nine emperors in the Xiao family, half of whom are infatuated.
Among them, there was one who favored the imperial concubine alone and ignored the other six palaces, so much so that he was scolded by the world as a tyrant.
However, his father (the late Emperor Retired) abdicated at a young age, handed the throne to the Crown Prince, and traveled around the world with his mother, the Queen Mother.
As for the late emperor... her husband, he became ill with lovesickness because of Song Jinrou's death.
"Forget it... As long as the emperor is focused on the great cause, I won't care. I'm old... I don't want to bother with it anymore."
Perhaps because she was getting older, she suddenly felt lonely and like a lonely person.
Her parents have passed away, her husband is also gone, and her relationship with her son is weak. She can't help but feel sad as she guards Shoukang Palace alone.
So recently she often summoned her grandchildren to Shoukang Palace. Listening to the laughter and chatter in the palace, the days passed faster and she felt less lonely.
Yaohua Palace.
When Concubine Zhao heard the decree of her demotion, the gilded teacup in her hand fell to the ground with a clang, and broken jade-like pieces of porcelain splattered all over the floor.
"No, no, the emperor would not treat me like this." Concubine Zhao shook her head in disbelief.
"He clearly promised me that I would be the most honorable concubine in the harem. How could he possibly lower my status?"
She muttered to herself and stumbled out of the inner hall.
She wanted to ask him in person! Was it because of the pressure from the ministers and the Queen Mother, or was it his own idea?
There were so many beautiful times and feelings between them, it was impossible for him to be so heartless!
"Open the palace gate! I want to see the emperor!"
Zhaopin spoke loudly towards the vermilion gate.
The guards outside the door bowed and said, "Your Majesty, without the Emperor's order, we dare not open it."
Zhaopin's face darkened. "Open the door! If the emperor blames you, I will bear the responsibility."
The guards looked at each other in confusion. Finally, Guard Wu stepped forward and hurriedly reported: "Commander Wu, Concubine Zhao wants to see the Emperor."
Guard Wu glared at them and said, "No one may disobey the Emperor's order."
After saying this, he stepped forward, walked to the palace gate and said, "Empress Zhao, if you wish to say anything to the Emperor, I can convey it on your behalf. However, you are currently under house arrest. The Emperor has ordered that no matter what happens, you are not allowed to set foot outside the palace."
No matter what happens? The corners of Zhaopin's lips trembled sadly.
Is the emperor determined to lock himself up in Yaohua Palace?
How could he be so cruel?
Seeing Concubine Zhao so sad, Madam Kong hurried forward and said, "Lord Wu, please be kind. The Emperor has always doted on Concubine Zhao. When Concubine Zhao regains her favor, you will definitely be the one to do her a favor."
Guard Wu remained motionless, like a cold, hard stone statue. He said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Emperor is furious right now. Even if I take you to Chengming Palace, he may not see you."
"The Emperor has issued a strict decree, ordering this humble servant to strictly guard the Yaohua Palace, especially the palace maids around you, Your Majesty. There must not be any abnormal behavior."
Zhaopin was stunned, "What does the emperor mean?"
"Xia Ying's crime this time was caused by your negligence. The Emperor is afraid that another palace maid with such ulterior motives will appear around you and harm you."
"Have you harmed me?" A broken laugh escaped from Zhaopin's throat, and the tassels swaying on her temples made her cheeks even paler in the sunlight.
She turned slowly, her slender feet dragging the honey-colored skirt as she moved into the hall, step by step.
"He's not afraid of harming me, he's afraid of me harming Concubine Xi."
She closed her eyes slightly, forced back the mist in her eyes, and slowly recited with her red lips:
"In the past, our hearts were as bright as the moon, but now I doubt my old love because of my new love..."
"Xiao Heng, you finally broke your promise..."
Invite the Moon Palace.
Liu Yuetang placed her hands on her waist and said with a smile, "Liu Zheng, I've always felt that my belly hasn't gotten bigger, but do you think my waist has gotten thicker?"
Liu Zheng looked at it carefully: "It seems a little obvious."
After she finished speaking, she thought of something, and her eyes lit up: "My queen... are you pregnant with a prince?"
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
Liu Zheng pursed her lips and said, "I heard that... the belly is smaller when pregnant with a boy, while the belly is larger and rounder when pregnant with a girl. This is what Aunt Wanqiu told me."
Liu Yuetang stroked the table and sat down, smiling gently: "These are all unfounded and cannot be fully believed. Whether it is a boy or a girl, I like them both."
If it's a boy, that's also good, he can protect himself in the future.
If it is a girl, I will carefully raise my childhood self again and let her enjoy all the love.
"By the way, Liu Zheng, are you really okay? If you feel unwell, go and rest today." Liu Yuetang looked at her with concern.
Liu Zheng quickly turned around and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, I am fine. I took the antidote given by Doctor Shen beforehand. After leaving Liuyun Terrace last night, I got some fresh air and have recovered as before."
Liu Yuetang called Liu Zheng over and held her hand: "Now my great revenge has been achieved. Thank you for your hard work in the palace these past two years."
Hearing the words "great revenge must be taken", Liu Zheng's eyes suddenly turned red.
"It's not the servants who are working hard, it's the Majesty who is working hard."
In the past two years, the Empress has been taking every step carefully, thinking every day about how to plan and how to gain a place in the emperor's heart, and she has almost never relaxed for a single day.
If we talk about being tired, the Empress is the most tired.
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