Chapter 130 A Warm Feeling in My Heart (Chu Siheng disguised himself as a woman to see Ah Xue)
Huo Chengbi had previously plotted against Lu Zhaoxue out of jealousy, and after the incident was exposed, he was banished to the cold palace, where his hatred grew day and night.
However, Chengqian Palace is now heavily guarded, and she has no way to make a move.
Upon hearing about the celebration banquet, Huo Chengbi bribed the palace servants with a large sum of money, promising to ensure their families' safety for life, thus inducing the servants to take the risk of assassination.
Huo Chengbi had planned everything, but he hadn't expected Chu Huaiyu to risk his life to protect Lu Zhaoxue!
When the truth came to light, the imperial physician also brought news that Chu Huaiyu's injuries were too severe and he needed to rest and recuperate. It would probably be three days before he woke up.
A dark glint flashed in Lu Zhaoxue's eyes.
Perhaps getting rid of Chu Huaiyu now would be the best option, but on second thought, Chu Huaiyu now holds great power, and many ministers in the court are his confidants.
Even if she were to make a move now, she and Chu Siheng would likely not fare well. It seems this matter needs further consideration...
Lu Zhaoxue pondered for a moment and then summoned her personal maid, Haitang.
She whispered, "Go to the Cold Palace immediately and deliver the decree: Huo Shi's attempt to murder the Empress and the imperial heir is a double crime. Have someone watch over her and forbid anyone from approaching her, and do not allow her to commit suicide!"
After Haitang withdrew, Lu Zhaoxue, in her capacity as Empress, issued an imperial edict.
The imperial edict emphasized that every effort would be made to save the emperor and appease the people, and also mentioned that the murderers would be severely punished. The words were earnest and the attitude was resolute.
In addition, Lu Zhaoxue was well aware of the importance of maintaining stability in the harem.
She ordered that the guards of each palace be strengthened, that the palace maids and eunuchs be thoroughly investigated, and that Huo Chengbi's spies in the inner palace be eliminated. If anyone dared to rebel again, they would not be spared!
The news caused a stir in the court and among the people. The officials realized that the current empress was no ordinary person, and no one dared to underestimate her anymore.
Lu Zhaoxue looked at the unconscious Chu Huaiyu, then slowly walked to the window. Gazing at the deep twilight outside, a cold glint flashed in her eyes.
On the second day after Chu Huaiyu fell into a coma, Meng Xinzhu hurriedly returned from outside the palace, followed by a woman dressed in a plain-colored maid's dress.
Her blue cloth skirt swept across the steps, and her steps revealed a neatness that was different from that of ordinary maids.
The guards at the gate, seeing that it was Meng Xinzhu, a close confidante of the Empress, and knowing that she frequently came and went from the palace to take care of her, naturally did not question her further.
But when his gaze swept over the "maid," he subconsciously frowned. This maid looked much taller than the average woman, unlike the slender women of the past.
But then he thought that perhaps the girl from the countryside was healthier, so the guard suppressed his doubts and let her pass.
The brazier in the inner hall was burning brightly, dispelling the chill outside. Lu Zhaoxue was sitting on a soft couch, her palm gently resting on her lower abdomen.
Her brows held a gentle grace, but also concealed a trace of worry stemming from Chu Huaiyu.
Hearing footsteps approaching, she looked up and her pupils contracted sharply when she saw who was behind Meng Xinzhu.
The bib she was embroidering for her unborn child almost slipped from her hands. She froze on the spot, even her breathing slowed down.
That maid was none other than Chu Siheng!
He somehow found a woman's dress. Chu Siheng deliberately bent his knees slightly, and his usually heroic features were made to look somewhat strange by the soft hairstyle.
However, Chu Siheng's solemn expression at this moment only added to the comical aspect.
Lu Zhaoxue stared at his bizarre appearance for a full quarter of an hour, unable to suppress the laughter in her chest.
Her shoulders trembled uncontrollably, and tiny tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.
Chu Siheng helplessly raised his hand to rub his temples, his tone carrying a hint of indulgent helplessness: "Ah Xue, if you want to laugh, just laugh. What if you hurt yourself by holding it in? You don't have to hold it in."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Zhaoxue laughed heartily. The firelight from the stove reflected on her face, dispelling the worries of the past few days.
Meng Xinzhu stood to the side, looking at the rare relaxed scene before her, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes.
Beside her, Haitang quietly pursed her lips, exchanged a glance with Meng Xinzhu, and both wisely retreated quietly, closing the palace door behind them.
This separated the warmth of the inner palace from the disturbances of the outside world, leaving ample space for the two to talk.
As the soft sound of the palace doors closing faded, Lu Zhaoxue's laughter gradually subsided, and she raised her hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
Lu Zhaoxue's breathing was slightly rapid. Her eyes, still holding a lingering smile, looked at Chu Siheng, but her tone was full of surprise:
"Siheng, what are you doing here? And... and dressed up like this, how did you manage to sneak into the palace with Sister Xinzhu?"
Chu Siheng walked slowly to the soft couch and sat down, raising his hand to tuck Lu Zhaoxue's loose hair behind her ear.
At this moment, the comical expression on Chu Siheng's handsome face had faded, leaving only an intense and unyielding worry.
His voice was deep and gentle: "Ever since Haitang sent me a message informing me that you were pregnant, I have been unable to eat or sleep properly day and night."
"Later, I heard that you had summoned Meng Xinzhu and Granny Liu to the palace to take care of you. Knowing that Meng Xinzhu had easy access to the palace, I had a secret guard secretly deliver a message to her, asking her to help me deceive the guards and bring me to see you."
Lu Zhaoxue nodded gently. Meng Xinzhu already knew a bit about her past with Chu Siheng and Chu Huaiyu.
Today, he is willing to risk bringing Chu Siheng into the palace, probably out of consideration for their past relationship.
Lu Zhaoxue lowered her head and pondered for a moment, the various changes of the past few days flashing through her mind. When she looked up again, she met Chu Siheng's gaze.
His face still wore a gentle smile, but deep in his eyes lay a burning intensity, carrying an unmistakable aggressiveness.
Lu Zhaoxue's heart skipped a beat, and her smile vanished instantly, replaced by a hint of panic.
She knew all too well what Chu Siheng's gaze meant.
I still vividly remember how clingy Chu Siheng was before. Now that she's pregnant, and this is happening right under Chu Huaiyu's nose, how can this be allowed?
Lu Zhaoxue quickly shrank back, instinctively protecting her lower abdomen with her hands, and said urgently, "Siheng, you...you mustn't do anything rash! I'm pregnant!"
Seeing her so nervous, the burning heat in Chu Siheng's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a smile.
He couldn't help but chuckle softly, and gently flicked Lu Zhaoxue's forehead.
Chu Siheng's tone was somewhat teasing: "Ah Xue, what kind of nonsense are you thinking about all day long?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Siheng leaned down slightly, his gaze falling on Lu Zhaoxue's slightly protruding belly, his eyes gradually becoming serious.
He raised his hand and gently stroked Lu Zhaoxue's cheek, his voice low and deep, "After Haitang told me you were pregnant, I specifically looked up many medical books about pregnancy and childbirth, and they said..."
"When a woman is pregnant, the changes in her blood and energy levels often cause her desires to be stronger than usual, so perhaps you are..."
"Chu Siheng!" Before he could finish speaking, Lu Zhaoxue blushed and suddenly raised her hand to cover his mouth.
Lu Zhaoxue could clearly feel Chu Siheng's warm breath, and her heart was pounding wildly like a drum.
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