Chapter 74 The Empress is Pregnant
As early spring arrives, the peach trees in the yard are in full bloom, and the delicate pink petals fall in the wind.
Lu Zhaoxue has been in the palace for half a year now, and after several entanglements, she has long since become indifferent to many things.
She gazed at the peach blossoms, wondering if she would be able to see them bloom again next year.
If she could, she would definitely brew a pot of peach blossom wine.
This is a gift for Chu Siheng, who is far away in the southern desert. Although Chu Siheng doesn't like drinking, he has a particular fondness for the peach blossom wine she brews.
I just wonder if he still likes this peach blossom wine now.
When Chu Huaiyu arrived, he saw her standing under the peach tree, lost in thought.
He approached quietly and took off his cloak, draping it over her shoulders.
Lu Zhaoxue didn't turn around or say anything, so he quietly stood aside with her.
“Cough cough…” Lu Zhaoxue suddenly coughed.
Chu Huaiyu quickly took her hand: "Are you cold?"
Lu Zhaoxue shook her head, turned around, and went into the hall.
Half a month ago, Chu Huaiyu had already issued an imperial decree to confer upon her the title of Imperial Noble Consort Chen.
Their residence was also changed to Chengqian Palace.
Although Lu Zhaoxue was unwilling, because of the investiture, she no longer had to serve Chu Huaiyu every day, and finally had some freedom.
Just as Chu Huaiyu led Lu Zhaoxue to sit down inside the hall, palace servants from Hanguang Palace rushed in, shouting without regard for etiquette:
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations! Her Majesty the Empress is pregnant!"
Chu Huaiyu's expression froze, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
Then he looked up at Lu Zhaoxue.
A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Zhaoxue's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
He said calmly, "Congratulations, Your Majesty."
Chu Huaiyu wanted to explain to Lu Zhaoxue, but seeing her indifferent expression, he stood up and said, "Then I will go and see the Empress first."
"Farewell to Your Majesty."
Lu Zhaoxue bowed respectfully, and only slowly rose after Chu Huaiyu's figure disappeared.
——
Inside the Hanguang Hall, Empress Dowager Rong had already arrived.
Her laughter was somewhat erratic, and anyone could see her excitement.
"Great! Great! I'm finally going to hold the Emperor's grandson!"
Du Xianyue blushed and said shyly, "Mother, it may not necessarily be a prince."
"I think it's most likely a prince!"
Empress Dowager Rong said firmly, her eyes full of anticipation.
She hoped that this child would become the crown prince, so that the court officials could feel at ease.
They hoped that this child would help Chu Huaiyu realize his mistake and stay away from Lu Zhaoxue.
After Chu Huaiyu entered, he held Du Xianyue's hand and said softly, "Empress, you've worked hard."
"Your Majesty, this is my good fortune."
Du Xianyue leaned against him, her heart filled with joy, yet also with a hint of unease.
Seeing this, Empress Dowager Rong smiled and made a few jokes before getting up and leaving.
Inside the hall, Du Xianyue noticed the dark circles under Chu Huaiyu's eyes and said softly:
"Your Majesty, have you been working very hard lately? I see that your eyes are dark."
"Yes, I am a little tired."
Chu Huaiyu smiled and told her to lie down and rest, but Du Xianyue insisted on leaning against him.
"Your Majesty, it has been so long since you have been this intimate with me. Is it because your heart is no longer with me?"
Chu Huaiyu spoke gently, but her eyes remained completely expressionless:
"Your Majesty, you are overthinking it."
"But Your Majesty, I am truly afraid..." Du Xianyue's voice was choked with sobs.
"I will come to see you often these days," Chu Huaiyu reassured him.
"Then Your Majesty, would you like to stay with me tonight as well?" Du Xianyue asked boldly.
"I have other matters to attend to tonight, but I'll make sure to spend more time with you next time." With that, Chu Huaiyu got up and walked out of the palace.
Du Xianyue's tender eyes instantly turned icy.
——
As night fell, Lu Zhaoxue took a bath and prepared to go to sleep.
The palace maid, Haitang, stammered, "Your Highness, aren't you waiting for His Majesty?"
Lu Zhaoxue smiled calmly: "He won't be coming today."
Du Xianyue is currently pregnant, and he cannot abandon her.
Thinking of this, Lu Zhaoxue breathed a sigh of relief.
He shouldn't have the energy to bother me during this time.
Thinking this, she fell into a deep sleep.
I slept exceptionally well until I was choked awake by a thick cloud of smoke.
Upon seeing the sky ablaze with fire, Haitang screamed:
"Fire! Fire!"
She wanted to push open the door to call Lu Zhaoxue, but the palace door was already scorching hot from the fire and she couldn't touch it at all.
"Your Majesty, wake up! The fire is raging!" Haitang cried anxiously.
The other palace servants were awakened by the noise and, seeing the burning palace, rushed to fetch water.
"The Empress is still inside!" Haitang shouted, startling everyone.
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