Chapter 100 Conferring the Title of Empress
After Lu Zhaoxue left, Empress Dowager Rong patted Huo Chengbi's hand and gently advised him:
“My son has always been aloof and has a strange temper. Don’t try to please him with ordinary means, or it will only backfire.”
Huo Chengbi quickly nodded in agreement.
"You don't need to worry too much," Empress Dowager Rong continued slowly.
"Lu Zhaoxue has been in the palace for so long, but there is still no sign of pregnancy, and the emperor does not often visit Consort Xian's palace."
"As long as you can conceive a royal heir, I guarantee that you will rise in status through your child, securing your position in the harem, and no one will dare to look down on you again," Empress Dowager Rong said resolutely.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty." A glint flashed in Huo Chengbi's eyes as he quickly thanked Empress Dowager Rong.
After returning to Chengqian Palace, Lu Zhaoxue couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.
Now that Empress Dowager Rong has issued an ultimatum to her, demanding that she arrange for Huo Chengbi to serve the emperor again, she is caught in the middle between the mother and son, truly in a dilemma.
After finishing his official duties, Chu Huaiyu hurriedly went to Chengqian Palace.
Seeing that Lu Zhaoxue was safe and sound, he finally felt relieved.
He heard that Empress Dowager Rong had summoned her, and he assumed it must be about Huo Chengbi, fearing that she might have been wronged.
"Did Mother make things difficult for you?"
Lu Zhaoxue nodded, looked up at him, her eyes like water, carrying a trace of obvious helplessness.
In truth, Lu Zhaoxue hoped more than anyone else that Chu Huaiyu would focus his attention on another woman, so that she could finally be free.
Seeing Lu Zhaoxue's aggrieved expression, Chu Huaiyu couldn't help but feel even more moved.
"You don't need to pay attention to her, I will take care of it for you." Chu Huaiyu stepped forward and held her hand tightly, his tone firm.
Lu Zhaoxue smiled helplessly: "Your Majesty said you would stand up for me, but I haven't felt it."
In this harem, at the slightest disturbance, everyone will pin the blame on me.
She turned around and poured Chu Huaiyu a cup of hot tea, resting her chin on her hand.
She feigned weakness and said slowly, "Your Majesty, I have no choice but to bring Feng Xin'er and Huo Chengbi into the palace. As for their ranks, Your Majesty, it is up to you to decide."
Chu Huaiyu paused slightly in his teacup, then looked up at Lu Zhaoxue, as if to say something.
But seeing her tender, watery eyes, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
It was as if if he raised his voice even slightly, her eyes would immediately well up with tears.
"Alright, you can handle it as you see fit. I promise you won't suffer any injustice afterward."
Chu Huaiyu took a small sip of tea.
“Your Majesty,” Lu Zhaoxue suddenly spoke again, her tone tinged with a hint of probing.
"Your Majesty, I have another matter to discuss. Today, in the Empress Dowager's palace, I saw that Sister Chengbi looked dejected. I suppose it was because His Majesty's actions yesterday hurt her feelings."
"Perhaps Your Majesty would like to give her a gift to please her."
Upon hearing this, Chu Huaiyu remained silent for a moment, thinking to himself: Why does he want to please other women?
But then I thought better of it and decided not to put Zhaoxue in a difficult position.
He then slowly asked, "My beloved consort, what gift do you think would be appropriate for me to give you?"
Lu Zhaoxue sighed inwardly. Why did he throw this problem back at her again? That wretched Chu Huaiyu.
She pondered for a moment and said softly, "I think what Sister Chengbi wants most is His Majesty's favor."
Chu Huaiyu felt a bitter taste in his mouth after hearing this. She was always like this, sparing no effort to push him towards others.
He even had a slight wish that she could be a little selfish, or even a little jealous.
The best approach is to cling to him and forbid him from even glancing at another woman.
But she didn't. She was always so generous and poised that he had no reason to be angry.
He stared intently at her, a hint of sadness in his voice: "Zhaoxue, is this truly what you truly want?"
"Of course, Your Majesty, I hope to have more sisters to serve you well together."
Lu Zhaoxue lowered her eyes, deliberately avoiding Chu Huaiyu's gaze.
A bitter smile appeared on Chu Huaiyu's lips: "More sisters?"
"..." Lu Zhaoxue did not answer his question.
Both of them remained silent for a long time.
Chu Huaiyu slowly spoke, "I think my beloved consort is virtuous, kind, and generous, and has the demeanor of a queen."
Lu Zhaoxue was startled and looked up at him, her eyes full of surprise.
"It's just right. The position of Empress has been vacant for a long time. It's time to appoint a new Empress."
Chu Huaiyu stared intently at Lu Zhaoxue, his tone firm.
"I think you should be appointed as Empress."
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