“South? That’s where the Second Prince’s Yuqing Palace is located,” Wang Yu reminded him from the side.
Upon hearing this, the emperor looked to his right with an unreadable expression and said, "An ominous sign... So, I will have to choose someone else to escort the grain."
On his right was a pile of unread memorials, which he had deliberately suppressed. They were a joint memorial from the Second Prince's faction, led by the Left Prime Minister, requesting that Xiao Ziyan escort grain supplies to the Northwest.
A young eunuch entered and announced, "Consort Lin is requesting an audience outside the palace!"
They arrived just in time.
"Let her in," the emperor said calmly.
"May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace." Consort Lin curtsied and said in a soft voice, "Your Majesty must be exhausted after a long day, burdened by official duties. I have prepared a ginseng and black chicken soup that has been simmering for two hours. Your Majesty, please have a taste."
"This is a small matter that can be handled by the Imperial Kitchen. Why do it yourself?"
The emperor took the soup she offered and was somewhat surprised to see her unmade-up face.
She used to wear heavy makeup, but today she dressed simply, appearing less assertive and more gentle.
Consort Lin smiled gently: "How could the imperial chefs understand Your Majesty's tastes as well as I do? I must cook it myself to make sure Your Majesty is satisfied."
Wang Yu became very nervous upon hearing this: "Your Highness, you can't say such things!" Understanding the Emperor's intentions is acceptable, but spying on the Emperor's thoughts is a capital offense!
Consort Lin, filled with fear and unease, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I was overjoyed and became a little carried away. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
"Oh? What good news is there? Tell me about it."
"This morning, the imperial physician came to take my pulse and said... said that I am two months pregnant." She touched her belly shyly, her face radiating a gentle maternal glow.
"Really?!" The emperor sat up in surprise, overjoyed.
He already had few children and few heirs, so he longed more than anyone else for the harem to give him a few more princes. Now that his wish had come true, how could he not be happy?!
Consort Lin lowered her eyes shyly: "Without definite information, I would not dare to speak recklessly."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
Wang Yu quickly knelt down to offer his congratulations.
With their business interrupted, the Imperial Observatory had no choice but to kneel down and offer their congratulations.
Consort Lin's eyes flashed, as if she had only just noticed the Imperial Observatory, and she said in a low voice, "Lord Yang is here too. It seems I have disturbed your discussion of state affairs with His Majesty." That old codger, how dare he obstruct my son's path to becoming the heir apparent!
"Your Majesty, I dare not presume. What I just said..."
The Imperial Observatory bowed slightly, intending to return to the main topic, but the emperor, caught up in euphoria, had completely forgotten what he had just reported. He simply waved his hand and said, "You may leave now."
"But His Majesty...!" The Imperial Observatory official was about to say something more when Wang Yu flicked his whisk, interrupting him directly: "Alright, Lord Yang, His Majesty has said that you may leave now!"
The Imperial Astronomical Bureau official knelt down, helplessly saying, "...Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
