Hesheli Fangyi invited not only Xiuning, but also the concubines of the harem, including the pregnant Consort Shu and Consort Zhang.
Of course, Xiu Ning was unaware that the Empress had invited so many people. She had just finished her makeup and changed into a more appropriate outfit before taking Chun Yu's hand and getting up to head to Kun Ning Palace, which was not far away.
The sun hung high in the sky, its intense heat scorching the earth.
Xiu Ning placed her hand on her forehead, feeling the light falling on her, and could only sigh helplessly.
At this time, being able to only walk and not rely on sedan chairs or other means of transportation was truly difficult.
"Chunyu, you said the Empress sent someone to invite me over. What could it be about?"
She hadn't heard anything interesting happening in the palace lately, except for the Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet that was just a few days away.
However, the rules and arrangements for the Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet have little to do with her, a minor official. She only needs to quietly serve as a background figure to represent the number of people.
Chunyu shook her head at this, "This servant hasn't heard anything about it either."
If there were any news, she would have informed her master immediately. Even regarding matters like the miscarriage of the Borjigit concubine in Yonghe Palace, Chunyu was able to distinguish between priorities in some aspects.
"Never mind, we'll know everything when we get to Kunning Palace." In any case, nothing could have happened. Knowing Hesheli Fangyi as she did, this person must have a good reason to come looking for them.
Sure enough, Xiuning was right.
Hesheli Fangyi summoned them, giving a seemingly plausible and strategic reason.
Because they were to go to Baohua Temple to pray for the country on an auspicious day calculated by the masters!
As for the reason for praying for blessings, since the heavens are not sending rain and there is a severe drought in and around the capital, shouldn't they, as the emperor's concubines, share the emperor's burdens and relieve his worries?
What perfect rhetoric! Even pregnant women like Consort Shu and Consort Zhang wouldn't dare to voice any objections on such a matter of national importance.
Consort Zhang was of low status, and her family had no power to help her. Therefore, when faced with the Empress's proposal to pray for blessings, she only dared to complain in her heart, but outwardly she said that the Empress was absolutely right and that she completely agreed.
Consort Shu, with her pregnant belly protruding, said, "Your Majesty, my body is heavy and I am not unwilling to pray for the Qing Dynasty, but perhaps the timing could be a little more flexible?"
She didn't want to spend all day praying at Baohua Temple; she simply couldn't endure it.
Hesheli Fangyi was also very understanding, "Consort Shu, you and Consort Zhang are pregnant. I have already informed the Empress Dowager. As long as the sentiment is there, that's enough."
Both Consort Shu and Consort Zhang breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your understanding," Consort Shu nodded, her demeanor both reserved and arrogant.
Upon hearing this, Consort Zhang hurriedly followed, saying, "This concubine is the same."
Hesheli Fangyi waved her hand and smiled, "The imperial heir is also related to the fate of the Qing Dynasty. You two are both people who have made contributions."
Tan Yun, go and fetch the two jade ruyi that the Emperor bestowed upon me two days ago.
The jade ruyi was a tribute from a vassal state, carrying auspicious and propitious meanings. I am presenting it to you both, hoping that you, like this jade ruyi, will enjoy peace and prosperity.
As they were talking, Tan Yun came out carrying a tray.
She handed the two jade ruyi scepters placed on top to the palace maids behind Consort Shu and Consort Zhang, and then retreated behind Consort Hesheli Fangyi.
Xiuning and the others have come all this way, so they certainly can't leave empty-handed.
Although Consort Shu and Consort Xiuning did not receive jade ruyi, Consort Hesheli was generous enough, and Xiuning also received a pair of beautiful jade bracelets.
The jade is clear and transparent, without any impurities.
Xiuning held it in her hands and stroked it, thinking to herself that the Empress was indeed very generous, giving away whatever she wanted. Was this what it meant to have confidence? It was quite enviable.
Muttering to herself, Xiu Ning sat to the side as a backdrop, occasionally acting as a mood-setter, such as adding to the atmosphere (praising the Queen).
"Your Majesty, it's almost time. You should go to Cining Palace to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager."
Tan Yun reminded her master that although the voice was soft, it was still loud enough for those around to hear.
Hesheli Fangyi was taken aback at first, then nodded with an "Mmm," and said, "I still have some palace affairs to attend to and need to consult the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace."
Dear sisters, if there is nothing else, you may return to the palace. The time for praying for blessings at Baohua Hall is scheduled for the sixth day of this month. Please do not forget the time.
Upon hearing this, everyone rose to take their leave, saying, "Your Majesty/Your Highness understands."
Hesheli Fangyi turned to Tanyun and said, "See my sisters off for me."
"yes"
Tan Yun led the way, with Consort Shu at the head, and the group left the main hall in a continuous stream.
Xiuning lagged behind because she was out, and next to her was Nara, whom she had been getting along quite well with recently.
"Sister, would you like to come visit me sometime?" Nala asked, holding Xiuning's hand affectionately.
“Since my sister has invited me, I will not refuse,” Xiu Ning thought that Nala was quite interesting. Considering that she had nothing to do after returning to the palace, she simply agreed.
Upon hearing this, Nara's smile became even more genuine. She was about to say something more when a woman's exclamation suddenly came from in front of her, followed by a painful groan.
Huh? Something's happened!
Xiu Ning looked up instantly, urging the system in her mind to help investigate.
There was no way around it; there were only heads in front of her, making it extremely difficult for Xiuning to see what was really going on inside.
'Host, it's Consort Shu. Consort Shu fell and hit her stomach. She's lying on the ground right now...'
The system began broadcasting the situation inside to Xiuning in real time, and Xiuning could even detect a hint of excitement in the system's mechanical voice.
“Sister, what’s going on up ahead? Let’s go take a look,” Nara said, her tone eager.
Xiuning grabbed Nara's hand, her expression still showing some worry and lingering fear. "Sister, please don't go over there." Aside from the fact that they are all people, in this hot weather, gathering together will definitely attract the Empress's attention.
As soon as Xiuning finished speaking, the Empress rushed out of the main hall.
When the people who had gathered in front saw the Empress approaching, they immediately moved aside to make room for her.
Consort Hesheli Fangyi looked nervous. "Consort Shu, how are you feeling? Would you like to rest in the side hall first?"
"Quickly, to the Imperial Hospital! It's an emergency. Call all the imperial physicians, no matter who they are!"
Tan Yun responded with a "yes," then turned and hurriedly left Kunning Palace.
At this time, Consort Shu, who had been helped up by Cuizhi, refused to stay in Kunning Palace.
She had some stomach pain, but it wasn't as unbearable as she had imagined.
In addition, she was worried that the Empress would take the opportunity to harm her, so Consort Shu wanted to return to Yongshou Palace.
"Wouldn't this be a little dangerous?" Hesheli Fangyi glanced at Consort Shu's belly, her eyes flickering slightly.
Consort Shu didn't notice. She shook her head, supporting her belly, "It's nothing. I'll trouble Your Majesty to summon the imperial physician to Yongshou Palace. After staying in one place for a long time, I still feel uncomfortable when I'm suddenly moved to another place."
“If that’s the case, then so be it,” Hesheli Fangyi said, letting go of Consort Shu’s hand and watching her being helped away.
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