Chapter 104 The Legend of Zhen Huan: An Lingrong 14
"You're not feeling well and you're pregnant, so there's no need for such formalities."
"I am much better now."
An Lingrong smiled gently and sat down on the stool next to the dining table, following the Emperor's lead.
"I visited the Empress before I came. You have served me for more than half a year and are now pregnant. It is time for you to be promoted to the rank of Consort. I have already issued an edict that the investiture ceremony will be held after we return to the palace."
Because her hand was still being held, An Lingrong was unable to get up and therefore did not perform the proper curtsy. She verbally expressed her gratitude, saying, "This concubine thanks Your Majesty."
"Alright, it's time for a meal. Don't let my imperial heir go hungry." The Emperor looked towards the door. "Su Peisheng."
"Yes, sir." Su Peisheng was right outside the door and naturally heard their words clearly. He led the people into the hall to set out the meal.
An Lingrong had eaten quite a few snacks before, but the sight of the fragrant food in front of her still whetted her appetite.
Although her demeanor remained elegant, she ate quite quickly.
The Emperor merely smiled and glanced at An Lingrong. He knew that pregnant women had good appetites and got hungry quickly, and he didn't find it impolite.
After all, he had seen many pregnant concubines and princesses, so he couldn't possibly be unaware of this.
After finishing their meal, the two chatted over tea, and when it was time, they turned off the lights and went to bed.
An Lingrong, dressed in a lotus-colored qipao and holding a magnolia flower fan she had embroidered, wandered aimlessly around the Yuanmingyuan Garden.
Looking at the crowd ahead, Si Yun asked An Lingrong, "My lady, there are so many people gathered ahead. Shall we go through them or take another route?"
Qingwu, who had been staring at An Lingrong's feet, looked away and gazed ahead. "It seems to be Consort Wan, Consort Shen, Consort Cao, Consort Xin, and Consort Qi."
"Let's go over there. It wouldn't be right to just walk away without saying hello." An Lingrong gently waved her fan and slowly walked towards them.
"Your Highness, Consort Shu." Noble Lady Cao was the first to spot An Lingrong and curtsied.
An Lingrong bowed to Consort Qi and said, "I was bored and came out for a walk. I didn't expect to run into you ladies."
Xin Changzai laughed and replied, "Yes, we also think it's a coincidence. Yuanmingyuan is not small, yet the six of us just happened to run into it while strolling around."
"This is fate, it just so happens that this place is close to where I live. Why don't we go back to my place together and sit and rest for a while?"
Consort Cao glanced at Consort Wan and Consort Shen, her gaze subtly sweeping over Consort Shen's abdomen. "My dear sisters, you must give me some face."
"Great, I'm tired from walking anyway."
An Lingrong readily agreed, and Consort Qi and Consort Xin also agreed, since they had been shopping for quite some time.
"Then I shall respectfully comply."
Seeing that everyone else had agreed, Consort Wan and Consort Shen exchanged a glance and also agreed.
The group followed Consort Cao to her residence, entered the palace to rest, and Consort Cao invited the palace servants to serve some snacks and tea.
Seeing that An Lingrong was staring at the plum juice in front of her, Consort Cao explained, "Her Majesty Consort Shu is pregnant and should not drink tea or eat cold drinks, so I had someone bring her room temperature plum juice."
"Thank you, Consort Cao." An Lingrong picked up the plum juice and smelled it.
Yes, there are no added ingredients, so it's drinkable.
"Consort Cao is so thoughtful. Please bring me a bowl of plum juice, chilled, too. It's so hot in the summer, I just want something cold to drink."
Consort Qi asked for plum juice mainly because An Lingrong was sitting next to her, and the smell of the sweet and sour plum juice made her own tea taste bland.
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