Chapter 111 The Legend of Zhen Huan: An Lingrong 21
Although Aunt Xue Liu still had a serious expression, it was clear that she was in a better mood. "This servant thanks Your Highness for your kindness."
The Empress was confined to her palace to recuperate, and the Emperor did not take her with him on his trip to the Yuanmingyuan. The Empress's so-called confinement was in reality a form of house arrest, and she was released from confinement after the Emperor returned to the palace.
However, the Emperor did not return the palace power; instead, it continued to be managed by Consort An, Consort Hua, and Consort Jing.
However, after the new year, the power in the palace was taken over by Consort Hua, with Consort Jing assisting, because An Lingrong was found to be pregnant.
"Hey!" The Emperor bounced Hongxu up and down. "Hongxu has gained quite a bit of weight."
An Lingrong, embroidering Hongxu's little clothes, didn't look up and replied with a smile, "Children grow faster if they eat a lot."
The Emperor looked at An Lingrong, who was focused on embroidery, and instructed her, "There are embroiderers in the palace. Why do you need to do it yourself? Be careful not to damage your eyes."
An Lingrong looked at the Emperor and said softly, "Your Majesty, I have been careful. I only embroider for one hour each day."
"I know, but you are pregnant, so please be careful not to overwork yourself." The Emperor handed Hongxu to the wet nurse, sat down next to An Lingrong, and touched An Lingrong's belly.
"You're over five months pregnant, but your belly looks about the same as when you were seven months pregnant with Hongxu?"
An Lingrong explained, "Yesterday the imperial physician said it was twins, and I wanted to tell the Emperor myself, so I didn't send anyone to inform him of the good news."
"Twins." The Emperor's eyes flashed with surprise. "Good, good, twins are an auspicious sign. After the children are born, I will promote you to the rank of Imperial Concubine."
"Your Majesty, I thank you." An Lingrong nodded gently.
The emperor seemed to remember something, frowning in deep thought, looking troubled.
An Lingrong asked in confusion, "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
"We'll be going to the Yuanmingyuan for summer retreat in a few days. I'm wondering if you should go. Twins usually result in premature births. If Rong'er goes, she might not be able to return to the palace until after her confinement period."
"I must go, but it's the height of summer, and pregnant women shouldn't use too much ice. I can't bear it, and Hongxu is young and can't tolerate the heat."
Although An Lingrong was more than five months pregnant, she could withstand a carriage ride of several hours. Unless she did it on purpose, her body would not show any discomfort.
The Emperor nodded, finding it quite reasonable: "Alright, then we'll go together. I'll have someone make your sedan chair more comfortable."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." An Lingrong smiled brightly and continued embroidering Hongxu's little clothes.
Upon arriving at the Yuanmingyuan, An Lingrong changed her residence and moved into the Lotus Pavilion, which was closer to the Emperor's Hall of Diligent Governance.
The Lotus Pavilion is surrounded by water on all sides and is connected to other scenic areas by a wooden bridge, making it a cool and tranquil place.
An Lingrong ate the newly made candied cherries, listening to Siyun speak, "Consort Qiao?"
Si Yun: "It is Songzhi, the head maid of Consort Hua. Her original name is Qiao Songzhi. After serving the emperor yesterday, she bypassed the palace maids and was directly promoted to the rank of Lady."
An Lingrong nodded, nonchalantly, "After all, she is someone close to Consort Hua. It is reasonable to promote her beyond her rank for Consort Hua's sake."
Qingwu added a cup of milk. "I find it strange that Songzhi is over thirty years old this year. Why doesn't His Majesty accept her earlier or later?"
Just when court officials were impeaching General Nian, Songzhi became Consort Qiao, and to make matters worse, Consort Hua herself had offered her up. Consort Hua had always disliked her maids flattering the Emperor.
An Lingrong pushed the candied cherries away; they were getting a bit too sweet from eating so many, so she took a sip of milk to relieve the sweetness.
"Recently, Consort Hua lost favor because of General Nian's matter. In her panic, she offered Songzhi to inquire about information for her. As for the Emperor's thoughts, we don't understand them, nor do we need to. We will find out in time."
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