Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Legend of Zhen Huan, Nian Shilan 7
"Your subject saw the Imperial Concubine before at the Yuanmingyuan Garden, although the Imperial Concubine is somewhat different from before."
But I recognized the Imperial Concubine at a glance, for she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
The Fourth Prince's sincere praise made Nian Shilan laugh.
Nian Shilan turned to look at Consort Li and said with a grin, "So glib at such a young age, I wonder how many girls she'll steal when she grows up."
Consort Li agreed, "Yes."
"I remember you are twelve years old this year, right? You look so thin and small, and the fabric of your clothes is also so-so. Songzhi, have the kitchen prepare some nourishing food for the Fourth Prince."
"Then have the Imperial Household Department select some fine materials and send them to the Fourth Prince. I have plenty of fine materials, but they are not suitable for the Fourth Prince."
"Yes." Songzhi curtsied and gave a wink to the eunuch behind her, who then turned and left.
"Your subject thanks Your Highness the Noble Consort," the Fourth Prince said, bowing.
Nian Shilan patted the Fourth Prince's head, "Good boy, Consort Li and I are going to continue our tour of the Yuanmingyuan Garden, so we'll be leaving now."
"Your subject respectfully sees off the Noble Consort and Consort Li."
Qingliang Hall —
"His Majesty has arrived."
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." A hint of mockery flashed in Nian Shilan's eyes.
I just met the Fourth Prince in the afternoon, and the Emperor came to this Qingliang Palace in the evening. It seems that the most important thing in the Emperor's heart is indeed the throne.
Nian Gengyao is now behaving himself well and never overstepping his bounds, but people still fear him.
"No need for such formalities." The Emperor helped Nian Shilan up.
Sure enough, after a few words, the Emperor began to talk about the Fourth Prince.
"I heard that Shilan met Hongli today?"
"Yes, a twelve-year-old child, but looks only about ten years old. It must be the palace servants' negligence."
Seeing that Nian Shilan didn't seem to care much about the Fourth Prince, the Emperor felt a little relieved, but still tried to probe her with words.
"Since Shilan likes the Fourth Prince, why don't I let him be raised by you?"
"Your Majesty, I do not wish to raise other people's children. More precisely, I will not raise any child other than the one I had years ago!"
Nian Shilan looked coldly at the Emperor, seemingly dissatisfied with his suggestion.
"I misspoke. I thought you would be happier if you had a child to raise."
Ever since that child was miscarried, Nian Shilan would take contraceptive medicine after each time she served the emperor.
He had known all along that the other party only wanted that child, but he was worried that Nian Shilan might change her mind.
Even though Nian Shilan was taking contraceptives, he still sent her Huan Yi Xiang (a type of incense), also to prevent her from changing her mind.
“If Your Majesty came today to bring up these matters, perhaps you should return to the Hall of Diligent Governance,” Nian Shilan said, glancing at the Emperor.
"Very well, I won't mention it anymore. Have someone serve the meal."
After the meal, Nian Shilan chased the Emperor out of Qingliang Palace; she found him utterly annoying!
A few days later, news of a happy pregnancy came from Consort Hui's Leisurely Moon Pavilion.
Without falling into the water and suffering a serious illness, Consort Hui was in good health and favored by the emperor, so it was quite normal for her to be pregnant.
The Emperor was delighted, especially since he received the news at Bi Tong Academy, where Consort Wan was staying.
With the kind words of Consort Wan, Consort Hui was promoted to Consort Hui and moved to Chuxiu Palace after returning to the palace.
Although Wenyi is gone, there is Jiahe, who is about the same age as her.
As a princess born to a woman of the Uya clan, the empress doted on her and often showed her care.
She was just a princess, and out of respect for the Empress Dowager, the Empress naturally wouldn't neglect Jiahe.
As for why Jiahe wasn't raised under the Empress's care and became a half-legitimate daughter...
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