After visiting Consort Ming and Consort Cheng, the Emperor then went to visit Consort Cao, who was pregnant.
Consort Cao was quite bold; her claim of being frightened was merely an excuse to get the Emperor to come and see her.
She's much smarter than Consort Ming, that blockhead; she wouldn't turn the Emperor away when he visits.
The Emperor himself went to visit her, but she still acted like a high-ranking official, directly refusing him entry into the palace. Fortunately, the Emperor was good-natured and didn't hold it against Consort Ming.
Cao Shanlu felt sorry for the officials after thinking about it.
However, Consort Xu wasn't too stupid. Knowing that Consort Ming would be suspected after her incident, she even took the opportunity to plead her innocence when the Emperor visited Consort Ming. It is said that the Emperor has already granted Consort Xu permission to move to another palace.
Indeed, given Consort Ming's current state, she's bound to cause trouble wherever she goes. It would be better to let her live alone in Chuxiu Palace, where it would be quieter and less troublesome.
As for where Xu Changzai moves to, what does it matter?
Although Consort Cao was arrogant and spoiled, her charming nature meant she wasn't the worst, and the Emperor didn't show any disgust towards her.
For two or three days in a row, the Emperor stayed at Consort Cao's place. On the first day of the month, Consort Cao was in high spirits.
Huo Qinghe arrived at the perfect time; by the time she arrived, most of the lower-ranking concubines had already arrived.
Huo Qinghe sat next to Meng Meiren this time, and most of the people were chatting idly.
When Lady Meng saw her arrive, she spoke to her in a low voice.
"You've arrived? You don't seem to be in much spirits. But it's understandable that you seem timid; you are timid just the way you are, which makes you quite endearing. I was going to come and see you, but I was worried that it might be inconvenient for you there... Also, after the incident with Consort Ming, Her Majesty the Empress instructed that no one should move around unnecessarily..."
Huo Qinghe nodded understandingly, and said in a low voice while drinking tea, "Thank you for your concern, sister. I understand what you mean. It's not that I'm timid. When I heard it that night, I didn't think much of it, but I had nightmares after I got back, and I was sick for two days. I'm much better today."
Upon hearing this, Consort Meng smiled and said, "That's good. There can't be any women with poor health in this palace. Oh, that's what my old nanny told me."
Huo Qinghe was amused, but she only smiled without showing her teeth.
Then the high-ranking concubines arrived one by one.
When Consort Cao arrived, she looked around and said, "Oh, it's already this late. I'm afraid Consort Ming won't be coming. I'm sorry to trouble her."
"What hardship she's endured? You're the one who's had a hard time coming all this way while heavily pregnant," Consort Chi retorted with a sarcastic remark, showing no mercy.
Consort Chi was always the one who could best quell Consort Cao's arrogance.
...
Xue Yinjia, who was inside the inner palace, was also aware of this. She touched the pearl on her ear and listened to Kong Qing talking about the gradually fading sounds outside.
"With Consort Chi keeping them in check, I can rest assured. It's getting hot; is there ice in the main hall? Consort Cao and Consort Zhou are both delicate; let's keep them chilled with ice."
"It's getting hot, and Consort Ming and Consort Cao are both pregnant. It's really hard on them to come and pay their respects on the first and fifteenth of each month. Just tell them to come and pay their respects on the first of each month."
"Is Your Majesty not going out?" Chunbai immediately understood the Empress's unspoken meaning.
Xue Yinjia waved her hand: "I originally wanted to see them, but I'm not in the mood right now. Just say that my headache is acting up and I can't see them. It's nothing serious. Also, don't let them wander around. When it gets hot, they can find some entertainment in their own palaces."
There wasn't much to say, just the rivalry between Consort Cao and the others, and the matter of Consort Ming. Xue Yinjia knew without even thinking what those things were about...
But listening to Consort Chi's words outside, Xue Yinjia felt weary.
Kong Qing couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine... is truly overstepping her bounds..."
Before she could finish speaking, Chunbai, who was doing Xue Yinjia's makeup, slapped her hand away: "Your Majesty, don't worry. Consort Zhuang and Consort Ruan are both devoted to you."
Xue Yinjia waved her hand: "Listening to you talk gives me a terrible headache. Go and inform them, and don't keep them waiting too long. Tell Consort Cao to keep a close eye on her, and give all the sedan chair bearers special instructions. Since Consort Cheng's accident, His Majesty is especially concerned about children now, and I don't want anything to happen to Consort Ming's child."
I don't want anything to happen to Consort Ming's child...
Both maids understood the Empress's unspoken meaning.
Consort Ming is timid as a mouse. Even if she gives birth to an imperial heir, whether it is a boy or a girl, it is estimated that he will not amount to anything.
But Consort Cao was different; the Emperor genuinely favored her...
Kong Qing didn't dare to delay, so she went out to deliver a message. She spoke respectfully, and with Consort Zhuang leading the way in echoing her, no one openly complained.
However, this did save Huo Qinghe from listening to those unimportant gossips.
When they came out of Kunning Palace, the sun was not too strong. Huo Qinghe was afraid of the heat, so she took the round fan handed to her by Lvhuai.
Although it wasn't exactly on Meng Meiren's route, they were still able to walk a short distance together. Huo Qinghe was the kind of person who was "obedient in everything," so when Meng Meiren wanted to go with her, she complied.
Meng Meiren was witty, and Huo Qinghe could keep up with her. They parted with smiles on their faces.
Green Locust, supporting Huo Qinghe, smiled and said, "It seems that Lady Meng and you two get along very well."
Huo Qinghe waved her round fan: "They say we're compatible, but it's just that I go along with what she says, and she goes along with what I say. We befriend those we can, and pretend we don't if we can't..."
"Go to the Imperial Household Department tomorrow and hang up my green plaque."
Today is the first day of the lunar month, so it doesn't matter whether the green plaque is displayed or not.
On the first night, the Emperor naturally stayed at Kunning Palace.
However, the emperor was busy with affairs of the previous dynasty and arrived late, so he did not call for water during the night.
Pei Yuanhui was never free for a single day. With so many things to do, he never had a moment of leisure. He had to find time for himself to do so.
"Why didn't I see Huo's green nameplate when I was choosing names the other day?"
It's remarkable that the Emperor could remember something like this amidst his busy schedule.
Jin Yang sighed inwardly, then hurriedly replied, "Consort Huo was frightened after Consort Ming fell that day. She's been resting for the past two days."
Pei Yuanhui glanced at Jinyang.
He could remember Xiao Huo only because of Jin Yang's endless inner monologue in front of him.
Empress Jinyang always knows best who is ill in the palace.
“They’re all sick… I’m going to see how terrified she is.”
This also provides an opportunity for officials to find some entertainment.
Jin Yang understood: "Yes. Prepare the carriage for Yanxi Palace."
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