The birth of a concubine was a major event, and naturally, all the concubines in the palace could go and join in the fun, or rather, go and show their concern.
Huo Qinghe had already realized that Meng Meiren was the type to join in the fun, so she didn't say anything more. She stood up and said, "That sounds pretty scary. Of course I'm going with you, sister."
Meng Meiren smiled and agreed, her steps never faltering, as she grabbed Huo Qinghe's hand.
Holding the soft, warm fabric in her hands, Meng Meiren resisted the urge to instinctively caress it, but couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
She took Huo Qinghe's hand and left the main hall of Yanliang Pavilion. When Meng Meiren left the main hall, she subconsciously glanced down the corridor, but she quickly withdrew her meaningful gaze.
Huo Qinghe noticed it, but didn't say anything; only a look of annoyance flashed in her eyes.
Few people visit her place. Even Consort Zhou, who sits in the main hall, doesn't want to even glance at Yanliang Pavilion. However, the two pots of peonies that resembled Yang Guifei after her bath, and Huo Qinghe, are always placed in inconspicuous locations.
However, this Lady Meng, who seemed to be a gossip, turned out to be quite meticulous.
Huo Qinghe did not receive the peony as a reward at the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet that day. Now that Huo Qinghe has received it, it must be a secret reward from the Emperor.
Since Lady Meng didn't bring it up, Huo Qinghe naturally pretended not to know.
When Huo Qinghe and Consort Meng arrived at Chuxiu Palace, it was already getting dark. Only then did Consort Meng realize that she and Huo Qinghe hadn't had dinner and were probably going to be hungry.
Meng turned around and gave Huo Qinghe an apologetic smile.
Huo Qinghe, completely oblivious, smiled obediently at Meng Shi, showing no sign of anger or displeasure whatsoever.
In the afternoon, she ate a couple of sips of bitter tea. After the official left, she ate sweet tea and pastries to relieve the bitterness. Later, when Consort Meng came, she accompanied her and drank sour plum soup and had some snacks. At this point, she was really not very hungry.
Upon seeing this, Meng's expression of guilt deepened.
Furthermore, Huo Qinghe's expression made Meng Shi even more confused about whether Huo Qinghe was truly foolish or just pretending.
However, since the emperor secretly bestowed gifts upon Huo Qinghe, and she was willing to display them, that was her business, and there was nothing to say about it.
When the two arrived at Chuxiu Palace, it was extremely lively.
Huo Qinghe and Meng Shi stood aside watching the palace maids come and go. After a while, they saw several basins of bloody water being carried out from them.
Huo Qinghe subconsciously covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and Meng was so frightened that she took two or three steps back, almost crying out again.
“Let’s…let’s go in and take a look first.” Meng tightened her grip on Huo Qinghe’s hand.
The closer they got to the main hall of Chuxiu Palace, the stronger the stench of blood became, and the two of them couldn't help but frown.
Upon entering the main hall, one finds a large number of people.
Consort Chi, who was sitting above the main hall, raised an eyebrow when she saw the two of them coming together: "The eldest princess has been coughing these past two days, so Your Majesty the Empress has gone to the trouble of taking care of her today."
Consort Zhuang, who was standing nearby, chimed in, "Yes. Also, Consort Cao is pregnant, and we were afraid that today's events might upset her. I heard that she was frightened last time and hasn't had enough rest, so we'll let her rest properly."
Consort Ruan chimed in, "The midwife was chosen by the Imperial Household Department long ago, but I get really anxious just listening to Consort Ming giving birth inside. If Consort Cao comes, she's pregnant and I'm afraid she'll be frightened again."
Consort Chi nodded slightly: "What Consort Ruan said makes sense. The imperial physician is also waiting outside. The Emperor is busy with state affairs and is currently discussing national matters with his ministers. I have already ordered someone to stand guard in front of the Emperor."
Meng and Huo Qinghe took their seats. There were many people in the hall, including Consort Ming who was giving birth. Everyone's expressions were still somewhat sorrowful.
After all, most of the people in the room had never produced anything.
After the people at the head of the table spoke, the others in the room fell silent.
Until a sharp and mournful cry came from inside the inner palace.
Consort Zhuang couldn't help but say, "Consort Ming's birth was premature, and she was frightened. It's really... hard to feel at ease."
She was the mother of the eldest prince, and naturally had boundless compassion for the matter of offspring.
However, Consort Zhou below did not have that much patience.
She raised her hand to cover her nose, showing a look of disgust.
"In the end, it's all Consort Qin's fault. Even after someone's dead, she still can't rest in peace. Consort Ming is also cowardly. She's just a lowly woman who died, yet she's so frightened that she went into premature labor... What if something happens to His Majesty's child..."
"Consort Zhou, shut up!" Consort Chi's eyebrows twitched as she heard this, and she couldn't help but slam her hand on the table.
"You're getting more and more outrageous! The Empress has already forbade the palace servants from mentioning this matter, and you still dare to bring it up now. As a concubine, you should be even more careful with your words. Consort Ming is giving birth inside, and you're still making sarcastic remarks here. I think you've forgotten the rules again. You don't need to stay here anymore. Go to Baohua Hall to chant sutras and pray for Consort Ming and her unborn child."
Consort Zhou was somewhat unwilling.
Consort Zhuang also showed no kindness: "Consort Zhou, you have indeed spoken inappropriately today. Consort Ming is pregnant and of higher rank than you. It is really inappropriate for you to gossip about her behind her back. It is dark and the road is difficult to walk. I will have someone escort you to Baohua Palace."
Consort Zhou stood up. She didn't think she had said anything wrong; she had simply been telling the truth.
But as soon as she stood up, she heard Consort Ming's shrill screams coming from inside, a sound that sent chills down her spine.
Consort Zhou was speechless for a moment. She subconsciously glanced inside. Having never given birth, she was naturally a little scared. She forgot what she wanted to say and simply obediently agreed to Consort Chi's words.
She turned and walked away, but as she walked out, she remembered the embarrassment she felt when the official visited Huo Qinghe during the day. She paused briefly and glared fiercely at Huo Qinghe.
Huo Qinghe saw this and lowered her head in fear.
Lady Meng, who was standing nearby, saw it, but pretended not to notice.
Although she wanted to be on good terms with the Huo family, she dared not offend Consort Zhou, who had the Empress Dowager's backing.
After Consort Zhou withdrew, Consort Meng wanted to say something to comfort Huo Qinghe, but before she could speak, Consort Chi, who was seated at the head of the table, spoke first.
"Consort Huo, you have been wronged. You live with Consort Zhou, but Consort Zhou is your superior. You should still show her more respect."
Huo Qinghe stood up and replied, "This concubine will remember Your Majesty's teachings."
Once she was seated, Lady Meng naturally couldn't say anything more.
Inside, Consort Ming's cries came one after another, a sound that was heartbreaking to hear.
After sitting for about fifteen minutes, the voice of Consort Ming inside did not subside; on the contrary, it became even more uncontrollable, and it was heartbreaking to listen to.
Consort Chi was annoyed by what she heard. It was already hot in July, and there were so many people in the palace. Even if everyone was silent, she still felt hot. Fang Kui, who was fanning her, was practically useless.
"Go in and tell the midwife to save her strength. She's weak, and she's using all her energy shouting right now. What strength will she have left if she gives birth later? Is the ginseng soup ready?"
While Consort Ming was giving birth alone inside, it was Consort Chi who was worried about her.
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