Chapter 152 An Lingrong 93
Things eventually developed in a direction that neither the Queen nor Concubine Duan had hoped for, but surprisingly, both of them were very satisfied.
Lingrong did not become estranged from the Emperor like Zhen Huan did as the Empress had expected. Instead, after this incident, the two became even closer. The Emperor still went to Chengqian Palace to visit An Lingrong every day, and often summoned imperial doctors such as Wen Shichu to personally ask them about the prescriptions they had written for the Imperial Concubine.
Similarly, she did not die at the best time of her life as Concubine Duan had hoped, leaving the Emperor with another woman he would never forget and annoy their Empress from time to time.
But both of them were in a good mood, or rather, very good.
Since An Lingrong was still alive, the Imperial Noble Consort plan naturally fell through. Furthermore, the Emperor was currently concerned about the Imperial Noble Consort's health and was unwilling to burden her. These matters were only halfway through preparation when Yixiu impatiently called a halt.
"Burning moxa after just over four months, these twins came at a very bad time." The Queen wrote on the paper stroke by stroke. When she heard that An Lingrong vomited blood and fainted soon after waking up, and that the imperial physician diagnosed them as twins, the words "shun" in her writing became more graceful and fluent.
"This is just a mismatch between fate and luck. How could a concubine like her have such good fortune? Now she can only rely on the imperial physician to make a living." Jianqiu stood respectfully aside, speaking with disdain.
The Queen shook her head, held up the letter and examined it carefully before handing it to Jianqiu. "Despite her humble status, as long as the Emperor favors her, she would be a blessed Consort. It's a pity that even the most outstanding tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. The Emperor doesn't understand this truth, which is why he's repeatedly heartbroken."
Having said this, she waited for Jianqiu to finish collecting and spread the paper over her again before she concentrated slightly and wrote the word "quan" again. However, her pen trembled slightly when she put it down, causing the character to be incomplete.
In the past, the Queen would have burned such a calligraphy piece out of hand, but this time, she admired it for a long time and picked it up with satisfaction: "In fact, life is just like this calligraphy piece. Too much perfection is as bad as too little."
"The most important thing is to cherish your blessings. It's a pity that my sister didn't understand this principle back then. Nian, Zhen Huan, and now the Imperial Concubine are all like this." The Queen put the letter away, picked up the Buddhist beads beside it, and left slowly.
"An emperor shouldn't have romantic relationships. I think once the matter with the imperial concubine is resolved, the emperor will surely understand better." The empress held her Buddhist beads in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other, gently snipping the roses in the vase. "Go get that century-old wild ginseng from the storehouse and send it to Chengqian Palace to see if it can be used as medicine."
"That ginseng is of excellent quality and is a life-saving treasure. Your Majesty, if you really want it..."
"Fool, if she can really hold on, half dead, then I can truly rest assured." The Queen crushed the flower bud in her hands, watching the pale red juice seep into the ground, and smiled with pity: "This way, the Emperor will face her every day, and he will no longer dare to be easily deceived by the beautiful appearance of others."
"Your Majesty, Concubine Duan is requesting an audience outside the palace."
Jiang Fuhai's words interrupted the queen's thoughts.
Yixiu picked up the tea bowl and fiddled with it twice before she started to laugh: "And when she can't sit still, let her in."
As soon as Concubine Duan entered, the Empress cast her gaze towards her side. This time, the usually low-key Concubine Duan unexpectedly brought two palace maids with her. Behind her was Jixiang, who had been with her since entering the palace, and next to her was Ruyi, the gift she had recently given to Concubine Duan.
Concubine Duan held Ruyi's hand and reluctantly bowed, but the Queen quickly called her back: "You are not feeling well. It is a hot summer day. Why don't you rest in the palace?"
Concubine Duan thanked the Empress and sat on the other side of the bed, panting twice before she recovered. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Ahem... Did I disturb your nap by coming here at this time?"
"How could that be? I'm old now, and I'm no longer as sleepy as I was in my youth. Even if you hadn't come now, I would have been attending to palace affairs." The Queen smiled gently, then expressed her concern for her health. "It's midsummer now, are you feeling well? I've been busy with Noble Concubine Yi's affairs recently, and I've been a little bit neglectful of you."
"Today, Concubine Jing and the others came to pay their respects. I also asked about Longyue and the others' situation. Children are naturally fragile. I heard that Longyue refused to eat properly these past two days because of the fever. Concubine Jing was very worried but there was nothing she could do."
As the queen spoke, she picked up her Buddhist beads and chanted a Buddhist name.
The Concubine Duan beside her paused, then smiled and said, "Although I have an old illness, it has been well for many years now. It was the Empress and the Emperor who were worried. Moreover, now that I have Ruyi, she has taken good care of my daily life. I feel much more energetic these days."
"Then I am relieved." The Queen glanced at Ruyi meaningfully. Seeing that she had been keeping her head down, she smiled softly. "It is said that Imperial Concubine Yi is surrounded by smart people, but they are not as caring as this girl. Imperial Concubine Yi's health has not yet fully recovered. This Queen and the Emperor are really worried day and night."
"Concubine Duan, in your opinion, can Concubine Yi survive this time?"
"This... How can I speak so recklessly?"
"So you think Imperial Concubine Yi will have a hard time surviving this?" The Queen still had a smile on her face, but her eyes were fixed on Imperial Concubine Duan, not allowing her to evade easily.
Knowing she couldn't escape, Concubine Duan stared at the slightly cold tea on the table, struggled for a moment, and finally spoke: "I think... Concubine Yi is blessed by fate, but her illness came like a mountain and went away like a thread. I'm afraid she will have to suffer a lot."
The Queen smiled slowly after hearing this: "Concubine Duan and I actually think alike. I feel much more at ease after hearing your words."
As she spoke, she picked up the tea and said, "Oh, why is the tea cold? Jianqiu, why don't you change it for new tea?"
"Your Majesty, there's no need to waste your time. I was just thinking that I was in good spirits today and had rarely come to pay my respects to you in the past. I felt ashamed, so I came specially to visit you. I'll be leaving now."
After saying this, Concubine Duan did not argue any further and stood up and left neatly.
The Queen waited until she was almost out of the door before she let go. "It's said that the princess has been plagued by misfortunes ever since she married Concubine Jing. Who knows if it's because they're not compatible, or if Concubine Jing isn't devoted enough?"
"Once the matter with Imperial Concubine Yi is settled, perhaps I should inform the Emperor of this matter."
"Your Majesty is wise. After all, this concerns the princess's health, so it is only right to be cautious." Concubine Duan still looked indifferent. She just silently grasped Ruyi's right hand and slowly walked out of Jingren Palace.
It was not until she returned to Yanqing Palace that she noticed Ruyi's red hands. She then apologized to her gently, "I have no strength left in me. I am so tired that you have supported me all the way. Go back and rest."
Ruyi also smiled innocently: "What's the big deal? I'll help you to the bed first, and then I'll go down to rest."
After saying this, he helped Concubine Duan back to the bed and settled her down. Then he turned around, smiled ingratiatingly at Jixiang, who had a normal expression, and quietly retreated.
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