Chapter 35 Your Majesty, I wish to be close to you.
"Ha...you think I'm scared!"
Consort Rong's trembling gaze froze for a moment.
The cold sweat on her face hadn't dried yet, but unusually, she stubbornly insisted:
"You lowly wench! Do you think you've already won? Do you think you can force me to implicate the Yi family by trapping me here? Keep dreaming!"
Consort Rong laughed maniacally: "You're scared! You're scared that the Yi family has deep roots, scared that Consort Qi might still have a chance to turn things around! That's why you're in such a hurry to come to me, hoping to get something out of me to completely destroy her! Don't even think about it!"
She forced herself to stand up, trying to regain some of her composure:
"Let me tell you! Lord Yi will definitely rescue me! The Yi family is deeply rooted and powerful; how could a lowly woman like you, who rose to power through her pregnancy, possibly shake them?"
Consort Rong murmured, it was unclear whether she was speaking to Shui Xian or to herself: "Once the Yi family is out of trouble, once Yi Guichun comes out of the Cold Palace... Shui Xian! I, Consort Rong, swear that you will repay this humiliation a hundredfold!"
She hadn't forgotten her dignity; she was the second young lady of the Rong family! She was far from being humiliated by Shui Xian, a lowly servant girl of humble origins!
Consort Rong tried to toughen herself up, but her haggard appearance, caused by days of fear, was pitiful compared to the radiant Narcissus, who had just been conferred the title of Consort.
Although Narcissus Palace attire was simple, it was made of the finest materials, and the jade hairpins in her hair were also exquisite tributes. Compared to the disheveled Consort Rong, she appeared all the more composed.
"Whether I'm afraid or not is none of your concern. Whether the Yi family can save you, whether Yi Guichun can get out... ha."
She gave Consort Rong a deep look. "Consort Rong, I'm reminding you one last time: this is your, and your Rong family's, last... and only chance to survive."
Narcissus said no more and turned to leave.
The palace doors slowly closed behind her, shutting out Consort Rong's resentful gaze and the suffocating atmosphere of despair within the palace.
The east wing of Changxin Palace fell silent once again.
Consort Rong seemed to have all her strength drained away, and slumped back into the cold chair.
The dim light inside the hall outlined her distraught silhouette.
Narcissus's words echoed in her mind, and the more she thought about it, the more terrified she became, her body trembling uncontrollably.
The shadow behind him blended vaguely into the darkness...
As she emerged from the east wing, Shui Xian looked up at the gray, cumulus clouds above the palace walls.
The cold wind whipped up the dust on the ground, swirling it as it drifted by.
She had a vague premonition that the imprisoned Consort Rong might be the key to completely crushing Yi Guichun!
"Silver Pearl," Narcissus whispered.
"This servant is here."
Shui Xian gestured to her, then took out some more silver and handed it to the two eunuchs guarding the corridor in the distance.
"You two have worked hard." Shui Xian's voice was very gentle. "I visited Consort Rong today and found her emotionally unstable, which may cause trouble. Please keep a close eye on her."
She whispered her instructions: "If there is any disturbance in the palace, whether it is Consort Rong trying to send out a message or someone trying to contact her, you must send someone to Chengming Palace to inform me immediately. I... will reward you handsomely."
The two eunuchs took the brocade pouch and, upon hearing Consort Jin's clearly pointed words, they immediately understood.
Consort Jin is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor and is pregnant with the Emperor's child; her future is limitless. We're too busy currying favor with her! The two men quickly bowed and repeatedly assured her, "Your Majesty, rest assured! We will do our utmost to keep a close watch on this place for Your Majesty! We will report any disturbances immediately!"
Narcissus nodded slightly, said no more, and left the ominous Changxin Palace with Silver Pearl.
......
As soon as Shui Xian stepped into the palace gate of Chengming Hall, she saw Emperor Zhaoheng standing in the center of the hall, looking somewhat anxious.
He was visibly relieved to see her return unharmed and strode over to greet her.
"Xian'er! Where have you gone? I couldn't find you just now."
He naturally took Narcissus's slightly cool hand in his hand, his tone filled with concern.
Narcissus understood.
Given how much Emperor Zhaoheng values this child, her every move is probably being secretly watched and reported to.
She did not hide anything, raising her clear eyes to look at him: "Your Majesty, I...I went to the East Annex of Changxin Palace."
Emperor Zhaoheng did not show any surprise, but merely frowned slightly: "What are you going there for? That place is unlucky."
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is heartbroken." Shui Xian nestled into his arms, her voice choked with sobs. "Your Majesty doesn't understand, why would the commoner Yi Shi... Why would she do this to me? I trusted her so much, served her so devotedly, why would she send Granny Yan to harm me and my child?"
Narcissus sighed, "Your Majesty, I only wish to ask Consort Rong in person. She's been spending a lot of time with Consort Yi lately; perhaps she knows something... Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I'm just unwilling to accept this..."
The narcissus cupped her heart, her posture delicate and fragile.
If the troupe leader were here at that moment, he would surely praise her for her excellent performance.
Emperor Zhaoheng held her in his arms, feeling her body tremble slightly, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He gently stroked her back and sighed, "Human hearts are unpredictable... Xian'er, don't be sad for that kind of viperous woman, it will hurt your health and the child."
At this moment, when Emperor Zhaoheng thought of Yi Guichun, he felt no pity for her, only anger at being deceived.
He never expected that the woman he had shared a bed with for more than three years would have such a vicious side!
The image of Yi Guichun, who appeared like a madman and was about to stab the narcissus with a knife in the plum grove of the Imperial Garden that day, still disgusts him to this day!
What chilled him even more was that after Yi Guichun was deposed and banished to the cold palace, he ordered a thorough search of Changxin Palace.
As a result, an astonishing amount of gold was found in the storeroom of her bedchamber!
The mountain of gold ingots was an eyesore to Emperor Zhaoheng!
Some of the gold ingots even had special markings on them. He recognized them at a glance as the gold that Song Changzai, who had fallen from power due to his father's corruption case, had given to Yi Guichun as a tribute!
The sudden death of Song Changzai... Both of the foods were related to Yi Guichun.
Emperor Zhaoheng had some doubts, but lacked evidence.
Now it seems that Song Changzai's death was most likely related to Yi Guichun!
This woman is not only greedy and greedy, but also treats human life as worthless!
For the first time, he realized with such clarity what a venomous snake he had been sleeping next to for more than three years was!
"I don't want to think about those troublesome things anymore."
Emperor Zhaoheng, unwilling to let these sordid matters further affect Shuixian's mood, embraced her and led her into the palace, his tone becoming lighter:
"Xian'er, I have good news for you. I have ordered people to completely clean up Yongle Palace. Once everything is set up, you can move in!"
“Yongle Palace?!” Shui Xian paused, looked up at Emperor Zhaoheng with genuine surprise in her eyes.
That was one of the best-located palaces among the six palaces, and also the most magnificent!
Emperor Zhaoheng actually... bestowed Yongle Palace upon her?!
Narcissus felt genuine joy in her heart at that moment!
The emperor's concern was always inseparable from power and favor.
She knew full well that Emperor Zhaoheng's generous reward at this moment was largely due to the imperial heir in her womb.
She had previously feigned virtue and politely declined the move to another palace because she knew what Emperor Zhaoheng liked to hear.
This tangible gift is what truly moves her!
She, Narcissus, has never been one to turn down money and power!
"Your Majesty..." Shui Xian nestled against Emperor Zhaoheng, pleading, "This is far too precious! I... I am unworthy of such a favor..."
"If I say you can, then you can!"
Seeing her delighted expression, Emperor Zhaoheng felt even more satisfied: "Yongle Palace is a perfect match for my Consort Jin and my future son!"
At dinner time, the dining table in Chengming Hall was set out to the brim.
Every dish was exquisitely prepared, and each one was a precious and nourishing delicacy, which shows how much Emperor Zhaoheng valued the child in Shui Xian's womb!
As night deepened, Emperor Zhaoheng remained in Chengming Palace tonight as usual.
On the brocade couch, Emperor Zhaoheng held Shui Xian's soft body with satisfaction, his hand habitually resting on her lower abdomen.
The joy of having a son in his prime filled Emperor Zhaoheng's heart with satisfaction.
However, Narcissus, who was held in his arms, was unusually clear-headed.
She knew that Emperor Zhaoheng's satisfaction at this moment stemmed more from the child in her womb.
The love of emperors has always been elusive and intangible.
Now she is favored and enjoys great fame because of her pregnancy, but the pregnancy is long and the recovery period after childbirth is even longer.
Emperor Zhaoheng was in his prime, full of vigor and vitality, and had not been favored by the emperor for a long time. How could the concubines in the harem, and even the potential newcomers in the future, let go of this excellent opportunity?
If she makes no preparations and relies solely on the unborn child and the emperor's favor, how long can this favor last?
If someone were to take advantage of the situation and steal Emperor Zhaoheng's attention...
Narcissus calmly analyzed the situation in her mind.
She couldn't just sit and wait to die.
She needs to transform this affection, which comes from the child, into a longer-lasting personal attachment.
Thinking of this, Shui Xian turned slightly to the side and looked up in Emperor Zhaoheng's arms.
Emperor Zhaoheng sensed her movement and, thinking she wanted to speak to him, subconsciously lowered his head.
The next moment, he felt her lips, carrying her unique fragrance, tentatively kissing his thin lips.
Unconsciously, Emperor Zhaoheng tightened his grip on her waist with his large hand, and as his breathing became heavier, the kiss deepened.
"Xian'er..."
He restrained himself and stepped back, not wanting to poke her.
"The focus now is on nurturing the fetus, and sexual intercourse is not advisable."
Emperor Zhaoheng valued this child most of all.
He was completely content simply by holding her in his arms.
However, he was, after all, just an ordinary man, and Narcissus's initiative made him irresistibly want to get closer to her.
Narcissus feigned a troubled expression, pressed herself close to the Emperor, and said in a wronged voice, "But Your Majesty, I wish to be close to you."
She was well aware of her own strengths. She hadn't done anything; she had simply been close to him, yet Emperor Zhaoheng had already taken a deep breath.
In the darkness, one should not be able to see anything.
But Narcissus seemed to be able to see the taut string of reason in the man.
And she, like the most mischievous cat, stretched out her paws and pawed at it back and forth.
Emperor Zhaoheng felt a throbbing pain in his temples. Finally, he grabbed her hand and, unable to bear it any longer, pressed her down beneath him.
"Don't cry if it hurts."
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