Chapter 164 The Emperor Protects Her
More than half a month has passed since Yi Guichun was forced to commit suicide by poison.
The once prominent and deeply rooted Yi family collapsed in an instant, with its male members exiled, its female members enslaved, and its property confiscated.
This sudden and dramatic change caused a huge upheaval in both the imperial court and the inner palace.
Especially in the inner palace, the tide of favor and prosperity that Consort Yi had experienced half a month ago has changed once again.
The concubines who were once on good terms with Yi Guichun, or who flattered him because of the Yi family's power, are now all silent and eager to sever ties.
Yi Shuyao, who was bestowed the title of Yaopin for upholding justice by sacrificing her own family on that day, has been claiming illness and staying at home ever since the testimony was presented in the main hall that day.
When she occasionally had to go out, she would wear extremely simple light-colored clothes, without any bright colors, and the most basic accessories she would wear.
He exuded an air of desolation, and it was said that he had given up vegetarianism and devoted himself to Buddhism.
Consort Yun, who had always ridiculed Narcissus and was like a weather vane, is now the first to take the initiative to show goodwill to Lihe Palace.
She had prepared a generous gift, consisting mostly of gold and jade ornaments symbolizing many children and blessings, as well as top-quality tonics for a healthy pregnancy.
Consort Yun personally delivered these items to the gate of Lihe Palace. Although she did not see Narcissus, she still sincerely said:
"This is just a small token of my congratulations to Your Highness on the joyous occasion of your twins."
As for Consort Wan, who had previously been on good terms with Consort Yun, after Narcissus resumed managing the six palaces, she asked the two consorts who were managing the six palaces for leave on the grounds that she was "not feeling well and was afraid of passing on her illness to the Noble Consort," thus exempting herself from the daily morning and evening greetings.
Whether it was a real illness or a feigned one, only Consort Wan herself probably knew the truth.
The harem was filled with many concubines.
Whether they arrived first or later, all the concubines knew perfectly well that the Emperor's affection for Consort Jin was obvious.
Furthermore, the prestige bestowed upon her by the twins in her womb was at its peak, and no one dared to act rashly.
For a time, although Consort Jin was recuperating quietly in front of the Lihe Palace, the other concubines did not want to disturb her, so it was rather deserted.
However, the decisions made in matters concerning the six palaces implicitly prioritized Narcissus's wishes.
Kunning Palace, the most prestigious of the six palaces, became increasingly deserted after Consort Jin gained her favor.
The empress's illness seemed to have worsened, and the palace gates remained closed all day, with her rarely interacting with anyone.
Previously, some concubines had served the Empress when she first fell ill. Now, seeing that the Empress was not likely to recover anytime soon, and that her health was deteriorating and she might not live much longer, concubines of all ranks, whether low or high, gradually distanced themselves from Kunning Palace.
The six palaces appear very calm, but beneath that calm surface, everyone's mind is restless, trying to seize the greatest opportunity in this impending upheaval.
——
On the first day of the lunar month, Emperor Zhaoheng, as was customary, visited the ailing Empress at Kunning Palace.
The bedroom of Kunning Palace was filled with the smell of medicine.
The Empress, dressed in a bright yellow nightgown that was slightly thicker than the weather, sat on the couch, with faint dark circles under her eyes, looking weak and ill.
Upon seeing the emperor enter, she struggled to rise and pay her respects, but Emperor Zhaoheng gently helped her up and stopped her.
"The Empress is ill, so there is no need for formalities. She should take good care of herself."
Emperor Zhaoheng sat down on a chair beside the couch, his tone calm but lacking the intimacy between husband and wife, carrying a perfunctory concern.
The Empress nodded obediently, accepted the ginseng tea offered by the palace maid, and took a small sip.
Her well-maintained fingers unconsciously caressed the warm cup. The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the dripping of the water clock breaking the silence.
After being married for several years, they found themselves speechless in each other's presence.
After a while, the Empress raised her eyes and looked at Emperor Zhaoheng in front of her, but she brought up the matter of raising children.
"I have been feeling bored lately due to my illness, and I keep having all sorts of wild thoughts... I think that Consort Jin is truly a blessed person, able to bear children for His Majesty and conceive twins. This is an extremely auspicious sign."
As she said this, she sighed softly, as if considering the narcissus's feelings.
"However... I think that Consort Jin's background... well... is ultimately not as good as that of a noblewoman who has been exposed to culture and manners since childhood, and is well-versed in the ways of education."
Emperor Zhaoheng paused in his tea-drinking motion, then looked up and gazed at her.
The Empress's sincere gaze held no trace of selfishness; it seemed as if she truly considered the well-being of the nation and the emperor.
"If there are twin princes in the future, they will be the emperor's eldest sons. This matter of educating and establishing rules concerns the foundation of the nation. Shouldn't we..."
Before she finished speaking, her intentions were already obvious.
It was simply a way of mentioning that Consort Jin came from a humble background and was unfit to be a mother, thus paving the way for her later taking the prince in and raising him as his legal mother.
However, Emperor Zhaoheng shook his head without hesitation and said:
"Your Majesty is overthinking it."
Emperor Zhaoheng remained very calm, and his words, though gentle, implied a rejection.
"Although Consort Jin did not come from a distinguished background, she was gentle and kind and had a meticulous mind. She gave birth to Yongning for me and raised her to be a well-behaved and lovely child. Now she is pregnant with twins, which is a great contribution to the continuation of the Great Qi lineage."
Since Shui Xian had suffered injustices several times because of him and the children, Emperor Zhaoheng understood Shui Xian's value more and more.
The Empress wanted to persuade him further, but Emperor Zhaoheng's words shut her up.
Emperor Zhaoheng sat in his chair and promised her, "I have already said that you are the legal mother, and your health is weak now. You need to rest and recuperate. There is no need to worry too much about the upbringing of the princes."
"As for Lihe Palace, I believe that Consort Jin will handle it properly. If there are any questions, Consort De will also be there to assist. There is no need for the Empress to worry about it."
The Empress paused for a moment, then picked up a handkerchief and covered her mouth with it, coughing lightly.
"Your Majesty's considerations are thorough; it was I who spoke out of turn."
After coughing for a while, the Empress gave a weak smile.
"Your Majesty, I have no other intention than... I am just worried about Consort Jin's health. She is pregnant with twins and it is hard for her. I am afraid that she is overworking herself."
Emperor Zhaoheng nodded, as if accepting her explanation, and then routinely inquired about her condition before getting up.
"Your Majesty, please rest well. I will come to see you another day."
"Your Majesty, I respectfully see you off."
The empress maintained a polite smile until the emperor's figure completely disappeared outside the palace gates.
She sat quietly in the inner room for a long time, and after Emperor Zhaoheng had been gone for almost the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the gentle smile on the Empress's face, which was like a mask, gradually froze.
She suddenly waved her hand, sweeping the unfinished cup of tea off the small table beside the couch and onto the floor!
The inner room was covered with a soft blanket. The porcelain cup was not broken; it had only rolled around a few times, leaving dark stains on the blanket.
The palace servants inside were so frightened that they knelt down on the ground, not daring to utter a sound.
The Queen's chest heaved violently a few times, her breathing became rapid, and she felt a splitting headache.
She raised her hand and rubbed her temples hard, her voice filled with icy anger: "That idiot Yi Guichun! He's good for nothing but causing trouble!"
"You couldn't even get rid of that lowly servant girl, and instead you got yourself killed, dragging the entire Yi family down with you! You're a complete waste!"
After venting her anger, she slowly closed her eyes, took a few deep breaths, and forced herself to calm down.
When she opened her eyes again, her usual calm had vanished, but the chill in her eyes was even more intense.
She looked at the maid beside her, her voice returning to calm and steady, like a chess player calmly considering where to place their next piece on the board.
"Go to Yichang Palace and invite Consort De over."
——
On the same day, inside the Reiwa Palace.
After the morning and evening greetings were completed and the concubines who came to pay their respects had left, Shui Xian felt an overwhelming fatigue.
She managed to handle a few palace affairs, but then her eyelids felt heavy and her head felt dizzy.
"I am a little tired. I will go in and rest for a while. Do not disturb me unless necessary."
She helped herself up with Yinzhu's hand, her voice tinged with weariness.
He slept soundly and deeply.
When she opened her eyes again, the inner room was dimly lit, with only a small palace lantern in the corner emitting a faint light.
Lifting the curtain, I saw that the sky outside the window had already completely darkened.
She slept straight from morning until night...
Narcissus struggled to sit up, feeling weak and sore all over.
Despite having slept for a long time, the feeling of fatigue not only did not disappear, but continued to bother her.
"Silver beads?"
She called out in a hoarse voice.
Yinzhu, who was guarding the outer room, immediately lifted the curtain and came in, holding a cup of warm water in her hands: "Your Majesty, you're awake? Would you like some food? It's already late afternoon."
"The end of the You hour?"
Narcissus was startled and subconsciously repeated the sentence.
She intended to take a nap, but ended up sleeping for almost five hours!
This has never happened before.
Even if you are pregnant with twins and feel sleepy, you only need to take a nap for one or two hours at most.
In my memory, I have never been so sleepy and tired.
After using the warm water, she slowly moved to the dressing table and sat down.
Shui Xian examined the mirror closely and saw that her face was still the same, and her complexion was still quite rosy. Apart from the lingering weariness between her brows, she seemed to be fine.
Perhaps... twins really are just too hard?
Narcissus rubbed her still sore temples, trying to suppress the faint unease in her heart.
"Please tie my hair up simply."
She instructed Yinzhu, then turned to Tinglu who had followed her in, "Go and bring in the account books sent by the Imperial Household Department and the fabric patterns for this year's summer clothes for the palace maids. I want to take a look."
Seeing the undisguised exhaustion on her mistress's face, Tinglu was filled with worry and couldn't help but advise, "Your Majesty, you've just woken up. Why don't you have a meal first? These matters can be dealt with tomorrow."
"Or... shall I go and ask Physician Pei to come and take your pulse again?"
Shui Xian subconsciously shook her head: "No need. Physician Pei came to check my pulse this morning and said everything is stable. I'm just a little sleepy, it's nothing to worry about."
I took your pulse this morning, what's the difference if I take it again now?
Helpless, Tinglu had no choice but to obey and retrieve the account book and fabric samples.
Afterwards, while Shu'er was serving Shui Xian some food and snacks, Tinglu found a moment to pull Yinzhu to the outer corridor and whispered to her.
"Sister Yinzhu, don't you think... ever since that person from Changxin Palace passed away, although our Empress has avenged her great enemy, her spirits are still..."
She sighed softly, "It's more like I've let out a sigh of relief, and I'm feeling a bit listless?"
Upon hearing this, Yinzhu carefully recalled the events of the past half month, and her brows furrowed slightly.
As the maid who had been with Shui Xian the longest and knew deeply about her feud with the Yi family, she could vaguely understand some of it.
"Over the years, Your Majesty has been holding back a deep-seated hatred. Now that Yi Guichun has been executed and the Yi family has been destroyed, Your Majesty feels empty inside and has lost all motivation."
Yinzhu said in a low voice, "But twins are extremely taxing on the mind, and Your Majesty's current state of mind is probably not good for your health."
Tinglu said anxiously, "What should we do? Although Physician Pei did not say anything bad when he took the pulse today, I think Her Majesty's fatigue is not like that of a normal person who is sleepy."
Yinzhu pondered for a moment, then patted Tinglu's hand to comfort her, saying, "Don't scare yourself. Take good care of her. Tomorrow I'll find an excuse to go to the Imperial Hospital myself and ask Physician Pei in detail about the precautions for Her Majesty's health during pregnancy. I'll also ask him to come and see her whenever he has time."
"Her Majesty is a thoughtful person, so we need to pay more attention to her."
Tinglu was slightly relieved and nodded, saying, "I'll leave it all to you, sister."
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