Chapter 50 Newcomer's Greeting, Consort Hui's Identity Exposed
If we were to say who had the hardest time during the month the Empress was confined, it would be Consort Hui.
Because she discovered that she hadn't had her period for two months.
This discovery terrified her.
Having been in the palace for several months, she had learned a lot about the situation in the harem. She originally thought that the only thing that could threaten her life after having a child was her still-developing body.
But now, she doesn't think that way anymore.
If her pregnancy were to be revealed, the Emperor would be the first to take her life.
Her time with the Emperor had given her a better understanding of him, and her aunt had even told her some truths she never dared to imagine.
Even if the Qing dynasty had Han officials, concubines, and children, there would be no descendants with Mongol blood.
She is now two months pregnant, and soon her pregnancy will be impossible to hide, and her life-or-death crisis will descend upon her once again.
Last time it was the Emperor's exclusive favor, this time it's the Emperor's bloodline. She shouldn't have even dared to dream of that glory.
She shouldn't have entered the palace, she shouldn't have entered the palace!
That's right, Consort Hui discovered that she was pregnant and was trying to keep it a secret.
Unfortunately, she couldn't bring herself to be ruthless, nor could she bear to give up her life, so this child ultimately became her burden.
Fanghua already knew about this through Xiaofeng, but Consort Hui wanted to keep it a secret, so she naturally helped her, since she was the Empress.
We've gone off on a tangent.
With the time for paying respects approaching, Consort Niohuru and Consort Hui finally arrived at Kunning Palace.
"It seems the feng shui of our Great Qing Dynasty is good for people. My sister has only been in the palace for a short time, but she has already gained a lot of weight." When they met at the door, the Imperial Concubine couldn't help but tease Consort Hui, who looked somewhat different.
She didn't mean anything by it, but she couldn't stop others from feeling guilty.
"Greetings, Your Highness. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings." Consort Hui stepped forward with great decorum to offer her greetings.
"With the Empress Dowager and the Emperor protecting us, the Imperial Palace is naturally very nourishing. I am also benefiting from the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's blessings." Consort Hui took two steps back and unconsciously protected her belly.
Of course, it was a subconscious action, but she didn't realize it herself.
Niohuru was a very shrewd person, and he immediately smiled when he saw her little trick.
"You have a sweet tongue, but unfortunately I am a woman." With that, the Imperial Concubine entered Kunning Palace with a smile.
Everyone had finally arrived, and Fanghua made her grand entrance.
"Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Fanghua looked at everyone and said gently, "Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress."
Everyone stood up and then sat down according to their status and position.
Fanghua felt no emotion as she watched the number of women in the harem increase.
After everyone was seated, the newly arrived concubines stepped forward to pay their respects according to their rank and offered tea.
Fanghua accepted them all with a smile, then bestowed rewards upon them, fulfilling her duties as empress.
After everyone had exchanged greetings, Niohuru started causing trouble, because she had discovered something interesting.
"Her Majesty the Empress has not left Kunning Palace for a long time, so I'm afraid she is unaware of many things." Niohuru's words were quite rude; anyone who didn't know better would think that she and the Empress had some great grudge.
Fanghua was puzzled by Niohuru's amused expression, wondering what she was up to.
"Oh, what's going on? Tell me about it," he asked with a curious expression.
Niohuru narrowed her beautiful eyes, then looked at Consort Hui sitting opposite her, her eyes full of mockery, "Hasn't Your Majesty noticed that our Consort Hui is much luckier than when she first arrived?"
Those who don't know the reason behind this statement will only think that the Imperial Concubine is picking a fight with Consort Hui.
But the guilty-hearted Consort Hui didn't think so. She stood up straight in fright, as if she were welcoming some kind of storm.
"You flatter me, Your Highness. I am still young and growing. The food in the palace is too tempting, and I have indulged myself."
Fanghua understood the meaning behind Consort Niohuru's words, and she found it amusing because she knew the truth better than anyone else.
"Yes, what you say makes sense, Consort Gui. But Consort Hui is also right; the imperial chefs in our palace are indeed very skilled. I've recently become quite fond of some of their food."
As she spoke, she touched her belly, "I've gained some weight too."
As soon as the Empress said this, Niohuru's face fell. You must know that the Empress had been confined to her quarters to pray for her poor child. What did she mean by this?
Does that mean she didn't pray for her child during her confinement?
Originally, the competition was for the position of Consort Caihui, but now that the Empress and the Imperial Concubine are facing off, all the newly arrived concubines are stunned.
The timid ones have begun to minimize their presence.
"Your Majesty the Empress is quite sincere, but it seems you haven't diligently completed the task entrusted to you by the Empress Dowager." Niohuru's tone became somewhat sharp at this moment.
"No, that's not true. After all, I am the legal mother of that child, and I am sincere. Does the Noble Consort expect me to guard your unfortunate child for the rest of my life?"
Fanghua didn't indulge her either.
Perhaps her words offended Niohuru, because the two started arguing in front of everyone.
It went on for quite a while.
The matter was not considered closed until Lady Niohuru fainted from anger.
Fanghua didn't tell anyone to leave, and directly invited the imperial physician to examine the Consort.
The imperial physicians arrived quickly, as they dared not delay since the Empress had summoned them.
After examining the Imperial Physician's pulse, he respectfully bowed to the Empress.
Fanghua sat high in the head seat, not moving an inch. "How is it?" she asked indifferently.
The imperial physician wiped away non-existent sweat from his forehead and then respectfully said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine is suffering from a sudden onset of anger. I will prescribe some medicine to reduce her internal heat, but she must not be subjected to any further stimulation in the future."
He didn't say anything more.
Fanghua nodded after hearing this, "Yes, thank you for your trouble, Imperial Physician. Li Changfu, please see the Imperial Physician out."
Li Changfu responded, "Yes."
Just as the imperial physician was about to leave, Consort Hui smelled something and suddenly felt nauseous.
Now the imperial physician was caught in a dilemma: whether to leave or stay.
Fortunately, the Empress relieved the imperial physician's embarrassment at this moment.
"Imperial Physician, don't rush off. Take a look at Consort Hui." The Empress's tone was very unfriendly, as if she were blaming Consort Hui for being blind.
Upon hearing this, Consort Hui immediately stopped gagging and said with a look of horror, "No, no, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I just didn't have breakfast, that's why I feel a little unwell."
That was a good excuse, but Fanghua wasn't about to let her off the hook.
She had been waiting for this moment to make the Imperial Concubine faint; how could she let her escape it?
The Empress Dowager wanted to kill two birds with one stone, so let's grant her wish.
"Oh, so it's my fault for making you come to pay your respects so early." The Empress's tone became noticeably displeased.
"I don't want any gossip to spread, Consort Hui. It would be better to let the imperial physician examine your pulses. Otherwise, people might say that I've been mistreating you."
With things said to this extent, Consort Hui had no right to refuse.
"Yes, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
The imperial physician was excited and his hands were trembling, but thankfully all his fear dissipated after he took Consort Hui's pulse.
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