Seeing that the atmosphere in Guangming Hall had become more cheerful, the Empress Dowager got up and prepared to leave.
"Your Majesty, you should thank Consort Gu properly. I am tired and will return to the palace now."
"Your Majesty, I respectfully see you off."
Gu Jiangli observed etiquette at all times, which pleased the Empress Dowager even more.
The Empress Dowager had been gone for a while, but the Emperor was still standing by the table, unwilling to come over.
His gaze was deep, giving the impression that he was thinking about many things.
Helpless, Gu Jiangli could only walk to the emperor's side and look at him with inquisitive eyes.
"Is Your Majesty unwilling to speak to me because I have displeased you?"
The emperor seemed somewhat unable to meet her eyes, turning his head away as he replied, "No, I... am very happy."
"But His Majesty's face shows no sign of joy... Or is it that His Majesty is feeling remorseful because of his sister's situation?"
"How could that be?" he immediately denied, his tone filled with disdain.
Gu Jiangli sighed softly.
The emperor's heart was like a security door, making it difficult for anyone to enter it.
She moved slightly closer to the emperor, looking at him with incredibly clear eyes.
"Your Majesty, the sachet you gave me has broken. Could you please prepare another one for me?"
The emperor coughed twice. "It's just a sachet to repel insects. There are no insects in Guangming Palace, so you can stay here without worry."
“That’s different! That’s not an ordinary sachet.” She immediately retorted, “That was a gift from His Majesty to me, the most delightful thing I’ve ever received. If nothing unexpected happens, it will stay with me at all times.”
Gu Jiangli's face was full of distress and frustration. "Your Majesty, you should grant me this small request, right?"
The emperor looked into her questioning eyes and finally nodded.
"I'll give you another one tomorrow."
Gu Jiangli was overjoyed, as if she had received a great treasure. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Seeing that she was almost jumping for joy, the emperor asked:
"Compared to silks and satins, gold and silver ornaments, do you prefer this sachet?"
“Gold, silver, jade, silk, and satin can’t compare to Your Majesty’s thoughtfulness. Your Majesty specially sent me an insect-repelling sachet because Your Majesty remembers that I dislike insect bites. It’s proof that Your Majesty cares about me.”
The emperor was slightly dazed by her pure and clear eyes and sincere words.
This Gu Jieyu does seem to be somewhat different from others.
She doesn't care about status or money, she only cares about... feelings?
He was captivated by that bright and cheerful smile.
So he took Gu Jiangli's hand and looked down at her flat stomach.
There is a life being conceived there, and a few months later, a child will be born with a powerful cry.
Later, the toddler will call him "Father" in his unclear speech, and he will watch the child grow up.
If it is a boy, then he is the crown prince and will inherit the throne.
If she is a girl, she should be the most noble princess, enjoying all the world's glory and endless love.
His gaze was like fire, fixed on Gu Jiangli's stomach and refusing to look away.
This joy only belatedly impacted his mind at that moment.
"Your Majesty?" Gu Jiangli called out softly when she saw him lost in thought.
But the next second, the emperor pulled her into his arms, and his rapid breathing made her feel his tense and excited state of mind.
“I once killed a child. I thought that having no offspring was the punishment and price I deserved... but it turns out that's not the case... I have another child now.”
The emperor's hoarse voice startled Gu Jiangli slightly.
She paused for a moment before raising her hand to hug the emperor back, then patted him on the back reassuringly.
"Your Majesty, of course you will have children. The previous child was not destined for you, but there will always be a child destined for you."
Gu Jiangli said this, but a sense of guilt welled up inside her.
Because the baby in her belly isn't real either.
It's just an illusion; in three months, it will turn into a pool of blood, just like his previous child...
This was a necessary measure she needed to take in order to punish Gu Jiangru and her daughter, and to clear her mother's name.
I can only apologize to the Emperor for now.
The emperor was unaware of her thoughts; all his attention was focused on the child.
"Consort Gu, you don't need to bother dealing with other people anymore. I will protect you and our child."
Gu Jiangli's expression suddenly changed.
Did the emperor see through me again?
"Your Majesty...you..."
"May I call you Li'er?" The emperor suddenly interrupted her, as if he didn't want her to delve any deeper into the topic.
Gu Jiangli nodded blankly.
She didn't care about being addressed.
What she was more concerned about was whether the emperor had seen through her scheme again today.
"Li'er," the emperor's face remained indifferent, but a hint of warmth appeared in the corners of his eyes, "Rest now. Aunt Zhang will come to the palace to take care of you tomorrow."
Gu Jiangli could only nod.
The emperor's thoughts are hard to fathom. He seems to have realized that everything today was part of her plan, yet he tolerated it and continued to go along with her goals.
Is this the status of a child in the emperor's heart?
It's just a pity that this child is destined to only be a bargaining chip for her revenge.
the next day.
Even before Aunt Zhang arrived at Guangming Palace were the various gifts sent by the Emperor.
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