When Liu Bufan received the order to enter the palace, he could hardly believe his ears.
The emperor wanted nothing more than to kill him back then. Even if he spared his life after Gu Jiangli's persuasion, he probably wouldn't want to see him again.
But he only learned after entering the palace that he was brought in to perform a ritual.
This is because Consort Xian of Yilan Palace is pregnant.
Not only that, Consort Shu of Chengen Palace is also pregnant.
He absolutely refused to believe it, but when he saw Gu Jiangli's slightly protruding belly, he had no choice but to believe it.
The sight of her face seemed to still cause pain to the scar on his forehead.
But now she is so virtuous and dignified, completely different from the violent woman who picked up a vase and smashed it over his head that night.
He couldn't even connect the two faces...
Gu Jiangli had been waiting for him for a long time, and Liu Bufan's shocked eyes made her find it particularly amusing.
"What's wrong, Master Liu? You should be happy to see that I'm pregnant. You said I was the one destined to be pregnant, and now I'm pregnant as you said. It's clear that you've seen through the ways of heaven and your abilities are extraordinary."
Liu Bufan's eyes flickered.
Gu Jiangli in front of me seemed to have completely forgotten what happened that night.
"Your Highness, Consort Xian... your pregnancy is naturally a great joy." Liu Bufan congratulated Gu Jiangli rather awkwardly.
Gu Jiangli smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Yes, but it seems that not every word Master Liu says is correct."
She dragged out her words, making Liu Bufan's heart pound.
"That night, Master Liu said that His Majesty couldn't have children, but look, now it's not just me who's pregnant in the harem, Consort Shu in Chengen Palace is also pregnant."
"I wonder if this is just a coincidence, or if Heaven has taken pity on His Majesty for having no children for so long and has specially sent him two children?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Bufan immediately knelt down.
He glanced around furtively a few times.
Fortunately, only one of Gu Jiangli's personal maids was present.
"Your Majesty, such words are unacceptable! When has this humble Taoist ever... dared to speak so presumptuously about His Majesty's ability to bear children!"
Gu Jiangli noticed his panic and lost interest in teasing him further.
"Alright, Master Liu, I don't want to bring up the past anymore; it won't benefit either of us."
"I specially asked His Majesty to summon you to the palace and return to you the wealth and status you once enjoyed. This is my way of repaying your kindness."
"After all, without your words back then, I probably wouldn't have gained His Majesty's favor so quickly."
"Master Liu, there are not many people in the world who know how to be grateful like me."
Liu Bufan lowered his head and felt much relieved when he heard Gu Jiangli say that he would not talk about what happened that night again.
"Yes... Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
He immediately thought of Consort Shu from Chengen Palace.
She had at least helped him gain the Emperor's favor for two years, and she had promised to help him, but she failed to stop the Emperor that day, almost letting him discover her ulterior motives!
Moreover, ever since he fell on hard times, she hasn't uttered a single word of concern for him!
All the past friendships couldn't compare to the woman before him!
Seeing his silence, Gu Jiangli guessed what he was thinking.
"Alright, go back and rest. When His Majesty asks, I will tell him that you have already come to my Yilan Palace to perform the ritual."
"With your help, my unborn child is healthy, and I feel refreshed. All of this is thanks to you."
Liu Bufan was utterly flattered.
"Your Majesty, this humble Taoist priest can hardly repay Your Majesty's great kindness."
Instead of killing him, she saved his life and gave him a bright future.
Are there really people in this world who repay evil with good?
No, Liu Bufan shook his head inwardly.
He didn't believe it.
The woman helped him so much that he could only think of one possibility.
Liu Bufan spoke again: "Your Majesty, please allow me to ask you a question."
"Speak."
Liu Bufan cleared his throat. "Ahem, Your Majesty has been so forgiving and has helped me so many times. Is it because Your Majesty harbors even a trace of... affection for me?"
Gu Jiangli: "???"
"Your Majesty need not be shy. If that is truly the case, this humble Taoist is willing to protect you in secret. Although you are currently carrying His Majesty's child, this humble Taoist does not mind..."
"Master Liu!" Gu Jiangli's voice was a little louder. "Why don't you go back and rest soon?"
If she didn't leave soon, she was afraid her fist would land on Liu Bufan's nose.
Liu Bufan seemed to realize something belatedly, "Yes, this humble Taoist will not disturb Your Highness's rest any longer. This humble Taoist will perform the ritual again next time."
After saying that, Liu Bufan fiddled with his whisk and left, looking refreshed.
Gu Jiangli almost crushed the armrests of that fine pear wood chair.
If Liu Bufan hadn't disappeared from her sight so quickly, she really might have beaten up this incredibly confident man.
Lotus walked over, her eyes still filled with disdain for Liu Bufan.
"Your Majesty, this Taoist priest Liu is clearly not a good person. It seems like all he has in his mind are those vulgar things. He's disgusting."
Will he really join the game as you plan?
Gu Jiangli calmed herself down and said calmly, "Yes, because he's stupid. Besides, I'm not the only one setting this up; Consort Shu certainly won't let this opportunity pass."
"Lotus, from now on, arrange for a trustworthy person to follow Liu Bufan at all times. Remember, don't let anyone find out."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
