Xia Zi, dressed in a dark blue eunuch's robe, stood tall with a smile on her lips, feeling more triumphant than ever before. She had entered the palace at the age of seven, enduring endless bullying and remaining unknown, oppressed and trampled underfoot. Never before had she felt so spirited and exhilarated.
This sudden rise in rank is like a meteoric rise, and in the blink of an eye, you become a favorite of the emperor. This is your first job, so you absolutely must do it flawlessly.
Xia Zi walked quickly, his robes fluttering in the wind, mirroring his soaring spirit. Behind him followed a large group of people heading towards Fengyi Palace.
Passing through the breathtakingly beautiful Imperial Garden, with its pavilions, terraces, and lush greenery, Xia Xiazi arrived at the magnificent Fengyi Palace. Although the Empress was out of favor, Fengyi Palace was the residence of empresses throughout history, its opulence comparable to the Emperor's Yiyuan Hall.
Upon entering Fengyi Palace, a waft of peony fragrance fills the air, irresistibly intoxicating one with its delightful aroma.
"Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress. This servant is Xia Zi, Your Majesty's attendant. I have come today on His Majesty's orders to bring you good news." Xia Zi bowed respectfully, his demeanor impeccable. Although he had just gained power, he dared not slacken in the slightest, and instead became even more cautious.
He sensed that the emperor had changed and could no longer tolerate any disloyalty or wrongdoing from those around him. The closer one was to the emperor, the more diligently one had to perform their duties.
"Please rise, Eunuch Xiazi. May I ask what brings me such joy?" The Empress smiled politely. As long as Consort Chu was not well, she was happy. What could be better?
"Due to Consort Chu's negligence, the little princess has fallen ill with a cold. The little princess still needs care, and Consort Chu has been punished by being confined to her quarters for three months. In this harem, only Her Majesty the Empress can shoulder the responsibility of the legal mother, so this servant is here on His Majesty's orders to bring the little princess to you, hoping that you will take good care of her."
Xia Zi's voice was not a shrill, hoarse voice, but rather very steady and logical. His words pleased the Empress greatly.
"Does Your Majesty really entrust the little princess to me to raise?" The Empress couldn't help but raise her voice, her face full of disbelief.
She had been childless for many years, and the long nights in the desolate palace were endless. Having a child by her side would be wonderful. Although he and Consort Huang were at odds, he had to admit that what he envied and was most jealous of about Consort Huang was that she had a daughter. Even if the Emperor no longer favored her, she still had a child by her side, while he had no children.
The Emperor dotes on that vile woman, Chu Baiwei. This has led to loneliness in the harem, and he has developed a sense of shared misfortune with Consort Huang Hui, seemingly easing some of their past grievances.
Although the little princess was Chu Baiwei's daughter, she was beautiful and adorable, and Chu Baiwei had met her twice and liked her very much. However, Chu Baiwei was favored and held the position of Empress, so even as the Empress, it wouldn't be easy for her to take the little princess away.
Unexpectedly, just when things were getting sluggish, the Emperor actually sent the little princess to her Phoenix Palace. Does this mean the Emperor is already tired of that little slut, Chu Baiwei?
"This is what His Majesty said himself. The little princess is in poor health, so Your Majesty the Empress, please take good care of her. Once the little princess recovers, if she is doing well here with you, then she will be registered under Your Majesty's name." Xia Zi maintained her flawless smile and nodded, bringing the Empress endless joy.
"This is wonderful! If I can have a little princess, I will definitely treat her as my own daughter." The Empress was overjoyed; she could finally have a child of her own.
"His Majesty made this decision because he trusts Your Majesty. Please, Your Majesty, do not disappoint His Majesty's expectations." Xia Zi clapped his hands, and a group of people walked out from behind him. Among them, a nanny was holding the sleeping little princess in her arms.
"In addition, His Majesty named the little princess Helan Xue and bestowed upon her the title Anle. This Physician Zhao is an expert in pediatrics, so His Majesty specially ordered her to take care of the little princess."
The Empress held the little princess in her arms, patting her gently as she looked at him. Her face was flushed, and she felt a pang of heartache. Women are always tender-hearted, especially since he disliked Chu Baiwei but adored the little princess. Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps it was the bitterness of never having a child of his own, but he poured all his maternal love into Princess Anle.
"You've worked so hard, Eunuch Xiazi. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it." Overjoyed, the Empress didn't forget to thank Xiazi, who had brought her such good news. She gave Liu Zhu behind her a wink, and Liu Zhu immediately stuffed a bulging purse into Xiazi's hand.
Xiazi hesitated for a moment before putting the gift into his bosom. After all, the Emperor had previously instructed that he could accept gifts from the concubines, as long as they were recorded afterwards. This was a new rule established by the Emperor. After all, eunuchs also needed to make a living, and occasionally accepting a bribe was acceptable. It was harmless, but servants could not act behind their masters' backs.
After seeing Xiazi off, the Empress held the soft, milky-scented baby in her arms and wept with joy. Liu Zhu and the other maids were also happy for the Empress.
"Imperial Physician Zhao, please come to Fengyi Palace twice a day to check the little princess's pulse. You must take good care of her health. When the little princess recovers, I will reward her handsomely." The Empress was very concerned about the little princess, arranging for him to stay in a side hall of the palace, and then gave a series of instructions to the others. Everyone could see the Empress's joy.
After nightfall, the Empress returned to the palace, removing all the jewels adorning her head. She sat before the mirror, admiring herself, while her maid, Liu Zhu, gently combed her hair behind her. The two chatted idly.
"This servant noticed that Her Majesty the Empress is truly delighted today; the smile on her face is impossible to hide. It's clear that the little princess... or rather, Princess Anle, is truly Her Majesty's darling." Liuzhu gently slid the rhinoceros horn comb down the Empress's beautiful hair, her voice soft.
“Liuzhu, I used to be jealous that Consort Huang had her own child, but today I can finally have one too. How could I not be happy? Moreover, the Emperor entrusted Anle to my care. This proves that the Emperor trusts me and that he still cares about me. I must teach Anle well and help her become an outstanding princess, and choose a good husband for her.”
"Your Majesty truly has the heart of a loving mother, but you must also be wary of Consort Chu, after all..." Chu Baiwei is Princess Anle's birth mother. The Emperor dotes on Chu Baiwei so much, he might just take the princess back.
Of course, Liu Zhu couldn't bear to say these discouraging words.
"Now that Anle is in my hands, she is my daughter, and no one can take her away." The Empress raised her eyebrows, revealing a sharp look, much like a mother hen protecting her chicks.
"Besides, didn't you say before that I have the Grand Secretary and the Duke's Mansion standing behind me?"
"It was my narrow-mindedness." Liu Zhu was taken aback. Even if Consort Chu was favored, she was still just a concubine in the harem. How could she compare to the Empress? Her words were clearly superfluous.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
