Since the death of the deposed crown prince, the situation in the court has become increasingly bizarre.
Some ministers proposed to re-appoint the crown prince, but each time the suggestion was rejected on the spot by the old emperor.
As Shen Wangshu's belly grew bigger, rumors spread more and more. It was said that the emperor was not appointing a crown prince now because he was waiting for the baby in Concubine Shu's belly to be born to see whether it was a prince or a princess.
If he were a prince, he might be directly appointed as the crown prince.
This news made many people unable to sit still.
Especially the queen, who had not been seen in the palace for three months after returning to it, became even more irritated when she heard the nanny beside her report what had happened during this period.
"Your Majesty, I have already sent someone to keep a close eye on that place. If there is any movement over there, we will be informed immediately!"
"Well, I'm confident in your work."
"Then, Madam, I will withdraw first!"
"Okay, go ahead."
When the room was completely quiet, the queen sat in front of the bronze mirror, touched her face, and smashed the bottles and jars on the table.
How could she look dignified at all in her current appearance?
She looks like a ghost, it would be better if she just wore a veil all the time.
Shen Wangshu's belly was getting bigger and bigger, and the queen was getting more and more anxious. She wanted to find an opportunity to get rid of the child as soon as possible.
As long as she can't give birth to this child, she won't be able to take on the position of Queen Mother.
It would have been fine if her gestational age had been better, but it wasn't, and she gave birth to three daughters.
But as long as the prince is not Shen Wangshu's child, it doesn't matter who else comes to power. If she is willing to support him, anyone can be her child.
But unfortunately, things did not go as planned. Shen Wangshu's belly was almost five months old, and there were many people around her to take care of her every day, so there was no chance to do it.
Thinking of this, her expression became even gloomier.
However, just as her thoughts drifted away, there was a slight noise outside the door.
The Queen frowned and looked towards the door warily, "Who is it?"
"Your Majesty, it's you, the concubine."
Hearing the voice of the visitor, the queen's expression was startled. She immediately straightened her appearance and put on her veil again, "Come in!"
Concubine Yue, wearing a smoky-colored dress, walked in with small lotus steps. She was holding an exquisite brocade box in her hand, and her figure swayed as she walked.
"Greetings to the Queen."
The Queen glanced at her indifferently and asked, "Princess Yue, how come you have time to come to my palace today?"
"I have come to visit the Empress, as she has been ill for a long time."
Concubine Yue said as she handed the brocade box to the Queen, her tone very gentle, "Your Majesty, I have brought a small gift today. I wonder if Your Majesty likes it?"
Hearing this, the Queen didn't even raise her eyelids and said coldly, "Are you here to visit me, or to demonstrate?"
She is in this state now, how can she still appreciate any gift?
A trace of embarrassment crossed Concubine Yue's face, but she quickly concealed it. She then raised the brocade box in her hand and spoke with a more sincere tone, "Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand me. I really have no other intentions. I simply came to visit you."
Seeing her sincerity, the queen no longer cared and reached out to take the brocade box.
When I opened it, I saw an exquisite small porcelain bottle inside with ancient and complex patterns on it.
The Queen picked it up and examined it, wondering, "What is this?" Concubine Yue smiled and explained, "Your Majesty, this is a bottle of 'Regenerating Skin Cream,' a secret medicine from southern Xinjiang that's very effective in reducing scars. I heard that Your Majesty was unwell, so I sought this treasure out specifically, hoping it would help restore your beauty."
The queen raised her eyebrows slightly, feeling a little skeptical about this so-called medicine.
However, the anxiety in her heart made her willing to try any method.
So she took the bottle handed to her by Concubine Yue and looked at it carefully.
The small porcelain bottle exudes a faint fragrance, as if bringing a hint of freshness and tranquility.
She stared at the patterns on the porcelain vase. The dynamic lines in the patterns seemed to be dancing, giving people a sense of mysterious power.
The queen couldn't help but pick up the bottle and put it in front of her nose to sniff it carefully. The faint fragrance instantly penetrated into her nose, bringing with it a bewitching smell.
"Are you sure it really works?" The queen's eyes flickered, she had doubts about the efficacy of this secret medicine.
Concubine Yue said seriously, "Your Majesty is the Empress, a position of untold value. Moreover, this is within the Imperial Palace. Even if I had ten times the courage, I would not dare to harm Her Majesty." She smiled slightly, her tone revealing confidence, "I simply hope to reach a cooperation with Her Majesty."
The Queen raised her eyes, her interest piqued by Concubine Yue's words. She knew her power within the palace was precarious, and Concubine Yue seemed to have her own agenda. She asked softly, "Cooperation? What do you mean?"
Concubine Yue smiled faintly and said mysteriously, "The choice of crown prince has not yet been decided, His Majesty's attitude is ambiguous, and I have no one to rely on in Kyoto. I beg Your Majesty to look after the Eleventh Prince."
The Queen's eyes flashed. She knew that the Eleventh Prince that Concubine Yue was talking about was her own biological son. Although he did not have a high status in the palace, he was easier to control.
She thought for a moment and finally decided to cooperate with Concubine Yue.
"good."
The Queen nodded slowly. "I am willing to cooperate with you, but you must first prove that this ointment is indeed effective."
Concubine Yue was stunned when she heard this. She didn't expect the Queen to agree so decisively, but this was a good thing for her.
She immediately dabbed some ointment on her fingers and applied it to her face.
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