The late autumn wind carried a chill, swirling the last few withered leaves from the courtyard. That afternoon, as usual, Empress Lin, amidst the drizzle, carried an exquisite food box and personally went to the Emperor's bedchamber to pay her respects. Inside the food box were several light snacks that Xi Linghao usually enjoyed, which she had "personally" prepared.
Inside the imperial bedchamber, Xi Linghao was playing chess with Lianxing. Lianxing, dressed in elegant palace attire, held a white jade chess piece between her slender fingers, her brows furrowed with a perfectly balanced melancholy and focused expression, captivating Xi Linghao's gaze. When Empress Lin entered, she witnessed this tender scene. Her smile remained unchanged as she respectfully bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects. My sister Lianxing is also here."
"The Empress has arrived." Xi Linghao casually raised his hand, his gaze remaining fixed on the chessboard. Lianxing also rose and bowed, her posture gentle and obedient.
Empress Lin gestured for Xiyu to place the food box on a small table to the side. She opened it herself and brought out a plate of crystal-clear osmanthus cake and a plate of soft and white poria cocos cake. She said gently, "Autumn is dry, so I made some refreshing snacks. Your Majesty and my sister, please try them."
The moment the food box was opened, a sweet, cloying fragrance of osmanthus mixed with the faint earthy smell unique to poria cocos wafted out. This was a perfectly normal aroma for a dessert, but as Empress Lin bent down to place the dishes, her nose was closest to the plate of poria cocos cake. That not-so-strong earthy smell acted like a fuse, suddenly triggering a wave of nausea in her stomach!
"Ugh—!" Without warning, she covered her mouth and began to gag violently. Her face turned deathly pale, and her body swayed precariously.
"Empress!" Startled by this sudden turn of events, Xi Linghao finally raised his head, his brows furrowed.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, what's wrong?" Xi Yu rushed forward to help her, her voice trembling with fright.
Empress Lin, supported by Xi Yu's arm, struggled to stand upright. She tightly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, tears welling instantly in her eyes. Her breathing was rapid, and she appeared to be in extreme discomfort. Forcing herself to remain calm, she weakly said to Xi Linghao, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty has been impolite... Perhaps... perhaps I caught a chill this morning, and I feel unwell..."
Seeing Empress Lin's disheveled and distressed state, and recalling how she had indeed been behaving herself these past few days, chanting scriptures and praying for blessings daily, and even bringing her refreshments today... the estrangement he felt because of Xi Lingyuan faded somewhat, replaced by a rare sense of concern. After all, she was his empress, and she seemed to genuinely be "repenting."
"Summon the imperial physician!" Xi Linghao ordered the eunuch in a deep voice, and then said to Empress Lin, "If you are not feeling well, sit down and rest. Don't push yourself."
The imperial physician arrived quickly with his medicine chest. Under Xi Linghao's watchful gaze, the physician held his breath and carefully took Empress Lin's pulse. The hall was silent except for the occasional suppressed retching sounds from Empress Lin.
A moment later, the imperial physician's face showed astonishment, which quickly turned into ecstatic joy. He suddenly knelt down and loudly congratulated Xi Linghao, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! The Empress is pregnant! Her pulse is smooth and flowing, like pearls rolling on a plate, indicating that she has been pregnant for more than two months! The imperial heir is healthy!"
"What?!" Xi Linghao stood up abruptly, his face filled with unbelievable joy! He was old and in poor health, and besides A Yuan, he only had one mediocre prince born to Empress Lin. Now, the Empress was pregnant again? This was simply a blessing from heaven! His gaze towards Empress Lin instantly filled with excitement and eagerness.
Empress Lin raised her head at the opportune moment, her face a perfect blend of shock and bewilderment, which quickly transformed into immense joy and a hint of shy tears. She touched her lower abdomen, her voice trembling, "Your Majesty... I... I really..." Her expression perfectly captured the overwhelming joy and surprise of a mother who had unexpectedly given birth to a child. Only Xi Yu, standing behind her, lowered her head, her body trembling almost imperceptibly, a deep fear flashing in her eyes.
"Good! Good! Heaven blesses Xiling!" Xiling Haolong was overjoyed, his previous indifference vanished, and he personally stepped forward to help Empress Lin up. "Your Majesty has worked hard! Quickly, help Your Majesty back to the palace to rest! Issue an imperial decree! Everyone in Kunning Palace will be rewarded with half a year's salary! All the tonics and medicines Your Majesty needs will be of the finest quality!"
Supported by palace maids, Empress Lin left the imperial palace weakly but "happily." The moment she turned away, the tears of ecstatic joy in her eyes instantly transformed into cold calculation and a triumphant smile.
This child came at the perfect time! It's her biggest bargaining chip for turning the tables! She gently stroked her lower abdomen, sneering inwardly: Xi Lingyuan, Xiao Chengkang, my game has only just begun!
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