Chapter 542 Concubine Hui had a miscarriage, and the Queen was pregnant. How could it be such a coincidence?
That day, Chu Ruohan was so busy that she didn't even have time to rest. She only returned home at the end of the evening hour, dragging her exhausted body.
As soon as she stepped into the yard, she saw Qingzhu waiting there.
"Madam, the Duke is waiting for you in the study." Qingzhu stepped forward and took the bundle from her hand. "He said he has something important to discuss."
Chu Ruohan nodded and rubbed her swollen temples.
These days she has been busy visiting various mansions, and Gu Junze has also been handling court affairs, so the couple has less time to meet.
She tidied her appearance and went straight to the study.
When I pushed open the door, I saw Gu Junze writing something at the desk. The candlelight shone on his handsome profile, casting a deep shadow.
Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw that she looked tired and her brows were slightly furrowed.
"You're back at this time again." He stood up and walked towards her, his voice filled with heartache, "Your health is more important. Try to postpone those social engagements if you can."
"It's okay, it's almost done." Chu Ruohan forced a smile, "What do you want from me?"
Gu Junze walked up to her and gently stroked her cheek. "You've lost weight."
Chu Ruohan was stunned by his sudden tenderness. Just as she was about to speak, he pulled her into his arms.
"Jun Ze!" She exclaimed softly and subconsciously pushed his chest. "Is there anything that can't be said calmly?"
"Indeed, something happened." Gu Junze looked down at her, a dangerous light flashing in his deep eyes. "Have you really looked after me these days?"
Chu Ruohan was stunned for a moment before noticing the dark circles under his eyes, clearly the result of days of fatigue. Her heart softened, and she raised her hand to gently stroke his cheek.
"It's all my fault. I was so busy with things outside that I neglected you."
"That's good to know." Gu Junze held her hand, his eyes darkening a little, "In that case, make it up to me tonight."
As soon as he finished speaking, he bent down, picked her up horizontally, and strode towards the inner room.
"Put me down, we're in the study!" Chu Ruohan slapped his chest in embarrassment. "What if someone comes in?"
"No one will come in." Gu Junze placed her on the couch and closed the door to the inner room. "I've already ordered that no one is allowed to approach the study tonight."
Chu Ruohan looked at the fiery look in his eyes, and her heartbeat quickened. She had indeed been too busy these days and neglected him.
"Han'er." Gu Junze sat down beside her, stroking her long hair with his slender fingers. "Do you know? Every night when I see you coming back exhausted, my heart aches."
Chu Ruohan felt warm in her heart and took the initiative to put her arms around his waist. "I know you feel sorry for me, but someone has to do those things."
"I know you're trying hard." Gu Junze pulled her closer, "But you also have to take care of yourself. The affairs of the mansion don't have to fall on your shoulders alone."
"For those noble families, only a personal visit from me, the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, can show my sincerity."
Chu Ruohan found a comfortable position in his arms. "Besides, aren't you also very busy? Zhang Xian's affairs have far-reaching implications. I'm afraid there are still many remnants in the court who need to be cleaned up."
Gu Junze sighed softly, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Indeed. The Emperor is truly furious this time and wants to thoroughly investigate the Ministry of War. However, the hardest part is over."
"That's good." Chu Ruohan closed her eyes, enjoying this rare quiet moment. "By the way, how is Qin Fang's injury? Doctor Qian said he'll be able to get out of bed and walk in a few days."
"Yes, I know." Gu Junze's hand gently stroked her back. "How do you plan to arrange his marriage?"
Chu Ruohan thought for a moment. "Let's wait until he's fully recovered, then choose an auspicious date. Yuling is my right-hand woman, so this wedding can't be shabby."
"I'll do as you say." Gu Junze lowered his head and kissed the top of her head. "It's good that such a happy event can happen in the mansion."
The two of them sat hugging each other, quietly enjoying the rare warm moment.
The night breeze was blowing outside, and the candlelight in the house was swaying, casting the shadows of the two people on the wall, overlapping and entangled.
After a long while, Gu Junze finally spoke. "Han'er, there's something I want to tell you."
Chu Ruohan noticed the seriousness in his tone and raised her head in his arms.
"What's up?"
"News came from the palace that the Queen is pregnant."
Chu Ruohan's pupils shrank slightly, and then she nodded nonchalantly. "How long has it been?"
"Just one month old." Gu Junze observed her reaction and said, "The emperor is very happy and has ordered the head of the Imperial Hospital to take care of her personally."
"That's good." Chu Ruohan's voice was calm. "If the Queen can give birth to a legitimate son, it will also be good for the court."
Gu Junze looked at her deeply and said nothing more.
He knew that she was a thoughtful person and that she knew the ins and outs of this matter better than anyone else.
"However," Chu Ruohan suddenly said, "Concubine Hui had just lost her child, and the Empress announced her pregnancy. The timing is quite coincidental."
"Things in the palace have always been like this." Gu Junze said calmly, "There is no room for two tigers in one mountain. Now that Concubine Hui has lost power, it is a good opportunity for the Empress."
Chu Ruohan nodded thoughtfully, but was thinking about other things in her mind.
The Queen is pregnant, and Concubine Hui...
"Junze." She suddenly looked up at him, "I want to go to the palace tomorrow."
"Why?" Gu Junze frowned slightly.
"The Empress is pregnant. As a concubine, I should go to the palace to congratulate her." Chu Ruohan had a very good reason. "Besides, I really should go see her."
Gu Junze pondered for a moment and nodded.
"That's fine, but don't stay too long. There's a lot of gossip in the palace, so come back as soon as you go."
"I know my limits." Chu Ruohan nuzzled into his arms. "Now, let's talk about what's going on right now."
"What's up?"
Chu Ruohan looked up at him, a hint of cunning in her eyes. "You just said you wanted me to compensate you well."
Gu Junze was stunned for a moment, then his eyes darkened.
He rolled over and pressed her under him, his voice hoarse.
"That's what you said."
The candlelight flickers and the night is deep.
In Concubine Hui's palace, the atmosphere was as gloomy as an impending rainstorm.
Concubine Hui sat in front of the dressing table, combing her hair in front of a bronze mirror. The ivory comb in her hand had turned white from being gripped by her.
She looked haggard in the mirror, with dark circles under her eyes, and there was no trace of her former elegance.
"Your Majesty, the imperial physician said that your health has improved greatly. If you take good care of yourself for a few days, you will be back to normal." The palace maid beside her said cautiously.
"Recover as before?" Concubine Hui sneered, and suddenly stopped the comb in her hand. "My child is gone, how can I recover as before?"
The maid was frightened by her sudden anger and knelt down quickly.
"I said something wrong, please forgive me, Your Majesty."
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