Chapter 238 A Lucky Child
"This child is so lucky. Even before he was born, he already had the Emperor protecting him like this, isn't he?"
Upon hearing this, Hongzhao, who was hurrying inside, paused. He then raised his hand to stop Xuexin from announcing the news.
Just a step away from the door, the cool breeze blowing from the indoor fan towards the ice basin hit his sweat-soaked clothes, sending shivers down his skin.
Yes, Mother is right. If this child can be protected by Father after birth, that would be the greatest blessing, probably even better than myself.
Let alone being able to roam freely in the Forbidden City, even if one wanted to fly, airplanes would have been invented decades earlier.
Humans are never satisfied. When he first obtained the False Death Pill, Hongzhao thought, "Thank goodness, there are still six months left." But as time slowly passed and the second half of the process began, he thought, "Why, why can there only be six months!"
He did try, but what kind of miracle doctor in the world could save the life of someone who should have died four months ago?
"System, system? Brother Tong!" He called out in his mind again, but as usual, he still didn't get a response.
The days of disappointment and helplessness were long gone; now was not the time to be distressed. He exhaled and stepped inside.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager."
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law who were talking inside turned around when they heard the sound. Lü Jiaying quickly waved to her son and called him over. "Hongzhao is here. Why didn't anyone announce it? Come and see Yingjun. Her face is pale with fright."
As Hongzhao walked upstairs, he said, "It's because my son didn't ask Xuexin to inform her. He walked too fast and she couldn't catch up."
As he spoke, he sat down next to Fucha, leaning slightly back from her, and gently placed his hand on her waist, asking softly, "How are you? Is there anything else that's bothering you?"
Hongzhao was tall with long arms, so when he put his arm around her, he could completely protect her in front of him. His slightly higher body temperature was continuously transferred to Fucha Yingjun through the contact. When she smelled the sandalwood scent on her nose, her heart, which had been beating wildly, calmed down almost instantly.
"It's nothing. Physician Zhou Qi said I needed to rest for a while. I had some cramps in my lower abdomen earlier, but they're gone now." She blinked, secretly easing the tension in her body, and leaned closer to the Crown Prince's arm.
This was the most outrageous thing she had ever done outside of her bedchamber.
Inside the sleeping quarters... (Readers don't like to read this)
Seeing the young couple being affectionate, Lü Jiaying didn't want to be in the way. She was about to ask them to go back, but then she noticed that it was getting hot outside, and Yuqing Palace wasn't exactly close to Yongshou Palace.
“Hongzhao, take Yingjun to the side hall. I’ve been having people clean up the place where you used to live. Don’t bother her now. Let her rest for half a day until the sun goes down and the heat dissipates before you leave.”
"Thank you, Mother. I'll take Yingjun there right now."
"Thank you, Mother."
Hongzhao shook his head at Jinxi, then helped Yingjun to her feet, bowed, and walked out together, whispering to each other as they went.
"You really don't feel bad anymore. You don't need to lie to me. If you're still feeling unwell..."
"Really, really. I was a little scared just now, but now I'm not scared at all. Don't worry, sir."
...
"Your Highness, this servant thinks... the Crown Prince seems to have something on his mind."
Xuexin had watched the Crown Prince grow up since she was a child, so she could naturally discern some of the complex emotions emanating from him just now.
Lu Jiaying's gaze remained fixed on the doorway where the two figures had disappeared. If Xue Xin could see it, how could she not understand?
“Hongzhao has always been a child who keeps his thoughts to himself. He has also been away from me for a long time. He doesn’t like to talk to me about anything. It’s really worrying.”
After all, they are a piece of my own flesh and blood, so how could I not feel sorry for them?
"I think he's been holding on ever since that incident at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Even his smile is endearing." Thinking of this, Lü Jiaying's gaze shifted, as if she had grasped some unseen and intangible thoughts, and she slowly sat up straight.
Could it be... related to the Emperor's health?
Hongzhao must have known something, but he couldn't tell others.
Xuexin didn't know what the Empress was thinking, but she could see that the Empress's expression was becoming increasingly solemn, and her peach blossom eyes, which were exactly like the Crown Prince's, were filled with chaotic thoughts.
Seeing that the Empress was worried, she quickly added, "Look how anxious I am, there's something I forgot to tell you, Your Majesty."
Xue Xin smiled and deliberately leaned closer, saying, "The Emperor just promoted Your Highness's brother. The imperial edict will be issued today, promoting him to the position of Vice Minister of Works. Congratulations, Your Highness."
"You mean... just now?" Lü Jiaying asked.
Xuexin nodded. "Yes, while the Crown Prince was discussing matters with the Emperor, the previous Vice Minister of Works somehow fell out of favor with the Emperor, and our sir was replaced."
After hearing this, Lü Jiaying fell silent.
Her father had remained in the position of Governor-General of Zhili for years without moving. Although he held the title, he only reported to the capital, essentially holding the position without real power. Her brother had always held a mediocre position, performing his duties. Although Jiu Si wanted to marry a princess, he was too young and had to wait. She understood the Emperor's intentions.
A powerful maternal family is never a good thing, in any dynasty. Moreover, Hongzhao has the emperor standing behind him; having an increasingly powerful maternal family would only be superfluous.
Why then has my brother suddenly been given the position of Vice Minister of Works, a second-rank official?
Combining her earlier conjectures, an idea popped uncontrollably into her mind, suddenly causing her to furrow her brow.
"Xuexin, go and remind the people around Hongzhou and Hongyan to be careful and keep a close eye on the princes. These days, they should not go anywhere except the school. As for Hongjin, she knows what she's doing. Go and remind her as well, and spend more time talking with her father."
If the Emperor's health truly is failing, everything will be fine if Hongzhao's path to the throne goes smoothly; otherwise...
She couldn't think of any possible mishaps. Could the Fourth Prince, who was far away in the Imperial Clan Court and had lost his yellow sash, possibly jump out at this time? But preparations had to be made, and they had to be made so that no one would notice.
Subconsciously, she was convinced that the Emperor would pave the final path for Hongzhao.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
