Chapter 63, Shou Azhu: I'm shaking again, hahaha. ...
After making a huge fuss about wanting to die, it turned out that the "death calamity" wasn't a "death calamity" at all, and Ah Zhu felt incredibly relieved.
Ah Zhu, who survived the ordeal, became incredibly clingy with people.
Emperor Xuanpei, who was affectionately cuddling the little sticky creature, was clearly very satisfied and no longer pursued the matter of what wrong the child had done.
As A-Zhu was soaking in the warm bath, feeling drowsy, Emperor Xuanpei carried her back to Zhengyang Palace from Changhe Garden.
Before they rested, the two of them pulled out a sachet from somewhere.
Emperor Xuanpei held it in his hand and waved it at Azhu: "Azhu, is this yours?"
A dazed Ah Zhu looked up and glanced at the strangely familiar blue and white satin sachet.
This was something that Qian's mother had hastily stuffed into A-Zhu's arms when she was changing her clothes years ago.
Ah Zhu, that good-for-nothing, has never been able to bear throwing it away.
Looking at it now, that once luxurious and exquisite sachet, which was highly coveted, is now quite worn out.
Seeing Emperor Xuanpei holding it, Azhu casually said, "Where did this fall from... I thought I had lost it."
"Didn't you search all over the Cold Palace for this sachet back then?"
Emperor Xuanpei smiled and said, "I saw that you treasured it so much that I had it put away."
Nestled in Emperor Xuanpei's arms, Azhu chuckled and nuzzled against his chest, humming, "Is Your Majesty being stingy with his concubine?"
"It's just an old sachet. What good things has His Majesty given his concubines?"
Why treat it like a treasure?
Upon hearing this, Emperor Xuanpei nodded and chuckled: "Then throw it away. I'll have someone make you a new one."
A-Zhu nodded.
Just as Emperor Xuanpei was about to throw him out, Azhu suddenly seemed to snap out of his daze and shouted quickly, "Wait!"
As she shouted these words, she scrambled to her feet, sat on Emperor Xuanpei's waist, and reached for the sachet.
Emperor Xuanpei tightened his grip on the sachet, then jokingly asked with a calm expression, "What, are you reluctant to part with it again?"
Why would A-Zhu care about the broken things he brought from the Jiang family mansion?
What she was heartbroken about was the money inside.
She had saved it up for many years after all.
"Your Majesty, please give it to the concubines first."
Seeing Ah Zhu so eagerly reaching out for it, Emperor Xuanpei's eyes darkened.
But he didn't say much and eventually returned it to Azhu.
Unexpectedly, A-Zhu put the treasure away as if it were nothing, and instead asked Emperor Xuanpei for a dagger, haphazardly and carelessly prying open the seal.
A-Zhu poured out a few small golden beans from the sachet, casually tossed aside the sachet, and presented the golden beans to Emperor Xuanpei with both hands.
She said with a look of pride, "Your Majesty, I entered the palace at the age of five and have been in the inner palace for nearly ten years. It was not easy for me to save up these personal funds, so they are naturally very precious."
As she spoke, A-Zhu solemnly pulled open Emperor Xuanpei's hand and carefully placed them in his palm.
"Now, all these treasures are given to His Majesty."
Emperor Xuanpei looked at the tattered sachet, now torn to shreds and rolled on the ground, discarded like worn-out shoes. Then he looked at the gold beans in his palm, and suddenly covered his eyes, shook his head, and laughed.
Five years old. When his daughter A-Zhu entered the palace, she was only five years old. What could she possibly remember?
He even bumped his head and was completely unaware of what was happening.
Now, all for this one sachet, this one tattered sachet, they've had a huge fight, almost to the point of life and death. It's truly...
When Emperor Xuanpei suddenly burst into laughter, Azhu was first stunned, then pouted and tried to pry Emperor Xuanpei's hand away, somewhat displeased.
If you don't like it, then forget about it.
How can one laugh at someone who has received free gold beans?
Emperor Xuanpei clenched the hand holding the golden bean, while his other hand encircled Azhu's waist.
His smile hadn't faded yet, and his eyes were still full of laughter as he said, "I'm smiling because I'm happy."
“Our Ah Zhu has saved up so many treasures over the years, and he has given them all to me in one go. I am very happy.”
Ah Zhu glanced at Emperor Xuanpei—Does Your Majesty think your concubines are so easily fooled?
Before Emperor Xuanpei could say anything more, Azhu hugged him in an exaggerated manner and laughed heartily.
"Your Majesty is so happy, so am I, hahaha, hahaha."
Emperor Xuanpei laughed and slapped the naughty Azhu on the bottom.
Ah Zhu rubbed his bottom, muttering to himself with a resentful look on his face.
Seeing Emperor Xuanpei solemnly pack the pitiful few little gold beans into a box, Azhu couldn't hold back any longer and laughed as she fell into Emperor Xuanpei's arms.
Emperor Xuanpei smiled and embraced Azhu.
They gave him all that little bit they had.
During festivals, she would have the Imperial Household Department prepare extra peanuts, melon seeds, and other such items to bring her good fortune.
"Your Majesty, those palace maids who serve in my palace..."
Seeing that Emperor Xuanpei was in a good mood, Azhu said in a coquettish tone, "After all, he was the person Your Majesty bestowed upon me back then."
"I'm used to them serving me, it's been a few days since I've seen them..."
Emperor Xuanpei patted Azhu's head.
"Tomorrow is the day to set off back to the capital. I've sent them to pack your things."
Upon hearing Emperor Xuanpei's words, Azhu breathed a sigh of relief; it was good that no one was hurt.
As for returning to Beijing... well, it's fine to go back sooner rather than later.
This life-or-death drama in the hunting grounds has really put Ah Zhu in a tough spot.
"Your Majesty's idea is indeed the most thoughtful."
As she spoke, A-Zhu nestled into Emperor Xuanpei's arms as usual, finding a comfortable spot to go to sleep.
Emperor Xuanpei looked at Azhu with a rather tender expression.
He reached out and hugged Ah Zhu tightly, nuzzling her.
Sure enough, he still preferred Ah Zhu, who was talkative and cheerful, and who would obediently snuggle into his arms and whisper secrets to him.
“A-Zhu”.
"Um?"
Looking at A-Zhu blinking, Emperor Xuanpei, still shaken, couldn't help but nag, "A lifetime is long, and it's not strange to have disagreements and arguments with each other."
"No matter how angry you are, you can't just... just take your own life and make things so difficult for me that we're at odds."
"Your Majesty..."
A-Zhu hugged Emperor Xuanpei tightly and whispered, "When I was still in the Yeting Palace, what I learned best was the palace etiquette, and I longed for someone to praise me for being loyal."
“When I went to Kunning Palace during the selection process, you have no idea how happy I was. All I could think about was how to serve Her Majesty the Empress well.”
"In Kunning Palace, I have been diligently serving Her Majesty the Empress, serving her tea, cleaning, bathing her, and washing her feet. I have never dared to slack off."
"You have shown favor to me... At first I couldn't believe it, and then I was flustered and a little scared."
"I'm afraid it will sadden Her Majesty the Empress..."
"Her Majesty the Empress scolded me for being a foot-washing maid, and also disliked my stupidity, so she drove me out of Kunning Palace."
"When I felt that the world was vast and I had nowhere to go, I could only think of Your Majesty."
"I rushed to Hanyuan Palace with all my might... thinking that if His Majesty also doesn't want me, I don't care what fate awaits me."
"In this world, only His Majesty would cherish his concubines like precious jewels."
"It was true then, it is true now, and it will be true in the future..."
"If His Majesty does not want his concubines, what is the point of them living alone?"
"From beginning to end, all I have ever wanted is Your Majesty."
Emperor Xuanpei was the Son of Heaven and should rightfully shoulder the heavy responsibility of governing the country.
He had to spend all day and night endlessly reading those tedious and boring memorials.
You have to constantly outwit the cunning old foxes in the imperial court.
He had to find ways to deal with the deeply entrenched powerful families, factions, and in-laws throughout the court... Yes, these were things he should do, and things he had to do.
But sometimes he also feels tired.
Even if one keeps talking about the common people and shouldering the heavy responsibility of the world, it's really too vague.
Only Ah Zhu, held in my hands and carefully protected, is a tangible reality...
If he can hold it, it's his; no one can take it away, and no one can bully him.
Emperor Xuanpei closed his eyes and kissed Azhu's forehead.
"I will not let you continue to bear this infamy."
"A-Zhu, give me a little more time."
A-Zhu smiled and leaned over to kiss Emperor Xuanpei, then reached out to smooth the furrow in his brow.
"Your Majesty, I wish to be with you day and night for the rest of my life."
"Your Majesty need not worry or be anxious."
"As long as Your Majesty doesn't abandon me, I'm not afraid of anything, no matter what happens."
"As you know, I'm a thick-skinned person."
“Whenever they say something nonsensical, I pretend not to hear it. Sometimes, I even take advantage of your favor to be very aggressive and shut them down.”
Ah Zhu gently touched Emperor Xuanpei's chest, whispering, "I was worried they would complain to you. There are too many people who say I'm arrogant and domineering, and that you're troubled by these trivial matters."
Ah Zhu looks absolutely adorable, making your heart melt.
Emperor Xuanpei, with a smile in his eyes, patted Azhu, who had spoken up to "complain," and like a foolish ruler, simply agreed.
"I will back you up."
"Your Majesty is the best."
Ah Zhu, having received the promise, smiled so broadly her eyes crinkled.
"I knew it, Your Majesty is the best."
......
Phoenix Palace
Seeing that the turmoil in the palace had spread outside the palace, and that Empress Wang, who had made a fool of herself, was truly incapable of taking on the responsibility, the Wang clan members, while still at the hunting grounds, should try their best to persuade Empress Wang again.
Empress Wang's birth mother died early and was not close to the second wife whom the head of the Wang family later married.
However, her elder brother's wife, Madam Chen, was both a sister-in-law and a mother to Empress Wang. She had been taken very good care of Empress Wang when she was still a young lady. So when the two met, they naturally exchanged pleasantries.
Empress Wang, who was proud of her status, refused to show weakness in the palace. However, she softened her stance much more in front of Lady Chen, because she was truly aggrieved. As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.
Looking at Empress Wang, Chen couldn't help but sigh softly.
This younger sister-in-law had a really bad temper back then, and with the old lady's doting and pampering, she was truly difficult to get along with. It took her a lot of effort to coax her into being happy.
But this is in the palace, who would still coax her like this?
The concubines who were willing to fawn over her were all of lower status, and Empress Wang looked down on them.
Why would higher-ranking concubines, such as Consort Xian, Consort Sheng, and Consort Zhang, fawn over Empress Wang?
As for the Emperor and Empress Dowager, there's no need to even think about it.
Empress Wang would have to do everything she could to win her favor.
But you can't say that to Empress Wang.
Therefore, Chen simply patted Empress Wang's hand and said with deep emotion, "Your Majesty, life in the palace is truly not easy."
"It's also a pity that you've suffered so much over the years."
These words made Empress Wang unable to resist covering her eyes with her handkerchief and wiping away tears.
“The Imperial Concubine Zhang comes from a family of military generals. Her father and brothers are all important officials in the court. It is understandable that she would compete with me by relying on the Emperor’s favor.”
“Even though she was favored before, there were still rules in the palace, and the emperor rarely interfered.”
"Even the concubines in the palace are all well-bred young ladies who were selected through the imperial concubine selection process."
"But what is that foot-washing maid anyway?"
Ah Zhu's matter had become a knot in Empress Wang's heart.
The moment Ah Zhu was mentioned, Empress Wang's sorrowful tears vanished instantly, replaced by anger as she clutched her handkerchief.
"If it weren't for my favor, that lowly servant girl who deserves to die wouldn't even be worthy of kneeling beside me and carrying my shoes!"
"But His Majesty is determined to favor this lowly servant girl who is arrogant and domineering once she gains power."
“She went to great lengths to stand up for her, even at the cost of making me, the Empress, lose face.”
Empress Wang truly couldn't understand it.
There are so many women in the palace, all with extraordinary beauty, many of them ladies from noble families who are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and even beautiful and charming courtesans who can sing and dance... What kind of woman can't the emperor have? Why should he get entangled with a criminal slave?
Alright, even if it's because Ah Zhusheng is so beautiful that His Majesty finds her so appealing, he can simply indulge in her beauty without bothering to lower himself and get involved in the disputes among the concubines.
After Empress Wang vented her anger, Madam Chen said earnestly, "Your Majesty, you come from a prestigious family, a golden branch and jade leaf, and are born to be a noble person of great honor. You cannot imagine that those lowly people would resort to such despicable and vile means."
"They are willing to do anything for wealth and status."
As she spoke, Chen shook her head, her expression not looking too good.
“A few years ago, your elder brother accepted a beautiful woman who was eagerly presented to him by his subordinates.”
"At the time, I also thought it was just a toy... so I let your older brother be interested in it for a few days."
"But unexpectedly, she flattered and fawned, using all sorts of despicable and shameless methods in bed, making your elder brother's bones melt."
“Not only did I suffer a lot of anger, but even Your Majesty’s nephew, Liao’er, was punished by being made to kneel in the ancestral hall and almost got a beating with a rattan cane.”
Empress Wang's face immediately darkened.
"Why didn't you send someone to tell me about this sooner, sister-in-law?!"
"Is that lowly maid still in the manor?"
"I will order her to be put to death right now."
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty."
Madam Chen quickly stopped the impetuous Empress Wang, saying repeatedly, "She passed away long ago."
"Besides, she's someone from your older brother's household... whatever fate befalls her is entirely her own fault. Why would you dirty your hands and damage the relationship between you and your brother over something like this?"
Empress Wang slowly sat back down. "Died of illness?"
"Yes." Madam Chen nodded.
"She was originally trained to serve others with her looks. She was physically weak. Later, several other women who were favored by your elder brother appeared in the mansion. Where was there any room for her?"
Chen looked at Empress Wang with a gentle smile.
"Your Majesty, no matter which garden it is, a single flower does not make spring; a garden full of spring colors is what makes it lively."
"Let these flowers compete for beauty and show off their splendor; let's just be flower admirers."
"If you see a flower that doesn't suit your taste, cut it off and replace it with a suitable new one, then no one will notice."
Seeing Empress Wang deep in thought, Madam Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief.
To be honest, Chen was also puzzled. How come Empress Wang, after all these years, still has such a fickle nature?
He has a completely muddle-headed and confused temper.
She's already the Empress, and her own son has been named Crown Prince, yet she's still making such a fuss over a concubine whose future is uncertain.
Empress Wang really, really, really doesn't even need to do anything; she can just sit securely in her position.
"Your Majesty, after all, you and His Majesty have been husband and wife for many years."
"These low-class trinkets, no matter how many tricks they use to please men, can't compare to the thoughtfulness of a single word of concern from Your Majesty."
A single sentence struck a nerve with Empress Wang, pleasing her, before Chen proceeded to recount the matters entrusted to her by the Prince's residence.
"Your Majesty, the imperial concubine selection will be held after the New Year."
“These new young ladies entering the palace are all ambitious... You don’t have anyone you can rely on, I’m afraid you won’t be able to handle it.”
If Chen had dared to say such things when they were around, Empress Wang would have lost her temper. But after repeatedly hitting a wall with Azhu, Empress Wang was no longer so "stubborn".
She felt a little uneasy, but still asked with a stern face, "Did your household intentionally send someone to the palace?"
Madam Chen nodded and said softly, "It's Sui'er, the daughter of the fifth branch."
Empress Wang nodded, but neither agreed nor disagreed, only saying she would think about it further.
This result is already very good.
Fearing that Empress Wang would be angry, Madam Chen dared not offer any further advice and could only get up and take her leave.
......
The next day, as soon as the auspicious hour arrived, the emperor, accompanied by his officials, returned to the capital.
A-Zhu was in a hurry to see the people in her palace, so she begged Emperor Xuanpei to return to her carriage, and Emperor Xuanpei agreed.
Not long after A-Zhu left, the emperor summoned the crown prince and others to accompany him.
Few people knew about the big fight that A-Zhu had with Emperor Xuanpei at the hunting grounds.
To outsiders, all they saw was that Consort Jiang was not only carried onto a horse by the Emperor in public to go hunting, but even though she had only injured her leg, the Emperor personally took her to Zhengyang Palace to recuperate...
A-Zhu's carriages back to the palace are now above the standard; second only to Consort Zhang, hers are the most spacious and luxurious.
"Your Majesty."
Qingliu and Lvfu rushed forward.
"Your Majesty..."
Following closely behind was Sancai, who wept with joy.
He quickly wiped his eyes and said, "Your Majesty, I am so glad to be back to serve you. This servant is finally able to return to serve you."
Seeing that Ah Zhu was unharmed and looked energetic and spirited, the others finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Then San Cai went ahead to drive the carriage, while Qing Liu and Lü Fu talked about the news they had heard.
Qingliu said with a slightly solemn expression, "Your Majesty, that female physician named Baizhi has fallen to her death."
Upon hearing this, A-Zhu didn't find it strange at all.
She knew this even when she was still a palace maid: in the eyes of "nobles," their lives were worthless.
So be it, she's dead. After all, even if A-Zhu wanted to investigate, what would she have to do with it?
She only had two or three cats and kittens in her hands... and she couldn't figure it out no matter how she looked into it.
As soon as the emperor becomes suspicious.
The emperor knows who did it.
"This matter ends here, and there's no need to concern yourself with it anymore."
Ah Zhu looked very calmly at Qing Liu and Lü Fu, and earnestly instructed them, "There is another matter."
Qingliu and Lvfu also became serious.
"Your Majesty, please give your orders."
"As you can see, I still have an unresolved feud with that fifth daughter of the Lu family."
resentment?
With a vague idea that it might be related to the Jiang family, Qingliu and Lüfu only remembered this matter and did not ask any further questions.
Qingliu, on the other hand, looked rather fierce.
"Your Majesty, after the New Year, it will be time for the young ladies to enter the palace for the selection process. They need to learn the rules and etiquette in the palace... Should we take this opportunity to find a way to deal with her?"
Honestly, Ah Zhu was truly moved—
Because her identity was fake, she naturally felt some fear towards her former master, the real Miss Jiang Liu.
Under the contemptuous yet pitiful gaze of Jiang Liu Guniang looking down at her, as if she could see through everything, Azhu inexplicably felt a bit timid.
Given Ah Zhu's current favor with the emperor, not only Qing Liu dared to speak out.
Seeing that Ah Zhu was rarely so uneasy, and thinking that it might even be related to a big fight with the Emperor... even Green Lotus spoke up.
"Your Majesty, it was still chilly in early spring at that time. It wouldn't be surprising if the young ladies-in-waiting had fallen ill or accidentally fallen into the water in one of the palace gardens..."
It is said that Yu Long would die for his lord.
Now that Qingliu dares to try, so does Lüfu. Besides, wouldn't it be even closer to do dirty work for their master?
Azhu, her heart pounding with excitement, clenched her fists and opened her mouth, but under the expectant gazes of Qingliu and Lvfu, she ultimately shook her head slowly.
A-Zhu pointed to the imperial carriage ahead.
What you are protected by, you will inevitably be bound by its constraints.
Emperor Xuanpei is keeping a very close eye on her now.
Playing around doesn't count, but she had just repeatedly assured and swore to the emperor that she wouldn't really lie to him.
If we get caught again... then things will be beyond repair.
"If you don't want others to know, then don't do it in the first place."
"His Majesty cannot tolerate any nonsense."
Given Emperor Xuanpei's petty nature, anyone who "puts sand in his eyes" or makes him unhappy will inevitably pay the price.
"If this isn't done cleanly, the losses will outweigh the gains."
Since A-Zhu said he wouldn't do it, and it involved the Emperor, Qing Liu and Lü Fu could only think about it and would never actually do it.
Seeing that Ah Zhu seemed to be facing a formidable enemy when she mentioned this so-called Lu woman, with an uneasy look in her eyes.
Qingliu then comforted her, saying, "No matter what grudges you may have had in the past, now that you're so favored and in the palace, would she dare to bully Your Highness?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Green Lotus took over the conversation.
"Regardless of what happened in the past, what matters now is that His Majesty favors you greatly."
Who are you?
"You are now the esteemed Consort Jiang."
“When a young woman is selected to enter the palace, the highest rank she can be promoted to is only the fifth rank.”
"Even if Lady Lu were to enter the palace through the imperial selection process and meet you, she would only be obliged to bow respectfully to you. If she dared to offend you, she would be dealt with according to the palace rules."
Seeing that Qingliu and Lüfu didn't seem to care much about Lu Yinyue, Azhu was slightly taken aback.
Yes... if she were still a palace maid in the inner palace, would she need to be afraid of this Miss Jiang? What would she be afraid of?
Are they afraid of punishing her?
Would Miss Jiang bother to pay attention to a palace maid like her?
Won't.
Even when she was on her deathbed, she was just a scapegoat, completely unaware of the consequences.
This Miss Jiang went to great lengths to speak with her and even went to great lengths to threaten her... naturally because she was useful; she was Consort Jiang.
Ah Zhu slowly smiled.
She suddenly turned her back on everyone, denied everything, and insisted that she did not know Miss Jiang Liu, but was determined to be Jiang Zhu. What could Miss Jiang Liu do to her?
She didn't care about Jiang's reputation at all; it was that sixth Miss Jiang who was anxious and upset.
Even if they produce all sorts of messy evidence and bring up the scapegoating, she was only five years old back then. What could she possibly know?
She was even hit on the head and thrown in to take the blame without really knowing what was going on.
The emperor couldn't bear to kill her.
As long as she maintains that she has truly not lied to the emperor again, everything is negotiable.
Once Ah Zhu, emboldened by his master's power, started to tremble, he became incredibly audacious.
"I understand."
Ah Zhu smiled and patted Qing Liu and Lü Fu's hands.
"You are right, why should I be afraid of her now?"
......
-----------------------
Author's Note: Ah Zhu, who was once manipulated and controlled by PUA (with an arrogant expression): "Who do you think you are? I am Consort Jiang. What do you, a member of the Lu family, have to do with the Jiang family?"
——————
Thank you for your support, little ones! Hehehe. [Heart][Heart][Heart]
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