Chapter 76 Is Consort Jiang about to give birth?
Kunning Palace
For nearly a month, the concubines in the palace have been diligently copying scriptures in order to pray for the Empress Dowager who is ill. Even Empress Wang is getting a little restless from copying the scriptures.
The scriptures are offered once every five days.
It was the time for paying respects, and as the concubines below presented a thick stack of scriptures, Empress Wang felt as if the words on them were twisting and turning.
Empress Wang simply couldn't muster the desire to look through the scriptures.
She only glanced at it symbolically, and was about to gloat over the matter when her gaze suddenly fell on the unusual scripture in her hand.
This is......
Seeing the writing on it had turned dark red, Empress Wang finally realized that it was a blood-written sutra.
As Empress Wang sat high on her phoenix throne, perusing the scriptures, A-Zhu, sitting below, leaned back slightly, supporting himself on the chair.
She's heavily pregnant now and can't stand sitting for long periods.
As for the scriptures, A-Zhu didn't copy a single word from beginning to end, so it didn't matter who copied them in the palace or how well they were copied.
"Consort Tang, is this the scripture you presented from your palace?"
Seeing the blood-red, scabbard-like scripture raised in Empress Wang's hand, all the concubines present turned their gazes toward Consort Tang.
"Your Majesty, this scripture was indeed copied by Lady Zhao in my palace."
Consort Tang rose and said softly, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is currently unwell and has been bedridden for many days with no improvement."
“When Zhao Shunu heard that writing scriptures in blood was a sincere and devout practice, she feared it would have miraculous effects, so she copied the blood scriptures.”
"Today, I, the concubine, will come to the Empress's palace to pay my respects. Lady Zhao will also be accompanying me and is waiting outside the palace at this moment."
Empress Wang glanced at the scriptures in her hand, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Let her in."
A palace maid went outside to deliver a message. Soon, the curtain was lifted, and a concubine wearing a light blue brocade dress with wide sleeves walked in.
Limited by her position, Zhao Shunu's attire is very simple, but she is only seventeen or eighteen years old, the best age of her youth. No matter how simple her attire is, she is still very noticeable.
Even the beautiful and charming Zhao Shunu, with her slightly pale complexion, possessed an added touch of delicate and lovely charm.
"This concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress."
May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune and endless happiness.
As Zhao Shunu bowed, everyone could see her wrists, which were wrapped in layers of fine white gauze.
Cutting one's wrists to bleed, and then using that blood to write scriptures, the ink mixed with blood will always solidify faster. Copying so many scriptures... how many times would one have to tear open the wound repeatedly?
A-Zhu instinctively covered her wrist and shrank back.
Ah Zhu, who is quite afraid of pain, used to only seek a quick death when she was determined to die. Just thinking about being cut with a dull knife makes her feel terribly pained.
"It's really kind of you to have such filial piety."
Empress Wang, sitting at the head of the table, praised Lady Zhao.
"If everyone were as respectful and filial as you, all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens would surely bestow blessings upon Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, allowing her to recover her health as soon as possible."
Zhao Shunu just lowered her head and kept saying that this was what she should do and she dared not take credit.
After the scriptures were collected, and because the auspicious time for reciting the scriptures was important, the morning greetings at Kunning Palace ended early.
After the concubines left the palace, Empress Wang did not rush to offer the scriptures. She glanced at the scriptures in her hand.
"Is this Lady Zhao from the household of the Vice Minister of Justice?"
Etsuki nodded firmly.
"That's right, Your Majesty."
The imperial court and the harem are closely intertwined, and Empress Wang is well aware of who is currently by the Crown Prince's side.
Empress Wang also showed more kindness to the court officials who were closer to the Crown Prince.
Copying scriptures for nobles to show filial piety was also an important "face-saving project" in the palace.
Empress Wang was pondering whether to set up a "model" when Aunt Hua hurriedly entered the palace.
"Your Majesty, Lady Zhao has not left yet; she is waiting outside the palace to request an audience."
Empress Wang frowned slightly, but still nodded: "In that case, let her in."
"Your Majesty the Empress." Unlike her previous respectful bowing in the palace, Zhao Shunu knelt before Empress Wang as soon as she entered the palace.
Zhao Shunu was a noblewoman of respectable status, and her father and brothers had a past relationship with the Crown Prince. Therefore, Empress Wang repeatedly asked, "Zhao Shunu, why are you performing such a grand ceremony?"
"Get up now."
"When I was at home, I often heard about Your Majesty's magnanimity, kindness, and exemplary conduct as the mother of the nation. I admire you greatly and would never dare to be disrespectful in the slightest."
Zhao Shunu, who remained kneeling, crawled on her knees to Empress Wang's front.
Her eyes were red, and she kowtowed repeatedly, pleading, "Your Majesty, I don't know what I did wrong. Since entering the palace through the imperial concubine selection, I have not been summoned by His Majesty."
"This concubine is truly..."
"Your Majesty, I beg you to have mercy on me and show me a way to survive."
Zhao Shunu's forehead was red from the kowtow.
"Even if I have to be a cow or a horse, I will repay your kindness. I would not hesitate to die for you."
To be honest, Zhao Shunu seems to be really unlucky.
Wang Xihui was the Empress's younger sister. Whether she received the Emperor's favor or not, no one dared to gossip or ridicule her.
The two sisters from the Shu family were even more so.
They are relatives of the Empress Dowager. Given the temperament of that "Old Buddha," would you dare to say anything unpleasant or sarcastic?
Are you out of your mind?
I'm afraid that if anyone dares to open their mouth, Empress Dowager Shu will order their mouth to be torn apart.
Lady Lu... must be keeping Consort Zhao company at Changli Palace right now.
When the head of the palace was confined to the palace to reflect on her mistakes, the concubines below her were also imprisoned in Changli Palace. It was truly a case of "the eldest brother shouldn't laugh at the second brother," and no one should say anything to anyone else.
Only Zhao Shunu... She was neither sick nor injured, nor was she confined to her quarters, which was clearly a good thing, but the gossip in Yongtang Palace kept targeting her, as if they wanted to humiliate her with cold words.
Frankly speaking, there are many concubines in the palace who are not summoned by the emperor. Being unable to be summoned again after serving the emperor once is not much better than never being summoned at all.
But this matter has clearly become a source of great distress for Zhao Shunu, causing her to become obsessed and unable to eat or sleep properly.
People in the palace all said that Consort Jiang only got to where she is today because of the Empress's support and recommendation. Feeling desperate, Zhao Shunu chose to take a gamble.
"Your Majesty, I beg you."
"Your Majesty, please have mercy..."
"Get up first." Seeing Zhao Shunu kneeling there crying and begging, looking utterly pathetic, Empress Wang immediately ordered the palace servants around her to help her up.
"I am aware of your situation."
Looking at Zhao Shunu, whose face was deathly pale, whose wrists were wrapped in several layers of fine gauze, and who was completely disoriented, Empress Wang offered a few words of comfort in a rare, gentle tone.
"But Consort Jiang is pregnant now. You must have seen it when you were in the palace. She is carrying twins, but she is so thin. It's heartbreaking to see her with such a big belly."
Under these circumstances, even Empress Wang, who had been strategizing for Wang Xihui, remained silent. Why would she risk getting humiliated for Zhao Shunu?
"Right now, His Majesty is probably preoccupied with nothing else. He will wait until Consort Jiang gives birth... and then I will speak on your behalf before His Majesty."
It's Consort Jiang again, it's her again... This woman is like a shadow hanging over everyone's heads.
Zhao Shunu never expected that despite her painstaking efforts, including self-harm and kneeling in humiliation, Empress Wang, out of consideration for Consort Jiang, would only offer a perfunctory and insincere response.
Having received a host of rewards, Lady Zhao left Kunning Palace dejectedly.
Although Empress Wang was powerless to resist the seemingly "possessed" Emperor Xuanpei, she had no desire to touch Azhu, this "hidden thunder" who might explode at any moment.
But caring for and serving the Empress Dowager was her duty as the head of the palace.
Zhao Shunu's respectful and filial piety are strong evidence of her effective management and teaching as the Empress.
After a moment's thought, Empress Wang took the scriptures and went to Hanyuan Hall again.
"...Zhao Shunu's father and brothers are diligent and loyal, and Zhao Shunu has been quiet, obedient and humble since she entered the palace through the imperial selection. Now she is so devout and filial."
Empress Wang, discussing these important matters, calmly and rationally consulted with Emperor Xuanpei.
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has been ill and has not yet fully recovered... I was thinking, perhaps we could promote Lady Zhao's rank to bring some joy."
Seeing that Emperor Xuanpei had no objection, Empress Wang then asked, "In Your Majesty's opinion, what rank would be appropriate to bestow upon her?"
"Promote him to the rank of Fifth-Rank Nobleman and bestow upon him a title. Respectfully."
Empress Wang nodded.
After discussing this matter, Empress Wang and Emperor Xuanpei remained silent for a moment.
However... Emperor Xuanpei seems thinner than before, and there are faint dark circles under his eyes.
Emperor Xuanpei, who was always cold and aloof, suddenly seemed less distant as he lowered his eyes and remained silent.
The image of the spirited young man, whose expression was remarkably vivid even when he was sullen and resentful, seemed to overlap for a moment with the emperor before her. At that moment, Empress Wang's long-silent heart stirred slightly.
As she was about to leave the hall, Empress Wang looked at Emperor Xuanpei sitting alone in the empty and quiet hall and couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, you are working hard in the court. You must take good care of your health."
Emperor Xuanpei was slightly taken aback, and his expression softened. "Palace affairs are complicated, Empress, you must take good care of yourself."
Empress Wang, her eyes slightly red, looked at Emperor Xuanpei, smiled, and then left Hanyuan Hall.
*
In the afternoon, the decree of promotion arrived at Yongtang Palace.
"Therefore, Lady Zhao of Yongtang Palace, who is diligent, gentle, respectful, and filial, is hereby conferred the title of Noble Lady by the Empress Dowager, and is specially granted the title of Gong. This is hereby decreed!"
Having thought her life was hopeless, Zhao Shu was somewhat bewildered by the sudden turn of events. It was only after Qiu Lian quietly reminded her that she quickly accepted the imperial decree.
"Your Majesty, I accept your decree. Long live the Emperor!"
Qiu Lian helped Zhao Shunu—no, Consort Gong—to her feet, and then, beaming with joy, gave the eunuch who had come to deliver the imperial decree a gift of money.
The head maidservant serving Consort Tang bowed and offered her congratulations with a smile, and then invited Consort Gong to the main hall.
*
What does it mean to feel triumphant and elated?
This is what they call "fortune's wheel keeps turning"!
The side hall of Yongtang Palace was being cleaned and tidied by palace servants so that Consort Gong could choose an auspicious day to move in. Consort Gong went to Consort Lü's side room, which was already crowded with people.
Consort Gong sat in the chair at the head of the table, holding a teacup, looking at the concubines who were bowing to her in the hall with a very pleasant expression. Standing at the very front with her knees bent was Consort Lü.
In this palace, even the Empress Dowager had to report to Kunning Palace when dealing with the concubines.
Apart from the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Consort Zhang, who had the power to assist in managing the six palaces, no one else had the right to reprimand the concubines, let alone Consort Gong.
But just because you can't hit or scold someone doesn't mean there aren't other ways.
So, even Consort Tang tacitly approved of Consort Gong's act of venting her anger, and all the concubines in the room had to kneel and bow to her again and again.
Consort Gong leisurely blew on the tea in her hand, raised her eyelids and said sarcastically, "Consort Lü has been in the palace for so many years, yet she hasn't even learned the rules?"
Lady Lü gritted her teeth and performed the curtsy again.
"This concubine greets Noble Lady Gong. May you have good fortune and happiness."
"Hmm, the volume is a bit low."
"......"
Over and over again, Consort Gong, sitting and drinking tea, neither found it annoying nor tiring. She blatantly nitpicked, making these people keep bowing to her.
It wasn't until Consort Lü's legs were so weak from all the commotion that she staggered and fell to the ground that Consort Gong chuckled and said, "So this is all the etiquette Consort Lü has learned in all these years in the palace. It's truly an eye-opener."
Putting down her teacup, Consort Gong looked down at Lady Lü lying on the ground and returned her previous words exactly as they had been spoken.
"Lady Lü, we still have a long time to go in the palace. Let's wait and see."
Once back in her palace, Consort Gong couldn't hide her excitement.
She burst into laughter, and Qiu Lian laughed along with her.
After helping Consort Gong to sit down, Qiu Lian smiled and flattered her, "Your Highness was quite majestic and impressive just now."
“That Lady Lü is always so hateful, but this time she didn’t dare to utter a single word of dissent.”
"This is nothing."
Consort Gong held her head high, feeling smug, but she couldn't help but think of A-Zhu in Kunning Palace today.
Nowadays, no one dares to refer to A-Zhu as a remnant of the Jiang clan.
Even Empress Wang stopped using terms like "lowly maid" or "foot-washing maid" to humiliate A-Zhu. Instead, she showed her more care and concern, not only exempting A-Zhu from formalities but also inquiring about whether A-Zhu was eating well and what the imperial physicians said.
"Although she is only a concubine now, everyone knows that the child in her womb will be promoted after birth... she has a very promising future."
Compared to A-Zhu, Consort Gong's promotion was rather insignificant.
"Even the Empress has to cater to her now, yet she's still not satisfied... There are so many princes in the palace, who else is like her, clinging to the Emperor's favor so stubbornly?"
Consort Gong, who knew exactly who had helped her get promoted, naturally wouldn't resent Empress Wang for making excuses.
Qiu Lian's smile also faded.
She sighed softly, "Yes, Consort Jiang is so glamorous that even the Empress, who is so kind and benevolent, has to put up with her temper."
"Even before Your Majesty entered the palace, Consort Jiang frequently caused trouble by taking advantage of the Emperor's favor, even publicly mocking the Empress. She was arrogant and domineering, looking down on everyone, and everyone in the palace lived in fear..."
Seeing Consort Gong's expression, Qiu Lian changed the subject: "Fortunately, Consort Jiang is pregnant now, and her temperament has become much more lenient."
"I only hope that she can maintain such a kind and gentle nature in the future, so that Your Majesty will not have to suffer from her grievances."
"Haven't I had enough of her grievances yet?!"
Consort Gong let out a cold snort with a gloomy expression.
"She was already this arrogant and domineering before. Now that she has a prince to rely on, will she still tolerate people like us?"
"I fear that we will all have nowhere to stand in the future!"
Recalling how Empress Wang sighed whenever she mentioned A-Zhu, Consort Gong said softly, "If... Consort Jiang can no longer be so arrogant in the future, I'm afraid Her Majesty the Empress will be very happy."
"Your Majesty."
Qiu Lian looked at Consort Gong and, thinking she was joking, said with a smile, "I'm afraid it's not just Her Majesty the Empress who's happy; the whole palace will be applauding and saying that the Old Master has finally seen the light."
......
At dusk, Emperor Xuanpei's imperial carriage arrived at Guanju Palace on time.
Winter has arrived, and the New Year is fast approaching. It is customary in the Yuan Dynasty to complete all tasks one year at a time.
It was also the time when officials were reviewing their salaries and eligibility. Emperor Xuanpei, who had just finished discussing matters with his ministers in the cabinet, was now followed by a group of eunuchs carrying memorials.
While Eunuch Chen was arranging memorials in the small study, A-Zhu had already pushed Emperor Xuanpei to lie down on the couch, covered his face with a warm towel, quickly removed his hair ornament, and used a comb to gently clean Emperor Xuanpei's hair and scalp.
Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Ah Zhu's originally faint sweetness has become even sweeter and warmer, as if mixed with a hint of milky fragrance.
Ah Zhu was young, but she had a child now, and she naturally exuded a very gentle aura. When she slowly combed Emperor Xuanpei's hair, Emperor Xuanpei felt a sense of peace for no reason.
After gently smoothing Emperor Xuanpei's hair, Azhu covered his eyes and removed the veil from his face.
"Your Majesty."
A-Zhu reached out and touched the dark circles under Emperor Xuanpei's eyes.
"I had some chicken soup made with astragalus and goji berries. Would you like some?"
Emperor Xuanpei held Azhu's hand and nodded.
After eating the soup, Emperor Xuanpei went to his small study to read memorials.
Ah-Zhu specially had two extra lamps brought in, and she herself took a book and leaned against the tatami mat next to the desk.
"The affairs of state are trivial, and I am afraid I will have to stay up late. You should go and rest early."
"Your Majesty, apart from going to Kunning Palace to pay my respects to the Empress in the morning, I spend most of my time eating and sleeping, and I'm feeling quite energetic right now."
Ah Zhu pinched her cheek.
"His Majesty has made his concubines plump and healthy, but he himself has become quite thin."
Under the lamplight, there was a faint glimmer in A-Zhu's eyes as she slowly lowered them.
"State affairs are of utmost importance, and I dare not say more... Your Majesty, may I stay here and keep you company?"
Emperor Xuanpei looked at Azhu for a long while, then reached out and touched Azhu's head, saying softly, "Then stay with me."
A-Zhu chuckled at Emperor Xuanpei, then quietly settled down to read, not even making a sound as he turned the pages.
As night deepened, the lamp on the table had been changed twice, and before we knew it, it was midnight.
Emperor Xuanpei closed the memorial in his hand, rubbed his temples, and then looked to the side. He saw that Azhu, who had just been forcibly keeping his eyes open and dozing off, was now lying on his side, fast asleep.
Shaking his head and smiling, Emperor Xuanpei was about to get up when he noticed that a corner of his robe was being held in Azhu's hand and pressed against his face.
Emperor Xuanpei stopped getting up, slowly took off his long robe, and then got onto the bed.
Ah Zhu, who was leaning against something behind him, rubbed against it as usual, and then fell soundly asleep.
Emperor Xuanpei also closed his eyes.
I've been so busy lately that I can't even find peace in my dreams.
The dusky sky seemed shrouded in a layer of bloody mist, and palace servants rushed back and forth frantically between the palace walls. It sounded as if someone was crying or shouting...
In his dream, Emperor Xuanpei could hear nothing and see nothing else. Before his eyes was only the figure lying on the ground covered in blood, his life hanging in the balance.
It's...it's his Azhu.
Her round belly was gone, but it was covered in blood. Her usually watery eyes were tightly closed, and her breathing was barely audible.
Emperor Xuanpei, unable to distinguish between dream and reality, could not even stand and suddenly knelt on the ground.
"A-Zhu, A-Zhu..."
Ah Zhu's pregnancy was very smooth; she didn't even have much morning sickness, and she had a good appetite.
However, it was Emperor Xuanpei who suffered from loss of appetite, insomnia, vivid dreams, palpitations, anxiety, and fear.
Emperor Xuanpei, who often had these ominous nightmares at night, refused to utter a single word about them and kept them bottled up inside.
He still smiled and comforted A-Zhu every day, telling her not to worry about anything. However, this month, with the busy affairs of the court, Emperor Xuanpei had visibly lost weight.
A-Zhu was awakened by the rapid, hot breathing and murmurs behind her.
Hearing Emperor Xuanpei calling her name repeatedly, Azhu struggled to turn over: "Your Majesty, I'm here, Your Majesty..."
As A-Zhu touched Emperor Xuanpei's face and responded repeatedly, she first felt the wet tear stains.
Is Emperor Xuanpei...crying?
She was stunned for a moment, then was startled by the burning sensation in her palm.
"Guards! Guards!"
As soon as A-Zhu called out, San-Cai, who was dozing off while keeping watch at the door of the small study, was suddenly awakened.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, has something happened?"
Upon hearing the call, Sancai scrambled and pushed open the palace door to enter.
The entire Guanju Palace seemed to be awakened in an instant, the lights were on, and the palace servants rushed into the small study.
Chen Gonggong, who had just come out of the side room, rushed out in disheveled clothes and repeatedly called for the palace gates to open to fetch the imperial physician from the Imperial Hospital.
Kunning Palace
Nianqin hurriedly entered the inner hall.
"Your Majesty, the Guanju Palace urgently summons the imperial physician."
Empress Wang, who was half asleep, was suddenly awakened.
She suddenly flung open the curtain: "What's going on?!"
"There are still more than three months until Consort Jiang gives birth to the imperial heir, why is the imperial physician being summoned so urgently now!"
Aunt Hua, who was on night watch, quickly draped an outer robe over Empress Wang. Nianqin simply said, "This servant doesn't know either; it was Eunuch Chen who personally went to fetch the imperial physician."
"Quickly, do my makeup."
As for Ah Zhu's belly, if it were said that she would suddenly encounter some accident or be frightened and give birth, Empress Wang would not be surprised at all.
Upon hearing the news that "Consort Jiang suddenly launched an attack," all the palace ladies hastily dressed up and rushed to Guanju Palace.
......
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Author's note: Thank you for your support, my little cuties! Give me lots of kisses, mwah!
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