Chapter 79 Xie Ruanru's "Little Buns" are in pairs...
Guanju Palace
Even though incense had been burning early in the incense burner outside and the small white jade incense burner with peony vines on the table, it still couldn't mask the faint smell of blood lingering in the side hall.
Upon entering the hall, Emperor Xuanpei, who immediately smelled the stench of blood, stopped in his tracks and remained silent for a moment before walking around the screen and entering.
The midwives and palace maids surrounding the bed had already changed the mattress and quilt, and were gently changing A-Zhu's clothes on the bed.
Not far from the bed were two wet nurses holding the baby and waiting in the palace. It was already winter, and even though it hadn't snowed, it was still chilly outside. No one dared to take the premature prince and princess out into the wind.
Upon seeing Emperor Xuanpei enter, they quickly bowed to him.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune and happiness."
Emperor Xuanpei waved his hand, and within moments everyone else quickly got up and left.
The two wet nurses, holding the child, were also led by Eunuch Chen to wait outside the screen.
Emperor Xuanpei slowly walked over, sat on the bed, and quietly looked at Azhu.
No matter when, giving birth is never an easy thing. Even with "Brother Tong's" help, Ah Zhu still fell into a deep sleep with her eyes closed.
However, after only three days apart, he and A-Zhu almost reached the point of being "separated by life and death".
Emperor Xuanpei, enveloped by this belated sense of fear and suffocation, trembled as he held Azhu's hand.
Emperor Xuanpei liked rules and regulations, and he didn't like to act on emotion.
He is always very confident that he can control his emotions well.
He had never been able to understand the late emperor's actions for Consort Feng.
Having personally witnessed the catastrophe caused by the late emperor's madness and then painstakingly cleaning up the mess, Emperor Xuanpei never imagined that he would one day find himself in the same predicament.
To this day...
Emperor Xuanpei, who had just stood outside the side hall without saying a word, was actually not quite in his right mind, yet he was even consciously indulging in these emotions.
Perhaps it's the bloodline between father and son that makes them so similar in some ways.
Emperor Xuanpei's hands were incredibly hot.
While still half asleep, Ah Zhu felt as if her hands were wrapped in hot coals. How could they have put such a hot water bottle in her hand?
Ah Zhu, whose fingers were twitching but who didn't push away the hot water bottle, slowly opened her eyes.
Upon seeing Emperor Xuanpei before her, Azhu blinked, her eyes glazed over, and a soft, delighted smile appeared on her face.
"Your Majesty?"
"Is this concubine dreaming?"
"You're fully recovered, no...?"
Upon discovering that what he had just touched was not a hot water bottle, but Emperor Xuanpei's burning hot palm, A-Zhu frowned in surprise.
Why are you so hot?!
Startled, Ah Zhu's voice trembled slightly.
"This, this, it's been several days, why are you still running a fever?"
"The imperial physician... hiss—"
Emperor Xuanpei quickly restrained Azhu, who was excitedly turning around and getting up to summon the imperial physician.
Ah Zhu, who had just sat up slightly, gasped in pain and grimaced as she fell back onto the couch.
"Why are you still so impulsive?"
Emperor Xuanpei, feeling both touched and amused, reached out and touched Azhu's face.
"I already have two children, how come I'm so confused now?"
? ? ?
!!
Upon hearing Emperor Xuanpei's words, Azhu suddenly looked at her stomach.
Her once round belly is now gone, replaced by a flat surface.
"My belly is really gone... It's not a dream...?!"
Ah Zhu muttered a couple of words, then suddenly turned deathly pale.
Ah Zhu, who was repeatedly touching her belly, suddenly sat up.
She looked around frantically, tears streaming down her face.
With tears streaming down her face, A-Zhu said in a panicked and choked voice, "Just now, I fell off the sedan chair... Where is the child? Where is my child?"
"You gave birth to them."
"They are twins, a boy and a girl!"
Emperor Xuanpei reached out and grasped Azhu's shoulder.
He looked directly into A-Zhu's eyes, calmly and clearly saying, "A-Zhu, you gave birth to our child safely."
"One prince and one princess."
"They are all fine and asleep."
"At this moment, two wet nurses are holding him and waiting outside the screen."
"I will have them brought in now."
Seeing that A-Zhu had understood these words and that he was no longer struggling frantically, Emperor Xuanpei helped A-Zhu lie down slowly, turned his head and gave an order, then reached out to wipe away A-Zhu's tears.
Upon hearing the summons, Eunuch Chen hurriedly led two wet nurses in.
Since Emperor Xuanpei hadn't asked about the imperial heir when he first entered the palace, the exceptionally attentive Eunuch Chen smiled and bowed.
"Your Majesty, the one on the left is the Ninth Prince."
"The younger prince was born earlier."
"The one on the right is the little princess..."
Two babies were wrapped in light apricot-yellow swaddling clothes. Because they were twins and premature, both babies were small, red, and wrinkled, looking pitiful.
As A-Zhu watched, tears streamed down her face, and though she opened her mouth, she couldn't utter a word.
Emperor Xuanpei gently patted Azhu and said softly, "Newborn babies are all tiny."
"If you let it grow a little, it will grow quickly in the wind and grow big in the blink of an eye."
"It's not just you and I taking care of them; there are also carefully selected wet nurses, many palace servants, and imperial physicians watching over them at all times..."
"I will make sure they grow up safe and healthy, don't worry."
Once Emperor Xuanpei said something to her, he never went back on his word.
Time and time again, it came true... When he said to put her mind at ease, Ah Zhu's tense body suddenly relaxed.
"Your Majesty..."
Emperor Xuanpei smiled and wiped away Azhu's tears.
"I have already chosen the names for these two children."
"The Ninth Prince's name is Chen, and the Seventh Princess's name is Jiahe."
Ah Zhu muttered a few words and nodded repeatedly.
After Emperor Xuanpei waved his hand, Eunuch Chen left with two wet nurses.
"Your childbirth has taken a toll on your health, so you need to rest and recuperate for a while."
Emperor Xuanpei held Azhu's hand.
"I have already instructed the Imperial Observatory to select an auspicious day, and I will promote you then."
Once the anxiety about the baby in her womb subsided, A-Zhu's attention immediately fell on Emperor Xuanpei.
"Your Majesty..."
Ah Zhu was speaking softly when Emperor Xuanpei leaned closer, and then Ah Zhu touched his forehead.
At this moment, A-Zhu didn't care at all about whether he would be promoted or what rank he would get.
She simply looked at Emperor Xuanpei's almost flushed face—not a sign of joy, but rather the result of a persistent high fever.
"It's so hot, it's still so hot..."
A-Zhu gripped Emperor Xuanpei's collar tightly, her eyes involuntarily filling with tears.
She bit her lip, trying to stop herself from crying.
"Your Majesty, I beg you, please take care of yourself too."
Not wanting Emperor Xuanpei to be distracted by comforting her at this time, Azhu hastily wiped away her tears.
"I have already given birth to two children, my belly is not so big anymore, and I am not so heavy. I don't need anyone to take care of me all the time anymore, Your Majesty. Please don't think about anything else. Now you should just focus on recuperating..."
"The person in the palace who harbored ill intentions and caused you to fall from the sedan chair has not yet..."
"Then let others investigate!"
For the first time, A-Zhu interrupted Emperor Xuanpei so excitedly. She looked into Emperor Xuanpei's eyes and helplessly grabbed his hand, placing it beside her face.
"Let anyone else investigate."
"I don't care what the results are..."
"Your Majesty, I only have you."
"Whether you blame me for being stupid and dull, or scold me for being short-sighted and a coward, I am truly afraid."
"Your Majesty, I was born stupid and foolish, and I have always lived my life in a daze. How am I supposed to take good care of our two sons?"
"I have no mind to think about anything else right now, I just want you to get better soon."
"Your Majesty... I beg you."
What A-Zhu said was irrational and extremely reckless.
But it was precisely this "irrational" A-Zhu that warmed people's hearts.
“A-Zhu”.
Emperor Xuanpei lay curled up beside Azhu, his expression, though cold and stern, softened by the flush on his cheeks.
Feeling alternating between hot and cold, and with his whole body feeling heavy, Emperor Xuanpei, who was also delirious from the fever, even chuckled softly and muttered to himself.
"That's strange."
"I know perfectly well that I should issue an order now to have people interrogate and deal with everything."
"I know you just gave birth, and I should have gone home early so you could rest and recover properly..."
"I know I shouldn't... but suddenly I just don't want to move."
"I don't want to do anything right now, I just want to lie here quietly with you."
"......"
The bed in the side hall wasn't large, but it wasn't small either.
A-Zhu slowly shifted her body to the inside, demonstrating her agreement with Emperor Xuanpei through her actions.
"Your Majesty." She didn't say anything unlucky or about "postpartum confinement," but instead held Emperor Xuanpei's hand and said softly, "Then let's not think about anything. Your concubine will lie here with you."
"Since I have raised you, you should know the rules."
"You are a prince of the Great Yuan Dynasty; your every word and action must not disgrace the royal family!"
"Look at yourself now! You've lost all sense of propriety and are completely unbecoming!"
"This is outrageous!"
"This is the rule in the palace..."
"Your Majesty, this has always been the way of our ancestors."
"Such are the palace rules..."
"Your Majesty, the laws and regulations of the court..."
Those stern and harsh reprimands that have often rang out since childhood.
After ascending the throne, his words of advice, spoken with such fervor and unwavering loyalty, became increasingly blurred.
Listening to Ah Zhu's even breathing beside him and smelling her scent, Emperor Xuanpei slowly moved closer to her, slowly closed his eyes, and truly fell asleep.
With her fingers intertwined and tightly gripping Emperor Xuanpei's hand, A-Zhu slowly opened her eyes.
A-Zhu did not regret the words she had just spoken.
If Emperor Xuanpei remains as strong and healthy as ever.
Needless to say, Emperor Xuanpei didn't even need to speak.
Ah Zhu is sure to be as pitiful as she is when she blows in the wind.
With tears streaming down her face, she pleaded with Emperor Xuanpei to find out who had used such underhanded tactics to harm her, no matter how hard they tried.
They should be torn to pieces and ripped to shreds.
But not now.
Even if Ah Zhu wasn't very bright, she knew that a person having a high fever for such a long time was definitely not a good thing.
What if, what if, Emperor Xuanpei were to exert himself so much at this juncture, and his condition did not improve and he remained bedridden... or even worse, his brain was damaged by a continuous high fever.
Is she capable of protecting her two children and living peacefully in this palace?
cannot.
Those in the palace who harbored resentment towards her could easily take the lives of her and her child with just a thought... or even a minor cold.
A-Zhu, who had weighed the pros and cons in an instant, spoke to Emperor Xuanpei without hesitation.
Regardless of whether the matter is investigated or not, she will remember this grudge.
There is no such thing as a foolproof method in this world.
Her days of wealth and luxury are far from over... There's no need to rush, let's just wait and see.
*
Inside a side hall of Guanju Palace, Emperor Xuanpei and Azhu rested together in a particularly warm and intimate manner.
Outside the hall, a cold wind was blowing, creating a somewhat desolate scene.
Seeing that Emperor Xuanpei had entered the side hall and had not come out again, Empress Wang said nothing more and led a group of concubines out of Guanju Palace.
"Thank God, things didn't get that bad."
Seeing that Ah Zhu had given birth safely and the dust had settled, Empress Wang breathed a sigh of relief. Only when she leaned against the sedan chair did she realize how tired she was—physically tired, but even more so mentally.
"Your Majesty."
Wang Xihui, who was attending to him, did not look very relaxed.
She looked at Empress Wang and said softly, "It is truly a blessing that Consort Jiang was able to give birth to the imperial heir."
"But... how come there's oil on this long street?"
"Thinking about it this way is truly alarming."
The sesame oil offered can grow legs and run away on its own, and it even chooses a suitable time and a suitable place to wait?
This accident was not a natural disaster, but a man-made one.
Since His Majesty has not yet given the order, it is Empress Wang's duty, as the Empress in charge of the six palaces, to investigate this matter thoroughly.
First, seize the initiative, and also guard against the possibility that others might have the wrong idea and try to involve Kunning Palace.
Among the concubines with their own thoughts, Consort Xian, who was genuinely happy, stood out.
Zhou Zhaoyi, who was a few steps behind, couldn't help but glance at Xianfei a few more times.
Perhaps because she had been out for a long time and was exposed to the cold wind, Consort Zhou coughed a few times and reached out to pull her cloak tighter as she listened to Consort Xian's joyful murmur of "May God bless us."
Before they could walk more than a few steps out of the long street, they heard Empress Wang's order from ahead—that all the principal consorts of the palaces should immediately go to Kunning Palace.
There are only a few high-ranking concubines in the palace, but there are quite a few low-ranking concubines. Naturally, not everyone in the palace would flock to Guanju Palace.
Consort Gong, who remained in Gantang Palace, paced back and forth in the room, anxiously awaiting news.
There is never a foolproof plan in this world. The idea that Consort Gong came up with hastily could even be considered an impulsive one.
After instructing Qiulian, Consort Gong didn't actually think it would succeed.
Upon hearing the news from outside that Consort Jiang had fallen and bled, Consort Gong was more shocked than pleased.
In a state of utter disorientation, she clenched her hands tightly and gazed out of the hall, waiting anxiously and for what felt like an eternity.
Until Qiulian hurriedly returned to report the news.
"...Your Majesty, Consort Jiang has given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, without any major complications."
Consort Gong listened to the news in a daze.
For a moment, she couldn't tell whether she was angry or resentful... no, perhaps she was mostly relieved.
The thought of harming someone can arise suddenly in an instant.
It was just a simple order... Gong Guiren couldn't tell whether it was out of jealousy and resentment that she wanted to vent her anger, or whether she really hoped to harm Azhu and the child in her womb.
But now, when she actually heard the news, she was even relieved that she hadn't heard about the tragic loss of three lives.
"Your Majesty." Qiu Lian helped Consort Gong sit down again.
Confused, Consort Gong suddenly looked at Qiu Lian.
She said, looking rather nervous, "Have you taken care of everything? We won't... we won't find out it's..."
"Your Majesty, please rest assured."
Qiu Lian repeatedly assured, "This time it was just a careless eunuch who accidentally spilled the sesame oil. He was afraid of being scolded by the head eunuch, so he secretly covered it up. He didn't expect to cause this trouble."
To actually manage to make Ah Zhu fall off the sedan chair at the perfect time and in the perfect position... is it really that simple and easy?
Qiu Lian's explanation was simple, and Consort Gong actually believed it.
She was also thinking that since Consort Jiang had given birth safely, there must be no major problems.
"Good, good." Relieved, Consort Gong nodded repeatedly: "That's good."
*
Shou Kang Palace
Empress Dowager Shu, who had been staying in the palace due to illness and "resting in peace," suddenly threw the teacup in her hand at Granny Wu, who had come to the palace to deliver the good news.
With remarkable agility, Granny Wu dodged the attack, and the "hidden weapon" thrown by Empress Dowager Shu landed on the ground.
The palace servants inside the hall also appeared to be "blind," as if they hadn't seen this bizarre scene at all.
After a series of cracking sounds, two palace servants with their heads down quickly stepped forward.
They quickly cleaned up the broken teacups and tea stains on the floor, then retreated with light steps.
The fair-skinned Wu Mama remained calm and composed, continuing to report the good news to Empress Dowager Shu in a friendly manner.
"...Consort Jiang has now safely given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, which is a joyous occasion. Your Majesty, would you like to bestow something as a congratulatory gift?"
"Hehehe... Hahaha."
People can actually laugh when they're completely speechless.
Looking at the hall full of "living dead," Empress Dowager Shu laughed, supporting her head.
After the laughter subsided, Empress Dowager Shu shook her head repeatedly and sighed, "Truly, evil lives on for a thousand years. Even this fall didn't kill that monster, and she still managed to give birth to her child safely."
"A pair of twins, oh, what a grand title! It certainly makes her very happy."
Wu Mama ignored the first half of Empress Dowager Shu's words and replied seriously, "Yes, a pair of jade ruyi that you like."
"You insolent fool!" Empress Dowager Shu frowned and scolded, "Which ear of yours heard that I was going to reward her with a jade ruyi?"
"Yes, we also need to add another brocade curtain for the family's happiness and prosperity."
Empress Dowager Shu slammed her hand on the table in anger.
"You, you wretched servant, how dare you!"
"How dare you spout such nonsense in front of me..."
Ignoring the furious Empress Dowager Shu's scolding, Granny Wu continued, "Yes, and add another pair of blue and white porcelain vases with lingzhi and lotus patterns and flat-bottomed handles."
Empress Dowager Shu: ......
A breath caught in his throat, impossible to spit out or swallow.
After a long pause, Empress Dowager Shu gave a cold laugh.
"Since you, you wretched maid, are so resourceful, why do you need to ask me?!"
"Just take whatever you like."
"Wouldn't it be better to just empty the entire Shou Kang Palace and send it to her?!"
With her head bowed, Wu Mama listened calmly to Empress Dowager Shu's admonition, appearing obedient, well-behaved, and ready to accept any punishment.
It was this seemingly submissive but actually "deaf" demeanor that made Empress Dowager Shu clutch her chest and take several deep breaths.
"...Now that Consort Jiang's child has been successfully delivered, when can I leave this Shou Kang Palace?"
"Your Majesty, you are currently ill," said Granny Wu, bowing her head softly. "Please stay in the palace and rest well."
"Rebellion! Rebellion! Rebellion!"
"Are you all going to rebel?!"
Empress Dowager Shu, who was in a fit of emotion and kept shouting, got up and tried to rush out of the palace.
Several palace servants who were serving inside the hall quickly ran over and stood in front of Empress Dowager Shu.
No matter how fiercely Empress Dowager Shu scolded them, or how much she beat and kicked them, they did not give in the slightest.
After causing a ruckus, the exhausted Empress Dowager Shu was quickly helped back to her bed.
She gritted her teeth in anger, her eyes red as she cursed, "God should open his eyes and strike that heartless beast dead!"
"All my painstaking efforts have been in vain!"
"Without my painstaking efforts to adopt and care for him, would he be where he is today?!"
"Now, now you've imprisoned me here!"
"What an ungrateful and heartless wretch!"
"She and that vile servant Jiang are in cahoots, like snakes and rats, conspiring together in evil."
"Such a disloyal, unfilial, inhumane, and unjust beast deserves to be condemned by the world, despised, and remembered for his infamy for eternity!"
"......"
Granny Wu watched quietly as Empress Dowager Shu continued to hurl insults.
Only when Empress Dowager Shu stopped scolding, panting heavily, did she bow and ask, "Your Majesty, shall the congratulatory gifts you bestowed upon Guanju Palace be delivered now?"
"roll!!!"
"yes."
Granny Wu bowed and left the hall.
She calmly took out the gift list that Eunuch Chen had sent over long ago.
He turned around and ordered the palace servants to prepare according to the specifications listed above.
After careful verification, someone was sent to deliver it directly to Guanju Palace in the name of the Empress Dowager.
......
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