Chapter 74 Learning (Revision) The Imperial Physician Said They Were Twins
If we were to discuss which season is most favored by the Holy One, it would be autumn and winter.
Since the last few autumn rains, the weather has been getting colder and colder.
In the summer, Ah Zhu, who always wished she could live in a separate palace, began to crave warmth even more.
At night, when they fall asleep, they instinctively snuggle up to a warm place to rest.
Having gone to bed early last night, Emperor Xuanpei also woke up early, and his hand was still resting on a round little belly.
What should have been a warm and cozy scene was instead marred by Emperor Xuanpei's furrowed brows.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty's twins are truly a difficult situation... I request Your Majesty's permission, may we preserve the imperial heirs?"
What utter nonsense is this?!
Even Emperor Xuanpei, whose face had turned extremely gloomy in his sleep, heard his own voice—
"Do everything in our power to save the dragon fetus!"
What dragon fetus?
Protect Ah Zhu, protect his Ah Zhu!!!
Emperor Xuanpei, struggling desperately but trapped in a nightmare, was unable to move or speak.
He could only watch helplessly as, amidst the chaos and panic, he heard a heart-wrenching piece of devastating news—
"Your Majesty, Consort Jiang... Consort Jiang has suffered a hemorrhage... Your humble servant is utterly incompetent."
Emperor Xuanpei, surrounded by the stench of blood, suddenly opened his eyes amidst a dizzying sensation!
!!
He instantly turned his head to stare at A-Zhu, and quickly moved his hand away from her stomach as if it were burning hot.
It was a dream.
But it's a nightmare that sends chills down your spine and makes you uneasy.
Emperor Xuanpei was pale, sweat beaded on his forehead, his heart was pounding, and even his hands were trembling.
He slowly sat up.
He stared blankly at A-Zhu's round belly for a long while without saying a word before reaching out to cover A-Zhu with the brocade quilt, and then got out of bed after putting on his robe.
A-Zhu turned over, slept for a while, and then vaguely felt that there was emptiness behind her.
She snuggled under the covers and opened her eyes, only to find that she was the only one on the bed.
Hearing the rustling sounds coming from inside, Qingliu, who was waiting outside, softly called out, "Your Majesty..."
Seeing the brocade curtain move, Qingliu quickly stepped forward and lifted it, draping it over the two golden hooks on either side.
Ah Zhu supported her belly with one hand and rubbed her eyes with the other. "Where is His Majesty?"
Qingliu reached out and took the clothes, draping them over Azhu's shoulders.
"About half an incense stick's time ago, His Majesty got up and left in a hurry without even instructing anyone to wash up."
Why are you leaving in such a hurry? Could it be that something important is happening before the Emperor?
While Azhu was speculating, Lvfu brought over a cup of fragrant soup.
"Your Majesty, please moisten your throat first."
A-Zhu took the drink and drank a few sips. Seeing that the time was just right, she washed up and went to Kunning Palace.
......
Kunning Palace
Unlike before, when she would deliberately find fault and arrive late, now A-Zhu arrives at Kunning Palace a cup of tea early to pay her respects, as a way of "showing respect" to the Empress.
After all, in the matter of "rectifying the name of the Jiang family", Empress Wang not only showed her support in the inner palace, but the Wang family and even the Crown Prince's faction also contributed to the court.
News in the palace changes so quickly, there's even an unspoken "rule of conduct" that everyone knows about—
When Empress Wang was "unkind," A-Zhu deliberately provoked her, relying on the emperor's favor, which can all be attributed to the competition for favor among the "concubines."
However, "not repaying kindness" is not related to status, but is a major taboo in dealing with people. If A-Zhu does not want to cut herself off from the palace, she should not really be such an "ungrateful wretch".
Moreover, if Empress Wang were to truly be so lenient and benevolent, she would only appear aggressive, and A-Zhu, who was still jumping around, would look like a "clown" and have wasted his efforts.
"This concubine greets Your Majesty."
"May Your Majesty's wishes be fulfilled..."
Ah Zhu had only bowed to Empress Wang and was halfway through his greeting when Empress Wang, sitting at the head of the table, waved her hand repeatedly and called out.
"Look, how many times have I told you? You are pregnant now, there is really no need for such formalities."
"Quickly, Green Lotus, help your lady sit down."
Ah Zhu smiled shyly: "Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by this concubine. I really cannot be so impolite."
"Okay, okay."
Empress Wang smiled and said, "I know you are a well-mannered person, Consort Jiang. Please sit down."
It must be said that, unlike Ah Zhu who would tear each other apart and argue, Empress Wang, when she puts on such a dignified demeanor, is truly a model of imperial grace.
Consort Tang, who was closest to A-Zhu, subconsciously looked at A-Zhu's belly.
As she looked at it, she suddenly said, "Sister Jiang's belly looks... a bit too big."
Ah Zhu, supporting her belly, spoke frankly and honestly: "The imperial physician said that what's in my belly is probably twins, which is why it looks so big."
"Great, this is wonderful news."
Empress Wang nodded repeatedly: "It has been some time since we have heard any news of a new addition to the family."
"If Consort Jiang could give His Majesty two imperial heirs, that would be a tremendous achievement."
Ah Zhu pursed her lips shyly, "Your Majesty flatters me."
Consort Zhang, who had remained silent, watched the Empress Wang's kind and caring demeanor towards the concubines, a scene of exceptional harmony, and sighed inwardly.
Good fortune and misfortune are interdependent; this is truly the most illogical principle in the world.
Who would have thought that Empress Wang would actually improve?
Given that Empress Wang had suffered several losses at the hands of Azhu, Consort Zhang originally thought that Empress Wang would definitely try to obstruct the matter of "Jiang's name being rectified".
Once the news of A-Zhu's pregnancy came out, Empress Wang would probably be furious and punish her without regard for the cost... but unexpectedly, she went all out to help Jiang clear her name, and the harem was filled with such care and concern, creating a harmonious and beautiful scene.
"Consort Jiang, you should take good care of yourself now, as it is of utmost importance to give birth to the imperial heir."
As she spoke, Empress Wang looked at the other concubines and said with a slightly serious tone, "Whether it is the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, or myself, we all look forward to seeing Consort Jiang's successful birth and safe delivery."
"My dear sisters, please don't make a mistake in a moment of weakness and do something that will harm yourselves and others, and bring disaster to the family."
"Just like Consort Zhao, who repeatedly caused trouble with her words and refused to change her ways despite repeated admonitions, she has been reflecting on her mistakes in seclusion ever since. You should all take this as a warning."
Consort Zhao has not been released yet, and Empress Wang is deliberately delaying the process, refusing to lift the ban on Changli Palace no matter what.
After all, Ah Zhu is pregnant now, with her thin arms and legs supporting her round belly, making it the best time to make a move, but also the most dangerous time.
If something really happens... resulting in the deaths of three lives, do you think the Emperor would "go mad"?
Empress Wang really didn't want to touch A-Zhu, this "deadly possessed thing," at this time.
She was afraid that Zhao Jieyu, that idiot, would be used as a pawn and implicate her, so she decided to keep her out of the picture for now, so that everyone could have peace of mind.
Hearing Empress Wang's solemn warning and admonition, the concubines in the hall all stood up.
"We concubines will humbly follow Her Majesty the Empress's teachings."
This scene made A-Zhu look up at Empress Wang, only to see Empress Wang giving her an exceptionally kind smile.
Seeing this, A-Zhu let out a long sigh.
Empress Wang, with her "unyielding" spirit, was terrifyingly stubborn.
Empress Wang, who was "able to bend and stretch," was an evolved version that left people feeling quite powerless.
An empress is an empress.
The late emperor arranged the marriage, she held the Phoenix Seal, sat in the central palace, and taught the six palaces. The emperor could neglect her, but he could never easily abolish her position.
If Empress Wang remained calm, there would be no room for Azhu to instigate.
Moreover, A-Zhu herself was pregnant, and the two children in her belly were an even greater burden. She was simply too exhausted and had no intention of provoking Empress Wang any further.
After the greetings were over, the smile on Empress Wang's face did not fade.
It cannot be said that Empress Wang was incompetent.
But honestly, when Ah Zhu, who is usually so infuriating, with his sharp tongue, arrogant and domineering personality, suddenly becomes obedient, just lowering his eyes and bowing his head in response, it's really satisfying, extremely satisfying!
"Nianqin".
Upon hearing the Empress's summons, Nianqin quickly stepped forward.
"Your Majesty."
"Go and see when the previous council has dispersed, then come back and report that I am going to the Emperor's presence."
"Yes." Nianqin accepted the order and left the hall.
"Xi Sui, one cannot write two 'Wang' characters in one stroke."
Empress Wang looked at Wang Xihui and said seriously, "Even the Crown Prince has to call you Aunt."
"Whether now or in the future, you will certainly not be treated unfairly, but you have been in the palace for quite some time now, and it is not right to delay in being summoned."
"Now, Consort Jiang... childbirth is a difficult ordeal for women."
"She's pregnant again. It's up to her to decide what happens. No one else needs to worry about her."
As she spoke, Empress Wang patted Wang Xihui's hand.
"You should serve His Majesty diligently."
"If I could have a child, it would help pass the long days in the palace."
Looking at Empress Wang, who spoke earnestly and was willing to worry about her, Wang Xihui was overwhelmed with mixed feelings... If Empress Wang had been like this earlier, why would she have had to enter the palace?
Based on Empress Wang's previous behavior, it was truly alarming.
The Wang family was extremely anxious.
When it came to entering the palace through the imperial concubine selection, Wang Xihui had absolutely no choice.
Not only could she not choose, she also had to do her best to plan for Empress Wang.
When the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain intact?
If Empress Wang falls and the Crown Prince falls, what good will happen to Lady Wang?
I'm afraid that those who come to power later will want to eliminate them completely.
Seeing Wang Xihui's silent demeanor and even her near tears, Empress Wang sighed softly.
"Life in the palace has never been pleasant, but I'll just have to endure it."
......
Zhongcui Palace
Because of her chronic illness, even though the main hall where Consort Zhou was located was kept clean, there was always a faint smell of medicine permeating it.
As Mingchun entered the hall, she placed the medicine she was carrying on the table beside her. "Your Majesty, the medicine is ready."
Zhou Zhaoyi slowly closed the book in her hand.
She was born with a dignified and beautiful appearance. Her face was somewhat pale due to her illness, but her lips were light in color, which did not make her look disheveled. She had a unique air about her.
She glanced at the medicine on the table and coughed softly, "Rui'er hasn't returned yet?"
“Prince An is currently on official business in Guanghu. Eunuch Cai said that the prince sent something through someone and it should arrive in two days.”
Consort Zhou smiled gently.
"It's kind of you to go to such lengths for this child."
“His Highness is truly filial; he always thinks of His Highness no matter where he goes.” With that, Mingchun picked up the medicine bowl: “Your Highness, this medicine is just right to drink now.”
Consort Zhou took it, closed her eyes, and drank it all in one gulp.
Mingchun hurriedly served tea, but Consort Zhou waved her hand, so Mingchun had no choice but to put down the teacup and take the medicine bowl.
"Did the two Shu sisters in our palace receive a summons from the Emperor this month?"
Mingchun shook her head.
She said softly, "Your Majesty, it's still the same as always... Apart from Consort Jiang, no one in the palace has been summoned."
"Furthermore, this morning when she was paying her respects at Kunning Palace, Consort Jiang mentioned that the imperial physician said she was pregnant with twins."
Twins?
After a moment of surprise, Consort Zhou sighed softly.
"I remember that although she had already miscarried once, she had not given birth before... Her first pregnancy was twins, which was really dangerous. Just thinking about it makes my heart tremble."
As she spoke, Consort Zhou got off the bed and slowly walked towards the study.
"Look at how cautious Empress Wang is now, putting on a show of compassion and benevolence, but who doesn't know that she once wanted nothing less than to put Consort Jiang to death?"
"Could she just stand by and watch Consort Jiang give birth to the imperial heir safely?"
"It seems there's more to this than meets the eye."
Mingchun nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, Consort Jiang is now even more frightening than the Imperial Concubine back then."
"Your Majesty, there are still quite a few concubines who have entered the palace through the selection process and have not yet been summoned. That Lady Zhao is resentful and often curses them in anger."
"I remember that Lady Zhao is from the residence of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice?"
"Indeed, the old man said that this Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice and the Crown Prince Xian Ma are old friends from the same hometown and the same year, and they often visit each other."
Zhou Zhaoyi sat behind her desk, looking at the falling leaves outside the window, and murmured, "It's already late autumn, and winter will be here soon."
"By the time the snow falls, Consort Jiang's baby will be about eight months along. The roads will be slippery in the snow... It's hard not to worry."
"Back then, Consort Yi suffered a miscarriage along with Consort Gui during a snowfall."
"Consort Yi tragically lost both her child and her unborn child. The poor Consort Gui cried for a long time. Thinking about it now, it still makes one feel extremely sorry."
Zhou Zhaoyi spread out the Buddhist scriptures on the table.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve copied scriptures. I don’t know if I’ve become rusty. Mingchun, you can go now.”
"Yes." Mingchun lowered her head and quietly withdrew.
......
Yongtang Palace
Because Consort Tang Zhaoyi was extremely skilled in dancing, she was favored for a period of time for her extraordinary "drum dance".
As a result, many of the palace rooms were converted into places similar to "dance studios".
Having been selected to enter the palace through the imperial concubine selection process, Zhao Shunu had no choice but to live in a side room.
Consort Tang, who entered the palace through the imperial selection three years ago, is only twenty years old now. She is confident in her youth and beauty, so why would she consider who can help her secure the emperor's favor?
Moreover, since entering the palace, Zhao Shunu has not even seen the emperor, so who would remember that such a person still exists in the palace?
Feeling ashamed, Zhao Shunu didn't like going out.
However, this side room was crowded, with several concubines crammed together. If they wanted to, their whispers would be impossible to avoid.
"...Hahaha, she hasn't been summoned by the Emperor since entering the palace. I don't know how she's managed to stay calm. If it were me, I'd be too ashamed to face anyone."
"Hey, isn't he hiding in his room all day embroidering? I guess he's trying to embroider a face for himself."
"Consort Jiang's belly is so big, yet His Majesty only wants to stay with her. He truly favors her immensely."
"Yes, unlike some people... His Majesty probably can't even remember who he is."
"......"
This is clearly not the first time.
At first, Zhao Shunu was so angry that she started arguing with someone after only hearing two mutterings.
This argument not only failed to improve the situation, but instead emboldened them to escalate their behavior.
Zhao Shunu later complained to Consort Tang about this matter, asking her to uphold justice.
Consort Tang was too lazy to care about such trivial matters, thinking that it takes two to tango, so she simply gave both sides equal blame and let it go.
After several such incidents, they had become enemies, and he wished those words could reach her ears.
Hearing these gossips, Zhao Shunu angrily lifted the curtain.
She pointed at the few ladies-in-waiting and Baolin who were gossiping at the door and cursed, "You disrespectful wretches, who gave you the audacity to speak ill of me?"
"I must go and inform Her Majesty the Empress today!"
"You bunch of 'rotten tongues' deserve a good beating!"
Zhao Shunu stormed out, bumping right into Lü Meiren, who had come out after hearing the commotion.
The two were old acquaintances, and they had never gotten along well when they were outside the palace. However, Lady Lü entered the palace earlier than Lady Zhao, and now that she had the opportunity, she naturally wanted to find ways to make things difficult for her.
"Oh, isn't this our Miss Zhao?"
"How could Lady Zhao bear to come out of the room? Where is she going in such a menacing manner? Has she forgotten the rules of the palace?!"
Zhao Shunu, who was half a grade lower, stood frozen in place for a long time.
Finally, she forced herself to endure the humiliation and bowed to Lady Lü: "Greetings, Lady Lü."
"That's more like it."
Lady Lü chuckled, "You, I thought you'd tone it down after entering the palace, but I didn't expect you to still be so unambitious."
"You're always jumping around causing trouble, but you feel that Yongtang Palace can't accommodate you, Zhao Shunu, so you keep stirring up trouble."
"I heard you're going to Kunning Palace to ask the Empress for her opinion?"
Lu Meiren smiled and stepped aside.
"Go quickly, go quickly, lest Consort Tang scold us for delaying your precious and important business, Lady Zhao."
The current official is more powerful than the one in charge.
Although Empress Wang was the head of the six palaces, it was actually Consort Tang who truly controlled them.
It's just a few words of bickering and arguing; even if someone were to be punished, how severe could the punishment be?
If she were to report this to her superiors in this way, and it displeases Consort Tang... she would be the most unfortunate one.
Seeing Zhao Shunu standing there, unable to move, Lu Meiren smiled and looked at her with disdain, then reached out and patted Zhao Shunu's face in a playful manner.
"It seems you're not completely oblivious yet."
"Zhao Yingwei, Zhao Yingwei, where is the arrogance you had back then, relying on your family background to humiliate me in public?"
"It's a blessing from heaven... We still have a long way to go in this palace, let's wait and see."
After saying that, Lady Lü waved her hand, and the other ladies-in-waiting and Baolin followed her away.
*
Ever since the palace audience, Zhao Shunu has been experiencing a series of misfortunes. Her maid Qiuxia, who accompanied her to the palace, caught a cold and has been coughing ever since.
Zhao Shunu lacked the necessary decorum, so she couldn't even protect her personal maid. Qiuxia was directly expelled from the palace, and now she only has Qiulian, who was assigned by the Imperial Household Department, to serve her.
Qiu Lian, who had just returned from the kitchen with lunch, heard crying coming from inside the side room as soon as she reached the door.
She rushed in and saw Zhao Shunu, her face streaked with tears, trembling all over, furious and angry, frantically cutting up the embroidery she had been working on for months.
"Lady, lady!"
Qiu Lian rushed over and grabbed the scissors: "What if you hurt yourself doing this?"
As Qiu Lian looked at the painting of cranes and clouds in spring that had been cut into several pieces, she sighed repeatedly with great regret.
"You've put so much effort into embroidering this for the past few months, and it's so beautiful. It would be such a waste to just cut it up like this."
"Do you think I want to do embroidery here?!"
"Who came to the palace for embroidery?!"
Zhao Shunu, who was almost out of breath, sobbed uncontrollably: "What's the point of living like this now!"
"Lady..."
Seeing Zhao Shunu crying so sadly, Qiu Lian's eyes inevitably reddened as well, and she gripped the scissors tightly.
"I know you're wronged, but even if you are, there's no reason for you to suffer like this and hurt yourself."
"If something were to really happen to you, wouldn't it cause pain to your loved ones and joy to your enemies?"
Seeing that Zhao Shunu slowly loosened her grip on the scissors, Qiulian quickly took the scissors with both hands.
It was thrown far away with a clatter.
"My lady... When Sister Qiuxia was leaving the palace, she always asked me to take good care of you. I am useless and cannot protect you."
As she spoke, Qiulian grabbed Zhao Shunu's hand and slapped it against her own face.
"If you feel wronged, just take it out on me, but please don't hurt yourself."
What normal person could actually do that?
Zhao Shunu naturally wouldn't hit Qiulian. She withdrew her hand, only to find it stained with blood.
"Shunu, where are you hurt?" Qiulian looked anxiously at Zhao Shunu's hand. "Where does it hurt?"
Zhao Shunu was stunned for a moment, then said, "It wasn't me."
She quickly grabbed Qiulian's hand and saw that her palm had been stabbed by scissors.
Qiu Lian breathed a sigh of relief.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Miss."
Holding Qiu Lian's hand, Zhao Shunu's tears fell uncontrollably.
"It's my fault, I'm useless, I'm not favored by the Emperor, I haven't been summoned for a long time, I've become a laughing stock, and I've dragged you all down with me, it's all my fault..."
"What are you saying? How can all these things be attributed to you?" Qiu Lian comforted Zhao Shunu with a disapproving look.
"It's obvious that Consort Jiang is truly favored... Even though she's pregnant, she disregards the rules and keeps the Emperor around. Have any of the other consorts in the palace received a summons from the Emperor?"
Qiu Lian gripped Zhao Shunu's hand tightly.
The sweet, metallic scent of blood, carried by her words, went straight into Zhao Shunu's heart.
"Since you entered the palace, you have always waited obediently, not daring to make the slightest mistake, and you have always had to swallow your anger and suffer injustice. What have you done wrong?"
"This servant has been serving in this palace."
"In the past, His Majesty valued rules extremely highly and never showed favoritism to someone like Consort Jiang, who was so ruthless as to leave no room for compromise..."
"With Consort Jiang occupying the Emperor's position, how could the Emperor possibly see anyone else?"
Qiu Lian looked up at Zhao Shunu.
"You are not in the wrong."
Zhao Shunu stared blankly at Qiu Lian: "Isn't it my fault?"
Qiu Lian nodded firmly.
"It's not you."
After saying that, Qiu Lian said with a hint of trepidation and anticipation, "Consort Jiang is currently pregnant with twins. First pregnancy is not easy, and postpartum recovery will probably take several months. If His Majesty could spare some time to visit her... that would be wonderful."
“Twins…” Zhao Shunu murmured, repeating the phrase over and over.
Then, in an almost whispered voice, she said again, "Why should we take advantage of her remaining time?"
"Once she has given birth to two children, won't she be able to keep the Emperor firmly under her control, leaving him no time to spare for anyone else?"
......
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Author's note: Brother Tong: Listen to me, you can't go wrong. Let's take as many as we want, just to be safe.
Mwah! Thank you so much for your support, my little cuties! [Laughing][Laughing][Laughing]
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