Chapter 75 The city will deal with you.
Hanyuan Hall
Empress Wang, who neither brought any snacks as a pretense nor frequented this place, was quickly invited into the front hall.
"Your Majesty, I greet you. Long live the Emperor!"
Emperor Xuanpei excused himself from the formalities.
After straightening up, Empress Wang said, "Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, and I should not have come to disturb you."
"However, this matter concerns the stability of the inner palace... After much thought, I have decided to come and request an audience with Your Majesty."
This time, she was indeed not here to target A-Zhu. Empress Wang, who felt she had truly taken on the responsibilities of the Empress, felt very relaxed and spoke with an openness that was almost sincere.
"Now that Consort Jiang is pregnant with twins, it is truly a great joy in the palace."
"But seeing Consort Jiang's thin body with such a big belly... I can't help but feel a little alarmed."
"Your Majesty also knows that he cherishes Consort Jiang."
"It's just that pregnancy is not easy for women. If Consort Jiang has to take care of His Majesty as well, I'm afraid it will be too hard for her."
Empress Wang looked at Emperor Xuanpei.
"Among the many concubines in the harem, even if they are not as beautiful and charming as Consort Jiang, they each have their own merits."
"Your Majesty... there are still concubines who have entered the palace through the imperial selection process but have not yet been summoned by Your Majesty."
"There are constant rumors in the harem now, and the concubines are quarreling among themselves... This is also because I have not disciplined them properly."
"But in such an unstable situation, Consort Jiang could not rest assured to take care of her pregnancy."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
Xuan Pei looked at Empress Wang.
Empress Wang still met Emperor Xuanpei's gaze with almost frankness.
Emperor Xuanpei slowly nodded.
"I understand."
Having received the message, Empress Wang did not press the matter further. She bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, I will not disturb you any longer. I will take my leave."
Emperor Xuanpei watched Empress Wang's departing figure.
Emperor Xuanpei didn't take Empress Wang's words to heart.
The only thing that struck Emperor Xuanpei was Empress Wang's words about how Azhu was pregnant and had to take care of him.
As A-Zhu's belly grew bigger day by day, and even after the imperial physicians said that A-Zhu was carrying twins, Emperor Xuanpei's initial joy gradually turned into a nameless fear.
That nightmare lingered in Emperor Xuanpei's mind like an inescapable shadow.
As soon as he closed his eyes, Emperor Xuanpei seemed to be able to see that terrifying stench of blood.
Emperor Xuanpei was afraid.
......
In autumn, the sky darkens faster than usual.
As the lanterns were lit, the imperial carriage did not depart for Guanju Palace as it usually did.
Guanju Palace
The fact that Emperor Xuanpei did not come was not too surprising to Azhu.
Given the emperor's usual tendency to torment people to the point of exhaustion, it's quite remarkable that he's stayed with her so peacefully for so long.
As A-Zhu tidied up and prepared to go to bed, he casually asked a question.
Which concubine did His Majesty summon tonight?
"Is it Wang Liangyuan?"
However, San Cai quickly shook his head.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty did not summon any of the concubines in the palace tonight, and rested alone in Hanyuan Palace."
? ? ?
Ah Zhu paused for a moment.
"His Majesty is resting alone?"
San Cai nodded.
Ah Zhu, who hadn't taken it seriously at first, suddenly became serious.
Even though Emperor Xuanpei has not yet made a promise.
But the fact that she would be promoted after the baby was born didn't surprise anyone in the palace.
If I were to say I'm curious, it would be about what rank she would ultimately be given.
In this palace, it didn't matter who Emperor Xuanpei favored.
At most, Ah Zhu would just whine and be jealous in front of Emperor Xuanpei.
Emperor Xuanpei neither summoned his concubines nor saw her... In fact, Azhu hadn't seen the emperor at all these past few mornings.
This problem... most likely falls on her.
Realizing that he was too close to the situation to see clearly, A-Zhu turned around and began to discuss it with Consort Feng.
"No one knows what the emperor is thinking."
"But if he won't tell you, you can ask him."
Consort Feng looked at A-Zhu.
"Now that you're carrying his child and have your whole family with you, do you think he'll ignore or scold you?"
"Everything in this world involves people interacting with each other, so it's really scary when 'mute' people compete with each other, and things get out of control in the end."
Is Azhu mute?
No, she wished she could use sweet words to coax Emperor Xuanpei into being completely delighted.
Ah Zhu waited patiently.
When the palace gates were about to be locked and no one had been summoned by Emperor Xuanpei to serve him in bed, Azhu said directly, "Go to Hanyuan Hall now."
The people of Guanju Palace always carried out Azhu's orders without hesitation.
In an instant, the palace guards who were escorting her arrived quickly, and the sedan chair was ready. A-Zhu went directly to Hanyuan Hall.
*
When Eunuch Chen, who was waiting outside the hall, saw who it was, he was slightly surprised and ran down the steps in three quick steps.
"It's so cold and the dew is so heavy today, why did Your Majesty suddenly come all this way in person?"
Ah Zhu, supporting her belly, said softly, "Please trouble the steward to inform His Majesty that I request an audience with him."
Eunuch Chen nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty, please watch your step."
Once they had climbed the steps and were seeing Ah Zhu being steadily supported and standing outside the hall, Eunuch Chen hurriedly entered the hall.
In the blink of an eye, Emperor Xuanpei, who had removed his hair crown, let his hair down, and was wearing a slightly disheveled outer robe, arrived at the palace gate.
Seeing Ah Zhu standing there perfectly fine, Emperor Xuanpei's frozen blood seemed to slowly begin to flow again.
"Your Majesty."
Because of her pregnancy, Ah Zhu's cheeks were a little rounder, making her look even more childlike.
Her eyes were round and bright, and when she looked at people with her brows furrowed, she looked even more aggrieved and pitiful, which made her truly endearing.
Having calmed himself down, Emperor Xuanpei reached out and scooped Azhu up in his arms, slowing his pace as he headed towards the rear palace.
After gently setting the person down, Emperor Xuanpei held Azhu's hand and even lowered his head to rub Azhu's face against it, as it was a little cool.
"It's not safe to walk at night, and the dew is heavy in the deep night. If there's anything you need, just send someone to the emperor. Why did you come here yourself?"
"His Majesty did not summon his concubines tonight..."
A-Zhu looked at Emperor Xuanpei and said softly, "I tell myself to be sensible and not to worry Your Majesty, nor to disturb Your Majesty at will, but it's a bit cold in Guanju Palace."
"Your Majesty, it's really cold."
A-Zhu slowly leaned down and nestled into Emperor Xuanpei's arms, nuzzling against his chest, and murmured, "I just can't fall asleep."
"His Majesty used to arrive at dusk."
"I have been waiting since the time the lanterns were lit tonight."
"While waiting for His Majesty, I kept telling myself to be good. Perhaps His Majesty is busy, but I really miss him..."
"Your Majesty, please don't be angry with your concubine, okay?"
"I just couldn't control myself for a moment. Next time... no, the time after that, I'll definitely behave."
With his eyes closed, Emperor Xuanpei lowered his head and kissed Azhu, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, and her soft lips.
Ah Zhu tilted her head back with her eyes closed, her cheeks flushed, letting people kiss and touch her. She was so obedient that it made people want to swallow her whole.
Emperor Xuanpei, who had completely regarded Azhu as a part of himself, felt his empty body filled when he held Azhu in his arms.
“A-Zhu”.
Emperor Xuanpei held the person in his arms and whispered, "No matter what happens in this life, you can never leave me."
Azhu reached out and clung to Emperor Xuanpei's neck.
"Your Majesty treats me so well, I'm afraid you'll get tired of me. How could I bear to leave you?"
“A-Zhu will always be with His Majesty.”
Emperor Xuanpei slowly reached out and touched Azhu's belly.
This afternoon, Emperor Xuanpei summoned the imperial physician... He won't let anything happen to Azhu.
He could do without anyone else in this world, but he couldn't afford to lose his Ah Zhu.
"Your Majesty, after autumn comes winter."
A-Zhu looked at Emperor Xuanpei with soft, gentle eyes.
"Please have mercy on me, have pity on my frail health, and let me beg you to spend more time with me, okay?"
"Alright... I'll stay with you."
"Your Majesty is so kind."
Having received the promise, A-Zhu felt reassured.
It doesn't matter what Emperor Xuanpei is struggling with, as long as she can preserve her current and future glory.
Ah Zhu nestled snuggled in Emperor Xuanpei's arms, all sticky and affectionate.
"Your Majesty is my favorite."
......
Shou Kang Palace
Empress Dowager Shu's expression showed a hint of urgency: "Is it confirmed that Lady Jiang is indeed pregnant with twins?"
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager," said Granny Li, bowing respectfully, "I have already consulted the imperial physician, and it is indeed so."
"Twins..."
Empress Dowager Shu murmured to herself, constantly turning the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand.
Giving birth is like walking through the gates of hell for a woman.
Ah Zhu now seems to be facing an even more difficult and dangerous situation.
Empress Dowager Shu was pressing her so hard, and she knew that Consort Xian and the sisters of the Shu family would not dare to disobey her words.
But which of them could do anything about the emperor?
Even Empress Dowager Shu was too lazy to summon anyone to come and reprimand her again, lest she needlessly add to her anger.
Looking back now, Emperor Xuanpei might have been willing to neglect the other imperial heirs, but what about the prince in Lady Jiang's womb?
Those useless things have accomplished nothing so far.
But there's a ready-made imperial heir.
"Back then, the emperor was a bit old and had a strong memory, which is why he didn't get close to me."
"What if it's a prince who was adopted right after birth?"
Empress Dowager Shu's longing for the child in A-Zhu's womb could no longer be contained.
"If she doesn't make it through, someone will have to take care of the imperial heir she leaves behind."
"Empress Wang already has two princes, and Consort Zhang has Prince Qi... In this palace, who else can be more honored and dignified than I, who personally raised them?"
When there are no other options, does the bloodline of the Shu family become less important, and having a safety net is already a blessing?
Empress Dowager Shu felt that she already had experience in raising children—she would never raise another "ungrateful child" like Emperor Xuanpei.
If they were ever needed in the future, Jiang's children wouldn't be so heartbroken to use them.
Empress Dowager Shu felt relieved, as if a glimmer of hope had appeared in her heart, and a faint smile appeared on her face.
She slowly and deliberately turned the prayer beads in her hand.
"Since Lady Jiang became pregnant, I have yet to see her."
"Now that I have some free time, I've summoned someone so that I can have a good look at our 'meritorious official'."
"Yes." After receiving the order, Granny Li left the hall and headed straight for Guanju Palace.
......
Guanju Palace
This time, A-Zhu didn't have any special reactions to her pregnancy.
She no longer vomited incessantly as before, nor did she experience any aches or pains.
If her belly hadn't actually grown so big, A-Zhu wouldn't have even realized she was pregnant.
When Granny Li arrived at Guanju Palace, Azhu was enjoying the sour soup that had just been cooked in the small kitchen.
"Your Majesty," San Cai rushed in to report, "Li Mama from Shou Kang Palace has arrived and is requesting an audience outside the hall."
"Granny Li?"
Ah Zhu put down her bowl, frowned, and asked with a puzzled look, "What is she doing here at this time?"
To take action against Azhu, one must first get past Emperor Xuanpei.
If Empress Dowager Shu had a way to deal with Emperor Xuanpei, she wouldn't be in such a frustrating situation.
Empress Dowager Shu was too lazy to even see A-Zhu, who was like a tough nut to be hit, scolded, or touched, so as not to get upset or annoyed.
The sudden arrival of someone is definitely not a good thing.
Since the people from Shou Kang Palace had already come, it wouldn't do to leave them hanging like this, so A-Zhu had no choice but to invite them in.
"This servant greets Consort Jiang."
"No need for such formalities, Granny."
Looking at Granny Li in front of him, A-Zhu gave a perfectly standard fake smile.
"Granny, has Your Majesty the Empress Dowager given any instructions?"
"Your Majesty, you are pregnant and have yet to visit the Empress Dowager at Shou Kang Palace."
Granny Li bowed and said, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is indeed concerned about you and the imperial grandson in your womb."
"To put it bluntly, you are a meritorious official of our Great Yuan Dynasty, and we would like to invite you to Shou Kang Palace for a chat."
That sounds nice, but do you think Ah Zhu will believe it?
They didn't believe a single word of it.
Muttering that the newcomers were up to no good, A-Zhu glanced at San-Cai.
Having understood the unspoken message, San Cai turned around and "slipped" out of the hall.
We cannot disregard the Empress Dowager's dignity.
In the past, Ah Zhu, who was "all brawn and no brains," didn't care about his reputation.
Now, however, she doesn't want to burden her unborn child with the stigma of being disobedient and unfilial before the child is even born.
Ah Zhu chuckled inwardly, but when he looked at Granny Li, he was filled with shame and unease.
"It is my fault."
"I was afraid of disturbing the Empress Dowager's peace and quiet, so I dared not disturb her rashly. I did not expect that the Empress Dowager would think of me."
"It is truly my fault."
"What are you saying, Your Majesty?"
Fearing that A-Zhu would refuse, Granny Li quickly said, "You're pregnant and it must be hard for you, so you should rest more."
"The imperial physician said that it is very beneficial for pregnant women to move around frequently during childbirth."
"That's why the Empress Dowager thought of letting Her Majesty move around a bit."
Seeing that Granny Li was determined not to go back unless she was persuaded to do so, A-Zhu knew that she could only refuse once and couldn't escape it a second time, so it was better to resolve the issue once and for all.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager's good intentions have made me feel truly ashamed."
Ah Zhu, supporting her pregnant belly, struggled to get up, but Qing Liu and Lü Fu quickly helped her up.
"Your Majesty."
Qingliu helped Azhu up, but her concerned words were meant for Granny Li.
"You went to Kunning Palace to pay your respects to the Empress early this morning, and only just returned from there..."
"The imperial physician said that when you walk around, he also instructed the servants not to let you overexert yourself."
Upon hearing this, Granny Li quickly replied, "Consort Jiang's health is of utmost importance right now, so she should not be overworked."
"When I arrived, the Empress Dowager ordered a sedan chair to be brought."
Ah Zhu nodded, her face full of emotion.
"Your Highness." Green Lotus stopped Ah Zhu, who seemed about to leave the palace, and stepped forward to bow to Granny Li.
"Please forgive my rudeness, Granny."
"But it is already late autumn, and the autumn wind often blows outside. The wind is cold and chilly. If Your Majesty is exposed to the cold wind, I'm afraid you will have a stomachache."
"If I may ask, did the nanny send over the heated sedan chair?"
"Green Lotus!"
Before Granny Li could speak, Ah Zhu feigned anger and scolded, "Who told you to be so talkative?"
"You are becoming increasingly audacious."
"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has shown her great kindness; how dare you nitpick like this?!"
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."
Green Lotus bit her lip and knelt down.
"This servant was wrong, but Your Majesty's health is truly unable to withstand the cold..."
Qingliu chimed in from the side.
"Yes, Your Majesty, although Green Lotus is a bit impulsive, what she said is absolutely correct."
“Last time you caught a cold and had some stomach pain. His Majesty was furious and severely reprimanded all the palace servants in Guanju Palace. We were truly terrified.”
Seeing that the three of them were talking to her, Li Mama quickly said, "It was my oversight that almost disappointed the Empress Dowager's good intentions."
"Your Highness, Consort Jiang, your health is of utmost importance, so it is best to ensure that nothing goes wrong. This servant will immediately order someone to bring a warm sedan chair."
"These two maids are easily swayed by rumors; it's my fault for not disciplining them properly... How can I trouble you, Granny, again and again?"
Azhu shook his head repeatedly as he stared at Qingliu and Lvfu.
She turned to Sixi, who was following behind Li Mama, and said, "Sixi, quickly prepare a warm sedan chair so that the Empress Dowager will not have to wait long."
Si Xi quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, this servant will go right away."
Seeing that Ah Zhu was about to rush to Shou Kang Palace to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager, he was always stopped by one thing or another.
After finally getting ready and getting into the sedan chair, ready to go to Shou Kang Palace, Li Mama caught her breath, and before she had even walked out of the long street, the imperial carriage arrived.
A-Zhu hurriedly got up from the sedan chair to greet the emperor, but Emperor Xuanpei, who had already reached the sedan chair, pressed her back down.
Emperor Xuanpei touched Azhu's face.
"Just sit tight, I'll take care of everything."
Ah Zhu looked up at Emperor Xuanpei, nuzzled his hand affectionately, and gave him a soft, smiling smile.
A faint smile appeared in Emperor Xuanpei's eyes as he gently rubbed Azhu's head.
So good.
If the location hadn't been unsuitable, Emperor Xuanpei would have already reached out and picked up his Azhu.
As the embroidered curtain of the sedan chair was lowered, the smile in Emperor Xuanpei's eyes vanished instantly.
He glanced at Granny Li with a detached expression.
Granny Li couldn't help but bow slightly and lower her head.
Fortunately, Emperor Xuanpei said nothing, but got into the sedan chair and ordered that the route be changed to Shou Kang Palace.
Granny Li slowly exhaled, then felt a chill on her back.
Despite the freezing weather, I was sweating profusely just now.
......
Shou Kang Palace
Empress Dowager Shu, who was getting impatient waiting for someone, paused slightly when she saw Emperor Xuanpei.
Emperor Xuanpei ignored Empress Dowager Shu's expression and, along with Azhu, paid his respects to her.
Empress Dowager Shu, regaining her senses, could only say, "No need for formalities, please sit down."
In front of everyone, Emperor Xuanpei generously helped Azhu by the waist, and only sat down himself after seeing her sit down comfortably.
The palace servants brought tea, but quickly withdrew.
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Empress Dowager Shu remained silent, and Emperor Xuanpei did not rush to speak either.
He picked up the teacup on the table, and Ah Zhu, who was next to him, followed suit and picked up his teacup as well.
Seeing Ah Zhu's serious yet adorable actions, Emperor Xuanpei couldn't help but smile.
A-Zhu also raised her eyebrows, looked at Emperor Xuanpei, and smiled along with him.
"Cough cough cough."
Empress Dowager Shu coughed twice at the head of the table, and A-Zhu immediately lowered his head, adopting an extremely honest expression.
"emperor."
Empress Dowager Shu's words were directed at the "uninvited guest," Emperor Xuanpei.
"Now that Consort Jiang is pregnant, it is the right thing to do to let her rest and recuperate properly."
"There are many concubines in this palace who can serve the emperor."
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is right."
The pretentious Emperor Xuanpei retorted sarcastically.
"But I am not one to be easily swayed by lust. Consort Jiang is currently unable to move around easily, and I am not at ease unless I keep an eye on her myself."
Empress Dowager Shu: ......
Seeing Emperor Xuanpei acting so willfully and recklessly, Empress Dowager Shu felt a surge of anger, but she managed to suppress it.
"Consort Jiang's first childbirth was with twins, which was extremely dangerous."
"After the delivery, I'm afraid I'll need to take good care of myself and make sure I don't develop any health problems later."
"She is still young, and the palace servants serving her are not experienced or steady."
"I have carefully selected the midwife and wet nurse so that they can take good care of my grandson."
At this point, Emperor Xuanpei understood what Empress Dowager Shu meant.
Emperor Xuanpei, already sensitive and suspicious, and filled with worry and anxiety because of Azhu's pregnancy, looked at Empress Dowager Shu with particularly unfriendly eyes.
After all, the practice of "keeping the child and removing the mother" in the palace is not a new trick.
Empress Dowager Shu, however, remained seated calmly. As the Empress Dowager, it was only natural for her to care about the imperial grandson.
Moreover, even if something were to happen, the royal family would value its reputation above all else; would they really want to embarrass themselves in front of outsiders?
I'm afraid even the emperor would have to try every means to cover it up.
Seeing the Empress Dowager Shu's composure, Emperor Xuanpei suddenly laughed.
"The Empress Dowager is now quite old and often needs to rest in bed."
“Taking care of a young child is not easy, let alone when the prince’s birth mother is still alive. How can we let the Empress Dowager go to such lengths and worry?”
"If word gets out, wouldn't it make all the people say that I am unfilial?"
"emperor!"
"Outrageous! Utterly outrageous!"
Empress Dowager Shu was trembling with anger. She pointed at Emperor Xuanpei and said, "What are you saying?!"
Emperor Xuanpei ignored Empress Dowager Shu for the time being, but patted Azhu's head and instructed him, "You should go back to the palace first."
A-Zhu, who hadn't said a word since entering the palace, nodded blankly and was then escorted back to Guanju Palace by the imperial guards.
She had only been back in the palace for a short time when she heard that Emperor Xuanpei had summoned the imperial physician from Shou Kang Palace—Empress Dowager Shu had caught a cold.
Anyway, ever since Empress Dowager Shu returned to the palace, she has been feeling unwell every few days and is often sick... so the news really didn't cause a ripple at all.
Inside Shou Kang Palace, almost in the blink of an eye, all the servants were replaced.
Even Granny Li was nowhere to be seen; only Granny Wu, a stranger, stayed close to Empress Dowager Shu to serve her.
Even the imperial concubines received orders to transcribe scriptures and pray for the ailing Empress Dowager Shu.
Not only did no one find it strange, but some concubines secretly began to grumble about Empress Dowager Shu, complaining that she couldn't stand not causing trouble for others.
......
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