Tian Yingying waited anxiously at the Laifu Inn day and night for Zhao Huan to return. He had said that he would marry her when he came back.
He said that this trip would be dangerous, but he promised Tian Yingying that he would come back. If he couldn't come back, then his cousin Linghu Yunlong would be left to Tian Yingying's care.
So Tian Yingying was very worried about Zhao Xiaolong. She didn't know what mission Zhao Xiaolong was carrying out. Perhaps he was doing a secret mission in the court, similar to a modern spy.
Since Meng Gu Rao respected him so much, he must be carrying out a major secret mission. But, he must not die. She couldn't bear to lose her beloved twice.
Zhao Huan felt his situation was truly precarious, as he was unsure of the jealous empress's intentions. Zhu Lian had left a scar on him, having threatened to commit suicide in exchange for forbidding him from taking concubines. Although he ultimately took three or four concubines, she acquiesced. He even had Nangong Lian'er select dozens of beautiful women from the disaster area, but Zhao Huan still felt unsure about the outcome of his own initiative, even asking the empress to take a concubine.
"Queen, I'm here." Zhao Huan went to see Zhu Lian last, but Prince Zhao Xin was already asleep.
"Your Majesty, why did you think of me just now? It's so late, haven't you gone to see other concubines?" Zhu Lian gently patted Zhao Xin who was already fast asleep.
"I can't help it. You are the Queen. I came to you only last so that the concubines wouldn't get jealous. As the Queen, you should set an example. I was processing official documents in Wende Hall. Before I knew it, it was dark. I'm late."
For some reason, Zhao Huan felt a rift between him and the Queen. He didn't know what to say, there was no longer the frankness he had seen before when he took a concubine, but instead, there was a more vested interest involved, which made Zhao Huan very unhappy.
There shouldn't be these complicated things between husband and wife, and they should be honest with each other. But he is an emperor, and it is impossible for Zhao Huan to only guard her.
"Your Majesty, are you hungry? I will ask someone to prepare some wine and food for you." Zhu Lian got up and left the bed.
Zhao Huan waved his hand and said, "No need. I have already had my meal. I want to see Xin'er." Then he came to Zhao Xin.
Children always look so beautiful when they sleep. Zhao Xin slept so peacefully and soundly. At such a young age, he didn't know that he would become a wise and benevolent ruler, a figure who would resonate throughout history. Of course, Zhao Huan didn't know this either; he hadn't yet decided on a crown prince. Although he only had one son, Zhao Xin, the future crown prince's selection would still depend on his personal ability.
Zhao Huan had to break the convention of the eldest son being the crown prince and let the one with the most virtue take the position. This was for the sake of the people and for the Zhao family and the Song Dynasty.
"Come! Prepare the wine and food!" Zhu Lian gave the order. She turned to Zhao Huan and said, "Your Majesty, it has been a long time since I last drank with you. Let me accompany Your Majesty tonight."
Zhao Huan also wanted to say something to her, so he nodded and said, "Okay, look how soundly Xin'er is sleeping."
Only in their children did their hearts still connect. Zhu Lian smiled and said, "Yes, he's very obedient now. The Imperial Tutor even praised him today, saying that Xin'er is so smart and clever at such a young age, and his future is limitless."
Zhao Huan was stunned: "Oh, what did Xin'er do today?"
Zhu Lian smiled and said, "Nothing much. Xin'er just said the people come before the king when she was reading today."
Zhao Huan was overjoyed when he heard this: "This is incredible! How could Xin'er understand this at such a young age?"
Zhu Lian smiled and shook his head: "That doesn't necessarily mean she really understands. Anyway, Xin'er did say this when she was studying today."
Zhao Huan happily kissed his son hard on the face: "My dear son, hahahaha, hehehe, my son is really different."
At this time, the palace maids had already brought the wine and food. Zhu Lian sent the palace maid away and poured a glass of wine for Zhao Huan himself: "Your Majesty, let's have a drink."
"Okay, okay, okay." Zhao Huan said "Okay" three times in a row, and came to the table to drink and chat with Zhu Lian.
After three rounds of drinking, both of them were slightly tipsy. Before Zhao Huan could speak, Zhu Lian asked, "When will Your Majesty confer titles on those women who were sent to the palace?"
She was talking about the dozens of beauties that Nangong Lian'er selected from the disaster area and sent to the palace, at the personal instruction of Zhu Lian.
"That's not urgent. I'll think about it." Zhao Huan's mind wasn't on those women right now. After all, a vase may be beautiful, but it has no substance. Zhao Huan didn't understand these women yet.
"Your Majesty, don't worry about me. Since I am the mother of the country, I will not stop you from taking a concubine. As long as your Majesty likes her, I will support her."
Zhao Huan was surprised. He had been worried about how to ask the queen. Unexpectedly, the queen was so open-minded and actually agreed to his request.
"Well, Queen. I actually have one, and I wanted to tell you about it."
Zhu Lian was a little surprised: "Who are you talking about, Your Majesty?"
Zhao Huan then told Zhu Lian how he met Tian Yingying during his trip out of the palace, and also about her life story. Zhu Lian sighed after hearing this, "Your Majesty, this woman has a miserable life. Her husband died before he could save Your Majesty. Such a woman deserves Your Majesty's careful care. When will Your Majesty welcome her into the palace?"
"Well, you are the queen. You have the final say on matters concerning the harem, and I will listen to you." Zhao Huan was extremely excited. He didn't expect it to be so easy and effortless.
"The sooner the better. Seven days from now is a wedding day. How about seven days from now?" Zhu Lian asked.
Zhao Huan nodded happily: "Okay, it's all up to the Queen."
In ancient times, the queen had great power and was in charge of all matters in the harem. Zhao Huan was worried that the queen would refuse, and even more worried that she would throw a tantrum, but he didn't expect it to be so easy.
He soon knew the answer. Zhu Lian sighed softly, "Your Majesty, are you surprised? Are you surprised that I would agree so readily?"
Zhao Huan nodded vigorously. "Yes, I was very worried that you would refuse. Frankly speaking, I feel guilty. I like every one of you, but I feel more guilty towards you every time I marry one more."
Zhu Lian placed her finger on his mouth and said, "Hush, Your Majesty, I know what Your Majesty means. Your Majesty is a good man, and that is enough. I am very happy to be married to Your Majesty. As long as Your Majesty has me in his heart, I don't care about anything else."
This was the tragedy of ancient women. Even if Zhu Lian disagreed, what would happen? If she objected, it would only make her lose favor. Since she had chosen the position of empress, there was a price to pay for every gain. Fortunately, this bastard emperor was truly kind to her. Instead of opposing, she agreed and even actively supported his taking a concubine.
As long as her position as queen remains unchanged, that is enough.
Seven days later, Tian Yingying had just gotten up when she heard a commotion outside the shop. The sounds of gongs, drums, and suonas filled the air. Cannons blared, and the gongs and drums roared, as if someone was getting married.
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