On what was originally a joyous occasion, Hongli was in a good mood, but upon hearing these words, his expression changed drastically.
"Yu Shan is three months pregnant. I asked the imperial physician, and he said that her pregnancy is stable and she can ride in a carriage, as long as the journey is slow."
Gao Xiuwen silently picked up her wine glass and took a sip, thinking to herself, "Is the Empress Dowager joking?"
Given how much the Emperor values Su Yushan, how could he possibly let her return to the palace alone?
Everyone else knew perfectly well what was going on, and the Empress Dowager should have been aware of the Emperor's temperament, but she refused to back down, and said righteously:
"The imperial tents set up at the Mulan Hunting Grounds are not as comfortable as those in the palace, so it would be inconvenient for her to stay there. Besides, if we bring Consort Chun to the hunting grounds, we would have to travel back to the palace, which would be too much trouble for her."
Su Yushan, who was at the banquet, found it rather strange. Why would the Empress Dowager suddenly be so considerate of her? What was she planning?
Hongli was also secretly pondering the Empress Dowager's intention in insisting on sending Yushan away.
She did have a problem with Yu Shan, but what she cared about most was her offspring, so she couldn't possibly harm Yu Shan's child. However, she insisted on bringing Yu Shan back to the palace, probably thinking that separating the two of them would give him the opportunity to favor other concubines.
Regardless of whether Yu Shan was by his side or not, he would never give other women a chance, and more importantly, he would never let Yu Shan leave him.
"Yu Shan is pregnant. If she returns to the palace alone, what if something unexpected happens to her? Who can bear the responsibility?"
The Empress Dowager replied matter-of-factly, "She is an Imperial Noble Consort. Who would dare to plot against her, or even the imperial heir? Would they be courting death?"
There really are people in this world who don't value their lives. Hongli had personally experienced this. "Back when Yushan was pregnant with Yongzhang in the Prince's residence, she was given a pill that could change her gender. There's nothing those malicious people wouldn't do!"
Yu Ying also remembered this incident. At that time, Yu Ying was also speculating about who had given Su Yushan the abortion pill. It was either Gao Xiuwen or Lan Rong. The murderer was between the two of them. However, the clues eventually ran out, and the matter was left unresolved.
That incident was a thorn in Hongli's side, and because of the accident that had happened, he dared not take any more risks.
If she's not by his side, something could happen at any time. What if she's murdered and miscarries, or suddenly disappears?
By then, it might be too late to regret it!
Only by keeping her by his side and seeing her every day could he truly feel at ease.
The Empress Dowager was speechless, then turned to Su Yushan and asked if she planned to return to the palace.
At that moment, Su Yushan was lost in thought, because Hongli's words reminded her of the past.
Thinking back on the matter of the gender-changing pill, Su Yushan still feels lingering fear. Fortunately, Yongzhang only had a defect in his toes and nothing serious. If he had really become a freak who was neither male nor female, she really couldn't imagine how difficult it would have been for her and her child.
Therefore, she was extra careful during this pregnancy, and only trusted palace servants stayed by her side.
As for the question the Empress Dowager raised, she had actually discussed it with Hongli before: whether or not she should accompany him on the trip to the Mulan Hunting Grounds.
In her opinion, it didn't matter whether she went or not. She herself wasn't very interested in hunting. If she didn't go, Rong Yu would have to accompany her back to the palace. She couldn't leave her daughter here.
Rong Yu had always longed for the autumn hunt. She had waited for months and finally got this opportunity. If she was suddenly told that she couldn't go, she would definitely be very disappointed.
Furthermore, Hongli also hoped that she could accompany him. Considering his and her daughter's feelings, Su Yushan ultimately made her decision and said to the Empress Dowager:
"Your Majesty's will is irresistible; I will obey Your Majesty's arrangements."
The two of them were of one mind, and the Empress Dowager couldn't persuade them otherwise, so she sighed in frustration.
"Alright! If you want to come along, then go! But let me make this clear beforehand: if you harm your unborn child due to the long journey and lose the imperial heir, I will hold you responsible!"
This threat is strange. She is pregnant with the child and wants to protect it more than anyone else. If something goes wrong, she will be the one who suffers and is heartbroken. Why should the Empress Dowager blame her?
How deep was the Empress Dowager's hostility towards her? She seemed to always be looking for reasons to find fault with her, as if finding fault with her would be a great joy!
Su Yushan couldn't understand the Empress Dowager's strange mentality, nor did she want to explain or reason with her, so she just gave a perfunctory reply.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will be careful to protect the child."
Unable to achieve her goal, the Empress Dowager was in a bad mood and, using the excuse of feeling unwell, left first.
Hongli, too lazy to socialize, got up and left with Su Yushan. The crowd respectfully saw the emperor off before dispersing.
Back on Huanbi Island, as she washed up and went to bed, Su Yushan sighed, "The wine at today's banquet smelled so good! It's just a pity that I'm pregnant and can't drink any."
"The wine isn't very strong, one glass shouldn't be a problem. If you want some, I'll have someone bring you a bottle. There's no one around to stop you, so you don't need to worry."
He always indulged her and went along with her wishes, but Yu Shan dared not let herself go.
People in ancient times may not have been aware of the harm alcohol could cause to the fetus, but Yu Shan was very clear about it.
For the sake of her child, Yu Shan could only hold back, "I'd better not drink it, I'll try it after I'm out of confinement!"
Each time she became pregnant, she had to change her habits, and Hongli noticed all of this.
"You've sacrificed so much for the children, you've worked so hard!"
It is indeed very difficult to endure. Many people think that pregnancy is a very happy thing for women, but little do they know that once pregnant, there will be many restrictions on diet, clothing and other aspects. They will also feel uncomfortable, have difficulty moving around, and become particularly vulnerable psychologically.
If your family understands, then the sacrifice is worthwhile. But if they don't understand and think you're being dramatic, then life will be even harder to endure.
Fortunately, Su Yushan was lucky enough that even though the Empress Dowager often made things difficult for her, Hongli would stand by her side and consider her interests.
So even if she suffers some hardship, she feels it's worth it. "Fortunately, it's not too hard. I've already gotten used to it. I'll get through another six months."
After chatting for a while, Su Yushan got sleepy and lay down to sleep. Hongli read for a while before falling asleep himself.
On the morning of August 16th, Hongli set off from the Summer Palace to the Mulan Hunting Grounds.
The carriage traveled slowly, with Su Yushan sitting as usual on the imperial palanquin. Hongli would occasionally ask Yushan how she was feeling.
"If you feel unwell, be sure to tell me."
Su Yushan was filled with anxiety as she walked, fearing that something might happen to her and then the Empress Dowager would have another excuse to blame her.
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