Everything seems peaceful now, but that is only because the real conflict has not yet broken out.
He Qing hadn't forgotten that this dynasty only had three years left to live. Even though she had changed history, preventing the selfish and mean King Zhongshan from becoming the new ruler and preventing the court from falling into the ridiculous "ritual dispute," some fundamental things hadn't changed.
Beneath the harmony and peace, there are dangers and murderous intentions at every step, and only she can see it.
This feeling was not pleasant. It was like a fire burning in her heart, urging her to do something, but she didn't know where to start and could only let time pass by day by day.
The only consolation was that after He Qing told Empress Dowager Zhang some Taoist stories for a while, her mood was obviously much better. She was no longer as anxious and unable to sleep every day as before, and the relationship between the two became closer.
Finally, one day, Empress Dowager Zhang told her about her concerns.
After the arrival of spring, Empress Dowager Zhang, mindful of her unborn child, would take a stroll in the small garden behind Kunhua Palace every day after dinner. Whenever He Qing was free, he would join her. Admiring the spring scenery, the green willows and crimson flowers, was a delightful sight that naturally soothed both body and soul.
This day was no exception. He Qing helped Empress Dowager Zhang around, and seeing that she looked tired, he helped her sit on a nearby stone bench. Naturally, someone brought cushions and set up the place, and also served fruits, snacks, and tea.
Empress Dowager Zhang had recently developed a taste for sour things, so before her was a bowl of candied green plums, a plate of sour jujube cakes, and a dish of dried tangerine peel. Even her tea was made with dried lemon slices. Just by looking at it, He Qing felt his teeth ache and his mouth water, as if the air were filled with a faint sour smell.
Seeing that Empress Dowager Zhang was eating with gusto, He Qing really couldn't understand it and could only drink tea to calm his nerves.
When you drink the tea with a slight bitter taste, the sour taste is suppressed, leaving only a slight sweet aftertaste and an endless aftertaste.
Shortly after they sat down, they heard that the finest green plums had been brought in from the south, and the Grand Empress Dowager had ordered them to be sent to Kunhua Palace. Empress Dowager Zhang said to He Qing, "These days, all the goodies in the palace are sent to me, and I'm really worried. And since I'm not in good health, I can't go to the Queen Mother in person to express my gratitude, and it would make her worry."
"It's not a big deal, just send someone over," He Qing said. "Your health is important, so why would the Grand Empress Dowager find fault with this?"
"That's exactly the truth." Aunt Qiu also said.
Empress Dowager Zhang's expression softened. She looked at her and said, "If I ask someone else to go, I wouldn't feel comfortable. Why not ask Aunt to go instead?"
Aunt Qiu naturally agreed and nodded and left.
Empress Dowager Zhang waited for her to leave, then dismissed the people around her and sat alone with He Qing. A hint of worry returned to her face. She stroked her belly and asked He Qing, "Master, tell me, is there really a little prince in my belly?"
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