Chapter 59: Double Ninth Festival: Hundreds of Flowers in Four Seasons, Only One Flower Can Be Admired
In Chengluan Palace, the lights were lit earlier than usual because of the Emperor's arrival. Qingzan was soundly asleep when she suddenly felt a soft, warm sensation brush against her face. It was a sudden, almost forceful movement that shattered the boundary between dream and reality.
She opened her eyes, which were still filled with a dazed look, and her whole body had a softness and innocence that seemed to have returned to nature.
It is like a small bud that has not been carved by wind and frost, and has not yet grown into the strong and firm stem due to the polishing of wind and sun.
Xiao Fang's anger was instantly aroused, and he felt the embroidered collar weighing him down. He withdrew his hand, "Don't look at me like that."
Only then did Qingzan realize that the emperor was sitting in front of her.
But he had no intention of getting up to salute. He was covered with a thin velvet blanket and had a soft cotton mattress underneath. He felt like he was trapped in a comfortable and gentle place, unwilling to move.
She asked in a weak voice, "When did His Majesty come...?"
The emperor smiled slightly and said, "Not long ago. Have you had dinner?"
The sunlight from the west window and the lamp in the hall shone down together, clearly illuminating the guilty expression of the lying woman.
Qing Zan: "I just woke up..."
Because he had just woken up, his voice was sticky and lingering, like a wisp of clear, thick and sweet honey, and he had a sense of coquettishness for no reason.
How could the emperor say anything harsh?
He arrived after dinner. He had been busy these days, and he had finished reading the memorials a little late today. He didn't want to keep her waiting, so he didn't tell anyone he was coming and just ate a few quick bites alone.
Unexpectedly, she was even busier than him and was busy taking a nap.
Qingzan rubbed her eyes and sat up. Doukou asked someone to bring water and drain the water and use a towel to wash her face to wake her up. Qingzan rinsed her mouth and wiped her face, and it seemed that she had finally woken up completely.
Many things weigh on one's mind again, dragging one into a cold and lonely pond.
Qingzan sighed softly, feeling increasingly fortunate lately. Friends, love, status, even a child she couldn't guarantee, a child she hadn't even expected. Yet, all of this was built on the pain of hatred, leaving her torn between joy and sorrow.
The inner kitchen had already delivered the meal, filling a five-layer food box, which was far more than Rong Hua's portion. Doukou carefully selected and placed only two dishes on the table: "In my opinion, these two are the only dishes that are relatively light."
After she finished speaking, she remembered that the emperor was still here and she shouldn't say too much. The master had ordered that after all, it was still a vague matter and she was not allowed to mention it to anyone except them.
The master has been not only sleepy these days but also has a late period. She also has a poor appetite and feels nauseous at the sight of meat and greasy food. However, the people in the inner kitchen are only focused on honoring the master, and they send her a lot of fish and meat, which eventually end up in the stomachs of the palace maids and eunuchs.
Fortunately, the small kitchen had prepared a simple and light meal of six dishes and one soup.
Xiao Fang accompanied Qingzan to eat a few bites of food, his eyes passing over the dishes calmly.
Sometimes he was very clear that he did not have excessive expectations for offspring, but sometimes when he thought about having children with her, he would suddenly fear that he was hoping too much and would end up adding to his worries.
So even though he noticed it, he didn't point it out.
Don't put too much pressure on her.
But we can't let her be so listless all the time.
The emperor then said, "Double Ninth Festival is approaching. When I came here, I saw that the roads were already decorated. Would you like me to accompany you to appreciate the chrysanthemums later?"
Qingzan hadn't left the house since returning from Fangxin Palace, though she had indeed heard the palace maids talk about the grand spectacle outside. After a moment's thought, she nodded and said, "It's just that I don't know many varieties of famous chrysanthemums. Your Majesty, please don't make fun of me. We could also go to Wanghai Tower again. I didn't bring back more books last time."
When the emperor heard people mention the library, he couldn't help but recall the day he spent with her in the building.
The fatigue from government affairs was completely dissipated, but the high blood in my body became a new torment.
No matter how stormy that day was, all the emperor could remember was the water-light, flower-fragrance, and the gentle trembling of rain in the building.
She always has a way to make the world more beautiful because of her.
When washing his hands after the meal, the emperor placed his hand in the golden basin and stayed there for a long time. He finally managed to calm down, but when he looked at the person, the ashes became even more ignited and his efforts were wasted.
...It must be because she has been holding it in for too long.
During the past few nights, they shared a bed together. Sometimes she really slept, and sometimes she pretended to doze. Her method of avoiding him was not very clever. If he did not have the same guess as her, he would never let her go so easily.
After the meal, the emperor and his empress stepped gracefully into the autumn breeze. Frost chrysanthemums were temporarily transplanted into the small flower beds on both sides of the palace road, and potted plants such as golden and red chrysanthemums were also placed on both sides of the brick and stone road. Even in the cold weather, the place looked rich and prosperous, and the golden light was dazzling.
The emperor remembered that the furnishings in Zhaoshui Palace were not many, and most of them were items purchased by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the ones he gave her did not seem to be to her liking.
Suddenly asked someone: "What kind of flowers do you like? I will ask the flower shop to send you some later."
Qingzan, however, couldn't think of an answer. Aside from the water hyacinths, which required no attention at all, she had never grown any flowers, and most of them she found beautiful.
I just said truthfully: "They are all good, each has its own beauty, I don't have a preference."
"No favorite?" The emperor smiled sternly. "Then you want them all. Greedy."
Qingzan wanted to defend herself, how could she misinterpret someone's meaning like that?
But it was soon discovered that the emperor did it on purpose.
She pursed her lips and said nothing, which made the emperor's teasing even worse. He suddenly moved closer and said, "I only like one kind."
At this moment, Qingzan saw the tiny glimmer in his eyes.
The setting sun melted gold, giving those deep eyes a different temperature.
But she just looked away without understanding the situation.
Flowers bloom in all colors in all seasons. Even the most arrogant person would not believe in the so-called one-size-fits-all preference.
The two of them went to the library on foot, but came back in a sedan chair. As soon as Qingzan got on the carriage, she leaned on someone's shoulder and took a nap.
However, she treasured the pile of books she had chosen so much that she refused to let the palace maids take them and insisted on holding them herself. The emperor couldn't even squeeze in to hold her hand.
When the procession stopped in front of Zhaoshui Palace, Qingzan was not as easily startled as usual. When the emperor was about to embrace her, she was temporarily awakened by the excitement. After returning to the palace, she wiped herself briefly and fell asleep again.
When the emperor came out of the bath, he saw the woman sleeping peacefully under the curtain.
It was not until midnight that Qingzan was awakened by the heat.
The emperor hugged her so tightly that not even a trace of cool air could get in.
She just opened her eyes, but heard a dangerous chuckle: "Awake?"
While he was still dazed, a large hand laid him flat on the couch.
The quilt was covered meticulously, but under the quilt, the lilac buttons of the pajamas had been undone and the front lapels had been pulled to the sides.
When the shadows overlap.
The golden brocade quilt became a shelter for the evildoers, generating a surge of dark heat, causing the pink sweat to flow freely, staining the fair skin a rosy color.
The snow-white breasts were completely controlled in this dark heat.
The huge, glistening snow buds are even more magnificent than what you see on the palace road today. They are held in people's hands, controlling the spring breeze and showing their utmost beauty.
The emperor chuckled and lowered his head.
The shallow tooth marks and light water stains became more and more numerous, recording both the merits and crimes of a man.
Spread all the way to the navel.
After a long time, he half pressed her down, like a ferocious beast king in the dark night, staring like a tiger and eagle, greedy and terrifying.
Qingzan was so confused that she lost control and even forgot to dodge. She just bit her lip and said, "Don't..."
The emperor's clear and slow breath suddenly fell into her ears, and he said vaguely, "Grown up."
Qingzan understood immediately and felt like pushing him away out of shame and anger, but her emotions were quickly suppressed by reason. However, he held her hand and complained before she did: "It's been so many days. Have you completely ignored me?"
Qingzan actually seemed to feel a bit aggrieved and didn't know what excuse to use to get the emperor to stop.
The emperor released her and said in a restrained tone, "I won't bother you anymore. Go to sleep."
Qingzan gathered her clothes and shrank against the wall, rolling up the quilt to distance herself from him: "Your Majesty, you are the wicked one who is complaining first."
The emperor wanted to help her put on her pajamas, but he saw that she was guarding against him as if he were a thief.
I couldn't help but laugh and replied, "So what? What are you going to do with me, my dear?"
Although Qingzan couldn't see the man's expression in the darkness, she knew from just the sound of his voice that he must be feeling proud, arrogant, and extremely annoying. She closed her eyes, leaving behind a petty, sullen figure.
But she was not really being arrogant because of the emperor's favor or throwing tantrums towards him.
This short period of time was enough for her to figure out that during this period of time, the emperor's behavior towards her was mostly based on affection but restrained by courtesy. Even if he acted as recklessly as he did today, he would only stop for a while.
He must have noticed her abnormality as well.
However, she didn't want to tell him about such an important matter as having an offspring until she was sure of it. Even though he doted on her immensely now, human feelings could not withstand wear and tear, and it would be of no benefit to her if she let him be so disappointed.
Suddenly, the emperor's strong and powerful arm went around her waist and pulled her out. The rolled quilt was also domineeringly split in half by the emperor, and they were in the same bed together again, like a pair of clasped jade rings.
"It seems that this bed is still a little small, not even big enough for Qingqing to sleep on."
Qingzan was so sleepy that she could only murmur softly in protest: "It's hot."
But before he could even struggle, he quickly fell asleep again.
After she fell asleep, the emperor got up and took several sips of bitter cold tea.
He looked at people without saying a word, with a deep look in his eyes.
*
The next day, Doctor Fang came to check Ping An's pulse as expected.
I spent the last month in the Hunting Palace, and my pulse has been stable since then. After not seeing him for a while, Doctor Fang looks much older and more tired.
Thinking that this tiredness might be due to yesterday's vomiting and diarrhea, Qingzan asked a few words of concern: "I heard that you were ill yesterday, sir. Why didn't you rest for a few more days?"
This cry from Imperial Physician Yu Fang was like a thunderclap. His shoulders suddenly trembled, his face showed panic, and his lips trembled slightly: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty...I am worried about the master's health and dare not rest for long."
This Ronghua master always appeared kind and tolerant to others in the past, but for some reason, the pressure he exerted on him now was no less than that exerted by the Empress Dowager.
I haven't done anything wrong yet, but I'm already so worried!
"The imperial physician is thoughtful." Qingzan watched Imperial Physician Fang open the medical box and place the small Yingzhen and other auxiliary items used when taking a pulse on the desk.
From beginning to end, he kept his head down and avoided her gaze.
Qingzan looked at the man for a long time with his eyes and brows as gentle as usual, without saying a word or smiling.
In fact, Doctor Fang was chosen by her personally.
When she was still a beauty, as a concubine of low rank, it was natural for whichever imperial physician was available to take her pulse. But as her favor grew, the Imperial Physician Office became staffed with experienced physicians, and they recommended several imperial physicians to her, establishing a permanent staff.
Her understanding of them was limited, knowing only their qualifications and reputations. She didn't want to ask the emperor for help on every matter, so she chose the one with a good reputation and the most open emotions.
The person who can't hide things the most.
He was absent-minded from the moment he walked in, and it was clear on his face that something was wrong.
Doctor Fang was about to ask his master to stretch out his hand when he heard the woman in front of him yawn. She stood up and said, "I didn't sleep well last night. I'm very sleepy now. I really can't hold on any longer. I want to take a nap."
Doctor Fang was unable to react in time to the sudden situation.
But the masters had always been capricious and unpredictable in their actions, and they had encountered even more outrageous situations in the past. In any case, all matters were subject to the masters' wishes. After all, they, as ministers, were also servants of the heavenly family.
If the master wants to catch up on his sleep, he will wait for a while.
Doctor Fang bowed respectfully and let the person walk into the inner room behind the lattice door.
It just so happened that he also needed some time to calm down, his palms were wet with sweat. If his daughter had not been kidnapped, he would never do such a damnable thing in his life...!
After asking for water to wash his hands again, he was unsure whether to sit or stand when a palace maid came over and told him that Ying Ronghua invited him in.
Doctor Fang was slightly startled and followed the man inside.
Over the couch in the inner room, the curtains were hung solemnly.
The palace maid had already moved a small square table to the side of the bed. When Doctor Fang walked in, his medical box was also moved onto the square table.
Doctor Fang quickly understood that Rong Hua didn't want to make him wait, and wanted to make sure neither of them wasted time.
The person on the couch noticed the movement and asked, "Is Doctor Fang here?"
Doctor Fang listened to Ying Ronghua's voice, and without looking at the bed curtains that were somewhat transparent, he stepped forward respectfully.
The woman on the couch stretched out her wrist, placed it on the pillow, and stretched it naturally: "Thank you."
Doctor Fang saw that the patient was unaware of anything and tried his best to complete the process of taking the patient's pulse.
The pulse is steady and strong, with a gentle frequency, which is a normal pulse.
He sighed silently, as if foreseeing his impending beheading, but he had to defy his conscience and stand up, excitedly bowing: "Congratulations, Master! Congratulations, Master! Master is over a month pregnant!"
"Really?" The voice in the tent was slightly surprised. "Is there anything wrong?"
"No, no... I'm sure of that."
"Come here, reward the imperial physician for me."
Doctor Fang could hear the joy in her voice, just like every woman in the palace who had learned she was pregnant. He was too embarrassed to accept the silver handed over by the palace maid, but he didn't dare to reveal his true identity, so he could only hold it with guilt.
Qing Zan asked softly, "I'm afraid many people in the palace are watching me right now. Could you please ask the imperial physician to keep this a secret for me?"
Doctor Fang naturally had no reason to refuse, and this would prevent the Queen's plan from proceeding. But after all, he had done what he was told, and would not hold his daughter hostage any longer.
That's fine.
Therefore, he was actually somewhat relieved when he heard this: "Yes, I will keep my mouth shut."
As soon as he returned to the Imperial Medical Bureau, he reported the matter to the informant arranged by the Queen.
In Zhaoshui Palace, as people were leaving, Suoying pulled back the quilt from behind the thick and blurry curtains.
She touched her wrist, looked at it again and again, and laughed and cried: "This is really strange, I can actually be pregnant, I'm afraid it must be a baby that fell from the sky!"
From the moment Doctor Fang came in, there were two people lying on the couch.
Qingzan is inside and Suoying is outside, but they are covered with a big quilt and cannot be seen clearly unless the curtain is lifted.
Neither of them expected this result.
Suoying couldn't understand how Doctor Fang could diagnose a pregnancy.
It is indeed very likely that Sister Qingzan is pregnant, but Doctor Fang did not diagnose Sister’s pulse!
How could he say such words to a young girl like her without even a hint of hesitation?
But if my sister isn't pregnant, but mistakenly thinks she is...
Thinking of this, Suo Ying's heart sank and she stopped teasing: "Sister, did you know from the beginning that he was up to something?"
Qing Zan said solemnly, "I just noticed that he was a little unusual when he came, as if he was hiding something, so I changed my mind temporarily and didn't want to teach him how to diagnose the pregnancy."
That's why she specifically asked Suoying to act on her behalf and test whether Doctor Fang was loyal or treacherous and what his intentions were.
But unexpectedly, Doctor Fang still diagnosed the pregnancy pulse, which was completely unexpected.
So his abnormal behavior today was because he was instructed to lie about her pulse condition?
Fake pregnancy is also considered a means for women to win favor in this palace, and it will inevitably have serious consequences.
Although she didn't know who had such sinister intentions, now that she was unwilling to make it public, that person would definitely have a trick up his sleeve if he couldn't achieve his goal.
Perhaps soon, she will be able to see the man's true face.
Qingzan stroked her belly and couldn't help but suspect that the recent pregnancy signs were also part of a big network set by others.
But if it weren't for... the fetus in her belly would have to suffer such a conspiracy before it was born. How could she bear it, as a mother, not to look forward to the birth of this baby, not to love and protect it?
The expectation that had never existed before suddenly grew up.
*
In Fengzao Palace, the plan went smoothly, but the Queen couldn't smile. She hadn't expected Qingzan to be so patient, even knowing she was pregnant, she planned to hide it from the Emperor, not even allowing the imperial physician to tell him.
How long do we have to wait?
If she didn't show her pregnancy even after the month was advanced, wouldn't the lie be self-defeating? She would definitely find out!
After much deliberation, the queen decided to organize a Double Ninth Festival banquet.
Jin Yu immediately understood what the Empress meant: "Are you planning to announce her pregnancy publicly at the banquet?"
The Queen said proudly, "Everyone drinks Chongyang wine on Double Ninth Festival. She knows she's pregnant, so she definitely won't drink. If she tries to find an excuse to refuse, she can probably just say she's not feeling well. Then it's only natural for the Imperial Physician to see her, and then she can say it was intentional on her part just to get noticed."
"Your Majesty is wise." Jin Yu hated Qing Zan as much as the Queen did, and volunteered to deliver the invitation.
All six palaces received invitations.
On the Double Ninth Festival, the chrysanthemum banquet started early. The banquet was filled with fat crab roe, wine, and luxurious decorations, and the cost exceeded a hundred gold coins.
Just as the invitation said, if any of the concubines were absent, each person would have to waste thirty-six dishes.
Therefore, all the concubines were present.
As the palace servants served the wine and food, they introduced: "These are all the fine wines that Her Majesty asked us to prepare. They say that one drink can cure all diseases."
Wupin was used to playing the supporting role: "It is really thanks to the Queen that we can enjoy such a sumptuous meal."
Qingzan looked at the food and wine on his table, but didn't eat a single bite.
This Hongmen Banquet was truly conspicuous.
She will do as the Queen wishes.
But, we can't let people be too satisfied.
The Queen was just about to signal Concubine Wu with a smile to urge her to drink when a palace maid came in with a panicked look on her face and whispered in her ear, "The Queen Mother suddenly sent someone to the Imperial Food Bureau. It seems, it seems that they want to check the accounts..."
The queen's face suddenly froze. This time, she was using public funds to hold the banquet!
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