Su Peisheng was also in an awkward position. Since the emperor ascended the throne, he had been busy with state affairs day and night. There were also so many concubines in the harem waiting for him to arrive.
He's said to be in his prime, but at almost fifty, he can hardly be considered young.
With so many things to do, how can I manage without taking some nourishing and invigorating supplements?
Not long after ascending the throne, Da Pang Ju would occasionally drink some deer blood wine, but not much.
I also consulted the imperial physician, who said that drinking a cup every few days would be good for one's health.
But after the new concubine entered the palace, it became one cup after another.
Su Peisheng said, "After His Majesty ascended the throne, he developed the habit of drinking deer blood wine. I also consulted the imperial physician before, and he said that drinking a cup every five or six days is beneficial."
"After the ladies entered the palace, the emperor drank more than before, about two or three cups every two days."
Physician Lu said with doubt, "Drinking a little deer blood wine is indeed good for your health. But drinking two or three cups every two days is a bit too much."
"But given His Majesty's health, he certainly wouldn't faint. Please, Eunuch Su, consider whether His Majesty has taken any other highly nourishing substances?"
The Empress Dowager glared angrily at Su Peisheng, while the Empress spun her prayer beads even faster, silently reciting scriptures with a worried expression.
Su Peisheng reported, "Your Majesty, aside from the deer blood wine, His Majesty has only consumed the meals sent from the Imperial Kitchen and those sent by the ladies..."
He paused, as if he understood what was going on!
Su Peisheng quickly replied, "This servant understands, it was sent by the ladies and mistresses!"
"The Empress and the ladies often visit the Hall of Mental Cultivation to bring the Emperor pastries and soups."
“When the Emperor visited, we would prepare some fine things to show our respect. Consort Hua often prepared Dong’e donkey-hide gelatin and longan soup for the Emperor, and Consort Qi often cooked mutton (penis) soup for the Emperor.”
"Consort Li sent the Emperor deer antler glue several times, Consort Shen's Cistanche deserticola, Consort Jing's sea cucumber, and Consort Cheng's black sesame balls..."
“Every concubine and mistress received some gifts. Especially these past few days, since the Emperor hasn’t visited the other concubines, the concubines and mistresses have given even more.”
To avoid complaints from the concubines, the Emperor tasted a little of everything.
There was also tiger bone wine, dragon essence and tiger fierce soup, and all sorts of other things prepared by the concubines, from all over the country. Su Peisheng didn't dare to say anything.
Physician Lu exclaimed, "These are all highly nourishing foods, and many of them have the effect of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening virility. No wonder His Majesty has used so much."
"Empress Dowager, Empress, these things must not be used like this anymore, or something terrible will happen!"
The Empress Dowager felt utterly humiliated, but unfortunately, the law did not punish the masses.
Those concubines meant well; they sent the tonics to remind the emperor that they were still in the harem, waiting for his favor.
Who knew so many concubines would be sent over in such a continuous stream? The emperor was foolish enough to not miss a single one, thus turning himself into this state.
The Empress advised, "In that case, it has nothing to do with Consort Wan."
"The concubines didn't expect things to turn out this way. In the end, it's all the Emperor's fault for not taking care of his own health."
If the Empress Dowager wanted to hold Zhen Huan accountable and pin the blame on her, that wouldn't be out of the question.
If she hadn't monopolized the emperor's attention, causing the other concubines to complain, this wouldn't have happened.
She knew that the Empress had pleaded for Consort Wan, and that if Zhen Huan were punished, the Emperor would likely harbor resentment towards her.
Who could blame her for resembling Chun Yuan so much? The Emperor was currently basking in the joy of regaining what he had lost, and wouldn't allow anyone to touch Zhen Huan.
The Empress Dowager said, "The Empress is right, but although it is said that the law does not punish the masses, it does concern the Emperor's health after all."
"It's nothing to be proud of, so don't let a word of it leak out. The emperor's just like a hot-tempered person in spring, all irritable!"
"Have all the concubines go to Baohua Hall to chant sutras for the emperor for seven days, and each of them should also copy the Diamond Sutra ten times and offer it before the Buddha to pray for the emperor's well-being."
"They're all so idle. Since that's the case, I'll find them some things to do so that the Emperor can rest and recuperate in peace."
The Empress said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will have someone summon my sisters to Jingren Palace immediately."
Su Peisheng saw Physician Lu out and prepared medicine for the emperor.
Seeing that there were no outsiders around, the Empress Dowager found the Emperor lying unconscious on his bed behind the screen.
She retorted with dissatisfaction, "You are the Empress. The concubines are ignorant; you should be there to restrain them."
"You're doing well now, not caring about anything, handing over the power of the palace to Consort Hua, and hiding in Jingren Palace chanting sutras."
"Have you forgotten why I had the Emperor make you Empress? In your current state, can you live up to my expectations?"
The Empress said calmly and indifferently, "I am useless and I am afraid I will disappoint the Empress Dowager."
"Ever since I fell seriously ill that day, I have dreamt every day that Honghui is not at peace in the afterlife."
"I have never been a good person, but in order for Honghui's soul to rest in peace, I am willing to be a virtuous and kind person."
“These days, I can only find a moment of peace when I am chanting sutras in front of the Buddha.”
"Your Majesty, I am no longer able to govern the harem. Please forgive me."
The Empress knelt down decisively, unconcerned that the Empress Dowager would actually harm her. At present, the Ulanara clan did not have any suitable girls.
Even if there were a suitable one, without Ulanara Yixiu, could the Empress Dowager force the Emperor to establish another Ulanara clan empress?
She had caused the deaths of so many imperial heirs, and the Empress Dowager could only pretend not to know, continuing to support her in the position of Empress.
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