Meanwhile, Eunuch Wang dispatched his apprentice, Xiao Guizi, to the Cining Palace to deliver the crucial news to the Empress Dowager and Madam Jiang: Concubine Xian had regained consciousness, and the unborn child was safe and sound. Upon hearing this news, the Empress Dowager wept with joy, while Madam Jiang was overcome with mixed emotions.
The Queen Mother excitedly raised her head, clasped her hands together towards the sky, and muttered, "Buddha, have mercy on you, Buddha, bless you!" She prayed devoutly, hoping that the Buddha would continue to protect the safety of the virtuous concubine and her child.
Mrs. Jiang was filled with an eager desire, eager to fly over to her daughter's side. Just as she was about to take a step forward, Xiao Guizi stopped her. Xiao Guizi said respectfully, "Madam, please be patient. The Emperor has said that the Concubine Xian has just awakened and is still very weak. She needs to rest and cannot see anyone. However, please adjust your attitude; you will be able to see her tomorrow. Furthermore, the Emperor has specially arranged for you to remain in the palace until the Concubine Xian safely gives birth to the prince."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Jiang's mood calmed down a bit. She understood that although she couldn't see her daughter right away, she could wait just one more day and she would be able to be with her. With this thought, she no longer felt as anxious as before. The Queen Mother also stepped forward, gently shook Mrs. Jiang's hand, and comforted her, "Don't worry, Mrs. Jiang. Your daughter is a blessed child." Mrs. Jiang was filled with gratitude and nodded repeatedly.
At this moment, the entire Yongning Palace was immersed in joy, with laughter and cheers constantly ringing out. Concubine Xie Hui of Xianfu Palace had also been concerned about Concubine Xian's situation and had been sending people to inquire about the news. When she learned that Concubine Xian was not only safe but also pregnant with a prince, a sincere smile appeared on her face, and she thought to herself that now she would have to busy herself preparing gifts and embroidered clothes for Concubine Xian's child.
Meanwhile, a gloomy atmosphere permeated Kunning Palace. The Empress angrily smashed some precious porcelain, muttering to herself, "How can this be! Is she truly the reincarnation of a demon? She was clearly poisoned, yet she's still safe and sound! This is truly incredible! I absolutely do not believe she's supernatural and could have escaped this calamity. Next time, I'll make sure she learns!" The Empress's eyes were filled with sinister and vicious intent, sending chills down your spine.
Caihong, watching the Empress's loss of composure, felt a chill well up in her heart, but she dared not speak, simply standing by silently, not daring to offer any comfort. She knew her master now disfavored the Emperor, and only by clinging to her position as Empress could the Deng family's glory be assured. Jiang Meiyu, favored by the Emperor and pregnant with the Dragon Child, had become the Empress's greatest threat. As a loyal servant, she was bound to follow the Empress' lead, understanding the principle of shared prosperity and shared suffering.
Concubine Liu remained indifferent and indifferent. Even when she heard the news that Concubine Xian was pregnant, she remained indifferent. However, Concubine Gu of Yongfu Palace was very different from Concubine Liu. Since Concubine Shu passed away, she was the only noble lady living in Yongfu Palace. According to common sense, a noble lady was not qualified to live in a palace alone. However, since the emperor did not issue an order to move the palace and the empress did not order her to move out, Concubine Gu continued to live in Yongfu Palace. When she heard that Jiang Meiyu was not only not dead, but was pregnant, her heart was immediately filled with resentment. But on the surface, she still pretended to be gentle and kind.
Today, Madam Jiang finally saw her daughter, and the mother and daughter hugged each other. "My Yu'er, let me see, you have lost weight. Now the emperor specifically asked me to stay until you give birth so that I can take good care of you."
"Well, mother, how is my father?"
"How can it be good? When we heard that something happened to you, we were extremely worried. The emperor didn't let your father into the palace, fearing that it would delay the investigation of the real culprit. Fortunately, you are fine now. I guess the emperor will let your father come to see you at the court this morning." As expected, the emperor strode into the inner hall of Yongning Palace, followed by Prime Minister Jiang. The palace has a rule that outsiders are not allowed to enter the harem, let alone the concubines' inner hall, but today the emperor has granted permission. Madam Jiang bowed to the emperor, and the emperor waved his hand, "No need to be polite, Madam Jiang, please stand up." Then, Prime Minister Jiang threw up his hands and prepared to kneel down to Jiang Meiyu, "Your humble servant..."
"Daddy, no need to be so polite." Jiang Meiyu quickly stood up and ran over to help Prime Minister Jiang up. Seeing that his daughter was safe and sound, Prime Minister Jiang burst into tears. Jiang Meiyu reached out and wiped away Prime Minister Jiang's tears, and said gently: "Daddy, my daughter is fine now, please don't worry." Jiang Meiyu held her parents and began to chat about family matters. It felt like there were endless personal things to say. The emperor felt a little envious when he saw this scene. He had been born in the royal family since he was a child, and the late emperor had never treated him and cared about him like the prime minister treated his daughter. He couldn't help feeling a little lost.
The emperor arranged lunch and ate with them, then went to the study of Yongning Palace with the prime minister to discuss government affairs. Jiang's mother chatted with her daughter and told her to be careful in the first three months of pregnancy.
"Your Majesty, the Xi Kingdom in the south is eyeing us covetously. We may have to go to war again," Prime Minister Jiang said.
"Why? The Prime Minister thinks he should be beaten?" asked the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, I think our Great Yan Kingdom is not weak now. We have been keeping a low profile for many years. It is time to let them see our strength. Moreover, the Xi Kingdom is looking for trouble now. Why don't we just kill the chicken to scare the monkey and have a deterrent effect?" Prime Minister Jiang said respectfully.
"Okay, Prime Minister, what you said makes a lot of sense, and it coincides with my opinion. But who should we send to fight? Does Prime Minister have any recommendations?"
"Your Majesty, I think this matter can be handed over to the Loyal and Brave Marquis. He is a brave warrior and does not associate with powerful officials. If he wins, he will not pose a threat to Your Majesty."
The emperor laughed heartily and said, "The Prime Minister is indeed my most important civil official and my good father-in-law."
"Your Majesty, please don't joke around. My daughter is just a concubine. How can Your Majesty call me your father-in-law?" the Prime Minister said respectfully.
"If I say you are you, then you are it" The emperor did not comment
"Why didn't the Prime Minister recommend his own son? I heard that Young Master Jiang vowed to make contributions to the country when he was young," the emperor said sarcastically.
"My son still needs experience and is not yet ready to take on this important responsibility. I'm afraid he will cause trouble for the state," the Prime Minister said frankly.
"Alright, as the Prime Minister said, tomorrow morning I will order the loyal and brave generals to march south to attack the Xi Kingdom. Your son will be the deputy general for now. Go and gain some experience!"
"Yes, as ordered. I thank Your Majesty for your grace on behalf of my son!"
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