GBP Chapter 170 The Empress
Chapter 170 The Empress
This was her only hope, and no one could take it away from her!
Therefore, after thinking it over, he still felt uneasy and went to Consort Tong's palace in person. This visit alarmed many people, such as He Lingyi, who had just become Empress.
"How is Consort Tong?"
"This is not good. The imperial physician said that we need to use moxibustion."
"Was it done by one of our own people?"
"No, His Majesty's intention was for Consort Tong to die during childbirth, so she won't be touched now. It must be because she is unwell."
He Lingyi meant the same thing.
Otherwise, if the new emperor were to ascend the throne and the concubines left behind by the old emperor were to miscarry on the very auspicious day of his ascension, there would be more stories being told. Therefore, thinking of this, he gave the order.
"Instruct the imperial physicians to do everything possible to preserve the pregnancy; no matter what, they must hold on until the due date."
"Yes."
Everyone, regardless of their reasons, tried their best to keep Consort Tong's pregnancy, but Consort Tong herself is now unwilling to do so.
After the imperial physician used moxibustion, it was considered a measure to maintain stability.
Consort Liang glanced at Consort Tong, whose complexion had improved somewhat, and gently comforted her.
"It's only natural for my sister to miss the late emperor, but she must think about the child in her womb. If this continues, what will become of her in the future?"
Consort Liang was still thinking about Consort Tong's child, so she naturally wanted to make her words sound more convincing, pretending to care about the child and Consort Tong. Unfortunately, Consort Tong kept a cold face and didn't respond, making Consort Liang quite uncomfortable.
"Alright, my sister is tired today, so I'll go back first. I'll come visit you again when you're feeling better." Consort Liang gave herself a way out, and she sighed as she left, which made everyone in the palace remember how much she cared about Consort Tong's pregnancy.
After all the people who came to see her had left, Consort Tong let out a loud snort.
Then, taking advantage of a moment when no one was looking, he suddenly punched his own stomach hard, which frightened the palace maids nearby, who quickly stepped forward to stop him.
"Your Majesty, please reconsider! If this child cannot be born, your life will be in danger..."
"I'm afraid that once this child is born, I won't be able to save my life!" Consort Tong said softly, her eyes filled with worry and regret.
She never imagined that the child would be that person's!
She had only wanted to find a tight-lipped, dim-witted guard to have a child with, then kill him to end the matter and cover it up. She never expected it would be him!
If this were to leak out, she, along with her entire incompetent clan, would likely be wiped out, which is why she came up with the idea of not having children.
"My lady..."
The palace maid beside her spoke in a softer voice, looked around, and then lowered her voice again to comfort her.
"No matter what, it's a life. Besides, without this child, we probably wouldn't even be able to keep our current lives. Didn't the Prince say that if Your Highness could lend him a hand, he would definitely allow Your Highness and the little prince to continue living this life of honor?"
A day of veneration?
That's something she'd risk her life for.
After all, the condition they offered was that she find a way to get close to the new emperor and drug him! But if she had that ability, why would she need to borrow sperm to have a child? It's ridiculous.
She waved her hand, not wanting to talk to the palace maid any longer. After turning over in anger and resentment, she closed her eyes to rest.
After a long and eventful day, she was extremely frustrated.
The palace maid stayed by her side until she calmed down and fell asleep before quietly leaving. Not long after, a figure slipped in, looking at the sleeping Consort Tong with a complex and calculating look in his eyes.
The night gradually deepened.
It wasn't until the palace began to be lit that Shen Song'an, who had now become the emperor, appeared in the Handan Palace.
He was exhausted, but his demeanor was completely different from when he was the crown prince.
Wearing the dragon robe, the large, round, thick, and dazzling pearl on his crown made him appear even more profound, solemn, and dignified.
He Lingyi stepped forward to pay his respects, already saying "Greetings to the Emperor," but the Emperor didn't like this form of address, as it made the two seem somewhat distant. So he was about to mention something, but before he could even speak, He Lingyi said something else.
"Your Majesty, you cannot be willful. The way we address each other has been established since ancient times, and even I, your humble servant, must change my way of addressing you."
When she was the Crown Princess, He Lingyi always referred to herself as "I". Now that she has to become "your concubine", she feels awkward, but there is no other way. Since they have taken this position, the two of them have a responsibility to set an example for others.
The emperor thought about it and agreed with He Lingyi, so he replied.
"Yes, I'll do as you say."
Although the words were simple, they conveyed boundless trust. He Lingyi smiled and had someone bring the food.
This was their first meal together after they became emperor and empress.
He Lingyi did not have the imperial kitchen prepare much; it was still the same four dishes and one soup they had when they were in the Eastern Palace. Upon seeing this, the emperor's previously poor appetite instantly improved.
"It's still more comfortable here with you."
He Lingyi made him a bowl of tofu and fish soup. The fresh and tender taste warmed him up as soon as he ate it.
"Only today have I been able to eat a hot meal."
"In that case, Your Majesty should eat more. The new dynasty has just been established, and there must be many things to do. You need to be in good health."
"The Empress is right. I will have another bowl."
With a smile in his eyes, the emperor handed the bowl to He Lingyi, just like an ordinary couple. While the two of them were eating, Xia Jing, Xing Luo, and the others stayed outside and did not serve them personally. Therefore, He Lingyi took the bowl and added some more pearl rice to it.
Then, while eating, he talked to the emperor about what had happened that day.
"It will be difficult for Consort Tong to give birth smoothly. I have asked the imperial physician to do his best to ensure her delivery, but if that fails, I'm afraid we'll have to think of another way, since Consort Liang is watching us closely."
At this point, the emperor's expression darkened.
After taking a few bites of food, he said directly, "I'll let Xia Jing handle this matter. Don't worry about it, or you'll get your hands dirty."
He Lingyi understood that the emperor meant well, but since she had taken this position, she should stand with the emperor through thick and thin. If she always hid behind the emperor, what was the point of being the empress? So she replied.
"Does Your Majesty not believe that I can handle this matter well?"
"how come?"
"Then Your Majesty should not try to absolve me of my responsibilities at all times. Your Majesty is in charge of the court, and I am in charge of the harem. Since Consort Tong and Consort Liang are both women of the harem, shouldn't it be my responsibility to take charge of them?"
"But if we were to accomplish these things, we would probably have to get our hands dirty with blood."
"Haven't I gotten enough on my hands?" He Lingyi's question silenced the emperor. Thinking of the fates of the Chi and Lü families, he realized he had indeed been worrying too much.
Then he nodded and replied.
"Alright, you can arrange it."