Сhapter 12: Тhе Emprеss Dowagеr Rеturns tо thе Раlaсе
Нuа Shu releаsed her hand, turned tо fаcе thе brоnzе mirrоr, and рut оn thе earring.
Соnsort Нui looked аt the Еmpress, her еxрressiоn сomplеtely chаngеd, nоw with а hint of genuinе аdmirаtiоn.
She had bеen mistаken befоre—it turned оut Her Мajesty hаd аlwаys bееn clear-hеadеd, just nеver showеd it.
She cоuldn’t helр but fееl a sеnse of rеlief that shе hаd сhosen the right side.
Hua Shu said nothing mоrе. Once dressеd, shе prepаrеd to go to the palace gate to welcome the Empress Dowager.
When she arrived, it happened that the Emperor had just arrived as well. Hua Shu curtsied in greeting, but this time the Emperor didn’t even glance at her, walking straight ahead on his own.
Anyone with eyes could see that the Emperor held no regard for the Empress.
Hua Shu said nothing further and walked over to stand beside the Emperor.
Her gaze fixed ahead. If it were merely the Empress Dowager returning to the palace, there would be no need for such a grand display.
However, it was said that the Empress Dowager had attended lectures, performed acts of charity locally and in surrounding areas, earning praise from many. Some even composed poems specifically for her, praising the State of Chu for having such an Empress Dowager as a blessing, also mentioning the Emperor’s filial piety toward her.
The State of Chu had always won the people’s hearts through benevolent governance and revered filial piety.
No matter what the Emperor truly thought, he would never lose face.
“It seems the Empress is in high spirits, eagerly anticipating Mother’s return to the palace,” Chu Ze spoke, his voice soft but clear enough for Hua Shu to hear.
Hua Shu understood the Emperor’s words all too well.
She leaned slightly closer to him deliberately, lowering her voice. “Does the Emperor not feel joy or anticipation for Mother’s return to the palace?”
Chu Ze lowered his gaze, a trace of coldness flowing through him, yet the Empress before him smiled brightly.
He pursed his lips tightly, shifting his gaze away, inwardly sneering—the Empress remained as unruly and absurd as ever.
Neither spoke further, and Hua Shu enjoyed the peace.
The undercurrents between the Emperor and Empress, observed by the consorts behind them, gave the illusion of an inexplicable harmony, especially since the Empress seemed so cheerful.
“With the Empress Dowager’s return, it seems the relationship between the Emperor and Her Majesty has eased considerably.”
Consort Hui, standing at the front, saw it clearly. Though she was surprised and didn’t know what the Emperor and Empress were discussing, she was pleased to witness the scene.
As for whether others were pleased, that remained unknown.
Her words caused the expressions of the other consorts to shift repeatedly.
Especially Rong Zhaoyi, whose eyes reddened. She instinctively bit her lip, not daring to show her emotions too openly, and lowered her head, her hand repeatedly stroking her abdomen.
No matter what, the Emperor’s heart was with her. Once she safely gave birth to the imperial heir, everything would be fine.
Moments later, a procession appeared outside the palace gate, with a carriage slowly stopping at the front.
The carriage was spacious but not luxurious, reflecting frugality.
The Emperor walked ahead, while Hua Shu followed a step behind. When they arrived, they saw a woman stepping out from inside. She wore a dark brown robe with golden threads tracing from the collar to the sleeves, as if adorned with auspicious clouds, giving her a unique elegance.
Empress Dowager Zhao was well-preserved. Though past the age of forty, her hair remained jet black.
Though there were a few wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, one could still see the beauty of her youth.
Standing beside her were two women, both daughters of the Empress Dowager. The taller one was Princess Pingyi, twenty-four years old, whose husband was the top scholar of the previous imperial examination.
The other, more petite, was Princess Leya, seventeen years old and not yet betrothed.Hua Shu led the consorts from various palaces in paying respects and offering greetings. The Emperor walked over to the Empress Dowager’s side, inquiring with concern.
Empress Dowager Zhao patted the back of the Emperor’s hand cheerfully and exchanged pleasantries as well.
The group walked back in harmony when Empress Dowager Zhao seemed to recall something. She turned around to look at Hua Shu and said, “Empress, come here. I have something to say to you as well.”
Her smile was exceedingly kind.
Hua Shu approached her side with proper decorum, but the Empress Dowager did not say anything else.
It was like an ordinary family, where a mother returns home to chat casually with her son and daughter-in-law.
“Your Highness must be weary from the journey. The Emperor has prepared a welcoming banquet and specifically instructed me to ensure everything is arranged perfectly,” Consort De, following behind, spoke up with a smile.
By mentioning this publicly, she was undoubtedly flaunting her status.
Consort De did not believe that the Empress Dowager was completely unaware of the affairs within the palace.
At Consort De’s sudden interjection, Empress Dowager Zhao fell silent, her expression slightly displeased.
Chu Ze glanced lightly at Consort De and naturally noticed Empress Dowager Zhao’s expression, but he offered no explanation.
Instead, Hua Shu spoke first, “Mother, knowing of your return to the palace, Consort De’s arrangements were indeed meticulous and thoughtful.”
She smoothed things over, and Empress Dowager Zhao turned her head to look at her a few times, somewhat incredulous.
Had it been so long? The Empress’s temperament had changed?
Empress Dowager Zhao still considered those present and simply continued walking forward. “Emperor, no matter how lacking the Empress may be, she is still better than those who become arrogant with success. The palace needs peace; we must not put the cart before the horse.”
Her voice was not loud, audible only to those nearby.
Hua Shu supported her, head bowed, as if the matter had nothing to do with her.
Faintly, she heard the Emperor emit a low “hmm” from his throat.
Without looking up, she could guess that the Emperor’s expression must be unpleasant.
Consort Xian stood beside Consort De, smiling. “Why must you be so impatient? The Emperor’s attitude toward the Empress is so poor now. You should know that reclaiming the Phoenix Seal will certainly not be easy.”
Only then did Consort De realize she had been too impulsive, but how could she bear it?
She couldn’t just watch helplessly as the power she had gained was taken back.
She glanced at Consort Xian, displeased, and turned her head away. She couldn’t let these people laugh at her.
“Your Highness, you are the birth mother of the First Prince and highly favored by the Emperor. Who would dare look down on you?” Consort Wan, as usual, flattered from behind.
Her face was covered in a thick layer of powder, concealing any traces of redness or swelling.
Hearing this, Consort De straightened her back and walked with steadier steps.
She had accompanied the Emperor the longest, given birth to the First Prince, and the Emperor had entrusted her with managing the palace—all of this was proof enough. With a little boldness, she could gain everything.
By then, what would the Empress amount to?
Consort Hui was not far from them. Although she couldn’t hear clearly, she could guess a few words by watching their lips.
In her heart, she sneered at them.
But thinking of what the Empress had said, she felt a faint sense of anticipation for what would happen next.
Upon arriving at Jiaotai Hall, Li Sheng, along with the stewards, led the palace maids in serving the meal.
Hua Shu sat there, occasionally exchanging a few words with the Empress Dowager, mostly about the Empress Dowager’s experiences outside the palace.
She understood that Empress Dowager Zhao did not intend for her to learn anything but was deliberately speaking for the Emperor to hear.
Hua Shu took a sip from her teacup, faintly sensing several gazes from below.
She couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.
What? Jealous? Want to kill her?
They’d have to see if they had the capability.”Rong Zhaoyi, what’s wrong with you?” An anxious voice rang out in the great hall, and everyone’s gaze shifted over.