Сhapter 7: Тhе Delicаte Bеаutу in thе Еmрerоr’s Неаrt
A gentlе breeze brushed thе surfаcе оf thе роnd, stirring ripрlеs аcross thе wаter.
Нua Shu stood bеforе her, smoothing thе wide slеevеs оf her embrоidered robе bеfоrе extеnding а hаnd. “Risе.”
The оriginal hоst had few rеliable рeoрle around hеr, аnd hеr assосiation with Cоnsort Нui wаs also drivеn by ulteriоr motivеs.
Whilе сontrоlling the child сould servе аs lеverage over Consort Нui, fоrcibly raising the сhild bу her side might baсkfirе, breeding mutual suspicion instead.
The Emperor was already deeply wary of her. Rushing into this matter now would only invite trouble.
Moreover, the Emperor was only twenty-five, strong and healthy—far from death’s door. There was still a long road ahead.
Why not extend a favor instead, making Consort Hui willingly serve her?
Consort Hui slowly lifted her head. The sun was blazing, its glare so intense that she could hardly make out the Empress’s expression. All she could see was the slender, jade-like hand extended before her.
She hesitantly raised her arm, her fingertips brushing against the warm, smooth touch, and gradually rose to her feet.
Hua Shu did not bring up the matter again. Instead, she gazed into the distance, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. “The flowers are not yet fully admired. Accompany me a little longer.”
Consort Hui looked at the Empress’s profile, her heart settling into a strange, newfound calm.
“Very well.”
If she could raise the imperial child well, what did it matter if she devoted herself to the Empress?
Unconsciously, the distance between them seemed to shrink.
Consort Hui let go of her reservations and began to take interest in other things, her face brightening with occasional smiles as she shared stories about the flowers with the Empress.
Just as they were discussing chrysanthemums, a procession of people approached from ahead.
The entourage was grand, with as many attendants as the Empress herself would have on an outing.
Hua Shu halted her steps, observing the woman at the forefront.
She wore a pink wide-sleeved silk blouse paired with a white pleated long skirt, a shawl draped over her shoulders. Her hair was styled in double spiral buns, adorned with the currently fashionable jade double-bird patterned combs.
As she lifted her head slightly, her delicate beauty became apparent—arched eyebrows like hanging pearls, every smile and frown carrying a fragile tenderness, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
She was indeed a beauty.
Rong Zhaoyi—this was the favored consort the Emperor held dear to his heart.
It was said that even before ascending the throne, the Emperor had wished to take her into the palace.
Unfortunately, Rong Zhaoyi’s status was too low at the time, and her family background was not sufficiently distinguished, so the Empress Dowager had not consented. Instead, she was allowed to accompany him as a maid.
Thus, Rong Zhaoyi remained nameless and titleless for a year, only gaining status after the Emperor ascended the throne.
Consort Hui also noticed her and whispered, “Your Majesty, we have seen most of the flowers. Perhaps it is time to return to the palace?”
Her words were tactful, but her true intention was to remind the Empress to keep her distance from Rong Zhaoyi.
Rong Zhaoyi was currently pregnant. If anything were to happen, she would surely find a way to blame others.
Hua Shu remained silent, standing still.
Rong Zhaoyi had clearly noticed them as well. She swayed her hips as she approached, yet did not perform the customary bow.
“This humble consort greets Her Majesty the Empress and Consort Hui. May Your Majesties enjoy boundless fortune and peace. Recently, this humble consort has been unwell, and the Emperor has specially exempted her from performing grand ceremonies. I hope Your Majesties will forgive me.”
The Empress remained unmoved, but Consort Hui could not contain her displeasure.
Truly, she was arrogant due to favor, utterly lacking in propriety. Coming here to flaunt her status and show off.
“If Consort Rong is unwell, she should rest properly in her palace. However, this consort observes that Consort Rong appears rosy-cheeked and does not seem ill.”
Consort Hui remarked.
Rong Zhaoyi’s expression shifted slightly, and she lightly bit her red lips. “Consort Hui’s admonishment is duly noted.”Consort Hui immediately waved her hand. “No, I am not reprimanding you. Everyone is watching. I am merely speaking a few truthful words about what I saw.”
At these words, Rong Zhaoyi fell silent, saying nothing, only biting her red lips until they turned pale. Her eyes reddened as if tears were about to fall.
“Consort Hui, some truths are better left unsaid,” Hua Shu said with a smile, finding the scene somewhat tiresome. “I am weary. Let us return.”
Such petty tricks employed by Rong Zhaoyi were all too familiar to her.
However, if one chooses to adopt a delicate persona, one must endure these grievances. If one cannot bear it, one will inevitably be consumed by one’s own facade.
As the Empress and her entourage departed, the Imperial Garden instantly returned to tranquility.
Rong Zhaoyi watched Hua Shu’s retreating figure, her eyes filled with hatred.
Li Sheng hurried into the Imperial Study and saw the Emperor reviewing memorials. Suppressing his urgency, he spoke.
“Your Majesty, someone from Colorful Cloud Hall has reported that Rong Zhaoyi has fainted. However, do not worry, Your Majesty. The imperial physician has already examined her, and Rong Zhaoyi has regained consciousness. It is said to be due to physical weakness.”
Chu Ze listened, his brow furrowing tightly. “Have the imperial physician stay by her side. If there are any further developments, inform me immediately.”
Li Sheng nodded and quickly relayed the order.
Chu Ze remained deep in thought for a moment, unmoving, then continued to pick up his brush and review the memorial in his hand.
The autumn harvest season was approaching, and regarding the matter of taxes, the ministers held differing opinions. He had no choice but to give it careful consideration.
By evening, the Emperor appeared at Colorful Cloud Hall.
Upon entering, he saw Rong Zhaoyi leaning against the bed, drinking medicine. At the sight of him, tears immediately began to fall.
Rong Zhaoyi knelt on the bed to pay her respects, but before she could speak, the Emperor helped her sit down.
“I have said before, if your health is poor, there is no need for such formalities,” Chu Ze said.
Rong Zhaoyi nodded weakly, unconsciously leaning against his shoulder. “Rong’er dreamed of the past, of the times when she accompanied Fourth Brother, lighting the lamp and studying late into the night.”
In the past, when the Emperor was still the Fourth Prince, unrecognized by the late Emperor and in a state of desolation, it was she who tenderly stood by him.
Thinking of this, Chu Ze’s expression softened considerably. He gently patted her back. “What is the matter? Have you been wronged?”
Rong Zhaoyi trembled slightly but did not speak. Instead, her maid, Song Shi, knelt on the ground and blurted out,
“This servant dares to speak frankly and begs Your Majesty for forgiveness. Today, Her Ladyship thought the weather was fine and wished to go out for a stroll. By chance, she encountered Her Majesty the Empress and Consort Hui in the Imperial Garden. Her Ladyship is physically weak and with child, so perhaps she was somewhat remiss in her courtesies, which displeased Their Ladyships.”
“Silence! This is not your place to speak!” Rong Zhaoyi rebuked, then threw herself into the Emperor’s embrace, speaking softly, “Your Majesty, it is all Rong’er’s fault. It is all Rong’er’s own failing.”
Chu Ze’s eyes darkened. “You are physically weak. I have already granted you exemption from formalities. For others to find fault is to express dissatisfaction with me.”
The Emperor said nothing more, soothing Rong Zhaoyi as she drank her medicine. Upon leaving, he saw the imperial physician waiting there and inquired about her condition.
“Replying to Your Majesty, this humble physician believes that since the previous incident, Rong Zhaoyi still harbors unresolved distress. Her melancholy, fear, and anxiety have caused her to faint,” Imperial Physician Zhang said with a bow.
“You must ensure the imperial heir is well protected. There must be no mishap!” Chu Ze instructed, and Imperial Physician Zhang assented.
That night, the Emperor did not remain at Colorful Cloud Hall.After everyone had left, Song Shi came out holding a bulging pouch. She handed it to Imperial Physician Zhang, saying, “My mistress knows you have served her with utmost dedication. This is a reward from Her Ladyship.”
Imperial Physician Zhang bowed and accepted it, though a flicker of contemplation passed through his clouded eyes. In the palace, it was always like this—whoever offered you protection, you had to work for them.
Inside the room, Rong Zhaoyi leaned against the couch, her fragile demeanor fading as hatred flowed through her.
She would never let go of the hypocritical Empress, the one who wanted her child’s life.