A gentle breeze stirred the surface of the pond, creating ripples.
Hua Shu stood before her, smoothing her wide embroidered robe, and extended her hand. “Rise.”
The original owner had few people she could rely on; her interactions with Consort Hui carried hidden intentions.
Controlling the child could intimidate Consort Hui, but forcibly keeping him close might backfire, creating mutual suspicion.
The emperor’s vigilance toward her was intense. Acting hastily on this matter would only bring trouble.
Besides, the emperor was only twenty-five, strong and healthy. There was no immediate danger; he had many years ahead.
Why not offer a personal favor, letting Consort Hui willingly submit to her guidance?
Consort Hui slowly lifted her head. The sun was high and glaring, making it hard to discern the empress’s expression. She could only see the slender hand before her, delicate as jade.
She raised her arm sluggishly; her fingertips brushed the warm, smooth hand, and she rose gradually.
Hua Shu did not mention the matter again. Her gaze shifted elsewhere, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. “We haven’t finished admiring the flowers. Walk with me a little longer.”
Consort Hui, seeing the empress’s profile, felt reassured, a strange warmth blooming in her chest.
“Very well.”
As long as she could care for the prince and serve the empress loyally, what else mattered?
The relationship between them subtly drew closer.
Consort Hui set aside her grudges and happily engaged in discussing flowers, sometimes sharing anecdotes with the empress.
When they came to the chrysanthemums, a group of people appeared ahead.
The entourage was large, nearly rivaling the empress’s own procession.
Hua Shu stopped, appraising the woman leading the group.
She wore a pink, wide-sleeved silk robe over a white pleated skirt, with a shawl draped over her shoulders. Her hair was styled in twin spirals, adorned with the most fashionable jade combs bearing a twin-bird motif.
Looking up slightly, her delicate features were apparent, with gracefully arched brows and a fragile expression, as if she might cry at any moment.
A beauty.
Rong Zhao Yi—this was the favored consort who held the emperor’s heart.
Even before ascending the throne, the emperor wished to take her as a consort.
But Rong Zhao Yi’s status was low, her family not sufficiently respectable, so the Empress Dowager refused. She could only remain as a maid by the emperor’s side.
For a year, she remained nameless and rankless. Only when the emperor ascended did her status change.
Consort Hui also noticed her. In a low voice, she said, “Your Highness, we’ve seen enough flowers. Perhaps we should return to the palace?”
Her words were polite, but she intended to warn the empress to keep her distance from Rong Zhao Yi.
Rong Zhao Yi was now pregnant; any misstep could be blamed on her.
Hua Shu said nothing, simply standing there.
Rong Zhao Yi had seen them as well. Twisting her body, she stepped forward without bowing.
“Your Highness the Empress, Consort Hui, I greet you. I have been unwell recently, and His Majesty excused me from performing formal courtesies. I hope you will forgive me.”
The empress remained silent. Consort Hui bristled inwardly.
So arrogant! So ill-mannered! She came here to flaunt herself.
“Rong Zhao Yi is unwell and should rest in the palace. But I see her complexion is rosy—it doesn’t seem like she’s sick at all,” Consort Hui said.
Rong Zhao Yi’s expression changed slightly, and she bit her lips. “Your words are noted, Consort Hui.”
Consort Hui waved her hand quickly. “No, I did not chastise you. Everyone is watching. I only speak what I observe.”
Hearing this, Rong Zhao Yi fell silent, her lips pale from biting, eyes reddened, as though tears might fall.
“Some truths are better left unsaid,” Hua Shu said with a smile, finding the scene rather dull. “I am weary. Let us return.”
Rong Zhao Yi’s petty tricks were nothing new to her.
A persona of fragility must endure such indignities. If one could not tolerate it, the persona itself would backfire.
As the empress and her entourage left, the imperial garden returned to calm.
Rong Zhao Yi watched Hua Shu’s back, her eyes filled with hatred.
Li Sheng hurried into the imperial study, seeing the emperor reviewing memorials. A trace of urgency showed on his face.
“Your Majesty, someone from Caiyun Hall reports that Rong Zhao Yi fainted. But do not worry—the imperial physician examined her. She has regained consciousness. It was due to physical weakness.”
Chuze frowned. “Have the physician watch her closely. If anything happens, inform me immediately.”
Li Sheng nodded and relayed the instructions.
Chuze focused for a moment, then resumed reviewing memorials.
With the autumn harvest approaching, ministers held differing opinions on taxation, requiring careful consideration.
That evening, the emperor appeared at Caiyun Hall.
Entering, he saw Rong Zhao Yi leaning on the bed, drinking her medicine. Seeing him, tears fell from her eyes.
She knelt to greet him but was guided to sit by the emperor.
“I said before, you are unwell, so there is no need for formalities,” Chuze said.
Rong Zhao Yi nodded weakly, leaning on his shoulder. “I dreamed of the past, when I accompanied the Fourth Prince, lighting lamps and reading at night.”
At that time, the emperor had still been the fourth prince, unrecognized by the late emperor, lonely. She had stayed by his side gently.
Chuze’s expression softened. He patted her back lightly. “What’s wrong? Have you been wronged?”
Rong Zhao Yi’s shoulders trembled but she did not speak. The maid, Songshi, knelt nearby, speaking at length.
“Your servant dares to speak honestly. Today, the mistress wished to enjoy the fine weather and went out, only to encounter the Empress and Consort Hui in the garden. Mistress is weak and pregnant, and may have neglected formalities, which displeased them.”
“Silence! That is not your concern!” Rong Zhao Yi scolded, then fell into the emperor’s arms. “Your Majesty, it was all my fault.”
Chuze’s eyes darkened. “You are weak. I already excused you from formalities. Others taking offense—this reflects their dissatisfaction with me.”
The emperor said no more, comforting her and helping her take her medicine. Before leaving, he looked at the imperial physician waiting nearby.
“My report, Your Majesty: Rong Zhao Yi remains mentally unsettled after recent events, melancholic and anxious, which led to her fainting,” Chief Physician Zhang said, bowing.
“Ensure the heir is protected without fail!” Chuze commanded. Zhang bowed in acknowledgment.
That night, the emperor did not stay at Caiyun Hall.
After the staff left, Songshi came out, holding a bulging pouch. She handed it to Chief Physician Zhang. “The mistress knows you have served her diligently. This is her reward.”
Zhang bowed. In the palace, one’s protection determined one’s duties.
Inside, Rong Zhao Yi leaned against the bed. Her frail pose was less pronounced; hatred flowed from her.
She would never forgive the deceitful empress—the one who sought her child’s life.