Qi Jingheng leaned back against the imperial sedan chair and waved his hand.
Chen An, who was waiting beside him, understood immediately and promptly called out, “Set forth!”
As the imperial sedan chair slowly departed, the expressions of the concubines in the imperial garden shifted, most of them showing disappointment.
Rong Jieyu twisted her handkerchief, turned around, and headed back. Sun Baolin, who was following behind her, quickly caught up and offered comforting words, “Rong Jieyu, it seems the Emperor is burdened with official duties and cannot stay longer.”
Sun Baolin had entered the palace through the recent selection of consorts. Her family background was humble, and she lived in the Caiyun Hall with Rong Jieyu. On ordinary days, she often went out of her way to please Rong Jieyu, hoping to find someone to rely on within the palace.
Rong Jieyu curled her lip. She did not hold Sun Baolin in high regard, but she enjoyed the feeling of being flattered, so overall, their interactions were still quite frequent.
She agreed with what Sun Baolin said, but she felt uneasy inside. Among the new consorts, she was the first to serve the Emperor in bed, and her rank had risen relatively quickly. Facing many watchful eyes, Rong Jieyu knew she had to seize the opportunity and firmly capture the Emperor’s heart.
Having just entered the palace, as her mother said, she should strike while the iron is hot and climb even higher. After all, as time passed, the Emperor’s attention might not necessarily remain on her.
Qi Jingheng returned to the palace and sat on the small couch. Looking at the tea placed there, he couldn’t help but recall that figure.
But soon, he pushed these thoughts aside and began playing chess. After a while, Qi Jingheng put down the chess piece in his hand, stood up, and walked outside.
Seeing this, Chen An quickly followed, unsure where the Emperor was headed. He only heard a voice from ahead say, “Kunning Palace.”
It seemed the Emperor was going to see the Empress. Chen An promptly acknowledged and hurriedly made arrangements.
At Kunning Palace, Empress Zhao and others had long been waiting outside. When she saw the imperial sedan chair appear around the corner, a smile touched her lips.
Indeed, no matter what others said a hundred times, it was not as effective as the Empress Dowager saying it once. No matter how unconventional the Emperor might be, he was ultimately a filial person.
Everyone at Kunning Palace bowed in greeting.
Qi Jingheng stepped down from the imperial sedan chair and, looking at Empress Zhao who had come to welcome him, said, “There is no need for such formalities, Empress. I have come to see Hao’er.”
Upon hearing this, although Empress Zhao felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, she nodded without showing any expression and followed the Emperor inside.
As long as the Emperor came, regardless of the reason, it was a good thing. Moreover, who wouldn’t want their own child to be deeply favored by the Emperor? This matter concerned the future succession to the throne.
Her Hao’er was the legitimate son, rightful and proper.
Soon, the group entered the side hall. The wet nurse was coaxing the Third Prince in the small bed. Seeing the Emperor arrive, the wet nurse quickly stepped aside and bowed.
Qi Jingheng looked at the little child inside. The last time he saw Hao’er was a month ago, and now he had grown a bit chubbier, fair and tender.
The little baby tugged at the corner of the blanket, his big eyes rolling around, and his feet kicking in the air, as if he had a lot to say.
Empress Zhao quietly approached, bent down, and picked up Hao’er, bringing him closer to the Emperor. “Hao’er, quickly greet your imperial father. Your imperial father has come to see you.”
At this moment, the Empress shed some of her usual solemnity and dignity, showing a touch more gentleness.
Qi Jingheng, with interest, pinched Hao’er’s little hand. As if remembering something, he glanced at Chen An behind him. “I have newly acquired Shenzhou velvet brocade. Send it to the Department of Imperial Manufacture to make a mattress for Hao’er.”
Empress Zhao gently rocked Hao’er in her arms, feeling quite satisfied. This Shenzhou velvet brocade, with its intricate craftsmanship, made for bedding that was warm in winter and cool in summer. It was expensive and scarce in quantity. The batch in her palace was still last year’s old stock, and with the higher temperatures this year, the supply had become even scarcer.
The Emperor remembering to give some to Hao’er showed he had put thought into it.
“Your servant thanks Your Majesty on behalf of Hao’er for the reward,” Empress Zhao said, looking at Qi Jingheng with gentle eyes.
Qi Jingheng didn’t say much else, merely amusing himself with Hao’er. As evening approached, Empress Zhao glanced at the Emperor and tentatively began, “If Your Majesty is not busy, your servant has prepared a meal. Would Your Majesty…”
Naturally, the Empress hoped the Emperor would stay, but her sense of propriety restrained her, preventing her from speaking the words outright.
Qi Jingheng lightly pressed his tired eyelids with his fingertips. It had to be said, every time he came to Kunning Palace, it made him feel as though time dragged on endlessly. “No need. I still have important matters to attend to and won’t stay long.”
After the Emperor finished speaking, he left. The entire Kunning Palace respectfully saw him off. Empress Zhao watched the direction he had gone and murmured, “Has His Majesty grown tired of me?”
When she first entered the palace, she could often see the Emperor. But ever since she gave birth to Hao’er, the time she spent with the Emperor had grown increasingly scarce.
She had even sought out imperial physicians to regulate her health and even tried beauty treatments, yet every time the Emperor looked at her, he seemed distracted.
Nanny Su looked at her mistress. “How could His Majesty tire of you, Your Majesty? You are the rightful Empress, respected and cherished by the Emperor.”
Empress Zhao smiled, though it carried a hint of bitterness. She knew Nanny Su was trying to comfort her. Indeed, the only consolation left to her was her position as Empress.
……..
Qi Jingheng looked up at the sky, his steps never ceasing, though his direction was not toward the Imperial Study but along a small path.
Chen An didn’t ask any questions, simply following the Emperor’s footsteps.
Passing by the pond, he saw the swaying willow trees on the verge of collapse, and his mind naturally drifted to the person who had fallen into the water that day.
In the past, he would never think of anyone individually, much less compare these women. It was like admiring flowers—one always had to see different blossoms in full bloom.
Qi Jingheng walked up to the second floor, placing both hands on the railing as he gazed at the distant scenery. Casually glancing down, he caught sight of someone standing among the flowers, holding a fan that covered half her face as she leaned down to inhale the fragrance of the blossoms.
She wore a pink dress, with a butterfly pearl hairpin tucked into her hair. The pearls shimmered in the sunlight, and as she looked up for a moment, she appeared enchanting and captivating.
It was Luo Shuran, out for a stroll.
She had spent half the day lying down and had barely mustered the energy to go out for a walk.
As Luo Shuran stood up, she felt a sharp ache in her waist. Supporting her back, she couldn’t help but curse inwardly at the person who had been insatiable the previous night.
“Let’s go back,” Ming Xia quickly supported her mistress as she turned to leave. Though inexperienced in such matters, she understood where her mistress was feeling discomfort.
Upstairs, Qi Jingheng narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips.
By evening, Luo Shuran was lying on a small couch reading a book when she heard someone from the Office of Imperial Bedchamber Affairs come to deliver a message: the Emperor had summoned her for the night.
The book in Luo Shuran’s hand fell, and she suddenly felt a twinge of pain in a certain area.
Upon arriving at the Palace of Favor Reception, the process was the same as before. However, while bathing, Chief Steward Qian suddenly walked in from outside, holding a small porcelain jar.
Luo Shuran was momentarily stunned before understanding—this seemed to be Muscle Regeneration Liquid.
It was said to relieve pain and aid recovery. Even an old woman applying a little could regain the elasticity of a young girl. Of course, the rumors were somewhat exaggerated, but it certainly had some effect.
Chief Steward Qian spoke gently, “This is the Muscle Regeneration Liquid His Majesty has bestowed upon the Talented Lady.”
Luo Shuran took it and did not delay, quickly handling the matter.
When the dressing matron arrived, Luo Shuran went out and sat before the dressing mirror. She could indeed feel a cool sensation in a certain area, and the pain had truly vanished.
She breathed a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat at ease. Although serving the Emperor was a good thing, her body was her own, and she had to take good care of it no matter what.
Luo Shuran entered the inner chamber with practiced ease. This time, the Emperor was not waiting for her on the small couch.
Instead, he was lying directly on the dragon bed.