Chapter 129 Consort Fucha's Unexpected Mishap
Chapter 129 Consort Fucha's Unexpected Mishap
In Yikun Palace, Nian Shilan sat on the couch, playing with the jade hairpin in her hand.
Songzhi stood aside and whispered, "Your Majesty, it seems that Jingren Palace has already noticed our movements."
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a cold smile, and she gave a soft snort:
"Ha, that old woman has finally taken the bait."
Send someone to keep a close eye on me, and don't let the slightest movement escape my notice!
Whether Huanbi can keep the child in her womb depends on her own fate.
"I have never deigned to harm children."
Upon hearing Nian Shilan's words, Songzhi couldn't help but feel somewhat puzzled.
But she knew her master's temperament well, so she didn't dare to ask any more questions, and simply replied:
"Yes, Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will make the arrangements properly."
Time flies, and a few days have passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, in Jingren Palace, Huichun once again reported to the Empress:
"Your Majesty, after investigation, it can be confirmed that Huanbi in the Cold Palace is indeed carrying the Emperor's child."
The baby in her womb was already over six months along. The servant had a skilled physician take her pulse.
It's highly likely that Huanbi is carrying a boy.
Upon hearing this, the Empress's previously calm expression instantly changed, and she coldly snorted:
"Hmph, I never thought that lowly servant girl would be so lucky."
However, this child absolutely cannot be kept!
If she were carrying a girl, I might be able to show leniency.
But since it's a boy, he'll surely become a major problem in the future.
Also, what is Nian Shilan trying to do by staring at the Cold Palace?
Did she harm Huanbi?
It's impossible for her to protect Huanbi, is it?
Huichun gently shook her head, looking troubled, and said:
"Your Highness, please forgive my ignorance, but I truly cannot fathom what the Imperial Noble Consort intends to do!"
She neither laid a hand on Huanbi nor seemed to intend to protect her.
The Imperial Noble Consort has withdrawn all her spies from the Cold Palace, seemingly intending to leave Huanbi to fend for herself.
It seems the Imperial Noble Consort wants to investigate whether Huanbi has committed any improper acts in the harem.
Whether the child in her womb is of royal blood or illegitimate, nothing else matters.
Upon hearing this, the Empress frowned.
What exactly is Shilan up to this year?
Could she have some other scheme or trick up her sleeve?
Although the Empress was extremely anxious and wished she could immediately remove the child from Huanbi's womb,
But she also knew in her heart that her current situation was already very difficult.
Do not easily fall into the trap set by Nian Shilan.
If someone were to find fault with her again, the emperor might very well depose her from her position as empress.
The Empress suppressed her burgeoning desire to have an abortion and looked at Huichun.
"Have someone keep a close eye on the Cold Palace and see if Nian Shilan makes any moves."
Several more days passed, and Huichun reported to the Empress again.
"Your Majesty, our spies in the Cold Palace and Yikun Palace have been observing for several days..."
The Imperial Noble Consort seems to have completely forgotten about the Cold Palace incident and is no longer making any moves.
Huichun paused for a moment, then continued:
However, Huanbi seemed hesitant to sit down.
She's trying every possible way to escape the cold palace.
Upon hearing this, a sinister glint flashed in the Empress's eyes.
He snorted coldly and said:
"Hmph! That lowly maid dares to dream of escaping the Cold Palace? She's just delusional!"
I will absolutely not allow her to ever have another chance to step out of the Cold Palace.
Not to mention ensuring the safe birth of her illegitimate child!
Hui Chun hurriedly said, "This servant will definitely have the people in the Cold Palace keep a close watch on Huan Bi."
"To prevent her from escaping the cold palace"
The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly and fell into a brief moment of contemplation.
It seems that Nian Shilan wants to find out whether Huanbi has had an affair.
After all, she is now in charge of palace affairs, and if anyone in the harem commits a disgraceful act, Nian Shilan will be held responsible.
The Empress's heart stirred, and she decided to use this as an opportunity to make a fuss.
After a second thought, I abandoned the idea; bringing a man into the palace would not be an easy task.
Since Nian Shilan no longer pays attention to the Cold Palace, she might as well have someone get rid of Huanbi's pregnancy.
To avoid any unforeseen complications, her people couldn't keep an eye on the Cold Palace indefinitely.
The Empress gave the following order to Huichun:
"Since Nian Shilan isn't keeping an eye on the Cold Palace anymore, let's take this opportunity to get rid of Huanbi's unborn child."
If Nian Shilan could notice the Cold Palace, then others might too.
Consort Hui is close to Zhen Huan, and might even be thinking of finding an opportunity to save her.
However, if drugs or other substances are used, it is inevitable that some clues will be left behind.
Go find some people to stage an accident and startle her.
Or make her fall down, make sure she miscarries.
But you must not leave any trace.
Hui Chun accepted the order and left.
Meanwhile, in Yikun Palace, Nian Shilan received the news, and a smile appeared on her lips.
"Then the Empress finally couldn't hold back any longer and decided to take action."
Songzhi asked in confusion:
"The Empress's position is now extremely precarious, and she's even plotting to harm the imperial heir."
Isn't she afraid that the emperor will really depose her?
Nian Shilan scoffed, "That old woman is crazy. Just because she lost her son doesn't mean she can't stand seeing others have sons."
They only dare to harm these children, but dare not retaliate against the culprits.
If she were the empress, and her son had died while her family was no longer close, then she would drag everyone down with her.
Nian Shilan stood up, walked to the dressing table, and checked herself for any imperfections.
"Now that the Empress has made her move, it's time for us to close the net."
Let's go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation and deliver the good news to the Emperor.
The old man has so few sons, he'll be very happy to have another one.
Nian Shilan, accompanied by Songzhi, gracefully walked towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Big Fat Orange was reviewing memorials when he heard that Nian Shilan was coming.
Although surprised, he still asked Su Peisheng to invite the person in.
After bowing, Nian Shilan said in a sweet voice:
"Your Majesty, I have received some great news today."
The chubby orange cat looked up, a hint of curiosity in its eyes. "Oh? What is Shilan talking about?"
Nian Shilan slowly said, "Huanbi, who lives in the Cold Palace, is pregnant with the Emperor's child."
It has been over six months, and the baby in her womb is very likely a boy.
The Emperor has few children; Consort Jing and the others have all given birth to princesses.
"The concubines Fang and the others are also carrying princesses, so isn't it incredibly joyous that Huanbi is carrying a prince?"
When Big Fat Orange heard the name Huanbi, his first reaction was that it sounded unfamiliar.
It took a while for him to realize who this person was.
It turns out she was Zhen Yuandao's half-sister, the daughter of Zhen Yuandao and the daughter of a disgraced official.
He naturally disliked the chubby Huanbi, but he did indeed have few sons under his wing.
Having a son is better than not having one.
But why would Shilan notice the matter of the Cold Palace?
The chubby orange-haired boy stared at Nian Shilan with a suspicious look, his brows furrowed, and asked in confusion:
"Shilan, what exactly is going on?"
How did you discover that Huanbi, who was in the Cold Palace, was pregnant?
The old man is just too suspicious.
Nian Shilan said slowly, "This is a long story, and it all started with the previous talent show."
At that time, you entrusted the entire matter of the imperial concubine selection to me.
The entire harem was busy with this matter.
One day, Su, an old woman who was examining the young women for imperial concubines, happened to pass by the Cold Palace.
He caught a glimpse of Huanbi's figure.
The old woman felt that Huanbi's figure seemed slightly different, and upon closer inspection, she realized that she appeared to be pregnant.
These experienced virgin examiners could tell at a glance whether a woman was a virgin or pregnant.
Granny Su knew that this matter was of utmost importance and dared not conceal anything, so she hurriedly reported the situation to me.
When I heard about this, I was also shocked.
They thought that someone was so bold as to secretly exchange gifts in the palace, committing filth and debauchery.
His Majesty trusts me, which is why he entrusted all palace affairs to me.
Such a thing happening in the harem, I feel utterly ashamed.
Your Majesty is afraid that if I tell this matter directly, Your Majesty will be so angry that it will harm your health.
Therefore, I decided to investigate this matter secretly and find out the truth.
Find another opportunity to tell the Emperor
Your Majesty first sent people to secretly monitor Huanbi's every move, but found that she had no contact with any men.
Your Majesty believes there might be more to this than meets the eye.
Later, I summoned Granny Su and ordered her to take Huanbi's pulse and diagnose her.
This pulse diagnosis revealed that Huanbi's fetus was already over six months along!
Your Majesty, after careful calculation, I have determined that this child was conceived just a few days before Huanbi was banished to the Cold Palace.
It's pitiful to think about; the environment and conditions in that cold palace were harsh and difficult.
As a result, Huanbi's pregnancy was unstable and her pregnancy was not going well, so she was not very noticeable.
If it weren't for that sharp-eyed and meticulous Granny Su, this matter might have remained a secret for who knows how much longer.
After listening to Nian Shilan's account, the chubby orange cat said slowly and with satisfaction:
"I see. Shilan is becoming more and more thorough in her actions."
Nian Shilan smiled slightly and said:
"Your Majesty flatters me. This concerns Your Majesty's offspring."
Your Majesty, I certainly wouldn't dare to be careless; I must pay attention to everything. However…”
She paused slightly, revealing a hint of worry at just the right moment, and then continued:
"The environment in this cold palace is truly appalling; it's dark and damp, and the food is all simple fare."
It's really not a suitable place to have a baby.
"Your Majesty, you should make arrangements as soon as possible! The imperial heir cannot be lost!"
Big Fatty Orange knew in his heart that Shilan wouldn't lie to him about this matter.
However, the matter of the imperial heir is of utmost importance and cannot be taken lightly.
Then, he turned to look at Su Peisheng, who was standing respectfully to the side, and said in a deep voice:
"Su Peisheng, immediately send someone to the Imperial Hospital to invite Wen Shichu to my residence."
Su Peisheng quickly replied, "Yes, sir."
He then turned and strode out of the main hall, summoning Xiao Xiazi.
Send Xiao Xiazi to the Imperial Hospital to fetch Wen Shichu.
Big Fat Orange turned its gaze back to Nian Shilan and said softly:
"Shilan, please have a seat."
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan expressed her gratitude and sat down on a stool to the side.
Not long after, Wen Shichu hurriedly arrived at the front of the hall.
He first bowed to the large orange tree and Nian Shilan, then asked respectfully:
"I wonder what brings Your Majesty to summon me here today?"
The chubby orange cat slowly stood up, walked out, and said:
"Imperial Physician Wen, please come with me to the Cold Palace."
Although Wen Shichu had doubts, he dared not ask any more questions and could only respectfully follow the emperor to the Cold Palace.
Nian Shilan, along with Songzhi and others, followed closely behind.
When they arrived at the Cold Palace, the scene before them astonished everyone.
The Cold Palace is now in complete chaos!
Someone screamed in terror, the sound sharp and piercing;
Some people were running around frantically in a panic, clearly terrified.
The old women responsible for guarding the Cold Palace were frantically trying their best to maintain order.
One of the old women knelt down to carefully examine the condition of the person lying on the ground.
A shocking pool of blood was flowing on the ground.
Upon seeing this, Su Peisheng hurriedly led his men forward.
He used his whisk to shoo and scold the women who were running wildly back to their rooms.
And then firmly close and lock the door.
After the situation stabilized somewhat, Big Fatty Orange and the others cautiously stepped into the Cold Palace.
I want to find out exactly what happened.
Upon closer inspection, they finally recognized the person lying on the ground.
It turned out to be Huanbi, who was pregnant!
Big Fat Orange's face instantly turned extremely gloomy, and he angrily shouted:
"What exactly is going on?"
The old woman standing to the side was already trembling with fear, and she answered in a shaky voice.
"Your Majesty, this old servant does not know why Consort He suddenly fell to the ground."
She suddenly fell down, and then... she started bleeding..."
Upon seeing this, Wen Shichu dared not delay for a moment and quickly stepped forward.
He extended three fingers and placed them on Huanbi's slender wrist.
As time passed, his brows furrowed deeper and his expression grew increasingly serious.
The chubby orange cat, who had been standing nervously watching from the sidelines, saw Wen Shichu's expression.
Feeling even more anxious, I couldn't help but ask:
"Wen Shichu, what exactly is the situation with Huanbi?!"
Wen Shichu hesitated for a moment, then said:
"Your Majesty, Miss Huanbi is over six months pregnant... however, the fetus has been injured in this incident..."
Coupled with long-term malnutrition, the current situation is extremely critical!
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange was both surprised and confused.
He had only just learned that Huanbi was pregnant.
What a coincidence! He had just received the news when Huanbi met with misfortune.
Could it be that someone discovered Huanbi's pregnancy and then orchestrated this unexpected incident?
Big Fat Orange did not suspect Nian Shilan.
After all, given Nian Shilan's personality, if she didn't want Huanbi to have the child...
They could have simply left Huanbi to fend for herself in the cold palace. In that case,
Even without this accident, the child in Huanbi's womb would probably have faced dire consequences.
She wouldn't tell him that Huanbi was pregnant.
The chubby orange cat turned its head to look at Wen Shichu and said in a deep voice:
"No matter what, I order you to do everything in your power to protect the child in Huanbi's womb!"
Upon hearing this, Wen Shichu immediately replied respectfully, "Your humble servant obeys the decree!"
Having said that, he quickly opened the medicine box he carried with him.
They took out long, thin silver needles and prepared to administer acupuncture to Huanbi.
Nian Shilan watched from the side, a fleeting, almost imperceptible emotion flashing in her eyes.
Even the Empress's methods are not this ruthless; will Huanbi be able to keep her child?
Nian Shilan didn't care, but she wondered if she could find a way to get hold of the Empress this time.
Just as Wen Shichu was administering acupuncture, Huanbi suddenly regained consciousness. Clutching the hem of Da Pangju's clothes, she weakly said:
"Your Majesty, I am pregnant with your child... Please save the child... Someone just bumped into me."
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange cat's eyes sharpened. He scanned the people around him and said in a cold voice:
"Who dares to be so bold?"
The eunuchs and maids in the cold palace all shook their heads in fear.
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