20demayo Chapter 130 Restoring Calm
Chapter 130 Restoring Calm
Since the Empress was Princess Wan'er's sister-in-law, when she heard that the Empress was bedridden due to illness, she was extremely anxious. Without delay, she rushed to the bustling market and carefully selected various nourishing products to express her feelings.
The market was bustling with people, filled with the sounds of vendors calling out their wares. Princess Wan'er first stopped at a poultry stall, where she bought without hesitation a plump pigeon and a brightly colored black-boned chicken. She then moved to the seafood stall, selecting a lively blackfish and several tender pork ribs. She carefully chose each item, making sure it was of the highest quality.
After completing her purchases, Princess Wan'er, laden with tonics, rushed into the city. Upon arrival, without resting, she immediately informed her friend Su Yuning of the news. Su Yuning's expression changed drastically upon hearing this devastating news, her heart clenching with anxiety. After a moment's thought, she too hurriedly set off for the market to buy more tonics. After wandering among the various stalls, she finally selected two jin of donkey-hide gelatin, two jin of red dates, two jin of yam, and two jin of millet. However, just as she was preparing to return, Su Yuning suddenly remembered that the Empress might need some other nourishing substances, so she turned back to another stall and bought one jin of bright red brown sugar and one jin of plump black rice.
Once all the items were purchased, the two devoted sisters boarded the carriage together and sped towards the palace. Throughout the journey, both were filled with anxiety, hoping to see the ailing Empress as soon as possible.
Finally, the carriage slowly drove through the magnificent palace gates. Stepping inside, the two sisters, without even appreciating the breathtaking scenery along the way, hurried straight towards the Empress's chambers. Upon entering, they saw the Empress Dowager sitting regally beside the bed, gently instructing the Empress with a kind and gentle expression: "Empress, your pregnancy is already quite difficult, and as the months progress, it will be even more arduous. In the future, please don't exert yourself so much; there's no need for you to rise every morning to pay your respects to me."
"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's care and consideration." Nangong Xue'er tried to bow in gratitude, but the Empress Dowager quickly stopped her and said softly, "Quickly lie down and rest." Then, the Empress Dowager turned to Princess Wan'er and Su Yuning, smiled and nodded, signaling them to come closer to speak.
Furthermore, you are now six months pregnant, and your body is becoming increasingly heavy, making movement quite inconvenient. Therefore, this soon-to-be-born imperial grandson will be temporarily entrusted to my careful care. In this way, you can rest and recuperate without any worries, ensuring a healthy pregnancy. The Empress Dowager continued her instructions with kind eyes and tender affection, her voice gentle.
"But... if I can't see him, I will miss him terribly," the Empress replied softly, her brows furrowed slightly, her face filled with sorrow. Since ancient times, all mothers have felt this way. When their children are around them, they may occasionally find the noise bothersome; but once their children are not in their sight, a deep longing and yearning surges into their hearts like a tidal wave, impossible to sever.
"Silly girl, don't worry. I will often bring the child to visit you. How could I let you and your child be separated and unable to see each other? So, don't overthink things. Taking good care of your health is the most important thing." The Empress Dowager smiled and gently comforted her.
Hearing the Empress Dowager's comforting words, the Empress pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded, her face showing gratitude: "Very well, thank you for your concern, Mother!"
Immediately afterwards, the Empress Dowager turned to look at Princess Wan'er and Su Yuning beside her. The three of them exchanged a smile, as if everything was understood without words. Then, with elegant and composed steps, they slowly walked out of the room, leaving only a faint fragrance in the air.
"Wan'er, Yu Ning, I never expected that you two would have time to visit me today. I am overjoyed!" The Empress looked at the two charming women in front of her with a face full of happiness and affection.
Princess Wan'er frowned slightly and said seriously, "Sister-in-law, such a serious matter has occurred, how can we sit idly by? Of course, we must come to see if you are alright as soon as possible. Moreover, you are now six months pregnant, so you must be extra careful. Not only is the baby in your womb of utmost importance, but your own safety is also of paramount importance!"
Hearing these words of concern, the Empress felt a warmth in her heart and smiled as she replied, "Wan'er is absolutely right. I will certainly act with caution. However, please don't worry too much. Everything has passed. Thank you for your concern." With that, a gentle smile appeared on her beautiful face.
At this moment, Princess Wan'er, who was standing to the side, became angrier and angrier. She couldn't help but shout indignantly, "Hmph, those arrogant concubines are too much! How dare they bully you, my sister-in-law, the noble and high-ranking Empress! If I were here at that time, I would have taught them a lesson and made them cry for their parents and suffer endlessly!" As she spoke, she raised her small fists and made a gesture of rubbing her fists together.
Seeing this, the Empress quickly smiled and comforted her, "Alright, alright, my dear sister, don't get angry and hurt yourself. Fortunately, your brother already knows about this matter and has vented my anger, severely punishing those audacious people. Let's leave it at that, there's no need to hold a grudge anymore!" After saying this, another burst of silvery laughter rang out, echoing in the magnificent palace.
Just then, Zhao Shouyi returned to the palace with light steps. The moment he stepped through the palace gates, his gaze fell upon two figures in the courtyard. Those familiar faces instantly brought a smile to his face, as radiant and dazzling as flowers blooming in spring.
"Hehehe~ It's you two! What rare guests! What brings you here to visit me today?" Zhao Shouyi greeted them warmly as he walked towards them with a hearty laugh.
However, Princess Wan'er deliberately put on a stern face and asked coquettishly, "What? Can't we come?" She pouted slightly, a hint of dissatisfaction flashing in her eyes.
Upon seeing this, Zhao Shouyi quickly waved his hand and explained, "No, no, no, I had no such intention. Princess, please don't misunderstand! I was just very surprised and delighted to see you two suddenly visit." As he spoke, he scratched his head sheepishly, a slightly embarrassed look on his face.
At this moment, Su Yuning stepped forward and said to Zhao Shouyi with a serious expression, "Your Majesty, we have come here specifically to visit the Empress. The Empress is currently six months pregnant and has difficulty moving around, so she must be extra careful in everything she does. As the ruler of the country, you must pay close attention to this matter and make sure to send capable people to protect the Empress's safety. You must not be careless."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shouyi nodded repeatedly and replied, "Yes, I understand. Thank you for reminding me, Miss Su. I will make proper arrangements to ensure the Empress's safety."
“Brother! In my opinion, how wonderful it would be if you and sister-in-law were so loving and devoted to each other for life! Why not drive all those annoying concubines out of the palace and restore peace and tranquility to our court?” Princess Wan’er blinked her big, bright eyes and said with utmost seriousness.
Zhao Shouyi frowned slightly, his face full of helplessness: "Oh dear sister, this is not something I, your brother, can decide! The Empress Dowager has clearly forbidden it, so what can I do?" After saying this, he sighed deeply.
Upon hearing this, Princess Wan'er puffed out her cheeks in anger, put her hands on her hips, and scolded, "Hmph! The power is in your hands, so why can't you make your own decisions? Don't you think your feelings for your sister-in-law are genuine? Back then, perhaps the Empress Dowager's intervention had some effect, but now that my sister-in-law is bedridden and needs to recuperate, it wouldn't be right for the Empress Dowager to interfere again, would it? If I were in your position, I would definitely expel all those quarrelsome and jealous concubines from the palace without hesitation!"
“Yes, Her Majesty the Empress has devoted herself to managing the affairs of the harem for you, and you have lived a life of mutual support and harmony. You should be responsible for her to the end.” Su Yuning, who was standing to the side, quickly chimed in, her tone sincere and earnest.
Upon hearing these words, the Empress was moved to tears, which rolled down her cheeks like pearls from a broken string: "Thank you both for speaking up for me. I will remember this kindness and am truly grateful!"
Seeing this, Princess Wan'er hurriedly took out a snow-white handkerchief from her sleeve and gently handed it to the Empress, saying with concern, "Sister-in-law, don't cry. You are carrying the Emperor's child, and your health is very precious. You must take good care of yourself and take good care of your body."
The Empress raised her head slightly and nodded in response, "Yes, I understand. Thank you for your concern, Wan'er." Her voice was clear and gentle, as melodious as a nightingale singing in a valley.
Just then, Zhao Shouyi, who had remained silent and seemingly detached, suddenly broke the silence. He slowly raised his head, his eyes deep and unfathomable, and said softly, "You all can chat here for a while. I have some urgent matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave." Before he finished speaking, he gracefully flicked his wide sleeves, as if a gentle breeze had swept by, and then turned and strode away with long, powerful steps. His tall and upright figure, with firm and powerful strides, disappeared from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.
After Zhao Shouyi had walked far away and disappeared from sight, the Empress finally withdrew her gaze. Then, she turned her attention to Princess Wan'er beside her, her beautiful eyes sparkling with curiosity. The Empress leaned slightly closer to Princess Wan'er and whispered, "Wan'er, I heard you went to town recently. I wonder how your husband treats you? Has he shown any signs of changing his mind?"
Upon hearing this, Princess Wan'er's already somewhat displeased expression instantly darkened. She pouted and muttered, "Hmph, don't mention him! He's still the same as ever. While he hasn't changed his mind yet, he's getting increasingly arrogant. He idles away his days, refusing to even wash his own clothes or cook. He leaves all the housework to me and the maids. It's infuriating!"
The dignified and majestic Empress frowned slightly, a hint of impatience on her face. She parted her lips and said, “Men, you must never spoil them. If you indulge and pamper them, they will become increasingly arrogant and lawless. When you return, you must confront him directly and ask him who bestowed such a rare opportunity upon him? And who painstakingly acquired this vast estate for him?” Having said this, she averted her gaze from the crowd, as if she were already tired of the topic, completely ignoring Su Yuning who remained silent beside her.
Upon hearing this, Princess Wan'er, who was standing to the side, nodded quickly like a chick pecking at rice and replied, "Alright! Thank you so much, sister-in-law, for speaking up for me and helping me come up with a plan!" Her voice was clear and melodious, as pleasant as a nightingale singing in a valley.
At this moment, Su Yuning, who had not spoken until now, finally interjected slowly. She said in a slow and gentle voice, "In truth, my second brother did not handle this matter properly. I will find a suitable time to inform our parents later, and ask them to give my brother a good talking-to." As she spoke, Su Yuning always had a faint smile on her face, appearing gentle and quiet.
Princess Wan'er was overjoyed upon hearing this and hurriedly thanked Su Yuning, "Oh my, thank you so much, Sister Yuning! With your help, this matter will surely be resolved properly." As she spoke, a smile as bright as a blooming flower appeared on her pretty face.
Then, a palace maid dressed in a pink palace gown carefully carried in a delicate tray. On the tray was a bowl of steaming, fragrant red date and black chicken soup. The maid respectfully placed the tray on the table, then bowed her head and stepped aside.