sbdcsierra Chapter 1684 Handling the Matter According to Palace Rules
Chapter 1684 Handling the Matter According to Palace Rules
"The gardener has put in a lot of effort; the peonies in the garden are blooming exceptionally well today. Especially around the Ink Pond, several rare varieties have already budded, and they should be in full bloom in a few days."
"I was just telling the Imperial Noble Consort that we would like to invite her to come and enjoy the scenery together, as it would be a wonderful way to relax and cultivate one's character."
As Consort Mei spoke, she looked at Shen Zhinian with concern and said respectfully, "Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort is now pregnant, and we are all overjoyed. Your Highness should look at the beautiful flowers more often; it will lift your spirits and be very good for the little prince in your womb."
"Consort Mei is very thoughtful."
Shen Zhinian said calmly, "I am currently unwell and easily get tired from walking around. As for appreciating the flowers, let's wait for the right opportunity."
When she was politely refused, Consort Mei was not embarrassed. She smiled and said to herself, "It was my oversight. Please forgive me, Your Highness."
"It is because I am not as fortunate as Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort that I do not know what it is like for a woman to be pregnant."
Nangong Xuanyu clearly had no intention of lingering there, and said indifferently to Consort Zhuang and the others, "You may do as you please. I will accompany the Imperial Noble Consort for a walk."
These beautiful women, though unwilling, dared not say anything, and bowed in unison: "Your Majesty, we respectfully see you off! We respectfully see off the Imperial Noble Consort!"
Only when the figures of the bright yellow and light green disappeared into the depths of the winding path hidden among the flowers and trees did everyone straighten up.
Several lower-ranking concubines could not hide their disappointment, their eyes still following the direction in which the emperor had left.
Consort Mei bit her lower lip, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes, but she quickly composed herself.
My cousin was right about one thing: the most important thing in the palace is to remain calm and composed.
She looked at Consort Zhuang, a smile returning to her face: "Cousin, His Majesty just praised you!"
Consort Zhuang looked in the direction the emperor had left and said calmly, "His Majesty was just saying it casually."
"Let's go, aren't we going to see the peonies at Ink Pond?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she turned around and continued walking in the same direction.
His Majesty's praise just now affirmed her changes.
But that's about it.
His Majesty's gaze and thoughts remained firmly fixed on that one in Yongshou Palace...
Nangong Xuanyu accompanied Shen Zhinian and the Fourth Prince for a short stroll.
Under the care of his wet nurses, the fourth prince squatted by the pond, intently trying to catch koi with a willow branch.
His clumsy yet earnest little appearance made the emperor unable to suppress a smile.
"...Niannian, I will have dinner with you and Axu later."
The imperial study was piled high with memorials and ministers awaiting an audience. Seeing that the time was almost up, the emperor set off for the palace.
Shen Zhinian, on the other hand, returned to Yongshou Palace in a sedan chair, surrounded by palace servants.
Knowing that there were many people watching outside, Han Dan finally spoke her mind after returning to Yongshou Palace: "...Your Highness, did you see the Imperial Concubine's outfit today?"
"Tsk tsk...it's really completely transformed!"
“This servant remembers that in the past, the Imperial Concubine always liked to wear a plain dress and chant Buddhist prayers. The string of prayer beads on her wrist was almost polished to a patina. She was practically embodying the words ‘purity of the six senses’.”
"Now look what's happened. With the incident at Fatu Temple, the Imperial Concubine no longer cares about Buddha, she's even thrown away her prayer beads, and she's dressed up more beautifully than any flower. It turns out her sincerity towards Buddha is nothing more than this."
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhinian's lips curled into a mocking smile: "For some people, sincerity is the least valuable thing. Today they can sincerely worship Buddha, and tomorrow they can sincerely vie for favor. It all depends on which one suits their current needs."
Consort Zhuang's change was within Shen Zhinian's expectations.
The emperor already despises Buddhist temples so much, and Consort Zhuang has always been a shrewd and pragmatic person; how could she possibly go against the emperor?
However… behind this seemingly clever move lies an attempt to pander to the emperor's preferences. It's enough to reveal that Consort Zhuang's supposed devotion to Buddha is, in reality, rather meager…
Han Dan could hear the sarcasm in the Empress's words, stuck out her tongue, and said no more.
As expected, Nangong Xuanyu came over again at dinner time.
Because of the emperor's presence, the dinner was made even more exquisite.
Shen Zhinian told some interesting stories, and Nangong Xuanyu listened with a smile, occasionally chiming in.
The atmosphere between the emperor and his concubines was as warm and inviting as a midday stroll.
After dinner, the palace servants cleared away the table and served fragrant tea.
Nangong Xuanyu naturally sat down next to Shen Zhinian, put his arm around her shoulder, and let her lean on him.
Shen Zhinian nestled in the emperor's arms, the familiar scent of ambergris lingering around her nose, yet a trace of apprehension arose in her heart...
She raised her eyes to look at Nangong Xuanyu and said softly, "Your Majesty..."
"Ok?"
Nangong Xuanyu looked down at Shen Zhinian and reached out to tuck a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I am very happy that Your Majesty has come to accompany me for a walk and a meal today."
Shen Zhinian first expressed her gratitude sincerely, then changed the subject slightly, hesitatingly saying, "However... Your Majesty has not visited the inner palace for a long time, and now you come directly to Yongshou Palace. Moreover, I am currently unwell and unable to serve Your Majesty..."
"If this happens too often, I'm afraid the ladies in the palace will inevitably have some thoughts. They might think that I'm being unreasonable, hogging His Majesty, and tarnishing His Majesty's reputation."
She's already under the spotlight because she's pregnant, and she doesn't want to attract any more hatred...
Upon hearing this, Nangong Xuanyu tightened his grip on Shen Zhinian's arm slightly and frowned.
Sometimes, he appreciates Nian Nian's thoughtfulness and understanding.
But sometimes, I don't want her to be too sensible.
He knew what the women in the harem would think and say.
These were nothing more than sarcastic remarks, implying that Nian Nian was arrogant because of her pregnancy and monopolized the emperor's favor.
These days, he was in a foul mood because of the affair with Xingchen and deliberately distanced himself from the harem. Those women dared not speak openly, but how could he not know their hopes and schemes in private?
Now that he's calmed down a bit, he's willing to step into the inner palace. Naturally, the person he most wants to see is Nian Nian. What's wrong with that?
"Do they have ideas?"
Nangong Xuanyu's voice deepened: "Whom I wish to favor and where I wish to stay are my own business. When has it become anyone else's place to interfere?"
"You are now carrying my child, and you are the person I cherish most. It is only natural for me to come and be with you."
"As for serving the emperor in bed..."
The emperor paused, his tone softening as he teased, "I'm here in Nian Nian for peace of mind and comfort. Who says it has to be any particular way? Just talking to you like this, looking at you, makes me feel at ease."
"Those idle rumors need not be heeded. If anyone truly lacks tact and I hear anything inappropriate, they will be dealt with according to palace rules!"
"Nian Nian, just focus on your pregnancy and give me a healthy child. That would be your greatest achievement."
The emperor's words had blocked all avenues and made his stance of protection crystal clear.
If Shen Zhinian continues to refuse, it will seem pretentious and may even hurt the intention to protect her.
She pressed her face against the emperor's palm, nuzzled it, and her eyes welled up with a dependent, watery light as she softly said, "With Your Majesty's words, I am at ease."