frightfiction Chapter 1651 What a compassionate and loving imperial concubine!
Chapter 1651 What a compassionate and loving imperial concubine!
"You are His Majesty's eldest daughter. Seeing you will surely make His Majesty feel better."
The eldest princess's eyes lit up again: "Really?"
"of course."
Consort Zhuang nodded and instructed, "However... if His Majesty is busy with important matters, you should wait obediently outside and not disturb him."
"If His Majesty asks you anything, just tell him the truth. If His Majesty is tired, give him a shoulder massage and tell him what books you read and what calligraphy you practiced every day in Changchun Palace."
"Let His Majesty know that Yun'er has grown up and become sensible."
The eldest princess nodded earnestly: "Yun'er will remember!"
"Yun'er will be good and won't bother Father. She will also tell Father that Mother is chanting sutras in the Buddhist hall to pray for Consort Feng and that baby."
Consort Zhuang's lips curved into a smile: "Good child."
"Yun'er is so thoughtful! His Majesty will be very happy to see you."
The eldest princess nestled in Consort Zhuang's arms and said firmly, "Mother, rest assured, Yun'er will comfort Father!"
"Ah."
Consort Zhuang knew that this move was risky.
Using the eldest princess to gather information might displease His Majesty if he finds out.
But she had no other choice.
The Imperial Noble Consort's position is becoming increasingly secure, and the probationary period is shortening day by day, leaving little time for the Zhuang family.
Moreover, the eldest princess is kind-hearted, and no one can find fault with her comforting His Majesty at such a time. If His Majesty truly finds solace, he will also think of Changchun Palace.
The eldest princess is still young and innocent, so His Majesty will not be wary of her.
Even if the eldest princess said something unintentionally, His Majesty would only think it was a child's careless remark.
"Mother concubine."
Suddenly remembering something, the eldest princess raised her head, her beautiful eyes looking at Consort Zhuang: "Father has not visited you for a long time. If he asks about you, what should Yun'er say?"
Consort Zhuang paused for a moment, then said, "Just say... I am well, so Your Majesty need not worry. I am chanting sutras for Sister Feng in the Buddhist hall, and also praying for Your Majesty's well-being. May Your Majesty enjoy good health, and may the Great Zhou Dynasty be prosperous and peaceful!"
The eldest princess nodded: "Yun'er will remember!"
"good."
Consort Zhuang patted her head: "Go."
"Ok!"
As she watched the eldest princess's disappearing figure, the gentle expression on Consort Zhuang's face gradually faded.
Ruoji asked softly, "Your Majesty, is this appropriate?"
"So what if it's inappropriate?"
Consort Zhuang frowned and said, "Who in the palace doesn't think three steps ahead before taking one? I just want my daughter to show her filial piety to the Emperor."
She spoke casually, but one could immediately discern the deeper meaning in her words.
He was pretending to be filial; his real purpose was to gather information.
But no one can say this out loud.
……
When the news reached Yongshou Palace, Shen Zhinian remained silent.
Han Dan couldn't help but mutter, "...Consort Feng's pregnancy has been unstable, and she was told she needed to rest. I thought she would gradually get better after being moved to Shou Kang Palace, but instead of resting, she seems to be..."
Fuqu said to Shen Zhinian, "Your Majesty, all the palaces have already received the news."
"At Changchun Palace, the Imperial Concubine is chanting sutras in the small Buddhist hall, saying it's for the sake of Consort Feng and her unborn child."
"After the news spread, many people in the palace said that the Imperial Concubine was kind and benevolent."
Although both Han Dan and Fu Qu felt that the Imperial Concubine was hypocritical, they refrained from expressing much opinion on the matter out of respect for the deceased.
Shen Zhinian remained noncommittal upon hearing this.
Consort Zhuang has always enjoyed putting on an act to gain a reputation for benevolence.
Whether Nangong Xuanyu would be pleased or angry with Consort Zhuang when this matter reached the emperor's ears was anyone's guess.
Consort Zhuang was intelligent, but also arrogant. She always thought she could fathom the Emperor's intentions, but she forgot that the Emperor's mind is the most unpredictable.
……
The Hall of Nourishing Heart.
Nangong Xuanyu was reviewing memorials.
Li Changde stepped forward and reported: "Your Majesty, everything regarding the Feng family has been settled, and no one has raised any suspicions."
Nangong Xuanyu's face remained expressionless as he simply hummed in response.
"only……"
Li Changde hesitated for a moment, but still spoke: "Her Imperial Concubine is kind-hearted. After hearing the news, she chanted sutras in the small Buddhist hall of Changchun Palace to pray for Consort Feng and her unborn child..."
"They even sent Ruoji to the Imperial Household Department to inquire about adding some funerary items to be buried with Lady Feng..."
As soon as he finished speaking, the air in the hall suddenly froze.
Nangong Xuanyu already deeply resented those who practiced vegetarianism and chanted Buddhist scriptures because of Xingchen. Now, Consort Zhuang actually dared to jump into his sensitive area and perform a ritual for that slut and her bastard child!
The emperor raised his eyes, his gaze icy: "Ha! What a compassionate concubine!"
Seeing His Majesty's fury, Li Changde broke out in a cold sweat: "This... even the Imperial Concubine was unaware of it."
"Perhaps she couldn't bear to see Madam Feng die so young, so she..."
"Her Highness the Imperial Concubine is also a mother, so it's understandable that she feels more pity for her unborn child..."
Nangong Xuanyu sneered: "If she truly pitied Yun'er, she should raise her properly instead of trying to show off her kindness!"
At this moment, Xiao Huizi cautiously entered and announced, "Your Majesty, the eldest princess requests an audience."
Nangong Xuanyu's expression softened for a moment, and he said, "Bring her in."
Xiao Huizi respectfully replied, "Yes."
Soon, the eldest princess walked in from outside the palace.
Today she wore a pale yellow brocade jacket and skirt, with soft white rabbit fur trimmed on the collar and cuffs, which made her face look even whiter.
Her hair was neatly combed and adorned with two small beaded flowers, whose tassels swayed gently as she walked.
The eldest princess walked respectfully to the imperial desk, curtsied, and said in a clear, melodious voice, "Yun'er greets Father Emperor, long live Father Emperor!"
Nangong Xuanyu looked at her, his gaze softening slightly.
The eldest princess was once his most beloved daughter.
Although the bond between father and daughter has faded considerably in the past year or two, the blood connection and the love they share remain.
Especially after the incident of having an illegitimate child, at least the eldest princess was his own flesh and blood, clean and pure, without any taint.
"Flat body."
Nangong Xuanyu asked gently, "Why did Yun'er decide to come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation?"
The eldest princess stood up, looked at Nangong Xuanyu, and smiled shyly, "Yun'er hasn't seen Father Emperor for a long time, and misses him..."
These words are both straightforward and sincere.
Nangong Xuanyu's heart softened, and he beckoned, "Come here."
The eldest princess stepped forward as instructed: "Father..."
Nangong Xuanyu reached out and touched her head: "Father has been busy these days and hasn't been able to visit you. Are you doing well in Changchun Palace?"
"it is good."
The eldest princess nodded: "My mother treats Yun'er very well. She teaches Yun'er to read and write, and she even takes Yun'er to the small Buddhist hall to chant sutras."
Upon hearing the words "small Buddhist shrine," Nangong Xuanyu's eyes darkened: "Chanting scriptures?"
"Ah."
The eldest princess said earnestly, "My mother said that Consort Feng and her unborn baby went to a very far place. Reciting scriptures can help them reach the Buddha sooner. Yun'er has also recited the Rebirth Mantra several times."