frightfiction Chapter 1619 is practically a death warrant.
Chapter 1619 is practically a death warrant.
Fuqu smiled politely and offered a few words of comfort, then said, "...The imperial physician has already examined these tonics and said they are suitable for Your Excellency."
"Her Imperial Noble Consort instructed that the Imperial Medical Academy must do its utmost to treat the Noble Lady. If needed, there are still good tonics in the storeroom of Yongshou Palace; please feel free to come and get them."
Consort Feng said, "Thank you, Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort..."
Having completed her mission, Fuqu did not linger. After saying a few more auspicious words, she took her leave.
Stepping out of Ruixue Pavilion, a cold wind blew, and Fuqu let out a soft sigh of relief.
She glanced back at Ruixuexuan and gently shook her head.
The Imperial Noble Consort has bestowed gifts and conveyed her words of concern. As for whether Consort Feng will recover, that depends on her fate.
Yongshou Palace.
Shen Zhinian listened to Fuqu's report and gave a faint "hmm".
Fuqu said softly, "Your Highness, Consort Feng does seem...not well. She looks anxious and uneasy, as if she has something difficult to say."
Shen Zhinian said, "These matters are handled by the imperial physicians; it is not our place to concern ourselves with them."
"Yes."
……
Changchun Palace.
Xiao Caizi was reporting the latest developments in the palace to Consort Zhuang: "...Her Majesty the Imperial Noble Consort has bestowed some gifts upon Consort Feng. They were personally delivered by Fuqu, who said that Consort Feng should rest assured and focus on her pregnancy."
"But in my opinion, Yongshou Palace is just going through the motions, it's just a formality."
Consort Zhuang said calmly, "As the Imperial Noble Consort manages the six palaces, she naturally seeks stability in everything. Rewarding her with these gifts is already giving Consort Feng a great deal of face."
"Your Majesty is right."
Xiao Caizi said carefully, "But... everyone in the palace says that Consort Feng's pregnancy seems quite dangerous. The imperial physician also said that she is overthinking and her energy is depleted."
"If this continues, I'm afraid..."
"This servant dares to ask, Your Majesty, what do you think... should we at Changchun Palace protect Consort Feng's pregnancy, or not?"
Zhuang Yumin paused slightly as she twirled the prayer beads.
To protect or not to protect?
She naturally wanted a prince.
The fact that the eldest princess was raised under her name certainly earned her a reputation for kindness and generosity.
But no matter how good the eldest princess is, she is still just a princess. In the eyes of His Majesty and his court officials, how much weight can a princess carry?
When they grow up, all they have to do is choose a husband. Or, like the troublesome aunt of the eldest princess, they might be used as pawns to maintain diplomatic relations, married off to distant lands, their fates left to chance.
What's the use?
What the market makers want is capital that they can rely on in the future!
What Zhuang Yumin wanted was that supreme position!
Only a prince can help her obtain all of this.
However, His Majesty has been busy with state affairs lately and has only visited the inner palace a handful of times. Even his visits to Yongshou Palace have become less frequent.
Not to mention Changchun Palace, even Consort Mei, who was once at the height of her power, has not received any favors for a long time.
Without imperial favor, how can there be a prince?
Consort Feng's pregnancy resulted in the only imperial heir in the harem.
Although she is not of high rank and her temperament is not particularly outstanding, if she can give birth to a prince safely, he will be one of the few princes under His Majesty's care.
If it is run properly...
Consort Zhuang had already made up her mind. With a sorrowful expression, she said, "Consort Feng is carrying His Majesty's child. The safety of the imperial heir is a matter of national importance. How can we stand idly by in the face of danger?"
"Now that I am a Noble Consort, I should naturally share His Majesty's burdens and take care of the concubines and imperial heirs."
"Not to mention, I was once a mother myself and know the pain of pregnancy. Consort Feng is young and this is her first pregnancy, so it's understandable that she is anxious."
"I should go and comfort her, so that she will not worry too much and harm herself and the imperial heir."
Xiao Caizi immediately understood and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty's benevolence is a blessing to the entire palace!"
"This servant will go and prepare immediately."
Consort Zhuang said, "There's no need for such a grand display."
"Prepare some mild and nourishing medicinal herbs, and choose a few auspicious ornaments that symbolize a safe pregnancy. Keep it simple."
"I'm going to visit someone who is ill, not to bestow favors."
Xiao Caizi nodded: "Yes, this servant understands."
Half an hour later.
Consort Zhuang arrived at Ruixue Pavilion discreetly in a palanquin, accompanied by Ruoji, Xiao Caizi, and several eunuchs carrying gift boxes.
When the palace servants of Ruixue Pavilion saw the Imperial Concubine arrive in person, they hurriedly knelt down to welcome her.
Qiu Yan was both surprised and delighted, and hurriedly went into the inner room to report.
As soon as Consort Zhuang stepped into the inner room, she smelled a medicinal odor.
Consort Feng leaned against the headboard, her face haggard and her eyes sunken.
Upon seeing Consort Zhuang, she struggled to get out of bed and curtsy: "This concubine greets you..."
"Lie down quickly, don't disturb the baby."
Consort Zhuang stepped forward quickly, reached out her hand to help her up, and said with concern, "Sister Feng, I heard that you were not feeling well and I was worried about you, so I came to see you."
Are you feeling any better?
As she spoke, she sat down on the edge of the bed, carefully examining Consort Feng's face, her brows furrowing slightly: "Why do you look so haggard?"
"Sister Feng, what did the imperial physician say? Have you taken your medicine on time?"
A series of gentle questions instantly brought tears to the eyes of Consort Feng, who was already restless.
But this did not lower her guard against the concubines in the harem: "It is truly a sin for Your Highness to have me think of you..."
"The imperial physician prescribed a formula to calm the mind and soothe the fetus, and all the concubines are taking it."
Consort Zhuang gently held Consort Feng's cold hand and said, "Sister Feng, it's inevitable that you're a little nervous this time of your first pregnancy. I was just like that when I was pregnant with the First Prince; I was worried day and night."
"But you must know that you are carrying the child of a dragon, and you are protected by Heaven. The more you worry, the less it will benefit the imperial heir."
"Although His Majesty is currently busy with the affairs of the court, he must still be thinking of you and your child. Didn't the Imperial Noble Consort also send you gifts to help you focus on your pregnancy?"
"The most important thing for you now, Sister Feng, is to relax, take good care of yourself, and give birth to your child safely. As long as your child is born healthy, that will be a great achievement, and everyone will look up to you!"
Little did she know that Consort Zhuang's words were like a death knell to Consort Feng, who was filled with a guilty conscience...
But she tried her best to remain calm and not show any unusual expression, and raised her eyes to ask, "Does Your Majesty really care about your concubine?"
"It's natural."
Consort Zhuang nodded affirmatively: "You are a meritorious official who has borne children for His Majesty, but nowadays the affairs of the court are complicated and His Majesty is unable to attend to them, which is why you come less often."
"Once you give birth safely, His Majesty will be overjoyed. Will you still worry about not receiving his favor?"
As she said this, she gestured for Ruo to open the gift box she was about to bring: "I brought some nourishing medicinal herbs, as well as this white jade Guanyin statue that grants children, which is most suitable for praying for a safe pregnancy."
"Place it inside your house and silently pray for blessings; you will surely receive Guanyin's protection and your mother and child will be safe!"
As Consort Feng gazed at the lustrous and warm-looking Guanyin statue, a complex emotion flickered in her eyes…
Although she was wary of everyone after entering the palace, the Imperial Concubine was of noble status and had always been known for her kindness.