frightfiction Chapter 548 The fetus is stable (for [urging for faster updates])
Chapter 548 The fetus is stable (for [urging for faster updates])
Last time, Concubine Shu had learned from Empress Dowager Liu that the Duke Dingguo's Mansion had forged evidence to frame Concubine Xian. Once the Emperor found out, Liu Shizhang, who was far away in the frontier, would definitely suffer.
But Concubine Shu always thought that His Majesty was the Queen Mother's adopted son, and according to etiquette, Shi Zhang was his cousin.
When His Majesty was still a prince, he often took Shi Zhang out to play, and he could be said to have watched Shi Zhang grow up.
Even if Your Majesty wants to punish Shi Zhang to warn Duke Dingguo's Mansion, the most he can do is let Shi Zhang be severely beaten and suffer physical pain.
Concubine Shu could never have imagined that His Majesty would be so cruel!
Her tears flowed down all at once, she felt distressed and worried: "Shi Zhang is the youngest son of the Duke of Dingguo's Mansion. Not to mention having his fingers cut off, he has never even suffered physical pain since he was a child."
"How could he bear such a sudden suffering, far away in the bitter cold frontier?"
Cuizhu also wiped away her tears distressedly: "My Lady..."
But what can they do?
The queen is in the harem, she is already a clay Buddha crossing the river, how can she care about the third son...
Concubine Shu looked towards the direction of Zhongcui Palace, her eyes burning with anger: "After all, it's all because of that bitch Shen Zhinian!"
"If it wasn't for protecting her, why would Your Majesty treat Shi Zhang like this?!"
"She caused my brother to break a finger. I will never stop fighting her!"
If Empress Dowager Liu had not repeatedly instructed Concubine Shu to temporarily avoid Shen Zhinian's edge, she would probably have led her men to rush to Zhongcui Palace at this moment, just like she could not help but slap Xiao Yueying in the face.
……
Cining Palace.
Empress Dowager Liu, who was lying paralyzed on the bed, closed her eyes when she heard the news.
"...The emperor is more cruel than I imagined."
"He is becoming more and more like a real emperor!"
To be an emperor, the first thing you have to do is to be cold-blooded and ruthless.
However, Empress Dowager Liu had never imagined that the emperor would use his cold-bloodedness on the people in Duke Dingguo's Mansion.
Nanny Yuan sighed, "The Third Young Master has really suffered this time."
Empress Dowager Liu had been wondering whether she should abandon Liu Shizhang, but she had to consider Duke Dingguo's thoughts after all.
Now, Shi Zhang has lost a finger and has become a disabled person, so it is difficult for him to inherit the title of Duke Dingguo. Does this legitimate son really mean the same thing to him as before?
Empress Dowager Liu knew that Duke Dingguo was in deep sorrow, so she did not rush to make any plans. Instead, she asked, "What is the reaction from Concubine Shu?"
Nanny Yuan said respectfully, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager, I'm sure Consort Shu is also extremely sad. But she remembered your instructions and did not act rashly in Yongshou Palace."
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Empress Dowager Liu's eyes.
Anyway, after going through all these things, Concubine Shu's temperament has indeed become calmer.
The emperor's warning was right in front of them. Under such circumstances, they should not do anything to Concubine Xian and the Fourth Prince.
The best approach is to lie low and wait for the right opportunity.
……
In a blink of an eye, it was the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month.
The New Year is getting closer, and everyone in the palace is busy preparing for the New Year's Eve banquet in a few days.
In previous years, these matters were arranged by Concubine Shu, but this year, the people assisting in managing the six palaces have become Shen Zhinian and Concubine Liang, and they are jointly responsible.
Madam Xiao stood beside Shen Zhinian, checking various lists with her, and reminded her: "Empress Liang has always been very careful in her work, but at this critical moment, if we make any mistakes, we will hand the evidence to her."
Shen Zhinian narrowed her eyes slightly: "Whether it is Concubine Liang or me, this is the first time to be in charge of such an important matter."
"If you succeed, you may not be rewarded, but if you make a mistake, it will surely cause dissatisfaction to His Majesty and make me look incompetent."
"I don't believe that Concubine Liang will let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Give orders to keep a close eye on all matters that I am responsible for. Not only should we be on guard against Concubine Liang, but we should also be on guard against Concubine Shu from interfering."
After all, everyone will definitely compare this year's New Year's Eve palace banquet with previous years. How could Concubine Shu be willing to be outdone by her and Concubine Liang? It's normal for her to act restlessly.
"Yes!"
Fuqiu walked in from outside: "My lady, Concubine Sun is here."
"Please."
Concubine Sun is about to be three months pregnant.
Because she lived in seclusion in Zhongcui Palace, had the protection of Shen Zhinian, and was cared for by Tang Luochuan and Nanny Lin, her body was in good condition and the fetus was extremely stable.
"I pay my respects to Sister Xianfei, may you be blessed with good health!"
Shen Zhinian motioned to Fuqiu to help Concubine Sun up, and said helplessly: "Hasn't this palace told you countless times that you don't need to be so polite?"
Concubine Sun looked at her with a smile: "This is my sister's intention, but the etiquette cannot be abolished."
Shen Zhinian said: "You came at the right time. I have something to discuss with you."
"Your belly is almost three months old, and the pregnancy is already stable. I plan to have you announce the good news to His Majesty at the palace banquet on New Year's Eve. What do you think, sister?"
After all, this matter cannot be kept secret forever. It has been hidden from Nangong Xuanyu for too long. After he found out, he couldn't help but feel unhappy.
The reason for choosing New Year's Eve for the banquet is not only that it is an auspicious day, but also because to survive in the harem, one has to be low-key when it is time to keep a low profile; but also high-profile when it is time to be high-profile.
Once Concubine Sun's pregnancy is exposed, she will definitely be pushed to the forefront. With the emperor's favor and attention, at least some villains can be deterred and they dare not act rashly!
Concubine Sun nodded, and looked at Shen Zhinian with eyes full of trust: "I will listen to you, sister! I will do whatever you say."
In the palace, the only person she could trust was Concubine Xian. Others would harm her, but Concubine Xian would not.
……
Shuiyuexuan.
Ever since Concubine Shu slapped her in the face and made it swollen, Noble Lady Hao has been staying in her own bedroom to recuperate.
There are so many beauties in the harem, and the emperor would have forgotten her if he hadn't seen her for a while.
Concubine Hao also faded out of everyone's sight.
There were too many concubines in the palace who were favored for a short time. After Concubine Hao fell out of favor, few people paid attention to her anymore.
Chu Er said happily: "My lady, Concubine Liang is here!"
These days, it was all thanks to Concubine Liang's care and protection that Noble Hao did not suffer any harm.
Seeing Concubine Liang coming in, she immediately stood up and saluted respectfully: "Your Highness, I pay my respects to Concubine Liang. May your Highness be blessed with good fortune and health!"
Concubine Liang stepped forward and personally helped Concubine Hao up: "There is no need to be polite between you and me, sister. Please don't be polite anymore."
Concubine Hao touched her belly, a gentle look appeared on her face: "Thank you, Madam."
Concubine Liang said in a gentle voice: "My sister has been pregnant for more than three months. I came here today thinking that I should report this good news to His Majesty."