Chapter Ninety One Who Can Compare To My Man
Qu Qing Ju walked over to He Heng and, not looking at the female candidate at the side, and acted to bow. She was stopped by He Heng who put his hand out and pulled her to stand under the shade of the roof, "Just now, zhen was going to the back hall to see you, and heard you went to muhou's place. Is muhou fine these past days?"
"Everything about muhou is well," Qu Qing Ju held up a fan and started waving it, moving her hand towards He Heng so that both would feel the breeze, "muhou has said for us to go to her residence to eat. She's always thinking of you."
"Since that's the case, then tomorrow, we'll go together to Fu Shou Palace for the noon meal," He Heng then pointed at the girl kneeling on the ground, his voice becoming cold, "do you know this candidate?"
Qu Qing Ju followed and turned her body. She saw the candidate's head was lowered and ordered: "Raise your head."
The candidate was hesitant to raise her head. A taijian behind her pinched her chin to lift it up. Her eyes were flitting around, afraid to look straight at Qu Qing Ju.
She frowned. Qu Qing Ju did have the memories of the previous Qu Qing Ju's life, but much of the time, she wouldn't deliberately flip through the original's memories. Seeing the girl now, she remembered some unhappy events. She said coldly: "Isn't this Wei guniang, just two years, Wei guniang has become more beautiful."
This girl was Qu lao taitai's paternal family's grand-niece. She had once stayed for a time in Chang De Gong Fu and had a good relationship with Qu Yue Su. If she had the time, she liked to jeer at the original. Was her name Wei Jing, or Wei Zhu?
"Candidate Wei Zhu greets Empress." When the taijian released Wei Zhu's chin, she instantly leaned down on the ground, clearly very afraid that Qu Qing Ju would settle old scores.
"Didn't think jiugong would willingly send you into the palace," Qu Qing Ju gave a yawn, lazily waving the fan in her hand, "right now, the xuannu should be living in Tuan Fang Hall, how did you get here?" When she finished speaking, she saw Wei Zhu's shoulders start to tremble. Originally, she had been bored but she was now intrigued. She turned to look at He Heng beside her, "Emperor, how did this Wei guniang encounter you?"
He Heng saw the mockery in her eyes and smiled helplessly. He narrated: "Zhen waited a long time for you, but you didn't return so zhen decided to greet muhou. Who knew that zhen would encounter such a bold and disrespectful candidate, who dared to slander Empress in front of zhen."
"Oh?" Qu Qing Ju gave a small smile as she watched the trembling of Wei Zhu's shoulders increas, "What good matter of ben gong did Wei guniang speak of?"
Wei Zhu was frightened. Originally, she was indignant that, the kind of woman that Qu Qing Ju was, became the Empress. Who knew that after saying a few words, the Emperor became angry. Seeing Qu Qing Ju's powerful composure so different than in the past, she was so frightened she couldn't speak.
"If Wei guniang doesn't want to say, ben gong won't force you, come … …"
"Empress, do you remember two years ago?" Wei Zhu raised her head, and resignedly spoke, "At that time, grand aunt and chen nu's grandfather made a spoken promise, do you still have an impression?
Qian Chang Xin heard the words and motioned for the palace attendants to all leave, leaving behind the personal attendants of the Emperor and Empress. He didn't know if this candidate would be crazy and say something. Since the Emperor and Empress didn't call for her to shut up, he could only not let the servants hear.
"Do you mean two years ago when grandmother and great uncle had the intentions for ben gong to be engaged to your brother?" Qu Qing Ju was very unrestrained. She waved her hand and stared at Wei Zhu like she was looking at an idiot, her voice surprised as she said: "Ben gong has such a good husband as the Emperor, how would ben gong remember those unfounded matters. Right, what is your brother called?"
My dear Empress, how could you just say it, what would the Emperor think? Mu Jin nervously looked at the Emperor. The result was that she only saw a satisfied smile on the Emperor's face. She was confused. Did something she didn't know happen?
Even though he was slightly furious when he heard that the Qu Family wanted to marry Qu Qing Ju into the Wei Family, but He Heng was very quickly soothed by Qu Qing Ju's words. Those words were right. With such a good man as him, what were other men worth?
Even more, the engagement between Qing Ju and the Wei Family was only mentioned and hadn't been finalized. He wasn't as extreme to blame Qing Ju for such a minor matter.
According to the attitude of the Qu Family towards Qing Ju, he didn't believe that Qu lao taitai was really thinking for Qing Ju. Thinking about the rich dowry that Qu Qing Ju had when she married into the wang fu, He Heng smiled coldly. They were definitely conspiring for the dowry that Tian shi had left behind for Qing Ju. Thinking about it, he glared coldly at Wei Zhu kneeling on the ground, "Such nonsense, you dare slander the Empress, such recklessness!"
Wei Zhu heard the discontent in the Emperor's words, and quickly continued: "Emperor, please investigate thoroughly, this subject's words are all true. If xiandi didn't decree the marriage, great aunt would have agreed to the Wei Family's proposal."
"Since the engagement wasn't made, it naturally means that it was the will of Heaven that zhen and Empress should be together. To mention these matters deliberately in front of zhen, are you trying to ruin Empress' reputation?!" He Heng's voice became darker, harshly proclaiming, "The daughter of the Wei Clan is of an improper family, and lacking in protocol. Pass zhen's decree, the members of the Imperial House of Da Long Dynasty are not allowed to take the daughters of the Wei Clan as wife or qie. The daughters of the Wei Clan eternally cannot be female candidates and enter the palace."
This decree was breaking the upward road for the daughters of the Wei Clan. Qu Qing Ju looked at the expressionless He Heng, smiled and turned her head. Her gaze landed on Wei Zhu who had collapsed on the ground.
"Drag her down, bestow forty blows and send her back to the Wei Family," He Heng gripped Qu Qing Ju's hand, coldly ordering, "In the future, if there are candidates that walk in the palace where they shouldn't, all will receive a beating of forty before being thrown out of the palace."
A woman that had been sentenced to a beating by the Emperor before being sent out of the palace. She wouldn't ever marry in this lifetime. Qu Qing Ju watched as Wei Zhu was dragged out by the taijian and sighed, "I just went from being an unfavored di daughter to being the Empress, but so many cannot tolerate it."
"To get this kind of person to slander you in front of me, they think me an idiot," He Heng caressed the silver hairpin in her hair, his tone unusually warm, "Don't waste any attention on these people. Come, accompany me for a nap."
Qu Qing Ju smiled, "With Emperor here, I won't waste any attention. Emperor is brilliant and wise, peerless through the ages."
"Zhen's peerlessness, isn't that also yours?" He Heng smiled, his mood light as he took Qu Qing Ju back to the back hall of Tian Qi Palace. As to what had just occurred ……
Qing Ju had such a good man as him, would she think of any other?!
Qian Chang Xin and Mu Jin stared at each other, seeing the same moved emotion in the other's eyes before silently following.
"The female of the Wei Family was thrown out of the palace?" He Yuan kicked aside the taijian that was rubbing his knees. These days he often had to go to Shou Kang Palace to pray for xiandi, so his knees were already bruised.
"Ben wang's brother is so infatuated with Empress, that he could even tolerate this kind of thing," he smiled coldly, "He does have good skill. Such a short amount of time and he has managed to control everyone at court."
Gao Duo, standing under him, heard the words, and hesitated before asking: "Wang ye, the circumstances are stronger than the people. Why don't we stay still now and wait for a good opportunity?"
"Good opportunity?" He Yuan snorted, "By now, the people of ben wang have been almost completely suppressed. Lao da's people have already stood on the new Emperor's side. Among the advisors of fuhuang, Tian Jin Ke and Luo Chang Qing have tight connections with the Empress, they naturally would do their best to support the new emperor. As to the kind of people like Wei Wen Guang and Lu Jing Hong, the new emperor doesn't have to do anything and they would be the new conservative fraction. Fuhuang's abdication decree was written in front of the senior officials, and he did the seal himself. What good opportunity do you think ben wang has?"
Gao Duo didn't think Rui Wang would see the situation so clearly. He hesitated before suggesting: "Since that's the case, wang ye, why don't you help the Emperor with his affairs, then the Emperor wouldn't directly attack you?"
"The kind of person He Heng is, on the surface, he would make it more beautiful than anyone else. If he attacks, not many can compare to his ferocity," Originally, He Yuan was a very proud person. But after two short months, he was so beaten by reality, half of his pride had gone away. "Even if ben wang submitted to him, he wouldn't be very close to ben wang. Even more, ben wang doesn't want to fawn over him." He coldly twisted his mouth, "ben wang just doesn't want to see him well."
Gao Duo silently glanced at He Yuan. To keep going even with nothing at stake, what was he thinking?
"What should be done with the Wei Family?" He asked uncertainly, "The love between the Emperor and Empress is stronger than gold. The Wei Family's tactics are just embarrassing themselves. If they beg aid from wang ye, what would you do?"
He Yuan sneered: "In the beginning, it was them that asked ben wang to help. They were stupid themselves and mucked up. It has nothing to do with ben wang." Finishing, he summoned He Fu Er, "In the future, if the Wei Family shows up, don't receive them."
"Yes," He Fu Er noted it down and hesitated for a second before reporting, "Wang ye, the Qu ce fei in Xi Ce Yuan is seriously ill, should an invite be sent to the Imperial Hospital for a taiyi to examine ce fei?"
"Wang fei is responsible for such matters, why ask me?" He Yuan impatiently waved his hand. It was clear that he didn't have the person of Xi Ce Yuan on his heart.
He Fu Er understood. It had been because wang fei didn't do anything that he had taken a bribe from Yao Xi to beg wang ye. From the looks of it, that one in Xi Ce Yuan had lost favor. So he wouldn't have to waste any more time for Xi Ce Yuan in the future.
Gao Duo, as a subordinate, when he heard a matter of the wang ye's houyuan, he naturally closed his mouth. Only after He Fu Er left did he interrupt: "Wang ye, this one heard you have a ce fei that is the sister of the Empress, is it this one?"
He Yuan didn't understand Gao Duo's meaning: "It's her, but the Empress didn't have good relationships with the Qu Family, so this Qu shi wasn't useful."
Gao Duo smiled: "If that's the case, then please forgive this subordinate to say something overstepping the bounds. Wang ye, you should not treat Qu ce fei too well. Otherwise, in the eyes of others, they would assume that you are feeling unjust on behalf of the Qu Clan and the Emperor would have more reason to target you."
He Yuan waved his hand, dismissing: "Just a plaything, ben wang isn't at that point to waste so much effort on her."
Gao Duo smiled as he raised his hands, "Wang ye is wise."
Chapter Ninety Two Karma
"Zhuzi," Yao Xi's eyes were red as she helped Qu Yue Su sit up on the bed. Then she turned to bring over the medicine bowl, which was steaming due to the temperature of its contents, "Drink the medicine."
Qu Yue Su leaned weakly against the headboard. As she took the medicine bowl, she saw Yao Xi's burned hands and grimaced: "It's me who has dragged you down. All these years you stayed with me, when did you ever have to do this?" Even if she didn't see it with her eyes, she knew that the medicine had been brewed by Yao Xi on her own. Now that wang ye didn't come to her rooms, and wang fei targeted her at every occasion, even the servants in her yard dared to steal and cut corners, pointing at the mulberry and cursing the locust tree, much less the kitchen people.
"Zhuzi, what are you saying?" Yao Xi forced a smile and hid her burnt hand back into her sleeve, "Drink the medicine and after a night, it will all get better." Thinking about what Chief Steward He had just said, she almost couldn't keep the smile up. Now that even wang ye wasn't willing to help zhuzhi, how would they live?
Qu Yue Su finished the medicine in a few mouthfuls. Seeing Yao Xi's state, she sighed: "Yao Xi, do you remember my father's birthday banquet held five years ago?"
Yao Xi took the empty bowl from Qu Yue Su's hand and minutely shook her head.
"It's normal that you don't remember, but it remains fresh in my memory," Qu Yue Su grimaced, "That year, I accidentally broke a porcelain in Father's room. That day was Father's birthday and breaking something was unlucky. I was very scared and purposefully got someone to lure da jie into father's room … …"
When she heard, Yao Xi remembered. She recalled that after lao ye's birthday, he had been so angry that he slapped da xiaojie on her face and sentenced her to stand in the yard for a whole night. After that, da xiaojie became seriously ill. Furen wouldn't get a doctor to see da xiaojie. If it hadn't been that the Tian Family had sent someone to deliver something to da xiaojie, da xiaojie probably would have died that year. She hadn't thought that the matter had been connected to zhuzi, and even more, she hadn't thought that her zhuzi would have such tactics at such a young age. She hesitated before remarking, "Nubi remembers that da xiaojie nearly died that year."
"Yes, almost gone. At that time, I was afraid and guilty," she coughed, "But she lived. If she hadn't lived, then it would have been me who would've married into Duan Wang Fu."
Yao Xi's hand, which held the bowl, shook. She looked at the sickly complexion of zhuzi and supported her to lie down and tucked the blanket in. She comforted: "Zhuzi, you're sick, don't talk nonsense. Nubi will go see if there is something to eat." As she came out of the room, she released a long breath. She still remembered Mu Jin painstakingly begging zhuzi to beg furen to send for a doctor.
At that time, zhuzi's face was full of helplessness, and even used the reason of filial piety to refuse Mu Jin. Afterwards, zhuzi had sent her to give some pills to da xiaojie and never mentioned it again. She had never expected the truth of the matter was actually this. She rubbed her arms, feeling cold in the hot summer day.
"Isn't that Yao Xi?" A yahuan wearing green saw Yao Xi come out and hollered, "Is Qu ce fei well? Our zhuzi has missed her."
"Not well yet, thanks to yiniang for thinking of her." Yao Xi's smile wasn't pretty. This yahuan was one who served another yiniang. Usually, they didn't have much interaction. But now, even a personal yahuan of a yiniang could mock zhuzi.
"Such a hot day, it's such a pain to endure," The yahuan's tone suddenly changed, "I heard that when the Empress hadn't yet married, she had been abused by her family, don't you think …… what it's like now, isn't it karma?"
She saw Yao Xi's expression change and smiled. Clapping her hands, she remarked: "The Heavens have eyes. People who do evil things don't have good endings." The green-clad yahuan bowed slightly, "I respect you for being a loyal servant but think more for yourself." She turned and left.
Yao Xi looked at the yahuan's back. She gave a helpless smile and went on her original path to the kitchen.
The news that the Wei Family's female candidate had broken palace protocol during the mourning period for xiandi and was expelled from the palace by the Emperor, quickly became the joke of Jing City. The Wei Family had some reputation in Jing but now, they'd lost all honor and didn't have the courage to even leave the house.
The female candidates had gone through countless rounds of elimination. Originally, they were people who had a chance to be given to other members of the Imperial House or to be taken into the hougong to serve. Due to the passing of xiandi, aside from the Imperial House that had to observe mourning, even the common people couldn't marry for a month.
But that Wei Family, they'd thought to let their daughter capture the attention of the new Emperor during the mourning period. Why didn't they think of the Emperor's personality, was he a lusty person? Even more so, the love between the Imperial Couple was known by everyone in Da Long Dynasty. Was the Wei Family's daughter more beautiful than a goddess? From where did she get the confidence to break into the Imperial Gardens?
The second day after Wei Zhu was sent back to the Wei Family, she was sent by the Wei Family into a nunnery. The reason given was that she would cultivate morals and pray for xiandi and the Emperor.
Everyone knew that this was the Wei Family pulling a cloth to hide themselves. The Emperor had already sent down the decree. The daughters of the Wei Family couldn't enter the Imperial House, this Wei Family was over.
The three months of mourning passed by quickly but He Heng still followed the protocols of mourning, paying close attention to his attire. This caused the world to praise the filial piety of the Emperor.
But not matter what, according to tradition, He Heng was now allowed to take new concubines. However, everyone in the hougong knew that the Emperor had no intentions of entering the hougong.
The sixth day of the eighth month of Qing De Thirty Fourth Year was the most auspicious day in the near half year as calculated by the Imperial Astronomers. The Ziwei star and its pair were bright, and it had the influence of the phoenix raising its head. So it was the most appropriate day for the crowning ceremony of the Empress.
The Empress' crowning ceremony was a very momentous occasion in Da Long Dynasty. First, sacrifices would be offered to the Heavens and prayers would be recited; next the Emperor and Empress would bow to the ancestors to notify them that this woman was one of the Imperial Family. Then the Emperor would personally put in the phoenix hairpin personally for the Empress and draw on her brows. Lastly, the Empress, wearing the phoenix robe, would receive the bows of the Royal Court Officials and the noblewomen.
In front of the copper mirror, Qu Qing Ju wore the phoenix robe that the weavers had rushed to make in three months by working day and night. Though the layers of clothing looked complicated and majestic, it didn't feel very heavy on the body.
The outermost wide-sleeved floor-length phoenix robe didn't have any gold or pearls but it was so beautiful that it blinded everyone's eyes.
As she watched He Heng solemnly draw on her brows for her and gently put the phoenix crown on her, she gave a smile.
Once they finished everything, they clasped their hands together as they walked to the high platform. On the platform were the dragon chair and the phoenix chair; dragon on the left, phoenix on the right.
Qu Qing Ju stood in front of the phoenix chair, slightly raising her chin to look at the hundreds of officials under her and watched as those people simultaneously knelt down towards her.
"Emperor, wan sui, wan sui, wan wan sui, Empress, qian sui, qian sui, qian qian sui!"
And then it was the three bows and nine kowtows. Qu Qing Ju stood side by side with He Heng. Looking at the scene before her, she felt strangely exhilarated.
"Rise," the Minister of Ceremonies called, "Music."
The music sounded slightly solemn yet light. Qu Qing Ju didn't really know what song it was, but looking at the reactions of the officials as they stood with bent bodies, she could guess that it was a very high standard for her crowning ceremony.
After the music stopped, Qu Qing Ju and He Heng sat down at the same time. Then it was the officials' turn to bow, one by one according to their ranks. Then it was the titled women. Just to watch people kneel to her, Qu Qing Ju sat for more than two hours.
After the people finished, He Heng spoke: "Today is the Empress' crowning ceremony, and also the year that zhen ascended to the throne. To accumulate virtue for the Empress, the world would be especially pardoned. Those banished would be reduced sixty miles, those in prison reduced one year, those on the death sentence will be delayed one month to their execution!"
The people under shouted the Emperor and Empress were kind, and would be lucky for ten thousand years.
Qu Qing Ju hadn't thought that He Heng would pardon the world at her crowning ceremony. Even though it was customary for the new Emperor to pardon the world after ascending the throne, but waiting for today to announce the decree, it was too ……
She turned to look at the person beside her and smiled helplessly.
Even if the Empress' crowning ceremony was done extremely grand, but the ceremonies for Heng fei and the others were much simpler when they followed. Heng fei's was still alright, but the other three couldn't compare to the occasions when the xiandi's consorts of equivalent rank were promoted. Especially Ping cairen. It was absolutely unbearable to see. If it wasn't that the Empress' bestowments also came down that day, almost no one in the palace would have known that it was the day that she was officially titled.
For people, what was worse was not being ignorant, but being able to make comparisons. All those in the palace were intelligent. And they could all see what was happening. This Ping cairen not being favored by the Emperor was a certainty. Since the Emperor didn't care for her, would they be willing to flatter her?
Feng Zi Jin finally knew just how difficult palace life could be. The food delivered each day was cold. The tea was old, and not of good quality. If something was lacking or needed fixing, it was extremely difficult for the Department of Internal Affairs to come remedy it.
She had fought and complained but in the end, she found that what was sent to her became more and more terrible. Sometimes they wouldn't even send anything. After these months, she finally knew what was "the servants bullying the masters" and the torture of the deep palace.
"Zhuzi, Han liangdi has come," Xia Yun quickly walked into the room, her expression unpleasant.
Feng Zi Jin grimaced as she stood. As she came out of the inner room, she saw Han Qing He drinking tea as she sat on the chair. Her steps paused. She walked in front, bowing, and made a greeting: "Pinqie greets Han liangdi."
"Please stand, Ping cairen,' Han Qing He smiled as she examined Feng Zi Jin. The other was wearing a slightly worn dark dress, completely devoid of the arrogance she once had in the fu. She put down the teacup, wiping her mouth, and remarked, "Your tea is too bitter. I'll have someone deliver some new tea to you tomorrow."
Feng Zi Jin declined: "There's no need to trouble Han liangdi."
"We can't have that. Once upon a time, meimei wouldn't drink anything at wang fu except the Long Jing before the first rain. Now that you have entered the palace, you can't deny yourself." She stood, asking, "Today's sunshine is great, why doesn't cairen accompany me on a walk?"
Knowing that she was intentionally making it difficult, Feng Zi Jin could do nothing except to follow behind Han Qing He.
Han Qing He gave a cold smile as she walked at the front. In the past when Feng Zi Jin humiliated her, she had been even more ruthless. What she was doing now wasn't really anything. Thinking about it, Han Qing He turned back to look at Feng Zi Jin, the smile on her face growing wider.
In the future, there was still more to come. The humiliations she had suffered, she didn't suffer them for nothing.
Chapter Ninety Three An Old Case
Because the mourning period had passed, the flowers placed in the Imperial Gardens now red and purple. Han Qing He looked at the beautiful Imperial Garden and thought about when she'd entered the palace as the daughter of a common and good family to become a candidate. She had then been placed by Empress Dowager Wei to serve at the side of the Emperor. In a blink of an eye, five years had passed and she was now one of the mistresses of the palace.
As the palace maids passed her, they bowed to her. She enjoyed the feeling as others bowed their heads to her, as though if it was like this, she could forget her low birth and the unhappiness of the past. Turning back to see Feng Zi Jin blindly following behind her, she revealed a satisfied smile: "Walking the Imperial Gardens, I would think of the times I'd accompanied Ping cairen in the wang fu."
Feng Zi Jin didn't speak when she heard the words. She expressionlessly looked at Han Qing He before slowly moving her gaze away.
"From Ping cairen's expression, it seems that you don't like walking in the garden with me?" Han Qing He sneered, "Or is it that Ping cairen thinks herself higher than me?"
"Liangdi is high up in the sky. Pinqie is only a small seventh-grade cairen who doesn't dare look down," Ping cairen uttered coldly, "Pinqie is only listening to liangdi speak."
Han Qing He was going to speak before suddenly hearing the sound of clapping behind her. Her heart jumped with joy and she took a step to the side before kneeling down.
"Qie greets Emperor," When the dark gold boots walked in front of her, Han Qing He's voice was sweet and soft as she lowered her head. But a second later, she saw a pair of gold embroidered slippers appear next to the gold boots. She paused and then added, "Pinqie greets Empress."
Qu Qing Ju looked at Feng Zi Jin and Han Qing He as they knelt on the ground. This was the first time Han Qing He used such a saccharine voice. She looked at He Heng who didn't seem to have any reaction, and said: "Stand."
"Thank Emperor, thank Empress," Feng Zi Jin slowly stood. She raised her head to gaze at the Emperor but found the Emperor's gaze wasn't on either her or Han Qing He's bodies. She lowered her face numbly, not speaking another word.
'Didn't think to encounter Emperor and Empress at such a place," Han Qing De didn't want to give up the chance to show her face in front of the Emperor. Her appearance wasn't as good as Feng Zi Jin's but she had a distinctive flavor when she smiled, "It's pinqie who has disturbed Emperor and Empress' mood."
Qu Qing Ju looked at her blooming smile. Her lips curled, but she didn't speak.
"Since you know you disturbed zhen and Empress' mood, why haven't you retreated?" He Heng's tone was icy. He looked at Han Qing He who was draped in gold and silver, his brows furrowing, "Retreat."
The smile on Han Qing He's face froze. She didn't think the Emperor would not even take the slightest bit of care. She couldn't help but turn her head to look at the Empress and found that the Empress' expression hadn't changed from beginning to end, as though she knew that she would embarrass herself. She bowed in mortification, "Qie asks to be excused."
Seeing Han Qing He retreat, Feng Zi Jin followed in leaving. Before she left, she looked again at He Heng and Qu Qing Ju, as though it was the first time she'd met them.
After both of them left, Qu Qing Ju finally smiled as she remarked: "Han liangdi has served Emperor for so many years, but her appearance hasn't changed at all." Han Qing He had been serving by He Heng's side since she was sixteen. Right now, she was just twenty one. In her previous life, it would have been the best years of her life. In this era, her age was slightly old.
"Really, zhen doesn't remember what she was like before," He Heng glanced in the direction of Fu Shou Palace, "Don't think of those people anymore, let's go eat in muhou's place."
Fu Shou Palace knew very early that the Emperor and Empress were coming over to accompany the Empress Dowager for the meal so they had prepared beforehand. When the two of them entered, Empress Dowager Wei was in the yard trimming twigs off a pot of flowers. Seeing the two of them, Empress Dowager Wei stood and led them into the room.
After washing and drying her hands, Empress Dowager informed the two: "Aijia had the small kitchen prepare the dishes you two like. Later, you can have some."
"It was bothersome for muhou to remember," He Heng stood to bow to Empress Dowager Wei, but his posture was more casual than before others, clearly showing just how mutual the feelings were between mother and son, "They should prepare more wine-pickled duck feet."
"Alright, your duck feet, erxi's duck tongue, aijia had them prepare, you won't be lacking," Empress Dowager Wei apparently liked her son's carefree and intimate attitude. She gave a sigh, "Even though the mourning period has passed, there's no need to celebrate aijia's birthday. Tomorrow, aijia will send a decree declaring to not hold a birthday banquet this year, and won't receive the court officials' respects."
When He Heng came here, he originally planned to discuss the matter of Empress Dowager's birthday. But he hadn't thought that muhou was so straightforward. It wouldn't be good to hold a big celebration but it might be too cold if she didn't even receive the Court's respects.
"Aijia knows you are filial, but aijia has thought this through before making the decision," Empress Dowager's expression became stern, "Son, you have to remember. To gain something, you also have to gain the reputation, then your conduct would be spotless."
On the side, Qu Qing Ju agreed wholeheartedly when she heard the words. If one acted, they had to act to the end. To receive both the gains and the reputation was the only way to become a true winner. But when saying such things, was it wise to speak in front of her?
"I understand muhou's intentions," He Heng nodded, "Then on mother's birthday, us three will gather and have a good meal."
"Yes," Empress Dowager smiled. Her gaze swept across her erxi sitting docilely by one side, "For a family to sit together and eat, it's much better than having those useless things." This son of hers, to say that kind of a thing in front of her, he really had his heart on Qu shi.
With Qu shi, there was no risk of the relatives. She was also the established Empress. After Qu shi had children, a fight for succession would be avoided. It wasn't a bad thing to have love between Emperor and Empress.
"Since muhou isn't having a celebration, then we should also save on erxi's celebration," Qu Qing Ju's birthday was in the next month. Her brows furrowed as she said, "It's always so noisy at a banquet, not that interesting."
"Alright, we'll save on us mother and daughter's birthday celebrations, and we don't have to endure the torment." Empress Dowager Wei smiled. Saying to Ding mama who was beside her, "It's almost noon, get the kitchen to prepare to serve."
Ding mama left with her orders. Once she left the room, Ding mama finally smiled and shook her head. Clearly the Empress Dowager and the Empress were two kinds of people but they really did form a connection as they interacted. To have this kind of connection between popo and erxi in the Imperial Family, it was extremely rare.
But the Empress was also talented. To be able to pout, play and laugh and do anything else in front of the Empress Dowager, acting as though the Empress Dowager was her own mother. Thinking about the deceased birth mother of the Empress and the evil stepmother, Ding mama sighed. The Empress hadn't had it easy. She must really be thinking of the Empress Dowager as her own mother.
The three people were very happy as they finished the meal. Empress Dowager Wei watched Qu Qing Ju lean back contentedly in the chair, smiling and teasing: "To eat seven-tenths full is to cultivate life. Eating like you do is of no benefit to the body."
"Muhou, erxi is growing right now, I can't not eat," Qu Qing Ju giggled, "If I'm not full, how will I grow my body?"
Empress Dowager Wei was amused by her words. She pointed at Qu Qing Ju, "Yes, yes, have to grow the body. After you grow up, you have to have grandsons and granddaughters for aijia to play with." When she'd finished speaking, she couldn't help laughing herself.
He Heng watched as his mother and xifu get happier the more they chatted. He silently took a sip of the digestive tea. So even when his xifu hadn't grown up, his mother was already preparing to play with his children. Was this scene really popo, son and erxi and not wife's mother, husband, and daughter?
On the second day, the Empress Dowager and the Empress sent out their decrees. The main meaning was that since xiandi had just passed away, they had no interest in enjoying their birthday celebrations and were grateful for the well-wishes from the people etc etc.
Instantly, the Court praised Sheng Mu Empress Dowager and the Empress for being virtuous and filial, and they were the epitome of what a woman should be.
He Heng listened to the officials' praises of his mother and wife and added: "Zhen's mother and Empress have no interest in amusements. Zhen, as the son of xiandi, also does not have the heart for the birthday celebration. This year, zhen will not hold a birthday banquet, you all shall not persuade otherwise."
Naturally, the officials urged and urged again and then under the Emperor's steadfastness, they helplessly surrendered. In the end, they hollered three times the Emperor was filial. Both monarch and subjects were satisfied.
Standing at the bottom, He Yuan gave a scornful smile. The Wei mother and son liked to act. Even at this step, they didn't forget to act in order to achieve a good name.
"Chen has a memorandum!" After the monarch and subjects enjoyed themselves for a while, the Minister of the Right, Wei Wen Guang stepped forward, "Emperor, this official encountered a thirteen years old urchin a few days earlier on the road, felt that he was pitiful and wanted to shelter him, but who knew this official heard a great matter."
The atmosphere of the court instantly turned tense. He Heng's brows slightly furrowed as he urged: "Right Minister Wen, quickly speak."
"This subject heard the urchin say that he had begged his way from Jiang Nan to Jing. His father was a steward of a certain official in Jiang Nan and had been killed because he found out that this official had colluded with His Highness Rui Wang, and dragged his entire family with him. Thankfully, the urchin had been hiding out of naughtiness in the cellar of the home and his life was spared." He raised an accounts book with both hands, "This is the accounts of the steward who had been killed. The little urchin, even under the struggles of the road, managed to protect this item. Emperor, please take a look."
Once the speech came out, the court fell into silence. But no one dared to speak in defense of Rui Wang.
"Present it up," He Heng looked at He Yuan, "Rui Wang, do you want to say anything?"
He Yuan sneered, raising his hands in a fist, responding: "Emperor, subject-di is innocent. Right Minister Wei uses an urchin of unknown origins to accuse subject-di, and even made a fake account book. His intentions are enough to sentence him to death."
He Heng took the book from the hands of a taijian and randomly flipped open a page to take a look. With a calm face, he replied: "What the truth really is, zhen will send someone to investigate. End court."
The officials realised that they didn't really know the Emperor's true intentions. If he believed Rui Wang, then he wouldn't have sent someone to investigate. But if he didn't believe, then he should be in a rage. For the Emperor to be this calm, they were at a loss.
But smart people reacted very quickly. The Emperor was going to settle the old scores of Rui Wang. Previously, the case of Jiang Nan had been unclearly suppressed by xiandi. The Emperor cared for the people of Jiang Nan and naturally wouldn't pretend the matter didn't exist.
Jiang Nan was going to see a large purge.
Chapter Ninety Four Appetite Wide Open
The case of Jiang Nan was taken up once again, but this time, no one begged for mercy for Rui Wang. The Emperor didn't send an official of high position to investigate in Jiang Nan but sent down an imperial decree for the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court to cooperate in the investigation.
Originally, some people had thought that the Emperor would use the chance to take down Rui Wang, but who knew that he was doing everything according to the rules. He didn't seem to side with his brother, and didn't take the chance to settle the score with his half brother. Many people were deeply moved by the benevolence of the Emperor.
Whether or not He Heng was really so generous, it wasn't very important to Qu Qing Ju. In the palace at the moment, she dominated above all. And she ate, drank, played and amused herself greatly.
The weather slowly moved into the fall but her appetite became better and better. She preferred to eat sour and spicy food. One night at the end of the ninth month, she ate two bowls of rice, one bowl of hot and spicy fish, and one bowl of mushroom tofu fish head soup in one sitting. It was all home-style cooking. But she just liked it and it scared He Heng into accompanying her on a walk of the gardens for more than two hours that night.
Qu Qing Ju's birthday was the second to last day of the ninth month. That day, Empress Dowager Wei held a family banquet at Fu Shou Palace. Other than their family of three, there was only Muhou Empress Dowager, Jin An Princess Royal and Heng fei present. The other three feipin only kowtowed outside the palace doors before being excused to leave.
Jiang Yong Yu was the only one of the imperial concubines whose position was a first-grade fei. Appearing at the banquet, she represented the generosity and virtue of the Empress who was able to tolerate other women in the palace. But Jiang Yong Yu understood inside what her identity was and what she should do. So after making her greetings, she picked the corner furthest away from He Heng to sit and quietly pretended to be a statue.
After He Heng ascended the throne, he elevated the titles of Jin An Princess' children. Everyone in Jing knew by then that Jin An Princess was on good relations with the new Emperor. Of all the princesses of xiandi, only Jin An Princess' position hadn't been affected, and the people in Jing still carefully flattered and respected her.
It was human nature. One's father being the Emperor or a half-brother being the Emperor, it really was two different things. No wonder some princesses would pick a side on the matter of succession. Jin An Princess managed to make a correct decision.
Those who had eyes all knew that when the new Emperor was still Duan Wang, Jin An Princess had been extremely close to Duan Wang Fei. When the news that Duan Wang had been attacked, Jin An Princess had sent many herbs and medicine to Duan Wang. Didn't her actions clearly show Jin An Princess' position?
The other person who benefited was Cheng Wang. Originally, he had been a pitiful little thing that his own father didn't care for. But now, he could be considered to be one of the most trusted people by the new Emperor. His wife had connections with the Emperor so overall, his status was even higher than when xiandi had been alive.
"Empress, your appetite is so good," After the meal, Jin An Princess looked with amazement at Qu Qing Ju who was wiping her mouth. A beat later, she commented, "Eating is good fortune."
"It's not that much," Qu Qing Ju took a mouthful of the digestive tea that a palace maid presented and looked in confusion at He Heng beside her, asking, "Really too much?"
"It's good you like eating," He Heng smiled. He looked at the other's pale and smooth face, his fingers slightly trembling as he resisted the urge to reach out and pinch her face. He turned to order Ming He behind him, "Today, the pickled cabbage fish head and Kung Pao beef tendons were made well. Who was the chef, reward!"
Ming He noted the two dishes. He knew that it was the Empress who liked them and indicated for a taijian behind him to go reward the chef in the Imperial Kitchens.
Empress Dowager Wei raised the teacup to take a sip, smiling as she commented: "Recently, Qing Ju's appetite is getting even better. When aijia sees her eat, aijia feels the appetite improving and can eat an extra half bowl."
Hearing this, Muhou Empress Dowager smiled and teased: "Meimei and Empress' good appetites, even I at Chang Ning Palace have heard of. Even the Imperial Kitchen is thinking all day of creating new pastries and dishes in hopes of receiving your favors."
"It seems that our mother and daughter's gluttonous reputation has spread," Empress Dowager Wei smiled at Qu Qing Ju, completely uncaring of people in the palace spreading such news. She said to Muhou Empress Dowager, "Jiejie, we have known other for more than twenty years. When xiandi was alive, we were always cautious and alert. Now that our children have grown up, we don't need to live so cautiously. In this time that we can still eat and drink, it's better to enjoy it."
Muhou Empress Dowager hadn't thought Empress Dowager Wei would say such a thing. She paused slightly before smiling, "You're right. A life is short and hard. We've endured for more than half a lifetime, it can't be put to waste." She and Wei shi had no conflicts of interest. Now that Duan Wang had ascended the throne, he had treated her well. Even Jin An Princess who had been recorded under her name was the most important among the princesses. Right now, she was only an idle Empress Dowager, what did she have to worry about?
Qu Qing Ju listened to the sisterly-like conversation between the two Empress Dowagers. If one didn't know, they really wouldn't believe that the two had once served the same man. The words basically meant, we finally made it through, let's enjoy ourselves.
But as the two chatted, the topic unknowingly skewed to land on Qu Qing Ju. Muhou Empress Dowager looked at Qu Qing Ju's waist that never grew thick no matter how much she ate: "Today is Empress' birthday, it's not good to let a taiyi take the pulse. But, it's fine for a taiyi to take a look tomorrow. If too much is eaten, it might harm the stomach." Her words were very euphemistic, but inside, she was suspicious of another matter.
What kind of person was Empress Dowager Wei? When Muhou Empress Dowager's words came out, she knew what the other hand meant. She quickly calculated in her head. The passing of xiandi was the end of the fourth month. The end of the seventh month was the end of the mourning period. After the mourning period ended, Qu Qing Ju was still living in the back hall of Tian Qi Palace. Heng'er hadn't gone once to any of the other women in the palace. It was the end of the ninth month now, two months had passed, was it that ……
The two Empress Dowagers were experienced and knew to not casually say their conjectures. Otherwise, if there was first hope and then disappointment, it was harmful. The two exchanged a glance. Empress Dowager Wei said: "Since jiejie has said this, I'm worried now as well. Why don't we have a taiyi take the pulse tomorrow?"
Qu Qing Ju felt helpless. After entering the palace, even though her body didn't have any ailments, the taiyi would take a pulse every two weeks. They had also prescribed some tonics. She really didn't like drinking those things.
He Heng's eyebrow slightly twitched. He then smiled, promising: "Since both muhous are worried, this son will summon the dean of the Imperial hospital tomorrow to take the pulse for the Empress."
Qu Qing Ju put down her teacup, interjecting: "The weather turned cold lately, so I couldn't help but eat more. There shouldn't be any problems, but I should not cause both muhou to worry."
Empress Dowager Wei smiled and sighed: "As long as you are all well, us, as muhou will be comforted."
Qu Qing Ju's heart moved slightly. She wasn't stupid, so she could hear that the majority of Empress Dowager's words were sincere. As a popo, Empress Dowager Wei was really very good. Not even in this era, in the place that she lived in her previous life, a popo as fair and considerate as Empress Dowager Wei was rare.
Thinking about how she and Empress Dowager Wei had interacted, from the mutual probes at the intimacy now, Empress Dowager Wei tried to do the best for her as the erxi. Even when He Heng had given out a decree that was more of a love letter to announce to the world and not going to the hougong after the mourning period ended, Empress Dowager Wei had never been discontent with her and treated her even better.
"Muhou's words have made erxi ashamed. As the younger generation, as long as you have healthy bodies, and are happy, it makes us happy." Qu Qing Ju spoke with a smile, "With a muhou so concerned with erxi like this, it is erxi's good fortune."
Empress Dowager Wei stilled. Then her voice was soft as she said: "Stupid child, even now as Empress, you make aijia worried."
At one side, Heng fei listened to Empress Dowager Wei's words. Her heart was also full of admiration. When the Empress had just entered the fu, the Empress Dowager had been somewhat dissatisfied with Empress. Yet now, the Empress Dowager treated her like she was her own.
From beginning to end, He Heng had a smile on his face. Even as they left Fu Shou Palace to return to Tian Qi Palace, the smile on his face didn't dissipate.
His good mood maintained itself until morning court. When he heard officials suggesting he take a few female candidates as concubines, his brows wrinkled.
Some certain officials didn't put any attention all day on state matters, didn't do any work, and their attention was entirely focused on the matter of his hougong. Such subjects, what was the use in keeping them?
"Emperor, now that the mourning period has passed, your hougong is empty. This subject thinks that the xuannu should be taken as fei to expand the hougong." An official in the Ministry of Rites said, "This is a critical matter of continuing the line. Please, Emperor, make a decision."
The words seemed like they were urging He Heng to take fei. In reality, they were saying that the Empress was childless, and wanted him to take other women to have children.
The kind of Emperor that was He Heng, he wouldn't listen to this spiel. If this person was speaking on behalf of the people, he might have felt that this person could be used. But this person was criticizing the matter of the women of the hougong. He Heng's face was cold as he looked at the Rites official: "Are you meaning to criticize that zhen's Empress has no son, or implying to zhen to let other feipin give birth to the eldest imperial son?"
This official of the Ministry of Rites nearly bit his tongue. He clearly only had been urging the Emperor to take concubines, how did become slandering the Empress and scheming about the Imperial Heir? He apprehensively knelt down: "This subject did not mean that. Please forgive, Emperor."
It was the orthodox way for the di son of the middle palace to succeed the throne, unless the Empress really couldn't have a child. He wouldn't dare to imply for the Emperor to let other feipin give birth to the eldest son, wasn't that heretical?
"The Empress has been married to zhen for not even a year. Before, she had to observe mourning for xiandi, and then she had prayed for xiandi everyday without pause. Such a virtuous Empress, to be marred by you in such a way, it is abominable," He Heng uttered, "As an official, the heart should be placed with the people and not to put the focus on zhen's hougong. Does everyone here like other people meddling in their houyuan? Or is it that some people believe they can arrange everything for zhen and make the decisions for zhen?"
As the words landed, the entire court followed in kneeling down to ask for mercy. In this world, who would dare to make the decisions for the Emperor, wasn't that the great crime of treason?
He Heng gave a cold snort, looking at the people kneeling below, "Xiandi hasn't passed for a long time yet. Even though zhen used months to substitute for years to come out of mourning, but every time zhen thinks of xiandi's appearance and voice, it still hurts. There is much less interest to take other women. You all are scholars, and naturally know what is filial piety and righteousness. To respect the elders is filial piety, to be responsible for siblings and wife is righteousness. If filial piety and righteousness cannot be achieved, how is one a human?"
"Emperor is enlightened!" He Ming shouted.
"Emperor is enlightened, this subject is ashamed!" Luo Chang Qing and Wei Wen Guang simultaneously clamoured.
The other's followed in shouting the Emperor was enlightened. No one dared to argue with the words, otherwise, wouldn't they be the person that wasn't filial or righteous?
As to that official of the Ministry of Rites that suggested for He Heng to take other fei, he was so frightened his face was pasty-white and trembling. The officials on either side of him silently took a step back from him to distance themselves even more.
He Yuan looked coldly at He Heng sitting on the dragon chair. The unshakable love between Emperor and Empress, it really …… was an eyesore.
Chapter Ninety Five Pregnant
The Emperor had become angry at Court, the officials underneath were all shaking. But some were very envious of the Tian Family. To have this kind of niece, it was really the good fortune from the previous life.
He Yuan still attended court, but due to the case of Jiang Nan, he didn't have much power to meddle in other affairs. Hearing the officials beside him discuss the relationship between the Imperial Couple, he revealed a scornful smile. In this world, how many men had a love as deep as the ocean and how many emperors could be like the Yu Ming Emperor of the previous dynasty?
Before the He Family took the country, the world was ruled by the Tong Family, and Yu Ming Emperor had been a rare good ruler in the previous dynasty. This person had done something that was famous in the world. That was, his palace only had his Empress, and no other woman.
Many people had written their own versions of the love story between Yu Ming Emperor and Zhao He Empress. The stories were happy or sad, touching and wistful, but in all of them, they praised the infatuation of Ming Yu Emperor and his wisdom, as well as the virtues and intelligence of Zhao He Empress.
People always had a shortcoming. The rarer something was, the more they liked to tell of it. The fact that there was so much written about Yu Ming Emperor and Zhao He Empress, wasn't it because an emperor's true love and monogamy were rare?
Thinking of it, the smile on He Yuan's face grew wide. How many Yu Ming Emperors were there in this world?
After He Heng left the court, he started to walk towards the rear hall of Tian Qi Palace. As he walked, the coldness on his face retreated to become warm. When he reached the entrance to the rear hall, it seemed normal. The taijian guarding the door saw him, and was going inside to report before being stopped.
"Ming He, go pass on zhen's decree. Summon the Dean of the Imperial Hospital to take the pulse of the Empress," He took the step into the door as he finished.
Qu Qing Ju felt that as she travelled into this era, her hobbies became more and more elegant. Reading, calligraphy, flower arrangement, pruning, poetry, painting. She had done all of them. It was a pity that she could never have a sustaining interest in any of the hobbies.
Disinterestedly looking at the bonsai that had been trimmed by her into a mushroom shape, she sighed: "There's nothing to play with this bonsai."
Mu Jin knew that the Empress was bored. In the hougong, aside from the feipin and noblewomen coming to pay their respects, it was the people of the Department of Internal Affairs coming to ask about the matters of the palace. After a time, it wasn't interesting.
"Empress, nubi saw the chrysanthemums in the Imperial Gardens have bloomed. Why don't we summon some noblewomen into the palace to keep you company and admire the flowers, it would pass the time." Mu Jin suggested, "This way, it can also decrease the distance from you to them."
Qu Qing Ju sighed. No wonder when she had searched for historical information in her previous life, there would always be some woman riding a horse, woman toying with a cat, and scenes of parks and kickball. It was because an idle life was too one-note, and the crowds of Ms. Perfects needed to find things to pass the time.
But the relationship between the Empress and the wives of the officials was important. The Emperor was the boss of the men of the world, therefore the Empress was the boss of the women of the world. If there weren't any interactions, it wouldn't be right.
"Alight, ben gong knows. Three days from now, summon the wives above third-rank into the palace to attend a banquet to admire the chrysanthemums," Qu Qing Ju pondered for a second, "If there are unmarried di daughters in the family, they can bring them as well."
"Yes, nubi will go to let the female official announce the decree." Mu Jin wholeheartedly plotted for Qu Qing Ju. Any matter that was advantageous for Qu Qing Ju, she would cleanly and nimbly do, and wouldn't leave any blemishes.
Just as she turned, she saw the Emperor walk in. She quickly retreated to one side and knelt down, proclaiming: "Nubi greets Emperor."
Qu Qing Ju heard Mu Jin's voice and raised her head to see He Heng walk over, still wearing the gold dragon-patterned robe that he wore when at court. She stood, meeting him and asking: "Emperor, why have you come right now?"
"When I got off from court, I remembered that a taiyi was being summoned today to see your pulse and came to take a look," He Heng held her hand to sit down on an armchair at the side. Seeing the bonsai that seemed to be almost bare, he smiled and remarked, "Just now on the outside, I heard you want to have a banquet, is it because the hougong is boring?"
Qu Qing Ju smiled: "A bit duller than at the wang fu. But it will slowly get better."
"It probably won't happen this year, but next year, I will take you out," He Heng touched her sighing, "If you are really bored, you can summon Tian furen in to talk with you, don't shut yourself in."
"Alright," Qu Qing Ju felt that the other thought of her as a lonely and weak white flower. She smiled helplessly, responding: "Emperor doesn't have to be so worried. I'm the Empress. If I'm bored, the servants would naturally think of ways to make me happy."
He Heng knew that what she said was true and a grimace appeared. Treating her like this, he really couldn't rest his worries. This was what it felt like to have your heart tied up with someone.
A while later, Ming He came in to report that the Dean of the Imperial Hospital had arrived.
Qu Qing Ju saw a sixty-something man come in wearing the official uniform of the Imperial Hospital. A fine sweat was on his forehead. He must have hurried over. Otherwise, in this early autumn, where would the sweat come from?
"Subject Du Bai Zhu Shu greets Emperor, greets Empress."
It was possible to know from the name that he came from a family of medical practitioners. Qu Qing Ju silently examined the taiyi. His cheeks were red, his hair was salt-and-pepper but his overall energy was good. He must have taken very good care of his own health.
"Du taiyi doesn't have to be so courteous. You have been in the Imperial Hospital for many years and very experienced. Recently, the Empress' appetites have increased. Come to take the pulse of the Empress and see if there are any ailments." He Heng looked at Du Bai Zhu kneeling and indicated for him to come near to take Qu Qing Ju's pulse.
When Du Bai Zhu heard the two words increased appetite, he paused. Then after thanking, he bowed and walked in front of Qu Qing Ju, holding his hands up and apologizing: "Empress, subject offends." Finishing, he took a silk cloth from his sleeve to place over Qu Qing Ju's wrist and started to take Qu Qing Ju's pulse.
Five minutes later, Du Bai Zhu switched to his other hand and then Qu Qing Ju saw his expression become joyful.
Du Bai Zhu took away the silk cloth over Qu Qing Ju's wrist, his face full of joy as he knelt in front of He Heng; "Congratulations Emperor, congratulations Emperor. The Empress has a slippery pulse, it is a happy occasion."
Qu Qing Ju's eyebrows jumped. Slippery pulse …… did he mean she was pregnant?
"Really?" He Heng, who didn't usually express his emotions, asked in surprise, "Can you tell how many months?"
"Because the pulse isn't very evident, it shouldn't be more than a month. Unless a taiyi had practiced for many years, it would have been unlikely to detect the pulse." Du Bai Zhu's face was full of delight, as though he was happier than anyone else that the Empress was pregnant. But at the same time, he didn't forget to compliment himself.
"Good, good," By this time, He Heng was grinning from ear to ear. He waved his hand, "Reward, heavily reward."
"This subject thanks Emperor, thanks Empress." Du Bai Zhu gasped at his luck inside. The Empress' pulse wasn't evident but it was definitely pregnancy. This time, he really showed his face in front of the Emperor and Empress.
If this matter had occurred with xiandi, he would have been shuddering with fear. But now, the hougong was managed by the Empress and the Emperor only favored the Empress. He had nothing to worry about. It was a very good thing.
"From today onwards, you don't have to attend anyone else, just serve the Empress," He Heng mused as he barely managed to suppress his joy, "From the Imperial Hospital, you can pick two trusted people to be your assistants. The diet of the Empress, zhen will get a pregnancy mama to pay more attention. If there is anything that cannot be used, you have to tell the pregnancy mama. Zhen requires you to guarantee that Empress and the child in her stomach will be absolutely safe."
"Chen will not fail Emperor's trust," Du Bai Zhu gave a kowtow. Wealth could only be found through danger. If he could serve the Empress well this time, his status in the Imperial Hospital would be unshakable!
After Du taiyi left, Qu Qing Ju finally looked in disbelief at He Heng: "I'm pregnant?"
The palace maids and taijian in the room were all kneeling with happy faces as they gave their congratulations. For them, the fact that the Empress had children, it was a good thing to them. Only when their mistress was well, would they, as servants, be well.
"Yes, you have our child," The smile on He Heng's face hadn't disappeared. His hand cautiously touched Qu Qing Ju's belly. As though afraid of harming the child, he quickly jerked his hand back, "Tomorrow, I'll pick a useful and trusted pregnancy mama to serve you. Don't worry about any other matters, I'm there for everything else."
"Then the affairs of the hougong, I'll hand over to the two muhou," Qu Qing Ju wasn't attached to the power of the hougong. Even more, with He Heng's heart here, she would always be the first in the hougong. If He Heng didn't treat her well, it was useless even if she kept a grip on the power of the hougong.
"Right, I have to tell the two muhou," He Heng thought, "Take a good rest, I'll be back quickly. I'll eat the noon meal with you."
Qu Qing Ju gaped at He Heng as he rushed out of the room, appearing to float in the air. She shook her head in helplessness and then gave a faint smile.
Empress Dowager Wei and Muhou Empress Dowager had been chatting together when they saw the Emperor rush in. They were surprised but seeing that his face was full of joy, the two were very happy, and also smiled.
"Muhou, just now, the taiyi took the pulse and found Empress is pregnant," He Heng was happy and sketched a bow to the two, "This son is coming to announce the good news."
It had been a long time since Empress Dowager Wei saw her son forget appearances. She even felt that her son's eyes had become brighter. Her heart warming, she smiled, replying: "Since that's the case, you should be keeping Qing Ju company. Us here, it's fine to let someone else report."
"This son was just too happy and forgot," He Heng curbed himself slightly, but from each strand of his hair to his feet, "jubilation" was written in large font, "This son has also come to ask a certain favor."
"Aijia had expected that you were here about the management of the hougong." Hearing it, Muhou Empress Dowager smiled, "aijia had managed the houyong for decades, and doesn't want to suffer again. If you care for your wife, then beg your muhou. Aijia isn't willing to meddle."
Hearing this, Empress Dowager Wei responded: "Jiejie is making things difficult for me. I haven't managed such things before. How about meimei will temporarily work, but can ask jiejie for help everyday. After our erxifu has given birth, then let her manage herself. Us two, being muhou, might want to be lazy but still have to care for the younger generation."
"That's fine," Muhou Empress Dowager smiled, agreeing, "After our big grandson comes out, we only have to care about grandson."
Naturally, He Heng gave his profuse thanks. As to the two Empress Dowagers expressing explicitly that they would only manage until the Empress gave birth, he understood the two's desire.
Leaving Fu Shou Palace, He Heng got the Department of Household Affairs to present more good things to the palaces of the two Empress Dowagers to express his gratefulness.
Empress Dowager Wei looked at the things that He Heng let others deliver and smiled helplessly. As a mother, she wouldn't bear to see her child in difficulty. The peace of the hougong, to an emperor, it was an important matter.