The qingning Palace was suffused with an atmosphere so solemn that it seemed as if water could drip from it.
The Empress Dowager sat regally on the phoenix bed, twirling a string of prayer beads in her hand, and upon hearing that Consort Zhang had been demoted to a maid, she was instantly seething with anger.
"Is this ungrateful child still concerned about me?"
The Empress Dowager's voice trembled as she asked, "The Zhang family is his mother's family. Zhuangfei is his cousin. How could he be so heartless?"
Although she had long been aware that her son was inherently cold and indifferent, when the actual incident occurred, she was still unable to contain her anger.
The eunuchs and chambermaids were terrified and did not dare to move.
The empress dowager's anger remained unabated on her face. She turned to the nursemaid beside her and thundered: "Go and call the emperor to come to the Confining Palace immediately. I want to have a good talk with him!"
In the imperial study, the fragrance of dragon's blood and the scent of ink intertwined, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
The Emperor Jing was busy sorting through the piles of documents when he suddenly heard that his mother summoned him. He knew what it meant, and a hint of impatience and annoyance flashed across his eyes.
After hesitating for a while, he finally decided to go.
Emperor Jing stepped into the Confining Palace, his posture straight and his robe's hem swaying rhythmically with each step. His face wore a seemingly casual air of charm, but deep in his eyes was a glint of coldness.
Upon seeing the Emperor Jing, the Empress Dowager immediately shouted angrily: "Yuan, the Zhuangfei is your cousin and the Zhang family is your maternal family. How could you so easily demote Zhuangfei to a maid? This has caused your uncle great heartache."
The corners of Emperor Jing's mouth subtly rose, giving a smile that was neither genuine nor mocking, carried with it a carefree and flirtatious demeanor.
He spoke slowly and calmly, "Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, all under heaven is under my control, let alone matters in the palace. That Zhuangfei dared to incite her father to conspire with ministers to meddle in my palace affairs is a great offense. I have already dealt with her leniently out of consideration for our past relationship. Why should you be so angry?"
The Empress Dowager was filled with anger, her entire body shaking. She stood up abruptly and walked quickly to the Emperor Jing, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that bordered on madness: "You ungrateful child! You have entirely disregarded ancestral regulations for the sake of that Qin Zhao Rong Cheng, causing chaos in the palace. And now you treat Zhuangfei in this manner. Don't you fear that ministers will be disillusioned by you, and that the palace will be in disarray from now on?"
Emperor Jing slightly raised his chin, and the coldness in his eyes grew stronger. He said indifferently, "Your Majesty, don't you see the great achievements I have made in the imperial court? I can ensure that this world is at peace and that the people live in prosperity. I merely dote on a woman in the palace, what's wrong with that?"
"I am a flamboyant person, and I follow my heart and my nature. As soon as the Qin Zhao Rong Cheng entered my eyes, I naturally have to show her more favor. Those ministers who attempt to interfere in my thoughts are simply daydreaming. Your Majesty should also enjoy a peaceful and comfortable life in the Confining Palace. There's no need to worry about so many things. Don't forget, the palace is not meant for political interference."
The Empress Dowager's face turned pale upon hearing the last sentence "the palace is not meant for political interference."
She seemed to be suddenly drained of all her strength, taking a few unsteady steps backward and nearly falling over.
The nursemaid by her side rushed to offer assistance, but the Empress Dowager waved her hand to push her away.
Her lips trembled slightly, and after a long time, she managed to utter a single word: "Good. Good, the palace is not meant for political interference. Yuan, you are now hardened and do not care about what I say anymore."
The Empress Dowager's voice was filled with anger and sadness, her eyes betraying disappointment.
The Emperor Jing slightly bowed his head, maintaining his usual cold and indifferent demeanor. "Your Majesty, this is also in accordance with ancestral customs. As for matters in the palace, I will take care of them myself. Please do not trouble yourself with this again."
He is indeed a womanizer, but he is also very indifferent. He wouldn't mind the mother's family. If the Empress Dowager dares to continue interfering in his affairs, he might do something even more extreme.
The Empress Dowager looked at her son, Jing Emperor. How could she not know what kind of son she had?
She slowly closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and seemed to be suppressing the surging emotions within her.
After a long time, she reopened her eyes, and her gaze had become calm and cold: "If the emperor is so decisive, I will not say anything more. From now on, I will practice Buddhism and eat vegetarian food in this Confining Palace. I will no longer interfere in affairs and only wish that the emperor does not regret today's decision."
She did not call him Yuaner, but addressed him as the emperor, which was enough to show that a rift had formed between mother and son.
The emperor naturally noticed that and could hear the warning tone in her words.
However, he did not mind, and simply bowed again before turning to leave.
Watching the back of Emperor Jing as he departed, the Empress Dowager whispered softly, wondering if she had really grown old?
She turned towards the Buddhist hall and told the nursemaid behind her, "Starting from today, no one is allowed to enter this Confining Palace. I will focus on practicing Buddhism."
The nursemaid replied respectfully with a worried expression.
The Fengyi Palace.
The empress sat on the bed, her expression melancholy and vague.
Her gaze was blank and fixated on the distance, her thoughts like a tangled mess.
Jinyucun walked in silently, seeing the empress in this state, she also felt worried in her heart.
She spoke softly, "Your Majesty, you have been sitting for a long time. Why not have a cup of tea to soothe your throat?"
The empress seemed not to have heard and remained immersed in her own thoughts.
After a long while, she slowly opened her mouth, "Jinyucun, what should I do? The palace is being turned upside down by Qin Zhao Rong Cheng. Although the emperor loves her so much, I am powerless to stop it."
Jinyucun pursed her lips and comforted, "Your Majesty, as the mistress of the palace, as long as you remain stable, the palace will eventually rely on you. Although Qin Zhao Rong Cheng is currently favored, she has not yet given birth to an heir. There is still room for change."
The empress smiled wryly and shook her head, "Room for change? I see the situation in the palace, and it's not something I can control anymore. The emperor, for her sake, could dismiss Consort Zhang without a moment's hesitation and even had a major dispute with the Empress Dowager. If I act impulsively, my fate might not be much better than Consort Zhang's."
Jinyucun listened to these words and remained silent, not daring to speak anymore.
At this point, the front court and the palace were quiet, but this quiet was more like the calm before the storm.
The Taihe Hall.
Yuyao's belly is already eight and a half months, getting close to nine months.
Her body was becoming heavier and heavier, and the discomforts of the late pregnancy followed one after another.
She gently furrowed her brow and leaned against the soft sofa.
Emperor Jing sat beside her, worriedly looking at her. He gently lifted her foot and placed it on his lap, massaging her gently in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort she was experiencing.
At that moment, Lu Xi hurried in to report: "Your Majesty, oh no! Cloud Guifei fell and hit her head on the ground on the way here. Now she is in severe abdominal pain and may give birth early."
Upon hearing Lu Xi's report, Emperor Jing's brow furrowed slightly, and he stopped what he was doing.
Yuyao sat up worriedly and looked at Emperor Jing, "Childbirth is a great matter. Your Majesty should go and take a look."
Although Cloud Guifei was almost pregnant at the same time as her, she was still a few days away from the ninth month.
The saying goes "seven lives, eight deaths," and Cloud Guifei might be in danger.
Emperor Jing nodded slightly. Though he did not like Cloud Guifei, she was carrying his child as well.
After thinking for a moment, he instructed Lu Xi: "Send for the imperial physicians to the Chianxin Hall at once. Have the midwives prepared? If not, send the midwives from this side of the Taihe Hall first. Ensure that both Cloud Guifei and the child's safety."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lu Xi took the order and then hurriedly retreated.
After Lu Xi left.
Emperor Jing turned his gaze to Yuyao, soothingly patting her hand, "Don't worry, my dear. I'll go check on her. Your condition is heavy now, and it's difficult for you to move. Just stay here in the Taihe Hall and rest until I return."
Yuyao wanted very much to go and see for herself, but she also knew that her current condition made it inconvenient to move, and going along might only cause trouble.
She nodded, her eyes filled with worry, "Your Majesty, please go quickly. We hope that Cloud Guifei's sister and the baby will be safe and sound."
Emperor Jing smiled, caressed her face, stood up, straightened his robe, and then left the Taihe Hall with a swift and decisive stride. He set off in the carriage towards the Chianxin Hall.
Fengyi Palace.
The empress is leisurely amusing herself by playing with the birds in their cages.
A palace maid rushed in to report, "Your Majesty, I heard that Cloud Guifei fell and hit her head on the ground while walking. Now she is in severe abdominal pain and may give birth early."
Upon hearing this, the empress's heart moved slightly, and a hint of a smile, not easily detectable, crossed her eyes.
She slightly raised her eyes, and a hint of calculation crossed her eyes. She whispered to the attendant standing beside her, "Granny, has everything been taken care of?"
Granny Qin approached and bowed, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. Everything has been taken care of, and no one will discover anything. The maidservants of Cloud Guifei have been bribed by us, and we have drugged their daily meals as instructed."
"This medicine is extremely concealed and will not show any obvious symptoms in daily life. However, after accumulating over time, it will make the fetus extremely weak in the womb. With her fall today, it's a further blow. The child will definitely not survive, and even if it does, it will be a sickly child. It will certainly not pose a threat to Your Majesty."
The empress nodded slightly, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
She adjusted her attire and, accompanied by maidservants, rushed to the Chianxin Hall.
As the queen, it was natural for her to be present at the birth of a consort.
Upon hearing that Cloud Guifei had a premature birth, the other concubines in the palace gradually made their way to the Chianxin Hall.
Some hoped for Cloud Guifei and her unborn child to die, while others watched the scene with curiosity.
When Emperor Jing arrived at the Chianxin Hall, several anxious consorts had already gathered outside. They stood or sat, their faces showing varying degrees of concern.
Upon seeing Emperor Jing's arrival, the people quickly stood up and bowed in respect: "Your Majesty, we lower our heads and ask for your forgiveness."
Emperor Jing waved his hand impatiently, "Get up."
With that, he strode quickly towards the door of the delivery room. The door was shut tight, but the painful screams of Cloud Guifei were coming out in waves.
Just listening to it made one's heart tremble, and the atmosphere became incredibly heavy.
Emperor Jing furrowed his brow, swept his gaze over the crowd, and finally landed on the empress. He asked, "Queen, how is Cloud Guifei doing?"
The empress stepped forward and bowed slightly, her tone filled with a sense of wistfulness: "Your Majesty, I just arrived as well. I don't know the exact situation yet, but I do know that Cloud Guifei's sister suddenly went into preterm labor and her condition is critical."
Emperor Jing's frown deepened, and he turned to Lu Xi beside him, ordering, "Quickly go and ask the imperial physicians. What is the condition of Cloud Guifei and her child?"
Not long after, Zhang the physician came running, drenched in sweat, knelt before Emperor Jing, and gasped, "Your Majesty, Guifei Cloud is experiencing a difficult labor. The fetus is in an abnormal position, and coupled with Guifei's weakened condition, the situation is extremely critical. We are doing our utmost to save her, but..."
"But what?" Emperor Jing's voice suddenly rose, interrupting the physician's words.
The physician's body shivered slightly and continued, "But it is likely that both mother and child will not survive. Please make a decision early, Your Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing's face turned ashen, and his anger was evident. "Nonsense! Of course, it's about saving the prince!"
Concubines are responsible for producing an heir for him. Such matters do not need to be asked.
Emperor Jing's words left the physician no choice but to bow deeply and agree, "Yes, we will do everything we can to ensure the prince's safety."
After saying this, he hurriedly turned back towards the delivery room.
The concubines in attendance did not find the emperor's decision surprising, but they could not help but feel saddened in their hearts.
The empress's expression remained calm, and she did not speak.
Inside the delivery room, the cries of Guifei Yun were constant, accompanied by the carrying out of basin after basin of blood, and the smell of blood filled the air.
Her strength was gradually fading, and her voice grew weaker.
Finally, the cries of pain ceased, and a faint cry of a newborn baby echoed.
The people present knew that the child had been born, and they did not wait for the midwife to bring the baby out.
The delivery room was filled with the sound of a sorrowful cry.
The concubines in attendance felt their hearts "thump" in shock. They exchanged glances, knowing that Cloud Guifei probably would not survive.
At this moment, the midwife came out with the prince in her arms. The prince was wrapped in bright yellow brocade, his small body looking particularly weak, his little face blueish-purple, and his breath very faint.
"Your Majesty, Guifei Yun has given birth to a prince."
The midwife looked scared and trembling as she lowered her head to say.
Emperor Jing hurried forward and looked at the thin, small prince in the swaddling clothes, whose breath was so faint as if he would die at any moment. His heart was extremely saddened.
This was his first son, regardless of whether it was born to his beloved woman or not, it was still his child.
Seeing the child in such a condition, his heart couldn't help but feel bad.
He reached out and gently touched the little prince's face, the cold and fragile sensation making his brow furrow even tighter.
The empress stepped forward and looked at the prince for a moment. A trace of an unnoticeable smile flashed across her eyes.
This child looks difficult to raise, even if he is the eldest son. It's just a hollow title.
Emperor Jing looked at the midwife and asked, "What is the condition of Cloud Guifei?"
The midwife knelt down and bowed her head, answering, "Your Majesty, Guifei Yun has passed away."
Emperor Jing frowned, paused for a moment, and then said, "Carry out the emperor's edict. Cloud Guifei shall be promoted to the title of Yunfei and buried according to rites. Additionally, thoroughly investigate the premature birth of Yunfei."
Yunfei had always been in good health, and there were no complications during her pregnancy. She had remained stable until she was over eight months pregnant. How could she suddenly go into premature labor, let alone a difficult labor?
It is hard to believe that there isn't any intrigue involved, if he said otherwise.
Lu Xi respectfully accepted the command.
Upon hearing this, all the concubines present were nervous, fearing that they might be framed or falsely accused.
The empress's face tightened in fear that her conspiracy might be uncovered. Despite her turmoil within, her face remained calm and composed.
Afterward, Emperor Jing swept his gaze over the consorts, pondering who would be suitable to raise the prince.
The concubines present had various expressions, and they would certainly compete to raise a healthy prince.
But this prince looks so weak, whether he can survive is unknown, and it has become a hot potato.
Emperor Jing's gaze finally landed on the Jinfei, thinking that Jinfei was gentle in character and held the rank of a fei, making her a suitable choice.
"Jinfei, this prince is weak. I entrust him to you to raise and take care of him well."
Upon hearing this, Jinfei's expression was somewhat awkward.
This prince is so weak, raising him would be incredibly difficult.
However, thinking that this is still a prince, if she can raise him carefully, when the emperor passes away, she can also avoid the suffering of death.
Thoughts like this in mind, Jinfei bowed respectfully and replied, "Your Majesty, please be assured that the consort will spare no effort and take good care of the prince."
Other concubines heard this and some secretly rejoiced that they did not have to deal with this troublesome matter.
Some were jealous of Jinfei having the opportunity, although this opportunity seemed like a hot potato.
Although the empress was dissatisfied with the emperor entrusting the prince to Jinfei for nurturing, she had no time to worry about such matters at this moment.
She only worried about whether the emperor would investigate and find out that she was behind the death of Yunfei due to complications during childbirth.
Emperor Jing looked at the sickly prince wrapped in swaddling clothes, his expression growing increasingly irritable.
He glanced at the consorts present, feeling even more annoyed, and irritably waved his hand, saying, "Disperse now."
The concubines dared not say much, and they all bowed and withdrew.
Emperor Jing left the Chianxin Hall and returned to the Taodao Hall.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Yuyao was sitting on the bed, bored, reading a novel.
Suddenly, she heard a sound of footsteps outside, raised her eyes to see the Dog Emperor walked in with a grim face.
Yuyao instantly guessed that Guifei Yun's condition might not be good. She quickly put down the novel and got up to greet him, "Your Majesty, what's wrong? Your face is so ugly. Is something wrong with Sister Yunfei?"
Emperor Jing quickly approached and supported her. Despite his exhaustion and irritation, his expression turned into helpless affection when he looked at her, "Nothing. Yunfei gave birth to a prince, but the prince was born in a poor condition."
He did not mention the fact that Yunfei had died in childbirth, and he also instructed everyone around to keep their mouths shut and not to let the news of Yunfei's difficult labor and death reach Yuyao's ears.
Just in case she hears such news, she might become scared.
Yuyao's production is imminent, and no mistakes can be made.
Yuyao frowned slightly, though she was puzzled, seeing the Dog Emperor's unwillingness to say more, she did not press further.
She touched her round belly and said softly, "Your Majesty, the imperial physicians are highly skilled. With their meticulous care, the prince will certainly grow up healthy. Please do not worry too much."
Emperor Jing smiled faintly, said nothing more, and simply helped her sit down, starting to talk about other things.
