Chapter 52 Consort Fucha's Visits
Chapter 52 Consort Fucha's Visits
After watching Wen Shichu leave Suiyu Pavilion, Zhen Huan began to plot in her heart.
She subconsciously reached out and gently stroked her slightly protruding belly, a dull ache rising in her heart.
This unborn child, whose gender she still couldn't determine, is gone.
Thinking of this, Zhen Huan's eyes welled up with tears.
She silently recalled the time she felt the baby's faint movements; that feeling was quite magical.
However, I don't know when it started, but that feeling disappeared.
Now, she knows clearly that the child has left her forever.
All that remained inside was a lifeless mass of flesh and blood.
Zhen Huan took a deep breath, trying her best to calm her grief.
But the sorrow surged into her heart like a tidal wave, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
As soon as Jinxi entered, she saw Zhen Huan crying.
"Your Majesty, please don't be too sad, or you'll harm your health."
You must pull yourself together; we still have a chance.
After crying for a while, Zhen Huan finally calmed down.
Yes, the child is gone, and all I can do as a mother is avenge him.
But who will be dragged down by relying on this child?
As the mastermind behind the child's death, Zhen Huan naturally harbored deep hatred for the Empress.
However, bringing down the Empress was no easy task. She was treacherous, cunning, and shrewd.
Although she had long fallen out of favor and had no children, she still had the Empress Dowager as her powerful backer.
As for Consort Hua, she had always been aloof and arrogant, constantly making things difficult for and tormenting Zhen Huan, who was filled with resentment towards her.
However, now that Consort Hua has been injured and lost her memory, she has become even more difficult to deal with than before.
After all, she had now earned the Emperor's sympathy.
As the saying goes, people always pity the weak, especially since Silang and she had a long-standing relationship.
Zhen Huan found it difficult to judge whether Consort Shu was truly intelligent or simply lucky.
Actually, it would be even better if this matter could also involve Consort Shu.
However, since Empress Gu's schemes against Consort Shu had failed several times, Zhen Huan dared not act rashly.
After much deliberation, Zhen Huan quickly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and whispered a few words in Jinxi's ear.
Jinxi nodded repeatedly, indicating that she understood and would do as instructed.
The Zhen Huan of the past might not have bothered with such elaborate schemes and power struggles.
But cruel reality ruthlessly told her that if she didn't want to be at the mercy of others, she had to calculate some things.
So, the next day, Zhen Huan, along with Jinxi, Huanbi, and others, walked around the palace.
As soon as Zhen Huan made a move, Fucha Peiyun knew that she had a plan in mind. She just hoped that Zhen Huan would not have misunderstood and choose the wrong person.
Regardless of her outward appearance, Nian Shilan of Lingkun Palace is, in essence, a twelve-year-old girl.
This caused Songzhi and Cao Qinmo a lot of worry, especially Cao Qinmo, whose own daughter was still quite unsteady on her feet.
He also had to worry about Nian Shilan, as if he had gained another twelve-year-old daughter.
Cao Qinmo really wanted to sigh. What was Nian Shilan like at twelve years old?
That's straightforward and impulsive, fearless, and always coming up with a new idea.
One minute she wants to eat snacks, the next she wants to go out and play.
Although Nian Shilan is currently facing some troubles that are causing her distress,
But there's no denying that her genuine, adorable, and guileless nature makes her very likable.
For this reason, Cao Qinmo has been going to Lingkun Palace almost every day for the past few days.
On this day, Cao Qinmo arrived at Lingkun Palace as usual.
As soon as she stepped into the palace gate, she saw Nian Shilan running towards her like a cheerful little bird and grabbing her sleeve.
With sparkling eyes, she said:
"Sister Cao, I heard that the flowers in the Imperial Garden are in excellent bloom today. Let's go take a look."
Cao Qinmo was actually quite worried and uneasy, after all, Nian Shilan's injuries had not yet fully healed.
Moreover, given her fearless nature, what if she causes trouble outside?
But faced with the playful, lively, charming, and adorable Nian Shilan in front of her,
Especially when she acted coquettishly towards him, Cao Qinmo found that he simply couldn't bring himself to refuse her requests.
In the end, Cao Qinmo reluctantly nodded and agreed to accompany Nian Shilan to the Imperial Garden to enjoy the flowers and the scenery.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Garden, Nian Shilan ran around like a cheerful little bird.
Just then, Zhen Huan, along with Jinxi and others, happened to pass by.
Zhen Huan saw Consort Hua, who was dressed exceptionally charmingly but had a white cloth wrapped around her head.
A thought struck her, and she went to meet him, supporting her pregnant belly.
When Nian Shilan saw Zhen Huan, she curiously walked up to examine her.
Zhen Huan had no idea what this Consort Hua was up to.
Unexpectedly, Nian Shilan said crisply, "You're Zhen Huan? You're just average-looking."
"Where can you find someone as beautiful and delicate as me?"
As she spoke, Nian Shilan glanced at Zhen Huan's protruding belly and then spoke to Cao Qinmo.
"She's heavily pregnant, Sister Cao, let's go somewhere else to play, just in case something happens to her."
After saying this, Nian Shilan ignored Zhen Huan's reaction and quickly left the Imperial Garden with Cao Qinmo.
Zhen Huan stood there, her expression not very pleasant.
Seeing Zhen Huan's displeasure, Jinxi quickly and gently comforted her:
"Your Highness, please don't be angry. Consort Hua's temperament is like that of a child these days, so you shouldn't hold it against her."
Zhen Huan frowned slightly, touching her slightly protruding belly, and said thoughtfully:
"It's not necessarily a bad thing that Consort Hua is like this; at least there will be less scheming."
Meanwhile, on the other side, Nian Shilan was walking away arm in arm with Cao Qinmo. Cao Qinmo said with a helpless expression:
"Your Majesty, it seems you've offended Consort Wan again today."
Nian Shilan waved her hand dismissively, and shouted nonchalantly:
"Hmph! Why should I care about her? Look at her pretentious and affected manner, I can't be bothered with her, lest I get myself into trouble."
Besides, I am now a Noble Consort, while Zhen Huan is merely a Concubine. What right does she have to make me take her seriously?
Seeing her face as pale as paper and her body so frail, it's as if she still had the leisure to wander around aimlessly.
I really don't know what she's up to!
"Sister Cao, let's ignore her. Let's go to your palace and play with the lovely Wenyi."
Upon hearing this, Cao Qinmo could only smile and nod in agreement.
He secretly thought to himself: Perhaps this is actually a good thing.
When Fucha Peiyun mentioned the news of Nian Shilan's emergence, she expressed curiosity about what Nian Shilan was like now.
So he strolled out of Tingxi Palace.
Before long, Fucha Peiyun and her entourage arrived at the small and exquisite garden near Jingyang Palace.
As they approached the garden, a clear and melodious laugh reached Fucha Peiyun's ears.
The laughter was so joyful, it seemed to dispel all gloom.
Fucha Peiyun's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately quickened her pace.
As she approached, the scene before her made her pause slightly in surprise.
Nian Shilan was dressed in a refreshing qipao, with a simple double bun hairstyle and a white cloth wrapped around her head.
She was gracefully moving among the flowers.
Holding a beautiful round fan, she chased after the butterflies fluttering among the flowers, her face beaming with a radiant smile.
Not far away, Cao Qinmo sat quietly on a stone bench, holding the young and adorable Princess Wenyi in her arms.
The little princess giggled at Nian Shilan's antics, waving her little hands wildly in the air.
Fucha Peiyun, supporting Ye'er's hand, walked to Cao Qinmo's side.
Her gaze fell on Wen Yi in Cao Qinmo's arms, her eyes filled with tenderness and affection.
"Little Wenyi, your auntie has come to see you. Do you still remember your auntie?"
Fucha Peiyun spoke softly, a warm smile on her face.
When Cao Qinmo saw Fucha Peiyun approaching, she quickly stood up and tried to bow to her.
However, Fucha Peiyun gently waved her hand and said with a smile:
"No need for such formalities."
Just then, Nian Shilan, who was playing and chasing butterflies in the distance, noticed someone approaching.
He stopped what he was doing and slowly walked towards them.
Nian Shilan was seen walking gracefully, holding an exquisite round fan, her eyes revealing a hint of curiosity and scrutiny.
Upon approaching, Nian Shilan looked Fucha Peiyun up and down with great interest and asked:
"Are you Consort Shu, of the Fucha clan?"
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun quickly curtsied slightly in preparation for a greeting.
She said, "This concubine is indeed Consort Shu. I greet Your Highness, the Noble Consort. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Seeing this, Nian Shilan chuckled and said:
"Oh dear, look at you, with such a big belly, it's already difficult for you to move around, so let's skip the formalities."
Upon hearing this, Fucha Peiyun readily agreed and stopped bowing.
"This humble concubine thanks Your Highness for your compassion."
Looking at Fucha Peiyun's straightforward manner, Nian Shilan couldn't help but laugh and said:
"Hmm, your personality is quite to my liking."
She's much more likable than that previous Consort Wan!
After saying that, he covered his mouth with his fan and chuckled a few times.
Nian Shilan said, "Your belly is so big, how many months pregnant are you? You must be about to give birth."
Fucha Peiyun said, "It's been seven months, it'll be over soon."
Nian Shilan said, "Looking at your big belly and good complexion, I think the baby you give birth to will be very healthy."
Fucha Peiyun "borrowed the auspicious words of the Imperial Concubine."
With a smile on her face, Nian Shilan softly said to Consort Shu:
"Consort Shu, may I touch your belly?" Her words revealed her curiosity and anticipation.
Fucha Peiyun nodded gently and replied, "Of course."
As she spoke, she turned slightly to the side, making it easier for Nian Shilan to touch her protruding belly.
Nian Shilan carefully reached out her hand and slowly moved it towards Fucha Peiyun's stomach.
Finally, when her fingers gently touched Fucha Peiyun's belly, she suddenly felt a small force coming from inside.
Nian Shilan couldn't help but gasp softly:
"Oh dear, this little brat actually kicked me!"
A delighted smile instantly bloomed on her face, making her stunningly beautiful.
Seeing this, Cao Qinmo quickly smiled and chimed in, "It seems this child likes Your Majesty."
Fucha Peiyun also laughed and said:
"Indeed, this child must also admire a beauty as stunning as Your Majesty."
Just then, a discordant sound of footsteps approached from afar, followed by a sudden, abrupt voice:
"Shilan, Consort Shu, Noble Lady Cao, so you are all here."
Everyone looked in the direction from which the sound came and saw that Fatty Orange was leading Su Peisheng and the others toward them.
The warm atmosphere was instantly ruined by the arrival of the big, fat orange cat.
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