pdf-ebookys Chapter 1682 Only Nian Nian is the Exception
Chapter 1682 Only Nian Nian is the Exception
He always wondered if those beautiful faces hid unseen thoughts.
When they receive imperial favor, they appear shy and submissive. But could they possibly turn around and secretly have affairs with others?
Whose blood flows in the flesh and blood of the children they may be carrying?
Nangong Xuanyu could no longer take it for granted that the children born to his concubines were his bloodline.
He felt that the birth of every new life in the harem might harbor a crisis that could overthrow the empire...
This disgusted the emperor!
He would never allow his harem to become a place for others to realize their ambitions!
We will never allow the Nangong family's empire to be tainted by any suspicious bloodline!
The emperor suddenly called out, "Li Changde."
Li Changde quickly stepped forward: "This servant is here."
Nangong Xuanyu ordered, "Go to the Imperial Hospital and summon He Zhong to see me."
Li Changde's heart skipped a beat.
He Zhong is the head of the Imperial Medical Academy and possesses superb medical skills. More importantly, he enjoys the Emperor's deep trust and had previously prescribed a formula to postpone the Emperor's conception.
His Majesty summoned him at this moment...
Li Changde dared not ask any further questions and immediately bowed, saying, "Yes."
Before long, Judge He, carrying his medicine chest, followed Li Changde into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Having served in the palace for many years, he was used to all sorts of things. Although he didn't know why His Majesty had summoned him so urgently, judging from the atmosphere in the hall, he knew it must be something important.
The Imperial Censor bowed respectfully: "This old minister greets Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"
"Flat body."
Nangong Xuanyu waved his hand, signaling the other palace servants to retreat outside the hall and wait, leaving only Li Changde by his side.
The palace doors closed gently, leaving only three people inside.
Nangong Xuanyu's gaze fell on He Yuanpan, and after a long while he slowly spoke: "He Yuanpan, I remember that I stopped using one of the medicines before."
He Yuanpan understood immediately and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"His Majesty has stopped taking the pills he was using more than four months ago. Stopping the medication means that the concubines may be able to conceive."
Nangong Xuanyu looked at Judge He and said, word by word, "From today onwards, the medicine will continue to be sent as usual."
A hint of surprise flashed in Judge He's eyes.
But he did not ask why.
He shouldn't presume to fathom the thoughts of an emperor.
He hesitated for a moment, then cautiously said, "Your Majesty, if that medicine is to be used again, it must be taken continuously for seven days before it will be effective. If you visit the harem during this period, there is still a risk of pregnancy."
Nangong Xuanyu coldly said, "My harem, apart from the imperial heir in the womb of the Imperial Noble Consort, cannot have any more unexpected events!"
The only exception is Nian Nian.
He personally verified her innocence.
Ah-Xu is someone he watched grow up.
The child in her womb was, in his joyful and auspicious mood, a lucky star whom he personally acknowledged.
He was willing to give her special trust and make exceptions.
But other women... no way!
Judge He bowed and said, "This old minister understands."
Nangong Xuanyu waved his hand: "Go ahead, but be careful."
"Old minister retire!"
He Yuanpan, carrying his medicine chest, bowed and slowly withdrew from the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Making this decision didn't cause Nangong Xuanyu much distress.
He will never again give any woman the chance to confuse his bloodline!
Ah-Xu is his preferred successor.
He will watch the baby in his womb grow up carefully.
As for the other women in the harem, they were merely tools to balance the court and were not qualified to bear imperial offspring.
This profound betrayal and humiliation caused the emperor to build high walls around his heart.
From then on, the blessings of rain and dew may still remain, but the hope of blossoming and bearing fruit will become a distant dream.
……
Changchun Palace.
Consort Mei is talking to Consort Zhuang here.
Today she wore a light red satin dress embroidered with gold butterflies and clouds, which made her more beautiful than the flowers. The beauty mark at the corner of her eye looked even more charming and alluring in the bright light.
Compared to her previous resentment, Consort Mei was much calmer now: "...Cousin, the rewards from Yongshou Palace keep coming. It seems that His Majesty is indeed very pleased with the Imperial Noble Consort's pregnancy."
Consort Zhuang looked up at her and said, "Of course. The birth of an imperial heir is a cause for great joy, especially since it is also blessed with auspicious omens."
"However... while the Imperial Noble Consort's pregnancy is a blessing for her, it also means that she will be unable to serve the Emperor and receive his favor for at least another six months."
"His Majesty would not leave the harem empty just because of one concubine. This could be an opportunity for my sister."
Consort Mei's eyes lit up: "What my cousin means is..."
Consort Zhuang said, "His Majesty's return to the inner palace is a signal."
"Since the Imperial Noble Consort cannot attend to His Majesty's needs, His Majesty's side cannot remain empty. Whoever can capture His Majesty's attention and win his favor at this time will gain the upper hand."
"You are young, beautiful, and know how to please His Majesty. In the past, with the Imperial Concubine's exclusive favor, it was difficult for you to use your talents. Now is the time for you to make your move. Don't just think about yesterday's gains and losses; look to the future."
As Consort Mei listened, she felt a surge of warmth welling up inside her!
Yes, so what if the Imperial Noble Consort is pregnant?
After ten months of pregnancy and postpartum care, one will be unable to serve the emperor for at least a year and a half.
Your Majesty is a man, and moreover, an emperor. How could you possibly endure this for so long?
With so many beautiful women waiting to be picked in the harem, why can't she be the most eye-catching one?
"Don't worry, cousin!"
Consort Mei said confidently, "Men are all the same. They crave novelty and lust, and can't stand loneliness."
"The Imperial Noble Consort is now of great importance, but no matter how important she is, she cannot keep His Majesty tied to her."
"I will definitely find a way to firmly grasp this vacant favor!"
As she spoke, she stroked her flat stomach, her eyes gleaming with ambition: "As long as I have the opportunity to stay by your side and receive your favor, why should I worry about not being able to conceive a royal heir?"
"When the time comes, it will be a truly wonderful thing if a prince is born with the blood of our Zhuang family!"
The concubines' vying for the emperor's favor, regardless of their success or failure, is beneficial to the Zhuang family.
If she could actually get pregnant, that would be an even greater surprise.
"It's good that you have this spirit."
Consort Zhuang nodded slightly: "However, there is a method to winning favor. His Majesty has been busy with state affairs lately. While your straightforwardness in the past was certainly endearing, you now need to be more considerate, sensible, and understanding."
"Pay close attention to His Majesty's preferences, and refrain from inquiring about the gossip of the court and the harem."
"Be even more careful with etiquette towards Yongshou Palace, lest anyone find fault with you and say you are frivolous."
Consort Mei nodded earnestly: "Your Majesty will remember this. I will make sure that you think I am not only a kind and understanding person, but also a sensible and considerate person who knows when to advance and retreat."
Consort Zhuang responded with satisfaction.
Next, the two sisters discussed a few more details.
Consort Mei listened carefully and remembered everything.
Finally, Consort Mei said earnestly, "...Just watch, cousin, I will certainly not let you and the Zhuang family down!"
Consort Zhuang said gently, "Our Zhuang family's daughters are destined to shine in the harem."
Whether there are flowers or traps ahead, you can only keep going.