Chapter 718 Battle Erupts, Hamano Tsukasa Departs
The imperial consorts lowered their heads, like naughty kittens who had made a mistake. If not for the faint smile on their faces, this scene would surely have incited suspicion.
“Your Majesty…” Noble Consort Zhang looked up and called out softly.
“Did I not decree that all consorts should withdraw? Who asked you to return? Hm?” Mu Chengzhi’s voice, though neither warm nor cold, still carried a hint of anger.
The Empress stood up, pulling Noble Consort Zhang with her, and knelt gracefully. “Your Majesty, it was this consort who asked Noble Consort Zhang to come in. Noble Consort Zhang did not disobey your decree.”
“It was you?”
The Empress raised her eyes and said softly, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Mu Chengzhi stepped forward and helped the Empress up. “Your body is not yet recovered, so you should stand by and watch. Do not kneel, do not tire yourself. The imperial physician said that your fainting spell recently was due to your body being weak and not having been properly nourished.”
The Empress lowered her head and replied softly, “Yes.”
Mu Chengzhi turned his head and said to Noble Consort Zhang, “You may also rise.”
Noble Consort Zhang stood up, lowered her head, and remained silent.
Mu Chengzhi looked at her and asked softly, “Is there something you needed by coming back?”
Noble Consort Zhang shook her head.
“Hm?”
Noble Consort Zhang said, “This consort… this consort merely saw that Your Majesty and the Empress had not yet left, so… so…”
Seeing her incoherent state, a faint smile touched Mu Chengzhi’s lips. “So what? So you came back? I don’t recall incorrectly, you were the first to leave just now. What? Have you remembered me now?”
A blush spread across Noble Consort Zhang’s face, and she said softly, “No. This consort would not dare.”
“Dare not what? Hm?” Mu Chengzhi asked.
Noble Consort Zhang lowered her head and said nothing.
The Empress watched the two of them, her smile deepening.
Mu Chengzhi turned his head to look at the Empress and asked, “Why did you stay today? Could it be that you don’t know your body cannot withstand exertion?”
The Empress smiled gently. “Replying to Your Majesty. This consort was merely a little tired just now, which is why I fainted. It is not as the imperial physician said, that I am greatly depleted. It’s just that this consort was thinking about why Your Majesty came to the Empress’s palace. So… so I let Noble Consort Zhang leave first, and this consort stayed behind.”
“What do you want to know?” Mu Chengzhi said.
The Empress raised her eyes, looked at Mu Chengzhi, and asked, “May I ask why Your Majesty summoned this consort?”
Mu Chengzhi smiled and said, “I invited the Empress here simply to ask for a favor, but I didn’t expect your body to be so weak that you would faint right here. It caught me a bit off guard.”
“What favor does Your Majesty wish for this consort to do?” the Empress asked.
Mu Chengzhi said, “I only want the Empress to take care of a pregnant woman for me.”
“Take care of a pregnant woman?” The Empress looked at Mu Chengzhi in confusion. “May I ask which one Your Majesty is referring to?”
Mu Chengzhi did not answer the Empress but turned his head to look at Noble Consort Zhang.
Noble Consort Zhang felt a bit embarrassed under Mu Chengzhi’s gaze. She lowered her head again.
Mu Chengzhi smiled and said, “The one I want the Empress to take care of is naturally Noble Consort Zhang.”
“Noble Consort Zhang…” the Empress murmured, then raised her eyes to look at Noble Consort Zhang.
Noble Consort Zhang’s face was flushed, and she looked a little embarrassed.
“Yes, Empress,” Mu Chengzhi said. “Noble Consort Zhang is pregnant.”
The Empress was stunned, then she looked up at Noble Consort Zhang, her face full of disbelief.
Noble Consort Zhang said softly, “I… I just found out a few days ago.”
The Empress slowly came to her senses, a faint smile appearing on her face. “Congratulations, Noble Consort Zhang.”
Noble Consort Zhang also smiled. “Thank you, Your Highness the Empress.”
“Your pregnancy is a great joy,” the Empress said. “It has been a long time since a new life has arrived in the Imperial Palace. Now, this child has come at the perfect time. Noble Consort Zhang, you must take good care of yourself. Absolutely do not have any mishaps.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded. “This consort will be very careful.”
Mu Chengzhi watched the two of them, a faint smile on his face.
The Empress looked at Mu Chengzhi and asked, “How does Your Majesty wish for this consort to take care of Noble Consort Zhang?”
Mu Chengzhi said, “I want the Empress to temporarily conceal this news for me.”
“Conceal it?” The Empress looked at Mu Chengzhi in confusion.
Mu Chengzhi said, “Yes. Let’s conceal it for now. I fear that if it were made public now, someone might interfere.”
The Empress understood.
Mu Chengzhi’s worries were not unfounded.
Now, in this palace, if Noble Consort Zhang were pregnant, many people would surely have designs on this child.
After all, if this child were born, he would undoubtedly be the Crown Prince.
A mother’s status is elevated by her son’s.
If Noble Consort Zhang’s rank were to be raised, it would naturally be beneficial to her. But if something were to happen to this child, it would be very bad.
“This consort understands,” the Empress said. “This consort will definitely take good care of Noble Consort Zhang.”
Mu Chengzhi nodded and said, “With the Empress’s word, I am at ease.”
The Empress smiled and turned to Noble Consort Zhang, saying, “Noble Consort Zhang, from now on, you will reside in this consort’s palace.”
Noble Consort Zhang was startled and looked up at the Empress.
“Do not worry, this palace will wholeheartedly protect you and your child,” the Empress said.
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. This consort thanks Your Highness the Empress.”
The Empress smiled and said to Mu Chengzhi, “Your Majesty, are there any other instructions?”
Mu Chengzhi said, “With the Empress’s help, what else could I have to worry about? I will immediately send people to move everything from Noble Consort Zhang’s palace to the Empress’s palace. How about that?”
“This…” The Empress glanced at Noble Consort Zhang.
Noble Consort Zhang lowered her head and said nothing.
“What? Noble Consort Zhang, are you unwilling?” Mu Chengzhi asked.
Noble Consort Zhang looked up and shook her head. “This consort is not. This consort is merely worried…”
“Worried about what?” Mu Chengzhi asked.
Noble Consort Zhang said, “This consort is merely worried that she will disturb Your Highness the Empress.”
“You worry too much,” the Empress smiled. “My palace has many vacant rooms. You can live here with peace of mind. Rest assured, this consort will definitely take good care of you.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Your Highness the Empress.”
“Alright, since you both agree,” Mu Chengzhi said, “then I will return to attend to state affairs. This place is now in your hands, Empress. Empress, I am entrusting this entire matter to you. Do not disappoint me.”
The Empress nodded. “Your Majesty, rest assured. This consort will definitely take good care of Noble Consort Zhang.”
Mu Chengzhi nodded. He glanced at Noble Consort Zhang again, then turned and left.
The Empress watched Mu Chengzhi’s departing back until he completely disappeared through the entrance before turning around.
“Noble Consort Zhang, you will stay here today,” the Empress said.
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. Thank you, Your Highness the Empress.”
The Empress smiled and said to the maids beside her, “Go and prepare a side room for Noble Consort Zhang. Make sure the room is cleaned thoroughly. Do not neglect Noble Consort Zhang.”
The maids nodded and said, “Yes. Your servants will go now.”
After the maids left, the Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang again.
“Noble Consort Zhang.”
“Your Highness the Empress.”
The Empress said, “There is no need to be so formal between us. Call me sister.”
Noble Consort Zhang was startled and looked up at the Empress.
The Empress smiled. “We both serve Your Majesty, so we should be close.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded. “Yes. Sister.”
“Mm,” the Empress said. “Rest assured, in this palace, I will definitely protect you. Just focus on your pregnancy.”
“Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “Alright, you must be tired today. Go and rest quickly.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes.”
The Empress watched Noble Consort Zhang leave, the smile on her face slowly fading.
She turned and said to the maids beside her, “Go and have someone suppress all news of Noble Consort Zhang’s pregnancy. Let no one know.”
The maids nodded. “Yes. Your servants will go now.”
The Empress slowly walked back inside, sat down, and let out a long sigh.
Noble Consort Zhang’s pregnancy, whether it was good or bad for her, she did not know.
However, since she had agreed to Mu Chengzhi, she would definitely protect Noble Consort Zhang and her child.
She could not disappoint Mu Chengzhi.
The Empress looked at the teacup on the table and sighed softly.
There had never been peace in this Imperial Palace.
However, she believed she could definitely protect Noble Consort Zhang.
The Empress stood up and walked to the window, looking at the scenery outside.
It was only early autumn now.
The Empress sighed softly.
“Your Highness, what are you looking at?” a maid beside her asked.
The Empress said, “Nothing. I just feel that the weather is a bit cold.”
The maid said, “Yes, Your Highness, the weather is indeed cold. Why don’t Your Highness wear an extra layer of clothing?”
The Empress nodded. “Good.”
After the maid left, the Empress turned back to look out the window.
Her eyes held a faint weariness.
The Empress knew that she would face many things next.
However, she was not afraid.
She believed she could definitely resolve them.
The Empress smiled, then turned and left.
The days in this Imperial Palace were about to become different again.
The Empress knew that this Imperial Palace was a cage.
But she did not regret it.
The Empress slowly walked back inside, sat down, and picked up a book from the table, slowly starting to read.
She wanted to make herself stronger.
She wanted to make those who wanted to hurt her pay the price.
A subtle determination was in the Empress’s eyes.
She knew she would definitely succeed.
The Empress smiled, then continued reading.
This night was still as long as ever.
However, the Empress did not feel afraid.
She believed that as long as she persevered, she would definitely get through it.
The Empress smiled, then slowly closed her eyes.
When the Empress opened her eyes again, it was already dawn.
She stood up and looked at the morning light outside the window.
The Empress knew that a new day had begun.
She took a deep breath.
The Empress turned to the maids beside her and said, “Help me change.”
The maids nodded and said, “Yes, Your Highness.”
After changing her clothes, the Empress walked out of the room.
She looked at the scenery in the courtyard and sighed softly.
The Empress knew she had to rally her spirits.
She wanted to take control of everything in the Imperial Palace.
A subtle determination was in the Empress’s eyes.
She believed she would definitely succeed.
The Empress slowly walked to the dining hall and looked at the breakfast on the table.
The Empress smiled and said, “Where is Noble Consort Zhang? Is she awake?”
The maid replied, “Reporting to Your Highness, Noble Consort Zhang is awake. She is waiting for Your Highness outside.”
The Empress nodded. “Let her come in.”
The maids nodded, then left the room.
A moment later, Noble Consort Zhang walked in.
“Your Highness the Empress.”
The Empress smiled. “Noble Consort Zhang, you’re here. Please sit down and have breakfast with this consort.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. Thank you, Your Highness the Empress.”
The Empress said, “There’s no need to be so formal between us. Just call me sister.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled. “Yes. Sister.”
The two sat down together and began to enjoy breakfast.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Are you feeling any better today?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded. “Yes. This consort feels much better.”
The Empress said, “That’s good. Rest assured, this consort will definitely take good care of you.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Thank you, Sister.”
The Empress said, “If there’s anything you wish to eat, just tell me. I will definitely have someone prepare it for you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Your servant doesn’t have anything in particular she wants to eat.”
The Empress said, “Don’t be polite. You are with child now, so you must nourish yourself well. Don’t neglect yourself.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant understands.”
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Have you thought about what name you’d like to give the child?”
Noble Consort Zhang was taken aback, then she shook her head, “Your servant has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must have a good name.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant will think carefully about it.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell me. I will definitely help you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, Sister.”
The two people finished their breakfast together. Then, the Empress brought Noble Consort Zhang out of the room.
They strolled in the courtyard.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Do you like this courtyard?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant likes it.”
The Empress said, “If you like it, come for a walk in this courtyard often. The air in this courtyard is very fresh.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant understands.”
As they walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about how you will guide the child if it is born?”
Noble Consort Zhang was taken aback, then she shook her head, “Your servant has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must be guided well.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant understands.”
The Empress said, “If you feel bored, come to my room to read. My room has many books.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, Sister.”
The Empress said, “Between us, there’s no need to be so polite.”
As they walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about what you want for your future?”
Noble Consort Zhang was taken aback, then she shook her head, “Your servant has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must have a good future.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant will think carefully about it.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell me. I will definitely satisfy your needs.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, Sister.”
The Empress said, “Between us, there’s no need to be so polite. Today, I will escort you back to your room first.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Thank you, Sister.”
After escorting Noble Consort Zhang back to her room, the Empress slowly walked back to her own room.
She sat down and sighed deeply.
The Empress knew she still had many things to do.
She had to protect Noble Consort Zhang and her child.
She had to control everything in the Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed she would surely succeed.
The Empress smiled, then continued to read.
The days in the Imperial Palace remained as long as ever.
However, the Empress did not feel afraid.
She believed that as long as she persevered, she would surely get through it.
The Empress smiled, then slowly closed her eyes.
When the Empress opened her eyes again, the sky was already slightly bright.
She got up and looked at the morning light outside the window.
The Empress knew that a new day had begun.
She took a deep breath.
The Empress turned her head and said to the侍女 beside her, “Get me dressed.”
The侍女 nodded and said, “Yes, Your Highness.”
After changing her clothes, the Empress walked out of the room.
She looked at the scenery in the courtyard and sighed gently.
The Empress knew she had to pull herself together.
She had to control everything in the Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed she would surely succeed.
The Empress slowly walked to the dining hall and looked at the breakfast on the table.
The Empress said smiling, “Where is Noble Consort Zhang? Has she woken up?”
The侍女 said, “Reporting to Your Highness, Noble Consort Zhang has woken up. She is waiting for Your Highness outside.”
The Empress nodded, “Let her come in.”
The侍女 nodded, then walked out of the room.
Before long, Noble Consort Zhang walked in.
“Empress Your Highness.”
The Empress smiled, “Noble Consort Zhang, you are here. Please sit down quickly and have breakfast with me.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. Thank you, Empress Your Highness.”
The Empress said, “Between us, there’s no need to be so polite. You can just call me Sister.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Yes. Sister.”
The two people sat down together and began to enjoy their breakfast.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Are you feeling better today?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant feels better.”
The Empress said, “That’s good. Don’t worry, I will take good care of you.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Thank you, Sister.”
The Empress said, “If there’s anything you wish to eat, just tell me. I will definitely have someone prepare it for you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Your servant doesn’t have anything in particular she wants to eat.”
The Empress said, “Don’t be polite. You are with child now, so you must nourish yourself well. Don’t neglect yourself.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant understands.”
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Have you thought about what name you’d like to give the child?”
Noble Consort Zhang was taken aback, then she shook her head, “Your servant has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must have a good name.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant will think carefully about it.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell me. I will definitely help you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, Sister.”
The two people finished their breakfast together. Then, the Empress brought Noble Consort Zhang out of the room.
They strolled in the courtyard.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Do you like this courtyard?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant likes it.”
The Empress said, “If you like it, come for a walk in this courtyard often. The air in this courtyard is very fresh.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant understands.”
As they walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about how you will guide the child if it is born?”
Noble Consort Zhang was taken aback, then she shook her head, “Your servant has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must be guided well.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Your servant understands.”
The Empress said, “If you feel bored, come to my room to read. My room has many books.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, Sister.”
The Empress said, “Between us, there’s no need to be so polite.”
As they walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about what you want for your future?”
Noble Consort Zhang was taken aback, then she shook her head, “Your servant has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think it through as soon as possible. This child will surely have a good future.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort will think carefully.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell this palace. This palace will surely grant your request.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “Between you and me, there’s no need to be so formal. Today, this palace will escort you back to your room first.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Thank you, sister.”
After escorting Noble Consort Zhang back to her room, the Empress slowly walked back to her own.
She sat down and sighed deeply.
The Empress knew she had many more things to do.
She had to protect Noble Consort Zhang and her child.
She had to take control of everything in this Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed she would surely succeed.
The Empress smiled, then continued reading.
Life in the Imperial Palace was still as long as ever.
However, the Empress did not feel afraid.
She believed that as long as she persevered, she would surely get through it.
The Empress smiled, then slowly closed her eyes.
When the Empress opened her eyes again, the sky was already faintly lit.
She rose and looked at the morning light outside the window.
The Empress knew that a new day had begun again.
She took a deep breath.
The Empress turned her head and said to the侍女 beside her, “Change my clothes.”
The侍女 nodded and said, “Yes, Your Ladyship.”
After the Empress changed her clothes, she walked out of the room.
She looked at the scenery in the courtyard and sighed softly.
The Empress knew she had to pull herself together.
She had to take control of everything in this Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed she would surely succeed.
The Empress slowly walked to the dining hall and looked at the breakfast on the table.
The Empress smiled and said, “Where is Noble Consort Zhang? Has she gotten up?”
The侍女 said, “Reporting to Your Ladyship, Noble Consort Zhang has already gotten up. She is waiting for Your Ladyship outside.”
The Empress nodded, “Let her come in.”
The侍女 nodded and then walked out of the room.
Soon, Noble Consort Zhang walked in.
“Empress Your Ladyship.”
The Empress smiled, “Noble Consort Zhang, you are here. Quickly sit down and have breakfast with this palace.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. Thank you, Empress Your Ladyship.”
The Empress said, “Between you and me, there’s no need to be so formal. You can just call me sister.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Yes. Sister.”
The two people sat down together and began to enjoy breakfast.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Are you feeling better today?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort feels better.”
The Empress said, “That’s good. Don’t worry, this palace will surely take good care of you.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “If there’s anything you want to eat, just tell this palace. This palace will surely have someone make it for you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “This consort doesn’t have anything special she wants to eat.”
The Empress said, “Don’t be polite. You are pregnant now, you must nourish yourself well. Don’t mistreat yourself.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort understands.”
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Have you thought about what name to give the child?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, then she shook her head, “This consort has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think it through as soon as possible. This child will surely have a good name.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort will think carefully.”
The Empress said, “If you have any trouble, just tell this palace. This palace will surely help you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
After the two people finished breakfast together, the Empress took Noble Consort Zhang and walked out of the room.
They took a walk in the courtyard.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Do you like this courtyard?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort likes it.”
The Empress said, “If you like it, then often come to this courtyard for a walk. The air in this courtyard is very fresh.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort understands.”
As they walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about how to teach the child after it is born?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, then she shook her head, “This consort has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think it through as soon as possible. This child must be taught well.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort understands.”
The Empress said, “If you feel bored, come to this palace’s room to read. This palace’s room has many books.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “Between you and me, there’s no need to be so formal.”
As they walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about what to do in the future?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, then she shook her head, “This consort has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think it through as soon as possible. This child will surely have a good future.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This consort will think carefully.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell this palace. This palace will surely grant your request.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “Between you and me, there’s no need to be so formal. Today, this palace will escort you back to your room first.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Thank you, sister.”
After escorting Noble Consort Zhang back to her room, the Empress slowly walked back to her own room.
She sat down and sighed deeply.
The Empress knew she had many more things to do.
She had to protect Noble Consort Zhang and her child.
She had to take control of everything in this Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed she would surely succeed.
The Empress smiled, then continued reading.
Life in the Imperial Palace was still as long as ever.
However, the Empress did not feel afraid.
She believed that as long as she persevered, she would surely get through it.
The Empress smiled, then slowly closed her eyes.
When the Empress opened her eyes again, the sky was already faintly lit.
She rose and looked at the morning light outside the window.
The Empress knew that a new day had begun again.
She took a deep breath.
The Empress turned her head and said to the侍女 beside her, “Change my clothes.”
The侍女 nodded and said, “Yes, Your Ladyship.”
After the Empress changed her clothes, she walked out of the room.
She looked at the scenery in the courtyard and sighed softly.
The Empress knew she had to pull herself together.
She had to take control of everything in this Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed she would surely succeed.
The Empress slowly walked to the dining hall and looked at the breakfast on the table.
The Empress smiled and said, “Where is Noble Consort Zhang? Has she gotten up?”
The侍女 said, “Reporting to Your Ladyship, Noble Consort Zhang has already gotten up. She is waiting for Your Ladyship outside.”
The Empress nodded, “Let her in.”
The attendants nodded and then walked out of the room.
Soon, Noble Consort Zhang walked in.
“Your Majesty.”
The Empress smiled, “Noble Consort Zhang, you are here. Please sit down and have breakfast with me.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Empress said, “Between you and I, there’s no need to be so polite. You can just call me sister.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Yes. Sister.”
The two people sat down together and began to enjoy breakfast.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Are you feeling better today?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I feel better.”
The Empress said, “That’s good. Don’t worry, I will take good care of you.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “If there’s anything you want to eat, just tell me. I will have someone make it for you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “I don’t have anything in particular I want to eat.”
The Empress said, “Don’t be shy. You are pregnant now, you must nourish yourself well. Don’t neglect yourself.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I understand.”
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Have you thought about what to name the child?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, then she shook her head, “I haven’t thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must have a good name.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I will think about it carefully.”
The Empress said, “If there’s anything you need, just tell me. I will definitely help you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
After the two people finished breakfast together, the Empress took Noble Consort Zhang out of the room.
They took a walk in the courtyard.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Do you like this courtyard?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I like it.”
The Empress said, “If you like it, then come and walk in this courtyard often. The air in this courtyard is very fresh.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I understand.”
As the two people walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about how you will teach the child when it is born?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, then she shook her head, “I haven’t thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must be taught well.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I understand.”
The Empress said, “If you feel bored, come to my room to read. I have many books in my room.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “Between you and I, there’s no need to be so polite.”
As the two people walked slowly, the Empress asked, “Have you thought about what you want for your future?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, then she shook her head, “I haven’t thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must have a good future.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I will think about it carefully.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell me. I will definitely satisfy you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “Between you and I, there’s no need to be so polite. Today, I will escort you back to your room first.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Thank you, sister.”
After the Empress sent Noble Consort Zhang back to her room, she slowly walked back to her own room.
She sat down and sighed deeply.
The Empress knew she still had many things to do.
She had to protect Noble Consort Zhang and her child.
She had to control everything in the Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed that she would definitely succeed.
The Empress smiled and then continued reading.
The days in the Imperial Palace were still as long as ever.
However, the Empress didn’t feel afraid.
She believed that as long as she persevered, she would definitely get through it.
The Empress smiled and then slowly closed her eyes.
When the Empress opened her eyes again, it was already dawn.
She got up and looked at the morning light outside the window.
The Empress knew that a new day had begun.
She took a deep breath.
The Empress turned her head and said to the attendant beside her, “Help me change.”
The attendants nodded and said, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
After the Empress changed her clothes, she walked out of the room.
She looked at the scenery in the courtyard and sighed gently.
The Empress knew she had to pull herself together.
She had to control everything in the Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed that she would definitely succeed.
The Empress slowly walked to the dining hall and looked at the breakfast on the table.
The Empress smiled and said, “Where is Noble Consort Zhang? Has she woken up?”
The attendant said, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Noble Consort Zhang has woken up. She is waiting for Your Majesty outside.”
The Empress nodded, “Let her in.”
The attendants nodded and then walked out of the room.
Soon, Noble Consort Zhang walked in.
“Your Majesty.”
The Empress smiled, “Noble Consort Zhang, you are here. Please sit down and have breakfast with me.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Empress said, “Between you and I, there’s no need to be so polite. You can just call me sister.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Yes. Sister.”
The two people sat down together and began to enjoy breakfast.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Are you feeling better today?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I feel better.”
The Empress said, “That’s good. Don’t worry, I will take good care of you.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “If there’s anything you want to eat, just tell me. I will have someone make it for you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “I don’t have anything in particular I want to eat.”
The Empress said, “Don’t be shy. You are pregnant now, you must nourish yourself well. Don’t neglect yourself.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I understand.”
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Have you thought about what to name the child?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, then she shook her head, “I haven’t thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You should think about it soon. This child must have a good name.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I will think about it carefully.”
The Empress said, “If there’s anything you need, just tell me. I will definitely help you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
After the two people finished breakfast together, the Empress took Noble Consort Zhang out of the room.
They took a walk in the courtyard.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Do you like this courtyard?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. I like it.”
The Empress said, “If you like it, then come and walk in this courtyard often. The air in this courtyard is very fresh.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. This concubine understands.”
The two people walked slowly. The Empress asked, “Have you ever thought about how you will teach this child if it is born?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, and then she shook her head, “This concubine has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You must think about it early. This child must be taught well.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine understands.”
The Empress said, “If you feel bored, come to my room to read. There are many books in my room.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “There is no need to be so polite between us.”
The two people walked slowly. The Empress asked, “Have you ever thought about what your future will be like?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, and then she shook her head, “This concubine has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You must think about it early. This child must have a good future.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine will think carefully.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell this empress. This empress will definitely satisfy you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “There is no need to be so polite between us. Today, this empress will send you back to your room first.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Thank you, sister.”
After the Empress sent Noble Consort Zhang back to her room, she slowly walked back to her own room.
She sat down and sighed a long sigh.
The Empress knew that she still had many things to do.
She had to protect Noble Consort Zhang and her child.
She had to control everything in the Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed that she would succeed.
The Empress smiled, and then continued to read.
The days in the Imperial Palace were still so long.
However, the Empress did not feel afraid.
She believed that as long as she persevered, she would be able to get through it.
The Empress smiled, and then slowly closed her eyes.
When the Empress opened her eyes again, the sky was already slightly bright.
She got up and looked at the morning light outside the window.
The Empress knew that a new day had begun again.
She took a deep breath.
The Empress turned her head and said to the maid beside her, “Change my clothes.”
The maids nodded and said, “Yes, Your Ladyship.”
After the Empress changed her clothes, she walked out of the room.
She looked at the scenery in the courtyard and sighed softly.
The Empress knew that she had to cheer up.
She had to control everything in the Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed that she would succeed.
The Empress slowly walked to the dining hall and looked at the breakfast on the table.
The Empress smiled and said, “Where is Noble Consort Zhang? Has she woken up?”
The maid said, “Reporting to Your Ladyship, Noble Consort Zhang has already woken up. She is waiting for you outside.”
The Empress nodded, “Let her come in.”
The maids nodded and then walked out of the room.
After a while, Noble Consort Zhang walked in.
“Empress.”
The Empress smiled, “Noble Consort Zhang, you are here. Sit down quickly and have breakfast with this empress.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded and said, “Yes. Thank you, Empress.”
The Empress said, “There is no need to be so polite between us. You can call me sister.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Yes. Sister.”
The two sat down together and began to enjoy breakfast.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Are you feeling better today?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine feels better.”
The Empress said, “That’s good. Don’t worry, this empress will definitely take good care of you.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “If there is anything you want to eat, just tell this empress. This empress will definitely have someone make it for you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “This concubine does not have any particular cravings.”
The Empress said, “Don’t be polite. You are pregnant now, you must nourish yourself well. Don’t be neglectful of yourself.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine understands.”
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Have you thought about what name you will give the child?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, and then she shook her head, “This concubine has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You must think about it early. This child must have a good name.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine will think carefully.”
The Empress said, “If you have any difficulties, just tell this empress. This empress will definitely help you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
After they finished breakfast, the Empress took Noble Consort Zhang and walked out of the room.
They took a walk in the courtyard.
The Empress looked at Noble Consort Zhang and asked, “Do you like this courtyard?”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine likes it.”
The Empress said, “If you like it, come and walk in this courtyard often. The air in this courtyard is very fresh.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine knows.”
The two people walked slowly. The Empress asked, “Have you ever thought about how you will teach this child if it is born?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, and then she shook her head, “This concubine has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You must think about it early. This child must be taught well.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine understands.”
The Empress said, “If you feel bored, come to my room to read. There are many books in my room.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “There is no need to be so polite between us.”
The two people walked slowly. The Empress asked, “Have you ever thought about what your future will be like?”
Noble Consort Zhang was stunned, and then she shook her head, “This concubine has not thought about it.”
The Empress said, “You must think about it early. This child must have a good future.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. This concubine will think carefully.”
The Empress said, “If you need anything, just tell this empress. This empress will definitely satisfy you.”
Noble Consort Zhang smiled, “Thank you, sister.”
The Empress said, “There is no need to be so polite between us. Today, this empress will send you back to your room first.”
Noble Consort Zhang nodded, “Yes. Thank you, sister.”
After the Empress sent Noble Consort Zhang back to her room, she slowly walked back to her own room.
She sat down and sighed a long sigh.
The Empress knew that she still had many things to do.
She had to protect Noble Consort Zhang and her child.
She had to control everything in the Imperial Palace.
In the Empress’s eyes, there was a faint determination.
She believed that she would succeed.
The Empress smiled, and then continued to read.
The days in the Imperial Palace were still so long.
However, the Empress did not feel afraid.
She believed that as long as she persevered, she would be able to get through it.
The Empress smiled, and then slowly closed her eyes.
