If this tragedy was to be blamed on anyone, it was Fan You himself for being too reckless. So many wrongdoings, why did he commit them all by himself! So many laws, yet he did not take them to heart. Did he really think himself so favored by the late emperor that he could disregard everything? Ridiculous!
With this thought, Zhao Junyaoâs last trace of guilt vanished. An emperorâs heart should indeed be as hard as iron. Thatâs what his father had taught him.
"The benevolence of women is the greatest harm to the people! The country has its laws, and the family has its rules; the Three Bonds and the Five Constants are iron decrees. If every day youâre worrying about this person or pitying that one, then whatâs the use of having laws?! How can the people believe in the law, believe in the imperial court?"
After much thought, Zhao Junyao felt he had done nothing wrong. And so, as time passed, he gradually put the matter behind him.
ă...ă
It entered the twelfth lunar month. The days grew colder. Thankfully, the Ground Dragon heating had already been lit in Xia Ruqingâs chambers; otherwise, her frail body surely couldnât have withstood it.
These days, the palace had been incessantly busy with various matters. Therefore, the news of Xia Ruqingâs pregnancy had not been made public. Yet the Imperial Medical Bureau came to check her Peaceful Pulse from time to time; she indeed could hardly keep it a secret. And so, Imperial Doctor Zhang knew.
By the twelfth lunar month, her pregnancy was a full three months along.
On this day, when Zhao Junyao arrived, Imperial Doctor Zhang was taking her pulse. Zhao Junyao found out about her pregnancy when she was two months along, which was also when Imperial Doctor Zhang had just confirmed it. Seeing Imperial Doctor Zhang just finish taking her pulse, he asked with a smile, "Is everything alright?"
However, Imperial Doctor Zhangâs gaze was somewhat complicated, and he even shook his head slightly.
Xia Ruqingâs heart sank with a thud.
Whatâs going on? What does shaking his head mean?
"Whatâs the matter?" she asked weakly.
The expression on Zhao Junyaoâs face also turned quite grim. "Whatâs going on, speak clearly!" His voice carried an icy chill, frighteningly cold.
Imperial Doctor Zhang then realized his lapse and hurriedly kowtowed to admit his guilt. "Your servant was momentarily distracted, deserving of death!"
Zhao Junyao grew impatient, waving his hand. "Speak clearly!"
He was actually a bit afraid, terrified that Qingqing was in danger.
Imperial Doctor Zhang hurriedly spoke. "Your Majesty, Consort Xian Pinâs pulse is somewhat complicated; your servant believes it looks like twins, but due to the early stage of the pregnancy, it cannot yet be confirmed..."
"Twins?" Xia Ruqing was so startled that her eyes went wide.
Zhao Junyao was also extremely shocked, but he was careful to keep his emotions from showing on his face.
Imperial Doctor Zhang looked at Xia Ruqing and nodded. "Thatâs right! However, itâs not certain yet; we will be able to confirm as the months go by!"
When Zhao Junyao heard Imperial Doctor Zhang confirm this, the anger and impatience in his heart instantly dissipated like smoke. In their place surged excitement, happiness, and agitation; his whole being trembled with excitement.
"Good!" he exclaimed. "Rewards! All those in Qingya Residence, you all have rewards! And Imperial Doctor Zhang, you have worked hard! A generous reward!"
Zhao Junyaoâs speech was somewhat incoherent. Li Shengan didnât dare to remind him, only nodding in agreement nonstop.
"Many thanks, Your Majesty!" The Imperial Physician and the palace attendants behind him all knelt down in a rush, loudly expressing their gratitude.
Xia Ruqing lay on the bed, somewhat at a loss. "Your Majesty..."
Is it really good to be so conspicuous?
Zhao Junyao hurriedly stepped forward and carefully supported her. "Qingqing, you must not move carelessly or speak carelessly. Donât spread word of this matter; I will protect you well, rest assured!"
In his words, there was an air of confidence and self-assurance, and hard-to-conceal excitement.
If it were twin boys, then he would never lack sons again. Without lacking sons, the Empress Dowager and those court officials would no longer pressure him to take more consorts. Yes... Just thinking about it fills me with joy!
Seeing Zhao Junyao, radiant and about to burst with happiness, Xia Ruqing couldnât help but smile. "Emperor, you look as happy as a child!"
Zhao Junyao affectionately tousled her hair. "Donât talk nonsense, I am your husband!"
She was somewhat at a loss for words after hearing this, and the corners of her mouth turned slightly bitter.
Heh, a mere concubine like me, how could I be worthy of calling him my husband? Only the Empress has that right!
She shook her head, deciding not to think about it any further. Xia Ruqing simply smiled happily. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
ă...ă
The Laba Festival was just around the corner. Qingya Residence was busy preparing various types of porridge and pastries from early on. Since she was pregnant, there were many things she couldnât eat, and even green beans had been limited as per the Imperial Physicianâs advice. So, she could only add to the porridge those ingredients she was allowed to consume and simmer it.
Under Xia Ruqingâs supervision, a very special pot of Laba porridge was completed. It didnât look very appealing. She even lost her appetite.
"I donât want to eat this unappetizing thing!" Although a bit finicky, she simply didnât want to eat itâwhat else could be done?
Zhao Junyao, not bearing to see it go to waste, tried a little himself before distributing the porridge to the servants. The servants, moved to tears by the less than delicious but exceedingly dignified porridge, expressed immense gratitude.
This scene made Xia Ruqing laugh. "You all should leave quickly, I... I canât laugh! I just ate, and laughing too much will give me indigestion!"
Zi Yue stepped forward to pat her on the back. "Alright, my lady, letâs not laugh anymore!"
Xia Ruqing gradually managed to stop her laughter.
ă...ă
Since the Empress had fallen, the Noble Consort no longer caused trouble either. The others in the Harem had quieted down too. It wasnât that they didnât envy Consort Xian Pinâs exclusive affection. It was simply fear that stopped them from causing a fuss. The fate of the former Empress was a stark warning to all: did they desire favor or life? The answer was clearly obvious.
Therefore, they all behaved very modestly, usually not venturing out, choosing instead to stay in their residences enjoying the flowers, tea, poems, and prose. Life wasnât necessarily easy, but it was certainly not sorrowful. The Ministry of Internal Affairs was no longer skimping on their allowances. With sufficient supplies of fabrics and charcoal, there was nothing they couldnât endure. And so the days passed, one by one.
ăIn the blink of an eye, the end of the year approached.ă
Setting aside the good news from other places for now, just focusing on Xia Ruqingâs situation, it felt like every day held great promise.
Zhao Junyao discreetly sent someone to tell her some good news. "Your brother has passed the imperial examination! Third place, heâs the Third Place Scholar!"
Upon hearing the term Third Place Scholar, Xia Ruqing immediately thought of the handsome and unrestrained image of these young scholars. She burst into laughter at once. "Oh, Emperor!"
Perhaps her brotherâs scholarship could have qualified him for Second Place Scholar!
Regardless, it was a cause for celebration. Overjoyed, Xia Ruqing generously rewarded the servants with many gifts.
Zi Yue, with her sweet tongue and kind heart, immediately laughed. "Congratulations, my lady, joy has come to us in pairs!"
Xia Ruqing chuckled. "Get up, get up! Please donât bow!"
Zi Yue and Zi Su both laughed. Zi Su said, "My lady, now that you know, should we prepare some gifts to send down?"
Xia Ruqing shook her head. "Itâs a gift, not a reward!"
Zi Su quickly bowed her head, "This servant admits her mistake!"
She waved her hand dismissively. "Itâs fine, letâs not fuss over these trifles. My older brother will certainly take care of everything for him outside the palace!"
Having passed the imperial examination, he could now become an official. With another pillar to support the family, how wonderful!