novelraw Chapter 158
Chapter 158
Empress Meng had mentioned before wanting to invite Ye Jiao to the palace for a reunion, something Qi Yun also knew about.
But what Qi Yun hadn't expected was that Empress Meng had arranged the meeting for the same day as when the first-tier Presented Scholars would enter the palace for audience with the emperor.
Concerning Ye Jiao, Qi Yun thought more carefully than about other matters.
But after thinking all night, the most he could guess was that the empress didn't intend for this meeting to attract too much attention.
For this parade through the streets, both inside and outside the palace had to make many preparations, and everyone's eyes would certainly be fixed on the three first-tier Presented Scholars, so no one would pay attention to who else had entered the palace to see the empress.
When Ye Jiao heard Qi Yun explain this the next morning, she looked at her husband with some confusion, "Why does it need to be hidden?"
Qi Yun was peeling an eggshell for Ye Jiao while saying, "She has her own considerations, whether for Qi Ming or for herself, there's always reasoning behind it. But such concealment is also beneficial for our family."
Many relationships weren't necessarily good when loudly announced.
Just like Chu Chengyun's care for Qi Ming, the more he valued Qi Ming, the more he had to hide their private friendship, afraid of others discovering their relationship and affecting Qi Ming's future reputation and career.
Presumably Empress Meng had the same considerations.
Their family was ultimately just merchants and had never thought of becoming a great household. Their greatest wish was just to be wealthy in their region, and they didn't want to be involved with the imperial family. Naturally there was no need to expose their backing for others to see.
Ye Jiao wasn't very sensitive to such complications. Seeing Qi Yun speak this way, she nodded along and turned to Little Su, "Then we don't need to prepare a separate carriage. I'll take Xu Bao in Princess Huaning's carriage when the time comes."
Little Su acknowledged, while Qi Yun placed the peeled hard-boiled egg in Ye Jiao's bowl.
Little Ginseng used chopsticks to spear the egg, took a bite herself, then offered it to Qi Yun, "Husband, you eat too."
Qi Yun didn't particularly like eating this and instinctively pulled back slightly, "It's fine, Jiao Niang can eat it."
Ye Jiao looked at him seriously, "No, husband worked hard yesterday and should eat more to replenish yourself."
At these words, before Qi Yun could respond, Little Su lowered her head and quietly muttered, "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, I'll go arrange things now," then quickly left.
Qi Yun knew Little Su had misunderstood, feeling somewhat helpless but unable to explain. He could only lean over to eat the remaining half of the hard-boiled egg, then ask, "Where exactly did I work hard yesterday?"
Ye Jiao tilted her head slightly, "You went to coax Ning Bao and Ruyi at night. I know. Husband worked hard, have another egg?"
Second Young Master Qi grasped Ye Jiao's hand and said gently, "I'm full. What about Jiao Niang?" Seeing Ye Jiao nod, Qi Yun smiled, "Then shall I pick out a pretty hairpin for you?"
Little Ginseng immediately smiled and nodded, going with him to the inner room.
She had grown accustomed to letting Qi Yun help with drawing her eyebrows and arranging her hair. After becoming skilled at these tasks, Qi Yun didn't find them burdensome but rather enjoyable activities between husband and wife, naturally taking pleasure in them.
While Ye Jiao was preparing to change clothes, Qi Yun left the courtyard to go to the front hall and see his third brother off.
At the thought of entering the palace for an audience with the emperor, Qi Ming couldn't sit still. He was even more nervous than before the palace examination, pacing back and forth at the door, muttering to himself about something unknown.
Seeing Qi Yun arrive, he immediately ran over, his first words being, "Second Brother, I'm hungry, but Liu Si says I can't eat or drink water."
Qi Yun nodded to Liu Si, then looked at Qi Ming, "This was my instruction to him."
Upon hearing this, Qi Ming's face crumpled.
Since it was Qi Yun's instruction, it was set in stone and couldn't be changed. He was destined to go hungry.
But before Qi Ming could speak, he heard Qi Yun's calm voice, "This is for your own good. The time for audience and questioning before the emperor can be long or short. If it drags on for hours, no one will give you a chance to find the privy. Better to go hungry."
Hearing this, Liu Si nodded repeatedly. Actually, Qi Yun had explained all this to him before, and he just needed to relay it to Third Young Master. But Liu Si's stutter worsened when he was anxious, words getting stuck in his mouth, so he couldn't explain clearly.
Knowing Qi Yun's reasoning was sound, Qi Ming gave up the idea and nodded somewhat pitifully. Then he stuffed the book he was holding into Liu Si's arms, took a deep breath, and said, "Then Second Brother, I'm leaving." He looked at Liu Si again, "I can't bring you this time. Wait for me at home."
Liu Si looked at him eagerly and nodded like a pecking chicken.
This time entering the palace, Qi Ming could take a sedan chair.
Normally, even officials entering the palace couldn't use sedan chairs. Imperial relatives could use carriages, but only the emperor and imperial consorts could use sedan chairs - others shouldn't even think about it.
But there were always exceptions.
First-tier Presented Scholars would receive many special treatments on this day. Besides the parade on horseback, they could also take sedan chairs into the palace.
This was probably the most glorious moment for scholars, requiring this special treatment.
But current Third Master Qi was too nervous to remember any special or unspecial treatment. He just wanted to get through this day quickly.
When Qi Ming left the gate, Qi Yun turned to Tie Zi, "Go notify them. If Princess Huaning's carriage arrives, have her go to the west gate first. Jiao Niang will be there shortly."
"Yes."
If Qi Ming had heard this normally, he would definitely have jumped up.
Princess Huaning? Who? That girl who gave out little gold pieces when they met?
But right now Qi Ming was completely tense. Qi Yun's words didn't register at all. His walking was almost like a puppet's, and when he got into the sedan chair, his head felt swollen, making the journey seem particularly long.
But when he actually entered the palace with the First-Place Scholar and Second-Place Scholar, everything was easier than he had imagined.
Chu Chengyun didn't make things difficult for them. When the three came before the throne to kowtow and express gratitude, Chu Chengyun only spoke some words about diligence. He didn't ask about policy or single anyone out for individual questioning. Everything was handled officially and smoothly.
Even when facing Qi Ming, Chu Chengyun showed no unusual behavior, completely lacking his previous familiarity. Instead, he maintained proper monarch-minister protocol, making Qi Ming perform the full set of obeisance rituals before allowing him to rise.
But Chu Chengyun's behavior actually made Qi Ming feel more at ease, his expression relaxing considerably.
Before they left, Chu Chengyun suddenly said something meaningful, "All three of you are pillars of talent for our dynasty. My realm depends on the younger generation. I hope that one day you can become ministers of support, fulfilling my expectations."
The three immediately bowed, with First-Place Scholar Xiao leading, "We will not fail Your Majesty's trust."
Chu Chengyun smiled faintly, nodded, and watched them leave.
After the three departed, Chu Chengyun rose from the dragon throne, quickly walked down the steps, and said, "Where is Ping Rong?"
Commander Ye, who had been standing rigidly to the side, immediately stepped forward and cupped his hands, "Your subject is here."
"Are they parading on horseback through the streets today?" Chu Chengyun's eyes showed some anticipation.
Commander Ye wasn't originally familiar with these matters. He was a military general who should focus on studying military strategy and martial arts, knowing very little about scholarly affairs.
But now he wasn't just a general, but also a minister who walked before the throne, and more importantly, a pure minister in Chu Chengyun's eyes.
In his position, he must plan accordingly. Commander Ye knew that to stay by Chu Chengyun's side, he needed to know something about what the emperor paid attention to. Especially since Princess Huaning valued these things and often gave him pointers, he had already learned about these matters from her early on. Now he could immediately reply, "Yes, Your Majesty. Someone will take them to change clothes, then they'll go through the streets."
Chu Chengyun's face showed a smile, "Good, then you also change to civilian clothes and come with me to watch."
"Yes."
Qi Ming didn't know his sworn brother had followed him out. When he went with the palace attendants to change clothes, he kept his eyes straight ahead with a rigid expression, not daring to show any other emotions.
After changing into the solemn dark red official robes, he looked down at himself.
Although not as dazzling as the First-Place Scholar's bright red, it could still be considered vibrant.
But these clothes were somewhat too large. Although Qi Ming had grown tall enough, he was still young and rather thin, making the robes loose and baggy. He could only tighten them with his belt. From the front it looked fine, but anyone seeing from behind could see several layers bunched up.
He also had to be careful not to step on the hem while walking. A palace attendant nearby quickly said, "Don't worry, Third-Place Scholar. Once you're mounted, it won't show."
First-Place Scholar Xiao had the bearing of a great family's son, his every gesture carrying proper etiquette, but also making him somewhat unapproachable. Now he just glanced back upon hearing the voice, then coolly looked away without acknowledgment.
But Second-Place Scholar Guo Chengji was quite lively. While Qi Ming struggled with his belt, he cheerfully came over to help, saying, "These clothes are indeed too big. Don't move around carelessly when you're on horseback later, or you'll definitely get wrinkles."
Qi Ming had been working up a sweat trying to arrange things properly. Seeing someone help, and with Guo Chengji quickly getting him sorted, he sighed in relief and smiled, cupping his hands toward Guo Chengji, "Thank you, Second-Place Scholar Guo..."
"Don't! I can't accept being called 'Cricket Second-Place Scholar.' Just call me by my name." Guo Chengji smiled at Qi Ming, "I originally wanted to take the military examinations, but couldn't disobey my father's orders, so I had to comply. If I'm truly fortunate enough to become a general someday, then you can call me General Guo."
Qi Ming felt Guo Chengji was particularly friendly toward him, perhaps overly enthusiastic, but the man seemed sincere. Qi Ming wasn't one to think the worst of people, so he smiled, "Then I hope Chengji can achieve his wish someday."
Guo Chengji immediately laughed loudly, his voice quite booming, making nearby First-Place Scholar Xiao frown and causing Qi Ming's ears to ring.
Third Master Qi couldn't help thinking this Second-Place Scholar Guo really didn't seem like a scholar. Just that voice alone, louder than a gong, should be charging into battle.
One loud shout would probably scare several people to death first.
When leaving, Qi Ming also mounted his horse with Guo Chengji's help, or he, as a scholar who couldn't ride, might have embarrassed himself.
But Qi Ming didn't know that Guo Chengji's help now was also due to his father's orders.
The Guo family were the uncles of Princess Huaning. Guo Chengji's father was the current first-rank General of Cavalry, and their Guo family had contributed to Chu Chengyun's ascension, with proper merit from supporting the dragon. Now they naturally stood on the emperor's side.
Others might not know the relationship between Chu Chengyun and Qi Ming, but the Guo family knew clearly.
They didn't expose it to preserve the emperor's face.
But privately having their son build good relations with Qi Ming was appropriate.
Originally Guo Chengji had wanted to just go through the motions. Having practiced martial arts since childhood, though his studies weren't poor, he was fundamentally a martial artist with a forthright temperament, most disliking scholarly pedantry and dithering.
But after meeting Qi Ming, he felt this young man was approachable, especially compared to the Xiao family's arrogant one, making Qi Ming seem even more amiable.
So when the three rode out through the palace gates, Guo Chengji had already moved to Qi Ming's side, chatting about everything under the sun quite lively.
First-Place Scholar Xiao didn't join in, continuing to ride coldly in front without saying a word.
But when they reached the main street, they all fell silent.
Qi Ming didn't know what others thought, but for him, the scene before his eyes was overwhelmingly spectacular.
He had previously followed Manager Qin around the Capital, and though he had found it large, it didn't seem much different from his hometown's towns. It was still streets and alleys, still common people, life still just daily necessities - nothing particularly novel.
But now, seeing the sea of people before him and the flowers flying on both sides, he felt the Capital was indeed different.
"The great road connects with narrow lanes, white horses and fragrant carriages."
The shops lining both sides were packed with people, especially on the second and third floors of buildings where many women with flower baskets smiled as they watched them approach.
In the distance, several carriages were parked, clearly belonging to official families.
Qi Ming was somewhat bewildered, not understanding what was about to happen.
Guo Chengji explained quietly beside him, "Don't worry, this happens every three years. I heard you were almost captured before? This time don't worry - even if they wanted to kidnap you to be a son-in-law, they wouldn't dare."
Finishing this, Guo Chengji straightened up and smiled at the people ahead, "Hold the horses steady."
The attendants immediately responded, gripping the bridles tighter.
Qi Ming still didn't quite understand what those women with flower baskets intended to do, but soon he understood their purpose.
As they passed by, many flowers rained down.
Those women with flower baskets, dressed differently and of various statuses, all smiled as they threw flowers down, carefully choosing among the three men to find their favorite and trying hard to throw flowers at that person's horse.
These flowers weren't personal items like handkerchiefs or sachets that would cause trouble if thrown to them.
There would even be attendants specifically responsible for collecting flowers following them, gathering the thrown flowers to compare who among the three received the most after traversing the entire Capital, making it a pleasant story.
After all, the Capital's people were still just people who loved to join in the excitement.
This was the triennial excitement they naturally wanted to come see.
Gambling houses had even opened betting on who would receive the most flowers this time.
Although Qi Ming was only Third-Place Scholar, he was handsome and young. Though his family background was ordinary, just looking at his face, Qi Ming was indeed outstanding. Now more flowers were being thrown his way.
Qi Ming didn't yet understand the full meaning, but those smiling faces left a deep impression on him.
Amidst this sea of flowers, Qi Ming suddenly understood the meaning of the poem:
"Spring breeze brings pride to the galloping horse, seeing all Chang'an flowers in one day."
Though the meaning was slightly different, the mood was the same. This single moment seemed to make ten years of cold window study worthwhile.
Qi Ming's face broke into a smile, revealing two small fangs, making him even more endearing.
But just then, Qi Ming saw a flower that was obviously different from the rest.
Larger and glittering, it landed squarely on the head of the chestnut horse he rode.
The First-Place Scholar's horse was white, while the Second and Third-Place Scholars' were chestnut with darker manes. Because of this, when flowers landed on them, they stood out more prominently.
Qi Ming couldn't help reaching out to pick it up. Playing with it, he realized it glittered because though it looked realistic, touching it revealed it was made of jade.
Such craftsmanship and materials clearly weren't ordinary items. Casually throwing down a jade flower seemed too extravagant.
He couldn't help looking up toward where the flower had come from, meeting a pair of eyes bright as stars.
It was a young lady in moon-white robes standing on the second floor of a tea shop, looking down.
But before Qi Ming could see her features clearly, the young lady had already turned and left, appearing somewhat flustered, her hand touching her dark hair - clearly she had impulsively removed the jade flower from her hair to throw down.
Then Qi Ming saw a woman servant hurrying after the young lady.
His eyesight was excellent. Even from a distance, he could recognize at a glance that this was the same woman servant who had helped him escape before. If not for her, he would have been captured by the Privy Council Direct Scholar and forced to bow in marriage.
...Had he encountered his benefactor?
Qi Ming was somewhat dazed, but this eye contact and departure happened in an instant, not drawing much attention from others.
Even if someone saw it, they only noticed Qi Ming picking up a flower, not seeing anything different about it.
Guo Chengji beside him noticed his stillness and couldn't help asking, "What's wrong with you?"
Qi Ming almost instinctively flipped his wrist, hiding the jade flower in his palm without showing it to others. Hearing the question, he lowered his head slightly and said softly, "Nothing." Then he quickly tucked the jade flower into his sleeve, his ears turning red.
The horse's hooves moved steadily forward, carrying Qi Ming onward. He had to traverse the entire Capital - the road was still long.
But Manager Qin, who had been following Qi Ming, saw everything clearly. Even though he didn't see what Qi Ming had hidden, he knew his Third Young Master's temperament well. Seeing his red ears, he could guess the general situation.
So he pulled over Dong Wu and whispered, "Return to the residence and tell Second Young Master that Third Young Master picked up a flower."
Hearing this, Dong Wu hesitated and asked quietly, "Manager Qin, is this good news or bad news?" If it was good news, he'd be delighted; if bad, he'd share the concern. As a servant, he had to please his master and stand firmly on the right side.
Manager Qin didn't answer immediately. He just watched the young lady and her woman servant get into a carriage and quickly disappear into the crowd. Manager Qin carefully identified which family the carriage belonged to, squinted his eyes, and said softly, "Neither good nor bad. Just hope it turns out to be good news."
While the streets were bustling with excitement, Princess Huaning's carriage also smoothly entered the palace.
Princess Huaning had been holding Xu Bao in the carriage the whole time, entertaining him with a small gold ingot while looking at Ye Jiao and asking, "Where are those two little ones?"
Ye Jiao was breaking milk cakes into small pieces to feed Xu Bao while replying, "They're still small and can't even talk yet. It's hard to manage three children when going out. Husband said to let Xu Bao come see Her Majesty first, and they can wait until they're older."
Princess Huaning also thought this made sense, so she lowered her head to kiss Xu Bao's forehead, smiling, "Xu Bao is the most well-behaved, right?"
Xu Bao immediately raised his head proudly and replied clearly, "Yes, Xu Bao is good!"
"Then Xu Bao promise me to be good later too, okay?"
Xu Bao blinked and smiled, "Okay, Xu Bao will be good and listen to Auntie."
This form of address was learned from when he saw Chu Chengyun last time - the uncle's wife would naturally be auntie.
But Princess Huaning blushed at this, reaching out to pinch his face as they playfully tussled together.
Ye Jiao watched them and couldn't stop smiling, then felt the carriage stop.
"Your Highness, Mrs. Qi, we've arrived."
Princess Huaning got out first carrying Xu Bao, while Ye Jiao was helped down last by Little Su. When she stood on the stone path and looked up, she saw magnificent palace buildings and high steps.
This wasn't like ordinary residences with their elegant beauty - everything in the imperial palace was grand and imposing, with vast empty spaces in front of the empress's palace that required walking quite a distance to cross.
Seemingly seeing Ye Jiao's puzzlement, Princess Huaning smiled, "Everything in the palace is spacious to prevent assassins from hiding, so it looks rather ugly."
At these words, the nearby palace attendants all lowered their heads pretending not to hear.
If anyone else said this, they'd be slapped if not scolded, but Princess Huaning was imperial nobility and the current emperor's most beloved sister. Even if she followed the emperor's previous example and had Thousand Carp Pond drained to roast the fish, no one would dare say a word.
Xu Bao kept his eyes wide, looking left and right, occasionally exclaiming "Wow!" which made Princess Huaning kiss him repeatedly.
By the time Empress Meng saw them, Xu Bao's face already had several red lipstick marks, but he still obediently offered his face for Princess Huaning to kiss, his face beaming with smiles and apparently very good-natured.
This was Empress Meng's first time seeing Xu Bao. Just one glance and she couldn't look away, but she resisted the urge to hold him. Instead, she first walked smiling toward Ye Jiao, "Jiao Niang, it's been so long. How have you been?"
Ye Jiao looked at Empress Meng and blinked, hesitating before saying, "Your Maj..."
"Call me Hui Niang." Empress Meng dismissed the palace attendants, leaving only two personal servants, while smiling and taking Ye Jiao's arm to enter.
Little Ginseng wasn't an ordinary woman - she was quite bold. Hearing Empress Meng's words, she readily changed her address, "Hui Niang, you look much better than last time." Her pale finger grasped Empress Meng's wrist, and Ye Jiao smiled with curved eyes, "Your health has also greatly improved."
At these words, Princess Huaning looked at Empress Meng with some surprise.
Recently Empress Meng had been frequently summoning imperial physicians, appearing quite frail, but from Ye Jiao's words, it sounded like her health was actually good?
Empress Meng just smiled faintly without comment, sitting at the table with Ye Jiao.
Xu Bao was naturally taken into Empress Meng's arms.
Seeing the lipstick marks on Xu Bao's face, Empress Meng looked at Princess Huaning with a half-smile. Seeing Princess Huaning guiltily look away, Empress Meng said nothing and just had someone bring a wet cloth to carefully clean Xu Bao.
Xu Bao obediently raised his face, his round eyes looking at Empress Meng. As he watched, he suddenly said, "Your Majesty, eat cake."
Empress Meng was stunned, then saw Xu Bao holding up the milk cake in his hand high to offer it to her.
This left the usually composed Empress Meng somewhat at a loss. Though she was clever and perceptive, she rarely interacted with children, and those children who came before her were usually trembling with fear. This was her first time encountering such a well-behaved baby, leaving her looking helplessly at Ye Jiao.
But Ye Jiao smiled, "Xu Bao likes you, Hui Niang. If you don't eat it, just praise him."
Her son had always had a naturally friendly disposition. As long as he didn't mistake someone for a bad person like with Chu Chengyun, Xu Bao was always particularly enthusiastic toward others.
This milk cake was his way of showing goodwill - whether eaten or not didn't matter.
But Empress Meng stared at Xu Bao for a moment, then lowered her head to take a bite of the milk cake in his hand before hanging a gold locket around Xu Bao's neck.
Another person who gave gold - Xu Bao smiled with curved eyes and leaned over to kiss Empress Meng's face.
Empress Meng's lips curved upward as she pinched his chubby cheeks, finally speaking, "Such a good child, truly wonderful."
Hearing her say this, Princess Huaning felt heartbroken but smiled as she took Xu Bao, "I'll take Xu Bao for a walk so you two can talk." She then left with Xu Bao.
Empress Meng had refreshments served and they chatted while eating.
They were already familiar with each other, and with Ye Jiao, Empress Meng had nothing to hide. Ye Jiao knew everything about the events before and after Chu Chengyun's ascension - even Chu Chengyun's life had been saved by Ye Jiao. Empress Meng felt grateful and close to her, able to tell her things she couldn't even say to Princess Huaning.
But just then, a palace attendant entered, "Your Majesty, a noble lady has submitted a request card seeking audience with Your Majesty."
Hearing this, Ye Jiao couldn't help glancing at Empress Meng.
Empress Meng lightly covered her lips with her handkerchief, a flash of coldness passing through her eyes, though her voice remained gentle, "This palace is unwell today and will see no one. Have her return."
"Yes."
After the palace attendant left, Empress Meng remained silent for a long time.
She had actually done everything she could do, and Chu Chengyun was the same. A husband who protected his wife like this - not just among emperors, but even among common people, it would be hard to find a second one.
But equally, Empress Meng clearly understood that imperial couples were destined to bear more burdens.
Common people having no children didn't matter, but if an emperor had no sons or daughters and didn't take consorts, it would be criticized at best and shake the foundation of the state at worst.
Empress Meng knew Chu Chengyun's aspirations and understood the discussions throughout the court and country. She was gratified by Chu Chengyun's persistence, but knew that if things continued this way, this persistence might not yield good results in the end.
She gently set down her chopsticks, looked at Ye Jiao, and suddenly asked, "Jiao Niang, everyone envies 'one life, one world, one pair of lovers.' Do you believe in it?"
This line of poetry Ye Jiao had heard Qi Yun recite - it was her husband's promise to her, so she naturally nodded, "I believe."
Empress Meng said softly, "What if he couldn't do it? Would you still stay with him?"
Ye Jiao was simple by nature. Hearing this, she actually thought about it. After a while, she shook her head, "No. I trust him, so he won't fail. If husband couldn't do it, then I trusted the wrong person. There'd be no question of staying together or not - he wouldn't survive."
This sentence Ye Jiao spoke honestly and realistically.
Qi Yun's life had been saved by her, and even now, Qi Yun's congenital deficiency had never been cured. With the slightest relaxation, his health would weaken.
Previously, just because Ye Jiao had been busy and spent less time with him, Qi Yun had shown signs of catching cold.
This was why the illness was never completely cured.
But for Ye Jiao, this wasn't a problem. They were going to spend their lives together, and as long as she lived, Qi Yun could live.
She was his medicine, always had been.
But if Qi Yun stopped being with her, his health would naturally deteriorate and he wouldn't survive.
But hearing this in Empress Meng's ears, she felt Ye Jiao was resolute - preferring to be broken jade rather than intact tile.
Empress Meng didn't think Ye Jiao was cruel, but rather envied her freedom.
Having reached the high position of empress, with family behind her, the emperor beside her, and subjects below her, she had long lost the right to be carefree.
Ye Jiao finished the remaining lotus cake and drank another cup of tea before continuing, "Besides, even if husband wanted to, he wouldn't have the opportunity."
Qi Yun could only see her - Little Ginseng had that much confidence.
But Empress Meng thought of Qi Yun's frail constitution. In her memory, Second Young Master Qi was still that sickly figure who would cough up blood at any moment. She couldn't help nodding, "You're right, he indeed has no opportunity."
Ye Jiao felt she and Hui Niang weren't talking about the same thing, but couldn't figure out what was wrong, so she didn't ask further. She just smiled and took another piece of pastry.
When Princess Huaning returned carrying Xu Bao, the little fellow was already sound asleep.
Empress Meng didn't keep Ye Jiao longer. This palace invitation was just to catch up with her and see the well-behaved baby Xu Bao that Princess Huaning had praised to the skies. Now that they had talked and she had seen him, Empress Meng smiled, "Take the child home to rest well. I'll have these refreshments packed for you to take."
Ye Jiao didn't stand on ceremony, smiled her thanks, and prepared to leave holding her chubby son.
But she soon turned back, standing before Empress Meng and staring at her.
Though Ye Jiao had mainly focused on the refreshments earlier, Little Ginseng was perceptive and could tell Empress Meng wanted children and see her fondness for Xu Bao.
From when Empress Meng had her continue calling her Hui Niang, Ye Jiao considered them friends, so some things needn't be hidden.
Earlier she had checked Empress Meng's pulse and knew that the empress's previously damaged health had gradually been restored and was now no different from ordinary people. With careful attention, she could naturally hope for pregnancy.
And this careful attention would certainly benefit from the pot of flowers she had sent.
Ye Jiao looked around and smiled at Empress Meng, "Where are the Auspicious Flowers I gave you before?"
Empress Meng had someone remove the screen and pointed, "I keep them in the inner chamber."
But the inner chambers of this palace were much larger than ordinary homes. Ye Jiao looked around, "Keep them by the bedside, closer is better for your health."
Empress Meng agreed and had someone move them. Only then did Ye Jiao smile, holding Xu Bao and bowing to Empress Meng, "Then I wish Hui Niang an early son."
Empress Meng also smiled, saying warmly, "With Jiao Niang's auspicious words, if this palace truly has glad tidings," her voice paused as she looked at the jade bead bracelet on her wrist, then looked up at Ye Jiao, "I'll give this bracelet to Xu Bao to play with."
Ye Jiao smiled as she glanced at her wrist, seeming certain this item would become hers.
Such a gaze actually made Empress Meng happy. Even though she felt Ye Jiao was just comforting her, she still felt pleased.
Compared to others' pitying or sympathetic looks, Ye Jiao's bright and straightforward smile made Empress Meng much happier.
But after Princess Huaning and Ye Jiao left, Empress Meng felt somewhat lonely.
The quiet after liveliness was always particularly hard to bear.
She sat on the soft couch and reached for a box on the side table. Opening it, she poured its contents onto the table.
These were beans - red beans and black beans mixed together, hard to distinguish.
Empress Meng leaned against a square pillow, lowering her head with a calm expression as she separated the beans.
Each one was sorted extremely slowly, gradually calming her mind.
But just as she was almost finished, she heard several whip cracks from outside.
Empress Meng immediately gathered the beans back into the box, then arranged her hair and clothes. After getting up from the couch, she quickly walked toward the palace entrance.
Before reaching the door, she saw Chu Chengyun striding in.
The young emperor's face showed barely concealed excited smiles. Seeing Empress Meng, he immediately smiled, "Hui Niang, you look much better today than yesterday."
Empress Meng smiled gently. Seeing sweat on his forehead, she had tea brought and entered the inner chamber with Chu Chengyun. She wiped his face with a handkerchief while saying, "Why is husband so happy?"
Chu Chengyun picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp, then dismissed all palace attendants, not even leaving his close ones. After they left, he mysteriously leaned close to Empress Meng's ear and whispered, "I want to arrange a match with Hui Niang. Would that be good?"