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墨書 Inktalez
As evening fell, rain began to pour, the droplets fine and dense, pattering softly against the glazed tiles.
The night rain was damp and cold, carrying a chill in the air.
Qiu Cheng brought a satin robe embroidered with white fox fur for Meng Suxin and lit a charcoal fire, yet it still could not dispel the pallor on her face.
He sent someone to the small kitchen to brew a bowl of ginger soup, which he presented to her, saying, “Your Highness should drink a little. Your complexion is so poor; how can that be good? If the Emperor sees you like this later, he will surely be worried.”
Meng Suxin lowered her head, the color of the soup reflecting a hint of gloom on her expression.
She gently rubbed her forehead with her fingers and whispered, “I heard that the Empress died a terrible death, her skull shattered. Chang Guiren had both feet severed, Consort Tian Shu lost both hands, and even Princess Jinghe has died. Such a small child, yet his body was found apart from his head. Those people are truly ruthless.”
Qiu Cheng frowned and said, “Which heartless fool told you such things? Don’t they know you are with child? They should be dealt with harshly!”
Meng Suxin replied, “Now in He Palace, I am the only one left. If they don’t come to tell me, who else will they go to? Tomorrow we are to hold a memorial service at Chongming Hall; it’s inevitable that I will learn more.”
Qiu Cheng adjusted the blanket around Meng Suxin and said, “Your Highness should think less about these matters. Didn’t the imperial physician say that your worries have caused instability in your pregnancy? You are carrying the Emperor’s child now; even if you don’t consider yourself, you must think of the baby. Forgive my impudence, but with the Empress gone and Noble Consort Rong missing, many of the other consorts are either injured or ill. Even those like Liang Pin, Hui Pin, and Lady Xian who seem unharmed have been imprisoned by the Rebels for so long that their status is no longer clear.
The only legitimate mistress in this palace now is you. Not to mention that you are pregnant; your husband and two uncles have achieved great merit in this rebellion. The bond between you and the Emperor has grown over these years; there are still many good days ahead. Have you forgotten? When you were still a young girl, Master Hui Ming from Lonely Cloud Temple said you were destined for great fortune. It seems your blessings are yet to come.”
Meng Suxin smiled faintly and replied softly, “The Emperor does treat me well. If it weren’t for him secretly sending someone to stay by my side this time, I might have faced disaster.”
The night rain fell steadily, shaking down petals from a pear tree outside.
The room was filled with the fragrance of fine sandalwood incense, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
She gently brushed her fingers over the arrow patterns on her sleeve and said, “I wonder where Noble Consort Rong has gone. She is the daughter of a prominent family and possesses some martial skills. If she managed to escape, it seems she truly has.”
“What difference does it make? The steward has fallen, and even if she returns safely, with her temperament, she would never be tolerated. Besides, when the Rebels entered the city, it was chaos everywhere. How could she, being just a weak woman, escape far? In my opinion, Your Highness is too kind-hearted. Noble Consort Rong is willful and domineering; we have suffered quite a bit under her these past few years.”
Meng Suxin shook her head and said, “She comes from a prestigious family and is the legitimate daughter of the main branch; it’s only natural for her to have a bit of a temper. Moreover, she hasn’t truly bullied me. The Emperor favors her to win over the steward.”
Qiu Cheng laughed and replied, “I don’t know about other servants, but I know that the Emperor favors her to divert others’ attention and protect you, Your Highness. No matter how proud she may be, for these years, she has merely been a target. The Emperor cares for you deeply.”
Meng Suxin chuckled softly, just about to scold her for being so glib when they suddenly heard the sound of a whip outside the hall.
Qiu Cheng jumped up and exclaimed, “The Emperor is here! I’ll help you change your clothes, Your Highness.”
The Emperor entered wearing a bright yellow cloak, still damp from the rain.
Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, Meng Suxin knew he hadn’t slept well again last night. A pang of concern filled her heart as she reached out to touch his face gently and said softly, “No matter how busy state affairs are, you should take care of yourself. Your eyes are so dark.”
The Emperor grasped her slender fingers and asked, “Why are you still awake so late?”
She lifted her gaze to meet his, looking at him steadily with a faint smile: “I missed you, Your Majesty.”
He smiled back and embraced her: “I missed you too.”
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