newbobooks Chapter 153 Appearances are in harmony but minds are separate
Chapter 153 Appearances are in harmony but minds are separate
Today there was news that Concubine Chun went boating on the lake with the Emperor, and tomorrow there will be rumors that she and the Emperor were playing the piano in the Imperial Garden. She was living a very carefree life.
But once she was allowed to walk around in Changchun Palace, she would feel uncomfortable here and there, and would immediately suffer from a headache or fever.
No matter how long the friendship is, or how deep the feelings are, they cannot withstand her repeated torment.
Seeing that Mingyu was about to say something again, the Queen quickly stopped her with her eyes, then gently stroked Concubine Chun's hand and said in a gentle tone:
"Empress Chun, there is no need for such politeness between you and me. I have always understood your feelings. You are already weak, so don't go to Changchun Palace so often. It is more important to spend more time with Yongrong..."
"Yes, I thank the Queen for her concern. I came here for another reason. The Emperor mentioned it a few days ago and asked me to help Lord Fucha find a wife.
I know this may be a bit overstepping my authority, but since the emperor has mentioned it, I dare not disregard it."
As Concubine Chun spoke, she motioned to Yuhu to take out the portraits of several women from noble families in the capital.
The Queen was slightly startled, as if she had not expected Concubine Chun to say such a thing.
She shook her head gently and said slowly: "No need, Concubine Chun and the emperor have made up their minds. Since Fu Heng has been engaged, this matter will not be changed."
The Queen knew clearly that Concubine Chun had always liked Fu Heng, but now that she was favored by the emperor and had given birth to the Sixth Prince, why was she still brooding over this matter?
When Concubine Chun heard this, her expression instantly turned slightly displeased and she pursed her lips, but she did not continue to persuade him.
The two chatted for a while, and then Concubine Chun got up and said goodbye, using the excuse that she had to go back to the palace to take care of Yongrong.
The Queen asked Mingyu and Yingluo to see her off to show her concern, and they escorted her all the way out of the palace.
Mingyu looked at Concubine Chun's receding back and couldn't help but spit out a harsh sound: "She clearly came here just to show off. I wonder if she has any conscience!"
Wei Yingluo also looked unhappy at the moment, but she knew that she couldn't let Mingyu continue talking. There were many eyes and ears in the palace, and what Mingyu said could easily be misinterpreted as the queen's intention.
If Concubine Chun had no intention of being hostile to the Queen, after hearing too many rumors like this, she would probably develop resentment and even become enemies.
"Mingyu, stop talking! The Queen has always taken good care of Concubine Chun and is genuinely happy for her." Wei Yingluo said patiently with a serious face.
The news that Concubine Chun gave birth to a child was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing different reactions from people in the palace.
The emperor doted on Concubine Chun and her son, and constantly rewarded them with various treasures in Zhongcui Palace. Thanks to the Sixth Prince, Concubine Chun's status became increasingly stable, and she became a highly-regarded figure in the palace.
When Empress Fucha learned about this, she immediately sent people to deliver a large number of precious gifts and personally went to visit Concubine Chun to express her blessings and concern for her.
However, Empress Xian's attitude was completely different. Although she was somewhat envious, she did not show too much emotional fluctuation, but continued to practice calligraphy, appreciate flowers and plants, and make clothes for the emperor every day.
Although she sent someone to deliver a gift, she did not go to visit Concubine Chun in person. Now she saw how Concubine Chun had changed so much towards the Queen after she became favored, and she thought she was very hypocritical, and the two became more and more distant.
Concubine Gao seemed extremely indifferent about Concubine Chun giving birth to a child. She still kept the palace doors closed and was too lazy to even send someone to deliver a gift.
Nalan Chunxue wanted to win the emperor's favor, so she focused on how to please the emperor. When she found that the relationship between Concubine Chun and the queen was gradually alienated, she only sent someone to deliver gifts and did not go to congratulate them in person.
Lu Wanwan followed Nalan Chunxue and presented gifts as a courtesy.
Concubine Yu and Concubine Yi were among the few concubines in the palace who visited Concubine Chun. They brought gifts personally to express their concern and blessings to Concubine Chun.
Yipin held a rattle and teased the Sixth Prince with a smile on her face, "Sister Chunfei, the Sixth Prince is so cute and lively."
"Yes, yes." Concubine Yu agreed with a smile on her face.
Concubine Chun just smiled faintly: "My two sisters are too kind. Bring Yongqi here when you have time to play with Yongrong."
At first, Concubine Chun was somewhat disdainful of the two of them. After all, they were just two concubines with ordinary backgrounds.
However, if she wants to better protect her son now, she should recruit more talents, so she became more enthusiastic.
Concubine Yu nodded repeatedly.
Concubine Chun wanted to further recruit them, so she hinted, "Sister Yipin, you are not young anymore. You should pay more attention to the emperor and have a child by your side."
After hearing this, Concubine Yi was a little surprised and showed an unexpected expression on her face, but she still forced a smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Sister Chunfei. It's enough for me and Ayan to have the Fifth Prince by our side. Besides, the Emperor dotes on you, Sister Chunfei, so I dare not compete for your favor."
In fact, Yipin understood what Concubine Chun meant. She wanted her to depend on her and fight against Concubine Gao and others together.
But Concubine Yi was already tired of the intrigues in the palace. She did not want to be involved in these struggles and just wanted to live a peaceful life.
Besides, now she has good sisters around her and the lovely Fifth Prince, she is already very satisfied, why bother to compete for favor? After experiencing the open and covert struggles with Gao Ningxin before, Yipin had long since become indifferent to these things.
Concubine Chun naturally understood the deeper meaning of Concubine Yi's words. She thought that since she was not favored in the first place, it didn't matter. It would be more useful to win over Concubine Yu, who had a child.
So she held Yupin's hand and said earnestly, "Sister Yupin, you have the Fifth Prince now. The fighting in the palace never stops. You must be more careful! I just gave birth to a child, and I know the hardships."
Yupin smiled and responded, "Thank you, Sister Chunfei, for your reminder. Sister Yipin and I will definitely act with caution."
It is not known whether Concubine Yu really understood what Concubine Chun meant, but her attitude was so respectful that Concubine Chun could not find any flaws.
Just then, a palace maid came hurriedly to report that Qing agreed to her request to meet Concubine Chun.
Concubine Yi quickly pulled Concubine Yu up, and the two of them said goodbye to Concubine Chun together.
After all, they have already surrendered to the queen and it is impossible for them to betray her easily.
As for Er Qing, ever since she lost the protection of Concubine Gao, her life in Chuxiu Palace has been extremely miserable, even more miserable than the lowest servants in the Forbidden City.
She tried every possible means, sold all her property, begged for mercy everywhere, and finally found the medicinal herbs. After she recovered from her injuries, she couldn't wait to perform well in front of Concubine Chun and find a new support.