Chapter 47: Watching the Fire from Across the River

Chapter 47: Watching the Fire from Across the River

Shuangruo appeared panic-stricken and kept glancing at the cabinet behind her, raising suspicions that she might be hiding something incriminating.

Seeing everyone’s attention on Shuangruo, the Empress’s expression also became somewhat unnatural,

"Shuangruo, you've become increasingly clumsy lately. The tea has gone cold; go and fetch some fresh tea for me."

As Shuangruo was about to leave, Noble Consort Chen, sensing something amiss between the maid and her mistress, interjected,

"Hold on. She seems to be acting suspiciously, I wonder what she's up to. As they say, 'The hardest to guard against is the thief within one's household.' The Empress is ill, yet instead of attending to her, this maid is fiddling around in her wardrobe?"

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense,

Seizing the opportunity before Emperor Xiao Jingheng could speak, Noble Consort Chen instructed Yingxiang to open the wardrobe and see what Shuangruo was hiding.

To everyone’s surprise, when the wardrobe was opened, a bright yellow robe fell out.

Fortunately, Shuangruo, with quick reflexes, lunged forward and caught it, preventing it from hitting the ground.

Holding the robe, Shuangruo appeared very flustered, checking it over and muttering,

"Thank goodness it's not dirty, otherwise it would have ruined the Empress’s kind gesture..."

All eyes were on her,

What was held was an unfinished nightgown.

The nightgown, crafted from fine bright yellow brocade, was embroidered with nine five-clawed golden dragons, symbolizing supreme majesty.

It was evident that the Empress herself had made it, intending it as a gift for Xiao Jingheng.

The dragons embroidered on the gown were lifelike, with meticulous stitches, clearly a labor of love.

After a brief silence in the hall, Xiao Jingheng asked:

"Why hide a nightgown?"

Shuang Ruo pursed her lips, stealing a glance at the Empress, and bravely said:

"Your Majesty, this nightgown is a birthday present from the Empress, prepared since the beginning of the year. She personally selected the material, cut, and embroidered it, never delegating any part of the work.

Her Majesty intended to surprise you on your birthday. However, with your unexpected visit today, I feared you might see the gown hidden behind the goose feather cushion, so I thought to put it away, but then..."

Shuang Ruo elaborated at length, essentially conveying two points to Xiao Jingheng.

First, the Empress had spent eight or nine months preparing his birthday gift;

Second, her recent 'overwork' was due to her dedication to sewing his nightgown day and night.

With the Empress's sincere effort, how could Xiao Jingheng not be moved?

Sincerity is indeed the rarest in the palace, even for an emperor like him.

The Empress, her cheeks flushed with exposure, shyly lowered her head and murmured:

"My skills are modest, I fear Your Majesty might find it amusing."

Xiao Jingheng gestured for Shuang Ruo to bring the nightgown forward. He gently caressed the soft cotton and the intricate embroidery, then said after a moment:

"The complexity of this cloud-emerging golden dragon pattern, especially in Xiang embroidery, the finest and most challenging, reflects the immense effort you've put into this. I am genuinely touched by such thoughtfulness."

"As long as Your Majesty is pleased. As a wife, it's my duty to wish for my husband to wear a nightgown made by my own hands. That's the truest form of affection."

Xiao Jingheng nodded slightly, holding the Empress's hand, and said:

"Your sentiment is greatly appreciated. But remember to prioritize your health in the future, understand?"

The Empress nodded gently, her smile warm and bright, lighting up the room like spring.

To others, this scene depicted a harmonious emperor and empress, but to Consort Chen, it was nothing but nauseating.

Later, Xiao Jingheng said, "Now that the Empress is well, there's no need to linger. Everyone, return to your own palaces to rest."

Consort Chen quickly stepped forward, attempting to cling to Xiao Jingheng's arm, hoping to accompany him back to the Chaoyang Palace.

But before she could get close, she saw Xiao Jingheng looking tenderly at the Empress, speaking softly and gently:

"I shall stay here tonight with the Empress."

Consort Chen stood frozen in place,

Her hand, half-extended, hung awkwardly in mid-air, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

The Empress said, "Tonight, Your Majesty was supposed to visit Consort Chen. Staying here with me instead might not be appropriate."

"It's fine," Xiao Jingheng looked towards Consort Chen, "Wan'er is not one to take such things to heart."

His words effectively silenced Consort Chen,

With such a compliment placed upon her, what more could she say?

She managed to squeeze out a forced smile, "It's only right for Your Majesty to be with the Empress during her illness. Besides, I often have the privilege of Your Majesty's company; missing a day or two makes little difference."

That evening, as expected, Xiao Jingheng stayed in the Empress's palace.

In the following days, Xiao Jingheng did not visit Song Zhao, but Consort Chen regained his favor,

Xiao Jingheng summoned her twice in five days, evidently trying to cheer her up.

Xiao Jingheng's absence didn't bother Song Zhao in the slightest.

She spent her days practicing the pipa in her palace, but it was Yunsong who grew restless.

"My lady, it's been several days since the Emperor visited our palace. Perhaps we should bring him some delicacies tomorrow, as an excuse to be seen in his presence?"

Yunsong meant well,

She feared that if Song Zhao lost the Emperor's favor, she would be vulnerable to mistreatment again.

But Song Zhao calmly said, "If His Majesty wishes to see me, he would come even if knives were falling from the sky. If he doesn't want to, my eagerness would only be unwelcome. Why bother?"

She appeared indifferent, continuing to play her pipa.

Yet, she was certain in her heart:

What did it matter if Xiao Jingheng favored Consort Chen continuously these days?

Consort Chen, having suffered a miscarriage, and with her womb damaged, was unlikely to conceive again.

Her 'fertile days' were calculated by the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Astronomical Bureau, the best days for her to conceive.

These days were rare, coming only once every few months, and missing this opportunity meant an indefinite wait.

Consort Chen's elation would turn to disappointment, how could she not be infuriated?

This whole affair, from start to finish, could be seen as a scheme orchestrated by the Empress and Song Zhao to thwart Consort Chen.

Yet, Consort Chen was oblivious to Song Zhao’s involvement,

Focusing her resentment and anger on the Empress and Xiao Chang instead.

Song Zhao knew that with Consort Chen's temperament, she wouldn't let this go easily.

And she needed to do nothing,

Only keep herself out of it and watch the drama unfold from a distance.