Chapter 0238

Chapter 238: Such a Disgrace

It wasn't until nightfall that the Empress's quarters finally quieted down.

Emperor He Jingci really didn't want to stay here any longer, yet he couldn't just leave.

"Your Majesty..." The Empress was lying down in a very ungraceful manner at this time, in excruciating pain with any slight movement.

And yet, she couldn't just faint.

"I have already had it investigated; it was merely an accident. I've also had inquiries made about Ji Qingluan. She doesn't possess the capability," Emperor He Jingci said.

By now, the Empress had also come to a realization.

Her horse and belongings couldn't have been tampered with by just anyone, let alone a fallen Ji Qingluan.

"I have behaved disgracefully, bringing shame upon the royal family..." tears fell from the Empress's eyes.

"What's done is done, there's no need to talk about that now. You should focus on recuperating. Jiuer is very worried about you," Emperor He Jingci said.

"Since the hunting expedition has already begun, let it continue. I'll manage, just need to arrange the palace affairs. Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will take care of everything," the Empress said.

"Let's return to the palace then. Empress, how is your condition, can you travel back? If it's really not feasible to move, then recuperate here in the hunting lodge," Emperor He Jingci was aware of the Empress's difficulty in moving.

But being in this position, many things are out of one's control.

Staying here might be better for the Empress's health, but it would lead to much speculation throughout the court and beyond.

Keeping the Empress in the hunting lodge would be a significant matter. It would quickly give rise to rumors of discord between the Emperor and Empress, and of the Empress falling out of favor.

This would give people a lot to talk about.

Even the frail Fourth Prince could be implicated.

Emperor He Jingci did not wish to see this happen.

"I can manage, though moving is somewhat exhausting now, it's still better to return for recuperation," the Empress urgently said, clearly afraid of being left behind.

"Then have your people prepare, we will return tomorrow," Emperor He Jingci said: "Returning earlier allows for earlier rest. I will also arrange for assistance."

Having said this, he stood up to leave.

The Empress wanted to ask him to stay but dared not, knowing that today's incident was embarrassing and that the Emperor was furious.

She regretted her impulsive decision to ride.

But what could be done now other than to rest and recover?

Tears uncontrollably fell from the Empress's eyes, her heart filled with bitterness...

Yunli received a visit from the Emperor.

Emperor He Jingci looked extremely displeased.

After Yunli greeted him, he simply waved his hand: "How's Jiuer?"

"He's asleep. Would Your Majesty like to see him?" Yunli asked.

Emperor He Jingci nodded: "Let's return to the palace tomorrow. Can the child handle the journey?"

"Jiuer is strong, he was quite happy on the way here. He should be fine on the way back." Indeed, the journey is taxing, but the concern for the nation's mother outweighs everything else.

Emperor He Jingci visited Jiuer, who was sleeping sweetly, his little hand by his head, lips pouted adorably.

At this moment, watching the child was precisely what Emperor He Jingci needed to lighten his mood.

He gently pinched the child's small hand.

"Next time, I'll bring you all here again," Emperor He Jingci said.

"Coming or not doesn't matter, this hunting lodge isn't a good place. Less frequent visits wouldn't be bad either," Yunli commented.

Emperor He Jingci paused: "You're right. Let's go somewhere else next time."

Although this southern hunting lodge is the largest of the royal retreats, since Emperor He Jingci ascended the throne, there have indeed been numerous incidents here.

It's not as if we must come here.

Yunli served tea to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, please have some tea."

"What does Yunli think about today's incident?" Emperor He Jingci asked while sipping his tea.

"I'm not sure about today's events, as I didn't see what happened in the field. But have you considered what will happen after we return to the palace tomorrow?" Yunli countered.

Emperor He Jingci glanced at her and set down his teacup: "Speak your mind, Yunli."

"I have no insinuations for Your Majesty. I only wish to ask for Your Majesty's protection for my child, who is still so young. This is our child, and I beg Your Majesty to look after him," Yunli said.

Emperor He Jingci remained silent.

He just looked at Yunli.

Yunli met his gaze, her eyes devoid of evasion.

After a long while, Emperor He Jingci picked up his tea again and took a few sips: "Let's have the meal served."

Yunli nodded, not continuing the topic.

In the evening, Emperor He Jingci held Yunli close, soothing her breaths along her back: "All the princes and princesses are my offspring. I will not neglect them."

Yunli hummed in agreement: "I may not be the cleverest, but I understand this. I just hope for a bit more of Your Majesty's favor and protection. That's not too much to ask for, is it?"

Murmuring, she had already closed her eyes, only snuggling closer to Emperor He Jingci.

Emperor He Jingci did not respond further but embraced her and closed his eyes as well.

The Empress spent the night awake, in severe pain. The awkward position of her injury made her extremely uncomfortable.

The next morning, she set off, gritting her teeth as she was carried and placed into the carriage, unable to stand up at all.

The carriage entered the Peony Pavilion directly, seen by very few, yet she felt immensely embarrassed.

Throughout the journey, she endured the pain, the carriage moved very slowly, but the inevitable jolts felt like torture.

By the time they arrived at the palace, her clothes were soaked through with sweat.

She had not expected that as soon as she was carried down, the Dowager Empress had already arrived.

Besides the Empress Dowager in her postpartum recovery, the entire harem was present.

Emperor He Jingci also came.

Yunli naturally had someone take the children back while she hurried to the Phoenix Pavilion.

"Mother..." the Empress called out to the Dowager Empress as she was carried in.

"Go inside, take it slow," the Dowager Empress directed, "No rush, I'm waiting for you to see how much the Empress is suffering. Attend to her and help her change clothes first."

The Empress was carried inside, and the Emperor also arrived.

Upon seeing him, the Dowager Empress scolded, "What were you thinking, Emperor? The Empress hasn't ridden a horse in years. How could you allow her to ride?"

Emperor He Jingci knelt immediately, admitting fault without a word: "It is my fault."

The concubines hurriedly knelt as well.

Mei Shufei said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. His Majesty thought, given the Empress's martial background, it would be harmless. We did not anticipate this accident. His Majesty is more worried than anyone. Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger."

"Yes, Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The Empress's condition pains the Emperor deeply. We beg for your forgiveness," Shu Zhao Yi added.

"Your Majesty, please forgive," Yunli echoed casually.

After everyone's pleas, the Dowager Empress finally gestured for them to rise.

Only then did Emperor He Jingci stand up: "Yes."

After changing her clothes with difficulty, the Empress was still unable to come out.

Only the Dowager Empress could enter.

Everyone else entered too, sitting behind a screen. The Dowager Empress sat down: "Yiyao, how are you? I heard yesterday and couldn't sleep all night. You've suffered."

The Empress's voice choked up: "I have been unfilial, causing Mother Empress worry."

"What are you saying? If not for you, whom should I worry about?" The Dowager Empress dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, "Seeing you in pain hurts me too."

Even knowing the Dowager Empress might be performing, the Empress couldn't help crying: "It's all my fault... I've brought shame upon the imperial family."

The pain was secondary to the embarrassment she felt.