Chapter 83

Chapter 83

After giving the Noble Consort one last look, Zhao Heng instructed the Ministry of Rites to handle her funeral according to her status. Recalling her words about his father, Zhao Heng wondered who he would share his tomb with a hundred years hence. By custom, it should be the Empress, but she wasn't the one in his heart. He felt it was time to make preparations.

The Noble Consort's funeral was conducted quietly, and the palace, already quiet, became even more so with reduced festivities and the onset of winter.

After telling Zhao Heng about Consort De and Yu Shuangzi, Song Qingying left the matter behind to live her simple life, though she kept an eye on De Yang Palace. Surprisingly, Consort De made no moves after that day, puzzling Song Qingying about her intentions.

The year was exceptionally cold, with several snowfalls in the winter months. The Empress decided to change the daily court attendance to once every three days, and then once every five days as the snow continued.

Song Qingying didn't want to attend even once every five days, but this time she had no choice as the Empress summoned them for a discussion, not allowing any excuses.

Now, Song Qingying dressed warmly whenever she went out, never parting with her hand warmer.

Accompanied by Qinghong and braving the snow, Song Qingying headed to Fengyi Palace. The snow was piled high on both sides of the road, with a thick layer on the ground.

"Why does it keep snowing this year!" Song Qingying complained, not recalling any mention of this in the book, probably occurring during a skipped part.

Qinghong added, "Yes, I've never seen such heavy snow lasting this long."

"I used to like snow, but not anymore," said Song Qingying, who, as someone from the south, rarely experienced snow.

Qinghong smiled, "I remember how happy you were when it first snowed this year!"

"Who knew it would be this severe! It's practically a disaster now," Song Qingying remarked.

"Your Majesty should keep quiet to avoid breathing in the cold air," suggested Qinghong.

Song Qingying nodded and remained silent. Upon reaching Fengyi Palace, Qinghong shook off a layer of snow from the umbrella.

"Hmm, why are there so many people today, even those who usually don't show up? Looks like something big is happening. What urgent matter does the Empress have for us in this freezing weather?"

The Empress didn't beat around the bush, "You all must be aware of the heavy snowfall across the country this year."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The queen sighed and said, "Do you all realize that this snow has become a disaster?"

Everyone, including Song Qingying, gasped in surprise, "Ah..."

The Consort De said, "I've heard some about it from the Third Prince."

Ignoring Consort De, the queen continued, "With the New Year approaching, the common people must be having a hard time. I think we in the harem should also reduce our food and clothing expenses."

As soon as the queen spoke, the concubines fell silent. Due to the continuous heavy snow, the food in the palace had already declined significantly. Further reductions would undoubtedly be hard for them to accept. However, no one dared to counter the queen's words, considering the common people were still suffering from the cold and hunger. Eventually, all the concubines nodded in agreement.

"Furthermore, with the snow disaster affecting many areas, the court will surely need to allocate funds for relief. We in the harem should also contribute to lessen the Emperor's burden. I have donated a thousand taels, and you should donate as you see fit, as a gesture of your support for the Emperor and the common people," the queen added.

Consort De was the first to respond, "Exactly, I will donate eight hundred taels." Naturally, she could not surpass the queen by donating more.

The Consort Shu said, "Then I will also give eight hundred taels."

Seeing that Lin Xiuyi remained silent, Song Qingying spoke up, "Then, this concubine will donate six hundred taels."

Thus, the concubines in the harem donated varying amounts. The queen's initiative was indeed a move to secure a good reputation for herself. However, despite their contributions, the concubines gained nothing in return.

Song Qingying was open-minded. Reputation didn't matter to her; as long as the silver truly helped the common people, she felt it was worth it.

Consort De was the most upset, not only because the queen gained a good reputation but also because the Crown Prince's reputation was flourishing. The Emperor had assigned tasks to the Crown Prince, all of which he had executed excellently. Especially with this snow disaster, the Crown Prince personally went out of the palace for relief efforts. Though only around the capital, his actions were praised by everyone, commending him as a worthy heir. This left little room for the Third Prince, increasing Consort De's anxiety.

"How is she now?" Consort De asked her maid.

"She can now walk around," the maid replied.

"Keep a close eye on her for me. Make sure she doesn't die; she's of great use to me," Consort De said menacingly.

Naturally, the "she" Consort De referred to was Yu Shuangzi. Consort De had not made a move for a long while because during the mourning period for the Empress Dowager, Yu Shuangzi attempted suicide by jumping into a river. Although she was saved in time, the cold had taken its toll, and her desire for death delayed her recovery. Thus, Song Qingying had yet to see Consort De's next move.

However, Zhao Heng was aware of Consort De's actions and had even guessed what she planned for Yu Shuangzi next. If his suspicions were correct, it would save him a lot of trouble.

Busy with the disaster relief across the lands, Zhao Heng rarely visited Qi Garden. Nonetheless, he ensured that the provisions for Qi Garden were not reduced.

New Year's Eve arrived in the blink of an eye, and the snow finally stopped.

Although the snow had ceased, it remained bitterly cold, making even the New Year's palace banquet seem desolate. The snow disaster had collapsed many homes and claimed many lives. As the emperor, Zhao Heng felt responsible for his people and had little desire for festivity, focusing instead on the countless matters awaiting him in the spring.

After the palace banquet, Zhao Heng went to the Empress's palace and went to sleep without uttering a word. The Empress dared not say much; as long as the Emperor still visited, it was enough. Before sleeping, Zhao Heng thought that next year, he should be able to be with Song Qingying.

As the new year progressed, each day was better than the last. However, it took a full half month for the snow in the inner palace to melt completely, and the routine of morning and evening courts was restored to its former state.

Having grown accustomed to laziness, Song Qingying found it somewhat challenging to rise early every day.

"It's said that transitioning from luxury to simplicity is difficult, and I really don't want to go," Song Qingying remarked to Qinghong on her way to Fengyi Palace.

"The weather isn't that cold anymore; Your Highness should indeed come out and walk around," Qinghong suggested.

However, Song Qingying spotted the approaching Consort De from a distance and whispered, "See, if we didn't come out, we wouldn't have encountered her!"

Qinghong also noticed Consort De. She had observed Consort De's unusual behavior in Qiyuan last time, but since Song Qingying didn't elaborate, Qinghong didn't inquire further.

Intentionally slowing her pace, Song Qingying hoped to wait until Consort De passed before proceeding. Yet, Consort De, contrary to Song Qingying's wishes, decided to wait at the crossroads for her. Left with no choice, Song Qingying approached.

"Is Consort De waiting for me?" Song Qingying took the initiative to ask.

"Not at all," Consort De replied with a smile, "I just thought that with another spring upon us, it's time for a change of scenery in the palace."

Confused by Consort De's remark, Song Qingying wondered if it implied a suggestion to the Empress about selecting new concubines. She believed that Zhao Heng would not agree. After these days, Song Qingying was convinced that Zhao Heng would absolutely not consider selecting additional consorts.

"I find the palace scenery quite pleasing as it is," Song Qingying said, looking around and smiling.

Consort De smiled back at Song Qingying, her eyes filled with disdain, thinking, "Let's see how long you can remain pleased with yourself."

Consort De's thoughts were not on selecting new consorts; she was eyeing the positions of the Empress and the Crown Prince.