Chapter 65 All’s Well That Ends Well

Chapter 65: A Joyous Outcome

The Great Hui court had strict protocols, and imperial physicians followed set protocols when diagnosing pulses. For low-ranking imperial consorts like A Wu, the physicians would check their pulses once a month. After each examination, the physician would manually transcribe the records, write them on red slips, and archive them in a register for future reference.

This time, A Wu suddenly fainted, and in the rush, the physicians on duty were summoned. Typically, there were four or five physicians on duty. However, since the order came directly from the Empress Dowager, four imperial physicians and four female palace officials all arrived promptly.

They first examined A Wu’s pulse and asked her a few questions. After the diagnosis, they instructed the female palace officials to perform an examination while urgently retrieving A Wu’s medical records from the past two months since her entry into the palace.

This sent a ripple of unease through A Wu.

She tried to glean something from the physicians’ expressions, but unfortunately, they were all veterans of their craft—inscrutably composed, revealing no clues whatsoever.

After a while, the physicians and female palace officials retreated in silence, leaving only a few palace maids standing attentively by the bedside. Though they were deferential and eager to serve, A Wu’s heart remained unsettled.

Naturally, she hoped she was in good health and that nothing serious was wrong. She was currently adored by the emperor, and her golden days were just unfolding—she wanted to live a long life.

But if she wasn’t actually ill, then her sudden collapse and fainting would be seen as a major faux pas, especially during the New Year celebrations. It would make her a laughingstock.

Generally, A Wu didn’t care much about her reputation—she had always been thick-skinned. But now, she felt a spike of fear, worried that this incident might affect her chances of promotion.

Sometimes, a subordinate’s advancement boiled down to a word from those above. The Jingxi Emperor adored her, but if the Empress Dowager or the Empress were determined to block her, no amount of effort would help!

Moreover, she knew the Jingxi Emperor was strict about protocol. Though he cherished her, when it came to matters of decorum, he wouldn’t easily indulge her—he might even hold her to stricter standards.

A Wu even recalled how, at night, he would insist on making her recite Confucian classics.

Once, he had held her in his arms, moving slowly while gripping a book, forcing her to read aloud. She’d gone weak under his touch, her voice trembling and incoherent, yet she had to keep reading.

Shakily, she recited, *“A noble man is cautious in solitude, does not deceive in darkness, remains humble in self-restraint, and does not deceive his own heart.”* Meanwhile, beneath her, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air.

Truly, he was merciless!

A Wu sighed inwardly, hoping it was just a minor ailment like a cold—something easily cured and harmless. That way, she could save face without suffering too much.

—And preferably without having to drink bitter medicine!

Just as she was lost in thought, she heard soft footsteps as someone approached her bedside, treading lightly on the plush carpet.

A Wu quickly turned her head and saw the Jingxi Emperor. Clearly, he had just come from a formal occasion, still robed in majestic imperial regalia.

At the sight, she froze, remembering how earlier that morning, he had had her while still wearing his court attire—the embroidered patterns on his robe scraping against the delicate skin of her neck.

But outside the bedchamber, the sight of the dragon robe required her to kneel. The emperor’s attire dictated the level of ceremony expected from the imperial consorts.

So she immediately tried to rise from the bed, but the Jingxi Emperor stepped forward and pressed his strong fingers gently against her slender shoulders.

“Stay lying down. No need to get up.”

His voice was warm and affectionate, carrying no trace of displeasure—which only made A Wu’s heart race with dread.

*Had she contracted some incurable illness? Was she about to die?*

Panicked, she clutched his wrist and looked up. “Your Majesty, what’s wrong with A Wu?”

The majestic man lowered his gaze, his long, powerful fingers tenderly stroking her soft hair.

His eyes danced with amusement. “You really don’t know?”

A Wu shook her head blankly.

The Jingxi Emperor asked, "Have you felt any discomfort these past few days?"

A Wu thought for a moment but still shook her head.

The Jingxi Emperor continued, "When was your last period?"

A Wu froze, blinking blankly. She vaguely guessed the implication but couldn’t quite believe it, staring up at the Jingxi Emperor in a daze.

The Jingxi Emperor cupped A Wu’s cheek before pressing a light kiss to the corner of her lips.

A Wu trembled slightly. "What… what’s wrong?"

The Jingxi Emperor chuckled softly, then leaned close to her ear and whispered in a low voice, "A Wu, you’re pregnant. It’s been over a month. Didn’t you notice? Your period was late, and you didn’t realize? How could you not notice?"

The word "not" carried such tender affection that it seeped into her very bones.

A Wu could hardly believe it. Before entering the palace, she had dreamed of bearing the Jingxi Emperor’s child. But after arriving, seeing the situation in the harem and hearing scraps of old rumors from Consort Hui, she had assumed the older emperor was incapable of fathering children and had given up hope.

Yet now—she was pregnant?

Timidly, she ventured, "Your Majesty means… A Wu carries your bloodline? That I’m with child? Going to have a prince or princess?"

Seeing her still dazed expression, the Jingxi Emperor thought to himself how young she was—not yet seventeen after New Year’s. If it were De Ning, the Empress Dowager wouldn’t have allowed her to marry so early. Yet here was A Wu, already carrying his heir.

He felt a pang of guilt, even a sense of indebtedness.

Leaning his forehead against hers, he murmured with deep tenderness, "A Wu is pregnant, too clueless to even notice. I’ll have the Imperial Medical Bureau select the finest physicians to attend to you and ensure you are well cared for."

But at that moment, A Wu’s mind hadn’t processed it yet—or perhaps she hadn’t fully grasped it. All she could think about was her earlier fall.

Leaning against the Jingxi Emperor, she said, "A Wu fell in front of so many people—you can’t blame me! It must have been because of the pregnancy. Your Majesty, you must make this clear, so no one misunderstands and thinks I embarrassed myself for nothing."

The Jingxi Emperor’s expression remained composed, but inwardly, he was displeased.

His favorite consort had collapsed—clearly, she was unwell. How could anyone dare blame her, making her so anxious?

Yet in front of A Wu, he suppressed his emotions and reassured her, "Of course it’s not your fault. You were unwell. If anyone dares blame you, I’ll have them kicked out."

The word "kicked" crackled with suppressed rage.

A Wu blinked in surprise. "Your Majesty? What’s wrong?"

The Jingxi Emperor replied calmly, "Nothing."

Only then did A Wu relax slightly. "Good! Then it’s not my fault!"

The Jingxi Emperor immediately assured her, "Of course it’s not A Wu’s fault."

A Wu then carefully considered the matter—this was a stroke of luck, a blessing out of nowhere. She hadn’t processed it yet, nor fully grasped what this meant for her.

Now, it sank in, and joy surged through her entire being.

She was pregnant—carrying the Jingxi Emperor’s child.

If she delivered safely, the child would be a princess if a girl or a prince if a boy. Either way, they would be rewarded, and if it were a prince, he might even receive a title of nobility.

Her child would become imperial descendants, her bloodline blending with the royal bloodline. She’d be celebrated for bearing the imperial heir.

Even without rewards, with her child, she would be secure for life!

A Wu almost jumped for joy, covering her belly as she cried out happily, "I'm pregnant! I'm actually pregnant!"

The Jingxi Emperor watched her pure, unguarded delight and felt even more exhilarated, his heart swelling with joy.

This matter was far too important to him.

He had only one son and one daughter—after Princess De Ning, there had been no further pregnancies in the harem, and inevitably rumors outside the palace spread.

Though he didn’t particularly care, he still longed for more children.

Yet in this world, there were things even a man with supreme power could not control—neither heirs nor love could be forced, no matter how many incense sticks he burned before the Buddha.

But now, he felt as though he had gained everything at once.

The beloved woman in his arms was carrying his child, his blood taking root within her. They seemed bound even closer, more intimately, and she belonged to him more deeply than ever.

Moreover, he'd already planned to legitimize A Wu's position. If she could bear him a child, no one would dare question it—if any old minister dared to nag, he could simply have them dismissed!

With full justification—let them all be gone!

The more he thought, the more excited he became, his heart surging with joy.

Though his chest surged with emotion, he carefully controlled his strength as he embraced A Wu. "A Wu is truly remarkable—just a few months in my favor, and already you're continuing my line. My own little good luck charm."

A Wu naturally sensed his cautiousness—his embrace was both strong and tender, his body thrumming with barely-contained excitement.

After a moment of surprise, she quickly understood. This man was already in his thirties, approaching grandfatherhood. With the harem barren for years, suddenly acquiring a lovely concubine like her—one who would bear him a precious child—No wonder he was overjoyed!

Unable to suppress her laughter, she nestled contentedly against his firm chest. "A Wu is pregnant, going to give His Majesty a baby!"

Her voice was soft and sweet, especially when she uttered the words "baby."

Waves of sweetness washed through him, so overwhelming it made his pulse race.

He crushed her to him, greedily inhaling her fragrance, his voice trembling. "Yes, A Wu is going to give me a baby... A Wu is also my baby, my good, obedient girl."

Unable to restrain himself, he even nipped at her neck.

He wanted to consume her entirely!

A Wu felt as though the torrent of his affection threatened to overwhelm her.

For the first time, she truly realized—this man had fully drawn her under his wing.

Princess De Ning and the Crown Prince enjoyed lifelong favor simply by being his children, a privilege she could never have by birth. But unrelated men and women could still be indirectly connected through shared offspring.

Happily grasping the Emperor's sleeve, she murmured, "Your Majesty, A Wu is so happy. I wonder if I’ll have a little prince or a little princess."

She suddenly pouted. "Do you want a little prince? What if I have a little princess—will you still like her? You wouldn’t only want a little prince, would you?"

The idea suddenly irritated her—he had to like a little princess too!

The Jingxi Emperor quickly soothed her. "A little princess or a little prince, either is fine. As long as the baby is born healthy, that’s all that matters. A Wu shouldn't worry about anything now—just focus on the pregnancy and bring our child safely into the world. Once born, I'll cherish our child."

But then A Wu remembered something else. "What about promoting A Wu?"

The Jingxi Emperor paused, then laughed helplessly.

He pressed his forehead against hers affectionately, teasing her. "My ambitious little one, you never forget that, do you?"

A Wu insisted, "Of course! I must be promoted—three whole ranks!"

The Jingxi Emperor quickly promised, "You’ll get your promotion, however you wish."

In truth, what did it matter if she weren’t promoted? Everyone knew that the seemingly lowly Noble Lady Ning was the treasure cradled in the Jingxi Emperor’s heart.

Her food, clothing, and daily necessities, even her carriage outings and monthly allowances—all were personally overseen by the emperor himself. Who’d dare let her feel even a hint of displeasure?

A Wu lit up, eyes gleaming with delight. "Good!"

At that moment, the Empress Dowager dropped by to see A Wu. A Wu hurriedly tried to rise and pay her respects, but the Empress Dowager urged her to stay put, insisting she rest comfortably.

The Empress Dowager’s eyes and brows were relaxed, her face practically glowing with warmth, kindness spilling from her wrinkles.

She rattled off a whole list of instructions, detailing how A Wu should be cared for, delivering countless arrangements in one breath.

A Wu sat dutifully on the bed, listening respectfully.

The Jingxi Emperor stood by, fighting a grin, his gaze tender and content.

After speaking at length, the Empress Dowager suddenly glanced at the Jingxi Emperor and said, "This old woman almost forgot—Your Majesty should also pay attention."

The Jingxi Emperor: "Mother?"

The Empress Dowager gave her son a measured look before leisurely adding, "She’s only just conceived, and the pregnancy is still unstable. No funny business."

The moment these words were spoken, the entire bedchamber fell silent.

The air turned awkward.

Yet the Empress Dowager paid no mind. With a graceful turn, she departed.

After a beat, A Wu peeked at the Jingxi Emperor and saw a faint flush coloring his stern expression.

A grown man like him—he had probably never imagined being admonished like this by the Empress Dowager in his life.

She blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.

The Jingxi Emperor pressed his lips together lightly, cleared his throat, and looked at A Wu. "We’ll be more careful from now on. No more shenanigans."

A Wu flushed as well. She grabbed a nearby soft pillow and threw it at him. "This is *all* on you! Entirely your fault! You don’t know—the first time I went to see the Empress Dowager, she scolded me and told me to keep you in check!"

Like she had any say over him!

The Jingxi Emperor caught the pillow effortlessly and laughed, sweeping her into a hug and accepting all her accusations. "Fine, it’s my fault. All my fault."

The soon-to-be father was in the best temper of his life.

************

After A Wu became pregnant, it felt as though a small army suddenly orbited her.

The Jingxi Emperor immediately ordered the Six Palaces and Twenty Bureaus to select top-tier staff, along with experienced physicians and pharmacists from the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Bureau of Medicinal Affairs. These individuals were stationed at Langhua Palace to handle all matters, running daily checkups for A Wu, adjusting her diet, and ensuring the safe delivery of the imperial heir.

Other bureaus, such as those overseeing food, carriages, and clothing, were also assigned their duties, ready to serve Langhua Palace at any time.

Additionally, two seasoned midwives stood at the ready, tracking the baby’s position every day, precisely locating it, and providing assistance through massage, herbal remedies, and more.

Great Hui, now in its 120th year, had established an intricate set of protocols to safeguard imperial heirs.

Now, with the Jingxi Emperor at thirty-three suddenly expecting this child, the Empress Dowager was thrilled—and doubly paranoid about anything going wrong.

Surrounded by such meticulous care, A Wu was amazed. Her Langhua Palace was attended by two imperial physicians and several palace attendants. These attendants would come daily to check her pulse, but before doing so, they had to change into fresh robes, bathe, and even step over a charcoal basin burning scented wood before entering the hall.

After each pulse examination, they would document it in detail, keeping a copy for the gynecological experts of the Imperial Hospital to review at any time.

If she showed even the slightest discomfort on any given day, gynecologists, obstetricians, and other senior imperial physicians would immediately be summoned to examine her.

As for her daily medicated meals, the process was even more rigorous. From the imperial pharmacy to the preparation room, each portion was prepared in duplicate. One portion would first be tasted by the prescribing physician, then by the chief or deputy of the Imperial Hospital, followed by a palace eunuch. Only after confirming there were no issues would the other portion be delivered to her.

When the medicated meal arrived, it was served in a silver bowl sealed with the imperial yellow dragon seal marked "Imperial Medicine, Strictly Sealed." The palace attendant by her side had to personally witness the seal being broken before feeding it to her.

In short, she keenly felt that a tightly woven net had been cast around her, guarding her with the utmost care. The slightest furrow of her brow would cause a stir, and if she skipped even a single bite of food one day, someone would fret over it.

At times, she recalled the dramatic tales where "one consort fed another something to induce a miscarriage"—how ridiculous!

The imperial physicians and female medical attendants around her walked on eggshells, cautious in every possible way. It could be said that this pregnancy was not only her future hope but also their lives and livelihoods.

If anything were to happen to her, they would face ruin at best—or worse, their families' execution. But if she delivered safely, the emperor would reward them, securing their futures with lifelong glory.

Under such thorough and airtight protection, who in the palace—lacking both connections and knowledge—would dare scheme against her?

To put it bluntly, if anything were to happen to this pregnancy, she could easily imagine the emperor's fury—even pigeons flying past Langhua Palace would be seized and interrogated!

It took A Wu several days to adjust to the endless stream of attendants revolving around her.

By the time her routine finally settled, it was already the eighth day of the new year. The emperor had long returned to court, the New Year festivities had ended, and everyone returned to their usual lives.

However, one day, while making small talk with Consort Hui, the latter asked, "Haven’t you noticed something different this year?"

A Wu: "What’s different?"

Consort Hui: "For instance, firecrackers? Fireworks?"

A Wu, puzzled: "I haven’t heard much of them… maybe I just didn’t pay attention."

She had only just discovered her pregnancy and was so thrilled she could've burst—amidst all the excitement, how could she have noticed such things?

Consort Hui sighed.

Only then did A Wu realize: "What exactly happened?"

Consort Hui smiled. "For your sake, the Emperor flew into a rage."

A Wu: "?"

The Jingxi Emperor visited her daily, no matter how busy he was. She hadn’t seen any signs of displeasure—he'd seemed delighted!

Consort Hui: "Because of the day you fell. Though it seemed like a simple stumble, you were actually unwell. If it had been noticed immediately and the imperial physicians summoned, you might not have fainted later. For this, the emperor reprimanded the department heads and the palace attendants on duty that day, even punishing the officials responsible for the carpets and feast preparations."

What??

A Wu was stunned. "Why? What was his reason? It wasn’t really their fault."

At the time, she hadn’t even realized it herself—she thought it was just an accident.

In fact, she believed that the fall might have been just coincidence, unrelated to her pregnancy.

But Consort Hui grew solemn. "His Majesty has his reasons. After all, when it comes to the imperial heir, no detail is too small. If those below neglect their duties, the emperor’s wrath is only natural."

A Wu fell silent for a moment, slowly understanding the meaning.

That day in the hall, she was outright dismissed—or rather, because of her own lack of composure, she was looked down upon.

The Jingxi Emperor was clearly displeased by this and sought to make amends. He couldn’t punish Princess Duan, nor could he reprimand the Empress Dowager, as it wasn’t a major issue to begin with. So, he seized the opportunity for an indirect reprimand.

In truth, reprimanding the palace matrons on duty that day had already embarrassed those directly involved—this was a roundabout way of making a point.

Consort Hui said, "The Emperor also decreed that no fireworks are to be set off in the palace this year—only dummy firecrackers are allowed, so as not to disturb Noble Lady Ning’s rest."

A Wu: "...No wonder I didn’t hear any."

Consort Hui smiled. "But the Emperor also announced that Noble Lady Ning’s pregnancy is a joyous occasion, and he has granted lavish rewards to the entire harem to demonstrate his boundless grace. So, everyone is sharing in your happiness—skipping firecrackers is a minor sacrifice."

Only then did A Wu relax slightly. She’d feared leaving Langhua Palace would draw bitter stares.

Consort Hui sighed with a smile. "Don’t overthink it. Now that you’re with child, the Empress Dowager is overjoyed, and the Emperor is in high spirits—no amount of favor is excessive now."

Listening to this, A Wu gently touched her still-flat belly, feeling a little nervous.

What she carried in her womb wasn’t just a child—it was a golden treasure, an imperial heir!