Chapter 217 - 187: Part 2

’Misunderstandings and suspicion are the main reasons relationships sour.’

Her thoughts read by her mistress, Zhenqiu blushed sheepishly. "It wasn’t anything important, and it’s not a servant’s place to question her mistress’s affairs! It’s just... I saw you kept mentioning your desire for a promotion to concubine. After the Emperor promised it again and again, your attitude changed so drastically. I was afraid that such a switch from being proud to being so deferential would displease the Emperor."

With that, she knelt to beg forgiveness.

Jiang Xian helped her up. "How could I not know where your heart lies?"

’People of this era, steeped in the ideology of imperial authority, found it hard to think about human nature outside their ingrained framework of awe and veneration.’ Zhenqiu was a time-tested, loyal servant. Jiang Xian understood that her maid was worried on her behalf, so she explained, "When I’m spending silver in the kitchens, I expect a respectful attitude and delicious food in return. It’s the same with the Emperor. His Majesty is occupied with a myriad of state affairs. If I put on airs and make him guess my intentions, it’s actually counterproductive. I let the Emperor know what will make me smile. If he wants to see me happy, he has to treat me genuinely well."

"Differential treatment is the whole point. If you treat your benefactors the same as strangers, who would bother showing you any kindness?"

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When the due date calculated by the Imperial Hospital arrived, the Empress still showed no signs of labor. A dark cloud hung over the entire harem, and no one dared to laugh or celebrate. Every time Jiang Xian went to Jianzhang Palace, the Empress no longer left her bed, so she would deliver her reports at her bedside.

As she spoke, Jiang Xian brought up, seemingly out of the blue:

"Regarding the matter at Changle Palace last time, Lady Xie saw it through successfully."

It was the message the Empress had sent to Changle Palace that reminded the Empress Dowager of Jiang Xian’s good deeds.

"It’s only what you deserved. To speak of such things between us creates an unnecessary distance," said the Empress. Perhaps due to her discomfort, she was more prone to melancholy than usual. A curtain was drawn around the bed—as those of high station were particular about not being seen in a fragile, sickly state. Jiang Xian could only see her pale, slender hand, veins stark against the skin. "The account books for today... have you finished reviewing them?"

Jiang Xian replied, "Yes. Does Your Majesty wish to rest?"

"I’m actually feeling quite well today. I’d like to chat for a while."

"The Emperor comes by daily. If I stay too long in Jianzhang Palace, I fear I’ll be in his way."

At that, the Empress actually laughed and retorted, "Do you think that if the Emperor were to return to Bihua Palace with you, I would cry until dawn? If I had so little generosity of spirit, the Empress Dowager would never have chosen me. As for the Emperor and I, while we share the bond of husband and wife, it doesn’t extend to jealousy. Or are you saying you’re unwilling to keep me company?"

’No love, no jealousy.’

The two pragmatic ’coworkers’, separated by the curtain, shared a laugh.

"Your Majesty, please. I’d do more than just chat with you. If you asked me to be there during your labor, I’d risk life and limb to stay with a Beauty like you."

Though Jiang Xian’s words were spoken in jest, a good part of them was sincere.

The Empress had always treated her impeccably.

Even if their relationship was transactional, finding someone willing to make a transparent deal without any malicious intent to sabotage her was a rare and precious thing in itself.

For women in ancient times, childbirth was like passing through the gates of hell. If something were to happen to the Empress, and Jiang Xian was by her side, she could exchange points with her system for life-saving medicine.

"Don’t be ridiculous. It’s terribly bad luck to enter a delivery room, you wouldn’t be able to help anyway. Besides, this pregnancy has been difficult. If the worst should happen..."

Before the Empress could finish, Fu Jin cut in anxiously, "Your Majesty!"

The ancients were full of superstitions, especially when speaking. They feared the spirit of the unborn child might hear, and even more, that they might jinx themselves.

The Empress, however, paid it no mind and continued, "Even if it had nothing to do with you, in the eyes of others, it would be your fault. The Empress Dowager would inevitably take her anger out on you. If I don’t make it through this, it’s my own misfortune. Why should you be dragged through mud that you can never wash clean? Don’t say such foolish things again."

The Empress didn’t know about the ace Jiang Xian had up her sleeve; she only saw it as a gesture of utmost, heartfelt sincerity.

But her words only moved Jiang Xian even more.

’My boss has such a strong sense of responsibility,’ she thought. ’It’s hard not to love her.’

"With the entire world praying for Your Majesty, you have more than enough blessings to spare. This birth will definitely be safe and smooth."

As she finished speaking, Jiang Xian couldn’t stop herself from making a presumptuous move.

She reached out and took the Empress’s delicate hand, which rested outside the curtain. "With me holding down the fort, if anyone dares to harbor ill intentions, I will take them down on the spot."

Jiang Xian had a cold temperament and rarely initiated physical contact with anyone.

But at this moment, she felt that only by holding her hand could she give the Empress a bit of confidence, a bit of strength.

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The Empress, however, had no idea that Jiang Xian truly wanted to enter the delivery room to be with her.

But this matter wasn’t for either of them to decide. Jiang Xian went straight to the Emperor to ask for his permission. At first, Xie Che was inclined to agree, but then he shook his head. "Is this the Empress’s wish?"

When the Empress gives birth, the Emperor is required to preside over matters from the main hall.

But he would have no way of knowing what happened inside the delivery room. Having a trustworthy person in there, someone who could make decisions at critical moments, would undoubtedly be beneficial for the Empress. But then it occurred to Xie Che that if Jiang Xian entered the delivery room, she would become the person primarily responsible for the Empress’s safety, and he didn’t want her to wade into those muddy waters.

"As expected, the Emperor and Empress are of one mind. Your thoughts are exactly the same as Her Majesty’s."

Jiang Xian said with a smile.

Xie Che then realized this must have been Xian’er’s own idea.

"In that case, I have all the more reason not to let you put yourself in danger."

"Doesn’t Your Majesty think I am a very fortunate person? The last time I shouldered such a heavy responsibility was while attending the sick. I am a person of great fortune, and now I must go and bless the Empress."

Xie Che cursed inwardly, ’What a wicked woman.’

Whenever Jiang Xian wanted something from him, she would address herself with utmost formality, her smile as sweet as wine, intoxicating his heart and making it impossible for him to refuse her. "That’s not how good fortune is meant to be used! You’ll just make me worry about two people instead of one!"

"Your Majesty~"

"There is no room for negotiation on this matter."

Xie Che’s tone was resolute.

He was also terrified about the Empress’s "condition." The Emperor and Empress had been a couple since their youth. The Yan Chi Dynasty had a rule: if an emperor ascended the throne unmarried, the Treasure Seal had to be put away and kept under seal. Only after the Empress moved into Jianzhang Palace could he freely use the Jade Seal. Xie Che had actually married before his ascension; there was merely a two-day delay before the Empress moved into Jianzhang Palace.

’The Emperor and Empress were one entity, with or without love.’

’It was more about interests, responsibility, and a shared destiny.’

"If something were to happen to the Empress..."

Xie Che closed his eyes and squeezed her hand. "I cannot bear losing her, only to then have to watch you suffer through vicious rumors and the Mother Empress’s fury."

But before dawn, the Emperor’s worries came true.