Novel Full Chapter 948 - 60: Has the Concubine Shu Fallen Out of Favor? (Part 2)
Chapter 948: Chapter 60: Has the Concubine Shu Fallen Out of Favor? (Part 2)
Perhaps due to frequent illnesses, Empress Xie has aged considerably over the past few years. Clearly, she is the youngest among the concubines, yet now she appears the oldest.
After the concubines retreated, Jiang Chuan brought a bowl of tonic soup to Empress Xie. As he lifted the lid, an herbal aroma mixed with a strong smell of blood wafted out.
Smelling the thick, bloody scent, Empress Xie was not repulsed at all but rather delighted.
Jiang Chuan served a bowl of the tonic soup and presented it to Empress Xie with both hands.
Without changing her expression, Empress Xie drank the bowl of tonic soup in one go and then asked Jiang Chuan to bring her a mirror.
The mirrors used in the palace now were all made by Zhao Yao. The copper mirrors that were used before had long been discarded.
In the mirror, Empress Xie’s face was clearly reflected, "Doesn’t my complexion look much better recently?"
Standing nearby, Jiang Chuan quickly replied, "Your Majesty, your complexion has indeed become much more radiant. As long as you continue drinking it, your complexion will improve even more."
Empress Xie touched her face. Although her complexion had improved, she still looked somewhat aged, especially with a few more wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.
"I must quickly nurse myself back to health, or else the Emperor will stop coming to Zhao Yang Palace altogether." In recent years, the Emperor had still visited Zhao Yang Palace quite frequently, but each time he would only stay for a short while and never overnight.
"Your Majesty, it’s because your health is not good that the Emperor is concerned about you. Please don’t overthink." Jiang Chuan comforted Empress Xie.
"Am I overthinking?" Empress Xie held her forehead, saying worriedly, "Ever since Prince Dai and Noble Princess Consort Rong spread rumors that I poisoned that wench Xie Wan, the Emperor has cooled considerably towards me."
"Your Majesty, if you put it that way, isn’t the Emperor even colder towards Noble Princess Consort Rong?" Jiang Chuan said gloatingly, "The Emperor hasn’t visited Noble Princess Consort Rong’s place for a long time and has even revoked her authority to assist with harem affairs."
Hearing Jiang Chuan’s words, Empress Xie’s mood immediately improved, and she unconsciously smiled, "You are right. Compared to that wretch Noble Princess Consort Rong, the Emperor is indeed concerned about me."
"Your Majesty, I believe the Emperor does not believe in those rumors, so there’s no need to worry about them." Jiang Chuan feared that Empress Xie might overthink and end up doing something impulsive. "Your Majesty, the Imperial Physician advised that you should not be overly concerned and should rest with a peaceful mind."
"I wish to rest in peace, but since Prince Zheng returned, the Duke Anyang Mansion has become increasingly arrogant, almost stepping over the Duke Zhen Country Mansion. Do you think I can swallow this?" Empress Xie resented Lady Li and Prince Chu deeply ever since Prince Zheng was recalled at Prince Chu’s suggestion. "That damn Lady Li... ugh..."
Empress Xie, too angry, felt a headache coming on. Jiang Chuan quickly stood behind her, gently massaging her.
After a while, Empress Xie felt much better but still harbored resentment towards Lady Li and Prince Chu.
"Your Majesty, Prince Jing will deal with Prince Chu, and as for Lady Li," Jiang Chuan sneered, "once something happens to Prince Chu, Lady Li will not have a good ending either."
"Whenever I see Lady Li’s pretentious demeanor, it makes me sick." Empress Xie’s expression suddenly twisted, and she said sinisterly, "I very much want to tear off her mask of an aloof and talented woman."
"Your Majesty, you wouldn’t..." Jiang Chuan quickly advised, "Your Majesty, your health is not good, you mustn’t be reckless."
Empress Xie waved her hand, "I won’t strike against Lady Li right now..." Before she could finish her sentence, she felt a wave of dizziness and asked Jiang Chuan to help her back to her chamber to rest.
In Yishou Palace, Princess Consort De laughed jubilantly and arrogantly.
Thinking of Lady Shu’s angry face, she laughed even louder.
"Your Majesty, doesn’t His Highness have evidence of Prince Zheng’s dealings in Jiao Zhou? Why not get rid of Prince Zheng?" Manqing asked puzzled.
"It’s not the right time yet. When the time is ripe, Lady Shu, Prince Zheng, and Duke Anyang Mansion will all be eradicated together." Princess Consort De raised a corner of her mouth, sneering, "Lady Liang will meet the same fate as Lady Shu. Let them enjoy a little more time for now."
Thinking of Lady Liang’s end, a hint of fear crossed Manqing’s eyes. Back then, Lady Liang met a tragic end, with Princess Consort De having a hand in it.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"More than that, Lady Shu now most delights me. You see, the Emperor hasn’t visited her for a long time, and her face is full of wrinkles." Princess Consort De clicked her tongue in mockery, "In no time, she’ll become an old hag."
"I noticed Lady Shu’s face was covered in thick powder, just to hide her wrinkles." Manqing mentioned, thinking of Prince Zheng’s return. How could Lady Shu be neglected by the Emperor to this extent? "Your Majesty, didn’t the Emperor recall Prince Zheng to the capital for Lady Shu and the Duke Anyang Mansion? Why has Lady Shu fallen out of favor?"
"It’s because the Duke Anyang Mansion has become too arrogant." Princess Consort De said, "The main reason is that Lady Shu is old; how could the Emperor love an old hag?"
In Fuyang Palace, Lady Shu felt she couldn’t continue like this or she would completely fall out of favor. She had to find a way to regain favor.
In the Imperial Study, the Emperor was reviewing memorials when Sun Kui entered with a food box.
"Your Majesty, Lady Shu has just had someone deliver some pastries that she made herself."
Without lifting his head, the Emperor said, "Take it away and let you all eat it."
Sun Kui also reported, "Your Majesty, Lady Shu has asked me to tell you that she invites you to have dinner at Fuyang Palace tonight."
The Emperor replied coldly, "I have no time."
Sun Kui thought for a moment and decided to remind the Emperor, "Your Majesty, you haven’t visited Lady Shu for more than two months." If the Emperor continues to stay away from Fuyang Palace, Lady Shu is at risk of being permanently labeled as "out of favor."
The Emperor looked up from the memorials at Sun Kui, "So?"
Sun Kui felt a chill in his heart, hurriedly slapped his mouth, and pleaded, "I spoke out of turn, please forgive me, Your Majesty."
The Emperor did not blame Sun Kui, "The Duke Anyang Mansion has been too active lately, I need to cool them down."
"Your Majesty is wise." Sun Kui said with a bow, "I spoke out of turn."
Thinking of Prince Zheng, the Emperor’s expression instantly turned grim, "How could I have such a son as the third one?" He suddenly remembered and turned to ask Sun Kui, "Has the Princess of Annan arrived in the capital?"
"She has already arrived."
The Princess of Annan was currently at the Prince Chu Mansion.