Palace Fighting Naive Concubines’ Ascent to Power
Chapter 116: Even the Emperor Has Such a Day

Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Even the Emperor Has Such a Day

The Former Empress Dowager had truly grown cold-hearted by then, letting go and moving out of the palace to reside in Yixiang Palace to live out her years, no longer concerned. From that point, the harem began to be shrouded in dark clouds of chaos.

Latterly, as the princes in the palace were successively harmed and met untimely deaths, the Former Empress Dowager, fearing that the Late Emperor would have no descendants left to inherit the good land, felt compelled to intervene.

It was during this time that the Emperor caught the eye of the Former Empress Dowager and was taken under her protection in Yixiang Palace for a few years until he moved into the Eastern Palace.

In her final years, the Former Empress Dowager’s health increasingly deteriorated, and the Emperor frequently visited to pay his respects, continuing to do so every year on festivals even after her death.

With a sigh of emotion in his heart, the Emperor reflected on how many years had passed; those days at Yixiang Palace were still vivid in his mind, and now he had his Little Concubine and the child that she carried.

Lian Hua bowed her head and thought for a moment, then buried her head in His Majesty’s embrace, holding him and saying, "My Lord, you needn’t rush, a little delay won’t hurt. I will wait for you in Canglan Court, wait for you to come back for the meal." The journey was too tiring; a slower pace was okay, even if she missed him, she cared for him even more.

"Very well," the Emperor replied, extremely pleased, holding her and giving her a kiss, then added, "If you are hungry, eat first; never wait for me, understand?"

Lian Hua nodded in his embrace.

Once everything was prepared, Lian Hua sent the Emperor off with reluctance, her eyes full of unending farewell, making him truly not want to leave.

Once the Emperor stepped out from the gates of Canglan Court, all the gentleness in his eyes faded away, and he once again became the reserved and self-assured ruler in the presence of others.

He instructed Zhang Qing, who followed at his side, "There’s no need for you to go to Yixiang Palace, stay in Canglan Court and keep an eye on her for me."

By this time, the harem had already caught wind of today’s developments and knew he was staying in Canglan Court; without leaving someone with authority there, relying solely on the people of Canglan Court might be insufficient.

"Yes, please rest assured, Your Majesty, this servant will ensure Young Master Lian is safe and sound, not a single hair out of place," Zhang Qing understood the meaning behind His Majesty’s orders and respectfully responded. Given the shocking events of the day, it was within expectations that he was asked to stay.

The Emperor grunted affirmatively and without further delay, walked off into the distance; he needed to leave and return quickly.

As the Emperor had anticipated, the harem was already abuzz with the news of Beauty Li’s execution, causing a huge uproar.

Every palace was in disbelief that the once ignored Little Daying, who seemed to exist inconsequentially in a remote corner of the palace, had suddenly risen to receive the Emperor’s favor.

Just yesterday, they had taken delight in her misfortune, speculating about the dire fate that awaited this Little Daying; fearing at best she would be dispatched to the Cold Palace, at worst she might not even survive.

Today, however, the tables had turned dramatically; now, those who had caused harm were being dealt with, and almost everyone in the main hall of Driftfrost Hall—both masters and servants—were implicated.

Yet, this Little Daying had emerged unscathed, and moreover, His Majesty had stayed at her quarters the entire day without leaving.

How could this not shock everyone!

Various courts discreetly sent their people to loiter near Canglan Court, not daring to come too close for fear of offending the Emperor, merely observing the situation from the periphery.

In Huaying Hall, Xu Zhaoyi, upon hearing the palace maid’s report, smiled and said, "Who would have thought the Emperor had such a day," showing a caring side; perhaps now someone in the palace could handle him.

She had known there was something unusual between the Emperor and this Little Daying from the moment of the flower viewing banquet, having noticed the Emperor glanced her way far too often, though discreetly; she hadn’t been fooled.

Just yesterday, the Emperor made a sudden visit to Huaqing Palace, confirming her suspicions; thus, she simply left—why stay when the Emperor was there to protect his own woman, making herself an eyesore?

However, when she heard that Little Daying had been personally sent to the Imperial Prison by the Emperor, she was somewhat surprised. Despite having rushed over, he still had such a heart of stone to actually lock someone up?

But on further reflection, she realized there was no need to worry that the Emperor would really deal with Little Daying harshly. If he really intended to dispose of her, with his decisive nature, he could have done so on the spot without sending her to prison.

Xue Wanjun simply couldn’t see clearly, now it was like lifting a rock only to drop it on her own foot, asking for trouble!

The Emperor was not an easy person to deal with, on ordinary days, it might not matter, but now they had touched his woman, could he possibly let it go?

Noble Consort Xue was really lost in her own game.

Thinking of that Little Daying, the expression on Xu Zhaoyi’s spirited face softened.

This was truly a lovely, sincere young girl. In Huaying Hall yesterday, clearly in jeopardy herself, she was still thinking of others at the end, fearing they would be implicated, she told them to stop worrying about her.

Such an endearing young maid, fortunately, the Emperor had arrived in time, otherwise, it would have been a truly heartbreaking outcome.

Wondering how she was doing now after such a fright, the Emperor must have consoled her by now, I really want to see her.

Unfortunately, that is not possible now, the Emperor is protective of her, surely he won’t let anyone near her now.

Thinking of this, Xu Zhaoyi shook her head, forget it, some other time.

Ming Jing by her side was resigned, the master always spoke so directly, never afraid of offending others, now even making jokes about His Majesty, it was really helpless but fortunate that His Majesty knew the master’s nature and never took these words to heart.

Canglan Court.

After His Majesty had left, Lian Hua was listless, utterly bored, not knowing what to do next.

This was quite rare in Canglan Court.

She had intended to check the kitchen, to organize tonight’s dinner, but she had hardly taken a few steps in that direction when Xiao Jizi, all smiles, stopped her, asking if Young Master wanted to prepare dinner, and she nodded inadvertently.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jizi’s face suddenly changed, tears streaming down as he earnestly persuaded her saying, the stove, knives, and cutting boards are inanimate, she was now with child, should avoid bumps and scrapes, Xiao Qing was enough for the kitchen, if she really went, it would be as if taking his life.

Xiao Qing nodded vigorously in agreement.

Lian Hua: "..."

Forget it, I won’t go to the kitchen.

Thus, Lian Hua started wandering around the yard, thinking of His Majesty’s promise to arrange a swing for her, and feeling enthusiastic, she just thought about assembling people to start preparations—

Imperial Chief Steward Zhang Qing emerged from nowhere, shouting that it couldn’t be done, Young Master, as it was already getting dark, fearing the servants might be careless, not see clearly in the dark and bump into Young Master, it would be better to postpone it till another day.

Lian Hua looked up, the sun was still high, far from setting, how could it be hard to see?

But Chief Steward Zhang insisted it was getting late, while saying this, he had others support him, claiming his old eyes were blurry, he couldn’t see the road, and he led away the people she had gathered, not leaving a single one for her.

Lian Hua: "..."

Forget it, I won’t make the swing.

She wanted to stay in her room, but she missed His Majesty so terribly, he hadn’t been gone long, and she was already thinking of him, wondering whether he had arrived, what he was doing, if he was tired from the journey, her mind was filled with a flurry of thoughts, she had to find something else to do to distract herself.