CHAPTER 619: CHAPTER 619 SOUTH GARDEN

Zhao Junyao held her tightly in his arms. If only I could come every day, he thought. How wonderful would it be if we were an ordinary couple?! Unfortunately...

Thinking of the Harem, the Imperial Court, the realm, his gaze darkened, and he did not continue the thought.

Xia Ruqing lay in his embrace, her cool, sweat-stained fingertips slowly wandering over his skin, glossy like jade. If only he belonged to me alone, how wonderful that would be, she mused.

There is a saying that is indeed true: every gift from the heavens comes with a hidden price.

Yes! How could Heaven bring such a wonderful man into my life without conditions? It’s just that this condition is too bitter.

She buried her head in his chest, hearing the strong and powerful beat of his heart.

She desperately told herself, Don’t be too greedy! This is already good. Really, it’s already very good!

「...」

The weather in May was neither too hot nor too cool. In the Imperial Garden, flowers bloomed in profusion, and the entire garden was lush with vibrant green as summer approached.

With a rare moment of leisure and not much happening at court, Zhao Junyao was in a good mood. He planned to take his consorts to stay in the South Garden for a few days.

"This year has passed too hastily," he said. "We only spent one day at the heavenly worship and didn’t make it to the South Garden. Let’s all go together this time!"

The Empress and the Concubines were all excited when they heard this.

"We’ve endured day by day through the long spring, and now, at last, we can leave the palace!"

"Isn’t that so? Last year we got to go out two or three times for the summer retreat, spring excursions, and heavenly worship!"

"This year, not even once! But now we can finally go out!"

The Concubines, forgetting their propriety, discussed this noisily among themselves.

The Empress maintained her composure, stood up, and bowed. "Thank you, Emperor!"

Zhao Junyao smiled slightly. "Empress, you can take care of the preparations. We need to leave some people behind to look after those who cannot go!"

"Yes! Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will arrange everything properly," the Empress carefully responded.

The Emperor is referring to Honored Lady Cheng, she understood. Honored Lady Cheng’s due date was in July, and her belly was already over seven months along. Traveling was certainly not suitable for her; she could only stay in the palace to ensure a safe pregnancy.

Zhao Junyao was quite satisfied with the Empress’s attitude. He turned, glanced first at Xia Ruqing, then at Honored Lady Cheng, before departing.

"We respectfully see the Emperor off!"

His consorts curtsied, not rising until his figure was no longer visible.

The Empress remained seated in the principal seat. The others also took their seats.

The Empress said with a smile, "As you all have heard, the Emperor intends for everyone to go, except Honored Lady Cheng. I will ensure Honored Lady Cheng is well taken care of. Everyone else, hurry back and pack your things! You may all disperse!"

The women were already overjoyed. "Thank you, Empress!"

The Empress smiled, taking Yu Lan’s hand as she stood and entered the inner chamber. The Third Princess was also going, so she also had much to prepare. The rest, too, went back to pack and prepare.

「...」

「In the inner chamber of Jiaofang Hall.」

As the Empress changed her clothes, she gave instructions for packing.

"The Princess’s Wetnurse Nanny, her food, supplies, and toys—none should be forgotten! And all of my things, pack them together in a large trunk!"

"Yes!" Yu Lan and several others responded.

Sister Ji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty! Honored Lady Cheng’s pregnancy is already over seven months. If we don’t act soon, I fear it might be too late! The child will certainly not survive if born now!"

The Empress hesitated for a moment. She wants me to seize this last opportunity, she thought. But...

The Empress felt unsettled. Father’s military power has just been revoked, and the Fan Family’s influence is greatly diminished. As for Honored Lady Cheng, the Emperor is watching her closely, clearly holding great hopes for this child. If I were to act... perhaps... No! Absolutely not! Honored Lady Cheng must deliver this child. Otherwise, I... my position as Empress could be lost. Regardless of whether I’m responsible or not, if anything happens, the Emperor will blame me! Simply because I am the Empress!

The Empress sighed and gave a direct order. "Take good care of Honored Lady Cheng. If I find anyone daring to make trouble, beat them to death with rods! No mercy!"

As she spoke, she glanced at Sister Ji.

Sister Ji suddenly felt as if she no longer recognized the Empress before her, and a chill crept into her heart. "Yes! We shall meticulously obey Your Majesty’s Benevolent Decree!"

Seeing they all complied, the Empress finally breathed a slight sigh of relief. "Once everything is packed, you may all leave. I need to rest for a while."

"Yes!"

The attendants withdrew. Yu Lan and Yu Fu assisted the Empress in changing and lying down on the couch. They drew the bed curtains closed and then finally left.

「...」

「Two days later, the Emperor took the Concubines to stay in the South Garden, departing early in the morning.」

Honored Lady Cheng, being pregnant, remained settled in the palace to nurture her pregnancy.

After seeing off the Emperor, the Empress, and all the Concubines, Honored Lady Cheng returned to her own chambers in Yichun Palace with her Palace Attendants.

Looking at the now-empty Yichun Palace, Honored Lady Cheng sighed deeply. Finally... a few days of peace! Back when Consort Ning was around... alas, such airs she put on! She exploited her principal position and higher rank, knowing I wouldn’t dare confront her. So she made me pay respects to her morning and evening, every single day. Even with my belly so large, she made me continue, rain or shine. Consort Ning certainly was persistent. And she had the nerve to claim it was an old ancestral rule! Hah! The ancestors had no such rule. Even if such a ritual of morning and evening greetings existed, it was for concubines towards the principal wife in common households! What right did Consort Ning think she had?

Standing by the bed, Honored Lady Cheng cast a sarcastic smile towards Consort Ning’s main hall, which was not far away.

Huan Cui brought over a cloak. "My Lady, what are you looking at? There’s a draft by the window; be careful not to catch a chill!" she cautioned.

Honored Lady Cheng took the cloak and carefully tied the straps. "Nothing much. I was just watching a couple of interesting birds over there. They flew away as soon as you came."

"Oh..." Huan Cui responded, pondering thoughtfully.

「...」

Meanwhile, the others reached the South Garden by carriage that same day. This time, no one dared to compete with Xia Ruqing for a courtyard. Eunuch Li had arranged a courtyard for her not far from the Empress’s chambers. It was small but exquisite and clearly not its first time being occupied. Everything was tidy and clean. The furnishings in the room were intricate and unique. The courtyard was well-appointed; though small, it lacked nothing. It boasted rockeries, artificial hills, pavilions, and small towers—it had everything, making her eager to move in immediately.

"This place is very nice!" Xia Ruqing remarked.

Zi Yue smiled. "Of course! I heard the Emperor personally picked this for Your Ladyship! It suits your status and also conveys his affection."

Though not large, its exquisite detail made it feel like stepping into a painting. It befitted her identity and subtly expressed his feelings. Indeed, Zhao Junyao was very astute.