zChapter 1003 - Even if You Want to be the Empress, We Will Give it to You (1/2)
The imperial physicians also felt bitter. The Emperor was already at this age. Even if he was usually in good health, his body could not endure this sort of thing; moreover, he was not in good health.
Who knew if this old ruler really was deeply in love with Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu, or if Imperial Concubine Yun holding out on him for over 20 years had done some damage to him. Once he regained his taste for women, it could no longer be reined in. Not only did he go at it every night, but he would do it every night until the sun came up. There would even be times when he would not attend morning court, and this incited cries of discontent from the officials.
The imperial physicians had advised him countless times, but who could possibly advise the Emperor given his temper? Shooting a glare, who cared what anyone said or did, either way, he would not listen. In addition to this, although he had been copulating with Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu every night, there seemed to be no problems with his health. Aside from occasionally being exhausted and not wanting to attend court, he continued to be in good spirits.
The Emperor would not listen to any advice, and there was nothing else the imperial physicians could do. Zhang Yuan was worried and would have two imperial physicians stationed outside Zhao He Hall. If something did end up happening to the Emperor, it would be convenient to take care of it urgently. Thus the imperial physicians stayed up through the night with the palace servants. Hearing the sounds that came from inside the room, they were left feeling flustered.
Following Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu’s reinstatement, the favor that she enjoyed never stopped. Aside from attending court, the Emperor spent all of his remaining time with Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu. Even when reading reports, Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu would accompany him and provide him with tea. When she got even a little further away, the Emperor would call her back. It was such that Zhang Yuan was even chased out of the hall. Even he could not get close to the Emperor.
The eighth prince, Xuan Tianmo, would enter the palace every day, and the three of them would often be heard chatting or laughing in Zhao He Hall or Heavenly Hall. The sound of this caused the palace servants to feel in a trance. They felt a little dazed. They felt that the people inside were so joyous that they thought that the Emperor had wasted his time with coveting Imperial Concubine Yun for the past 20 years. If they could have enjoyed such joyous days sooner, the old ruler’s health would be a little better.
Speaking of, Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu’s concern for the Emperor was meticulous. The Emperor liked eating meat, and Imperial Concubine Yun would limit his meat consumption. He was never able to eat it, and he would only be able to secretly sneak a few bites, but Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu did not limit him. He could eat anything that he wanted to eat. Not to mention meat, but even wine was present for every meal. The eighth prince would frequently accompany the Emperor and drink with him. Father and son got a little bit closer through drinking together.
The Emperor gave Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu gifts every day, and chests filled with nice things were carried into Cun Shan Palace. He also promised Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu: “When the new year comes, you will be promoted to the position of noble imperial concubine, and Zhang Ning Palace will be given to you to live in. How could Imperial Concubine Li be worthy of such a nice palace? In this palace, aside from the central Jing Ci Palace, all of the best things must be given to you, my dear imperial concubine.” After saying this, he drank some wine and continued: “As We see it, even Jing Ci Palace should be given to you. It’s just that moving the empress will disrupt the country itself. This matter must be handled slowly. If dear imperial concubine wants to be the empress, We will definitely think of a way to make it happen for you.”
“Your Majesty.” Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu moved to the Emperor’s lap and said with great understanding: “The Empress is the mother of all under heaven. Not only does she support this large inner palace, but she also stabilizes the hearts of the people. This concubine is not that broad-minded. This concubine only has Your Majesty in my heart and am unable to concern myself with the people of the country. That’s why there is no need for Your Majesty to give this concubine such a heavy position! Just let this concubine focus all of my attention on Your Majesty. As for Zhang Ning Palace, this concubine also does not want it. Imperial Concubine Li is my younger sister. This subject cannot go and steal my younger sister’s things just because I have become favored. Cun Shan Palace is very good, and this concubine is fine with it.”
These words made the Emperor very happy, as he felt that Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu was too principled and was unlike the other members of the imperial harem, as they would mostly become spoiled upon being favored. They would come and ask for things that he himself did not want to give away! As for his beloved imperial concubine, she would even refuse the position of mother of all under heaven. Just how great was this!
The Emperor repeatedly sighed with emotion, as he even pointed to the eighth prince and said: “Only someone with an imperial concubine mother like this could become a good son. It seems that Our plans were not incorrect. This country will definitely need to be given to my Mo’er.”
When he said this, Zhang Yuan happened to be bringing in a plate of food, and he felt that these words were very grating to the ear. He felt even more concerned about the Emperor’s mental state. In the past, the Emperor had favored the ninth prince so much, yet he had never said anything about giving the throne to him. Why was it that he now favored the eighth prince to such a degree? Why exactly was this?
Zhang Yuan quietly retreated and did not notice the vicious gaze that Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu had when looking at him.
In the past few days, Cun Shan Palace had been very lively. The people had already figured that Imperial Concubine Yuan Shu would return to Cun Shan Palace when the Emperor went to handle official matters, thus they all went over to chat with her.
Though it was said that they were chatting, but it was mostly just people gathered together to gossip. This situation that would not allow for many people to speak saw many people quickly lose interest, but there was nothing that they could do about it, as Imperial Concubine Li had closed the gates and refused to see guests. They could not just sit in their own residences and watch others come over to speak. With nothing else that they could do, they could only come over and join in.