Chapter 237 Ruthless, Henpecked Emperor × Pregnant Palace Maid 6
Chapter 237 Ruthless, Henpecked Emperor × Pregnant Palace Maid 6
"Miss..." Linlang whispered to Zhao Ya ahead, "Miss, His Majesty is ahead..."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya stopped in her tracks; the emperor's imperial carriage was not far ahead.
“Miss, that’s the direction of the Hehuan Palace where Consort Chu lives.”
Linlang had already inquired about everything beforehand.
"His Majesty went to see Consort Chu after leaving the Spring Banquet," Zhao Ya murmured.
"Miss, shall we go over and pay our respects? It's a rare occasion..."
"No need, it would be too abrupt to go there now. Let's go and pay our respects to Consort Chu first."
If she were to rush over there rashly, it would only offend His Majesty.
After watching the emperor's imperial carriage depart, Zhao Ya headed towards the Hehuan Palace.
"Miss, why do you need to go and pay your respects to Consort Chu separately?"
Linlang was somewhat puzzled.
"Consort Chu is the only imperial concubine in the palace. I just spoke to her under the pretext of changing clothes. It would be good to go to her in person anyway."
“Miss, Consort Chu was just a palace maid. Why do you have to be so humble? If His Majesty were to select a consort, your rank would definitely be above hers.”
Linlang felt sorry for her mistress, as the daughter of the great general had to pay her respects to a concubine who was originally a palace maid.
“You didn’t see how she was at the Spring Banquet today. As soon as His Majesty left, she was so frightened that she left without a clue. Don’t worry, she doesn’t understand anything.”
"It's just that His Majesty isn't holding a selection of concubines right now. I wonder if it's because of Consort Chu. I'll go and find out."
What Linlang said was exactly what Zhao Ya thought. As the daughter of a great general, why should she care about a mere palace maid?
She was already somewhat apprehensive about the Emperor's selection of consorts, after all, the daughters of the Prime Minister and the Vice Minister were eyeing the candidates, not to mention the many young ladies from noble families.
If she were to be careless, how could the glory of her family and her general's mansion be maintained?
His Majesty's mind is fickle and unpredictable. Now, he should condescend to speak with Consort Chu. Once she enters the harem, he will get his revenge sooner or later.
"Miss is so thoughtful." Linlang suddenly realized.
Hehuan Palace
Chu Yue was feeling unwell and was taking a nap, leaning against the chaise lounge with a listless expression.
"Your Highness, Miss Zhao has come to pay her respects." Xiao Tao lowered her voice and whispered in Chu Yue's ear.
Chu Yue slowly opened her eyes, looking somewhat listless: "Is the banquet over?"
"It's over. His Majesty found it troublesome and ordered everyone to disperse early on. Miss Zhao said she was grateful for Your Majesty's help today and wanted to come and express her gratitude in person."
Xiao Tao helped her sit on the dressing table and tidied her appearance.
The woman in the mirror looked unwell, her brows slightly furrowed, which evoked pity in one's heart.
"Let her in..."
"Yes, Your Majesty..."
Chu Yue was feeling unwell and was in some discomfort, so she quickly sent the person away so she could rest.
Zhao Ya had already entered. She first carefully examined the furnishings of the Hehuan Palace. Despite its extravagance, it was also quite exquisite and elegant. A concubine's rank seemed a bit excessive.
"Greetings, Consort Chu..." Zhao Ya said with a smile, very respectful.
“Miss Zhao, you didn’t need to make this trip. It’s all my duty.”
"Your Highness is the only concubine in His Majesty's harem, so it is only right that I come to pay my respects. This way, when I enter the palace in the future, I will have someone to talk to."
Zhao Ya spoke sincerely, but she was observing Chu Yue's expression.
Chu Yue paused slightly, "What Miss Zhao means is..."
"Your Majesty, don't you know? Today's spring banquet was supposed to be His Majesty's selection of concubines. I don't know why it was changed. I was wondering about it and was thinking of asking Consort Chu when His Majesty will hold another selection of concubines so that I can prepare in advance."
Zhao Ya knew from her expression that she hadn't guessed wrong. What could a palace maid who had risen to her position possibly know?
She knew nothing, the only thing she possessed was her captivating beauty that could bewitch His Majesty.
She scrutinized Chu Yue's face again, feeling increasingly threatened by her.
His Majesty probably wouldn't be willing to part with this appearance.
Chu Yue was somewhat at a loss for words when asked the question, and forced a smile: "Your Majesty's affairs... I have no right to inquire about them."
"Your Majesty, please inform me so that I may keep you company when I enter the palace,"
Zhao Ya had a rich life experience from a young age. Her mother raised her according to the standards of an imperial concubine. They had no sons, only this daughter, and they only hoped that she could continue the glory of the general's family after entering the palace.
So why would she take Chu Yue, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere, seriously?
"How did Miss Zhao know that she would be chosen by His Majesty?"
Chu Yue pretended to be shocked and asked with a pale face.
"I am the daughter of General Zhao. No matter what His Majesty considers, he will choose me. It is my blessing to be able to have a heart-to-heart talk with Your Highness today. After entering the palace, I will have someone to talk to. This deep palace is lonely. Having someone to accompany me is a comfort."
Zhao Ya was certain of her thoughts when she saw her expression; Consort Chu was not fit for a refined social occasion.
The atmosphere inside the hall was somewhat tense. Qingju felt sorry for her mistress being wronged, but she couldn't care less about that. She quietly slipped out to get help.
"Miss Zhao, you must be thirsty after talking for so long. Have a cup of tea first."
Xiao Tao refilled the tea with hot tea. Her mistress was the Emperor's favorite concubine, how could she suffer such humiliation? Besides, the mistress was not feeling well today. Miss Zhao was too tactless, still wanting to enter the palace, she was probably dreaming.
Zhao Ya's eyes darted around. Consort Chu was easy to manipulate. She was only arrogant because His Majesty favored her now. Once new concubines entered the palace and distracted His Majesty, Consort Chu would be hiding in some corner crying.
After all, a palace maid's novelty wears off quickly, but His Majesty still needs the support of concubines with powerful backgrounds.
Chu Yue sat in the main seat, feeling a chill in her lower abdomen. She slowly drank a sip of hot tea, which made her feel a little better.
Zhao Ya is quite a troublemaker. She keeps provoking her with her words and talk about her background. She hasn't even entered the palace yet, but she keeps saying that she will. She has no sense of shame as a young lady.
If you could keep your composure, there would be no need to make this trip.
“Miss Zhao, I’m not feeling well today, so I won’t keep you any longer. We can talk in detail another time.”
Chu Yue gently ushered them out, as she wanted to lie down and couldn't sit still any longer.
"I had a pleasant conversation with Your Majesty today, but I did not mean to disturb your rest. I am truly sorry, Your Majesty."
Zhao Ya bowed respectfully, displaying the demeanor of a well-bred young lady.
Chu Yue: "..."
Qinghe Palace
Maruko rushed into the palace in a flurry of activity, sliding to her knees and crying out, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! Consort Chu is in trouble!"
"Bang!" The memorial was slammed onto the table: "Who dares to harm Consort Chu!"
Does nobody know how important Consort Chu is? Who has the audacity to do this!
"What on earth has happened?!" The emperor panicked; his son's fate was still unknown!
"Your Majesty, please go and see, Consort Chu has been bullied."
Maruko repeated exactly what Qingju had told him to the emperor.
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