Chapter 155

In the following days, the consorts came to ChangLe Palace to visit Song Zhao, expressing their concern for her well-being.

However, Song Zhao refused to see any of them, claiming to be ill and dismissing them all.

During this time, Xiao Jingheng would also find time to visit her. Seeing her constantly wearing a melancholic expression, he naturally felt distressed.

On the sixth day, the Empress herself paid a visit to ChangLe Palace.

The principal consort of the six palaces coming to see a concubine like her, Song Zhao couldn't afford to be ungrateful. Therefore, this time, she not only allowed the Empress to enter but also had her brought into the inner chamber for a private conversation, to show intimacy.

As they met, the Empress asked her with a concerned look, "How are you? Is your health improving?"

"Thank you, Empress, for your concern. I am not seriously ill."

"In that case, why do you lock yourself in the palace every day and refuse to see anyone?"

"I...," Song Zhao nervously pursed her lips, and a layer of mist instantly covered her long lashes. "I'm very afraid. I don't know who wants to harm me. I'm filled with anxiety, fearing that something unexpected will happen as soon as I step out of the palace gates."

She gazed at the Empress, her eyes filled with sincerity. "Now, the only person I can trust is Your Majesty, the Empress."

The Empress appeared genuinely sympathetic and sighed helplessly as she took Song Zhao's hand. She said, "The Emperor says it was an accident, so it must be an accident. Your constant worries and suspicions will not benefit the Crown Prince. Do you understand?"

"Was it really an accident?" Song Zhao hesitated. "But since I entered the palace, I have never heard of a palanquin falling in the corridors."

Seeing Song Zhao's doubts, the Empress had a thought and continued along her line of suspicion, "If you insist that someone wants to harm you, have you never doubted who might be behind it? Now that you are pregnant and favored by the Emperor, who in the palace would be jealous enough to target you but still receive the Emperor's protection?" Song Zhao pondered for a moment, then suddenly exclaimed, "Is it Consort Chen?"

A sly glint flashed in the Empress's eyes, but she quickly composed herself and said, "Everything leaves traces when done. The people in the imperial court are all perceptive. Can you truly believe that the Emperor would not find out? If the Emperor discovers the truth, think about it, among the six palaces, who else would receive such protection from the Emperor despite committing a mistake?"

The Empress presented a logical analysis, subtly casting suspicion on Consort Chen.

Seeing Song Zhao deep in thought, she continued, "I'll be honest with you. I had someone investigate this matter, and Consort Chen indeed has more suspicions. I believe the Emperor is aware of most of what I know."

But don't blame the Emperor, nor should you bother him with questions. Firstly, you weren't actually harmed, so how can the Emperor intervene on your behalf? Secondly, Consort Chen has the support of her maternal family, and the Emperor is reluctant to punish her easily. If you were to ask him, it would only embarrass him."

In just a few words, the Empress administered three doses of strong medicine to Song Zhao:

Firstly, she planted doubts about Consort Chen, causing Song Zhao to distance herself further from her and seek refuge with the Empress.

Secondly, Song Zhao felt that Xiao Jingheng knew that Consort Chen was behind this matter, but he didn't show any indication, which chilled Song Zhao's heart.

Thirdly, she analyzed the pros and cons, advising Song Zhao not to ask Xiao Jingheng about it. As a result, this matter became a thorn in Song Zhao's heart. Whenever she was alone with Xiao Jingheng, it would nag at her, leaving her with an uncomfortable feeling.

This was not the first time Song Zhao had witnessed the Empress's power, but no matter how formidable she was, in Song Zhao's eyes at this moment, she was nothing more than a monkey jumping around with a bare red bottom, quite ridiculous.

Song Zhao sneered inwardly, but on the surface, she appeared innocent and clueless, nodding with teary eyes, indicating that she understood.

The Empress consoled her with a dignified smile, saying, "But don't worry too much. Even the Empress Dowager has stepped in on this matter. It is expected that Consort Chen will know how to restrain herself and not dare to act recklessly again. On the contrary, it is you..."

She placed her hand on Song Zhao's back and gently patted it.

"You are always gloomy. The Emperor can pamper you for a day or two, but if you remain like this for a long time, he may lose interest in you sooner or later. Don't you want to be closer to the Emperor's favor, rather than further away, even after you give birth to the heir?"

Song Zhao replied, "Thank you, Empress, for your guidance."

Song Zhao knew that the Empress's visit this time was not a sincere one to see her. She had two purposes:

One was to sow discord between Consort Chen and her, and the other was to force Song Zhao to stop being melancholic and to make her happy. The former would make Song Zhao rely more on her in the future, and the latter would let Xiao Jingheng know that Song Zhao's mood improved only after she met the Empress, praising the Empress's management of the harem.

But even if the Empress thought through everything, she couldn't possibly imagine that from the moment she stepped into the Changle Palace, she had already stepped into the trap carefully arranged by Song Zhao. (This will be highlighted, and will be used in the updates in the next two days.)

Having watched the monkey show, Song Zhao naturally had to give the Empress some sweet moments.

So, that night, when Xiao Jingheng came to visit Song Zhao,

As soon as he entered the main hall, he saw a large table of dishes prepared by Song Zhao, waiting for him with a pleasant smile.

Seeing that she was in a great mood, Xiao Jingheng curiously asked, "What good news did you receive today, Zhao'er?"

Song Zhao said, "Today, the Empress came to visit me and spoke many comforting words. I now know that the incident in the corridor was purely an accident, so the burden in my heart has been lifted."

"Oh?" Xiao Jingheng smiled and said, "So, the Empress's words have more effect on you than mine?"

"Does the Emperor even have to be jealous of the Empress's words?" Song Zhao playfully smiled and took the opportunity to pick up a bite of boiled lamb with a pair of chopsticks. "The Ministry of Internal Affairs sent lamb from Lingnan. It's delicious. Would you like to try some, Your Majesty?"

Xiao Jingheng tasted it and praised, "This boiled lamb was originally Consort Shu's specialty dish. I didn't expect you, Zhao'er, to know how to make it too."

Song Zhao smiled, "Both Consort Shu and I have the Emperor in our hearts, so naturally our thoughts align."

Yesterday, Xiao Jingheng had mentioned that tonight Consort Chen invited him to admire the moon together.

After finishing his meal, Xiao Jingheng was about to head to Yonghe Palace.

As Song Zhao accompanied him on his way out of the palace, they passed by a courtyard where Xiaofuzi happened to be instructing the palace attendants. Holding a bundle of mugwort, Xiaofuzi was burning it in the four corners of the courtyard.

"Tomorrow is Jingzhe," Xiaofuzi explained, "and the fragrance of mugwort can drive away the musty odor caused by snakes, insects, mice, and ants. Now that the Empress is pregnant, you must be careful with the fumigation."

Song Zhao glanced at Xiao Jingheng's expression and self-mockingly said, "Even I, as a pregnant woman, have lost track of the days. I completely forgot that tomorrow is Jingzhe."

Unbeknownst to others, Xiao Jingheng casually remarked, "This method is good. Mugwort can also help you have a safe pregnancy. It's very beneficial."

With those words, Xiao Jingheng lightly kissed Song Zhao's forehead and then left, riding on the imperial carriage.

Song Zhao stood at the palace gate, watching the imperial carriage gradually disappear into the distance. Xiaofuzi, who was beside her, leaned over and whispered, "Empress, do you think the Emperor would abandon Consort Chen and seek Consort Shu?"