OBS Chapter 1618 When to Give His Majesty a Surprise
Chapter 1618 When to Give His Majesty a Surprise
At this point, Tang Luochuan paused before continuing, "Judging from the pulse, which is full of qi and blood and smooth and gentle, it is indeed slightly different from when she was pregnant with the Fourth Prince."
These words were spoken tactfully, yet they made Shen Zhinian's eyes light up.
She thought of the adorable little snowball Zhao Yungui had at home, her soft little body and her babyish babbling voice, and her heart softened involuntarily.
If I could really have a daughter...
Shen Zhinian suppressed her excitement and calmly said, "I understand."
"Physician Tang, you've worked hard."
Tang Luochuan respectfully replied, "This is my duty, Your Highness the Imperial Noble Consort is too kind."
"If Your Majesty has no further instructions, I shall take my leave."
When he reached the palace gate, he paused slightly and looked back.
The woman on the warm couch was stroking her lower abdomen, her profile bathed in the warm sunlight streaming through the window, making her appear exceptionally gentle. Her alluring, fox-like eyes were filled with tender expectation.
Tang Luochuan withdrew his gaze, lowered his eyes to conceal the complex emotions that flashed across them, and left Yongshou Palace.
Shen Zhinian was deep in thought.
The pregnancy is stable, and it's time to share this good news with the public.
However... the timing still needs to be carefully considered.
The emperor has been busy lately and has rarely visited the inner palace.
Because of the affair between Lady Chu and Consort Feng, he lost interest in matters of love and sex. Occasionally, he would come to Yongshou Palace, but only to see Shen Zhinian and the Fourth Prince before returning to his official duties.
This made it easier for Shen Zhinian to keep her pregnancy a secret.
As a high-ranking imperial concubine, she could simply choose not to see those she didn't want to see, and no one dared to object.
Therefore, for the past three months, apart from Yongshou Palace's confidants and Tang Luochuan, no one knew that Shen Zhinian was pregnant again.
But now my belly is getting bigger every day, and after a while I won't be able to hide it anymore, so there's no need to hide it anymore.
Shen Zhinian was making plans in her mind.
Announcing the good news directly would be fine, but it just feels like something's missing.
Shen Zhinian is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, and the Shen family's prestige has further increased due to the war IOUs they presented earlier this year. While a pregnancy at this time would certainly be a double blessing, perhaps announcing it at a more appropriate time could have had a greater impact.
"Miss."
Fuqu brought over a bowl of warm red date and bird's nest soup and asked softly, "What are you thinking about?"
"Physician Tang said that you should keep a cheerful mood and not worry too much."
Shen Zhinian took the porcelain cup and smiled slightly: "I was thinking about when to give His Majesty a surprise."
Fuqu and Handan exchanged a glance, both revealing joy.
Han Dan, ever outspoken, said, "Now that Your Majesty's pregnancy is stable, it's naturally better to announce it as soon as possible!"
"How happy His Majesty would be if he knew this good news!"
Shen Zhinian sipped her bird's nest soup, her eyes deep: "But what I want is not just His Majesty's happiness."
She wanted this child to be the most powerful stepping stone for her to ascend to the position of empress!
This good news caused a huge stir in both the imperial court and the inner palace!
We must gather all the advantages and blessings upon this unborn child!
Therefore, we cannot rush it.
Xiao Mingzi entered with a bow, stopping a few steps away from the warm couch, and bowed respectfully: "This servant greets Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, I have just received news from Ruixue Pavilion."
"Consort Feng's pregnancy has been very unstable these past few days. Ruixuexuan has secretly summoned the imperial physician three times. Although it has not been made public, there is already some discussion about it in the Imperial Hospital."
"This morning, Physician Li was summoned again. It is said that Consort Feng's night sweats and loss of appetite have worsened, and her fetal movements are also somewhat abnormal."
Shen Zhinian's eyes narrowed slightly: "Have you investigated what the reason is?"
"Was it due to improper diet, an accident, or emotional distress?"
Xiao Mingzi said, "The imperial physician diagnosed that excessive thinking had depleted her heart energy, leading to an unstable pregnancy. He prescribed a formula to calm the mind and stabilize the pregnancy, and instructed Consort Feng to rest quietly and avoid being disturbed again."
"But... according to the young eunuchs who sweep Ruixue Pavilion, Consort Feng often weeps alone, and at night she sometimes talks in her sleep, as if... as if she is afraid of something..."
Shen Zhinian understood why Consort Feng was afraid.
But her pregnancy was unstable. Was it a normal morning sickness, a guilty conscience, or... something the emperor was secretly planning?
Shen Zhinian was aware of Nangong Xuanyu's methods.
He suspected that the child in Consort Feng's womb was not of royal blood and would never allow that child to be born.
But no matter which possibility it is, Shen Zhinian doesn't want to get involved in those things right now.
Consort Feng reaped what she sowed, and had no one else to blame.
However, as an Imperial Noble Consort, Shen Zhinian still had to maintain a proper public image. Otherwise, if word got out, she would appear cruel and heartless, neglecting the imperial heir.
"Consort Feng is pregnant with the emperor's child, but the pregnancy is currently unstable, which is a real worry for the harem."
Shen Zhinian said, "Fuqu, go to the storeroom and select some top-quality bird's nest and donkey-hide gelatin, and also take two pieces of soft cloud brocade to send to Ruixuexuan."
"I told you that I heard Consort Feng was unwell and was worried about her, so I specially bestowed these tonics upon her. I hope she can rest and recover soon."
Fuqu replied, "Yes."
Of course, Shen Zhinian would always have the imperial physician examine the gifts bestowed upon Consort Feng beforehand. Even if Consort Feng's child were to have a problem someday, it wouldn't be her fault.
Xiao Mingzi remained standing with his head bowed, awaiting Shen Zhinian's instructions.
Shen Zhinian pondered for a moment and said, "Keep an eye on Ruixuexuan and report any movements immediately."
"But remember not to get too close, and even more so, do not have much contact with the palace servants of Ruixue Pavilion."
Xiao Mingzi nodded and said, "This servant will remember!"
"Go."
Consort Feng's attempt to pass off the real thing as the real thing and confuse the imperial bloodline is tantamount to courting death.
Shen Zhinian showed no sympathy or pity.
Everyone must take responsibility for their own choices.
However, this incident also served as a reminder to Shen Zhinian.
Under her management, along with Consort Xian and Consort Xuan, the harem appeared to be well-organized. However, the three of them were not gods and could not ensure absolute safety; countless scandalous affairs were hidden beneath the surface.
Now that she is pregnant, she needs to be even more vigilant and not let anyone set their sights on Yongshou Palace.
Half an hour later, Fuqu, accompanied by two palace maids and carrying the gifts, arrived at Ruixue Pavilion.
The medicinal smell in Ruixuexuan was very strong.
Consort Feng leaned against the bed, her face haggard and her eyes dark and swollen.
Upon seeing the gifts from the Imperial Noble Consort brought by Fuqu, she struggled to get up.
"...My lord, please don't move."
Fuqu stepped forward to help her up, saying, "Her Imperial Noble Consort specifically instructed that since you are unwell, all formalities are to be waived."
"Hearing that your pregnancy is unstable, Her Majesty is very worried. She has specially bestowed these nourishing foods upon you, instructing you to rest and recuperate peacefully, and not to worry too much, lest you harm yourself and the imperial heir."
Looking at the exquisite gifts, Consort Feng said in a flustered manner, "This concubine... this concubine is unworthy of such kindness from Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort..."
"Please, Miss Fuqu, on my behalf, express my gratitude to the Imperial Noble Consort for her grace!"