"Don't be sad, the Empress Dowager is doing very well now." Huan Chun and Lan Qi saw it for all to see that the Empress Dowager's body was getting weaker day by day. At this moment, they could only comfort her with these words, and they were also helpless about the aging of life.
After Lan Qi said those few words, she gradually calmed down, put away her sad face, and puffed up her chest and said: "I can't be sad. In the future, the Empress Dowager will be gone, and I will live a wonderful life. Don't let those people think that I have no power.
It won't be possible once we get to Cining Palace. The days ahead are still very long and palace life is destined to be unstable. I still have to take care of the affairs of the Sixth Palace, so let's take our time."
In the next few days, Lan Qi went to and from Cining Palace as usual. Gradually, it was heard in the palace that the child promised by Zhang would be adopted by Yonghe Palace in the future. In addition to the previous news that she could not give birth to a son, there were many people in the palace who were unhappy about this. On the one hand, they ridiculed De.
The concubine was unable to give birth to a son, and on the one hand she was jealous that she had everything she wanted in front of the emperor. Even if she had no son, it would be so easy for her to have an elder brother. For example, the concubine Xi once tried to make plans for her twelfth elder brother to no avail.
, secretly crushing his fists.
And because the emperor was in Yonghe Palace for several days, although Concubine De was busy taking care of the Empress Dowager, she still had a close relationship with the emperor. There had long been rumors in the palace that Concubine De knew the art of seducing people, but they didn't say anything this time.
Then, another surprising thing happened quickly in the Sixth Palace. News came from the imperial hospital that Concubine De secretly asked the imperial doctor to prepare contraceptive pills for her. It was obviously not normal for her to take pills for contraception despite being so favored.
It's hard to tell what's real and what's fake at the moment.
Others say that Concubine De has given birth many times, and it is most harmful to a woman to have children. In order to stay young forever, it makes sense that she does not want to give birth to another child. In addition, it is rumored that Zhang promised that Concubine De will raise her if she gives birth to a child, so it is indeed okay for her to have an adopted son.
It doesn't matter whether she is alive or not, even if this one dies in the future, at most there will be another one who can be given to her.
After all, the one in Yonghe Palace is a beloved concubine, and any incredible thing that happens to her is normal.
For so many years, no matter what was spread in the palace, Lan Qi did not allow anyone from the Yonghe Palace to go out to argue with others. From the beginning, she didn't care about the pain in her heart, but now she is calm on the face and calm in her heart. But this time she is
She didn't care, she cared about what those people in the palace thought of her.
On this day in Cining Palace, Lan Qi sewed the cotton robe that the Empress Dowager would wear in winter. The old woman was getting thinner year by year, and the size of the clothes changed every year. Although she was not very good at needlework, the Empress Dowager
The Queen Mother no longer wears clothes made by others, so she has to worry about it.
I happily brought it to the Empress Dowager to try on, but she saw her face was sullen. Aunt Sumala was also standing aside with a solemn expression. Seeing Concubine De coming, she came up and took the clothes and went to the Empress Dowager.
After pouting, Lan Qi approached and was scolded: "Kneel down."
She was shocked, but she guessed it was about the contraceptive pill, so she decided not to kneel down and asked with a smile: "Did you hear those words too?"
The Empress Dowager frowned and glared at her, saying angrily: "How can I believe it if it's just a rumor? But Sumala sent someone to ask and found out that this is really the case. You keep coming back and forth these days to take medicine. I asked
You even refused to come to Cining Palace because you were eating this food? You are so brave. I haven’t told Xuan Ye yet. I’m afraid he just dismissed it as a rumor. How sad would it be if he found out?
He cares about your children so much."
The old man said it all, calmed down and said: "I also know that you should take care of your health. No more childbirth is indeed the most reliable way, but are you stupid or not? You just need to be careful. Why do you have to take medicine?
If you are injured, how can you fulfill your promise to me and take care of Xuan Ye for me for the rest of your life?"
Lan Qi smiled and sat behind the Empress Dowager. Although she was disgusted that anyone wanted to have fun with her, she still smiled and explained the matter clearly.
In front of the Empress Dowager, she said that she wanted to take care of her body, but in her heart, she wanted to do her best in the last days of the Empress Dowager, so that she would not be unable to take care of her due to childbirth. And after having sex with Xuan Ye that night, she really felt
She came up with the idea of contraception, and even wanted to take pills the next day to avoid the possible consequences of a night of lingering. However, she valued life, and because she had lost a child, she could not really do such a cruel thing, so she gave up in the end.
.
But this thought made her think more. She had to start thinking about herself. She was still worried about being drugged when she was pregnant. This time she wanted to adopt the child that Zhang promised, and people inside and outside the palace would think of virtue.
The concubine really wanted to have a son. In order to end her future, she didn't know who would secretly attack her. Instead of giving others the opportunity to kill the little life she might have, it would be better to speak out and let everyone know that Concubine Yonghe Palace was alive.
I don't plan to breed again.
"I don't know how to take those medicines. I'm not afraid of anything else, and I'm not afraid of making you angry?" Lan Qi said with a smile, coaxing the Empress Dowager, "After the sixth elder brother is gone, what gossip will happen in and outside the palace?"
There are quite a few. No one sympathizes with the concubine, but countless people secretly applaud him. They are still worried that the concubine will ask for a son to regain his status. Now Zhang has promised that if he gives birth to his elder brother, it will be a son, but after all, he is not the child of the concubine himself.
, Those people must not rest assured that I am not old yet, so it will not be difficult for me to give birth. Don’t worry, I will never harm my body, and make these rumors, I just want to put on a show for others."
The Empress Dowager frowned slightly. After Lan Qi said this, she actually understood in two or three sentences that this child was starting to make plans and was really guarding against others. The wrinkles between his eyebrows gradually loosened, and kind smile lines appeared on his lips.
Ask her: "Lan Qi, do you think I'm going to die soon and start making plans for your future?"
Lan Qi panicked and hurriedly knelt on the ground and said repeatedly: "The Empress Dowager, I don't mean that, it's..." She didn't have the confidence after all, because that's what she thought. Although she didn't mean any harm, she could
These words hurt people's hearts. The old man was still alive and well, but she was thinking about the future.
"Silly boy." In exchange, the Empress Dowager laughed. She leaned over and took Lan Qi's hand. Lan Qi was afraid that it would be too hard for her to stand up and sat back next to her. She only heard the Empress Dowager say.
, "I know you rely on me, and I have been worried that after I leave, you will be at a loss, and you will not know how to live in the future, and you will be anxious about what to do. Even if Sumala can live a few more years, she will eventually
You are a slave, now it's better, if you can think and do this, I feel at ease."
"The Queen Mother."
"Lan Qi, I feel that my health is not as good as before. Now I am just trying to keep my spirits up, and I feel hard. But I am happy to live, see my children and grandchildren in the house, and see you happy, I will miss this world." The Empress Dowager was kind.
Smiling, her old hand gently rubbed the back of Lan Qi's delicate jade hand, and said happily, "No matter how long I can live, one year or two years, no matter how hard you work, please stay with me more."
A woman who had experienced three dynasties, looked down upon the world, walked into the Forbidden City in the flames of war, faced hundreds of civil and military officials, and assisted two generations of emperors with her weak arms, at this moment, she held her hand and asked her to stay with her longer.
Borzigit Bumbutai's life is about to come to an end. She doesn't care about the dazzling glory, and she doesn't want to live through the days of being all-powerful. Her grandchildren are enough to support the world, and her great-grandchildren are enough to continue.
Heir, she has completed her life's responsibilities, and now she just wants to spend her old age in peace and ease.
The Empress Dowager smiled and said: "Next year Changchun Garden will be completed and opened. Xuan Ye said that he would pick me up to live there. I think the concubines must also go to join in the fun. It's boring to be crowded, but I won't let them go first."
Go, but I want to talk too much. I made an agreement with Xuan Ye and let him take the harem to live there for a while. After they have had enough fun, I will go over and spend the summer. Of course, if I can survive until next summer.
"
"We have agreed that I will accompany you well, but you can't say this again. No matter next summer or the winter after next, I will be with you. We just live every day well, long and long
For a long time." Lan Qi said with a smile, but she started to cry as she said it. She gradually became choked with sobs and sobbed. She leaned on the shoulder of the Empress Dowager and said, "Lan Qi can't bear to leave you."
Outside the door, Sister Sumala, who had just put away her cotton robe, stood still. Standing next to her was the emperor who had just arrived. It seemed that he was angry when he came because of the use of contraceptive pills in Yonghe Palace, but
Standing with her and listening to the words of the emperor's grandmother and Lan Qi, the emperor's anger gradually dissipated, leaving only a touch of sadness, which made people feel very distressed to see.
Xuan Ye did not go in again, turned around and walked out, and stood still under the eaves. He raised his head and wondered what was wrong. Grandma saw that the emperor was trying hard to open his eyes wide, as if he was trying to hold back the tears, and he calmed down a little.
, then smiled with her and said: "Since she has an idea, there is no need to ask. You also advise the imperial grandmother not to worry about Lan Qi. Aunty, if you can't tell the affairs of the harem to Cining Palace, don't tell them."
Now, just tell the Imperial Grandmother what you are happy about. If the Imperial Grandmother is in good spirits, she will ask the princess’s elder brother to accompany her. Whether it is the prince or another elder brother, he really knows how to tell the study. As long as the Cining Palace calls, anything can be stopped."
"My slave knows that you can teach these things to Concubine De. She makes the Empress Dowager very happy every day." Mammy smiled, but she also cruelly said extremely realistic words and advised the emperor, "Long live my heart."
You have to be prepared, there may be some movement in the court, so you have to keep an eye on it early."
Xuan Ye nodded heavily and said, "I understand."
The emperor came and went in a hurry. Lan Qi waited until her grandma told her, then she found out that the emperor had come. When he talked about the contraceptive pill, Lan Qi, who had regained her mood, playfully stuck out her tongue and pestered her grandma to say: "
In fact, even the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's anxiety was factored in by me. If they take their anxiety seriously, people outside will believe it more. Anyway, as long as those people can rest assured that I will not give birth to another child, they will have less trouble."
But grandma asked: "What if there is one?"
Lan Qi smiled proudly: "I want to take care of the Empress Dowager wholeheartedly, and the Emperor has no shortage of people to serve him. I am not worried or jealous here, and the Emperor is happy."
Naturally, this was a joke. If Xuan Ye pestered her, she would be more careful. Moreover, the emperor also knew the severity and the current situation. In the following days, the time for overnight stays in Yonghe Palace was limited, because he often took time to accompany him.
Imperial grandmother, the two of them met often in Cining Palace.
As the autumn wind blew, August passed, and the weather really started to get cold in September. In July, the Qing army besieged the city of Yaksa. After a stalemate for two months, Tsarist Russia finally surrendered. Tsar Peter I wrote a letter asking for peace, and the whole court was delighted.
, since there was no celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival in August, the emperor planned to hold a state banquet at the end of the month to celebrate and reward the three armies. All the concubines in the harem could attend. This time, the Empress Dowager did not try to be brave. She openly said that she could not withstand the torment of the banquet and would not participate.
.
The palace became lively for a long time, because the imperial concubine had left money for Concubine Rong to support the front line. Although the emperor did not ask for the money, he was so happy that he issued an order to praise the imperial concubine for her support of the army. The imperial concubine's face was bright.
They were very proud. Before the banquet, the female relatives of the six palaces and the wives of the clan gathered in Chengqian Palace to talk. Seeing that the imperial concubine was in high spirits, the women secretly speculated that something good was coming for the imperial concubine, and the door of Kunning Palace should be closed.
opened for her.
On the other side, Lan Qi was accompanying the Empress Dowager in the Cining Palace. Only Bu Guiren led a few princesses over. Chun Xi and Duan Jing were now big girls. She was having fun with her great grandmother. Lan Qi and the two sisters
Picking up some embroidery work and talking quietly to each other, it was not as lively as some other lively places in the palace. It was quiet here until Wen Xian was sent there, shouting all the way through the door, which broke the peace of the whole room.
The Empress Dowager squinted at Wen Xian running from behind her presbyopic eyes. Chunxi stopped the little girl halfway and carried her to her great-grandmother with difficulty. She patted her buttocks and asked her to salute. However, the little girl did not obey and crawled straight to the kang.
He clung to his great-grandmother and said softly: "Great-grandmother, are you going to set off fireworks at night?"
"It's so noisy that my great-grandmother has a headache." The Empress Dowager smiled, rubbed her and said, "Ask the wet nurse to cover your ears. Don't be so scared that you cry."
Lan Qi came over and taught her daughter to be polite. The little girl just smiled sweetly and suddenly asked: "Mother, why doesn't Sister Yuxi come to the palace? I see Sister Yuxi every time when there is excitement. I see
Sister Kejing is with a sister she doesn’t recognize, and they say it’s my eldest brother’s Fujin, but what about my fourth brother’s Fujin?”
Lan Qi and the Empress Dowager looked at each other, and the Empress Dowager smiled and said: "Children's words are unbridled, it doesn't matter, just do whatever you want."
Everyone did not avoid mentioning the young lady of the Ulanala family. Lan Qi found any excuse to deal with her daughter, but the ladies were sitting and talking, and Duan Jing said: "My son met with the Minister of the Ministry of Finance in Jingyang Palace this morning.
The young lady of our family came to pay her respects to Concubine Rong and gave gifts to Sister Rong Xian. When she saw my son there, she kept saying that she would send my gifts to Zhongcui Palace in the future. She is a very kind person..."
The little girl stopped mid-sentence and looked at her great-grandmother, her mother-in-law, and her concubine De Fei. When Bu Guiren asked her what she wanted to say, Princess Duanjing smiled and said: "It's just that we are not very good-looking.
Brother Huang is so handsome, but he is a bit unmatched."
Bu Guiren hurriedly said: "Children, don't talk nonsense." He asked them to take Wen Xian to play somewhere else. The girls walked away, and the Empress Dowager said, "I haven't seen them before, why don't you take me here?"
Take a look?"
Lan Qi explained to Concubine Hui: "The emperor said that it was not your summons, and the Sixth Palace cannot come to disturb your rest. If you want to see him, how dare Concubine Hui neglect it."
The Empress Dowager then said: "Since we are in the palace today, let's bring him here. Where is he now?"
Bu Guiren said that she would go look for it and then left. Lan Qi dressed up the Empress Dowager a little. Seeing that she was in great spirits, she said with a smile: "Whether you will give me a meeting gift later, the great-grandson's daughter-in-law will naturally have more."
Yes, but don’t treat us badly in the future, Sifujin.”
Not long after, Concubine Hui came in a hurry with her daughter-in-law-to-be. Due to the imperial edict, Concubine Hui was now generous and generous. Instead, the imperial concubine was no longer seen leading a little girl around in a ostentatious manner. At this moment, she only saw a pretty young lady following her.
Concubine Hui came in. She lowered her head and couldn't see her face clearly, but her behavior was polite and generous. She was a good child.
The Empress Dowager asked the child to raise her head, and it turned out that she was plain-looking. Although she had been carefully dressed up, she was used to seeing the concubines in the palace and the beautiful and lovely princesses. Suddenly, such a plain-looking girl appeared.
, the other meaning is eye-catching. But although she is not very good-looking, she still looks kind. Now that the imperial edict has been issued, she is the half-great-grandson's daughter-in-law. The Empress Dowager does not like Concubine Hui, and has always treated her eldest brother.
Ai Ai, Aiwu Jiwu also had a good impression of the child, so he pulled her beside her and asked her a few words. The little girl was very generous and she was indeed a child from an aristocratic family and was very well-educated.
After that, the princesses took the people away, but Concubine Hui stayed and listened to the Empress Dowager's instructions. When talking about the eldest brother's residence outside the palace, the Empress Dowager warned: "Yinti is the eldest son of the emperor, and the residence cannot be too shabby, but
He doesn't have a title yet, and he shouldn't be too extravagant. You can't go out of the palace to take care of him. You have to tell your daughter-in-law to do everything. They are young and ignorant, so you have to look after them. Yinti often followed me when he was a child, but now although
We don’t see each other anymore, but I still love him in my heart and let him live a good life. There are great-great-grandsons of my generation in the royal family, but they are not Xuan Ye’s grandsons after all. I hope that Yinti will give me credit."
Concubine Hui was very moved. She bowed deeply and thanked her. After a while, she left. Lan Qixiang came to the door. They didn't talk for a while. Concubine Hui said at this moment: "To be disrespectful, I haven't seen you for a long time. Today I saw you."
I jumped, why am I getting older?"
Lan Qi smiled lightly and said, "Everyone will grow old."
Concubine Hui glanced at her, and the two of them were silent. Afterwards, they waited for the prospective daughter-in-law to come back after saying goodbye to the princesses. Lan Qi called Sister Laibu and said, "I still don't want to go to the dinner party. Looking at the excitement there, I think too much."
The Empress Dowager's place is deserted, and I feel bad. Sister, please take the children there, Wen Xian is so reckless, don't get into trouble again."
This night, the Qianqing Palace held a grand and lively banquet. The prince led the princes, princesses and concubines of the Sixth Palace, and the Queen Mother attended. Only Concubine De accompanied the Queen Mother and did not come. Then there was the potbellied Zhang Yaosheng, who is now attending the banquet.
When it's time to give birth, I don't dare to let her move around.
When the banquet was lively in the front, the harem seemed very quiet. Suddenly a shadow passed in front of the Jingyang Palace. Seeing Xiaoyu coming back from nowhere, he ran back to Zhang Yaoyong and said: "Master, please inquire, you really want to go."