Quick Transmigration: Underdog Turns out to be Untouchable-Chapter 956 - 867: Unwilling to Be a Slave 87
Nangong Shuangshuang rolled her eyes ungracefully for the first time; had Princess Consort Gao forgotten that she too was in a sorry state? How could she laugh at herself like the elder one laughing at the second one? Finally getting rid of all the burdens on their bodies, everyone hurried to bathe as quickly as possible.
Fortunately, the thoughtful Lan Ying had already prepared plenty of hot water, and both Princess Consort Gao and Nangong Shuangshuang bathed separately in large tubs with the help of little palace maids.
Originally, Nangong Shuangshuang never allowed anyone to assist her in bathing, as it was too embarrassing. But today, she was so exhausted that she didn’t want to even move her fingers. Any embarrassment was tossed to the horizon, and the feeling of someone massaging her shoulders as she bathed was simply too delightful. Occasional indulgence was quite nice.
The servants were soaking in the large bathhouse, scrubbing each other’s backs, which was quite pleasant. Once Nangong Shuangshuang was done cleaning herself up, she quickly went to see Princess Consort Gao.
Although Princess Consort Gao’s injury had been resolved without danger thanks to her superb medical skills, she was still wounded and had lost energy. With such a hot day, Nangong Shuangshuang was worried about Princess Consort Gao’s health, fearing she might suffer from heatstroke or something. When Nangong Shuangshuang arrived, she found that the Emperor was there too.
Today, the Emperor was not having an easy time either; he was also dressed in a heavy robe. When Nangong Shuangshuang entered and paid her respects, she saw that the Emperor had already changed into casual clothes, his hair tips moist, evidently having bathed as well.
When Nangong Shuangshuang entered, the Emperor was holding Princess Consort Gao’s hand, talking. Realizing her arrival was inopportune, she promptly checked Princess Consort Gao’s pulse, and upon confirming her good health, she quickly withdrew.
Watching Nangong Shuangshuang leave, the Emperor continued speaking with Princess Consort Gao. As he spoke, he looked apologetically at Princess Consort Gao and said, "I wanted to elevate you to Imperial Concubine, but unfortunately, I cannot do so now; forgive me."
With emotions in her eyes, Princess Consort Gao held the Emperor’s hand and in a gentle tone replied, "Emperor, do you know? I have never cared about ranks. What I have always wanted is the Emperor’s affection.
What I wished for was for the Emperor to spend less time with other women and more with me. However, I know that a concubine must not be jealous, must not seduce the Emperor, nor seek exclusive favor to arouse resentment in the harem. So, I have never dared to hope for the Emperor’s excessive affection towards me.
Yet, in my heart, I quietly envy those women who have the Emperor’s favor. Although I was injured this time, every time I awoke from my stupor, I could always see the Emperor."
Princess Consort Gao reached out her hand, gripping the Emperor’s, her voice filled with passion, "Emperor, do you know how happy I was every time I awoke to see you by my side, not disdaining my ugly wounds?
During those times, I was really happy. Every time the pain made me want to give up enduring, seeing the Emperor by my side, I thought even if it was just to see the Emperor once more, to accompany the Emperor for one more day, I must hold on.
Emperor, the affection you have given me during this time has made me so happy. If being injured can bring about the Emperor’s love, then I am willing to be hurt ten thousand times, as long as I can often see the Emperor and spend year after year with you, I am at ease with anything."
If the Emperor had heard this before, he might have dismissed it as concubines’ sweet words to curry favor, or even gotten angry at the jealousy in her words, but now hearing Princess Consort Gao, the Emperor was deeply moved.
Caressing the back of her hand with his thumb, the Emperor sighed and said, "You truly are a foolish woman, satisfied so easily. I am the Emperor and cannot ignore the concubines of the harem just to favor you alone, but I promise you, I will always favor you the most and forever cherish you, spending year after year with you."
"Emperor!" Tears shimmered in Princess Consort Gao’s eyes as she suddenly threw herself into the Emperor’s arms. "With this promise from the Emperor, I would willingly die ten thousand times; I am content." Though speaking passionately, her face was cold.
With the Emperor almost exclusively favoring her, not minding the scars on her face and body, a ripple of emotion arose, but when the Emperor said he was the Emperor and could not solely favor her, it completely vanished.
From then on, Princess Consort Gao indeed became the most favored woman in the harem. The Emperor dined with her daily, and except for the days spent dealing with court affairs from the previous dynasty, he spent most nights in Yingyue Palace.
Additionally, the Emperor thoughtfully moved Noble Lady Cheng, who was already in a secure pregnancy, out of Yingyue Palace, placing her in a palace without a chief position or any other concubines.
The Emperor actually understood well that no woman in the harem wanted others sharing favor in her palace. Previously, the Emperor didn’t care about the thoughts of the harem women, but now he cares about Princess Consort Gao’s thoughts, naturally not wanting anyone to upset her.
Although Princess Consort Gao had previously invited Noble Lady Cheng to reside in Yingyue Palace to make it easier for Nangong Shuangshuang to help the Noble Lady secure the pregnancy, and out of concern for her own lack of offspring, hoping to save the Emperor’s child, upon thinking of this, he felt at peace.
The Emperor not only let Princess Consort Gao reside alone in Yingyue Palace but also used many precious items to decorate it, making it no less exquisite than the Fengchen Palace where the Empress resided, with all her living expenses decreed by the Emperor as much as his own, truly showering her with favor.
Despite this, the Emperor was still contemplating giving Princess Consort Gao’s father a title—a Marquis. The Emperor had mentioned this to her, and hinted at this intention regarding Gao Yan, but since the Emperor hadn’t explicitly stated it, Princess Consort Gao couldn’t say anything on her part.
In fact, Nangong Shuangshuang had long analyzed the matter of the Marquis title with Princess Consort Gao, so when the Emperor announced his intention to confer the title on Gao Yan, Princess Consort Gao did not cheerfully give thanks but instead stood up and saluted.
"Emperor, I know you care for me and wish to confer the title of Marquis on my father out of that regard, but Emperor, I do not wish for your wisdom to be overshadowed by favoritism towards me.
The court confers titles for significant contributions only; what merits do I or my father have? Although I saved the Emperor, it was because the Emperor is my husband, and saving him is what I should rightfully do.
Besides, I have already been enjoying rewards and favors in the harem that my rank does not deserve, but I feel it is only right since they come from my husband.
However, court affairs should not be biased simply because I am a woman favored by the Emperor. Although it is said, ’A son does not speak of his father’s faults,’ my father is indeed a mediocre man, lacking talent, not someone capable of accomplishing tasks; his only merit, perhaps, is his meekness, never daring to act in a manner unworthy of imperial grace."
