The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1534 - 1531: A Warning
Wang Yongzhu knew that the words spoken by the Imperial Noble Consort were sincere. Now, no one hoped more for her well-being than the Imperial Noble Consort.
Therefore, she stood up and sincerely thanked the Imperial Noble Consort: "I have remembered all your words, Your Highness. Rest assured, as you said, if I am well, you will be well. Similarly, as long as you are fine, I will be fine too. Even if the Duchess has any schemes, as long as you protect me, I believe she wouldn’t dare lay a hand on me!"
The Imperial Noble Consort was pleased to hear this.
Her expression softened considerably, "Wang Family’s daughter, rest assured. As long as I am here, I can ensure your safety for one more day!"
As they were casually chatting, they heard someone outside continuously reporting that some consort from some palace had sent someone to visit the Imperial Noble Consort and so forth.
In this matter, Huai Cai naturally was responsible for stopping the visitors at the palace gate.
As for the gifts, it wouldn’t be appropriate to refuse them.
The task of registering gifts into storage had always been handled by Hong Fei and Lv Cui, so the Imperial Noble Consort sent them off to get busy.
Now with Wang Yongzhu by her side, she was at ease.
After sending everyone away, the two exchanged a look and smiled at each other.
The Imperial Noble Consort half leaned on the couch, looking out through the window: "When the news got out yesterday, if not for His Majesty’s orders to stop them, I’m afraid people would have crushed the threshold! This might be the last bit of liveliness before I give birth. After today, my Changchun Palace might not see much foot traffic, though it won’t be completely deserted."
Though she said this, her tone wasn’t angry or sorrowful but rather calm.
Wang Yongzhu took the opportunity to offer comfort: "That’s actually good, Your Highness can peacefully nurture your pregnancy, saving you from the constant worry and vigilance day and night, isn’t it?"
The Imperial Noble Consort laughed, turning her head to look at Wang Yongzhu: "You’re right. As long as I’m alive, I still hold the Phoenix Seal of the Inner Palace, and most of the Inner Palace is in my hands. Even if they secretly rejoice, desiring to set off firecrackers in celebration, they must put on a sorrowful face in pretense." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺
"Even if I truly don’t have the fortune to survive, considering His Majesty’s current affections for me, I’d probably still be posthumously honored as Empress, and my natal family will be elevated one more time because of me."
"By then, everyone would be delighted, all wishing to be fulfilled, and I would be honorably remembered after death. Years later, when people bring me up, they’d mostly mumble a sentence or two about being a person of little fortune, unable to enjoy the Empress position that was almost mine—wouldn’t that be laughable—"
Her smile carried a mocking intent.
Wang Yongzhu sighed inwardly. The Imperial Noble Consort was indeed a very perceptive individual, clearly recognizing her predicament, and was frighteningly yet pitiably rational.
She couldn’t bring herself to console her with those common, insincere words.
After pondering for a while, she said, "Precisely because of this, Your Highness should take care of yourself and stand strong. Regardless of what others think now, we should prioritize restoring your health. Once your body is well and you safely deliver a prince, just wait and see, no matter how angry or hateful those people are, they’d still have to bow down in humility before you, wouldn’t that be gratifying!"
The Imperial Noble Consort had spoken those words merely out of sentiment, these thoughts had been in her heart for a long time, and today, inexplicably, they came out smoothly.
She expected Wang Yongzhu to play deaf or shift the topic or perhaps persuade her not to overthink, to lull her with reassurances that the Emperor’s favor was unfading, and she wouldn’t end up like that.
These words of consolation, she had long been used to hearing.
Whether from the palace attendants around her or the relatives from her maternal family.
The persuasion always circled around the same phrases, lacking sincerity.
These words might not even convince themselves, yet they insisted she believe them.
But she wasn’t foolish, she had advanced from a small concubine to Imperial Noble Consort, entirely aware and clear of the Emperor’s affection towards her.
The Emperor might genuinely have some affection towards her, but compared to the empire and his throne, it’s truly insignificant.
Granting her the Empress title wasn’t out of real affection but using her and the child in her womb as bait, a pretext to suppress those few princes who had their own agendas.
Sometimes she thought, if she were dumber, or like other women in the harem, muddled by so-called affection, living in a fantasy, maybe she’d be more relaxed.
Yet precisely because she saw things clearly, the more awake she was, the more painful it became, and the less willing she was to give in.
For this reason, she was even more determined to live well, to stand at the pinnacle of the harem, even if no one understood, she was compelled to do so.
Unexpectedly, Wang Yongzhu could speak these words, truly delightful!
The Imperial Noble Consort gazed at Wang Yongzhu with a sense of recognition.
Though she initially perceived Wang Yongzhu as a benefactor, a partner, only now did she truly acknowledge her significance.
Gazing steadily at Wang Yongzhu for a good while, the Imperial Noble Consort finally revealed a gentle smile: "You’re right! The one who laughs last is the victor indeed!"
After having lunch with the Imperial Noble Consort, Wang Yongzhu requested to leave.
The reason was legitimate; she had entered the palace on the second day of her return to the capital, yet hadn’t visited her maternal family.
Her grandmother was elderly and always concerned about her mother, so upon returning, it’s essential to visit her grandmother’s family on her mother’s behalf.
The Imperial Noble Consort, understanding and considerate, granted her leave readily.
Before leaving, she even called over a senior palace maid and assigned her to Wang Yongzhu: "This is Bai Su, the head maid of Changchun Palace. I know you didn’t bring a personal maid back from Chicheng County, and your residence lacks trustworthy people."
"Bai Su is experienced and adept; I’ll lend her to you for a few days, so you won’t have to worry about the affairs at Duke Weiguo Residence while in the palace—"
Wang Yongzhu was momentarily stunned. This was quite the significant figure. It’s well known that those called ’aunt’ in the palace are of considerable experience and rank.
Not to mention she’s the head maid of Changchun Palace; even ordinary Lady Grants would have to be respectful.
If this important person followed her back to the Duke’s Mansion, even Lady Gao might have to show some concession.
The Imperial Noble Consort seemed to be giving her support, fearing she might not handle Lady Gao well?
Wang Yongzhu felt it unnecessary, as she’d be spending most of her time in the palace in the future. As long as the Imperial Noble Consort and her child were safe, she would be secure too.
Just as she was about to refuse, the Imperial Noble Consort said: "You needn’t worry that I have any other intentions for sending Bai Su with you. It’s just that given the current circumstances, caution is necessary! Rest assured, Bai Su is only borrowed to help you for a while; once the matters settle, she will naturally return to Changchun Palace!"
Hearing such reassurance, Wang Yongzhu had no choice but to agree.
There Bai Su stepped forward to pay respects to Wang Yongzhu, gathered her belongings, and bade farewell to the Imperial Noble Consort.
The Imperial Noble Consort didn’t say much else, only sternly reminded: "You are going to serve the Wife of the Heir-Apparent, do so diligently as if you were serving me. You know my ways; if served well, you will be richly rewarded upon return. But if you harbor any other intentions, speak now, I can still pardon you. However, should you cause trouble at the Duke’s Mansion, don’t blame me for being ruthless!"
"Even at my worst, I can still handle someone like you, Bai Su!"
Bai Su was so frightened that she repeatedly kowtowed, swearing she would wholeheartedly serve Wang Yongzhu without any disloyalty.
