Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 408 The Conspiracy Behind Xiu Yang’s Renewed Favor (2)
Xiu Yang looked at him intently, then suddenly smiled, the corners of her mouth curving upward in an arc. She lightly stood up and bowed slightly in respect, "Your servant will follow all of the Emperor’s arrangements."
Dugu Han nodded in satisfaction, "That’s the smart choice."
"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty."
"The health of the child you’re carrying has also been quite stable, it’s time for you to show your face outside more."
Xiu Yang lifted her gaze, looking at the man before her in astonishment. Her child was long gone. Did the Emperor mean...?
"Indeed, just as you are thinking. All those who know of your miscarriage will be made to disappear by me."
"What would you have your servant do, Your Majesty?"
"It’s very simple. You are my favored concubine. Just safely deliver the Prince in your womb."
"...Yes, Your Majesty."
Dugu Han gave her an approving glance and left with satisfaction.
After the Emperor left, Xiu Yang collapsed weakly onto the table, and slowly closed her eyes. Her back was soaked with sweat, and her hand resting on the table gradually clenched into a fist. The Emperor’s move was truly ruthless—it could dispel any rumors of his incapability and also control her.
If the truth were to come out, she would be charged with deceiving the sovereign, a crime that could lead to the execution of her entire family. Even if the world never came to know, the chances were that she wouldn’t survive the birth of the ’Prince’. She gave a few cold laughs. No matter what she did, she was doomed, yet he would live on comfortably. How could she not feel resentful? Watching the direction he had left in, a dark light flickered in her eyes—a determination that even in death, she would pull someone down with her.
The next day, the imperial decree and the gifts arrived at Moon Fairy Palace together.
Eunuch Shi dusted off his sleeve and called out in his piercing voice, "Consort Xiu, receive the decree."
"Your servant receives the decree." Standing with a slightly protruding belly and holding onto Granny Luo’s hand, she slowly knelt down.
"By the mandate of Heaven, so decrees the Emperor: Consort Xiu has been virtuous and skilled, carrying herself with grace and propriety in accordance with Our heart’s content. You are hereby promoted to Noble Consort, bestowed with the title ’Jing,’ and granted Yonghe Palace, where you shall accompany Us more often. Let this be known."
Xiu Yang listened to the grating voice, quietly kneeling on the ground. Her mind, however, was much cooler than usual. The Emperor bestowed the title ’Jing,’ which sounded identical to ’warning’, a tacit admonition. He could grant her the utmost glory or the lowest form of life. Xiu Yang gave a self-deprecating smile.
"Thank You for the great kindness, Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, may he live forever and ever."
Eunuch Shi, waving his dust whisk, approached with a chuckle, "Please rise, Noble Consort Jing."
Xiu Yang returned a slight smile, glancing sideways at the people around her. Granny Luo took a purse from her sleeve, covering it with the fabric, and approached with a pressed smile, "Eunuch Shi, please return and tell the Emperor that my Family Head will soon go to express her thanks."
"There’s no hurry. When I came, the Emperor specifically instructed that Yonghe Palace has already been prepared for you. The palace maids and eunuchs have been meticulously selected by the Emperor. His Majesty shall stay in Yonghe Palace tonight, hoping the Consort will prepare a good meal."
"This palace will see to it. You may rest assured, Eunuch Shi."
Eunuch Shi grinned, "With the Consort here, this old servant is very reassured." After saying this, he clapped his hands, and the small eunuchs carrying boxes lined up in a row behind him.
"The Emperor, fearing Noble Consort Jing might feel melancholy, has especially gifted these trinkets for your amusement."
"His Majesty is thoughtful." Xiu Yang squinted slightly at the various jade and jadeite that the little eunuchs were holding, sneering coldly inside. The Emperor truly knew how to play his part.
"If there’s nothing else, this old servant will take his leave."
"Granny, please see Eunuch Shi out on behalf of this palace."
"Yes, Your Highness." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
Having seen off Eunuch Shi, Xiu Yang then ordered several grannies and maids in the palace to pack up her personal clothes. She tidied up a bit and then set off for Yonghe Palace.
