Free Web NovelChapter 760: Chapter 754-755: Xiao Yunxi’s Pregnancy (Part 2)
At this moment, Yi Shiyin’s state of mind was most relatable to Xia Zhining.
The sorrows and joys between people are not the same.
Han Anniang could also understand Yi Shiyin; before she had children, she too envied other women who had Chen Mo’s children, so she helped Yi Shiyin to inquire from Xiao Yunxi.
She asked her what method she used during her last night with Chen Mo.
As soon as she spoke, all the women in the hall without children perked up their ears, eager to learn.
Such matters were naturally embarrassing for Xiao Yunxi to discuss, but seeing the hopeful gazes directed at her, a faint blush spread across her radiant and bright face as she softly recounted the night she played cards with Madam Xiao and Madam Gan.
Yi Shiyin seized the opportunity to press for details.
Xiao Yunxi’s jade-like cheeks reddened like a rosy glow; sharing such details was a great embarrassment for her, and she faltered as she spoke.
Yi Shiyin kept asking.
"Xiaolu, that’s enough; it likely has nothing to do with this," Wu Mi quickly interrupted Yi Shiyin’s persistent questioning, thinking that asking such questions was a bit much for her, she speculated:
"In my opinion, Yunxi being able to conceive should be the same as what Miss Nalan said."
She asked Xiao Yunxi how long she had ceased her cultivation.
"Not sure exactly how long, but it’s certainly been a year," Xiao Yunxi replied.
"A year." Xia Zhining noted this timeframe.
Xiao Yunxi caressed her small belly, a glow of maternal radiance appearing on her face, and now that she had a child, she could finally be at ease.
She planned to see her father next and share this good news with him.
...
Han Yuan Hall.
After the morning court session, Chen Mo stayed with Geng Songfu and others to discuss matters.
He told Geng Songfu that in a few days, he would have to leave the capital again and asked Geng Songfu to take care of the court.
Just then, Guo Ning approached and said, "A student greets King Wei."
He was originally a disciple of Prince Wei, and now, having been conferred the title of Advanced Scholar, he could rightfully refer to himself as a student in front of Chen Mo.
"Lord Guo." Chen Mo clasped his hands at Guo Ning, then smiled and said, "Now that you’re a compiler at the Hanlin Academy, did you receive your official robe?"
Guo Ning nodded, then bowed deeply to Chen Mo and said, "Your Highness, I don’t want to be a compiler at the Hanlin Academy."
Chen Mo squinted slightly, then frowned, "Displeased with the low rank?"
"No."
"Then you intend to resign?"
"No, not that either."
"Then why?"
"I wish to go to the North, and like Brother Lin Zhong, start as a county magistrate, build the North, restore the livelihood of the Northern people, and do what I can to set up a county school in the North," Guo Ning replied.
These words left both Chen Mo and Geng Songfu stunned.
They felt that even the sunlight outside the hall was not as dazzling as Guo Ning at that moment.
Guo Ning was actually volunteering to forgo the advantageous conditions of the capital to head to the impoverished and suffering North.
"Are you serious? Do you know what entering the Hanlin Academy represents?" Chen Mo asked.
"I know, I’ve thought it through. Since someone has to be sent to the North, why can’t it be me? Moreover, the words you left me have benefited me greatly. I believe I can learn more by going to the Northern Land than by staying in the Hanlin Academy. I hope Your Highness can fulfill my wish," Guo Ning said solemnly.
"Very well." Chen Mo stepped forward and gave Guo Ning’s shoulder a hearty pat, expressing his approval, "Ambitious, I have high hopes for you. The court is in need of more people like you."
The looks from Geng Songfu, Zuo Lianglun, and Chen Cultivator to Guo Ning carried a hint of admiration. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
Chen Mo said, "I shall fulfill your wish. Among the Six Northern States, you may choose where you want to go."
"Youzhou," Guo Ning replied.
...
Meanwhile.
In the Emperor’s bedroom.
"The Empress Dowager wants to return home for a visit?" Emperor Yong’an looked at the Empress Dowager’s personal palace maid, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Empress Dowager said that after all these years, she has rarely returned home. Since Xuanhe’s seventh year until now, she hasn’t gone back even once. Last time upon seeing her father, she noticed his hair was gray, and she feels certain her mother at home must be even more aged, so the Empress Dowager wishes to visit home and stay for a while," the personal palace maid said.
In fact, for such matters, the Empress Dowager doesn’t need the Emperor’s permission.
She simply wished to inform Emperor Yong’an out of courtesy by sending someone to deliver the message.
Emperor Yong’an understood and asked, "Is the Supreme Emperor aware of this?"
"The Empress Dowager has sent someone to inform him," the maid said.
Emperor Yong’an nodded and said, "When does the Empress Dowager plan to leave the palace? It has been some time since I last paid my respects to her, I’d like to visit Shoukang Palace before she leaves."
"There’s no need," the Empress Dowager’s personal palace maid said hurriedly.
Emperor Yong’an: "???"
"The Empress Dowager mentioned her illness has not fully recovered, and she fears infecting Your Majesty’s dragon body. That’s why she didn’t come in person to inform you, but sent me instead," the maid explained.
"Since she hasn’t fully recovered, is traveling outside the palace convenient? Perhaps it’s better to wait until she’s fully recovered before going back," Emperor Yong’an suggested.
"Although she’s not fully recovered, it doesn’t hinder her travel. The Imperial Physician also said that for her illness, walking more would be beneficial. On the way back, the Empress Dowager will ask King Wei to send guards to escort her," the palace maid replied.
"If that is the case, I shall not insist further. I hope the Empress Dowager returns soon. The palace is not the same without her presence," Emperor Yong’an said. freёweɓnovel.com
"I will convey Your Majesty’s words to the Empress Dowager. If there’s nothing else, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave," the Empress Dowager’s personal palace maid said.
Emperor Yong’an watched her leaving silhouette, feeling that something seemed amiss.
"Could it be that returning to the Liang Family is false, and staying at Prince Wei’s Mansion is true?" Emperor Yong’an furrowed his brows; otherwise, it wouldn’t show much regard for the Imperial Family. Is a private rendezvous in the harem unsatisfying, desiring revelry every night?
Emperor Yong’an decided to visit Shoukang Palace to take a look.
...
After leaving Han Yuan Hall, Chen Mo immediately hurried to Shoukang Palace to deliver the Youthful Appearance Pill to Liang Ji.
She could take it whenever she wanted.
For the safety of her child, Liang Ji still refrained from letting Chen Mo progress further, merely allowing him to satisfy his craving to some extent.
After spending some time at Shoukang Palace, Chen Mo left.
On the way out of the harem, he encountered Empress Zhao’s personal palace maid.
"Prince Wei, the Empress requests your presence," the maid said.
Chen Mo assumed she intended to return his Python Robe, so he followed the maid.
This scene was perfectly witnessed by Emperor Yong’an.
He naturally recognized the maid as being by the Empress’s side.
His face darkened, and to avoid being noticed by Chen Mo, he kept a distant trail until he saw Chen Mo entering the Empress’s bedroom. His expression turned somewhat sinister and terrifying.
Empress Zhao, upon seeing Chen Mo, aside from returning the Python Robe and expressing her gratitude, also conveyed an explanation on behalf of Emperor Yong’an for yesterday’s incident, stating that Emperor Yong’an was drunk, which led to those words being uttered, and that she hoped Prince Wei would not take it to heart.
Indeed, Empress Zhao had heard about Chen Mo’s "reprimand" to Emperor Yong’an the previous day.
"How could I dare to blame Your Majesty? With both Your Majesty and the Empress understanding my intentions, even death holds no regrets," Chen Mo said.
Empress Zhao forced a smile, then said, "Yesterday, His Majesty discussed with me, and he feels his abilities are somewhat lacking for the grand responsibility and wishes to abdicate in favor of someone more capable. He hopes Prince Wei can recommend a wise ruler suitable for the position."
Upon hearing this, Chen Mo immediately displayed a frightened demeanor, asking how His Majesty could speak such discouraging words, and then began to shower praise upon Emperor Yong’an: "Your Majesty is what the hearts of the people desire. I hope the Empress counsels him against such thoughts in the future."
Empress Zhao’s expression changed slightly, attempting to say more.
Chen Mo rose and said coldly, "As the Empress of His Majesty, you should constantly advise him. I shall take my leave now."
With that, Chen Mo left the Empress’s bedroom.
Naturally, he also noticed Emperor Yong’an watching the Empress’s bedroom from a distance.
Chen Mo immediately interpreted what Empress Zhao had said to him as a test from Emperor Yong’an.
Chen Mo furrowed his brows tightly, internally thinking that Emperor Yong’an hadn’t understood his reprimand from the previous day.
However, he did not expose Emperor Yong’an, shaking his head slightly as he exited the palace.
