Chapter 407

Chapter 407 Although skipping the Empress's funeral rites would be somewhat disrespectful, given Xie Run's pregnancy, most people wouldn't be overly critical. Throughout history, pregnant consorts had always been granted special treatment, naturally different from ordinary imperial concubines. The Emperor had always doted on Xie Run as well; it wasn't as if he would deny her even this small consideration. Xie Run was dozing off, her mind hazy, and only regained some clarity after hearing Dantao's words. "My silly Dantao, it's not that simple." "Just a few days ago, Zhaorong Huizhao openly accused me of coveting the Empress's position and plotting against her life. If I show any lack of reverence now, the rumors will only grow louder and more rampant." Dantao said with heartache, "Since we entered the palace, when have the rumors ever been few?" "Your Ladyship was never afraid before, so why worry now?" "In this servant's eyes, no matter what others say, nothing matters more than Your Ladyship's health." Xie Run shook her head helplessly and smiled. "Dantao, you should know that if I could skip it, word would have come down by now." Dantao was startled, then finally understood the implication behind Xie Run's words. The Emperor was still somewhat fond of her mistress. The Emperor surely knew that Xie Run had been attending the funeral rites by palanquin every day. If the Emperor truly cared for Xie Run, an order would have come down long ago. The absence of such an order didn't mean the Emperor was unaware of Xie Run's discomfort—it meant the Emperor didn't want to give the order. Dantao's eyes reddened instantly, and she suddenly felt wronged on her mistress's behalf. Xie Run, however, didn't feel particularly wronged. She simply found the Emperor's attitude somewhat strange. In the past, such matters—even if they involved other consorts, let alone herself—would have earned the Emperor's consideration. But this time, not a single word had come down, which was truly odd. Could it be that with so many children now, the Emperor no longer cared as much about heirs? She dozed all the way to Fengyi Palace, then took out her handkerchief to wipe her face. When the Empress had just passed, she could still cry, but now she could only rely on the handkerchief. By this hour, all the other consorts had already gathered, and they bowed and greeted Xie Run in turn. Xie Run had just lit incense and was about to join the ceremony when she suddenly heard someone announce: "The Emperor has arrived!" She had no choice but to follow the others in a slow bow. The Emperor approached with his hands clasped behind his back, casting a sidelong glance at the conspicuous Xie Run. He said to Dantao, "Help your mistress up." Dantao quickly replied, "This servant obeys." Xie Run also took the opportunity to say, "This concubine thanks the Emperor." The Emperor gave a slight nod, his expression largely unchanged. After he offered incense to the Empress, he asked Consort Jingshu a few questions. The Empress's funeral rites were being handled entirely by Consort Jingshu, so the Emperor's questions to her were naturally about the proceedings. Perhaps feeling that it was pitiful for Xie Run to stand at the front with her large belly, performing the mourning rites, the Emperor let out a sigh. "Noble Consort Zhao carries a heavy burden. There's no need to be overly strict with the rites. The Empress will surely see your sincerity." "She doted on you most in life and would hate to see you exhaust yourself like this..." The Emperor had originally wanted to have a chair brought for Xie Run to sit on, but then felt that would be improper. When everyone else was performing the ritual of one kneel and three prostrations, having Xie Run alone seated in a chair would only make her more conspicuous, wouldn't it? The words reached his lips, but in the end, the Emperor didn't say them. Though the Emperor hadn't granted any practical favor, Xie Run still obediently expressed her gratitude: "This concubine understands." The Emperor seemed to want to say something more, but ultimately left without another word. Consort Jingshu, watching the two of them play their game of hidden meanings, couldn't help but roll her eyes. After the Emperor left, Consort Jingshu spoke up: "Sister, seeing how difficult this is for you, why not have a servant bring a chair for you to sit on?" "The Emperor just said that you needn't be too strict with the rites. When it comes time for the one-kneel-three-prostrations, you absolutely must not perform them. If anything goes wrong, the Emperor will surely blame this concubine." Xie Run shot Consort Jingshu a look of disdain. Ever since Consort Jingshu had abandoned her habit of indiscriminate attacks, she had returned to playing the virtuous, tea-selling role. Every word she spoke was laced with veiled sarcasm. Xie Run had to admit the woman had both courage and cunning—she could bend and stretch as needed. Xie Run said, "Have someone bring a chair if you like. I simply won't sit in it." "If you're afraid the Emperor will blame you, why not just strap me into the chair yourself?" She was going to pay her respects to the Empress—who would dare stop her? Consort Jingshu: "..." She had indeed been annoyed watching Xie Run put on airs at the Empress's funeral with her big belly, but Xie Run's sudden shift to shamelessness was enough to make anyone's jaw drop. Consort Jingshu was thoroughly speechless at Xie Run's underhanded tactics. No matter how bold she was, she wouldn't dare actually have someone move Xie Run into a chair. The two fell silent. Before long, Eunuch Shian suddenly appeared before Xie Run. "Noble Consort Zhao, the Emperor requests your presence." Xie Run: "Did the Emperor say what it's about?" Eunuch Shian smiled. "He said he wished to discuss matters regarding the Empress's funeral rites with you." Xie Run: "..." The Empress's funeral rites—what would he want to ask her about? Then it dawned on Xie Run: she still held the authority of Management of the Six Palaces. The Emperor had simply found a convenient excuse to summon her out. Xie Run: "I'll go at once. Don't keep the Emperor waiting." The one who had truly done the work, Consort Jingshu, stood behind Xie Run. Hearing the exchange between Eunuch Shian and Xie Run, her face remained expressionless. The Emperor was waiting for Xie Run by the grove of trees on one side of Fengyi Palace. Once out of Fengyi Palace, Xie Run felt her breathing ease considerably. She looked up and saw the Emperor. Xie Run: "Your Majesty..." The Emperor said with a straight face, "Walk with me for a while first." Though Xie Run had no idea what the Emperor was up to, she still acquiesced, "How would your concubine dare not to obey?" After barely two steps, Xie Run couldn't hold back any longer and let out a sigh. "Your Majesty, your concubine cannot walk any further." The Emperor: "Are you feeling unwell somewhere?" Wasn't that obvious? Xie Run: "...Your Majesty, your concubine is now nearly eight months pregnant." Even the strongest pregnant woman, having gotten up early in the morning to attend a funeral, wouldn't have the strength to accompany him on a stroll, would she? The Emperor sighed. "Bear with it a little longer. I don't want you to suffer this either." Xie Run caught the meaning beneath his words and sensed something. The Emperor actually did feel for her, but he still had to have her attend the Empress's funeral rites. So it wasn't that the Emperor didn't care for her—it was that the Emperor had his own unavoidable difficulties? But what difficulties could the Emperor possibly have?! Xie Run asked curiously, "Your Majesty, could it be that the one who harmed the Empress has set their sights on your concubine?" The Emperor chuckled. "Don't speculate wildly." "Endure two more days. When the time comes, pretend to feel unwell, and I'll let you rest." At that moment, Xie Run felt the Emperor was actually rather kind. But she still didn't understand the difference between doing it earlier and doing it later. The Emperor led Xie Run to a nearby pavilion to sit for a while, then had someone escort her back to Fengyi Palace. That evening, Xie Run pondered: "What difference could staying in Fengyi Palace two more days or two fewer days possibly make for Ben Gong?"