Chapter 437

Chapter 437 When the child turned twelve, news suddenly came that she had passed away. Xie Run and Consort Jingshu had actually known the situation all along and had been prepared for it from the start. They merely decorated Xiangyun Pavilion slightly to hold Consort Wu's spirit for two days before sending her body out of the palace. For low-ranking consorts like Beauty Wu, even their corpses could not remain in the palace for too long after death. Beauty Wu's rank was too low, and she was not well-liked. Barely two people came to her funeral hall to offer incense—it was extremely desolate. Consort Jingshu, however, made a special trip there holding the Seventh Prince in her arms. The Emperor certainly knew, but he said nothing. After Beauty Wu was buried, the Emperor suddenly issued an edict, placing the Seventh Prince under Consort Jingshu's name. With this, the Seventh Prince truly became Consort Jingshu's son. After the festival period ended, the harem finally settled down. By the time the warm spring days of March arrived, Xie Run saw that the weather was fine and that the birthdays of several princes and princesses were approaching. She was thinking about whether there might be a chance to go out for an excursion. The Empress Dowager suddenly brought up the idea of going to Baohua Temple to offer incense. Xie Run initially thought that the Empress Dowager, after a period of quiet, was starting to stir again. It was Consort Jingshu who passed word to Xie Run. "It was the Emperor's intention." "The Emperor and the Empress Dowager still have a rift between them over the Empress's death. One of them must take a step back before the Emperor can let go of the anger in his heart." If the Emperor were willing to step back, that would mean swallowing his anger and acting as if nothing had happened. If the Empress Dowager were willing to step back and let the Emperor vent his anger, it would strengthen the bond between mother and son and eliminate a hidden danger in the harem. Judging by the current situation, it was the Empress Dowager who had stepped back. Xie Run smiled. "This is a good thing." The two had developed some friction over the matter of Beauty Wu, but ever since the Emperor placed the Seventh Prince under Consort Jingshu's name, Consort Jingshu had lost that stubborn obsession, and the two could sit together and talk properly again. Consort Jingshu smiled meaningfully. "Isn't it? And when we get to Baohua Temple, there's a big surprise waiting." Xie Run: "?" Though she didn't understand the meaning behind Consort Jingshu's smile, Xie Run didn't ask further. Some things would be known in due time. Xie Run said, "Rather than looking forward to surprises, why don't we first discuss who will go to Baohua Temple?" Consort Jingshu said, "Naturally." "Beauty Duan has been bedridden with illness, so she needn't go; Cairen Kong is pregnant, and for the sake of her health, she should be excused from this trip. As for the rest—Lady of Handsome Fairness Fang, Imperial Concubine Shen, Concubine Fang, Noble Lady Bai..." When she mentioned Noble Lady Bai, Consort Jingshu looked at Xie Run with a smile. "Should this one be brought along?" "She has been quite well-behaved these past days—nothing scheming about her that I can see." Xie Run: "..." Consort Jingshu was now even more attentive to Noble Lady Bai than Xie Run herself, and every time she brought her up, it seemed she was waiting to watch a show. Xie Run's expression remained unchanged. "Just follow the usual rules." Consort Jingshu said, "So that means bringing her along? Very well—Noble Consort Zhao is truly broad-minded." These sarcastic remarks never reached Xie Run's ears. Perhaps because of the several funerals held in succession before the new year, a low, oppressive atmosphere had hung over the entire palace. Now that they heard they could leave the palace—even if it was only to pray at a temple—the harem buzzed with excitement. Even Xie Run found herself looking forward to it, feeling much lighter at heart. Baohua Temple's Buddha statues were solemn and majestic, and everywhere was quiet and serene, radiating an air of peace. Upon entering Baohua Temple, Xie Run felt her heart calm somewhat. Taotao was leaving the palace for the first time. Her big, black-grape-like eyes darted around everywhere, as if she couldn't take it all in. If not for the Empress Dowager ahead, she would have started asking questions without restraint. The harem consorts all followed the Empress Dowager to offer incense and listen to Buddhist teachings at Baohua Temple. Occasionally, the younger princes and princesses who couldn't sit still would be taken outside by servants for some fresh air. But the consorts were not allowed to leave. Baozhen was still young, so Xie Run had only brought Taotao along, and had sent her out to play early. By the time the Empress Dowager finally deigned to let them disperse, half the day had already passed. Xie Run and the others were helped up by palace attendants and bowed in salute. "This humble one takes her leave." As they exited Baohua Hall, Consort Jingshu, ignoring the pain in her knees, hurriedly had herself helped away. Xie Run asked in confusion, "What's the matter?" Consort Wen said softly, "I just heard from someone in Yongning Palace that the Seventh Prince isn't adjusting well to Baohua Temple and is crying terribly. Consort Jingshu must be anxious to see the Seventh Prince." Xie Run nodded. "How are the Second Princess and Third Princess doing?" After Consort Hui passed away, Consort Jingshu had spoken to the Emperor and placed the Third Princess under Consort Wen's care for the time being. After all, raising one princess was the same as raising two. Consort Wen was a mild-tempered person, and since Consort Hui had died for the Empress, she kept the Third Princess by her side. Consort Wen's voice was somewhat faint, always carrying a hint of illness. "The Second Princess is fine, but the Third Princess is rather spoiled and clingy. If she can't see someone for even a moment, she's likely to throw a fuss." Xie Run said, "Then you should hurry and go see the children." Consort Wen bowed and left in a hurry. Xie Run thought of her own two easy-to-raise children and suddenly felt at ease, body and soul. Just as she was considering going to enjoy the scenery of Baohua Temple, a figure slowly approached. Bai Fu respectfully bowed to Xie Run. "This humble one pays respects to Noble Consort Zhao." Xie Run's brow twitched slightly, and she said mildly, "It's been quite a while since I've seen Noble Lady Bai." Bai Fu kept her head lowered, appearing docile and obedient. "Your Highness manages the Six Palaces and is busy with affairs; I dared not disturb you." "I have only been hoping to pay my respects to Your Highness, and only now have I found the opportunity." Xie Run said, "I have received your sentiments. Since you've finally had the chance to leave the palace, take this opportunity to look around." Bai Fu replied, "I have heard that the scenery at Baohua Temple is unmatched in the capital, and I dared not miss it. Were it not for Your Highness's thoughtful arrangements, I fear I would have had no opportunity to come to Baohua Temple." She raised her head, gazing at Xie Run with a hint of admiration. Xie Run wore a smile on her face, but alarm bells rang in her heart. Bai Fu had come before her for no apparent reason to speak pleasantries—could she truly be trying to curry favor? Xie Run smiled. "Then take the chance to look around more." "I still need to go see the Fifth Prince, so I'll be on my way." Bai Fu quickly stepped aside to make way. After walking some distance away, Xie Run looked at Dantao. "Has Noble Lady Bai shown any signs of activity recently? Why has she suddenly changed her temperament?" In the past, Bai Fu would go out of her way to avoid Xie Run, as if afraid of being seen by her. Xiaoshu suddenly spoke up. "Your Highness, don't you find Noble Lady Bai's attire today somewhat familiar?" Xie Run lowered her gaze in thought for a moment, then glanced down at her own skirt, and it suddenly dawned on her. Because they were still in mourning, all the consorts who had come to Baohua Temple today were dressed very plainly. But no matter how plain, the attire of a Noble Consort and that of a Baolin could never be the same. Originally, everyone had been dressed in plain colors, so nothing stood out. But upon closer inspection now, one would notice that Noble Lady Bai's dress and appearance were remarkably similar to Xie Run's. Except that the fabric and jewelry were not as luxurious as Xie Run's, her hairstyle and makeup were exactly the same.