Chapter 449

Chapter 449 Dantao was just as shocked and delighted as she was. "Lady Fang and Lady Wen can both raise children. Concubine Shen is only one rank lower—if Your Ladyship vouches for her, there's no reason she can't raise the Third Princess." "Besides, she's not favored and can't bear children herself... If she got the Third Princess, she'd treasure her like a jewel and dote on her like the apple of her eye." "With Your Ladyship watching over from above, the Third Princess definitely won't suffer even the slightest grievance." The biggest issue in all of this was whether Xie Run was willing to vouch for Concubine Shen. After all... Concubine Shen's reputation was truly poor. Even if everyone in the palace now was new and didn't remember her old affairs. The Emperor remembered them, though! If the Emperor didn't approve, Xie Run could talk until she was hoarse and it still might not do any good. Xie Run carefully considered the possibilities, then smiled. "The Emperor already left the Second Princess with Lady Wen to raise. There's no reason he'd refuse to let Concubine Shen raise the Third Princess." Lady Wen was indeed the Empress's younger sister, but she'd never even served the Emperor, and she was a princess of the Xia Dynasty. Concubine Shen, no matter how disgraceful, was at least from the Yu Dynasty and had served the Emperor. Xie Run raised her hand. "Send someone to invite Concubine Shen over. Ben Gong would like to have a talk with her." After all, when it came to raising a child, one ultimately had to ask Concubine Shen's own wishes. Xiaoshu smiled. "This servant will go right away." Xie Run raised her hand again. "Just invite her over first, saying Ben Gong has something to discuss with her. Don't say anything else." Xiaoshu said cheerfully, "Got it!" By the time Concubine Shen arrived at Zhaohua Palace, Baozhen had just woken up. Xie Run was holding Baozhen and soothing her. Concubine Shen smiled. "I heard about what happened this morning. I was afraid Sister might be upset, so I'd already been wanting to come see you." The Cuiniao beside her carried a small basket in her arms. Concubine Shen took out a bib from the small basket. "I was thinking the bib for Baozhen was almost finished embroidering—only two stitches left—so I figured I'd just delay a bit." "Unexpectedly, I'd just finished it when Sister sent someone to summon me." Originally, Concubine Shen had addressed Taotao as Fifth Prince and Baozhen as Tenth Prince according to protocol. It was Xie Run who felt that was too distant, and after telling her several times to just call them by name—that it was better for the children—she'd finally changed her ways. Concubine Shen actually loved children very much. Xie Run wasn't skilled at needlework, and many of Taotao and Baozhen's clothes and shoes were sewn by Concubine Shen's own hands. Back when Xie Run was pregnant with Baozhen and couldn't play with Taotao, Concubine Shen had often kept him company in play. Taotao was also quite fond of Concubine Shen. It seemed that because Concubine Shen couldn't bear children, she had an especially great love for them. And because of her good relationship with Xie Run, she poured all that regret into Taotao and Baozhen. Xie Run glanced at the bib and tiger-head shoes she'd sewn, unable to help praising, "The embroidery is truly beautiful. When it comes to needlework, you're among the very best in the palace." Concubine Shen said nonchalantly, "This concubine doesn't know much—only this one skill with a needle is passable." "At least it's put to good use." She'd honed this embroidery skill back in the days when she was a maidservant in the prince's mansion. Concubine Shen wasn't the type to be hung up on her origins and afraid to mention them. Xie Run didn't bring up the matter of raising the Third Princess right away. Instead, she went with her to check on Baozhen. Seeing Concubine Shen happily playing with Baozhen, Xie Run smiled. "You love children so much—you ought to raise one yourself." Concubine Shen was startled, then gave a bitter smile. "Your Ladyship knows well enough... Not only does the Emperor never come to my place, but my own body won't allow it either." Even after speaking of such a painful matter, she merely smiled lightly and let it pass. "It's fine. Being able to watch Taotao and Baozhen grow up means I have no regrets." Xie Run gently held Baozhen's little hand and asked softly, "Have you never thought about raising a child yourself?" If Concubine Shen had been slow on the uptake before and hadn't caught on, then upon hearing Xie Run's words, her entire body couldn't help but tremble, her gaze filled with nothing but shock. In an instant, she ran through all the recent events in the palace through her mind. She immediately latched onto the fact that Consort Wen had been demoted to Lady Wen—surely she could no longer raise two princesses. Or rather, she could no longer raise the Third Princess. Her heart pounded wildly, though she forced calm onto her face. "If this concubine could have a child in this lifetime, even losing thirty years of my life would be worth it..." Xie Run's expression darkened, and she quickly reached out to cover her mouth. "Enough!" "Don't say such reckless things!" "No matter who it is, no one is more important than yourself." To raise a child and sacrifice thirty years of one's own lifespan—it sounded deeply sincere, but where did that leave oneself? Concubine Shen nodded repeatedly, tears unknowingly welling in her eyes. "If this concubine could raise a child of her own, I would treasure her like a jewel and dote on her as if she were my very life." "In this lifetime, I would have no regrets." Concubine Shen wiped her tears, her emotions surging. She had never dared to think about it before, nor could she even allow herself to think about raising a child of her own. Not being favored and unable to bear children was one thing, but she'd also earned the Emperor's disgust, and her rank was pitifully low. Among the old retainers who'd come into the palace from the prince's mansion, she had the lowest rank. That she'd even managed to reach the rank of Imperial Concubine now was all thanks to Sister Xie's good graces. How could she dare to hope for raising a child herself? Who would have thought that as she muddled through her days in the palace, drifting aimlessly, watching the old-timers die off one by one, she would actually come upon such fortune?! Xie Run patted her hand. "Since you've agreed, I will do my part for you as well." "But you must remember what you said today..." "Though she is a princess, if you treat her well and raise her from a young age, she will naturally accompany you into old age and repay your kindness in raising her." Concubine Shen wept like a tearful mess. "This concubine understands." "Even if this concubine raises the Third Princess, I would never dare to contend with Consort Hui. I will surely teach her to be filial and sensible." After Concubine Shen finished crying, Xie Run let her return first, but forbade her from making any noise about it. For now, she was only testing Concubine Shen's attitude. After Concubine Shen agreed, Xie Run went to the Imperial Study in earnest the next day. "Your Majesty, Lady Wen has been punished and demoted from the Nine Concubines, but she still has the Second Princess and Third Princess in her care?" The Emperor, reminded by Xie Run, only then thought of this matter. He frowned and said, "Lady Wen's character is lacking. My children truly cannot continue to be raised by her. Who knows what kind of temperament they'd develop." The moment the Emperor thought of how the Empress had been schemed to death by the Xia Dynasty, and that Lady Wen had actually pleaded for mercy on behalf of the Xia Dynasty, a wave of disgust rose in his heart. He wondered if the demotion had been too light? If he'd known, he would have demoted her to the rank of Imperial Concubine. Xie Run said, "Your Majesty, if the Second Princess and Third Princess cannot be raised by Lady Wen, are they to be placed in the Princes' Residence?" Xie Run paused. "But the Princes' Residence currently only houses the First Prince. The Second Princess and Third Princess are young and weak-willed. Living alone in the Princes' Residence, I fear they would easily be bullied." This time, the Emperor didn't say anything so confident as "Who would dare bully my daughters?" He pondered for a moment, glanced at Xie Run, and smiled. "Does Suisui have someone in mind?" "You rarely come to the Imperial Study without reason. If you've come, there must be important matters." Xie Run smiled playfully. "This concubine is not one to beat around the bush." "The Empress entrusted the Second Princess to Lady Wen before her death, wishing to find the Second Princess a support and also leave Lady Wen a support. This concubine would not dare to make designs on the Second Princess." "It's just that Lady Wen is weak and foolish, with heavy selfish motives. This concubine feels the Third Princess is not suitable to remain in her care." "One Lady of Handsome Fairness raising two princesses truly does not conform to regulations." Xie Run analyzed seriously with the Emperor. "This concubine will shamelessly recommend one person—Concubine Shen." The Emperor lowered his gaze and thought for a moment before recalling who Concubine Shen was. His brow involuntarily furrowed. "Have her raise my daughter?!" The disdain in his tone was unmistakable. Xie Run smiled. "Hence this concubine said I was shamelessly making the recommendation. I beg Your Majesty to consider it." The Emperor was patient enough to hear Xie Run out. After all, in all his time in the palace, this was the first time he'd seen Xie Run recommend someone of her own. Xie Run said, "Concubine Shen did foolish things in her youth, but no one is a sage—who can be without fault? To err and then correct is the greatest good." Truthfully, Concubine Shen had never committed any heinous crime. As for the matter of climbing into bed—the principal party involved was none other than the Emperor himself. As for the theft, compared to the schemes these women in the harem used to harm others, Concubine Shen was practically innocent! Xie Run said, "These years she has been honest and well-behaved in the palace. Your Majesty and this concubine have both witnessed it." Hearing this, the Emperor gave her a deep look. Oh no, she'd forgotten how Concubine Shen got her title. Xie Run gave an awkward smile. "Your Majesty rules over the Six Palaces, and the consorts within all have different temperaments—some gentle and lovely, some straightforward and careless, some quiet and reserved... and of course, some like Concubine Shen who love to gossip." "But on the other hand, after years in the palace, if gossip is her only fault, that proves her character is sound and she is someone who can be entrusted with responsibility." The Emperor watched Xie Run expound at length on Concubine Shen's behalf, finding it quite amusing. When Xie Run finished, the Emperor said slowly, "This is the first time I've seen you speak so highly of anyone." Xie Run didn't hide anything and smiled. "She has followed me since the prince's mansion. I must think of her welfare." The Emperor actually appreciated Xie Run's frank and open manner of speaking. He also appreciated the gentleness in her nature. He drew her into his embrace and said calmly, "The Noble Consort rarely pleads for anyone. Since you've spoken, I will give Concubine Shen a chance." Xie Run said, "Your Majesty, this concubine will certainly keep an eye on Concubine Shen and will also take extra care of the Third Princess, so as to fulfill the bond of mother and daughter between them." Hearing this, the Emperor paused mid-thought, then suddenly called out: "Shi'an!" Eunuch Shian entered with his head bowed. "This servant awaits Your Majesty's command." The Emperor said, "Convey my decree: promote Concubine Shen to Consort Shen, bestow a hundred gold pieces and one jade Ruyi scepter." "Lady Wen's virtue is lacking. I pity the Third Princess for losing her mother, and specially appoint Consort Shen to raise her in her stead." "Tell Consort Shen that if she fails to care for the Third Princess well, she will have wasted Noble Consort Zhao's kind intentions." Eunuch Shian quickly replied, "This servant will deliver the decree at once." With the matter resolved, Xie Run didn't leave immediately. She glanced at the mountain of memorials piled on the Emperor's desk and stepped forward to help organize them. "Your Majesty's affairs are so demanding—you must take good care of your health." The Emperor sat back on his dragon throne and raised a hand to rub his temples. Seeing this, Xie Run stepped forward to massage them for him. The Emperor said, "Once spring comes next year, I will personally lead the expedition." Xie Run's hand paused, and she was stunned for a moment. A flood of mixed emotions surged in her chest, but in the end, all she could say was, "I pray Your Majesty takes good care of your dragon body." The Emperor held Xie Run's hand, his demeanor quite calm. "I will." "These past days, when the court officials heard of my plans to lead the expedition personally, they have been in constant uproar." "Today in the great hall, the Vice Minister of Revenue, Huai'an, and the Vice Minister of Works, Lu Fang, even came to blows." "Only the harem has remained peaceful—no tactless consort has come to disturb me." The Emperor patted Xie Run's hand, satisfied. "This is due to your and Consort Jingshu's capable management." If the court were in chaos and the harem followed suit, the Emperor might begin to have a "temper problem." And when his temper turned sour, he would inevitably find someone to make an example of. In truth, the Emperor sometimes didn't wish to go to such extremes. But in the court and harem alike, if he didn't act decisively, others would press in on him step by step. Xie Run thought to herself that there were hardly any people left in the harem—what was there to manage? Still, she spoke sweetly, "Your Majesty dotes on me, so naturally I must dote on Your Majesty in return." With that, Xie Run's expression grew worried. "I've heard that the Xia Dynasty only has two seasons a year—either scorching summer or bitter cold." "I worry that Your Majesty won't be able to take care of yourself out there." The Emperor said teasingly, "Then will Suisui come with me to the front lines?" Xie Run froze. "I... can go to the front lines?" In this day and age, could a Noble Consort accompany the army into battle? The Emperor pinched her nose. "Scared?" He laughed heartily. "If I can go, why can't you?" Xie Run was a little afraid, but also a little excited. "I've never even left the capital before." The Emperor saw her excitement and laughed aloud. "You actually want to go?!" Xie Run: "..." Didn't you say it first?! If she had put on a look of terror and refused with every excuse, the Emperor would probably have found her tiresome. Damn man! The Emperor said, "It seems Suisui is braver than I imagined." Xie Run muttered, "I haven't left the capital in a long time." The Emperor said, "If you wish to travel for pleasure, once I return, I'll accompany you." "But the battlefield is full of swords and arrows—too dangerous for you." "Manage the harem well for me, and await my triumphant return." When the Emperor said this, a heroic spirit swelled in his chest. Xie Run could see in him a fervor and ambition that belonged not only to an emperor. She gently leaned against the Emperor's shoulder. "Then I shall wait in the palace for Your Majesty's triumphant return." The Emperor lightly patted her back. After a moment, the Emperor suddenly took a jade pendant from the drawer of the table. Xie Run had only glanced at it casually, but when she saw the jade pendant, her gaze darkened slightly. The Emperor, perceptive as ever, asked, "Does Suisui recognize this jade pendant?" Xie Run stared at the pendant for a moment before speaking slowly, "It looks very familiar, but I can't recall where I've seen it." Xie Run recognized the jade pendant in the Emperor's hand. It was Bai Fu's. In her past life, when Bai Fu was favored, this jade pendant had become famous throughout the Six Palaces. Everyone knew it was a token of love between the Emperor and Bai Fu, a testament to their childhood bond. It had been quite a celebrated tale in the harem back then. Xie Run was merely a little surprised. Bai Fu had let her life fall to such a state, and yet she still had the means to send the jade pendant to the Emperor? The Emperor said casually, "This was sent to me by Lady-in-waiting Bai through a messenger." Xie Run pressed her lips together slightly. "Your Majesty, I am not one to be jealous or petty. But if you dangle something someone else gave you in front of me, I will be upset."