Chapter 23: The Empress Is Truly Expecting

Tang Yurong’s expression remained serene upon hearing this, yet the unmistakable joy subtly shone through the corners of her eyes and the arch of her brows. She spoke softly, “I am currently with child, and the imperial physician has advised me to avoid strong fragrances during pregnancy. Thus, I instructed my attendants to remove them.”

Wei Yanqiao smiled faintly and nodded in understanding. “I see.”

Tang Yurong raised her eyebrows slightly, her interest piqued as she regarded the Grand Consort Sheng before her. In a gentle tone, she inquired, “I recall that Grand Consort Sheng was once fond of bright and flamboyant attire. Why then do you dress so modestly today?”

“Some days ago, I journeyed to Nan’an Temple to offer prayers and remained there for three full months. The temple lies in a remote area, austere and simple, with no luxurious garments or jewels for me to adorn myself. There, I faced each day with a bare face, and over time, I have grown fond of this plain and elegant style.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Yurong’s face softened with compassion. She sighed, “Ah, it must have been difficult for you, bearing such a sincere heart in praying for the welfare of all under heaven.”

Wei Yanqiao lowered her gaze modestly, offering a slight smile in return. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. Though Nan’an Temple was indeed harsh, I gradually grew accustomed to it and came to see the simplicity not as hardship.”

Everyone was curious about Wei Yanqiao’s transformation today. Her deference towards the Empress was a stark contrast to before, when, emboldened by the Emperor’s favor, she had scarcely regarded the Empress.

The other consorts began to converse with the Empress, mostly offering congratulations on her pregnancy. For a time, the Empress’s chambers were filled with laughter and a harmonious atmosphere.

Consort Xian Wen Conglu said, “Your Majesty is with child and must rest well. Sisters will not keep you long.”

After the guests dispersed, Wei Yanqiao made her way toward her own quarters, where Consort Cheng Yuanchun gracefully approached her. With respectful poise, she bowed and sweetly greeted, “Grand Consort Sheng, may you be blessed and well.”

Wei Yanqiao studied the young woman before her carefully. “You seem unfamiliar to me. I do not believe we have met.”

Cheng Yuanchun replied softly, “Your Majesty, I am Consort Cheng Yuanchun. I entered the palace two months ago. My father is Cheng Qianyou, Minister of War.”

Wei Yanqiao’s lips curved into a faint smile. “So it is you, Sister Cheng.”

Together, they walked slowly toward Wei Yanqiao’s chamber. Along the way, Wei Yanqiao glanced at Cheng Yuanchun and quietly asked, “Has the Emperor shown you favor, Sister?”

Cheng Yuanchun’s cheeks tinged with a shy blush as she lowered her gaze, whispering, “On the day I entered the palace, I served the Emperor once, but since then, I have not been summoned again. During the three months Your Majesty was away, the Emperor spent most of his time in the Empress’s chambers, as far as I know.”

“Is that so?” Wei Yanqiao smiled lightly. Indeed, the bond between Emperor and Empress was deep and enduring. Tang Yurong, by the Emperor’s side night after night, enjoyed great favor, so it was no wonder she was with child. “Judging by your words, the Emperor’s devotion to the Empress runs deep.”

“Yes. It is said that when the Emperor was Crown Prince, he and the Empress already knew and cherished each other. Upon his ascension, he eagerly brought her into the palace and bestowed upon her the title of Empress.”

Cheng Yuanchun’s account reminded Wei Yanqiao of what she had learned in a past life from Xiao Ceyun—that Tang Yurong was Xiao Ceyun’s cousin, their families intertwined, and they had grown up as childhood friends. Yet Xiao Ceyun had confessed he did not like Tang Yurong at all; his marriage to her was forced by the Empress Dowager’s threats on her own life. At the time, Wei Yanqiao had believed this tale.

Cheng Yuanchun added, “Now that the Empress is with child, the Emperor is overjoyed!”

Wei Yanqiao inquired, puzzled, “From your tone, Sister Cheng, it seems you are not pleased by the Empress’s pregnancy?”

Cheng Yuanchun hesitated briefly, then returned the question with suspicion, “The Empress is with child—are you not pleased, Your Majesty?”

A faint smile played upon Wei Yanqiao’s lips as she softly replied, “Of course I am delighted. The Empress’s pregnancy is a blessing for all under heaven. The Emperor has no heir yet; if the Empress bears a son, he will surely be the firstborn and likely the Crown Prince, continuing the imperial lineage and inheriting the dynasty’s great legacy.”

Yet Tang Yurong’s pregnancy meant little to Wei Yanqiao—what mattered was that if Tang Yurong successfully bore a son, she would find a way to convince everyone that this child was a harbinger of misfortune, scorned and cursed by all.

Cheng Yuanchun’s face grew anxious as she pressed, “Your Majesty, do you not feel any sense of danger? Should the Empress bear a son, her position as Empress would be rock solid. Unless she commits a crime so grave it condemns her entire family, she would undoubtedly become the future Emperor’s mother and hold the exalted status of Empress Dowager!”

Were the roles reversed, she would surely be ecstatic at the prospect of ascending to the throne. But given her own status, such ambitions were out of reach. Among the noble women of the inner palace, only Wei Yanqiao herself could rival Tang Yurong for the position of Empress. Yet Wei Yanqiao neither sought to advance nor appeared vigilant against threats.

“That would indeed be an excellent outcome,” Wei Yanqiao said calmly. “Once the Empress bears a son and he is named Crown Prince, the imperial authority will be further stabilized. A strong throne ensures peace throughout the realm, allowing the people to live in harmony—truly a great blessing for all. Sister Cheng, such words should not be spoken carelessly in the future. What one says without intent, another may hear with suspicion. Were these words to reach the Empress’s ears, they might cause her undue worry. Now, the Empress must rest peacefully and nurture her child; we need only await the safe birth of the prince.”

Cheng Yuanchun stood dumbfounded. What had become of Wei Yanqiao? Was she mad? If the Empress gave birth to a son, Wei Yanqiao should be the one facing her greatest threat! Her own father had urged her to aid Wei Yanqiao in securing the throne. Yet now it seemed there was no need to compete—the position of Empress was not something Wei Yanqiao ever sought.

Wei Yanqiao walked forward gracefully. “I must return swiftly to the palace to copy several sutras diligently. In this way, I shall sincerely pray for the Empress and the child she carries.”