Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 107

Days turn into nights, and winter fades into spring.

 

In the third year of Yanxi, finally, some good news reached the court.

 

Last year, the floods in Jiangxi were severe, with waters rising six zhang high within the city. Twelve bridges were swept away, but there’s word that the Minister of Works, Mu Kangwen, and the Vice-minister of Revenue, Jiang Chengyuan, both distant relatives, ventured to Jiangxi to rebuild the dikes. Now, news of their completion has arrived.

 

Simultaneously, Xu Bowei, the Imperial Left Censor, left the capital to rectify bureaucratic corruption, showing initial signs of success. Concrete evidence of corruption by provincial governors in Sichuan and Huguang led to the emperor’s decree to confiscate their wealth, all that silver pouring into the national treasury.

 

People say these are good times, but only Xiao Yu knows the irony behind these words.

 

Every Dragon Boat Festival, at Mount Qingyu, tens of thousands gather for rituals. Amidst cries echoing before each monument, the monument commemorating four generations of loyalty from the Su family was drenched in chicken blood.

 

Xiao Yu sat on the dragon throne, glancing at the incessant rain outside. He regretted seeking dominion over this realm but wished, in the twilight of the palace, to hear the chants of longevity for the emperor and ponder on the length of a lifetime.

 

Removing his crown, Xiao Yu changed into regular attire and instructed a young eunuch to prepare a horse. Eunuch Sheng, who had been eavesdropping, approached to inquire with familiarity, “Your Majesty, where do you intend to go?”

 

Xiao Yu calmly stated, “I’m leaving the palace. No need to follow.”

 

Everything seemed normal, but observing the emperor’s departing figure, Eunuch Sheng felt a slight twitch in his right eyelid.

 

If he remembered correctly, today was the fourteenth day of the second month, the birthday of the former empress.

 

Amidst misty mountains, Xiao Yu rode his horse to Lingyun Taoist Temple. Inside the temple, curtains intertwined, banners adorned the space, and two Seven-Star lamps rested on the table.

 

Taoist Lingyun spoke solemnly, “Borrowing a corpse to return a soul, reincarnation for extending life—all contradict the natural order. Even though Your Majesty holds a high position, blessed with great fortune and outstanding merits, you still must bear these consequences.”

 

Xiao Yu replied, “I understand.”

 

The Taoist continued, “Events are inevitable, and principles stand firm. Your Majesty’s actions against the natural order diminish the emperor’s lifespan.”

 

The man’s eyes darkened as the words trailed off, plunging into a prolonged silence.

 

When the Taoist felt relieved that the monarch before him hadn’t lost his sanity, Xiao Yu spoke slowly, “I… need another ten years.”

 

Governing diligently for ten years would pave the way for his child.

 

Frowning, the Taoist looked at him and said, each word deliberate, “The cosmic cycle follows its own set path. Even if this humble Taoist were to recite the spell of reincarnation today, Your Majesty may not necessarily attain your wish.”

 

Suddenly, Xiao Yu’s eyes reflected a hint of carefree recklessness. “Since I will absolutely do this, let’s not talk about gains and losses.”

 

As night fell, Taoist Lingyun cast a divination, inscribing the empress’ name with his brush. The divination entered the realm, contemplating cause and effect, crossing the cycle of life and death.

 

A gust rustled through the tall woods, causing the banners to flutter faintly. The crisscrossing curtains billowed high, while the morning light outside gradually lost its hue, time seeming to whirl by rapidly. With each drip of the hourglass, the emperor visibly thinned, his features growing more profound. In an instant, a decade passed for him.

 

At that moment, Taoist Lingyun heard the sudden neighing of warhorses, the shadows of fleeing civilians flashing before his eyes.

 

A word from the sovereign could decree the realm’s fate; a single action could determine its rise or fall.

 

His lifespan bore weight upon the nation’s destiny, altered now.

 

The Taoist hesitated before breaking the formation, and the Seven-Star lamps extinguished along with it.

 

It couldn’t continue.

 

Rising, the Taoist said, “My cultivation isn’t sufficient.”

 

The implication of these words was apparent to Xiao Yu. He pressed his white jade thumb ring and whispered, “The banners moved.” That slight movement of the banners signified the retention of the soul for the ten years of lifespan just claimed.

 

The Taoist added, “Perhaps, the empress has another destiny.”

 

Though the man’s gaze remained unchanged, the fine line at the corner of his eye didn’t smooth away. His glare pierced, awakening Qin Ling, tears streaming down her face.

 

The empress had been in a deep slumber for three whole days. Kunning Palace had fallen silent, but now, she awoke, startling Zhu Xin and causing her to fall. Physician Ning—sporting a scruffy beard—grabbed her shoulder and shook her gently by the neck, calling, “Your Ladyship?”

 

Three years in three days. Qin Ling’s vision remained blurred, her memories somewhat jumbled. The first words she uttered were, “Fu Ying.” Her words were indistinct, barely audible to others.

 

Eunuch Sheng hurried over and said, “Your Ladyship, can you see me clearly?”

 

Qin Ling blinked and responded, “Gonggong?”

 

Relieved, Eunuch Sheng turned around and silently thanked the heavens and the earth. Feeling it insufficient, he uttered another phrase, “Amitabha.”

 

Physician Ning re-examined the empress’ pulse, then said to Eunuch Sheng, “Her Ladyship’s pulse seems to have stabilized. I will go ahead and prepare the medicine.”

 

Now that the empress was pregnant, the prescriptions from the Imperial Hospital were highly cautious. Every time they wrote a prescription, several senior physicians would debate outside Kunning Palace.

 

Physician Ning sternly questioned, “You dare to include Red Orchid Pearl? Do you not know its blood-activating effects?”

 

Physician Meng said, “Red Orchid Pearl has a warming nature, merely serving as a tonic. It can relieve dizziness. I believe… taking a small amount should pose no issue.”

 

Physician Ning cursed under his breath, “Shouldn’t, shouldn’t. That’s the empress! She’s carrying the imperial heir. If something happens, your Meng family won’t be able to compensate enough with ten heads.”

 

Physician Meng whispered, “You speak the truth, my lord.”

 

It took Qin Ling a while to regain composure. Recollecting everything from the dream, her heart pounded fiercely against her chest, the wind roared in her ears, and her hands trembled.

 

Good, really good.

She promised to live well for him, to do everything possible for his well-being.

 

But what about him?

This was his notion of treating each other with sincerity.

This was his notion of not deceiving her again.

 

Qin Ling saw wrinkles at the corner of his eyes.

No wonder his health would deteriorate to such an extent…

 

Just like four years ago, sadness lingered in her heart, and her lower abdomen throbbed faintly in response.

 

Qin Ling wiped her teary eyes, took a deep breath, and called out, “Zhu Lan.”

 

Zhu Lan hurried over, bowing, “I’m here, my lady.”

 

Qin Ling instructed, “Bring me a bowl of porridge.”

 

A hint of joy flashed in Zhu Lan’s eyes as she asked, “Are feeling hungry now?”

 

Qin Ling nodded, a simple “Mm.”

 

At this moment, a figure suddenly darted into Kunning Palace.

 

“Mum! Mum!” Xiao Yun rushed in.

 

Qin Ling eased up, reaching out to him. “Come here.”

 

Xiao Yun approached her, leaning close, whispering, “Momo said you’re sick, still carrying Little Sister.”

 

Seeing Xiao Yun, Qin Ling felt a sense of reassurance. She held his hand and asked, “How do you know it’s a little sister?”

 

Xiao Yun truthfully replied, “I dreamt it.” It had to be a little sister.

 

Qin Ling frowned. “What if it’s a younger brother?”

 

Xiao Yun’s young face showed surprise, as if he had never considered this question before.

 

The palace door creaked, and Zhu Xin walked over, smiling, “Chief Physician Ning said the medicine tastes too bitter. He asked me to add some sugar to the porridge, saying it might suit Your Ladyship’s taste buds better.”

 

Xiao Yun reached out, speaking seriously, “Give it to me… Mother is sick, I’ll feed her.”

 

Zhu Xin whispered, “Be careful, Your Highness, don’t spill it.”

 

Qin Ling wouldn’t let him feed her. She playfully pinched her son’s cheek and took the bowl herself.

 

Concerned, Xiao Yun asked by her side, “Mum, are you still uncomfortable?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

Xiao Yun stayed with Qin Ling. As night fell, he sat by the bedside, reaching for her hand, “Son will keep Mother company.”

 

Surprisingly, the little bundle of energy was indeed considerate. He even covered Qin Ling with a blanket at night.

 

In the blink of an eye, a month passed. The court received war reports, and Kunning Palace received a letter from the battlefield.

 

Eunuch Sheng walked over, smiling, “Your Ladyship, this is from His Majesty.”

 

Despite feeling fired up inside, Qin Ling took the letter, placing it aside for later perusal.

 

Eunuch Sheng persisted with a smile, “Your Ladyship, do you not want to take a look?”

 

His smile was irresistible. Qin Ling pondered momentarily, then raised her hand to open the letter. Men’s letters were often concise, and this one was no exception.

 

Ah Ling, seeing words is like meeting in person.

The front-line battles are going well. The military funds are ample, and provisions abundant. Rest assured, and focus on nurturing the child. If all goes smoothly, I’ll return in the spring.

 

The letter still carried a hint of sand. Qin Ling gently brushed it, feeling as if seeing the distant, flickering flames at the border camp.

 

Eunuch Sheng added, “Would Your Ladyship like to reply? There are people waiting outside.”

 

Qin Ling placed her hand on her abdomen, saying, “Gonggong, I’m feeling a bit dizzy.” When he heard “dizzy,” Eunuch Sheng immediately bowed, “I’ll take my leave, Your Ladyship, please rest.”

 

As the gates of Kunning Palace closed, a soldier outside asked, “Any reply, Gonggong?” Eunuch Sheng shook his head, “You may leave. There isn’t one.”

 

In the early second month, there were continuous reports of victories at the border. Qin Ling received his second letter.

 

Ah Ling, it has been over a month with no news, which deeply concerns me.

Are there trivial matters troubling you in the palace?

Is your health well?

I am quite safe and have not suffered any harm in the war. I regret not being able to accompany you during this time but do not worry.

 

Qin Ling looked at the phrase “I am quite safe” and felt a pang in her chest.

 

“Does Your Ladyship want to reply?” Eunuch Sheng smiled nearby. “I’ve heard that the people who returned empty-handed nearly got reprimanded.”

 

Qin Ling clenched her fist, silently repeating that she’d settle any scores when he returned.

 

“Yes.”

 

Eunuch Sheng immediately prepared pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Qin Ling gritted her teeth and wrote a response.

 

With heavy dew at night, the city gates were closed.

Only the sound of hoofbeats echoed, soldiers tightening reins, shouting, “Hoo—”

 

Outside a tent, a voice exclaimed, “Report—”

The silver lamp flickered, highlighting a man’s handsome face in semi-darkness.

 

“What’s the matter?”

 

The soldier respectfully said, “I am here to deliver a letter from the empress to Your Majesty.”

 

Xiao Yu’s Adam’s apple moved slightly. He said in a deep voice, “Hand it over.”

 

The soldier immediately offered it with both hands. He received a reward that very night.

 

Alone in the main tent, Xiao Yu waited until the night was quiet before slowly opening the letter.

 

Rejoicing at the border victories, though unable to express it openly. The harshness of spring chills my heart. I regret not being a migratory bird, carrying warm clothes across a thousand miles. Both the empress and her children are well, eagerly awaiting your return and the victory of her elder brother.

 

The man’s eyes reddened slightly as he read the letter repeatedly.