Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 108

The next day at noon, drums thundered, stretching for miles with banners blanketing the sky. A vast army stood upon the boundless plains.

 

In the forefront, soldiers suddenly turned back, “Your Majesty, urgent missive from the front. Please take a look.”

 

Xiao Yu turned around, swiftly scanned it and handed it to Su Huai’an.

 

“Defending Yezhou is General Changqing Ge of the Qi State, commanding forty thousand troops.”

In an instant, Su Huai’an took up his longsword, murmuring, “I’ll go meet him.”

Governor Fang Shu added, “I’ll accompany you.”

 

Xiao Yu nodded, “Three days later, I’ll meet with Jida and continue north. Be cautious in all matters.”

 

Su Huai’an replied, “Understood.”

 

Su Huai’an and Fang Shu immediately headed to Yezhou, arriving at the city gates when night had fallen.

The sky flashed silver, followed by booming thunder.

 

Torrential rain poured, and flames flickered without relent.

Su Huai’an rode, reins taut. He spoke to Fang Shu and mentioned, “I heard about the joyous fortune in the Governor’s mansion. It’s a cause for celebration.”

The mention of his daughter tinged Fang Shu’s eyes with red, reminding him of five years ago.

In the first year of Yanxi, the sixth month, he presented the report of Qingzhou’s fall, accusing the Su family of treason.

 

Governor Fang choked up, “Five years ago, I was blind and tarnished the late General Su’s reputation. I owe the Su clan a debt I can’t repay.”

 

Su Huai’an lifted his chin, gazing at the pitch-black city walls, saying, “The past is not your fault, Governor.”

His enmity lay right before his eyes.

Fang Shu pledged, “After this battle, I’ll return to the capital and personally apologize.”

 

Su Huai’an aimed his bow at the sky, firing three arrows in succession, commanding sharply, “Form ranks—”

Fang Shu tightened his reins, gripping his spear, roaring, “Qi State encroached our land, slaughtered sixty thousand from Great Zhou. Today, we won’t leave Yezhou unconquered!”

 

The soldiers brimmed with resentment, raising iron spears, their shouts thundering like a stormy sea.

 

The gates of Yezhou remained shut, but siege ladders were erected outside as soldiers fearlessly surged upward in waves.

 

Soon, the horn sounded, arrows rained down, and explosions echoed.

 

Another blaze erupted.

 

***

 

In the blink of an eye, it was already the third month.

Last night’s spring rain intensified the palace peach blossoms, their petals falling gently on the shiny cobblestones as the breeze whispered.

 

Qin Ling’s belly was now prominently swollen.

 

Physician Ning came to Kunning Palace as usual to check the empress’ pulse. As he lifted his hand, he breathed a sigh of relief.

 

The empress suffered from insomnia and vivid dreams, often waking up startled at night. As her pregnancy progressed, her pulse became more erratic, hinting at a possible premature birth. Worrying and losing hair excessively over these months, he feared following the fate of the former imperial physician.

 

Now, his temples were neatly arranged, appearing smoother and shinier.

 

Thinking about this, Physician Ning adjusted his official hat with a raised hand.

 

Qin Ling asked, “How is it?”

 

The imperial physician replied, “Not only is Her Ladyship’s pulse stronger, but her complexion has also improved considerably from before. She’s in good health now, you can rest assured.”

 

Qin Ling inquired, “Do I still need to continue with the medicine?”

 

“Absolutely not,” replied the physician, glancing out the window. He smiled, “With the weather warming, You can take more walks daily.”

 

Qin Ling nodded, “Alright, I understand.”

 

After the physician left, Zhu Xin brought a cup of hot tea, suggesting, “The sunshine is lovely today, no wind or rain. How about going out for a stroll?”

 

Qin Ling pondered for a while, “Help me up…”

 

Zhu Lan initially thought Qin Ling would stroll in the imperial garden, but to her surprise, she headed straight for the Yangxin Hall.

 

She engaged in conversation with a few young eunuchs.

 

Catching a glimpse of a crimson figure, Zhu Lan quickly averted her gaze. The empress, radiant and healthy, surpassed the brilliance of the spring scenery.

 

The palace attendants bowed in unison, “Your Ladyship, please forgive our rudeness.”

 

“No need for formalities.”

 

Eunuch Sheng stepped forward, bowing respectfully, “Your Ladyship, what brings you to Yangxin Hall today?”

 

Qin Ling replied, “I came to retrieve something.”

 

Eunuch Sheng appeared uneasy. The emperor forbade concubines from entering Yangxin Hall except for the empress. Technically, he shouldn’t interfere, but considering the items inside and the empress’ pregnancy, he hesitated to allow her in.

 

“Yesterday, one of the attendants who hadn’t fully awakened burned incense in Yangxin Hall as usual. I’m unsure if the fragrance might be taboo for Your Ladyship’s pregnancy. If there’s something you need, may I fetch it for you?” he suggested, employing the rhetoric commonly used by the emperor’s close aides.

 

Qin Ling remained unfazed, stating directly, “Then have someone bring out the incense burner.”

 

She was determined to enter Yangxin Hall.

 

Eunuch Sheng understood her intentions and calmly instructed, “You there, bring out the incense burner from inside.”

 

The young eunuchs swiftly and deftly moved the incense burner out of Yangxin Hall.

 

Eunuch Sheng smiled and pushed Yangxin Hall’s doors closed. As Qin Ling stepped over the threshold, she whispered, “When His Majesty returns, I will personally explain this matter to him. You need not worry.”

 

“Thank you, Your Ladyship,” Eunuch Sheng replied.

 

Qin Ling glanced around, and Eunuch Sheng discreetly blocked a sandalwood double-drawer box, silently kicking another wooden cabinet underneath. All was well except for this sandalwood double-drawer box—it must not be discovered!

 

Feeling relieved, he followed the empress towards the left side of the dragon throne, heading to the rack made of red sandalwood decorated with many jewels.

 

Inside were large bronze tripods, numerous precious inkstones, a row of penholders, and a locked wooden box.

 

Eunuch Sheng instantly breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, all the boxes were locked.

 

Qin Ling reached for the lock. This sparrow-shaped copper lock—it appeared in her dreams.

 

Eunuch Sheng hadn’t finished exhaling when Qin Ling swiftly turned the lock’s pattern.

 

“Click.”

 

Unlocked.

 

Eunuch Sheng felt a chill run down his spine.

 

Before his eyes, the empress emptied the contents. A peach wood box. A golden flower with embedded red pearls. A set of clothing barely worn and a stack of records utterly unrelated to Yangxin Hall’s ambiance.

 

Qin Ling stood there, stunned for quite a while. Soon, she took away things the emperor didn’t allow anyone to touch.

 

Eunuch Sheng didn’t dare to interfere.

 

As evening fell, another rain shower commenced outside. Though the window screens were closed, the gentle sound of rain still seeped through.

 

Qin Ling dismissed her attendants and flipped through this compilation encompassing the universe.

 

The contents were not entirely detailed, perhaps because the universe’s workings couldn’t be fully grasped.

 

She only knew that reincarnation and life extension comprised three stages: raising the banner, reciting the mantra, and restoring the soul. Even though Taoist Lingyun broke the formation that day, when Lamp Lighting raised the banner, it consumed the emperor’s life essence, making the return impossible.

 

Now, how many years had passed?

How long did he plan to deceive her?

 

Qin Ling took a deep breath.

 

***

 

In the early days of the third month, after Great Zhou captured Yezhou and Qiongzhou, they joined forces with the Mongols to invade the capital of the Qi State, Yang. Situated on plains, Yang was easy to attack but hard to defend. The soldiers’ morale was high, unstoppable, advancing as if entering an unguarded territory.

 

The Qi royal family, realizing their powerlessness, fled ahead of time by boat.

 

The reports from the borderlands reached the capital immediately. Winning the battle meant the emperor had to return to the court.

 

But Zhu Lan and Zhu Xin wore expressions of deep concern.

 

Qin Ling frowned as she put the snack in her hand and glanced at the two. They always looked forward to the emperor’s return, so it was odd to see them suddenly troubled.

 

Since they didn’t speak, she didn’t ask.

 

In the evening, during dinner, unable to stand their hesitant expressions any longer, Qin Ling asked, “Speak up. What are you hiding from me?”

 

Zhu Lan and Zhu Xin exchanged glances, hurriedly shook their heads, and said together, “We dare not deceive you, Your Ladyship.”

 

Qin Ling sighed and said, “If there’s something, just say it. Your secrecy only disrupts my sleep.”

 

Upon hearing this, Zhu Lan and Zhu Xin immediately confessed. The senior palace maids in Kunning Palace had eyes and ears everywhere; there was no information they couldn’t gather. They initially wanted to know when the emperor would return to the court. However, unexpectedly, they learned that Princess Baoyin was accompanying the army back to the capital.

 

Hearing about Mongolia’s significant involvement and Princess Baoyin’s arrival for a diplomatic marriage, it was evident what the emperor intended by bringing her to the capital.

 

Zhu Lan whispered, “Your Ladyship, your grace and beauty surpass Princess Baoyin’s. The emperor’s heart… is with you…”

 

Seeing the empress frown, Zhu Xin immediately knelt, interrupting Zhu Lan, “Your Ladyship, this is all hearsay we recklessly gathered. People outside talk too much, and a rumor can easily become a tiger. Words can’t be trusted.”

 

“I’ve spoken out of turn.”

 

“I accept the punishment.”

 

Qin Ling looked at their guilty expressions and couldn’t help but smile. “Don’t trouble yourselves seeking such information in the future. Please, get up.”

 

At that moment, a senior eunuch from Kunning Palace exclaimed loudly, “Your Ladyship, His Majesty has returned to the palace and is on his way to Kunning Palace.”

 

He’s back.

 

Zhu Lan and Zhu Xin quickly helped her to her feet.

 

The setting sun cast long shadows, and the sounds of insects and birds filled the air. The doors of Kunning Palace stood wide open. Supporting her waist, Qin Ling looked ahead—

 

“He left with snow covering his head, and returned with streets blossoming in flowers.”

 

The tall figure of the man emerged in the dusk.

 

Their eyes met. Time intertwining, their figures overlapping. He strode purposefully towards her, removed his sword and armor, opened his arms wide, and embraced her.

 

“Ah Ling, I’m back.”

 

Qin Ling hugged his waist and said, “Congratulations on your triumphant return.”

 

The empress’ figure was naturally graceful, and it was even more impressive with her pregnancy. Soft and alluring, even her breath carried a captivating fragrance.

 

His throat tightened, involuntarily let out a deep breath.

 

The palace attendants at Kunning Palace discreetly withdrew.

 

“Are you injured?” she whispered.

“No,” Xiao Yu whispered back, “Thank you for worrying.”

Five years ago, he didn’t hear any concern. Now, hearing it, he couldn’t help but feel emotional. He raised his hand to protect her belly, burying his face in her fragrant shoulder, kissing her fervently, almost as if this was their first love, fiery and youthful at eighteen.

 

Qin Ling pressed against his warm chest and whispered, “You should get cleaned first.”

 

Xiao Yu knew he smelled unpleasant, but he didn’t want to let go. He leaned down, their noses almost touching, his breath growing urgent and soft. “Do you dislike me?”

 

Qin Ling looked at the fine lines at the corner of his eyes and said softly, “You’re really not injured, right?”

 

A smirk curved the man’s lips as he playfully bit her, “Hmm.”

 

Qin Ling’s gaze shifted slightly, and she murmured, “Good, then I have something to ask you.”