Chapter 969: Chapter 969: The Stand-in Empress vs. the True Love Concubine (Part 34)
"What you said, can it be true?" The Empress had just finished her ablutions and had not yet retired when she heard the news being reported outside, filled with surprise and joy.
"In reply to Empress, multiple Imperial Physicians have confirmed, the Crown Princess Consort has been pregnant for over a month." The eunuch who came to report answered with respect.
The Empress could not suppress the smile on her face, saying repeatedly, "A good reward."
This was addressed to the people around her.
After speaking, the Empress rose, shedding her usual dignified demeanor, merely muttering, "I need to see if there is anything suitable in the storeroom, to properly nourish Zhaohua’s body. This being her first pregnancy at such a young age, she must be well cared for. Otherwise, should I go see her now..."
The old maidservant who had served her for years was at a loss, half-crying and half-laughing, "My Empress, you should rest now. I will personally go see, and find all that is suitable. As for you going to see her, at this moment, the Crown Princess should be resting; if you go, won’t she have to get up to greet you?"
The Empress came to her senses and smiled, "Look at me, I’m so overjoyed."
She smiled and said, "You go take a good look for me and select the best to send to the Eastern Palace."
"Yes, I understand." replied the maidservant.
The Empress sat down, waiting for her heart, which had just quickened, to slowly calm down.
The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess had been married for two years without any news, though every time this was brought up, she would always reassure the Crown Princess not to worry.
But how could one not worry? Seeing the concubines of the other Princes all becoming pregnant one after another, yet the Eastern Palace had no news at all.
Although the Emperor did not wish for the Eastern Palace’s illegitimate child to precede the legitimate child, a child, even an illegitimate one, was better than none at all.
No further delays were conceivable.
Thank Heaven, there was finally news from Zhaohua.
There was great joy on the Empress’s side, and the Emperor received the news around the same time.
His reaction was no lesser than the Empress’s — he immediately ordered precious medicinal materials to be sent to the Eastern Palace.
The Empress Dowager’s Shouan Palace was also not left behind; for the Crown Prince’s first child, everyone demonstrated ample attention.
In the Eastern Palace, Gu Shengyin was cautiously helped onto the bed to rest, while Yun Qi sat by the bedside grinning foolishly, staring at Gu Shengyin with a smile.
Gu Shengyin found it hard to look at the smile on this man’s face.
If others saw, who would believe this to be the decisive Crown Prince outside?
Yun Qi was truly happy; for the first time in two lifetimes, he was becoming a father, and it was his most beloved woman who was carrying his child. How could he not be happy?
He held Gu Shengyin’s hand, "Rourou, I’m really happy."
Gu Shengyin was affected by his emotions, and unconsciously also showed a smile, "Mm, I’m very happy too."
Yun Qi leaned down, cautious not to press on Gu Shengyin, deliberately leaving a thin gap between them.
He gently kissed Gu Shengyin’s forehead, tenderly tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, his heart at peace.
Here, was his beloved wife.
He reached out and gently caressed Gu Shengyin’s flat abdomen.
Here, was a child who shared his bloodline.
Never before had Yun Qi been so grateful to the Heavens.
Grateful to the Heavens for bringing him to this world.
Grateful to the Heavens for allowing him to meet her.