Chapter 970: Chapter 970: The Stand-in Empress vs. the True Love Concubine (Part 35)
Lu Xi received the news the next day.
As a concubine like her, the fact that the Crown Princess Consort is pregnant was naturally not something that anyone would specifically inform her about.
She only found out because the little maid by her side heard other palace maids discussing it when she went out.
It should be said that now the entire palace was talking about the Crown Princess Consort’s pregnancy.
Lu Xi didn’t know exactly how she felt upon hearing the news.
Perhaps a bit wistful.
When someone is living a better life than you, it’s easy to feel jealous. But if that person is living far better, and the difference between the two is like the clouds and the mud, that resentment and jealousy somewhat fade away.
Su Chaohua evokes such feelings in Lu Xi.
But she never wished for Su Chaohua to live well.
Even though she has resigned herself now, Lu Xi always felt that if not for Su Chaohua, everything she has today would have been hers.
Exclusive favor in the Eastern Palace, the enviable noble status that every woman under the heavens desires, all could have been hers.
Previously, she had reasons to console herself; so what if Su Chaohua was favored? Having no pregnancy for two years, even if the Crown Prince adored her, he couldn’t stay with her forever. Someday, the Crown Prince would take more concubines and have children with other women.
But now, Su Chaohua is pregnant.
Everything a woman can think of in terms of honor and hopes, she possesses.
Her existence seems destined to evoke jealousy.
Lu Xi thought blankly, if Su Chaohua is like this, then what about herself?
She...
She looked up at this cold, empty, damp palace, neglected for years, always silent and quiet, so dim it seemed even sunlight couldn’t penetrate.
Whether it’s the old furnishings or the indifferent expressions of the palace attendants, everything suggests it’s a place quietly waiting to die.
Being here makes one feel time passes particularly slowly, yet she felt she aged so quickly.
In just one year, Lu Xi felt as though she had lived a lifetime.
The Eastern Palace was starkly different.
The entire Eastern Palace was in great joy.
Early in the morning, the Empress came to the Eastern Palace in person.
She took Gu Shengyin’s hand as she rose to pay respects and chided gently, "At a time like this, why bother with such formalities? Take care and have a healthy child for the Crown Prince, that’s the sensible thing."
Gu Shengyin could only smile and agree.
By around midday, the Emperor and the Crown Prince both arrived.
The Eastern Palace suddenly became very lively.
The two most noble couples under the heavens dined together like an ordinary family.
After lunch, as per the Imperial Physician’s advice, the Crown Princess Consort needed to rest, so the Emperor and Empress left first.
Gu Shengyin lay on the bed, watching Yun Qi preparing to leave, and suddenly felt like being a bit coquettish.
"Come lie with me," she whispered.
Yun Qi was surprised, "What’s wrong? Can’t sleep?"
Gu Shengyin nodded earnestly, "I want to sleep in your arms, the child also wants to sleep in his father’s arms."
Yun Qi chuckled, and his steps, initially heading back to the study, turned back.
He took off his outer garment and gently got onto the bed, drawing Gu Shengyin into his embrace.
The familiar aroma of Lotus Fragrance filled the air, and Gu Shengyin showed a contented smile.
Yun Qi kissed her forehead, "My coquettish Crown Princess, rest well."