An Eight-year-old Princess

Chapter 73 Before The Storm

The Empress? Pregnant?

Yun Shang was so taken aback that she was at a loss for a while. Then she heard the courtiers

congratulating His Majesty in chorus, "Congratulations to Your Majesty. Congratulations!" Yun Shang

was still pondering over the news she had just heard. What? The Empress is pregnant? Yun Shang

turned around to look at Emperor Ning, who also looked astonished. Yun Shang stared at Emperor

Ning for a long time before speaking, "Your... Your Majesty..."

Emperor Ning turned to Yun Shang with a perplexed stare. Yun Shang felt her hands trembling in her

sleeves. She bit her lip to steady herself, "Congratulations to Your Majesty. Soon I will have one more

younger brother or sister."

It seemed Emperor Ning was still flabbergasted. He breathed out an "oh" after a long while before

sinking into another trance.

The Imperial Physician kneeling on the ground waited patiently for a response from the Emperor, who,

however, stayed silent. So the Imperial Physician spoke, "Your Majesty, the Empress has been

pregnant for about a month. Her Majesty is very well. But Her Majesty got quite excited just now and

that is not good for the baby. However, please don't worry, Your Majesty. Her Majesty will be fine after

resting."

Emperor Ning nodded speechlessly. After a moment, he turned and rushed out of the Hall. Lord Zheng

hastily followed the Emperor. Watching the Emperor's fading figure, Yun Shang felt at a loss for what to

do. She frowned, but after noticing that everyone was staring at her, she realized that she was the only

composed master in the Hall. So she waved and said, "This is a great and happy event. Rise to your

feet. There will be awards from His Majesty."

Everyone stood up at Yun Shang's words. The Princess turned to look at the Imperial Physician, and

smiled, "Though the Empress is physically well, Her Majesty still needs particular attention for her

pregnancy. When you return to the Imperial Hospital, please prepare some medicines conducive to Her

Majesty's pregnancy and send them to Qiwu Palace."

The Imperial Physician nodded and withdrew. Then Yun Shang had time to think this over. What

happened? How could the Empress be pregnant at this moment? In her previous life, Hua Jing was the

Empress's only child. She hadn't given birth to another one. Why? And pregnant at this moment...

Yun Shang thought about the differences in events from her previous life and her present life. Lady Jin

had spent her days at the Cold Palace and had been trapped there until the end of her life. However, in

this life, her mother had not only been released from the Cold Palace, but she was pregnant as well.

Was it possible that everything would change in this life?

In her contemplation, Yun Shang heard a groan. She turned and caught a glimpse of the Empress who

had awoken from her faint. She ran to the Empress and inquired eagerly, "Your Majesty..."

The Empress winced and raised one of her hands to prop up her forehead. It seemed that she was

experiencing some discomfort. Yun Shang stepped nearer, "Your Majesty, are you feeling well?"

The Empress lifted her eyes to glance at Yun Shang. Then she said weakly, "Why am I here? I

remembered I was in Qinzheng Hall. I remember..."

Yun Shang said hastily "You passed out in Qinzheng Hall a little while ago. When the Imperial

Physician checked you, he said that you are pregnant. Your Majesty, congratulations to you."

"Pregnant?" The Empress looked confused. It took a moment for Yun Shang's words to register.

"Pregnant? You mean I am pregnant?"

Yun Shang nodded as she tried to squeeze out a smile. "Yes. You are pregnant, Your Majesty."

The Empress flashed a brilliant smile at Yun Shang's words. "That is really wonderful. In recent years,

no one in the imperial household has been lucky enough to bear your father a child. I was quite worried

about the decline of your father's bloodline. I was even considering selecting some fair ladies to marry

your father and bear him more children. It was completely unexpected that Lady Jin would get

pregnant. And now, so am I."

Yun Shang grinned, "His Majesty is blessed by Buddha."

The Empress seemed ecstatic, "Reward. Everyone will get a reward." Then she summoned Xiu Xin.

"I'm uncomfortable here. I'm afraid I might hurt the baby. Escort me back to Qiwu Palace."

Xiu Xin nodded before helping the Empress to stand. Then the maid assisted the Empress leave the

Hall.

A bitter smile emerged on Yun Shang's lips as she stood in the Hall and watched them leave. Was it

true that the Heavenly God reserves shocking surprises for unsuspecting believers? The Empress.

How could it be possible that she is pregnant at this critical moment?

"Your Imperial Highness..." Yun Shang had been lost in her thoughts till she heard Qian Yin call to her.

She nodded at Qian Yin, "Let's go back to Qingxin Palace."

Yun Shang sank into serious consideration while lying on her bed in Qingxin Palace. What a

coincidence that all these events happened at the same time! Somehow, she had a feeling that

something wrong. But as to what had gone wrong, she could not tell.

"Your Imperial Highness, how could it be possible for the Empress to be pregnant?" Qian Yin

murmured, "Your Imperial Highness, did you expect such a predicament? The disastrous banquet and

our plans to exaggerate the effect would effectively spread rumors about Princess Hua Jing's doomed

destiny to bring death to her husband. Just in a couple of days, everyone in the Imperial City will know

these rumors. I have even devised a ballad for children to sing and spread. However, the Empress is

pregnant! That would be the most fervent topic of conversation in the country. After all, she is the First

Lady of the country. Her pregnancy will be the biggest event under heaven. And people would, of

course, pay less attention to the affairs of Princess Hua JIng..."

Yun Shang nodded and sighed, "Of course. How could she be pregnant at this moment? The

Empress's pregnancy is the perfect aberration to our plans. But it all happened in an instant. How could

it be possible for her to arrange a pregnancy? So, was it indeed a coincidence?"

Yun Shang spent the rest of the afternoon lounging on a couch in the courtyard, trying to figure out why

she felt so puzzled.

When it was getting dark, a knock sounded on the gate of Qingxin Palace. Yun Shang was drowsy. She

heard a maid announcing, "Your Imperial Highness, Lady Meng is requesting a visit."

Yun Shang opened her eyes, "Lady Meng?"

She had barely finished her words when she caught a glimpse of a woman in green. Yun Shang

suddenly realized who she was, "Aha, it's you, Qin Meng. Oh, no, no, no. I should call you Lady Meng,

now."

Yun Shang straightened up. As a quick reflex, Qin Meng stepped forward to pick up the silk quilt that

had fallen on the ground and put it back on the couch.

Yun Shang smiled, "How can I bother Lady Meng with such a chore for me? I should do it myself."

Qin Meng retrieved her hands at Yun Shang's words. She stood there in embarrassment and peeped

at Yun Shang from time to time.

After putting the silk quilt in place, Yun Shang said, "I wonder why Lady Meng comes to Qingxin

Palace. I thought that all ladies in the imperial household would go to Qiwu Palace and pay the

Empress a visit to congratulate her, wouldn't they?"

Qin Meng kept her head low while rubbing her hands together. She was silent for a little while before

uttering gently, "The Empress doesn't like me. If I went there, I'm afraid that I would probably upset Her

Majesty. So I'd rather not go there."

"You are one of the noble members of the imperial household. How could you still be so humble?"

Instead of responding to Qin Meng's predicament, Yun Shang diverted the topic by asking a question.

Qin Meng squeezed out an embarrassed smile, "I have been in service for so long that I cannot shake

these reflexes."

Yun Shang nodded, and hummed before sinking into silence.

But Qin Meng seemed quite nervous, and her body even trembled a little. It felt as though she was

racking her brain for something. Finally, she raised a question, "Your Imperial Highness, may I know

where Your Imperial Highness went several days ago?"

Yun Shang thought it was a funny question, and she even burst into a fit of laughter. "So, I must take

permission from Lady Meng before I go somewhere?"

Qin Meng shook her head immediately, "Please forgive me, Your Imperial Highness. That is not what I

meant..."

"Oh, then what did you mean?" Qin Meng found herself speechless for a long while. Yun Shang Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

relaxed on the couch and lifted her eyes to look at Qin Meng.

After pondering for a while Qin Meng said, "Thank you, Your Imperial Highness. I would have been

dead had it not been for your help. I have vowed that Your Imperial Highness would be my only master

since. The Empress and Princess Hua Jing, they really want to harm Your Imperial Highness. Your

Imperial Highness should be alert."

Yun Shang uttered a "hum."

Seeing Yun Shang's reluctant response, Qin Meng stressed, "Your Imperial Highness, you must be on

guard against the Empress and Princess Hua Jing. If Qin Meng might be of any use to Your Imperial

Highness, please let me know."

Yun Shang raised an eyebrow as she continued to stare at Qin Meng. Then she raised a question,

"How is it going? Your life as Lady Meng? Is anybody still bullying you?"

Qin Meng bit her lip and sank into silence. In the end, she shook her head, "No. I'm quite well. Lady

Ying is quite straightforward. We... get along well with each other..."

"Get along well?" Yun Shang flashed a gentle smile. She did not intend to confront Qin Meng about her

lie. She probed subtly, "Qin Meng, you are quite clever. I have always thought so. But cleverness in not

the only trait for a lady who wants to survive in the imperial household. And sometimes, clever women

incur an early death. No matter what you want, you can only lock your desires in your heart. You

cannot confide in anybody. As to how can you achieve those desires? I hope you have a clear mind. If

you are not determined to do something and to take the first step, then you will only stay where you are

forever. You might even find yourself spiralling..."

Qin Meng nodded sadly. She had been silent for such a long time. It seemed as though she was

refraining from crying. Then she knelt before Yun Shang. "Your Imperial Highness, please help me.

Lady Ying views me as a spy for the Empress and refuses to accept my explanations. She always finds

fault with me, beats me, and scolds me. I have had enough. Your Imperial Highness, please. I will do

anything. No matter what you ask. I know, Your Imperial Highness must have some ways, and Your

Imperial Highness is in a position to help me."

Yun Shang grinned, "Anything? No matter what?"

Qin Meng kowtowed before Yun Shang several times in succession, "Yes. I'm willing to do anything you

want me to do."

Yun Shang nodded, "All right. However, I do not require your service now. Please return. As for Lady

Ying, I can find a way to appease her. I'm just hoping that you will not break your promise later. Before

you go, I have something to tell you... You are the only one you can trust. If you want to rise in the

imperial household, you have to be cruel, not only to everybody else, but also to yourself."

Qin Meng was stunned at these words. Then she nodded, "I understand, Your Imperial Highness. I

understand."

Yun Shang smiled toward Qin Meng and waved at her, "You'd better go now. It's bad for you to be seen

here. If you were seen visiting me, you would not be able to find a proper excuse even if you had a

hundred months on you."

"It's all right. Everyone is at Qiwu Palace right now. No one would pay attention to me. But I will leave

as soon as possible." Qin Meng kowtowed before Qin Meng while speaking, and then she withdrew.

Qin Yi approached Yun Shang and said, "Qin Meng would not be reduced to such a dilemma, if she

had made other choices. She deserves this consequence. She helped the Empress scheme against

Your Imperial Highness."

Yun Shang grinned, "I was just a little girl at that time, without any forces to support me. The world is

crowded with selfish people and it lacks those who will offer timely assistance. Qin Meng chose a path

that many other people would have chosen as well."

Yun Shang sighed and looked out the window. Noticing that she was looking in the direction of Qiwu

Palace, Qin Yi said softly, "Your Imperial Highness, are you still puzzled about what happened today?

Let it go if you cannot figure it out. The truth will prevail in the end."

Yun Shang shook her head, "I'm not trying to figure it out. I'm just worrying about my mother... My

mother was heartbroken over His Majesty over a decade ago. So she shut herself inside the Cold

Palace. Now, she has released herself from the Cold Palace and is even pregnant. But the Empress's

pregnancy would be tantamount to a blow to my mother. Although she has always emphasized that she

only feels despair and does not love His Majesty, I cannot help myself. I worry about her."

Qin Yi nodded in response, "Lady..." She paused for a moment and then continued, "Today, when His

Majesty heard from the Imperial Physician that the Empress is pregnant, he ran out of the Hall in a

hurry, right? I heard that His Majesty had come to Qiwu Palace. The Empress was in the side hall at

Qinzheng Hall at that time. But His Majesty went to Qiwu Palace instead. It is obvious that His Majesty

came to Qiwu Palace for Lady Jin. It seems that His Majesty cares more about the Lady than the

Empress."

Yun Shang hummed before sinking into silence.

The news of the Empress' pregnancy had triggered a stir in the imperial household. The Imperial

Palace only quietened after all the concubines had left after extending their congratulations to the

Empress. Yun Shang was terribly upset. Without informing Qin Yi and Qian Yin, she walked out of

Qingxin Palace after Qiwu Palace became quiet.

After walking along the lake for a while, the Princess leaned against a tree to rest. At that moment, she

heard someone speaking in the distance.

"Lady, how could it be possible that the Empress is pregnant? We all know that His Majesty hasn't

spent a night at Qiwu Palace in a long time." The tone, indicating a touch of suspect, sounded like a

court maid serving in a certain Palace.

Then, the voice of another woman disturbed the silence, "On the fifteenth of last month, His Majesty

stayed in the Empress' Palace for one night."

That voice was familiar. After combing her mind for its master, Yun Shang was quite sure that it was

Lady Shu.

"But, Lady Jin is also dwelling in Qiwu Palace. I have heard from maids at Qiwu Palace that every time

His Majesty visited Qiwu Palace in this past month, His Majesty went to see Lady Jin..."

Yun Shang heard a sigh from Lady Shu, in which a trace of contempt could be felt. "Hem, only the

Heavenly God knows whether or not that old witch employed any tricks to allure His Majesty into her

bed. She went as far as to present her maid as a gift to His Majesty. What else is she not capable of?"

The maid lowered her voice, "Lady, do you think the Lord is going to allow her to keep the baby?"

The Lord? Yun Shang was taken aback. What did that maid mean? What did she mean by is the Lord

going to allow her to keep the baby? Yun Shang felt a sharp throb in her heart. She focused on the

conversation.

Lady Shu kept silent for a moment. Then she said, "I don't know. Over a decade ago, I had been

chosen to marry His Majesty and became a member of the imperial household. I would receive an

order from the Lord whenever a lady was pregnant. I was ordered to cause an inconspicuous

miscarriage. And I did a good job. I almost failed in killing Lady Ying's baby and exposed myself. But I

managed to devise a plan to set up the Empress instead, and Lady Ying believed it. But there has been

no order from the Lord since the announcement of Lady Jin's pregnancy. Now, the Empress is also

pregnant. I don't know whether the Lord is going to order me to do something. But, there are many

people in the imperial household who will not wish to see that baby be born. Lady Ying would be the

first to make that wish come true. I don't think I need to be involved. It is doubtful that this baby will get

a chance to see the world..."