amaotonovel Chapter 180 Unlucky Huang Jihong
Chapter 180 Unlucky Huang Jihong
In the blink of an eye, it was the ninth year of Shenwu.
In De'an Palace, Concubine Jiang was coaxing the Second Prince, Zhou Chengjin, into a nap. The head maid approached with delicate steps and whispered, "Your Majesty."
Concubine Jiang tucked the quilt for the second prince again before quietly walking out of the bedroom.
Concubine Jiang sat on the chaise longue in the main hall and took two sips of fragrant tea before saying, "Have you found out everything?"
The head maid Cai Ping nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I have checked carefully. Since entering the palace, all the clothes worn by Concubine Yi have not come from the Shangyi Bureau. I have also discovered that some of the clothes worn by Concubine Yi are made of the same material as your Majesty's clothes. It can be confirmed that they come from the same place as your Majesty's clothes."
Although Concubine Jiang had some suspicions, she still found it hard to accept what she heard. She gently covered her chest, feeling a sharp pain in her heart: "Your Majesty, are you really so in love with Concubine Yi?"
The head maid Caiping also felt sad for her master: "Your Majesty..."
"Cai Ping, tell me, what have I been doing all these years?"
Cai Ping hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, His Majesty still has you in his heart. Even though there are five concubines now, isn't Your Majesty still the leader? Moreover, Your Majesty also has the Second Prince. The Second Prince is smart and clever, and His Majesty has always liked the Second Prince the most, and has never slacked off on his studies."
Concubine Jiang lowered her eyes. "Really? Do you know the difference between 'Jin' and 'Chen'? 'Jin' means beautiful jade, while 'Chen' means tolerance, cherishment, gratitude, pure and flawless, noble character, like a jewel, and the utmost wealth and nobility! Your Majesty has longed for this child! I'm afraid no other prince or princess can compare to him."
Caiping opened her mouth but couldn't say anything.
Another day, Emperor Shenwu went to the Cining Palace to pay his respects to Empress Dowager Li. Empress Dowager Li asked about the Sixth Prince: "That child is really good-looking. Seeing him makes me feel better. I can even eat an extra bowl of rice. When you have time, let Concubine Yi bring the Sixth Prince to the Cining Palace more often. Mingzhu also likes this little brother very much."
Emperor Shenwu nodded and said, "Mingzhu has been well-educated by our mother. She is knowledgeable and polite. Concubine Yi has always respected our mother."
Emperor Shenwu glanced at Empress Dowager Li again and asked, "Mother, why don't you ask me about promoting her and Concubine Wen to be concubines?"
Empress Dowager Li shook her head. "I've heard about Concubine Wan and the First Prince. Let the Emperor make the final decision! However, it's been three years since the last selection. It's time to prepare."
Emperor Shenwu put down the teacup in his hand and said evasively, "No rush, let's talk about it in autumn!"
"That's fine. In any case, the emperor's thriving offspring is a blessing for our Great Sheng."
After hearing about this, Concubine Jiang felt even more depressed. Caiping was a little confused. Isn't this a good thing?
Concubine Jiang explained, "Don't you understand? Before, His Majesty was indifferent to all six concubines, but now—he has shown a tendency to favor only one person."
Look at it now, the selection has been postponed. However, no one in the harem can really see this.
Concubine Jiang suddenly ordered, "Go to Qianzheng Palace to invite His Majesty and tell him that the Second Prince is feeling unwell."
When Emperor Shenwu arrived at De'an Palace, he found the second prince playing happily. He frowned and looked at Concubine Jiang. Caiping and the wet nurse on the side hurriedly took the second prince away.
Concubine Jiang bowed gracefully and dignifiedly: "Your Majesty, may you be well and safe."
Emperor Shenwu turned around and tried to leave: "Stand up!"
Concubine Jiang quickly said, "Your Majesty, aren't you curious why I invited you here?"
Emperor Shenwu looked at Concubine Jiang and asked, "Are these matters important?"
"Important! Your Majesty, this is extremely important to me! Your Majesty, I accidentally discovered that the material of the clothes worn by Concubine Yi's sister is the same as yours! Your Majesty, I'm afraid this is against the rules."
Emperor Shenwu smoothed his sleeves and said, "Princess Jiang, for Concubine Yi and I, this is perfectly normal. We have always been like this!"
Ever since he met Lan Qingwu, the two had been getting along like this. Sharing the same clothes and food was not uncommon.
Concubine Jiang hadn't expected the Emperor Shenwu to say this. "Your Majesty, what do you mean? Have you never thought about the other concubines? Have you never considered how I must feel? Your Majesty, what is the point of all my years of dedication?"
"Princess Jiang, of course you are still the Concubine Jiang in this harem. This will never change!"
Concubine Jiang felt as if thousands of arrows were piercing her heart: "Your Majesty..."
"My heart is big, it can hold everyone in the world, but it is also small, it can only accommodate one woman. Concubine Jiang, you have always been considerate, so I believe you can understand this feeling."
Concubine Jiang shook her head gently, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Your Majesty, I understand, but I don't understand you! Concubine Yi is lovable and compassionate, but Your Majesty, if you do this, you will definitely push Concubine Yi into opposition with the women in the harem. Your Majesty, this is the harem!"
Emperor Shenwu's eyes were calm and composed. "I will handle these matters myself. Concubine Jiang, my heart is as firm as a rock and cannot be changed. You will do what you want!"
Emperor Shenwu walked out of De'an Palace.
Concubine Jiang looked at the back of Emperor Shenwu as he walked away, tears streaming down her face: "Your Majesty!"
Emperor Shenwu stopped and said, "Princess Jiang, you should take good care of the Second Prince! He will be your support."
As Emperor Shenwu was about to walk out of the gate, Concubine Jiang suddenly shouted, "Your Majesty, please be careful of Concubine Chen!"
Emperor Shenwu paused slightly and finally walked out of De'an Palace.
After Emperor Shenwu left, Concubine Jiang stood silently for a long time until a small body hugged her legs. Concubine Jiang hugged the second prince in her arms, holding him tightly, and refused to let go for a long time.
In Jiazhou City, Prince Shen was inspecting his territory, and the city defender Huang Jihong was lamenting his bad luck with a heavy heart.
Some of the people in Jiazhou City have been killed and have taken some unknown poison. Huang Jihong was also fed poison and could only keep a low profile and obey orders for the time being.
Emperor Shenwu became suspicious of Concubine Chen. Recalling several things that had happened in the harem over the past two years, he was shocked. It seemed that the hidden, invisible hand in the harem was finally gradually revealing itself.