lcionline Chapter 207 The Queen Summons
Chapter 207 The Queen Summons
The next day, accompanied by Liuli, Murong Xuewei wore a light green dress and no makeup, deliberately making herself look very haggard.
When the news reached the General's Mansion, Murong Xuewei was preparing to leave.
She received a tip last night that the mysterious noblewoman had reappeared at the teahouse in the south of the city.
However, she could not disobey the emperor's order, so she had to temporarily put aside her investigation plan.
"Madam, you really shouldn't be overexerting yourself like this," Liuli said worriedly as she helped her change. "Should we have the doctor take a look first?"
“It’s alright,” Murong Xuewei interrupted her. “Since it’s the Empress’s summons, not going would only arouse suspicion.” She paused, then added, “Have the shadow guards continue to keep an eye on the teahouse.”
Liuli agreed, but was still worried: "Madam, should we tell the General?"
Murong Xuewei shook her head: "No need to disturb him." She turned to look out the window, her eyes deep. "He has more important matters to attend to right now."
The carriage arrived at the palace gate, where palace maids were already waiting. Upon entering, Murong Xuewei noticed that the atmosphere was somewhat different today. The usually deserted palace paths were now bustling with palace servants.
Although the plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden were in full bloom, they only made the entire palace seem even more desolate.
In the warm pavilion of Fengyi Palace, the Empress was leaning lazily back in her chair, listening to the palace maids beside her report news.
"Your Highness, I've found out that the General's wife's unborn child is doing well," Qingzhu reported in a low voice. "I heard that the General's wife has only been feeling unwell in the mornings these past two days, and the doctor has already checked her pulse."
The Empress gently set down the gilded teacup in her hand, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes.
She got up and walked to the window, gazing at the plum blossoms falling in the distance, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"If such a petty trick could really cause Murong Xuewei to miscarry, I would have to re-evaluate Murong Xuewei," the Empress said. "But it doesn't matter. Judging by the time, Murong Xuewei should be at the palace gate by now. Go and meet her."
"Yes." Qingzhu responded and withdrew.
The Empress turned and walked to the bronze mirror, carefully adjusting her hairpins and ornaments, and muttered to herself, "Xuewei, Xuewei, why are you always so troublesome?"
Upon passing through numerous palace gates and arriving at Fengyi Palace, Murong Xuewei was surprised to find the Emperor also there. This was unusual; at this time of day, the Emperor should usually be in his study.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Empress." Murong Xuewei curtsied, her mind racing as she pondered the key points.
"Xuewei is here?" the Empress said with a smile. "Come and sit down. She can dine with me and the Emperor."
After Murong Xuewei took her seat, she noticed that the Emperor's gaze was subtly lingering on her.
This feeling made her very uncomfortable, but she could only endure it and maintain a respectful demeanor.
"I heard you're pregnant?" the Empress asked warmly as she had food served. "That's wonderful news! I've been eager to see you ever since I heard the news."
"Yes." Murong Xuewei lowered her head slightly, avoiding the Emperor's burning gaze. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
"Oh?" The Emperor put down his golden chopsticks, appearing quite interested. "Xuewei is pregnant? I remember you and Gu Ye haven't been married for very long."
These words sounded like casual small talk, but Murong Xuewei sensed a hint of probing in them.
Her heart tightened, and she was thinking about how to deal with it when she saw the Empress smiling and smoothing things over.
“Your Majesty is right,” the Empress said gently. “They are newly married, and it’s a good thing that she’s pregnant. It shows that they are a harmonious couple and have a deep affection for each other.”
The Emperor gave the Empress a meaningful look, then said, "In that case, Xuewei, you may visit the palace often from now on. The Empress knows how to care for pregnant women; she can teach you."
"Your Majesty, I thank you." Murong Xuewei bowed again, but inwardly she was on guard.
The Empress's frequent summons to the palace were already troublesome enough for her, but now that the Emperor has also gotten involved, the situation is likely to become even more complicated.
After lunch, the Emperor left, and the Empress pulled Murong Xuewei into the inner room to talk.
With the Emperor no longer present, the Empress became increasingly friendly, and the conversation gradually shifted to some sensitive topics.
"I was pregnant when I was young," the Empress said, gesturing to the maids beside her. "Have them prepare some medicinal herbs to help with the pregnancy. These are secret palace recipes; you can't find them anywhere else."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Speaking of which..." the Empress casually brought up, "what do you think of ***'s matter?"
Murong Xuewei's heart skipped a beat. The Empress's sudden mention of Xiao Wanning must have a deeper meaning.
But she maintained a feigned ignorance, saying, "Your Majesty, I am foolish and dare not offer any unsolicited opinion."
"You are indeed cautious," the Empress chuckled. "But it's true, these things are hard to say. It's just a pity, if only..." She trailed off.
"If not what?" Murong Xuewei pressed on at the opportune moment.
"It's nothing," the Empress waved her hand. "Now that you're pregnant, it's best not to think about these worries." She paused for a moment, then added, "However, although *** is a bit impatient, he's truly sincere towards you."
Murong Xuewei sneered inwardly. Xiao Wanning's so-called "sincere affection" for her was probably just a ploy to kill her. However, the Empress's words revealed an important piece of information—the Empress seemed to know Xiao Wanning's character very well.
"By the way," the Empress suddenly said, "how has General Gu been doing in court lately?"
"Thanks to Your Majesty, everything is well."
"Is that so..." the Empress said meaningfully, "I've heard that he seems to have offended some people. The situation in the court is not what it used to be."
Murong Xuewei was startled. There had indeed been someone secretly targeting Gu Ye recently; could the Empress be involved as well?
Just then, a eunuch's shrill voice came from outside: "Your Majesty, the Emperor summons the General's wife to the Imperial Study."
The Empress's expression changed momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure: "Go, don't keep the Emperor waiting." She instructed, "Remember to come again tomorrow; I'll have the imperial physician check your pulse."
"Your Majesty, I obey."
As she walked out of Fengyi Palace, Murong Xuewei's expression gradually became serious.
Based on the Emperor's past summonses, I'm afraid this time won't be so simple either.
In the imperial study, the Emperor was reviewing memorials. Seeing her enter, he put down his brush and asked, "How does Gu Ye treat you?"
This question came suddenly, but Murong Xuewei dared not be negligent: "The General treats me very well."
"Is that so..." the Emperor said meaningfully, "Then do you know what he cares about most?"
Murong Xuewei felt a sudden alarm bell ringing in her mind.
"Your Majesty, I am foolish and dare not presume to speculate."
"You are indeed cautious," the Emperor smiled. "Indeed, it's proper for a general's wife to act this way. But..." He paused, "If you discover anything, you must tell me. This is for your own good."
As they left the palace, dusk was approaching. Inside the carriage, Murong Xuewei's brow furrowed deeper as she reflected on everything that had happened in the palace that day.
The Empress's expression when she mentioned Xiao Wan Ning, her words implying that Gu Ye had offended someone, and the Emperor's obvious probing all made her feel uneasy.
"Madam," Liuli whispered outside the carriage, "news has come from the teahouse that the noblewoman left a letter."
Murong Xuewei pondered for a moment, then ordered, "Send someone to fetch the letter."
Back at the General's Mansion, Gu Ye was already waiting for her.
"What did the Emperor and Empress say?" he asked bluntly.
Murong Xuewei briefly recounted the conversation in the palace, but omitted some details.
Murong Xuewei noticed that Gu Ye's eyes flickered when she mentioned the Empress implying that he had offended someone.
"Will the Empress summon you to the palace again tomorrow?"
"Yes. They said they'd have the imperial physician take my pulse."
Gu Ye was silent for a moment, then said, "Be careful. The Empress is a very cunning woman."
In the dead of night, Murong Xuewei was sorting through the day's information in her room when she suddenly heard Liuli's hurried footsteps.
"Madam," Liuli said solemnly, "I just received news that the Vice Minister of War, along with several other ministers, plans to impeach the General at tomorrow's morning court session. They say... they say the General is secretly colluding with foreign enemies and has ulterior motives."