mtlumby2d Chapter 300 Do You Know? Lin Yitang 14
Chapter 300 Do You Know? Lin Yitang 14
Rong Niangzi was almost three months pregnant, but like Zhou Niangzi, she often had to call the imperial physician, which made Lin Niangzi seem out of place.
In the Kunning Palace, the Empress sat gloomily on a chair. Huan'er carefully served the Empress. Ever since the Emperor forced her to "recuperate," the Empress had been in a bad mood and often beat and scolded the palace maids.
"Those useless things!" the Empress cursed under her breath. They were worthless and couldn't even handle a concubine.
The Empress disliked the Emperor's children, but she never laid a hand on them. Now that the Emperor suspected her of framing Lady Zhou, she was determined to prove it.
Huan'er lowered her eyes, not daring to say more. The Empress's emotions were becoming increasingly volatile. Perhaps it was because she used to hold great power and had everything under her control, so she could act with impunity.
Now, the Emperor has first stripped the Empress of her power to manage the inner palace. Even though the ministers of the previous dynasty impeached her, the Emperor did not back down, but only said to the outside world that the Empress was unwell.
There are only five days left until the Lunar New Year. If the Empress does not appear at the Lunar New Year banquet, wouldn't that mean that the Emperor and the Empress are not on good terms?
"Huan'er, go and have Liu Mama spread the news." Empress Cao said grimly. Did she want Consort Zhang to preside over the New Year's banquet? She would become the biggest laughing stock.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Huan'er replied.
Not long after, news spread from the imperial court and the inner palace that the emperor and empress were at odds, and that the emperor intended to entrust important matters such as the New Year's banquet, the sacrifices to heaven and earth, and the sacrifices to ancestors to Consort Zhang and Consort Miao.
"Thud—" The memorial was slammed heavily onto the table.
The Emperor's face darkened. Half of the memorials submitted today were impeachments against him, accusing Consort Zhang of being a bewitching concubine who spread rumors and misled the Emperor, causing discord between the Emperor and Empress and affecting the stability of the country. They urged the Emperor and Empress to maintain a harmonious relationship.
"Nonsense!" the Emperor rebuked. These ministers had nothing better to do than keep an eye on his harem every day.
The Emperor was already dissatisfied with the Empress, and now that such news had spread, he directly suspected that the Empress was behind it, with the aim of forcing him to compromise.
Zhang Maoze stood silently beside the Emperor, his eyes lowered. He had some connection with the Empress, and news had come from the inner palace asking him to speak on her behalf. But glancing at the Emperor, he could clearly see that the Emperor was furious, and he didn't want to become the Emperor's punching bag.
The Emperor initially suppressed the memorials and kept them in the palace without issuing them. For several days in a row, ministers submitted memorials impeaching Consort Zhang.
Although the Emperor did not want to release the Empress, the New Year was approaching, and if the Empress did not attend, the ministers might impeach her again.
On the eve of the New Year, the Emperor lifted the Empress's "confinement" and allowed her to attend the New Year's banquet, but did not allow her to regain control of the inner palace.
In the east wing of Wutong Pavilion, Lianyun was sent to consult Consort Zhang and Consort Miao, and Xiao Dengzi was sent to consult the Emperor, saying that she was unwell and unable to attend the New Year's banquet.
A few days ago, she had the imperial physician spread the word that her pregnancy was unstable and she needed to rest in bed, believing that Consort Zhang and Consort Miao would not make things difficult for her.
Sure enough, less than an hour later, Lian Yun entered the inner room and said that Consort Zhang and Consort Miao had agreed. Xiao Dengzi returned with the news less than fifteen minutes later that the Emperor told her to rest assured and take care of her pregnancy.
……
On New Year's Eve, the emperor and empress would first offer sacrifices to heaven, earth, and their ancestors, followed by various rituals to drive away evil spirits.
After a busy day, the emperor and his concubines would have a "reunion dinner" before keeping vigil.
Lin Yitang, who did not attend the banquet, followed local customs and had Lianyun, Chengyue, and Xiao Dengzi enter the inner room to celebrate the festival with her. Qiuci, Dongqu, and Xiao Anzi bestowed a meal upon her and also rewarded the rough palace maids and eunuchs in the east wing.
After finishing her dinner, Lin Yitang sat down and watched as the three of them cut paper snowflakes around the stove.
"It's all so kind of you to keep me company." Last year on New Year's Eve, Lin Yitang went to "have a reunion dinner" and stayed up all night with the emperor.
"It is my honor to serve Lady Lin," Little Deng said ingratiatingly.
"You're such a chatterbox!" Lin Yitang teased with a smile.
An hour later, Lin Yitang felt sleepy. In addition, she was feeling heavy, so Lianyun told her to go and rest, and that Lianyun, Chengyue and other palace maids could keep watch at night.