The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 20 - A Cold Heart

He never expected that she would be so audacious. "Who gave her the courage to use such poison in the harem? If I ever anger her, will she even spare me?"

The Emperor's mind was already filled with images of her poisoning him.

The Empress was startled. She knew that the Emperor would be enraged upon learning of this, but she hadn't expected him to be this furious.

"Your Majesty, please be careful not to harm your health in your anger." The Empress stepped forward and gently patted the Emperor's back, fearing that his anger might cause him some harm. "It must be that she was momentarily confused, and with her previous quarrels with He Liangdi, she must have harbored such malicious thoughts."

She had not anticipated that someone would be so bold, nor that she could mobilize such people within the palace.

As the Empress, she found it difficult to bring such things into the palace, let alone a mere concubine.

"Hmph, even if I am not dead from rage now, I will surely be harmed by them eventually." The Emperor's eyes were bloodshot, filled with murderous intent.

"Look at these," Emperor Rui said, handing over the items Huang Zhongquan had delivered.

The Empress was shocked after reading them.

"Your Majesty, could this be true? Could this matter even involve Prince Duan?" The Duke was the Emperor's maternal cousin.

Although there had been previous disputes, the Emperor had been on the throne for many years. Even if the prince had intentions, he should have given up by now. How could he still engage in such foolish actions?

"What's impossible about it? Don't forget, aside from being my concubine, she is also the prince's cousin," the Emperor said, his tone becoming calmer.

"Yu-er, do you think he truly hasn't given up? But who gave him the courage?" He believed his achievements were not inferior to those of his predecessor.

He had done right by his ancestors and the people, but recently, those close to him had wished for his life.

"Your Majesty," the Empress said, thinking of her deceased son, "I don't know who gave him the courage, but there was his shadow over our son's death. If he is involved again this time, please punish him severely."

The Empress knelt, "Consider it my personal desire to avenge my child."

Over the years, she had always hated those murderers, but she could not punish them because she had to consider the Emperor's face.

The Emperor helped the Empress up. "Yu-er, I know your pain. Rest assured, I will ensure that a legitimate heir is born." He was aware of the small maneuvers behind the scenes, but for the sake of their relationship, he chose to let them go.

But now, they dared to plot against the harem. This time, no matter what, he would not let it slide easily.

At this moment, Emperor Rui cared little about Bai Jingxian's life or death. What concerned him was whether they would use others to harm him.

Throughout history, emperors have always been most protective of their own lives.

The Empress, not receiving a clear response from the Emperor, felt a chill in her heart. If she could, she would rather forgo having children to avenge her deceased child.

"This time, He Liangdi has indeed exposed some parasites."

She knew that the Emperor could not let go of his feelings, but she wanted him to see the scheming intentions behind those feelings!

"Previously, the palace attendants reported that He Liangdi's fever hadn't subsided. I don't know how she is doing now." The Empress said.

As the Empress, who had loved the Emperor, she knew the man beside her well. Although she couldn't act directly, she didn't mind doing some favors for He Liangdi.

He Liangdi was a fine blade. Given her status and situation, she thinks He Liangdi would be very willing to be the blade in her hand.

"Empress, do not worry. I will visit her later." To the Emperor, the culprits were detestable, but the origin of the issue was Bai Jingxian, and the veil he had been reluctant to tear had now been lifted because of her.

He felt some disturbance in his heart. He didn't want to shatter that calm.

Now, it was different.

If he did not act to punish them, would they think his tolerance for them was very high?

The future harem might be even more restless.

"That's certainly good. From what I've seen these days, He Liangdi is indeed not as bad as the rumors say. Your Majesty, when you have time, you should show more concern for the beauty."

The Empress was always virtuous.

"Yu-er, your words sound a bit bitter," Emperor Rui said with a smile that replaced his previous anger. "Compared to other beauties, I would prefer to have another child with you."

After the Empress left the Qinzheng Palace, the Emperor said he would accompany her for dinner that evening and told her to wait for him.

Huang Zhongquan came in again, and the Emperor's anger was no longer concealed.

"Find all those involved. No matter who they are, leave no one out."

The Emperor's eyes, no longer showing the earlier jest with the Empress, were now filled with ruthlessness.

Bai Jingxian was unaware of these matters. After a few days of recovery, she was still feeling weak, lacking the energy to do anything. Her previously regained weight had once again dropped. Chun Feng and the others were very worried.

"My Lady, this is some light and refreshing food and medicinal porridge from the kitchen," Chun Feng said, trying her best to persuade the mistress to eat something.

"Yes, my lady, you can't recover without eating," Chun Yu and the others also joined in the persuasion.

Bai Jingxian had little appetite. She wanted something more flavorful, but since she was on medication, she naturally could not eat what she wanted.

Even though the porridge and light dishes had been carefully prepared, she had no appetite.

"Just keep it warm for now. I don't want to eat at the moment." Looking at the porridge and dishes on the table, she felt a sourness in her stomach. Drinking the medicinal soup and eating medicinal porridge seemed like it was going to be the end of her.

"My Lady, you cannot be so willful. The physician has said you are severely depleted and need to supplement your health. We're only giving you a bit at a time, and these are all good things. We cannot waste them."

Wang Momo also joined in the persuasion.

While they were trying to get Bai Jingxian to eat, the announcement of the Emperor's arrival came from outside.

Bai Jingxian hurriedly got up to greet him, taking the opportunity to avoid their good intentions.

The Emperor had heard from the Empress that she was ill, and now seeing her come out to greet him, he felt a bit puzzled.

As he drew closer and saw her thin face, he knew she was truly ill.

"Why have you come out, beloved concubine? It's hot outside, and you're sick. Don't worsen your condition."

When a man wants to comfort you, he can say all sorts of sweet words.

When he no longer wants to indulge you, even if you are a flower, you are still considered a nuisance.

"Your Majesty," Bai Jingxian weakly stood up with the Emperor's help. "I am happy to see Your Majesty. I naturally wanted to see you and greet you personally."

"How are you feeling now?" Emperor Rui held her small hand tightly and noticed how cold it was. "Your hand is so cold. Are you still running a high fever?"

Though it was not yet the height of summer, the sun was quite hot. Yet, her hand was still icy, causing the Emperor great concern.