The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 41 - Longing

"Replying to My Lady, I am thirteen this year," Xiao Shuzi said nervously. He had only recently entered Lanyue Pavilion and had been doing menial work, rarely seeing the master for days on end. Being called to the master's presence today, he was understandably anxious, and his voice trembled slightly.
Seeing him so nervous, Bai Jingxian felt hesitant to speak loudly, fearing she might scare the child.
"Xiao Li said you have family outside the palace?" 
"Yes, My Lady. I have a brother and sister-in-law, as well as nephews and nieces outside the palace," Xiao Shuzi replied honestly, despite not knowing the purpose of the inquiry. "But I have a grudge against my brother and sister-in-law, and our relationship is not good."
Seeing his honesty, Bai Jingxian smiled after glancing at Xiao Li. "Get up, then. I have a question for you."
Regardless of the specifics, as long as there was someone, it was fine. With the use of poison, she wasn't afraid of betrayal. Once he got up, Bai Jingxian asked Xiao Li to explain the purpose of summoning him.
Xiao Li briefly explained the matter in a few sentences.
"Do you think this will work?" Since Xiao Shuzi's brother and sister-in-law were capable of selling their sibling, it was likely they were not good people. Being utilized by the master would be considered fortunate for them.
"It will work, but I cannot be involved directly. If I were to intervene, it might not succeed. When they sold me, I vowed that if I ever had the chance, I would make them suffer," Xiao Shuzi said, revealing his resentment.
"It's fine. I will have someone else handle it. It's just that you should be informed," Bai Jingxian said. "Do your brother and sister-in-law live near the capital?"
"No, they live not far from the capital in Lian Yongning Village. However, my elder brother associates with a bad crowd in the capital and loves gambling, and after incurring debts, he sold me into the palace," Xiao Shuzi explained.
Xiao Shuzi seemed very honest, possibly due to his difficult experiences. His appearance had a broken yet intriguing beauty.
"It seems your elder brother has some connections. That's even better. Alright, from now on, follow Xiao Li. He doesn't have many people under him," Bai Jingxian decided after understanding the situation.
Unfortunately, what she initially intended as a long-term intelligence source now seemed expendable after this task.
After Xiao Li took Xiao Shuzi away, he also administered the poison to him. Anyone who served the master or knew certain things was given the poison, including Xiao Li and Wang Momo.
Chun Feng and Chun Yu watched everything and were very satisfied with Xiao Li.
When they returned, they praised Xiao Li to the master, describing him as someone capable of significant tasks.
Bai Jingxian was amused by their flattery.
"Chun Yu, go find Eunuch Zhang and have him bring some items and a letter to Consort Xiu. I believe she can complete this task."
While Bai Jingxian was arranging matters outside the palace, the Emperor and Empress were also preparing for their summer retreat.
And so, Emperor Rui personally came to Lanyue Pavilion.
Initially, the Empress intended to keep Bai Jingxian away due to her pregnancy, planning to tell the Emperor that Bai Jingxian was ill and would not accompany them. However, the Emperor spoke first, canceling the arrangement for Bai Jingxian to travel to the summer retreat.
The Empress was naturally pleased and agreed to let the Emperor visit Bai Jingxian.
"Your Majesty has arrived." After ten days of closure, Lanyue Pavilion's doors finally opened.
Bai Jingxian, assisted by Chun Feng and Chun Yu, came out.
"Greetings to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be in good health."
It had been a while since Emperor Rui had seen her. Looking at her now, she seemed even more gentle and beautiful than before, different from her previous charm.
"Get up. Have you been well lately?" Knowing she might be pregnant, the Emperor was very concerned. He had been aware of the possibility of Wang Momo and had intentionally delayed others to accommodate her.
Seeing her, he was reluctant to part with her.
"Your Majesty," Bai Jingxian's eyes were slightly reddened, her tone filled with unspoken grievance and longing.
"I miss you so much." As the Emperor held her hand, she leaned into his embrace, saying, "I miss you so, so much."
Hearing her soft and tender words, he felt a deep sense of affection. "I miss you too, very much."
Does he miss her?
Of course, he missed her.
Recently, he had only heard news about her from Defu. Although the reports said she was well, he still felt uneasy.
Now that he saw her in person, she was not as well as Defu described. She had missed him and had grown thinner, like a flower battered by rain.
"Be good, Jing'er. I am here. I came to see you."
The servants in the lower ranks, seeing the two embracing, wisely stepped aside to give them space.
"Mm, Your Majesty has not forgotten me. There is still a place for me in Your Majesty's heart." Bai Jingxian held him tightly as if holding her entire world. "I am very happy, truly happy. As long as Your Majesty still thinks of me, I am content."
Emperor Rui felt a pang in his heart and a swelling sensation. He had never felt such intense love before. "Yes, there is, there is." He crouched slightly and lifted her up.
"Don't be afraid. I will carry you back."
In the bedroom of the west side hall, they continued to hold each other as before, but their gazes were locked, both filled with the image of the other.
"Jing'er, I am taking everyone to the summer retreat. Do you want to come?" His original intention was to comfort her, but seeing her, he realized he couldn't bear to leave her for long.
Bai Jingxian's face immediately lit up with joy. "Really? Can I go?" She straightened up slightly from him, her eyes full of anticipation. But then, as if remembering something, her joy faded. "But Guifei's punishment for me is not yet complete. So, Your Majesty, I should not go."
Her voice grew softer, but her small hand held his hand tighter, showing her reluctance, helplessness, and endless attachment.
Seeing her like this, the Emperor nearly said, "I'll take you."
Fortunately, he held back, not only for her sake but also for the child in her womb.
"It doesn't matter if it's not finished. Let the servants handle it. Guifei won't actually check," he said, kissing her forehead and gently explaining how to cheat.
"Your Majesty, you are so kind." She would not refuse such a good opportunity. With the Emperor's words, she couldn't let him down. "I will have Wang Momo write it. You probably don't know, but Wang Momo's calligraphy is beautiful."
Hearing this, the Emperor smiled. "It seems my beloved consort is very clever."