The Daily Life of a Concubine

Chapter 51 - The Emperor's Consideration

"Regarding the medicine, Your Highness, this prescription is beneficial for the body, but whether it will ensure the birth of a prince is something I cannot guarantee," the physician explained.
He truly didn't know. There were countless prescriptions, but none could guarantee a son. Even if there were, it would be nothing but rumors.
Bai Jingxian was unaware of the physician's thoughts. If she had known, she would have told him that she had many such prescriptions. However, she is unwilling to provide them. 
Sigh, she just wouldn't.
Upon hearing this, Shu Fei breathed a sigh of relief. "Will taking this medicine conflict with previous prescriptions?" As long as it was harmless, she intended to give it a try.
"It will not cause harm. However, it is best to take the medicine in two doses. Excessive nourishment is not good for Your Highness's health," Physician He said dutifully.
Shu Fei was pleased. "Good, thank you, Physician He. Hui Chun. Reward."
Hui Chun, who was observant, took out a purse. "Physician He, thank you for your efforts. Please take care of Her Highness in the future."
The Imperial Physician He did not hesitate to accept it. "It is my duty."
As Physician He left, he took the eunuch from Shu Fei's side to get the medicine. These medicinal materials needed to be recorded, but since they were harmless, there was no need for secrecy.
However, after the eunuch departed, Imperial Physician He went to meet the Emperor.
Upon hearing the report, Emperor Rui smiled. "So, you say this prescription can really produce a son?" As an emperor, he was skeptical.
However, he was aware that many concubines used various prescriptions for pregnancy, and he had allowed it because no one had conceived. It was fine as long as it wasn't used to harm anyone.
There were many concubines who were pregnant now, so as long as it wasn't used to harm others, he wouldn't interfere. It was only because the Empress Dowager was somewhat special that he asked Imperial Physician He to keep an eye on her and report any developments.
"It is useless," Imperial Physician He said sincerely.
There was no such thing as a prescription to guarantee a son. Some prescriptions might alter the body's internal environment, but it was a long process. If the medicine was too strong, it could harm not only the mother but also the child.
In general, they rarely prescribed such medicines to the concubines. Most of the time, it was the concubines' family members who brought them in.
"Hmm, reward, De Fu."
After the Imperial Physician He left, Emperor Rui put down his pen. "Although I don't know what you're planning, I don't mind granting one or two of your wishes," Emperor Rui murmured.
When De Fu entered, he saw the killing intent on the emperor's face and was puzzled. "Your Majesty, is there something wrong?" He thought perhaps Doctor He had deceived the emperor.
Emperor Rui glanced at De Fu. "No, tonight we go to Yi Xuan Palace."
Wanting a child, one must make concessions.
De Fu was stunned. Had the emperor changed his mind?
"Yes." Since the emperor had spoken, he did not dare to question further and could only follow orders.
At Yi Xuan Palace, Shu Fei was overjoyed to hear the emperor would be visiting that night. This was the first time her cousin had responded to her in this way.
Now that she had come out of her aunt's palace, her cousin must know. He was also aware of her intent in inviting him.
His willingness to come—did it mean he also wanted a child connected to him by blood?
No longer just the Third Prince's mother, no longer a mere substitute for someone he cared for deeply?
Shu Fei was thrilled. Even before the sun had set, she had already begun arranging the meals for the emperor's visit, her energy seemingly inexhaustible.
Hui Chun, seeing her mistress so enthusiastic, felt a pang of sadness. "Your Highness, can we still use the prescription from the Dowager Empress? The one from the lady has a greater effect."
Although it might cause some harm, it was mainly intended to ensure Shu Fei would conceive. The temptation was too great.
Shu Fei fell silent upon hearing this. "Wait a bit longer? If I do not conceive this time, I will use it next time."
Hui Chun opened her mouth but swallowed her words. She wanted to tell Shu Fei that the emperor did not always favor her and that missing this chance might mean waiting for an unknown future opportunity.
But she couldn't say this for fear of angering Shu Fei.
"Hui Chun, I don't believe my cousin is truly heartless. If this time doesn't work, I will definitely use the medicine my mother gave me next time," Shu Fei said, holding Hui Chun's hand with a radiant smile.
But the words seemed more like self-reassurance.
"Very well, I'll do as Your Highness wishes."
The emperor arrived at Yi Xuan Palace neither too early nor too late. However, he encountered many concubines on the way, which delayed his arrival. By the time he reached Yi Xuan Palace, night had fallen completely.
"His Majesty has arrived."
"Greetings, Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live long and prosper."
"Rise."
The emperor approached Shu Fei and helped her up. "Cousin, you don't need to be so formal. Have you been waiting long?" It must be said that the emperor was skilled at changing his demeanor.
Before entering the gates of Yi Xuan Palace, his face had been stern. But once inside, his expression softened into a smile.
"Not long at all. Waiting for the emperor is never long," Shu Fei looked at the emperor with admiration, her eyes and heart filled with him.
But the emperor disliked this. It made him see himself.
He had looked at someone with the same adoration, but unfortunately, that person's heart and eyes were not filled with him.
If not for some manipulations or his father's high regard for him, that person would have long been married to someone else.
He couldn't genuinely like Shu Fei. Who would want to see their own embarrassing state?
"Let's have dinner."
The summer meal was light, and the two of them dined in quiet, with only the soft sounds of chewing and the servants' serving breaking the silence.
After the emperor put down his chopsticks, Shu Fei did the same.
"Very good, the meal is well-prepared. Reward them." Emperor Rui, having been busy all afternoon, was indeed hungry and ended up eating more than usual, allowing Shu Fei to enjoy a hearty meal as well.
After a cup of digestive tea, it was time for the most crucial moment of the night.
A scoundrel is a scoundrel. No matter how much he loved one woman, he could still sleep with her sister.
After a night of intense activity, the emperor fell asleep with the attendants' help.
Shu Fei was greatly satisfied that night, experiencing a level of affection from her cousin that she had never felt before.
Looking at the sleeping figure beside her, her tears fell involuntarily. She believed that her cousin had feelings for her.
In the palace, his indifference was likely for the benefit of the other person. As long as that person was no longer around, or if she could diminish the emperor's affection for her, perhaps she could truly enter his heart.
Shu Fei had many thoughts, but Emperor Rui paid her no mind and slept until dawn.
Since it was a rest day, the emperor woke up a bit later than usual.
"You're up quite early." Seeing the attendant by the bed, the emperor smiled.
"I am accustomed to rising early." Shu Fei enjoyed personally helping the emperor with his dressing and grooming, which made her feel like a loving, ordinary wife.
The emperor said nothing more and left after having breakfast with her.
After being favored, the other concubines who had not yet conceived grew anxious, fearing that the next good news might come from Shu Fei.
One by one, they became even more desperate for the emperor's favor.