The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 268 - Control

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I am well. The imperial physicians come to take my pulse every other day, and occasionally I ask different physicians to check on me. The pregnancy is stable," Yao Xiang replied with a gentle smile, looking peaceful and obedient.

Now that she no longer had a trusted imperial physician, she made sure to occasionally invite other physicians to examine her as a precaution against any foul play. While she didn't fully trust anyone's words, having a comparison was always more reliable. If someone had ulterior motives, she would be able to sense it.

Additionally, with Hai Sheng, who was knowledgeable in medicine, by her side, she felt secure.

"That's good," the Empress said, nodding as she softened her tone. "Ming Xiuyuan is a lively and attention-grabbing person. Just like a crying child wanting milk, the Emperor naturally cares for her more. You, on the other hand, are quiet and reserved, which might make you feel overlooked. However, don't take that personally."

Yao Xiang quickly shook her head, putting on a frightened expression. "I wouldn't dare harbor any resentment. My only wish is to nurture this child well and give birth to a son or daughter for His Majesty."

Seeing her like this, the Empress relaxed a little. After all, Yao Xiang had been demoted multiple times and was no longer favored, so even though she was pregnant, she was still fearful and uneasy.

But it was her own fault for being careless and underhanded multiple times, which had exhausted the Emperor's feelings of gratitude towards her. With that in mind, the Empress felt Yao Xiang would be easy to manipulate and control.

Her expression immediately shifted to one of warmth and kindness. "You are being too cautious. Since the Emperor has restored your title, it means he holds no grudge against you. There's no need to be on edge every day. Like Ming Xiuyuan, you deserve the same treatment during your pregnancy. Don't sell yourself short."

"I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kind words," Yao Xiang replied, lowering her gaze.

The Empress smiled. "What comfort can I offer? Only the Emperor can truly ease your worries. Well, I still have accounts to review. Since you are fine, I will take my leave."

"Then I bid Your Majesty farewell." Yao Xiang immediately rose, supporting herself with Zizhu's hand, and gave a small bow.

The Empress glanced at her belly before turning to leave.

Once the Empress's entourage departed, Yao Xiang ordered the tea cup that the Empress had used to be discarded. In her previous life, when she had become the Empress, she still had to pay respects to the deceased former Empress Xie every day, even after succeeding her.

It had irritated her for most of her life, and now she wanted nothing to do with Xie Shi.

"Jieyu, what do you think the Empress was up to? Did she really come all this way just to check on you?" Zizhu asked quietly as she refilled the tea.

Yao Xiang sneered, "What else could it be? She's trying to push me to compete with Ye Shi for favor."

"And what do you think, Jieyu?" Zizhu pursed her lips. "The Emperor is too biased. Ever since you became pregnant, he's rarely come to visit you, but he frequents Yuxiu Pavilion so often!"

"Does visiting her more mean she'll give birth to a golden child?" Yao Xiang scoffed. "Who knows if Ye Shi is carrying a boy or a girl? She might end up having a little girl and disappoint the Emperor."

Nianwen, who was adding firewood to the stove nearby, quickly chimed in, "Exactly! But people say 'sour for a boy, spicy for a girl,' and our Jieyu loves sour food. Plus, her belly is pointed, so she's definitely going to give birth to a prince."