The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 280 - Caught Up

At present, only General Lu in Lingzhou had the most troops, with a total of 120,000 men, and didn't require assistance for the time being.

The front lines were in a stalemate, and Ning Chen had no time for the harem.

It wasn't until May that he hadn't even bothered to check on them, nor had he sent a servant to take a look.

On the eighth day of May, torrential rain fell in the capital, continuing without pause until evening.

During dinner, sudden news came from Weirui Palace.

Despite the pouring rain, the Empress couldn't afford to remain idle; she had to go oversee matters, especially since Ning Chen was currently preoccupied with discussions in the imperial study with the officials.

It was already late, and he was still in meetings.

Thus, only a messenger was sent to convey the message.

Ning Chen truly couldn't leave, but with the Empress there, he felt reassured.

Yao Xiang's situation startled Ye Yun.

Though she had never been afraid before, now that it was time to give birth for the first time in her life, how could she not be scared?

After some contemplation, she called Bai Zhu to go to Jiu Chen Palace.

Yao Xiang's baby was positioned awkwardly, making the delivery very difficult. The heavy rain outside added to the tense atmosphere.

The other concubines crowded into one room, many of them arriving completely soaked.

It was still Jing De Fei who took charge and arranged some braziers for everyone to warm themselves by.

"Fang Jieyu really has the worst timing for this pregnancy, with such weather," Shu Fei complained.

Jing De Fei also looked worried. "That's right. Ming Xiuyuan is also about to give birth, and thankfully they're not both going into labor at the same time; otherwise, how could we manage everything?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress paused while drinking her tea.

Hui Shunyi was sincere in her reassurance. "Ming Xiuyuan is due half a month later than Fang Jieyu, so she shouldn't go into labor now. How could there be such a coincidence?"

The Empress nodded.

"Both Ming Xiuyuan and Fang Jieyu are blessed and surely have the protection of the Buddha beads. Don't worry too much; everything will be fine."

After a pause, she said to the person beside her, "Su Qin, please go to Jiu Chen Palace again and see if the Emperor has finished his duties. Also, check on Ming Xiuyuan in Zhao Chun Pavilion. She's all alone; we don't want her to be frightened or get shocked."

Su Qin responded, raising her umbrella and disappearing into the dark curtain of rain.

On the other side, Bai Zhu had been waiting outside the Jiu Chen Palace for almost an hour.

Finally, he saw the palace doors open, and several ministers walked out, escorted by Yuan Jiu.

Upon seeing him, they inquired about his presence.

Bai Zhu explained his purpose.

"I'm not in a position to make this decision. Why don't you go inside and speak with the Emperor?" Yuan Jiu said.

"Ah, thank you for your understanding." Bai Zhu clasped his hands in gratitude.

Once inside the palace, Ning Chen was changing into his outer garments, preparing to visit Weirui Palace.