Chapter 217: The Reverse Twist 02

Chapter 217

When Qingzhu passed by, she unintentionally glanced at Song Zhao.

At this moment, Song Zhao also appeared flustered.

If she were to go out now, she would definitely bump into Xiao Jingheng.

Xiao Jingheng had just instructed her not to wander around and to rest quietly during her confinement. It wouldn't be good for him to see her now.

The Empress Dowager noticed Song Zhao's dilemma and said,

"It's alright. You can go behind the folding screen and hide. When the Emperor leaves, you can come out."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager."

Song Zhao hurriedly got up and ran anxiously to take temporary shelter behind the folding screen.

Before long, Xiao Jingheng arrived.

He greeted the Empress Dowager and naturally took a seat opposite her, where Song Zhao had been sitting earlier.

It was chilly outside in the autumn, and the palace hall had not yet been heated with charcoal braziers, so the temperature was not high.

As soon as Xiao Jingheng sat down, he felt that the seat still had some warmth.

He didn't think much of it, but with concern, he asked the Empress Dowager,

"I heard that the Empress Dowager summoned the imperial physician. Are you feeling unwell?"

"It's nothing serious. I have some symptoms of a cold. Qingzhu was worried, so she privately called the imperial physician to diagnose and treat me. I've taken the medicine, and it's not a big deal."

Xiao Jingheng nodded and said, "That's good. Recently, the weather has turned colder. I will instruct the Internal Affairs Department to warm the dragon bed in the Empress Dowager's palace."

"The Emperor is considerate." The Empress Dowager smiled and responded. She paused for a moment and then changed the subject,

"Now that Yipin has given birth to the imperial heir, and the positions of the concubines in the harem are not yet complete, should the Emperor also consider raising Yipin's status?"

It was normal for the Empress Dowager to be concerned about matters in the harem.

Xiao Jingheng hadn't thought much about it, but just as he was about to reply, he caught a glimpse of something shiny on the warm seat out of the corner of his eye, which dazzled him for a moment.

He looked around discreetly and quickly noticed a tassel made of gold thread and silkworm silk lying on the warm seat.

He had only given such a tassel as a gift to Song Zhao, and he couldn't help but speculate when he thought about the warm seat that still retained some warmth when he sat down.

But at this moment, looking at her, there was a smile on her face and a relaxed expression in her eyes. She was actually very happy.

"What are you saying, Empress Dowager? I was truly delighted to hear what the Emperor said just now!"

She placed a hand on her chest and bashfully lowered her head,

"The Emperor has considered me so deeply and far-sightedly, understanding my thoughts and knowing that I am the least willing to become a target of envy and suffer as a result. All of this shows how much the Emperor cares about me."

The more she spoke, the more embarrassed she became, and her ears turned red,

"I am a weak woman, and my maternal family has already... I don't need any support from them. So, what use is a high position for me? All I have ever wanted is the Emperor's genuine affection and a husband's cherished love. Now that I have obtained everything I desired, what more could I ask for?"

Song Zhao became overly delighted,

And her words gradually became less restrained.

Both for a husband or a wife, it was not something she, as a concubine, could publicly proclaim.

As soon as the words left her mouth, Song Zhao immediately realized that it was improper and hastily said,

"I spoke without thinking in the excitement of the moment. Please don't hold it against me, Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager didn't mind, but instead smiled and said,

"Silly child, the Emperor is your husband. Why would you be afraid to speak your mind?"

She held Song Zhao's hand and tightened her grip,

"If I may say so, the Emperor is truly fortunate to have you by his side."

Upon hearing this, Song Zhao blushed and smiled shyly.

Inside the hall, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law rejoiced, and everything remained peaceful.

Outside the door, someone else revealed a knowing smile.

Xiao Jingheng didn't leave but stood outside the door, listening to the commotion inside.

He listened attentively to every word Song Zhao said,

And each word resonated deeply within him, gradually dispelling his doubts and suspicions from before.

A tinge of guilt welled up within...