Chapter 380: A surname 03

Chapter 380

Throughout the years, the Luo family had relied on the benevolence of the imperial court.

Unlike civil officials, who had their own responsibilities but little opportunity to achieve merit, military officers faced similar challenges.

Consequently, their fortunes and rewards were at the whim of the emperor.

Mrs. Luo understood this principle well.

She also knew that now that Zhao Hua had become a member of the Luo family, the benefits she could bring to the family would only increase if she became the empress in the future.

Therefore, even though Xiao Jingheng asked her to enter the palace to test Zhao Hua's intentions, she would secretly protect Zhao Hua in her heart.

During her audience with the emperor, Mrs. Luo embellished the conversation she had with Zhao Hua, presenting it to Xiao Jingheng in a more appealing manner. Finnd new chapters at novelhall.com

Delighted, Xiao Jingheng praised Mrs. Luo for her guidance in raising her daughter.

After Mrs. Luo left, Jiang Deshun presented a carefully written note to Xiao Jingheng with utmost respect.

"Your Majesty, this is a record of Yong Die's words."

Yong Die was Mrs. Luo's maid who served her closely. However, since Zhao Hua became a part of the Luo family, Xiao Jingheng, to prevent collusion between the former dynasty and the harem, had secretly gained Yong Die's loyalty and had her spy on the Luo family's actions.

On this day, while Mrs. Luo and Zhao Hua were discussing matters in their private quarters, Yong Die, who had gained Mrs. Luo's trust, eavesdropped on the entire conversation.

The record she presented to Xiao Jingheng faithfully reproduced every word spoken between Mrs. Luo and Zhao Hua, without embellishment or falsehood.

Jiang Deshun observed Xiao Jingheng's pleased expression as he read and said with a smile, "Although the words in this record are not as eloquent as Mrs. Luo's, it is clear that Noble Consort Yi abides by the rules. She understands what to say and what to do, and is truly devoted to Your Majesty."

Xiao Jingheng applauded and laughed, "Of course I know that Zhao'er has always been like this."

After this incident, there was a wave of support for Zhao Hua as the empress from the former dynasty, overwhelming any other opinions.

Among the consorts, each had her own thoughts as they observed and listened.

Originally, they would visit Ning Wanshuang in the Yonghe Palace to pay their respects every day.

But gradually, perhaps out of tacit understanding, they began to visit Zhao Hua's Changle Palace at all hours of the day.

Even Consort Hui, who had been absent for a long time, made an appearance to congratulate Zhao Hua.

In the face of their flattery, Zhao Hua felt unworthy and always said, "Sisters, you are welcome to visit me here, have a cup of tea and chat leisurely. But if you want to discuss matters regarding my position, I have no such intention. Please do not spread these words carelessly, lest I find myself in a difficult situation."

Xiao Jingheng listened silently, pondering in his heart:

It's not surprising that Ning Wanshuang would say these things to Zhao Hua. She has always been a jealous and temperamental person. Knowing that Zhao Hua might be named the Empress, she couldn't accept it and said these things to frighten her.

But Consort Hui also said the same things. It makes people doubt her intentions...

It seems that this chess piece has become more independent and restless recently.

Seeing Zhao Hua expressing her fears, her eyes were already red, which made Xiao Jingheng feel distressed.

He embraced Zhao Hua in his arms, and his warm fingertips wiped away the tears that overflowed from her eyes.

"Zhao Er, don't be afraid. I promise you that I'll be by your side during the delivery."

As he spoke, he held Zhao Hua's hand tightly. "I will hold your hand like this all the time. If you feel pain, squeeze my hand tightly. Even if it hurts me, it doesn't matter. Although I can't experience it with you, seeing you suffer for me, my heartache is no less than yours."

Hearing his affectionate words, Zhao Hua's wavering heart seemed to find its place.

She looked up at Xiao Jingheng with calm eyes, still a little timid, but her voice was resolute as she said,

"With Xiao Lang by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."

Xiao Jingheng lowered his head and leaned closer, his handsome nose brushing against Zhao Hua's forehead as he doted,

"Can we have our meal now? The dishes prepared today were all arranged by the imperial kitchen early in the morning, and they are all to your liking."

Zhao Hua smiled gently and nodded. Just as she was about to struggle out of Xiao Jingheng's embrace, she heard him say,

"There's one more thing..."

"What is it?"

Xiao Jingheng smiled knowingly, lightly caressing Zhao Hua's small abdomen, and whispered in her ear,

"I want to give our son a legitimate identity."

[Don't defame the female protagonist by claiming she takes lives for her own gain. When she plotted against Song Shicheng in the past, she also used the locust disaster in Yu Province. However, in the end, Yu Province not only didn't suffer losses, but the people's income also increased significantly.]

[The same goes for this insect calamity. The female protagonist has a plan. She wouldn't take lives to fulfill her own desires. She herself crawled out of the fire pit, so how could she bear to push others into it again? Don't rush to criticize, I beg you.]

[Lowly small R, kowtowing online.]