73Pardon Consort Qing
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Chapter 73 Pardoning Consort Qing
Emperor Ren looked at the Empress and said, "Empress, what do you think?"
The Empress said, "The Imperial Son's illness is serious; we can first invite Consort Qing out to treat the Imperial Son."
Emperor Ren glanced at Shen Yulou and asked again, "Minister Shen, how is your investigation into The Twenty-Fifth Prince's case progressing?"
Shen Yulou replied, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Son has chronic poisoning, but it may not be intentional poisoning. It's because the Imperial Son bites the penholder when writing, and there are some things on the penholder that people cannot consume. Over time, this leads to poisoning."
Emperor Ren suddenly understood. "It seems to have nothing to do with Consort Qing. Issue an imperial edict immediately: from this day forward, all Imperial Heirs—no, everyone in the palace—is forbidden from biting penholders. Pardon Consort Qing and immediately have her return to the palace to make Seven-Star Noodles."
"Shen Yulou, you go and welcome Consort Qing, and assist her in making the Seven-Star Noodles for the Imperial Son."
"Your humble servant obeys the imperial edict."
Seeing Emperor Ren and Shen Yulou clearly playing a duet, the concubines present all exchanged glances, their faces revealing complex expressions.
Emperor Ren clearly intended to pardon Consort Qing; no matter what Consort Qing had done, she was now cleared.
When Emperor Ren asked his question earlier, Shen Yulou already understood Emperor Ren's intention. Seizing this opportunity, in front of so many concubines, he completed the task.
Shen Yulou quickly arrived at Jingyang Palace; he was already familiar with the way there.
At this time, Consort Qing was meditating inside the room.
These past few days, she had been lost in thought, wondering how her father was, how her Imperial Son was, and why Shen Yulou still hadn't come... Just then, Shen Yulou walked into the hall.
Consort Qing was startled and said nervously, "Why are you here in broad daylight?"
Shen Yulou smirked, "I missed you."
With that, Shen Yulou embraced Consort Qing.
Consort Qing looked nervous and whispered, "People will pass by here during the day; you should come later."
Shen Yulou kissed her and said, "Your Ladyship, I've come to take you back to the palace."
"What?"
Consort Qing could hardly believe her ears. Shen Yulou had mentioned before that he would find a way to get her out.
But at the time, Consort Qing hadn't taken it seriously.
Before Zhao Ying's leg recovered, she probably wouldn't be able to leave anytime soon.
However, she never expected that Shen Yulou would actually come to pick her up.
"Don't tease me; I don't like being teased."
If Shen Yulou was just making fun of her and then said it was a joke, Consort Qing would be very disappointed.
Shen Yulou said, "Of course I'm not teasing you."
Shen Yulou recounted what had just happened.
Consort Qing's suspended heart finally settled. Her eyes were red-rimmed as she tightly embraced Shen Yulou's neck.
"You are so good to me."
Shen Yulou held Consort Qing and exchanged affections for a while, then said, "Let's go back first. Although the Seven-Star Noodles aren't very useful, you still need to prepare them carefully. As for His Imperial Highness, I'll find someone to refine steel plates in the next few days and then treat his illness."
"Alright."
Consort Qing tidied her appearance, then followed Shen Yulou out. After returning to her sleeping quarters, she began to make the Seven-Star Noodles.
Upon reaching the sleeping quarters, Shen Yulou did not act improperly.
Because he knew Emperor Ren would arrive soon.
Sure enough, just as she began making the Seven-Star Noodles, He Shun's voice, announcing 'The Emperor has arrived,' came from outside.
After Emperor Ren entered, Shen Yulou and the others immediately bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Rise."
After Consort Qing stood up, although her face was turned towards Emperor Ren, her gaze was fixed on the area of his chest, not wanting to meet his eyes.
Emperor Ren said, "Consort Qing, you seem… a little thinner."
Consort Qing replied coolly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This humble concubine is well."
Emperor Ren nodded, somewhat unaccustomed to Consort Qing's attitude, but he thought it must be because she had suffered grievances in the Cold Palace and harbored resentment.
But now that Emperor Ren had pardoned her, shouldn't she show some gratitude?
"Consort Qing, shall I visit you tonight?"
Having just come out of the Cold Palace, rewards were certainly out of the question, but favor could still be granted.
Now that the Old Emperor's 'ammunition' was precious, with all the conditioning and medicine, whoever received the Emperor's favor was a sign of imperial grace. Consort Qing should be happy, right?
Consort Qing said, "Please forgive Your Majesty, this humble concubine found Jingyang Palace very damp, and I have developed many red bumps on my body. I fear it may be contagious to Your Majesty, so I dare not attend to you."
Emperor Ren was stunned, then nodded.
"If that is the case, then so be it. If you need anything else, just tell me. Hurry and make the Seven-Star Noodles for the Imperial Son."
"I obey the imperial edict."
Although Consort Qing's attitude was good, Emperor Ren always felt a certain distance.
Consort Qing was naturally grateful for being released from the Cold Palace, but her gratitude was not directed at him, but at Shen Yulou.
After Emperor Ren left, Consort Qing began to make the Seven-Star Noodles. Shen Yulou, however, did not continue to stay in Consort Qing's palace. He merely instructed the noble consort's personal Palace Maid, Xiaoyue, that besides the Seven-Star Noodles, the Imperial Son should only consume breast milk and no longer be given rice gruel.
The noble consort previously had insufficient breast milk, so she had always mixed breast milk with rice gruel.
Now that Shen Yulou had again performed his 'technique' on the noble consort, breast milk was actually sufficient. Giving rice gruel again would easily lead to indigestion.
As long as the rice gruel was stopped, the Imperial Son's health would naturally recover.
Such a minor illness could actually be diagnosed by imperial physicians.
However, because the Imperial Son had a fever before and the imperial physicians were helpless, the noble consort had lost trust in them.
This Just right gave Shen Yulou this opportunity to get Consort Qing out, which could be considered him keeping his word... After arranging matters in the palace, Shen Yulou took leave and exited the Imperial Palace, arriving at the Princess' Residence.
Song Hu still accompanied him.
This time, upon arriving at the entrance of the Princess' Residence, Song Hu said, "The hidden sentries have been withdrawn."
Shen Yulou nodded. It seemed Emperor Ren had completely lifted the Princess's house arrest, which was good news for the Princess.
After knocking, Qingqing welcomed Shen Yulou in. Upon seeing Shen Yulou, her expression was a bit unnatural.
She was afraid that it would truly be as the Princess said: what if on their wedding night, he didn't go to consummate with the Princess but instead spanked her bottom? Wouldn't she die of shame?
Upon entering, the Princess sat in the main hall, as serene and beautiful as ever.
The house had acquired some high-end furniture and antiques, making it look much more luxurious.
"You're here."
The Princess showed a slight smile and immediately poured tea for Shen Yulou.
The fragrance of tea filled the entire main hall.
Shen Yulou said, "Song Hu, stand guard outside. The Princess and I have something to discuss."
"Understood."
Song Hu walked out listlessly. Being Shen Yulou's bodyguard was much better than embroidering in the Imperial Heirs Residence, so now, as long as Shen Yulou's orders were reasonable, Song Hu would obey without question.
Qingqing also tactfully closed the door, giving them space to talk.
Shen Yulou took out an imperial edict from his bosom and said, "Zhao Siyi, bring me the scissors."
The Princess was startled and obediently found a pair of scissors.
Shen Yulou cut the imperial edict down the middle.
Zhao Siyi, the Commandery Princess's expression changed slightly. "You are too bold. If anyone finds out, this is a capital offense."
Shen Yulou said, "I can't worry about that much."
He picked up half of the imperial edict and said, "Find someone to deliver this imperial edict to Uncle. Tell him that I have already seized control of the Ministry of War and that he should cooperate with me from the inside and outside, and quickly come to the Imperial City to discuss important matters with me!