Chapter Thirty-One: The Most Delightful Thing Is the Upgrade of the Space

“Your servant would never dare!” Imperial Physician Zhang kowtowed repeatedly, his voice trembling. “It truly is the pulse of joy!”

The Empress Dowager seemed suddenly drained of strength; events had slipped from her grasp in an instant. Her gaze landed on Shen Fuyu, and the radiant smile on Shen Fuyu’s face struck her as unbearably offensive. Shen Fuyu… She had underestimated this little wretch.

Neither the Empress Dowager nor the Noble Consort looked pleased, while Shen Fuyu inwardly rejoiced, though her expression remained composed, a gentle smile gracing her lips. She continued, “No wonder Your Majesty finds it hard to believe. Who could have imagined that on my second visit to the palace, after just one night with His Majesty, I would conceive?”

“Your Majesty, years ago someone told me my fate was to bear many children and enjoy much happiness. You see, just a single occasion, and I carry the imperial heir. Not everyone is blessed with such fortune, wouldn’t you agree?” Shen Fuyu sauntered over to Qin Zhiyi, her tone full of pride. “Your servant’s health has always been robust. I am certain I will give His Majesty a strong and healthy little prince!”

Then, as if remembering something, Shen Fuyu stepped back and bowed to the Empress Dowager, her brows furrowing like a child caught in mischief. “Your Majesty, are you still not pleased to learn I am carrying the imperial heir? Your servant knows she is reckless, unable to change her nature, but I beg Your Majesty to forgive me for the sake of the child. I promise to restrain myself in your presence from now on. The friction between us when I entered the palace—I will let it go. For the child’s sake, let us both put it behind us, shall we?”

The first part was tolerable, but as she finished, the Empress Dowager’s face darkened as though smeared with soot.

What did she mean, Shen Fuyu would let bygones be bygones? Was she implying that everything up to now was the Empress Dowager’s fault?

“Sister Virtuous Consort, what do you mean by this?” Noble Consort’s voice trembled. “In the past, you contradicted the Empress Dowager, yet she forgave you for your youth. But how could you speak in such a manner? It is the Empress Dowager who chooses not to hold your errors against you, not the other way around. How can you be so disrespectful?”

She could hardly believe it. As a concubine, as a junior, Shen Fuyu was utterly lacking in decorum, daring to speak of letting things go with the Empress Dowager. Who did she think she was?

“My child is not easily come by. The Empress Dowager and Sister must know that well, don’t you?” Shen Fuyu feigned innocence, widening her eyes. “If I say let it go, is there anything wrong with that?”

Her words were plain and direct.

The Empress Dowager’s face was livid as she spoke, “Enough, let us say no more. I am weary.”

“Respectfully sending off Your Majesty.” Shen Fuyu flashed a dazzling smile, her teeth bright and sharp, her gaze fixed on their displeased backs. She added, “Sister Noble Consort, do come visit often. Perhaps you’ll catch some of my luck and bear the next imperial heir yourself!”

Noble Consort’s face turned cold, her lips trembling as she glanced at Qin Zhiyi. But his indifference chilled her heart further, stirring up her unwillingness. “Thank you for your kind words, Sister.”

Wretched woman! How dare she openly mock her for lacking favor, flaunting her pregnancy so brazenly! What was there to be proud of? Just a wretch! The Emperor would soon see her true colors—what was Shen Fuyu so pleased about?

Once everyone had dispersed, Qin Zhiyi approached Shen Fuyu and said, “You seem quite pleased. Speaking so boldly to the Empress Dowager, are you not afraid of death?”

“You cannot blame me for that!” Shen Fuyu replied, turning to caress her belly. “Look, I have two ‘tokens of immunity from death’—both granted by Your Majesty, no?”

Tsk!

Qin Zhiyi found her smugness infuriating. He had anticipated the Empress Dowager would bring the physician to verify, his heart pounding in his chest all morning. This woman, acting on a whim, had nearly scared him to death!

“You are pushing your luck!” Qin Zhiyi scolded. “You could at least consult me first. Instead, you quietly released such news, knowing the Empress Dowager dislikes you. How do you plan to survive under her watchful eye for the coming months?”

“Really? Are you worried for me, Your Majesty? I’m touched!” Shen Fuyu tilted her head, leaning closer, her gaze locking with Qin Zhiyi’s.

Qin Zhiyi turned away instantly. “I am concerned about whether this child can keep up the deception!”

“Oh, come now, it was just a remark. Why are you so angry?” Shen Fuyu couldn’t help but laugh, her delight bubbling over. Today had truly been wonderful. Tearing off the mask with the Empress Dowager had been part of her plan. Once the mask was gone, for the next nine months, whenever the Empress Dowager saw her, she would be irritated, and every bit of anger would add to her own tally—a marvelous outcome! Noble Consort’s anger was just an unexpected bonus, but quite substantial. During her ‘pregnancy’, she planned to visit Noble Consort often, just to flaunt her fortune.

“You!” Qin Zhiyi pointed at her, then waved it off. “Enough, do as you will. I have nothing more to say to you!”

“But you just spoke to me for quite a while! Oh, Your Majesty, don’t be shy—there’s no need to pretend in front of me!” Shen Fuyu twisted with glee. Another boost! Almost level thirty-nine! Charge!

“You—!”

A chime sounded in Shen Fuyu’s mind, and she sprang up with joy. She rushed forward, cupping Qin Zhiyi’s face and planting a kiss. “Your Majesty, I adore you!”

Level thirty-nine! Tears of gratitude welled in her eyes. Qin Zhiyi had truly excelled—Shen Fuyu now understood the feeling of a mother seeing her child win a prize. She was overjoyed! As expected, Qin Zhiyi was the most reliable; his anger tally never failed.

She almost blurted out, “Mother is truly gratified!”

Qin Zhiyi was left with a face full of saliva, recoiling as if shocked, pushing her away and scrubbing his face fiercely with a handkerchief. Why could this woman never behave normally? A kiss was one thing, but why leave such a trail of saliva? Was she a dog? Even a dog wouldn’t drool so much!

Shen Fuyu was oblivious to any such awareness. She was simply happy, even finding Qin Zhiyi more agreeable today. She decided not to argue with him—for she was always kind to her own people.

“Your Majesty, don’t be angry! We’ve known each other for over a month now, and this is just who I am.” Shen Fuyu sat down, saying, “Rest assured, for these nine months, I have a plan. Your Majesty need only play the role of a soon-to-be father; leave the rest to me.”