Chapter Forty-Two: The Heir of Great Xun Shall Be Born from You

These words were much more tactful than Qin Zhiyi's original ones, yet they still struck Lady Shu hard. Her body trembled, and she retreated several steps before protesting, "But... does being pregnant mean she can do whatever she pleases? The Virtuous Consort was disrespectful—does His Majesty not care at all?"

Changfu replied, "This is His Majesty's first child. It's only natural that he pays special attention."

"I must see His Majesty!" Lady Shu’s heart was full of grievance. Surely, all the blame lay with Shen Fuyu—why should Shen Fuyu be allowed to humiliate her simply because she was with child? Lady Shu was born to a noble family, counted among the four consorts, and loved His Majesty dearly! She had been in the palace nearly three years—why, upon the Virtuous Consort’s arrival, did she suddenly have everything?

"Oh!" Changfu immediately blocked Lady Shu’s path. "Your Highness, it’s not that I wish to stop you, but Consort Hui is inside now. His Majesty is speaking with her and has no wish to see you."

"...Consort Hui?" Lady Shu was stunned. When had this Consort Hui appeared?

"She was formerly Lady Sun," Changfu replied with a smile. "Her title was just bestowed."

"Ha… Consort Hui!" Lady Shu let out a cold, twisted laugh. So now, even Sun Jingwan, that wretched woman, had turned against her! It wasn’t enough to have Shen Fuyu, now even Sun Jingwan had changed her face! Consort Hui? She was hardly worthy!

Anger flooded Lady Shu’s heart. Realizing there was no hope of seeing the emperor, she turned with her maids and declared, "We’re going to pay our respects to the Empress Dowager!"

She would show these vile women her power!

...

Within her private space, Shen Fuyu opened her eyes. The space was on the verge of leveling up; it seemed Lady Shu had already left the Golden Throne Hall in disgrace. Shen Fuyu was overjoyed, looking at her nearly full rage meter. Just a little more, and her space would level up! Though the path to its highest level remained long, she could finally see hope.

Since her journey began, this body had accumulated the highest rage points she’d ever earned. Shen Fuyu was moved to tears, as if she could see a new meaning to her life. She felt she could live with purpose again.

---

Upon leaving her space, it was time for her to take her pregnancy medicine. Green Tea entered respectfully, carrying the bowl of medicine for Shen Fuyu.

In truth, the medicine had secretly been switched with that of Princess Zhaoxi. The real pregnancy medicine was sent to the princess, while the calming tonic meant for her was delivered to Shen Fuyu instead.

As usual, Shen Fuyu poured the medicine into her space. It passed through her mouth, just in case someone tried to investigate. She did not know exactly whom Qin Zhiyi feared, but it was clear that person’s intentions toward him were highly hostile. The death of the Ning family’s son-in-law had been a warning to Qin Zhiyi, telling him not to meddle in government affairs.

Princess Zhaoxi’s pregnancy, naturally, had to be kept secret. If that person learned of it, he would never spare the princess—he had already moved against the Ning family and would not leave a child bearing Ning blood.

...

Lady Shu, unable to see the emperor, wept her way to the Empress Dowager’s palace. She knelt outside Shou’an Palace for a long time before Ruowei emerged.

"The Empress Dowager invites Your Highness inside," Ruowei said politely, helping Lady Shu to her feet.

Lady Shu dabbed her tears and, eyes red, entered Shou’an Palace. The Empress Dowager had just awakened from her midday rest and, upon seeing Lady Shu, remarked, "To cry in such a manner—do you not fear losing your dignity?"

Lady Shu bowed. "Your servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Rise," the Empress Dowager ordered with a glance. "It’s only a few harsh words. If you can’t endure this, how will you manage in the future?"

"Empress Dowager..." Lady Shu could not contain herself. "It’s not that I lack patience, but the Virtuous Consort is too much. I never provoked her, yet she constantly humiliates me. When I try to defend myself, she twists my words and makes it seem I am at fault!"

Having poured out her heart, Lady Shu felt somewhat relieved. Yet she remained unwilling to be degraded, unwilling to be forgotten by the emperor. She was not lacking in talent or beauty—why had heaven treated her so unfairly?

---

The Empress Dowager continued to let her attendants help her dress, saying nothing. Ruowei, noticing, instructed a maid to serve tea. Shou’an Palace was so quiet that only the sound of dressing could be heard. After Lady Shu finished speaking, she saw that the Empress Dowager had not responded. This brought her back to her senses. When the maid handed her tea, she stared blankly at the cup in her hands.

The Empress Dowager’s words had struck her. If she was so easily defeated today, what would become of her in the future?

What she desired must be fought for. She loved the emperor; no matter the means, she would win his favor!

Once everything was in order, Lady Shu quieted herself. The Empress Dowager, supported by Ruowei, came out from behind the screen and took her seat, sipping tea. "You seem to have thought it through," she observed.

"It was rashness on my part. I beg the Empress Dowager’s forgiveness." Lady Shu composed herself, rose, and bowed. "I have understood."

"Hmm, I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you," the Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction. "Through all the dynasties, there has never been a peaceful harem. Shen Fuyu is unruly, but not foolish. Her attacks on you are obvious; if you merely sit and wait, you’ll be playing right into her hands."

"Your guidance is deeply appreciated," Lady Shu said with sudden clarity. "But... the Virtuous Consort is truly formidable. I do not know how to proceed. I ask for your wisdom!"

"I value your intelligence and obedience," the Empress Dowager gestured for her to rise. "The emperor is grown now, and there are things he no longer wishes to discuss with me. The Virtuous Consort is cherished by him; the more you yield, the greater your magnanimity appears. In my view, the emperor is not a man who bestows exclusive favor. Instead of competing with the Virtuous Consort for his attention, focus on being the best version of yourself in his eyes."

"The Empress hails from the Yun Jing lineage, but she is not the best candidate for Empress. Since the founding of Da Xun, the throne has always favored the eldest legitimate son. I hope the crown prince will emerge from your womb."

Lady Shu’s eyes lit up; she understood the Empress Dowager’s intent. "I understand. I will do my utmost not to disappoint you!"

The Empress Dowager smiled, nodding with satisfaction. "Good child, rise. If the emperor has time, I will see that he visits you more often. Whether you seize the opportunity will depend on you."