Chapter 953: Chapter 953: The Stand-in Empress vs. the True Love Concubine (Part 18)
The Crown Princess and the Crown Prince are leading a life filled with sweetness, to the extent that even the concubines in the palace, whenever they talk about this young couple, show expressions as if they’ve been blinded by their dazzling affection.
How should I put it, it’s really...
Here are a few examples.
One day, in the afternoon, the Crown Princess and a concubine happened to meet in the Imperial Garden, and they admired the scenery together.
After chatting for a while, the Crown Prince’s trusted head eunuch, Ying Fu, came over.
Seeing the Crown Princess, his face relaxed, "His Highness mentioned that on usual days, Your Grace takes a walk for around the time of two tea cups at this moment, yet today you haven’t returned to the palace, so he’s a bit concerned and sent me to check on you."
Gu Shengyin felt a bit embarrassed and smiled at the concubine, but couldn’t hide the sweetness in her smile.
The concubine, who inexplicably felt fed with dog food, "..."
She could only muster a smile of understanding, sincerely admiring, "The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess’s affection is truly wonderful."
Then Gu Shengyin took her leave and followed Ying Fu back to the Eastern Palace.
Leaving behind the concubine, who gazed at the vibrant flowers in the garden but suddenly felt everything lose its color.
...
Another day, the Crown Princess was accompanying the Empress in her palace, chatting.
An hour later, the Crown Prince arrived and paid his respects to the Empress.
The Empress watched the young couple flirt in front of her, feeling delighted, and couldn’t help but tease, "I asked Zhaohua to keep this old woman company, and yet, are you worried I might eat her?"
Yun Qi opened his eyes wide in a serious manner, "How could it be? I just miss Mother and came to visit you."
Meanwhile, he whispered to Gu Shengyin, "The pot you mentioned last time, I’ve instructed the kitchen to make it. Later, I’ll tell Mother we won’t eat here and we’ll go back and eat ourselves."
It happened that his voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for the Empress to hear.
The Empress, "..." Seeing them like this suddenly reminded her of when she and the Emperor were newly married.
Young couple, they too had their days of closeness.
The Empress playfully scolded, "Alright, alright, I get what you’re hinting at. Zhaohua, hurry and follow this boy back, lest you irritate me further!"
...
One day, the Crown Princess was suddenly summoned to the palace by the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager smiled with a kindly demeanor, entirely like a gracious and understanding elder.
For a whole cup of tea’s time, she praised Gu Shengyin for being virtuous and capable, harmonizing well with the Crown Prince.
After finishing, the tone suddenly shifted to commenting on Gu Shengyin’s belly, stating that as people age, they wish to see new life in the Imperial Family.
Gu Shengyin maintained a perfect smile throughout, sometimes shyly lowering her head, without responding.
The Empress Dowager then subtly hinted that the Eastern Palace seemed too quiet and expressed a desire to send some people over to serve.
Just as Gu Shengyin was about to find an excuse to refuse, Yun Qi appeared in the palace.
"Thank you for your concern, Imperial Grandmother," Yun Qi smiled sincerely, but his words caught the Empress Dowager somewhat off guard.
"I also feel that the Eastern Palace is a bit quiet, and I’m working hard to provide you with a legitimate imperial grandson."
The word ’legitimate’ was heavily emphasized, as if reminding something.
The Empress Dowager’s expression slightly changed, and she smiled to divert the topic, never mentioning anything about sending people again.
...
Such are the various instances.
Three months into their grand marriage in the Eastern Palace, everyone in the palace knows that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess truly share a deep affection.
Many noble ladies with imperial titles often visit the palace, naturally spreading this news beyond the palace walls.
Some people feel gratified by this, while naturally, others wrinkle their handkerchiefs upon hearing the news.