Wumian still expined herself: "The more one knows, the more one realizes how much there is still to learn; that's why they say that learning is boundless. What does it mean to be a benevolent person? In my view, a benevolent person must possess magnanimity. Even if they cannot embrace the entire world, they should at least carry kindness in their hearts. Naturally, such a person is likely to experience worry and concern. Regarding the saying, "the brave confront their fears head-on without hesitation," I believe that fearlessness is a mindset rather than mere reckless bravado in the face of obvious danger. Of course, that’s just my interpretation. In reality, principles often shift when applied to real-life situations. In certain circumstances, we may need to be unwavering, untroubled, and unafraid."
Ying Qionglou let out a long sigh. "It seems I truly didn’t understand you before, Empress."
"It’s getting te, Your Majesty," Wumian smiled, her tone light. "You’d best get back to reviewing your memorials."
Ying Qionglou shook his head with a faint smile. "Very well, I’ll listen to the Empress."
Wumian, however, had lost interest in her writing. Once her train of thought was interrupted, she had no desire to continue. She rose to wash up, and when she returned to the inner chamber, she quietly waited for the Emperor.
Ying Qionglou couldn’t help but find her behavior novel and refreshing. His Empress, these days, seemed far more at ease.
When he finally finished his work and returned to the inner chambers, he found Wumian casually tending to her hair.
He sat down and watched her for a moment. "Didn’t you just say it was getting te?"
Wumian set down her comb and smiled. "Ah, so it is."
She walked over to the bed and without the slightest hesitation, wrapped her arms around his waist. "Your Majesty is especially good-looking tonight."
"How can a man possibly be good-looking?" Ying Qionglou pinched Wumian’s cheek lightly. "It’s the Empress who is truly beautiful."
Wumian smiled at him, only to be scooped up and carried onto the bed.
"Ah… Your Majesty, be gentle. You’re pinching too hard," she protested pyfully.
Ying Qionglou only gave a low hum in response, unclear whether he listened or not.
The pace maids quietly retreated, none daring to linger near the inner chambers.
As for how the Emperor felt, Wumian didn’t know—but she herself felt thoroughly content tonight. Content, and completely exhausted. After washing up, she fell asleep with her back turned to him.
Ying Qionglou was equally tired after two nights in a row like this, but as he stared at her back, his brows furrowed slightly. This woman… how dare she show him her back?
But he was too drowsy to dwell on it, and soon closed his eyes as well.
However, when he woke the next morning, he found himself speechless.
Wumian was still turned away from him, her upper body nestled against his chest, his hand resting on her belly, which was all perfectly normal. But the little Empress’s leg was slung over the opposite pillow…
He propped himself up and stared at her for a moment, baffled at how she managed to sleep like this.
With a soft sigh, he reached out and gently kneaded her soft, snowy-white leg, then tugged the bnket over her and quietly got up.
He didn’t even bother to wake her.
As he dressed in the outer chamber, he asked Linshui, who served closest to the Empress, "Does your mistress always sleep like that?"
"Your Majesty, perhaps it was because Her Majesty was tired after leaving the pace yesterday. Sometimes when she’s not well-rested, she sleeps a little… chaotically," Linshui answered carefully. She suspected the Emperor wasn’t truly displeased—after all, it wasn’t a serious matter.
Ying Qionglou’s mouth twitched slightly, but he only nodded and left without taking breakfast.
That day’s morning greetings held nothing unusual—many people were absent.
Other than Fu Meiren, who had accompanied the Empress Dowager, Xian Fei was absent, Li Fei was still confined, Li Liangyi and Xu Liangyi were pregnant, and Yang Jieyu reported illness.
Wumian only asked briefly about Yang Jieyu’s condition and didn’t inquire further.
Later that morning, word arrived from Li Fei’s pace—she had requested an imperial physician, citing illness.
Wumian did not make things difficult for her and immediately granted permission.
"How come she’s calling the physician now and not looking for His Majesty anymore?" Linshui remarked.
"You think something’s odd?" Wumian asked.
"I do," Linshui nodded. "Li Fei’s cycle has always been irregur. It’s been nearly two months since she st had it. It’s hard to say, but… could she be pregnant?"
"If she is, so be it," Wumian said calmly. "In the meantime, send some gifts to Schor Lu’s household. Nothing grand—just some trinkets for the women of his family. Don’t send more after this. Once will suffice."
Schor Lu was a man of words. Such people didn’t need excessive currying, but it was necessary to leave a good impression.
An Empress was not the same as a concubine. Reputation mattered. So long as she kept her distance from politics and maintained an unblemished name, then even if she had no children or favor, the Emperor could not depose her.
In Hanliang Pace, Li Fei was anxiously asking the physician, "Are you certain this time? My cycle has always been irregur. Can you truly confirm?"
The elderly physician nodded. "This humble servant is certain. You are two months pregnant. However, Your Highness’s constitution is somewhat weak—you must rest and conserve your strength."
Li Fei’s eyes grew red as joy bloomed on her face. "At st… I finally have one."
The maids of Hanliang Pace all knelt to offer congratutions.
"Thank you, Physician. You will be well-rewarded," Li Fei wiped her tears.
The physician expressed his gratitude but did not immediately leave, for Li Fei had sent word requesting the Emperor’s presence.
Sure enough, less than half an hour ter, the Emperor himself arrived at Hanliang Pace.
Li Fei was still under confinement—it was the first time the Emperor had visited in person since her punishment, though he had sent others to check on her before.
Ying Qionglou indeed favored Li Fei, and now that she was pregnant, he questioned the physician thoroughly to ensure the news was true. Once confirmed, he was genuinely pleased.
"Yutong, you must follow the physician’s advice and rest well."
"Yes, I’ll listen to you," Li Fei replied sweetly, wrapping her arms around him.
With the news of Li Fei’s pregnancy, her confinement was naturally lifted.
Wumian, upon hearing the news, was not particurly surprised. If Li Fei truly felt unwell, she wouldn’t have waited until now to call the physician.
But elsewhere in the pace, there was no shortage of shock. Li Fei had long been favored. If she gave birth to a prince…
There were still two open slots among the First Rank Consorts.
And the Empress herself had no child. The former Empress’s eldest prince had no right to inherit.
If Li Fei bore a child and rose in rank, she would outrank Min Fei.
With the Emperor’s favor… well, how could others not feel anxious?
"Your Majesty," Linshui voiced her concern.
"Leave Hanliang Pace’s affairs alone," Wumian said coldly. "Our priority is ensuring Xu Liangyi’s pregnancy is safe."
"Yes. But what about Li Liangyi?"
"Whether her child survives will depend on Jiang Zhaorong. If she manages to protect it, I will help her. If she can’t… there’s nothing I can do."
"I understand. But looking at Xu Liangyi, it seems she would even give you the child if you wanted it. She’s seeking long-term security," Chuixu said.
That mindset wasn’t rare among concubines.
If a concubine could offer her child to the main wife, she might gain her support and the chance to bear another.
Xu Liangyi had clearly hinted at such an intention.
Wumian shook her head. "Even if I want a child, there’s no need to rush."
The Emperor wasn’t even thirty yet. Why hurry?
After the te Emperor’s death, the current Emperor had undergone variotion to prevent smallpox in his second year on the throne.
