CHAPTER 624: CHAPTER 624 FISHING

The Empress proposed to take everyone fishing.

All the ladies were delighted to hear this.

"Fishing sounds great!"

"The scenery here is beautiful and it’s not hot at all! Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it’s so leisurely and elegant!"

Consort Ning was the first to flatter.

Noble Concubine Shih, as usual, kept silent. Even if she looked down on the Empress and Consort Ning, at this moment, she knew better than to fight a losing battle.

Xia Ruqing and the other concubines had even less to say.

Thus, the matter was set in an agreeable manner.

The Empress smiled and waved her hand, signaling for Yu Lan to go give instructions to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

"Prepare some fishing rods and bait," she instructed, "and also some snacks and tea. Later, we shall go fishing by the artificial mountain!"

Yu Lan happily agreed.

The Empress said with a smile, "My sisters, you may all go and prepare. After we finish lunch, we shall head over! In the afternoon, the sunset by the water is truly beautiful!"

"Yes!"

The crowd bowed and retreated in an orderly fashion.

Once the people had departed, the Empress herself dressed up and went to the front courtyard to invite the Emperor.

Zhao Junyao was in his study at the moment, casually flipping through memorials sent from within the palace.

Li Shengan came in to report.

"Your Majesty, the Empress requests an audience!"

Zhao Junyao didn’t even lift his head, responding indifferently, "Let her in!"

"Yes!"

The Empress entered after a moment.

Seeing the Emperor reviewing memorials, she approached with a smile and performed a courtesy.

"Your concubine greets Your Majesty!"

Only then did Zhao Junyao close the memorial in his hand, glance over, and continue in an indifferent tone, "This is outside the palace, Empress. You need not abide by such formalities! Please sit!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The Empress sat down on a low stool nearby.

She took a sip of tea handed to her by a Palace Attendant, then spoke, "This afternoon, I will be taking the sisters to fish and have come especially to invite Your Majesty! I thought that since it’s rare to come out, Your Majesty should... relax a bit more..."

Actually, she had her own ulterior motives. If she could persuade the Emperor to join, firstly, it would enhance her own dignity. Secondly, it would also showcase her virtuous generosity! The Emperor favors women of virtue and goodness, and this could be seen as pandering to his tastes.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Zhao Junyao became interested.

"Oh?"

He took a sip of tea, his lips curling slightly.

The Empress then nervously urged him several more times. The gist was that the Emperor should go, since the sisters of the Harem have so few opportunities to see him. Since it’s a rare opportunity to be out, more interaction would also help foster affection.

And what for? Naturally, it was for the Emperor to spread his seed and lineage. This layer of meaning was clear to both the Emperor and Empress!

It must be said, the Empress was indeed showing great magnanimity. She very much acted as if she had a deep sisterly bond with the women of the Harem.

Zhao Junyao felt a bit repulsed by this.

Is the Empress putting on a show of magnanimity? If she were truly virtuous and good, I certainly would not slight her. But knowing it’s an act makes me feel disgusted, doesn’t it?! In short, it’s off-putting.

So, his expression turned sour for a moment.

Seeing this, the Empress quickly said, "Your Majesty, your concubine has been impertinent. With state affairs weighing on you, your concubine should not bother you with such trifles!"

After saying this, she hastily stood up, performed the required courtesies, and retreated.

Zhao Junyao glanced at her coldly without stopping her, letting the Empress withdraw.

He sneered and sighed. In truth, I’m quite keen on going. After all, Qingqing is there!

「In the afternoon.」

The women had dressed up flashily and gathered in South Garden’s largest garden for fun, chattering like a flock of birds.

In South Garden’s garden, the rockeries and unique stones were all built according to the terrain. Though called rockeries, they weren’t necessarily artificial, as the water in the garden was running water. After all, it was an imperial residence. Since it was located outside the palace, it’s not as if it could have sprung from thin air, could it? It definitely was a place with beautiful mountains and rivers, and picturesque scenery.

The Emperor’s absence did not affect the Empress’s mood at all. She still attended fully dressed, her smile blooming radiantly. Those unaware might truly believe she and the Emperor were deeply in love, such a loving couple.

Actually...

"Sisters, no need for formalities—the things are all here. Whoever needs anything, just ask the Servants to fetch it!" the Empress announced.

Everyone hastily agreed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The garden was vast. Everyone took a fishing rod and found a spot for themselves to fish. Those with good relationships gathered together to chat and laugh. For those seeking to ingratiate themselves, this was a golden opportunity, and they hurriedly joined in.

Speaking of which, Xia Ruqing was always followed by two young Honored Ladies.

Unfortunately, I’m too busy taking care of Little Bun to socialize with them! That’s just as well. I don’t want to have any dealings with them anyway.

Once they arrived and settled down, Little Bun started playing with the Second Princess, watched by the Sisters. The two held hands and went off to play elsewhere.

Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but be amused. These two really do get along well!

Consort Hui Pin also smiled. "The Little Prince is sensible, and Yi An talks about her little brother all the time!" As she spoke, her gaze never left the Princess. In her eyes lay a love too thick to dissolve.

Xia Ruqing smiled as well. "The Second Princess is lively and adorable. Consort Hui Pin, you are so fortunate. When my child was three or four years younger, he could have probably torn the roof off Qingya Residence!"

Just thinking about it gives me a headache. He isn’t even two yet, and already so mischievous!

Consort Hui Pin laughed again. "It’s a good thing for a Prince to be robust! But Yi An, she’s impossibly mischievous as well! It’s a worry indeed."

Children are probably all little devils!

The two of them found more and more common ground to chat about. While fishing and talking, the atmosphere was quite pleasant.

Consort Ning couldn’t stand it any longer.

Consort Hui Pin used to follow me around, so why is she now getting along so well with Consort Xian Pin? It’s true that they both have children, but I have a child too! Their children are playing so happily together, yet no one ever comes to play with my Eldest Princess. There are only three children in total—isn’t this blatant exclusion?

Thinking this, she could not sit still.

After adjusting her dress, she was about to find fault when suddenly a herald proclaimed, "The Emperor has arrived!"

Then, everyone fell silent.

The Empress, who was sitting in a pavilion drinking tea, quickly rose to lead the concubines forward to greet him.

"Greetings to Your Majesty!"

"Rise."

Zhao Junyao waved his hand dismissively and strode toward Xia Ruqing.

Xia Ruqing knelt there, her heart constricting with tension. Consort Hui Pin is still by my side. With everyone watching, this is so awkward!

She was very anxious.

The other women are anxious too. This is our shared husband, after all! When I think about that, I feel a chill and break out in goosebumps!

"Father Emperor!"

"Father Emperor!"

Two tender voices came from not too far away. One tall and one short figure, one on each side, rushed to Zhao Junyao.

Xia Ruqing let out a sigh of relief.

Son, you’ve really helped your mother out! The Emperor coming to find me under everyone’s gaze is simply asking for animosity!