CHAPTER 475: CHAPTER 475 VISITING THE IMPERIAL CONSORT (BONUS CHAPTER FOR FAVORITES)

The Empress Dowager smiled slightly.

"Your chess skills have improved considerably."

"Mother, you’re joking. The Prince Consort spends his days at home leisurely, and often draws me into a game. Over time, I’ve naturally learned a bit."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but worry and asked.

"How is the Prince Consort’s illness?"

Princess Hui Xian clearly didn’t expect the Empress Dowager to ask about this, so a trace of sadness flashed in her eyes, followed by a sigh.

"What else can be done? He takes medicine every day but shows no improvement. The Imperial Physician says his lifespan is short."

Princess Hui Xian’s Prince Consort is only thirty-five.

It’s supposed to be a prime age.

He was once skilled in both literature and martial arts.

Unfortunately, he contracted this severe illness.

Constant coughing and wheezing.

Despite seeking many famous doctors, there’s been no improvement. He looks increasingly emaciated.

It seems indeed that he doesn’t have much time left.

Seeing that her daughter and son-in-law have been married for many years and still respect each other as guests, yet at this moment, her daughter might soon become a widow, the Empress Dowager also felt uneasy.

Therefore, she suggested.

"Why not let the Dong Family take a look? I find Second Young Master Dong and Second Madam Dong to have some genuine expertise."

Upon hearing this, Princess Hui Xian’s eyes brightened.

"That would be wonderful! If they could be invited, maybe there is hope for the Prince Consort’s illness."

The Empress Dowager had the same intention.

So she instructed Nanny Wen by her side.

"During these days, the Imperial Concubine is in confinement, and Second Madam Dong has been looking after her in the palace. Run over and say the Empress Dowager has business and invites her over for a chat."

"Yes."

Before Nanny Wen could leave, Princess Hui Xian intercepted and suggested.

"Mother, why don’t we visit the Imperial Concubine and the Sixth Prince? I’ve entered the palace several times, yet each time couldn’t meet them. The Emperor seems to regard her as more precious than his own eyes. As the Imperial Aunt, even when I prepared a birth gift for the Sixth Prince, there was nowhere to send it."

Her face was filled with a mixture of laughter and tears, which touched the Empress Dowager’s heart.

Thinking there wasn’t anything pressing to do, after some consideration, she said.

"Alright, I’ll take you for a visit."

"Thank you, Mother, for making it possible."

Seeing this, Princess Hui Xian quickly descended from the couch, and together with Nanny Wen, supported the Empress Dowager as they headed towards Yihua Palace.

Since the end of April, after giving birth to the Sixth Prince, Lin Wanyi has been in the palace for confinement.

No one apart from the Emperor and family has seen her.

The Emperor issued a strict order forbidding anyone to disturb.

Thus, those courtly ladies hoping to curry favor also dared not cause trouble at this time.

In this way, she enjoyed a peaceful confinement period.

The Empress Dowager and Princess Hui Xian’s entourage walked briskly towards Yihua Palace.

Although it’s past 1:00 PM, the sun remains fierce.

Making the Empress Dowager feel a bit uncomfortable.

Nanny Wen noticed the sweat on the Empress Dowager’s forehead and felt deeply concerned.

Close to her, she whispered.

"Empress Dowager, why don’t we go to the traveling palace first to escape the heat, so you won’t be uncomfortable here."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager found it quite reasonable.

However, compared to going to the traveling palace, she preferred to return to Wutai Mountain.

In terms of tranquility, comfort, and ease.

She’s more fond of that place.

Though she hasn’t discussed it with the Emperor yet.

"Hmm, let’s pack up when we return. This weather is truly unbearable."

The initial plan was to leave after Lin Wanyi’s confinement, but as things stand, it’s better to go ahead.

Beside her, Princess Hui Xian was dressed coolerly, thus not as troubled by the heat as the Empress Dowager.

Yet seeing the discomfort on the Empress Dowager’s face, she felt somewhat guilty and said.

"It’s all my exuberance that made Mother come along, if you go to the traveling palace, I’ll accompany you."

"What about the Prince Consort?"

"It’s mostly about keeping him on medication, I’ll accompany you for ten days to half a month and then return, the Prince Consort won’t be jealous."

The Empress Dowager cast her a sideways glance, with a slight smile on her face.

Perhaps as she ages, her longing for familial affection grows.

In her lifetime, she gave birth to two daughters.

Hui Yue and she can never be close anymore.

Since the time she ’chastised’ her at the royal banquet, she’s been staying in the Princess Mansion.

Although there’s also the Emperor’s restriction.

But the Empress Dowager knows well, it’s primarily a silent resistance towards herself.

Therefore, she felt happy when Hui Xian accompanied her.

Their entourage walked for a quarter of an hour before reaching the front of Yihua Palace.

Guarding the entrance were two little eunuchs personally selected by Qiu Ming.

They appeared ordinary but their personalities were steady, and they were eloquent.

Thus, blocking many from entering.

But today the visitors are the Empress Dowager and Princess Hui Xian. Even with ten mouths, they dare not act rashly.

So they respectfully greeted.

"Servant welcomes the Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess."

"Mm, rise. I’m here to see the Imperial Consort and the Sixth Prince, lead the way."

This is the Empress Dowager, even the Emperor might hesitate to contradict her.

Let alone someone like them, a palace attendant.

Thus, the left little eunuch said.

"Yes, I’ll lead you."

While speaking, he led the Empress Dowager’s entourage inside.

Meanwhile, the right little eunuch stood properly, waiting there.

Once everyone entered, he quickly ran towards Qian’an Hall.

He’s naturally going to pass the message to the Emperor.

With the Empress Dowager’s arrival, they couldn’t stop her.

But if the Emperor arrives, perhaps they won’t be considered negligent.

Therefore, his steps quickened.

It’s Princess Hui Xian’s first time entering Yihua Palace.

She hadn’t noticed before, now it’s inaccessible.

If not for accompanying the Empress Dowager’s group this time, she’d have probably been stopped at the entrance.

As she looked around, she felt this place was different from elsewhere.

She, a noble Eldest Princess of Da Wei.

Experienced in countless scenes since childhood.

Seen places more splendid and elegant than this.

But only here, there’s something extra that Heavenly Family lacks.

However, Princess Hui Xian couldn’t quite pinpoint it at the moment.

Nonetheless, for Lin Wanyi, the favored concubine, she felt increasingly cautious.

Thus, she smiled, walking alongside the Empress Dowager, heading towards the main hall.

Upon arrival, she found out Lin Wanyi’s confinement was in the side hall.

Xia An and others saw the Empress Dowager coming, felt slightly surprised, but didn’t show it on their faces.

Rushed forward in a few quick steps.

They greeted the Empress Dowager’s entourage.

"Servant Xia An, welcomes the Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess."

"Mm, rise."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager."

After Xia An stood up, the Empress Dowager glanced at her and the tightly closed room behind.

Then asked with concern.

"Since the Imperial Consort gave birth, I haven’t visited. Came today to check on her and the Sixth Prince. Are they both well?"