There was a faint bitter taste in his mouth, as if the bitterness had spread through his entire body.
Rong Xia opened his eyes and saw the sunlight coming in from outside the window. The entire palace seemed to be covered in light. He closed his eyes and his vision cleared.
"Your Majesty, you're finally awake," Wang De saw Rong Xia wake up and was overjoyed, "quickly call the imperial physician, Your Majesty is awake."
There was the sound of footsteps outside the hall. Rong Xia looked at the palace maids and eunuchs kneeling all over the hall. He closed his eyes and said in a small voice: "Zhen wants to rinse my mouth."
After rinsing his mouth with tea, his mouth didn't feel so uncomfortable. Rong Xia's gaze swept around, "Where's niangniang?"
"Niangniang didn't sleep last night watching over you. Early this morning, because Zhou daren and Lord Liu had something to report, niangniang hurried over with a cup of strong tea." Wang De knew how much His Majesty valued niangniang and hurriedly explained in a small voice, "Before niangniang left, she repeatedly told me that if you woke up, I had to send someone to report to her."
"Since niangniang is handling matters, don't send anyone to disturb her for now," Rong Xia sat up with the help of the eunuchs. After the imperial physician gave him medicine, he said to Wang De, "Go call Zhao Zhong in."
Wang De bowed and retreated.
Not long after, Zhao Zhong hurried over. Rong Xia had the irrelevant people leave.
"Your Majesty, how did you get injured like this?" Zhao Zhong saw Rong Xia's pale face and knew this wasn't an act, "This subject investigated before. This woman doesn't know martial arts and didn't serve the Empress since she was young."
His Majesty had long noticed that Princess Anle was involved with some officials in the court. But because the former Crown Prince Jiang Han "abdicated" the throne to His Majesty, in front of the world, His Majesty had to treat the imperial family of the previous dynasty well.
Princess Anle's restlessness was equivalent to tying a rope around her own neck. Zhao Zhong understood, His Majesty also understood. The only thing that Zhao Zhong did not expect was that His Majesty was clearly on guard, so why was he still injured so badly?
Fortunately, it wasn't fatal. However, with so much blood flowing out, who knew how long it would take for him to recover his vitality?
"Zhen knows," Rong Xia expressionlessly covered her injured arm, "You don't have to mention this in the future, especially in front of the Empress. Zhen knows."
"This subject did not think thoroughly enough," Zhao Zhong hurriedly said, "If the Empress heard these words, she would be even sadder." The Empress's maid had hurt His Majesty. Even if it had nothing to do with the Empress, the Empress would still feel bad. If he mentioned it again, it would only make the Empress feel worse.
"The old people of the previous dynasty should be dealt with. There is no need to worry." Rong Xia's voice was cold, "Zhen has treated them with extreme benevolence."
"Your Majesty …" Zhao Zhong hesitated, "Last night, the Empress gave the order to strictly investigate the old people of the previous dynasty. Anyone who acts suspiciously will be thrown into prison. Even the servants of Princess Anle will be killed or imprisoned. Princess Anle has been sent to the Ascetic Temple to cultivate and will not be able to leave for the rest of her life."
Outsiders did not know what kind of place the Ascetic Temple was, but they knew very well. Some of the concubines of the previous dynasty had been sent there. It was said that it was even worse than the Cold Palace.
Sending Princess Anle to the Ascetic Temple, they didn't know if this was the Empress' benevolence or cruelty towards Princess Anle.
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Rong Xia's face. The harshness and coldness just now disappeared without a trace, "Since the Empress has given the Phoenix Decree, everything will be done according to the Empress's wishes."
"Your Majesty, then you …"
"Zhen needs to recover, it is not good to strain my mind too much."
"Yes." After Zhao Zhong left the Great Moon Palace, he thought, what did His Majesty want to say by summoning him?
In the imperial study, Ban Han looked at the tall pile of memorials. She could no longer maintain the dignified smile on her face. She laughed dryly and looked at Zhou Bingan, "Zhou Official, you want to see all of this?"
"Don't worry, Niangniang. Wei chen and a few others have already filtered out some of the memorials to pay respects." Zhou Bingan presented a list. "This is the list of memorials that wei chen and others have filtered out."
Ban Han took the list and glanced at it. Then she casually flipped through a few memorials, "Zhou Official, the places that were hit by the disaster a few years ago, have they recovered recently?"
"Don't worry, Niangniang. His Majesty has exempted the heavily affected places from taxes for two years. Even though the days are still difficult, but at least they don't have to starve." Zhou Bingan's expression was respectful and gentle, "Many of the people there have set up long life memorial tablets for His Majesty and you, praying that you and His Majesty will be healthy for thousands of years to come."
"Rather than praying for thousands of years, it is better to pray for good weather and that the people won't suffer any more disasters." Ban Han smiled. She didn't believe in these things, "Daren, you have worked hard. If there is important content in these memorials, ben gong will read it to His Majesty."
"Is His Majesty's injury better?"
Ban Han looked at the sunlight outside the door, her expression slightly dazed, "It should be fine."
Zhou Bingan and the others saw that the Empress didn't want to continue speaking and stood to leave.
After they left, Ban Han had her personal guards carry the memorials to the back of the hall. On the way, she met Zhao Zhong. She raised her eyebrows in surprise, "Zhao Official?"
"Chen greets Empress." Zhao Zhong was now infinitely impressed by Ban Han. When he saw Ban Han, he couldn't wait to make a deep bow.
"Why are you here? Has His Majesty woken up?"
Zhao Zhong was about to say yes when he saw a gust of wind. When he raised his head again, the Empress was gone. Turning his head, he saw the Empress hurriedly leaving.
"Rong Xia?" Ban Han jogged into the hall. Seeing Rong Xia sitting on the bed eating porridge, her steps paused. A beat later, she said, "You're awake?"
Rong Xia smiled as he put down the bowl: "Huahua, sorry for making you worry."
Ban Han walked to sit next to him. She reached out and poked his face, "Next time, if you show off like this, I'll teach you a lesson."
"How does Huahua want to teach me a lesson?" Rong Xia's face showed a terrified expression.
"Hmph." Ban Han saw that he was so cooperative and couldn't say anything harsh. She pointed at the memorials that the guard had placed on the table, "These things give me a headache. I'll approve the unimportant ones for you. I'll read the rest to you."
"Okay." Rong Xia knew that Ban Han didn't have the patience to read these, so he nodded with a smile.
"Eat first." Ban Han walked to the table and looked back at Rong Xia, "You've lost so much blood. I don't know when you'll be able to recover."
Rong Xia didn't dare to talk back. He could only obediently let Ban Han complain.
But Ban Han didn't speak again. She bowed her head and kept writing and drawing on the table. Even though there was some impatience on her face, she still patiently dealt with the memorials.
He looked at her back and didn't realize that he had finished the entire bowl of porridge.
After dealing with most of the memorials, Ban Han accompanied Rong Xia to eat. But Rong Xia ate medicine that was suitable for wounds, while Ban Han ate exquisite dishes. Ban Han deliberately teased Rong Xia so that he couldn't eat even if he wanted to.
Wang De looked at Rong Xia with eyes full of sympathy.
After lunch, Ban Han chatted with Rong Xia for a while. After seeing him fall asleep, he looked at Ruyi who looked slightly uncomfortable: "What happened?"
"Niangniang, Empress Dowager Fuping asks for an audience."
Ban Han tucked Rong Xia in, covered his mouth and yawned: "No."
"Empress Dowager Fuping said that she will only see niangniang this time. From now on, she won't disturb niangniang's intimacy," Ruyi lowered her head and whispered in Ban Han's ear, "Empress Dowager Fuping is kneeling outside Xuanwu Gate."
Compared to Zhuque Gate and Bai Dou Gate, where people came and went, there weren't many people coming and going from Xuanwu Gate. It was smart of Empress Dowager Fuping to choose to kneel here.
Ban Han looked back at Rong Xia on the bed. He closed his eyes and said: "Go ask her to go back. Say that I don't want to see her."
"This servant understands."
Outside Xuanwu Gate, except for the guards at the gate, no other officials passed by. Empress Dowager Fuping knelt under the sun without moving an inch, and no one was watching.
She knew that if she knelt in Zhuque Gate, more people might notice her. However, Ban Han was always amenable to persuasion, but not coercion. If she really did that, not only would she not soften Ban Han, but she would also be more dissatisfied.
"Empress Dowager," Ruyi walked out of Xuanwu Gate and saw that the Empress Dowager's face was flushed. She didn't know how long she had been in the sun. She curtsied and stood beside her, saying: "Niangniang has ordered you to go back early. Prince Heqing is waiting for you."
When Empress Dowager Fuping heard the words "Prince Heqing", her shoulders trembled slightly. She looked at Ruyi, "Your niangniang doesn't care at all?"
"Empress Dowager," Ruyi shook her head and sighed, "Her Highness the Princess colluded with the court officials and the harem to assassinate His Majesty. If it weren't for His Majesty's good fortune, you wouldn't have the chance to kneel here today. With Niangniang's personality, I'm afraid you and Prince Heqing will be buried with His Majesty. "
Empress Dowager Fuping's face was pale, "But His Majesty …"
Wasn't he fine?
The Empress Dowager couldn't say this. She knew better than anyone how big of a crime An Le had committed. She didn't expect that the one who couldn't accept the fall of the dynasty was not her eldest son Jiang Han, but her eldest daughter An Le.
"But why the Ascetic Temple?" Empress Dowager Fuping looked at Ruyi in despair, "Why the Ascetic Temple?"
The Empress was a relative of the Emperor. She knew what kind of place the Ascetic Temple was. It was not a peaceful place for cultivation, but a hell of torture.
Ruyi wanted to say that His Majesty was Niangniang's man. Princess An Le tried to kill Niangniang's man. How could Niangniang be indifferent? But facing Empress Dowager Fuping's broken eyes, she felt that it was futile to say more.
Empress Dowager Fuping shook her head absentmindedly, "I won't go, I won't go."
If she left, no one would be able to plead for An Le anymore. “
A female official in green walked out and curtsied to Ruyi, "Niangniang asked you to take Empress Dowager Fuping to the side hall."
Ruyi looked at the scorching sun hanging in the sky and nodded slowly.
In the main hall of the Great Moon Palace, Ban Han took a sip of cold tea, touched his Rong Xia's lips, smiled slightly, and turned to walk out.
Wang De bowed to the side. He didn't stand up straight until Ban Han's figure disappeared behind the door.
The person lying on the bed opened her eyes. Hearing the silence in the room, she closed her eyes again.
Ban Han looked at the Empress Dowager who came in behind Ruyi, raised his hand and gestured for her to sit. Empress Dowager Fuping sat down in silence. No one spoke for a long time.
Empress Dowager Fuping looked up at Ban Han. There was no joy or anger on his face.
"Niangniang," Ban Han suddenly said, "do you know why His Majesty gave you the word Fuping?"
Empress Dowager Fuping shook her head slowly.
"Because I thought you would be blessed and peaceful in your old age, so I asked His Majesty for this word." Ban Han knew that Empress Dowager Fuping was the most innocent victim in these conspiracies. She didn't know that the man she married murdered loyal officials. Instead, she treated the descendants of loyal officials sincerely, such as the Ban Family and Rong Xia. Her son was indecisive and tyrannical, but she couldn't control him. Her husband, the emperor, only needed one heir, so he deliberately neglected the education of his second son.
She was born noble and had a lively personality. Although her edges were worn away by the harem, Ban Han had to admit that she was a victim of the changes in the dynasty. She didn't want to hurt her, but everyone had a close and distant relationship in their hearts, and she was no exception.
When Ban Han learned the truth, she even wanted to kill An Le.
"Niangniang, do you still want to plead for An Le?" Ban Han's expression was cold, and his eyes were distant.
Empress Dowager Fuping shed tears and said, "Niangniang, I have no objection if you take away An Le's princess title and let her go to a Taoist temple to cultivate. But... why the Ascetic Temple? An Le has been spoiled since he was young. How can he survive there? "
"Niangniang, Rong Xia is my husband." Ban Yu's throat felt uncomfortable. "An Le has you and her cousin to feel wronged for her, but I have my family to feel wronged for me. Since we were young, no matter what happened to her and me, there would always be someone to stand up for us. That's why we were arrogant and willful since we were young."
"But His Majesty... only has me." Her fingertips trembled as she held the cup. "If even I think for An Le, then who will really think for him? Even if he is the Emperor, even if he has a deep heart, he is still a person. "
"The collateral branches of the Rong Family conspired with An Le to scheme against him. The courtiers were busy calculating their own interests because of his injury and coma." When Ban Han said this, she felt as if needles were stabbing her heart. "My own man, I love him."
Empress Dowager Fuping opened her mouth, and large drops of tears flowed out of her eyes. Ban Han had said this, so how could she not understand what she meant?
"Niangniang, are you really so heartless?"
"If niangniang hates me, then hate me. But I will not change the Phoenix Decree I issued." Ban Han stood. "Today's matter is not because His Majesty does not care about niangniang's parents for raising him, but because I don't care about old feelings. Niangniang, please go back. "
Empress Dowager Fuping looked at Ban Han. She didn't know if she felt hatred or resentment, or if she didn't feel anything at all. Her heart was empty, and she couldn't grasp the truth. She had lived a glorious life. Who could she blame for falling into this situation today?
Should she blame herself for being soft-hearted and letting her parents take care of Rong Xia?
Should she blame His Majesty for being too lenient with Rong Xia and nurturing his ambition?
No, no.
She could only blame the men of the Jiang Family for being muddle-headed and incompetent. They didn't care about old feelings and did things like harming loyal people. In the end, they got their retribution.
It was also fate, so who could she blame?
"I understand niangniang's meaning." Empress Dowager Fuping stood up and nodded slightly to Ban Han. "I'll take my leave."
Ban Han's hand that was holding the teacup paused, and the tea seeped out of the cup. She stood up and bowed to Empress Dowager Fuping. This bow was exactly the same as when she was a Commandery Princess. "Ban Han sees niangniang off."
Empress Dowager Fuping accepted her bow, took two steps back, and said, "Niangniang, take care. Goodbye."
Ban Han stood still until Empress Dowager Fuping left. She slowly came back to her senses, put the cup back on the table, and gently wiped her hands clean. She said in a hoarse voice, "Come."
"I'm here." Du Jiu, who was guarding outside the door, came in.
"Pass on my order. Send soldiers to escort Empress Dowager Fuping to Prince Heqin's place. Leave immediately tomorrow. Prince Heqin's filial piety is commendable. Bestow 300 guards to guard the Jiang Royal Family's mausoleum to ensure the safety of Prince Heqin and Empress Dowager Fuping. Without my or His Majesty's orders, don't let anyone enter or leave easily. "Ban Han closed her eyes." Send some reliable people. Don't neglect them. "
Du Jiu's heart thundered. Niangniang wanted to imprison the former Crown Prince and the former Empress Dowager?
300 guards … With so many guards in front of the mausoleum, Prince Heqin might not be able to come out for the rest of his life.
He didn't know what kind of mood Niangniang had when she gave this order. His hands that were bowing couldn't help but tremble.
"What are you waiting for?" Ban Han looked at him. "Are my words useless to you?"
"This subordinate … accepts the order."
When Du Jiu stood, he found that the Empress' expression was extremely ugly. He thought that the Empress would take back the order, but even when he left the palace, even when he rode to Prince Heqin's residence to give the order, no one came to tell him that the Empress had taken back the order.
"This subject accepts the order." After Prince Heqin heard the order, his expression was as white as paper. "Many thanks to His Majesty and Empress."
Du Jiu saw him like this and felt some pity. "Your sister colluded with the former dynasty and tried to assassinate His Majesty. His Majesty was heavily injured and only woke up today. Niangniang is angry because of this. When niangniang's anger subsides, she may take back the order. "
"Many thanks for Du daren's comfort." Prince Heqin smiled dejectedly. "My sister made such a great mistake, yet niangniang and His Majesty are still able to spare my life. This subject is extremely grateful and does not dare to complain."
Du Jiu felt that Prince Heqin was very unlucky. He had obediently abdicated the throne and should have been raised by His Majesty. Who knew that there would always be a group of people that would jump out and drag him down. First, it was his first wife, now it was his own sister. This fate …
There was no benefit in speaking more. Du Jiu raised his hands in a fist and said: "It is good that Wang Ye can understand. This subject bids farewell."
"Du daren, take care." Prince Heqin grimaced. He personally sent Du Jiu to the front door before he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Wang Ye." His only concubine anxiously supported him. "How are you?"
Prince Heqin shook his head and wiped away the blood at the corner of his mouth. "I'm fine."
The setting sun shone through the window. Ban Han stood from the chair. She twisted her slightly stiff waist and walked out the door. Ru Yi saw her come out and couldn't help but show some joy. "Niangniang."
She had been worried that something would happen to niangniang when she was alone inside. Seeing niangniang finally appear, she finally relaxed.
The golden setting sun shone on Ban Han. Ru Yi said dazedly: "Niangniang, you look very beautiful right now."
"How am I beautiful?" Ban Han smiled, some color returning to her pale face. "Was I not beautiful before?"
"Niangniang is beautiful every day," Ru Yi hurriedly explained, "Nubi is the stupidest. Niangniang, please don't dislike nubi."
"Alright, I know your intentions." Ban Han knocked on her head. "Let's go back to the palace."
"Wang De." Rong Xia leaned against the head of the bed and looked at the setting sun outside the window. "It's almost Youshi hour?"
"Your Majesty, it is a quarter past Youshi hour."
"How long has the Empress been gone?" Rong Xia turned to look at him. "Two hours or four hours?"
"Your Majesty … … niangniang has been gone for four hours." Wang De felt that His Majesty's gaze was strange. He lowered his head and didn't dare to meet his eyes.
"Zhen knows."
Just as he spoke, footsteps came from outside. Ban Han walked in with a slight smile on her face. Seeing Rong Xia sitting on the bed, she said: "Why are you sitting up again? Didn't the imperial physician say that your injuries are serious and you can't sit for too long? "
"It's fine, I've just been lying down for too long." Rong Xia obediently lay back down. "Where did you go just now?"
"I went out to meet someone. It's not too important." Ban Han reached out to touch his forehead. There was no fever. Very good.
"You only had some porridge at noon. You should be hungry now." She waved at a female official. "Bring His Majesty's medicinal cuisine."
"Yes."
Rong Xia reached out from under the brocade quilt and gently grasped Ban Han's hand. "I'm not hungry yet."
"I know the medicinal cuisine doesn't taste very good, but eat a little." Ban Han bent down and lightly kissed his cheek. "Good."
Rong Xia couldn't help but laugh. Was she using the same method he used to coax her on him?
Soon, the piping hot medicinal cuisine was brought up. Ban Han looked at Rong Xia with a smile: "Do you want me to feed you?"
"Okay." Rong Xia looked at her with a smile, "Zhen is waiting for Zhen's Empress to take care of me."
Ban Han: … …
Her man's skin was getting thicker.
She scooped some porridge, blew on it to cool it, and then fed it to Rong Xia. The medicinal cuisine didn't smell good, but Rong Xia ate very seriously and didn't waste a single bite.
Soon, the bowl of porridge was at the bottom. Ban Han put down the bowl and said: "Okay, you can eat in two hours. You shouldn't move now. I'm afraid you'll get indigestion if you eat too much. "
"Okay." Rong Xia saw that Ban Han was a bit uncomfortable and knew that she had something to say to her. She suppressed the drowsiness that swept over her, leaned against the bed and asked: "Huahua, what's wrong?"
Ban Han wiped Rong Xia's face and hands with a warm handkerchief, then handed the handkerchief to Wang De who stretched out his hand: "Empress Dowager Fuping came over just now."
Rong Xia lowered her head and looked at her fingers that were held by Ban Han: "Yes."
"She came to plead for Princess Anle." Ban Han lowered her head and played with Rong Xia's left index finger as if it was something interesting.
"Princess Anle and you are like sisters, and she is Empress Dowager Fuping's legitimate daughter. If she came to plead for mercy, give her some face." Rong Xia lowered her eyelids and held Ban Han's hand tightly, not leaving the slightest gap, "I don't have any major problems. I'll be fine after a few days of rest. But this decree can't be issued by you. It's more appropriate for me to do it. Wang De, go and announce … "
"I didn't promise her." Ban Han shook her head and said, "What do you mean you don't have any major problems? Don't you feel pain with such a big hole in your shoulder?"
Rong Xia raised her head, her beautiful peach blossom eyes full of tenderness, "I don't feel pain with Huahua by my side."
"Nonsense again." Ban Han pinched her palm, "You don't feel pain, but I do. Don't you know how pale your face is?"
Rong Xia smiled and didn't speak.
"I did something today, but I don't know if it will bring you trouble." Ban Han saw that Rong Xia was still smiling, then said: "I sent 300 guards to encircle Jiang Han and Empress Dowager Fuping."
The room became quiet.
"Why?" Rong Xia's voice was a little hoarse.
"Because I'm protective." Ban Han reached out and touched Rong Xia's lips, kissing the corner of his lips, "No one can hurt the people I care about, the people I love."
Rong Xia's eyelids trembled, and after a long while, she smiled.
"Huahua."
"Hmm?"
"You are my Queen."
Ban Han chuckled. She gently put her hand on the man's chest, her eyes like silk, dense and lingering.
"Do you still remember the joke from before?"
"Of course I remember."
Today's last ray of sunset sneaked through the window sill, shining a golden brilliance in the room.
(End of text)
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