Chapter 151: Volume 1 Chapter 151 When You Hold It In Too Long, It Becomes Perverse

Han Xinglan was talking and gradually fell asleep; Rong Luoge had someone bring a thin blanket to cover them, it seemed they had truly been exhausted these days.

Rong Luoge slipped out quietly, sat in the outer room, and said to Zhao Mama, "Mama, go inquire about the current situation in the harem, especially the side of the Empress Dowager and Consort Ming."

Zhao Mama promptly replied, turned around, and left.

Rong Luoge, thinking about Han Xinglan's placement, called Rong Xin over and asked, "After the new emperor's enthronement, how were the harem's consorts placed?"

Rong Xin replied, "According to precedent, those with sons are sent out of the residence to be honored and supported with their sons; those without sons must be sent to another palace. The harem must be cleared for the new emperor's consorts, so even a temporary stay cannot be too long; records show the longest was half a year before being sent away."

Rong Luoge pondered; since there was a precedent of half a year, keeping Consort Ming and others in the harem a few more days would not be opposed by the court officials.

Moreover, this could be considered a subtle method for the new emperor to balance several princes; everyone would understand, it certainly would not offend the new ruler, and it was unlikely to cause a major stir.

However, if after half a year Han Xinglan still refused to release them, that would be another matter; but half a year is still a long time, enough for Rong Luoge to maneuver.

Just after half an hour, Shi An came to summon the emperor; Rong Luoge looked at Han Xinglan's sleeping face and thought, being emperor isn't easy at all—still having to work year‑round, no holidays, waking earlier than a rooster, sleeping later than a dog, more of a corporate slave than any corporate slave.

Rong Luoge, fearing a delay in important matters, still woke Han Xinglan.

Han Xinglan sat up, rubbed their head, "I actually fell asleep."

"You're still too tired; it's best to finish official business within half a day, and you must rest well at night, otherwise how can your body endure?" Rong Luoge worried, saying that even Iron Man couldn't stand such chronic overtime.

Han Xinglan listened to the concerned words, smiled and said, "Got it, I'll try to return early tonight. Are you staying here or going back to Yuzhao Gong?"

Han Xinglan still had matters to attend, so said directly, "If I stay here I won't see you; better go back. I have a whole pile of tasks. Since I'm taking over the harem's affairs, they must be set in motion quickly, lest they later become a hindrance to you."

Han Xinglan smiled, "Alright, we're both busy these days; as for the enfeoffment matter…"

Rong Luoge heard this, looked up at Han Xinglan, "No rush."

Han Xinglan let out a light sigh, stared at Rong Luoge's belly; they had been so diligent before, why was there still no news?

If this position had resulted in her pregnancy, the enfeoffment would naturally follow.

But…

Rong Luoge felt a chill under Han Xinglan's gaze at her belly, poked them lightly with a hand, "You hurry off, I'm heading back as well."

Han Xinglan gave a gentle smile, "Fine."

Rong Luoge returned to Yuzhao Gong, also pondering why she still had no good news.

Han Xinglan had spent all that time and energy on themselves, and despite having been in Dong Gong for so long, there was still no sign in the belly; could it be that they have a constitution that makes pregnancy difficult?

That's rather a headache.

"Good Lady, Zhao Mama has returned," Rong Xin replied as they entered.

"Let her in," Rong Luoge said, temporarily setting aside her thoughts; handling official matters was urgent, and since she wasn't becoming empress, Han Xinglan certainly wouldn't enfeoff anyone else for now.

If she can't be empress, becoming a noble consort will do; after all, for now it seems Han Xinglan has no intention of changing hearts.

Zhao Mama entered, squatted and bowed, "Good Lady, I, the old servant, have heard some unfavorable news."

Rong Luoge's expression hardened at the words, and she asked Zhao Mama, "What news?"

Zhao Mama said, "I heard the Empress Dowager previously had a serious quarrel with His Majesty."

Rong Luoge's brows furrowed, "Do you know what it was about?"

Han Xinglan has had such a hard time lately; just when things finally look up, why is the Empress Dowager causing trouble now?

Now, Rong Luoge finally realized that Han Xinglan's claim that they and the Empress Dowager were mother and son yet not close was indeed true.

"I heard it was about relocating the palace and dealing with Consort Ming, but the specifics are unclear; the Phoenix Ritual Palace later closed its gates," Zhao Mama said, "However, I went to the Inner Court once and vaguely obtained more information: the Empress Dowager wants His Majesty to demote Consort Ming to a commoner and strip Prince Qi of his title, reducing him to a commoner."

Rong Luoge's brows furrowed even tighter; having Han Xinglan handle these matters now would be to disregard their reputation.

As a newly enthroned ruler, they naturally must appease the court and stabilize the people, yet the Empress Dowager is making the emperor act on her personal desires?

It's not even that we lack evidence of Consort Ming and Han Yifeng's rebellion; even if we had proof, we'd still have to wait until the Late Emperor's funeral is completed and the coffin is interred at the imperial tomb before proceeding.

The Empress Dowager is truly impatient; she had been restrained by Consort Ming all her life, her anger building for years, and now that she finally sits on the throne of Empress Dowager, she wants to flaunt her power.

Han Xinglan's mood, Rong Luoge does not know, but right now their emotions are hard to calm.

Since that's the case, she need not be so courteous to the Empress Dowager; she'll first move the Empress Dowager to another place.

Rong Luoge changed clothes, and led Zhao Mama and the others straight to the Phoenix Ritual Palace.

"Greetings, Good Lady," Yan Yin, having received the news, came out personally, and upon seeing them immediately approached to pay respects.

Rong Luoge smiled, "Aunt Yan, no need for formalities. Is the Empress Dowager's health still good? His Majesty is very concerned about the Empress Dowager, but with the court's affairs overwhelming, he has specially sent a consort to visit her."

Yan Yin, hearing this, could not tell whether it was true or false, but could only smile and say, "Good Lady, your timing is perfect; the Empress Dowager just got up from her noon rest, please follow me."

Rong Luoge followed Yan Yin into the main hall of the Phoenix Ritual Palace and saw the Empress Dowager already in mourning attire, drinking tea; she didn't even lift her eyes when she heard Rong Luoge's footsteps.

Rong Luoge observed the Empress Dowager's demeanor; with the Late Emperor's death, she felt no one could suppress her and completely let loose.

However, the Empress Dowager may be rude, but she cannot be caught off guard, so Rong Luoge respectfully stepped forward, "Consort, I pay my respects to the Empress Dowager; may you enjoy longevity and health."

The Empress Dowager finally looked up at Rong Luoge, "Rise, why are you the only one who entered the harem? Where are the others?"

Rong Luoge heard this and let out a cold laugh in her mind, "Is the Empress Dowager trying to intimidate me?"

Indeed, being the Empress Dowager makes a difference; even the old rival Consort Ming is already past her prime, and the Empress Dowager is truly standing tall.

Thus, one cannot keep holding it in; holding it in too long leads to perversion, and seeing the Empress Dowager like this seems exactly that symptom.