Chapter 63: Fortune and Misfortune

What else could we possibly fight for? It's still revenge!

So, are we supposed to recognize that old brute and his daughter?

This question is simply laughable.

Wan Tang ignored the barrage's teasing and stared at Li Ping'er with unwavering eyes.

Li Ping'er's fist gradually tightened, then slowly relaxed.

Her gaze at Wan Tang grew more resolute, finally revealing a faint smile: "Master, I understand."

"I understand your thinking."

"I (serving woman) am willing to stay with you, even to venture through knife mountains and fire seas."

A happy smile spread across Li Ping'er's face.

At least, in Li Ping'er's heart, she is not fighting alone.

She still has her Master.

Wan Tang looked at Li Ping'er's demeanor, and a satisfied smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

The morning light was faint, and sandalwood incense curled within Kunning Palace.

Empress Xiao Mingshu sat poised on the Phoenix Throne, lightly brushing the tea cup with her fingertips, her expression serene.

The consorts entered the hall one by one to pay respects; when it was Wan Tang's turn, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly stiffened.

Today she wore a hibiscus‑red silk‑and‑gold skirt, and in her hair she pinned the warm jade Step Shake bestowed by Chu Yunzheng.

As she walked, the pearls and jade swayed lightly, their brilliance flowing, making her appear dazzling beyond compare.

Noble Lady Li glanced, murmuring mockingly: "Oh, Consort Wan Tang's outfit today makes it seem as if she's afraid others won't know she's favored."

The attendant covered his lips with a light laugh: "Isn't that right? I heard the Emperor stayed at Cuivei Palace last night, and even the morning court was delayed by half a moment."

Everyone whispered, their gazes jealous or mocking, all falling upon Wan Tang.

Wan Tang's expression remained calm, she lowered her eyes and said: "Subject, I convey my respects to the Empress."

Empress Xiao Mingshu lifted her gaze to glance at her, a smile at the corner of her lips, but a chill in her eyes: "Consort Wan's complexion has been excellent lately; it seems the Emperor... is quite fond of you."

Xu Luoyan sat at the lower seat, her fingertips tightly clutching a handkerchief, the jealousy in her eyes nearly flaring into flame.

Empress Xiao Mingshu glanced at her, then in a gentle voice said: "Answering, I see your spirit is low today; is your body unwell?"

"Subject, how could I dare be unwell? After all, the most 'delicate and noble' now is not me."

Empress Xiao Mingshu sighed lightly: "You should watch your words."

She glanced pointedly at Wan Tang, "These days Consort Wan Tang has the Emperor's favor; she serves him often, so pregnancy is only a matter of time."

"Pregnant?" Xu Luoyan sneered sharply, her voice thin, "The palace head said early on that her body is damaged, no longer capable of bearing children!"

The hall fell silent suddenly.

Wan Tang's fingertips trembled slightly, but her face remained calm.

Empress Xiao Mingshu frowned, her voice deep: "Answering, speak carefully."

Xu Luoyan pressed on, malice evident in her eyes: "Why does the Empress deceive herself? She had a miscarriage in the secondary palace and has been barren for a long time!"

Empress Xiao Mingshu's eyes chilled, then she laughed lightly: "Things are unpredictable; Consort Wan Tang has been under treatment for so long, there may still be hope."

She looked at Wan Tang, her tone gentle yet each word cutting: "Isn't that so, Consort Wan?"

Wan Tang slowly raised her eyes, a faint smile at the corner of her lips: "The Empress said it."

Her voice was soft, yet it felt to Xu Luoyan like a punch landing on cotton, making her even more angry.

The onlookers, seeing this, whispered even more.

"What pretended aloofness? She's just barren."

"Even if the Emperor dotes on her, without an heir she'll eventually be discarded."

Wan Tang listened to these remarks, her eyes a cold emptiness.

She knows better than anyone that in this inner palace, the Emperor's favor is fleeting like a night‑blooming flower, while only power endures forever.

The Imperial Heir is the most crucial matter.

After the consorts dispersed, only the lingering sandalwood incense remained in Kunning Palace.

Empress Xiao Mingshu lifted the tea cup, gently blew the froth, looked up at Wan Tang, her tone warm yet unquestionable: "Consort Wan, currently only Noble Lady Qi is pregnant in the palace; many court officials already voice objections."

She traced the cup rim with her fingertips, her gaze deep: "The Emperor's lineage is thin; it is not a long‑term solution."

Wan Tang lowered her eyes, replying respectfully: "Subject understands."

The Empress smiled faintly, her tone seemingly caring yet subtly pressing: "You are now most favored; if you can become pregnant soon, it would be a great achievement."

Wan Tang's fingertips curled slightly, her face unchanged: "Subject will heed the Empress's teachings."

Returning to Cuivei Palace, Wan Tang ordered Li Ping'er: "Go summon Xie Taiyi."

Soon after, Xie Taiyi arrived hastily, looking far more gaunt than before, his eyes darkened, and a few strands of white hair had appeared at his temples.

Wan Tang gestured for him to sit, speaking softly: "Xie Taiyi, have you been overworked lately?"

Xie Taiyi shook his head with a wry smile: "Old Minister is untroubled; it's just trivial matters entangling me."

He placed his hand on Wan Tang's pulse, concentrating for a moment, his brows gradually easing: "Empress, your pulse is steady, the body has no major issues; with proper treatment, pregnancy would not be difficult."

Wan Tang's eyes flickered slightly, but she showed no joy, saying simply: "Then please have the Doctor prepare a few prescriptions."

Xie Taiyi lifted his brush to write the prescription, his handwriting less steady than before, with one or two slight tremors.

Wan Tang watched, and after he finished writing, she suddenly said: "Xie Taiyi, if you have any difficulty, feel free to speak plainly."

Xie Taiyi paused, then shook his head: "Empress, I appreciate your kindness; Old Minister understands. It's merely family matters, not appropriate to involve the Empress."

He packed away the medicine box, bowed and took his leave, his back slightly hunched.

Wan Tang stared at the direction of his departure, her eyes darkening.

Li Ping'er whispered: "Empress, Xie Taiyi seems to have something on his mind."

Wan Tang lightly "hm"ed, her fingertips brushing the trembling strokes on the prescription, then sneered, "Go check what the Xie family has been up to lately."

"What's there to investigate? Xie Taiyi's medical skill is outstanding, and everyone in the palace trusts him."

"The reason for the melancholy is that someone had Xie Taiyi write a prescription that makes you unable to bear a child."

"Xie Taiyi is a lofty man, naturally he could not do such a thing, which is why he has been ostracized."

Hearing that, Wan Tang felt a warmth in her heart.

So this cold palace still has places that can warm a person.

In Yangxin Hall, the scent of dragon's saliva incense wafted.

Chu Yunzheng was sitting opposite Su Yanci, playing chess; the board's black and white pieces interlaced, hidden murderous intent.

Su Yanci, in a midnight‑blue brocade robe with the collar slightly open, twirled a black jade piece between his fingertips, laughing cynically: "Your Majesty's move truly puts me in a dilemma."

Chu Yunzheng raised an eyebrow, about to place a piece, when a messenger from Li Defu announced from outside the hall: "Lady Wan has arrived."

The pearl curtains were gently lifted; Wan Tang entered slowly, holding a food box, her light pink gauze dress making her look like a lotus emerging from water.

She lowered her brow, complied, and bowed: "I, your humble servant, have the honor to see the Emperor."

When she lifted her eyes, a corner of her gaze caught Su Yanci's half‑smile; her fingertips trembled, she quickly lowered her eyes, and even her breathing became a little lighter.

Chu Yunzheng took in her reaction, the corner of his mouth curling: "Tangtang has arrived?"

He gestured for her to come forward, teasing: "The harem's concubines, upon seeing Su Aiqing, cannot take their eyes off him. How come when it comes to you, you don't even dare to look?"

Wan Tang's ears flushed slightly, and she whispered: "In my eyes… there is only the Emperor."

Chu Yunzheng laughed loudly, clearly delighted.

Su Yanci waved his folding fan, feigning a sigh: "It seems my reputation as the 'Graceful Young Master' still cannot match the Emperor's magnificent dragon might!"

Wan Tang set the pastries from the food box.

She arranged them on the small table—lotus‑flower pastry, almond custard, honey‑preserved green plums—all the dishes Chu Yunzheng usually loves.

Su Yanci rose to leave: "I will not disturb the Emperor and the Lady any longer."

Chu Yunzheng raised his hand to stop him: "Stay and share some; Tangtang's cooking even surpasses that of the Imperial Kitchen."

Su Yanci, complying, picked up a piece of almond custard, took a bite, but saw Wan Tang suddenly cover her mouth, her complexion turning pale.

"What's wrong?" Chu Yunzheng frowned.

Wan Tang forced herself to endure the discomfort, shook her head: "Nothing, just a bit of nausea…"

Li Defu's eyes rolled, and he clapped his hands laughing: "Oh! Could this mean there's joyous news? I recall Lady Qi was the same back then, unable to tolerate greasy foods!"

Chu Yunzheng's eyes brightened sharply, and he seized Wan Tang's hand: "Really? Is your menstrual cycle still regular?"

Wan Tang's eyelashes fluttered, and she whispered: "It's been delayed over a month… but I dare not conclude."

Su Yanci leisurely swallowed the pastry, then said: "In that case, why not summon a physician to take your pulse?"

Chu Yunzheng immediately agreed: "Send for the physician!"

Wan Tang whispered: "I have always been treated by Xie Taiyi; perhaps we should ask him to examine me?"

Chu Yunzheng nodded, and Li Defu hurried to announce.

Soon, Xie Taiyi entered briskly, his complexion ashen, the dark circles under his eyes even deeper.

When he took the pulse, his fingertips trembled, and cold sweat seeped from the corners of his forehead.

After a long while, he spoke with difficulty: "Congratulations, Emperor… Lady Wan indeed has joyous news."

Chu Yunzheng rejoiced, pulling Wan Tang into his arms: "Excellent! Excellent! I shall greatly reward the Imperial Medical Institute!"

Xie Taiyi, however, showed no joy, not even daring to look Wan Tang in the eyes.

Su Yanci toyed with his tea cup, then laughed lightly: "Why does Xie Taiyi wear a worried brow? Could this joyous pulse… be something amiss?"

"Of course he'd be worried; Xie Taiyi simply refuses to lie."

"If his son at home hadn't been kidnapped, he wouldn't have returned at all."

"Tangtang, your pulse pattern is problematic; you must not believe it!"

Wan Tang had not yet truly experienced the joy of pregnancy, but upon hearing that, her complexion instantly turned cold.

"What does that mean?"

"I, your humble servant, will go see Xie Taiyi off," Wan Tang whispered, her eyes scanning the cold sweat on Xie Taiyi's forehead.

Chu Yunzheng frowned: "Your body is now precious; let Li Defu go."

Li Defu immediately approached with a piled smile, though a hint of inquiry lingered in his eyes: "Your servant will see to it that Xie Taiyi is safely escorted out of the palace."

Saying so, he cast a meaning‑laden glance at Wan Tang.

"Emperor," Wan Tang persisted, gently tugging at Chu Yunzheng's sleeve, "I can bear the imperial heir only thanks to Xie Taiyi's meticulous care over the years."

"I am naturally overjoyed in my heart, yet I also wish to do something."

"Lady Wan, you are truly grateful," Su Yanci suddenly interjected, his folding fan fluttering, a teasing smile in his eyes.

Chu Yunzheng's expression softened slightly, and he finally nodded: "Go then, take good care of yourself."

He raised his hand to stroke Wan Tang's still‑flat belly, his tone suddenly stern: "This child must not suffer any mishap."

"I, your humble servant, understand." Wan Tang lowered her gaze, a gentle curve on her lips.

Below the vermilion palace wall, Xie Taiyi's footsteps grew ever faster.

"Xie Taiyi, wait," Wan Tang called at the corner, signaling the accompanying Guanren to step back.

"Lady, you need not escort further," Xie Taiyi turned, his hand under his official robe trembling slightly, "I've walked these palace corridors for decades; I'm familiar."

"Xie Taiyi, these years have been thanks to your care," Wan Tang said softly, pulling from her sleeve a fragrance pouch embroidered with a peace talisman, "This was obtained from Guoguang Temple; I hope you will accept it."

Previously when offered silver, Xie Taiyi refused to take it; this trinket is essentially worthless, it's all heart.

Xie Taiyi stared at the fragrance pouch, his throat rolling.

From afar came the patrolling guards' footsteps; he suddenly lowered his voice: "Lady, be careful!"

The withered, gaunt fingers clenched the Fragrance pouch tightly: "Fortune and disaster."

"The fetus is connected to the mother's flesh and blood; exactly what is happening in the womb, the mother knows best."

A gust of autumn wind swept by, scattering his unfinished words.

Wan Tang's pupils narrowed slightly, and under her fingertips she instinctively placed her hand on her lower abdomen.

Xie Taiyi stepped back two paces and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty… take care."

When turning, the back of the official robe was already damp with a patch of sweat.

She watched the hunched silhouette disappear at the end of the palace corridor, and suddenly sensed a metallic scent of blood between her lips and teeth.

It turned out that, at some unknown moment, she had bitten her lower lip until it bled.