The Self-cultivation of a Salted Fish Concubine

Xie Run helplessly spread his hands, revealing his bulging belly, "Whether it will be a prince or princess is probably a foregone conclusion by now. If it's a princess, no matter how much the emperor hopes, I can't do anything about it."

Xiao Shu: "Could it be that Eunuch Shi'an means that the Emperor hopes the Empress will give birth soon so that he can reward her?"

Xie Run pondered for a moment and said, "It's not impossible."

"After all, Eunuch Shi'an is in the imperial court. He knows more news every day than anyone else in the harem."

Xiao Shu asked a soul-searching question: "But Your Majesty is already a noble concubine. What other rewards can the Emperor give you? And especially when the 'Tenth Prince' is born?"

After saying this, Xiao Shu and Dan Tao couldn't help but open their eyes wide.

My heart skipped a beat as I thought of the most unlikely possibility.

In the past, Xie Run was too Buddhist and never showed any pursuit of status. In addition, she was constantly being promoted, so the two girls didn't care much about these things.

I was suddenly reminded of something today and suddenly realized something.

Their master is already the highest-ranking concubine in the palace, and the first person after the queen.

Now that the Queen is gone, if the Emperor rewards their master again... wouldn't that mean she will take over the position of Empress?

The two girls were a little overwhelmed by the fact that something they usually didn't even dare to think about was suddenly brought to their eyes.

Xie Run interrupted their fantasies: "Don't think too much, the emperor will not promote me for the time being!"

"If the harem positions are to be changed, it will take at least a year after the Queen's death."

The emperor was once famous for his filial piety in the Yu Dynasty, and now he has a good reputation in the Yu Dynasty.

As soon as he ascended the throne, the transition of power was smooth, with 90% less bloodshed.

Having enjoyed the benefits of a good reputation, the emperor would never miss this opportunity given his temperament.

After the queen's death, if he, as a king and husband, was willing to observe mourning for a year, everyone would praise him for his deep affection.

The story of his deep love for the queen spread among the people.

It will only benefit the emperor's reputation.

It was just speculation before, but since the death of the queen, the emperor never stayed overnight in the harem, so Xie Run had already figured out the emperor's thoughts.

In this case, the emperor will not take a queen for at least one to three years.

This period will also be the most stable period in the harem.

Seeing Xie Run's solemn promise, Xiao Shu and Dan Tao naturally did not dare to say anything against his will, but they could not help feeling regretful.

As a slave, who doesn’t hope that their master will be better?

After a while, Dan Tao asked softly, "If it's not to promote your majesty, what reward will the emperor give you?"

"Since entering the palace, the treasury has been filled with rewards. What rare treasures has she not seen? It must be something extremely fine to be worthy of Eunuch Shi'an's mention!"

Xiao Shu also nodded, looking very curious.

Xie Run thought about it for a moment and had an idea in his mind.

"The Emperor has already shown me more than enough favor. Any further grace... should extend to my family."

Xie Rungui was a noble concubine, and it was not a good thing for her parents to remain commoners without any rank and not even have the qualifications to enter the palace for an audience.

There have always been people in the palace who are not convinced by Concubine Xie Run, because the emperor favors her but never respects her family.

During the reign of the Supreme Emperor, any favored concubine would benefit from her success.

When Concubine Chen was in favor, the retired emperor personally called her father the father-in-law of the country, bestowed titles and promoted official positions... Every member of the family benefited, and even Concubine Chen's married sister was given the title of county princess.

Therefore, everyone subconsciously believes that if the emperor really loves someone, he must do so like the retired emperor.

But the current emperor does not like to reward his family.

The queen's family was in the Xia Dynasty, so we won't talk about that.

The following concubines, such as Consort Zhao Guifei, Consort Jing Shufei, Consort Xi Chongrong, and Consort Fang, only benefited themselves and were unable to bring benefits to their families.

Xie Run originally thought that the emperor did not like to do this, but now that he thought about it, he was afraid that the emperor was reluctant to give titles or rewards everywhere, but wanted to turn these into a means to control people.

When Xiao Shu and Dan Tao heard that it would benefit his family, they were naturally happy for Xie Run.

But Xie Run himself didn't feel anything.

She had no feelings for her so-called parents, so naturally she couldn't empathize with them.

After dinner, Xie Run took a walk in the courtyard.

"With the emperor's words, I don't have to get up early and go to Fengyi Palace like before."

Xie Run likes to follow the rules, but it's okay to be a little lazy within the rules.

"The Emperor has already said that I'm not feeling well, so I'll go in later or leave earlier. I think everyone will understand. I'm afraid you'll even praise me. Going to Fengyi Palace every day even when you're not feeling well is a sign of great respect for the Empress..."

Dan Tao is ironing Xie Run's clothes in the house, accompanied by Zi Hu and Xiao Shu.

The two of them couldn't help but smile as they listened to Xie Run praising himself.

Zihu is usually quiet, but he is a very careful person.

She gently reminded him, "Your Majesty, you've been busy mourning at Fengyi Palace these days, and you haven't been with the Fifth Prince for a while."

"The Fifth Prince is thinking of you."

Xie Run: "I am indeed a little short-tempered and not as considerate as before."

In the past, Xie Run was always very concerned about such things and never needed anyone around him to remind him.

As a prince, Taotao had to mourn for the queen every day.

However, the palace rules were not strict with them, and they did not suffer as they had wet nurses and personal maids to serve them.

It’s just that the days are boring and the children can’t help but feel restless.

"Your Majesty, today Madam Xu praised our Fifth Prince to me."

"Our fifth prince is older now and has become more sensible. He can listen to reason and will help take care of his younger siblings."

"Mammy told the Fifth Prince about the importance of observing mourning. Although he seemed volatile, he listened attentively and remembered the Empress' kindness. He stayed obediently at the Empress's funeral every day."

"Unlike the Third Princess, who is young and delicate, she can't be coaxed. If you don't pay attention, she will cry and look for Hui Zhaorong."

"Our Fifth Prince also brought his younger brothers and sisters. The Sixth Prince was originally impatient, but with our Fifth Prince, he actually calmed down and didn't cry or make a fuss."

"The Second Princess follows our Fifth Prince closely."

As a mother, when you hear someone praising your son for being sensible, you will feel happy but also a little sad.

"I have neglected Taotao a little bit in this period of time."

No wonder the royal family is so shallow.

The higher the position, the busier you will be and you will not have much time to cultivate parent-child relationships.

Xie Run is a reflective person.

After listening to Zihu's words, I instantly realized my shortcomings and reflected on my mistakes.

Recently, she had to go to Fengyi Palace to mourn every day, and as her belly grew bigger, she had less and less time to take care of other things.

Every day after coming back, I just look at Taotao a few times and feel so sleepy.

Compared to before, I spend much less time with Taotao.

Taotao is already three years old.

In two years I will go to Prince Residence.

Xie Run had very little time to spend with him, so he should cherish the time he had with him now.

Xie Run also recalled a controversial topic in his previous life.

Will you neglect your first child if you have a second child?

Xie Run never believed these things before, and even vowed that he could treat people fairly.

But when the matter really happened to her, she found that it was not that simple.

Sometimes it’s not that we don’t want to, but that we are unable to do so.

Or they may be influenced by external or internal factors and can only take care of one side.

Fortunately, she woke up early.

She also has the confidence and ability to solve problems that she is unable to solve.

That night, Xie Run slept a little late.

She stayed in Taotao's room for a long time, made a lot of plans for the future, and then returned to her own room with peace of mind.

The next day, she asked Dan Tao to help her and Tao Tao take leave.

At the end of the Chen hour, the sky was already bright. Xie Run glanced at the breakfast on the table and couldn't help but sigh.

I can't help feeling a little distressed.

Xie Run: "In the past, at this time, Taotao would get up early, have breakfast, and run around."

"This child is full of energy. He just wants to play around every day and doesn't even want to sleep in. He hasn't woken up yet at this time today. It's obvious that mourning in Fengyi Palace has really exhausted him."

Dan Tao felt sorry for Xie Run: "My Lady, please have your meal first."

"The Fifth Prince is tired, so let him sleep a little longer. I'll have the kitchen prepare some of his favorite meals for him to eat when he wakes up."

"You are worried about the Fifth Prince, but you should also take care of your own health."

Xie Run picked up the chopsticks, picked up some dishes and put them in the bowl, eating absentmindedly.

Taotao didn't get up until Xie Run finished his breakfast.

Children are always cheerful.

Even if you are tired, you can forget everything after a good sleep.

He ran to Xie Run and said, "Mother, I slept late today and didn't go to Fengyi Palace to pay my respects to the Empress..."

"fine."

Xie Run held Tao Tao's hand and said, "Mother has already asked for leave for you. Let's take a break together today."

Tao Tao clapped his hands happily, "Good!"

He looked up again: "Can I go out and play today?"

Xie Run: "...I'm afraid it won't work."

"The Queen has passed away, and we should all be sad. Even if we want to slack off occasionally, we can't run around everywhere, afraid that others won't know we're slacking off."

"By then, your father will probably think you are disrespectful to the Empress."

Tao Tao was a little disappointed, "Okay."

He is not like when he was a child, who would keep making trouble when he was not satisfied.

Xie Run felt even more distressed for him, "Have you washed and changed your clothes yet?"

Taotao nodded.

"Have breakfast then."

Xie Run had his breakfast and couldn't eat anything, so he just sat aside and watched over Taotao, occasionally picking up some food for him.

Taotao was eating happily at first, but after eating, he realized something was wrong and kept glancing at Xie Run.

Xie Run looked at her for a moment before slowly saying, "What's wrong with you today? You couldn't even eat breakfast honestly. Why did you keep staring at Mother?"

Tao Tao said with a guilty look on his face, "Mother, if you don't go to see the Empress, do you want to spend the day with your son?"

"Yes." Xie Run said frankly, "Mother feels that I have neglected you in the past few days and have not been able to accompany you properly, so I specially took a day off today to accompany you."

"Ah?!" Taotao's eyes widened instantly and looked at Xie Run in disbelief.

Xie Run: “…”

After all, he was the son she raised, so Xie Run guessed what the boy was thinking at a glance.

Taotao was annoyed by her and was afraid that she would stay by his side all day.

Xie Run couldn't help but stretched out his slender hand and poked Tao Tao: "You little bastard, you have been free these days, and you don't want your mother to take care of you?"

Taotao stuffed the food into his mouth and didn't dare to speak.

But there was visible depression on that chubby little face.

It seemed that with Xie Run around, he wasn't having as much fun anymore.

Xie Run's worries from last night disappeared in an instant.

It seems that she is still a little too sentimental. Sometimes what she wants to give may not be what the child wants.

Of course, she still has to give what she deserves. Whether she wants it or not is her business.

At noon, the emperor sent people to Yongming Palace.

Xie Run originally thought that the emperor had sent someone to visit Concubine Wen, and was muttering to himself when he suddenly received the news.

All the murderers involved in the murder of the queen were found out, and the emperor sent someone to deliver a message to Concubine Wen.

Concubine Shen went to Fengyi Palace today. When she heard that the emperor had sent someone to Yongming Palace, she knew something was wrong and immediately followed him to find out the news.

The emperor had no intention of concealing the truth, but instead wanted to make the matter public through the mouths of the six palaces.

When Concubine Shen got the news, she immediately came to tell Xie Run.

When she rushed to Showa Palace, she ran into Taotao playing Cuju with someone.

Concubine Shen smiled and said, "Is the Fifth Prince having fun?"

Taotao thought of his mother saying that they were being lazy and that people would gossip if they found out, so he turned around and found a rockery to hide under.

When Aunt Xu and the others caught up, they could still hear Tao Tao muttering, "Can't see me, can't see me!"

Aunt Xu and others suddenly burst out laughing.

Concubine Shen looked confused.

After entering the Showa Palace, Concubine Shen sat down and said, "Sister Xie, you don't know, something big has happened!"

Xie Run: "What happened?"

"It was Concubine Wen who killed the Empress!"

Concubine Shen spoke with a look of shock, and added: "It should be said that the Empress's mother and her sister killed her."

This was something he had guessed a long time ago, so Xie Run felt calm, thinking that the emperor must have found out the truth.

Concubine Shen stared at Xie Run for a long while before asking, "I knew about this a long time ago, Sister Xie. Why don't you seem surprised at all?"

"I don't know." Xie Run: "But I have a clue."

The look in Concubine Shen's eyes when she looked at Xie Run gradually changed, and she became more and more respectful.

Xie Run was almost overwhelmed by her gaze and quickly said, "Let's talk about the matter first."

Concubine Shen: "The problem lies with Concubine Wen's personal maid, Yunxiang."

"The Empress was wary of the Xia Dynasty people. When Concubine Wen was appointed a concubine, the Empress took the opportunity to dismiss all the people around her."

"It was only because Concubine Wen was sentimental that she left Yunxiang behind."

"Who knew Yunxiang would contract a strange disease and die soon? She was unwilling to die like this. It just so happened that a spy from the Xia Dynasty wanted to plot against the Empress, so he targeted Yunxiang and bribed her."

Xie Run was puzzled and asked, "Yunxiang is a dying person, how can Xia Chao bribe her?"

He's almost dead, how could he be easily bribed?

Concubine Shen: "Of course it's because the Xia Dynasty spy gave Yunxiang what she wanted."

Speaking of this matter, Concubine Shen became more serious.

Concubine Shen: "Even Concubine Wen was unwilling to go on a diplomatic mission to the Yu Dynasty. How could Yunxiang, a humble palace maid, be willing to live a lonely life and die in a foreign land?"

When Xie Run heard what Concubine Shen said, he immediately asked, "How old is Yunxiang?"