Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

The next morning, Jia Yuanchun awoke at dawn. She quickly rose, washed, and dressed, then donned her gorgeous palace attire and went to Fengchao Palace to pay her respects to the empress. Inside the palace, the concubines were astonished to see her. Her complexion was rosy and radiant, and she appeared remarkably youthful and energetic. One of the concubines couldn't help but ask, "Sister Xian De, how come you look so much younger today? You're so stunning! You must have used something wonderful. Please share it with us!" Jia Yuanchun was delighted, but feigned shyness. She gently covered her mouth with a handkerchief and chuckled softly, saying, "Thank you for the compliments, sisters. I've just been sleeping well lately, so I look a little more alert!" The concubines agreed and didn't question her further. However, the empress's maid gave her a thoughtful look. After Jia Yuanchun left the palace, the maid cautiously glanced around, confirming that no one else was present, and then waved to the palace maids to leave. After everyone had gone away, the nanny carefully leaned close to the Queen's ear and whispered in a low voice, "Your Majesty, there seems to be something wrong with the virtuous concubine..." The Queen frowned slightly and looked at the nanny and asked, "What's wrong? Just tell me directly."

The nanny took a deep breath, sorted out her thoughts, and said softly, "Today, the virtuous concubine had a beautiful look on her face, and her eyes were full of charm. It is obvious that she has been nourished by a man. However, the emperor clearly stayed at your place last night. There must be something strange about this." When the queen heard this, she suddenly felt doubtful and uneasy.

The Queen's eyes turned cold, and she glared at the maid beside her. She said in a cold voice, "Send someone to investigate immediately to see who Concubine Xian De has been associating with recently!" She wondered inwardly, who was behind this? What was their purpose?

After a moment's silence, the Queen seemed to have made an important decision. She raised her head, a determined glint in her eyes, and whispered, "Let's hold our ground for now." She knew that within the palace, every step required careful consideration and no rash action was necessary.

Then, she turned to the nanny beside her and instructed: "You must secretly observe the virtuous concubine's every move, and report to me in time if there is anything unusual. In addition, you must strengthen the vigilance of the palace to ensure that everything is foolproof." The queen thought to herself that this time she must not let the enemy take advantage of the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Jia Yuanchun returned to her chambers, her heart heavy with worry. She knew her situation was becoming increasingly difficult, and a single misstep could lead to her demise. Therefore, she resolved to be even more cautious, lest she arouse suspicion.

A few days later, the nanny came to report the results of the investigation. She bowed her head and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, according to my observations, there is indeed a group of people investigating Consort Xian De, and they are none other than Eunuch Li, the Emperor's close associate." Upon hearing this news, the Empress's expression turned grim, a hint of confusion and dissatisfaction evident on her face.

"It's actually him..." the Queen murmured softly. She frowned, thought for a moment, and then issued an order: "Pass it down, tell everyone to be careful and avoid being spotted. Just keep a close eye on Jia Yuanchun. As for other matters, do not intervene."

The queen's eyes were filled with anger and determination. She gritted her teeth and said, "Jia Yuanchun, I hope you won't do anything that will bring shame to the royal family, otherwise the consequences will be beyond your ability to bear..." After that, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm the waves in her heart.

The Empress was not narrow-minded or malicious. On the contrary, she had stood by the Emperor through thick and thin, enduring the test of time and remaining tolerant and generous. However, she was concerned about Jia Yuanchun's recent behavior. She decided to personally visit Jia Yuanchun's chambers, hoping to warn her before things got out of hand and she could turn back and avoid irreparable consequences. After all, the demands placed on women in this era were extremely harsh, especially for those within the imperial family.

When the Empress entered Jia Yuanchun's chamber, she found her sitting at her dressing table, meticulously dressing. Without hesitation, the Empress walked straight towards Jia Yuanchun, her gaze fixed on her. She asked directly, "Venerable Consort, there have been many rumors circulating about you in the palace lately. I would like to hear your explanation." Jia Yuanchun's heart tightened, but she remained calm. She quickly knelt and saluted the Empress, bowing her head and whispering, "I do not know what the Empress is talking about. Please explain."

The Empress's lips curled up slightly in a cold smile. She continued, "Someone has witnessed your unusual behavior recently. How do you explain this?" Jia Yuanchun was silent for a moment, her head bowed, pondering her response. She took a deep breath, raised her head, and a firm look flashed in her eyes. "Your Majesty, I have indeed been feeling a little unwell recently, but I have absolutely not committed any wrongdoing. If anyone maliciously slanders me, I am willing to confront them."

The Queen looked at Jia Yuanchun, and after a moment's silence, she slowly said, "In that case, it's best to do as you say. But I will continue to pay attention to your every move. If there is anything unusual again, don't blame me for being ruthless." After that, the Queen turned and left.

Jia Yuanchun stood up, her body trembling slightly. She knew she was in the center of the storm and had to be extremely careful.