Chapter 155

When Zhao Jie came back from Shen Ji Barracks today, he directly went to Wei Luo’s room.

In accordance to Yu Mama‘s rules, he could sleep with Wei Luo today. Honestly, after the past several days, Zhao Jie had been forced to the point that he felt it wasn’t important if they had sex or not. Right now, he just wanted to hug Wei Luo and chat with her. He would be satisfied with just falling asleep while holding her in his arms.

Yu Mama was worried that Zhao Jie and Wei Luo would secretly meet each other, so she had arranged for Zhao Jie to sleep in a room that was in Zhang Tai Courtyard’s eastern wing. It felt as if this room was a million miles away from Wei Luo’s room. The feeling of someone else controlling when he could hug his own wife was truly unbearable.

Just as he reached the entrance to the main room, he heard Wei Luo’s voice.

“Why is it pork liver again? I’ve been eating pork liver for several days. Can’t I eat something different?” Wei Luo pitifully complained.

Jin Lu consoled her, “Miss, this is what Yu Mama instructed. Yu Mama said that eating pork liver is good for your spleen and liver. It’ll help you get pregnant. Miss, just endure this for a bit.” Even though she said these words, Jin Lu was also very dissatisfied with that Yu Mama. Relying on the fact that she was sent here by Her Majesty, Yu Mama meddled in many of Prince Jing’s residence’s matters, which made many people dislike her.

Wei Luo rummaged through the dishes on the table. There actually wasn’t a single dish that she was interested in eating. It was the same old options: pork liver, lentil congee, and winter melon and pork soup. She gloomily put down her chopsticks. “Go tell Yu Mama that I want to eat sliced fish in cream sauce and crispy pigeon.”

Hearing these words, Zhao Jie chuckled. This little fellow really didn’t have a conscience. He missed her so much that he wasn’t even able to have a restful sleep, but she was more interested in eating this and that.

Just as Zhao Jie was about to step inside, a voice from behind suddenly called out, “Your Highness, please stop here.”

Zhao Jie turned around. When he saw Yu Mama‘s face, his phoenix eyes sunk. “Yu Mama, is there something wrong?”

The only reason he addressed her as “Yu Mama” was to give face to Empress Chen. Zhao Jie was a person that didn’t have a good temper. If someone else had tried to control him the way she was doing, he probably would have already sent this person to the underworld.

However, Yu Mama couldn’t see Zhao Jie’s impatience. Lacking discernment, she continued to say, “This servant consulted a fortuneteller. The fortuneteller said today isn’t an auspicious to share beds. Your Highness, please sleep in the eastern wing tonight. You can’t sleep with the princess consort.”

Zhao Jie lowered his eyes and his emotions couldn’t be seen. A long time later, he curved his lips and thought-provokingly asked, “Then Yu Mama, when would be a suitable day to sleep together?”

Yu Mama said, “It’ll be an auspicious day five days from today.”

A layer of frost covered Zhao Jie’s eyes. Ignoring Yu Mama‘s earlier words, he continued walking inside.

Yu Mama said, “Your Highness, please cooperate with this servant!”

Zhao Jie halted, turned his head and calmly asked, “What are you going to do if this prince goes inside today?”

Wei Luo had heard the voices from outside and was about to open the doors to walk outside. Seeing Zhao Jie and Yu Mama standing at the doorway, she didn’t even have to guess to know what was happening. She was also feeling vexed with Yu Mama, so she didn’t step forward to persuade them. If it weren’t because of Empress Chen, she would have already driven this old creature out of the residence.

Yu Mama resolutely said, “If His Highnesses insists on entering, then there’s no reason for this servant to stay here. This servant will leave tomorrow and report to Her Majesty.”

Zhao Jie said, “That’s perfect. This prince has already grown tired of seeing your old face. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Leave here now.”

It was only now that Yu Mama‘s face showed slight panic. Her previous threatening words usually worked with most people. She had thought that if she mentioned Empress Chen, Prince Jing would show restraint. Unexpectedly, he didn’t value this at all. Yu Mama said, “Your Highness…”

Zhao Jie furrowed his eyebrows and suddenly took out the sword at his waist. He placed the sword against Yu Mama’s neck, narrowed his eyes, and said, “If you say another word, this prince will take your life.”

When the icy blade touched her skin, Yu Mama‘s legs trembled and she wanted to run away. She wasn’t able to show any of her earlier arrogance and could only do her best to remain calm as she said, “Your Highness… Your Highness, calm down…”

Zhao Jie coldly said, “Leave!”

Yu Mama immediately let out a sigh in relief and frantically escaped.

Standing next to the treasure grid shelves, Wei Luo also let out a sigh in relief. Wonderful, she didn’t have to continue eating pork liver.

Zhao Jie sheathed the sword and said to Zhu Geng, “Move everything back from the eastern wing.”

Wei Luo came forward, hugged Zhao Jie’s waist, and rubbed against his chest. She raised her head and asked, “Aren’t you worried that Her Majesty will be mad if you drive Yu Mama away?”

Zhao Jie nodded, stroked her forehead, and said, “I can’t let my Ah Luo go hungry every day. Let husband see. Have you gotten thinner?”

At the mention of this, Wei Luo had a stomach full of grievances. She pointed at the food on the round, red sandalwood table that was carved with a pair of lions and complained, “You can say that again. It’s vegetarian dishes every day. I’m not a rabbit. How can I be full eating this? If I want to eat meat and fish, I can only eat pork liver and knuckle. It’s so pitiful.”

Zhao Jie started laughing after hearing her words and his previous malevolent aura disappeared.

When Zhao Jie had recently used a sword to threaten Yu Mama, his expression had been gloomy and he was exuding a murderous aura. No one dared to look at him. They had been afraid he would lash out at them. If it wasn’t because he didn’t want to let Wei Luo see blood, he might have really cut off Yu Mama‘s head. Wei Luo was only person that wasn’t afraid of him and even warmly rushed into his arms to amuse him into laughing.

Zhao Jie pinched Wei Luo’s small face. As expected, she had become thinner. His heart naturally felt distressed and he proceeded to say, “I’ll bring you to Emerald Restaurant to eat tonight. Since that person is gone, you can eat whatever you want.”

Emerald Restaurant’s most famous dish was mutton soup. Wei Luo’s mood immediately improved when she thought of eating their tender and mouthwatering mutton.

When they arrived at Emerald Restaurant, Wei Luo held Zhao Jie’s hand for support as she came out of the carriage.

It was currently late in the evening and Emerald Restaurant was packed with people. The manager of the restaurant personally led Zhao Jie and Wei Luo up the stairs and into a private room.

Wei Luo was wearing a lilac, gauzy dress embroidered with plum blossoms. The dress was made of layer upon layers of cloth that was diaphanous as a cicada’s wing. When she wore it, it felt as she walking through clouds. Although it was beautiful, it wasn’t convenient to walk upstairs in this dress. Wei Luo had to lift up the skirt as she walked and couldn’t see the staircase. A moment of carelessness and she ended up stepping on empty air. She started to fall forward.

Zhao Jie promptly reached out to catch her. One hand held her shoulder and the other hand supported her waist. In a helpless tone, he said, “Why can’t you walk properly?”

Wei Luo was only left startled, but not hurt. After she regained her footing, she twitched her mouth and said, “Who told you to not hold my hand? Why are you walking so quickly?”

Zhao Jie couldn’t help laughing. Two fingers tapped her forehead. “So you’re saying it’s my fault?”

Wei Luo said, “You’re the one that said it.”

Zhao Jie looked at her and didn’t lower himself to argue with this little fellow. As they continued walking upstairs, he stretched his hand out and said, “Little great aunt, let’s go.”

Wei Luo curved her lips and placed her hand in his palm. Her pleased with herself smile said in shining words, “Good, you’re being sensible now.”

However, just as they reached the second floor, Wei Luo almost stopped smiling.

Song Hui was standing near the top of the stairs. He was wearing a light brown woven robe with a plum blossom pattern. His hair was gathered up into a jade guan hat. He stood across from them and his gaze fell on Wei Luo. He had probably seen what had recently happened.

Wei Luo’s smile froze. A long time later, she finally said, “Older brother Song Hui.”

Since they had seen each other, it would be rude to not greet him. Wei Luo still felt guilty toward Song Hui. Because of her prejudice, she had sentenced him to a capital punishment in her heart early on. From the very beginning, she believed that a relationship with him wasn’t possible. She had delayed Song Hui’s marriage for several years. It had been wrong of her to wait until their families were discussing the wedding date to say she wanted to cancel their engagement.

Song Hui returned to her senses and lightly smiled. He walked closer to Wei Luo and Zhao Jie and said, “What a coincidence that we would meet here.”

Wei Luo asked, “Older brother Song Hui, did you come here to eat also?”

As they were talking, Zhao Jie squeezed the palm of Wei Luo’s hand without changing his expression. Although he didn’t use much force, Wei Luo still shrunk back for a moment.

Song Hui nodded, “I came here with my wife.”

It was only now that Wei Luo noticed there was a pretty, young woman standing next to Song Hui. She looked to be around seventeen or eighteen years old. She was wearing an apricot-colored jacket and a blue skirt embroidered with flowers and butterflies. Her hair was arranged in a zhui ma hairstyle. She looked gentle, virtuous, and graceful.

Wei Luo couldn’t help feeling surprised when Song Hui addressed that young woman as “wife”. “Older brother Song Hui, when did you get married? I didn’t know.”

“Over a month ago.” Song Hui smiled and introduced her to Wei Luo, “This is my wife, Chen-shi.”

Chen-shi saluted, “Greetings Prince Jing. Greetings Princess Consort Jing.”

Wei Luo looked at her face and finally remembered where she had seen her before. She had seen Chen-shi at some of the palace banquets. Because Chen-shi had a gentle and soft-spoken personality and was always around talented scholarly women, she rarely had any interactions with Wei Luo. Chen-shi was Assistant Minster Chen’s granddaughter and her full name was Chen Jing Rong. Wei Luo hadn’t expected that she would marry Song Hui.

After she bid Song Hui farewell and they arrived at the private room, Wei Luo was slightly preoccupied with her thoughts.

Zhao Jie’s expression was very ugly. After the manager of the restaurant asked them what food they liked to order, he fearfully withdrew from the room.

Wei Luo turned her head and saw that Zhao Jie’s forehead was so furrowed that it could squeeze a fly to death. She couldn’t resist bursting out in laughter for a moment. She hugged his arm and went closer to snuggle up to him. “Big brother, don’t overthink. I was totally innocent with older brother Song Hui. There was nothing between us in the past and there won’t be anything in the future either. I was just feeling surprised before. Moreover, he’s also married. What is there for you to be unhappy about?”

Zhao Jie lowered his head and gave her a look, “Older brother Song Hui?”

Wei Luo immediately corrected herself, “Elder brother Song Hui.” Seeing that Zhao Jie’s expression hadn’t changed, she modified her words again, “Heir Song. Compiler and Editor Song.”

Song Hui was currently working as a compiler and editor at Hanlin Imperial Academy.

Zhao Jie sneered, “You don’t have feelings for him, but he has feelings for you.” Song Hui’s gaze hadn’t strayed from Wei Luo during their entire conversation.

Wei Luo blinked, “What?”

The food soon arrived. Zhao Jie helped Wei Luo stand up, patted her her head, and said, “Never mind. Let’s eat.”

Song Hui’s thoughts were beyond his control, but it was fine as long as he watched over the thoughts of the little fellow in front of him. This young girl didn’t have a conscience. She would go with whoever treated her the best. In order to keep her heart, he would have do his upmost to treat her the best.

Wei Luo was currently feeling guilty, so she mixed a saucer of sauce for Zhao Jie, cooked a finely sliced piece of mutton, dipped it into sauce, and placed it in Zhao Jie’s bowl. “Here, you eat it.”

Wei Luo had been craving for meat for a several days. It wasn’t easy for her to resist the fragrant meat smell and give the first piece of meat to Zhao Jie.

Zhao Jie glanced at her. The young girl was impatiently looking at him and seemed one step away from snatching the meat back in regret. He curved his lips and deliberately teased her, “Did you dip it in sesame sauce?”

Wei Luo nodded, “Yup.”

Zhao Jie supported his chin in his hand and said, “Ah Luo, you forgot. I don’t like sesame sauce.”

Wei Luo didn’t mind that she had forgotten at all. She plucked the piece back with her chopsticks as if nothing could be better. “Then, I’ll eat it myself.”

Right after that meat entered her mouth, Zhao Jie pinched her chin towards him and tyrannically stormed into her mouth and seized the mutton back.

At the end, he rubbed his lips against hers as if he wished to continue. His deep voice held laughter as he said, “You said it was for me. How could you eat it yourself?”

Wei Luo pursed her lips, moved back slightly, and silently expressed her complaint with her bright, limpid, almond-shaped eyes.

Those eyes were clearly saying, “I’m hungry, but you won’t let me eat.”

Zhao Jie’s eyes softened after he looked at her. He scratched her little nose and said, “Come here, this prince will add food to your bowl.”

Zhao Jie ladled a bowl of mutton soup and placed it down in front of Wei Lui. He said, “First, drink some soup to warm your stomach. It’ll be good for your body.”

Wei Luo picked up the small bowl that had a pattern of peony flowers and branching stems. She drank the entire bowl of soup by sipping.

Zhao Jie had cooked the mutton perfectly. It was rare and tender. When it was combined with the sauce that Zhao Jie had personally mixed, Wei Luo, who had only eaten vegetables and pork liver during the past several days, felt this meat was the most delicious food on earth. A short while later, Wei Luo had eaten so much that her stomach was bloated, but Zhao Jie hadn’t eaten a single bite. Wei Luo couldn’t let things continue this way. Embarrassed, she said, “You should eat too. Don’t worry about me.”

By coincidence, a few officers and soldiers from Shen Ji Barracks were also here eating. They heard that Prince Jing and Princess Consort Jing were here and came over to propose a toast.

Zhu Geng came inside the room to ask Zhao Jie for instruction.

Zhao Jie said, “Let them in.”

And so, several people boisterously came into the room.

Wei Luo had seen three of these people at Shen Ji Barrack’s entrance. The tallest person and the one in the middle of the group was called Yu Zhi. The group of people went forward and saluted Zhao Jie and Wei Luo. They didn’t dare to bother the prince when he was having dinner with his wife. They had only planned to come here to propose a toast and leave right afterwards.

Wei Luo took a sip of Taiping green tea. Hearing their words, she pulled Zhao Jie’s sleeve and very seriously said, “You can’t drink wine.”

(Note: Taiping was a prefecture that existed during the Ming and Qing Dynasty.)

The soldiers showed a baffled expression. It was only a few cups of wine. It shouldn’t be a big deal…

Based on their knowledge of Prince Jing’s temperament, he would mostly likely harden his face and fiercely reprimand the young princess consort. This young princess consort looked extremely delicate, but she seemed very brave. She actually dared to discipline the prince.

One of the soldiers tried to smooth things over by saying to the princess consort, “Your Highness, don’t worry. It’s only a few cups of wine. His Highness can drink many cups of wine without any difficulties.”

Wei Luo was very persistent. She shook her head and said, “No.”

Although she didn’t like Yu Mama, she agreed with Yu Mama‘s words. If they wanted a child, they couldn’t drink wine. If they did, then the past several days of cultivating their bodies would be completely wasted.

Zhao Jie put down the wine cup and held Wei Luo’s hand. He said with a smile, “Did you hear the princess consort’s words? You can all withdraw.”

The soldiers felt that his behavior was rather inconceivable.

Yu Zhi had seen Zhao Jie’s protective attitude towards his young princess consort. Last time, he had only accidentally scared Wei Luo and he was still leading the soldiers in running outside the city wall for training. Yu Zhi led the group of people out of the room. Before he left, he even said, “Prince, please enjoy your meal.”

——–

After Zhao Jie drove Yu Mama back to the palace, Empress Chen summoned Wei Luo to the palace the next day.

Empress Chen was sitting at a rosewood table with a marble surface. She glanced at Wei Luo and said, “This empress has already heard of everything. Chang Sheng, that child, always had an excessively tyrannical temperament that can’t be disciplined. It’s normal for something like this to happen.” She sighed and rather helplessly shook her head. “Never mind, let nature take its course. This matter can’t be rushed. This empress won’t interfere with this matter anymore.”

Wei Luo said, “Imperial mother was only being considerate. It’s our fault for failing to live up to imperial mother’s kindly intentions.”

Empress Chen half-jokingly said, “If you truly feel that you let imperial mother down, give me a grandson to hold sooner than later.”

Sitting next to Empress Chen, Zhao Liuli clung to Empress Chen’s arm and said, “Imperial mother, how long have imperial sister-in-law and imperial brother been married? You’re acting so anxious, but having a child isn’t like making mud people that can be finished in a brief moment. It depends on the will of the gods.”

Empress Chen looked at her in askance. “How can you say this type of analogy?”

Zhao Liuli pouted. She felt this analogy was pretty good. Since imperial father had agreed to her marriage with Yang Zhen, she had immediately recovered from her illness and was as lively as a dragon. There wasn’t a need to mention how high-spirited she was.

Empress Chen glanced at Zhao Liuli’s posture before tapping her forehead and saying, “You’re going to be married soon. Why are you still acting like a child? You’re not even sitting properly. Aren’t you worried that Yang Zhen will be disdainful of you?”

“I’ll always be a child in front of imperial mother.” Zhao Liuli acted cutely spoiled without the slightest scruple. In her mind, she thought that older brother Yang Zhen would never feel disdainful of her.

Wei Luo stayed in Zhao Yang Hall for a while. When she heard a palace servant announce that Emperor Chong Zhen would be coming soon, she stood up to bid farewell.

Feeling that the situation would be awkward, Zhao Liuli also left Zhao Yang Hall with Wei Luo.

Shortly after, Emperor Chong Zhen walked into the hall. He saw Empress Chen sitting on the couch and sipping tea. He walked forward and said with a smile, “Wan Wan, you seem like you’re in a good mood.”

Empress Chen raised her eyes and looked at him for a moment. She stood up to politely salute the emperor, “Your Majesty.”

Emperor Chong Zhen had said many times that the empress didn’t need to salute him when she saw him. But, Empress Chen didn’t listen to his words.

The emperor sat down across from the empress. There were three celadon teacups on the table. Wei Luo and Zhao Liuli had used two of the cups and Empress Chen was using the third cup. However, Empress Chen didn’t tell a servant to bring another cup and had the emperor sit there without anything to drink.

Emperor Chong Zhen coughed once and asked, “Has Liuli’s illness improved?”

Neither cold nor hot, Empress Chen said, “She’s much better. Your Majesty, you’re busy with government affairs and you still have energy to ask after Liuli. This consort thanks His Majesty on Liuli’s behalf.” These words were meant to ridicule him for not showing concern when Liuli had been poisoned back then.

The emperor’s face showed embarrassment, “This emperor…”

“Your Majesty.” Empress Chen interrupted him and asked, “This consort heard that seventh princess was the one that told you about Liuli and Yang Zhen’s relationship?”

The emperor nodded. “Yes.”

Empress Chen continued to ask, “How did seventh princess find out?”

“This…” The emperor wasn’t able to answer.

“Seventh princess knew about this matter, but she didn’t tell this empress. Why did she only inform Your Majesty of this matter?” Empress Chen oversaw the imperial harem. If anything happened in the imperial harem, she should be the first person that was informed. Zhao Lin Lang’s action had definitely been inappropriate.

“For her to not act in accordance to the established standard, this empress probably doesn’t have a significant status in the eyes of the seventh princess. When Noble Consort Ning was alive, she either didn’t properly teach the seventh princess the rules or perhaps Noble Consort Ning didn’t respected this empress to begin with.”

When Emperor Zhong Chen heard the last sentence, he sweated profusely and hurriedly said, “Lin Lang’s action was inappropriate. How does the empress wish to deal with this matter?”

Empress Chen said, “Since she doesn’t respect her elder, her morality and conduct is definitely subpar. This empress has two female officials that teach etiquette. How about taking this opportunity to properly teach the seventh princess the established etiquette rules?”

Emperor Chong Zhen said, “Let’s do as you say.”

After they finished discussing this matter, Emperor Chong Zhen saw that Empress Chen’s expression had slightly eased and he couldn’t resist saying, “Wan Wan, this emperor will stay at Zhao Yang Hall tonight…”

Empress Chen stood up, “This consort isn’t feeling well today and won’t be able to serve His Majesty. Your Majesty, please leave.”

Emperor Chong Zhen almost choked on the rest of the words that he wanted to say. She had been civil when she had something she wanted to discuss with him. But as soon as they were finished talking, she started to brazenly drive him away.

——–

After half a month passed, there still wasn’t any change to Wei Luo’s stomach.

Wei Luo thought this seemed wrong. She and Zhao Jie shared a bed every night and Zhao Jie was always very vigorous. Why was she still not pregnant?

She had heard that the bodhisattva in Da Long Temple could grant any prayer, so she decided to go to this temple to worship and pray to the bodhisattva the day after tomorrow. She hoped that she and Zhao Jie would have a child of their own soon.