freenovelworld Chapter 76 The child in your belly is mine, what's wrong with giving it a hug?
Chapter 76 The child in your belly is mine, what's wrong with giving it a hug?
Although the Empress Dowager was initially displeased with the marriage exchange, she has now come to appreciate Chu Ruohan's meticulous care for Gu Junze and her revelation of the poisoning plot by Gu's mother.
This is enough to show his intelligence and decisiveness.
Her unwavering devotion to Junze gradually diminished the Empress Dowager's prejudice against her, and she couldn't help but develop a degree of approval for her.
In contrast, the Empress's unreasonable and unreasonable behavior was unbecoming of a queen mother and also offended the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager swept her majestic gaze over the Empress and slowly said, "Empress, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a day for family reunion. Why make things difficult for the younger generation like this?"
The Empress Dowager had just returned from Wuyi Mountain and was unaware of what had happened in the capital.
Little did she know that the Empress was doing this to vent her anger on behalf of her good-for-nothing brother.
"As the mistress of the harem, you should be tolerant of others and not lose your dignity." The Empress Dowager's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority, and every word struck the Empress's heart.
That's a very strong statement.
The Empress was startled and quickly stood up, saying respectfully, "Your Majesty is right. I was confused for a moment, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Although he smiled, a hint of resentment and bitterness flashed in his eyes, but he dared not say anything more.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, the Emperor coughed lightly and tried to smooth things over: "Empress Dowager, please don't get upset over such trivial matters. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so let's keep the peace."
"The Empress was just curious about the tribute fabrics, which is why she wanted to ask Madam Gu. She didn't mean to make things difficult for her. I'm sure she will be more careful with her words and actions in the future."
After speaking, the Emperor gave the Empress a meaningful look, his eyes full of warning, implying that she should not cause any more trouble.
The Emperor was fully aware of Wei Qiming's actions. This good-for-nothing scoundrel, relying on the immense power of the Empress and the Duke of Wei's mansion, ran rampant and committed all sorts of evil deeds in the capital, turning the city into a chaotic mess.
If it weren't for the fact that Duke Wei was old, had devoted his life to the country, and had only this one son, Wei Qiming would not have been severely punished.
However, he also privately warned the Empress on several occasions to restrain her family.
But now the Empress not only fails to restrain him, but also uses this Mid-Autumn Festival banquet as an excuse to make a scene, which is extremely foolish.
The Emperor was furious. If she didn't restrain herself, he was afraid he would no longer care about their past relationship and would settle all scores, old and new.
The Empress lowered her head slightly, concealing the resentment in her eyes, and softly replied, "Your Majesty's teachings will be followed."
Seeing that the Emperor had spoken, the Empress Dowager did not press the matter further. She simply said indifferently, "I hope so. The stability of the harem rests entirely on the Empress's shoulders."
The Empress bowed in agreement and slowly sat back down in her original position, but her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her dress.
Being reprimanded by the Empress Dowager in front of everyone was a huge loss of face for him.
The Empress's resentment deepened, but she suppressed her thoughts for the time being because of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
Then, the Emperor smiled and said to everyone, "Come, come, today is a festival of reunion. All my beloved ministers and their families, please enjoy this feast to the fullest and do not waste this auspicious occasion."
Everyone expressed their gratitude, and the atmosphere at the banquet gradually returned to some liveliness.
Chu Ruohan curtsied and withdrew, but her thoughts remained lingering in her mind.
Isn't Princess Anyang the Emperor's own elder sister?
Everyone knows that since the passing of the eldest princess, the emperor, out of consideration for his siblings, has taken good care of Gu Junze. He not only allows him to enter the palace at any time, but also, out of concern for his physical limitations, exempts him from the kneeling ceremony.
She had seen clearly that the Emperor initially did not want to get involved.
If the Empress Dowager hadn't spoken up, embarrassing the Empress, the Emperor would have said a few words in a mild way, giving the Empress a way out.
Chu Ruohan suddenly realized that the Emperor didn't truly cherish Gu Junze...
Indeed, the heart of an emperor is as unfathomable as the bottom of the sea.
Under the table, Gu Junze gently covered the back of her hand with his broad palm, squeezing it slightly, as if offering silent comfort.
That familiar temperature and pressure instantly pulled Chu Ruohan back from her chaotic thoughts.
She turned to look at Gu Junze, meeting his deep and determined eyes.
In those eyes, she saw concern, worry, and a hint of barely perceptible deep affection...
The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments intertwined, like a magnificent musical movement.
The crowd clinked glasses and chatted, as if the earlier commotion was just a trivial incident, and no one dwelled on it any longer.
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, Lin Xingyao quietly left the banquet, not even letting the palace maids serving her follow her.
Passing through winding corridors, deep within the palace gardens, a secluded house rarely visited by others.
She had barely stepped inside when a dark figure suddenly embraced her tightly.
The embrace carried a scent that was both familiar and repulsive to her, and Lin Xingyao instantly panicked.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" Lin Xingyao struggled angrily, her eyes filled with fear and shame.
She twisted her body forcefully, trying to break free from the embrace she loathed, only to find that the other person was surprisingly strong.
"What? You're pregnant with my child, can't I even hold you?" A deep, slightly mocking voice rang in her ear.
At the same time, delicate kisses, like snakes, landed on her neck.
Lin Xingyao felt a wave of nausea wash over her, her stomach churning. Her body instinctively resisted, her heart filled with hatred for this man.
"Now I'll call for help!"
Lin Xingyao's eyes widened, her voice trembling yet filled with determination, trying to intimidate the lecher in front of her.
"If you're not afraid of others finding out about our illicit affair, then go ahead and shout it out." The voice carried a hint of mockery, clearly confident that she wouldn't dare to make a sound.
"What do you want?"
Lin Xingyao was filled with despair. Even after marrying into the Marquis of Anyang's household, she still couldn't escape his entanglement.
Wei Qiming slowly released her, a smug smirk on his lips, but a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes: "Get Chu Ruohan for me."
Upon hearing this, Lin Xingyao was shocked. She never expected that Wei Qiming had such a plan.
Lin Xingyao knew that he had taken a liking to the second daughter of the Chu family a few days ago, so why was he now having feelings for Chu Ruohan?
"Why should I help you? You're delusional!" Lin Xingyao retorted angrily.
Wei Qiming, however, was unconvinced. He snorted coldly, took a step forward, and pulled her into his arms again, his eyes revealing a sense of pressure: "If that matter gets out..."
Lin Xingyao's face turned deathly pale instantly. She trembled involuntarily, her mind in turmoil.
"I...I can't do this." Lin Xingyao's voice was filled with hesitation and struggle.
Seeing this, Wei Qiming's lips curled into a mocking smile, but his tone became even colder: "Naive little princess, you have no choice but to do this..."
Outside the window, however, a figure coldly watched the two of them...