Noble Son-in-Law - Chapter 15.2

Chapter 15.2

At night, Emperor Qingde made a rare visit to the Queen’s palace.

Ever since Noble Concubine Chen entered the palace, Emperor Qingde almost only went to Yichun Palace to spend the night there.

However, it didn’t bother Queen Shen. The emperor Qingde was fifty years old, and he had already lost the interest of women who had been with him for a long time, except the Noble Concubine Chun. 

Therefore, Empress Shen didn’t care much whether Emperor Qingde came or not. But she still pretended to be happy and welcomed Emperor Qingde in with a smile. 

Queen Shen personally poured a bowl of tea for the emperor.

Emperor Qingde drank tea and glanced at Queen Shen.

Emperor Qingde had never liked this queen. Despite his disapproval, the late Emperor chose the daughter of Shen Mansion to be the queen, as she was considered a good, virtuous lady among others. 

Queen Shen was not a great beauty, so her average appearance made her less attracted to Emperor Qingde. 

But he had a good son, thanks to Queen Shen. Zhao Yu, the eldest son, was fair and had white teeth and red lips. He could write excellent poems at seven years old, and the imperial tutor thought highly of him.

His eldest son would accompany Emperor Qingde anywhere he pleased. It was unfortunate that Zhao Yu fell ill unexpectedly and had to spend a lot of time in bed. Despite using up all of the valuable medical supplies, he died. 

Queen Shen was devastated by the grief of losing her eldest son, and then Emperor Qingde sympathised with Queen Shen and made their second son, Zhao Ji, the crown prince. 

“Has the selection of the Crown Princess been decided yet?” Emperor Qingde asked.

With a smile, Queen Shen sat down next to the Emperor and remarked, “I haven’t decided yet. I invited the prince to make his choice when he came to greet me during the day. After glancing through the album, he decided on Zhou Ya, the Protector’s daughter. She is indeed a lovely and kind girl.” The Queen gave the pre-prepared portrait of Zhou Ya to the Emperor. 

After a cursory glance, Emperor Qingde thought this girl was really attractive.

“These are the concubines and other candidates,” Empress Shen said, gesturing to numerous more portraits. Does the Emperor want to take a look?”

With a nod, Emperor Qingde accepted the portraits. 

With a nod, Emperor Qingde accepted the portraits, and he was taken aback when he saw the second image and exclaimed, “This, is this Qingqing?”

“Yes, she has lived with her parents in Suzhou for three years, and she has become more and more beautiful,” Empress Shen grinned.

Although the young girl in the image was not as attractive as his imperial concubine, Emperor Qingde thought that the girl was charming at all.

Emperor Qingde had no options because Shen Qingqing was Queen Shen’s niece, and Queen Shen had selected her to be the crown prince’s concubine.

After reading all the candidates, Emperor Qingde was tired and ordered people to go to Emperor Qingde, weary from reviewing all the applicants, and gave the order to have water ready. 

The emperor and empress enjoyed a quiet night together as they lay side by side on the big bed as darkness fell.

 ***

The birds in the garden were chirping before morning; their melodies were clear and distinct.

Shen Qingqing rolled over idly and peered out the window. When she realised she could go home today, she felt better.

Chu Xiugong’s mattress was extremely firm and overly thin, making her feel uneasy all over her body.

Several stunning women formed a queue and stood in front of the instructor. 

Aunt Xi reminded everyone of the guidelines for meeting the saint and made sure each stunning woman understood it before escorting them all to the middle palace.

The women waited for another 45 minutes after reaching the middle palace before Emperor Qingde, Queen Shen, and Noble Concubine Chun entered from the rear hall and entered the front hall.

In the third row stood Shen Qingqing. She turned to face the queen, emperor, and Noble Concubine Chun, who was approaching from the end because she recognised them so well. 

At first glance, Shen Qingqing was deeply amazed by Noble Concubine Chun’s youth and charm. At the second glance, Shen Qingqing suddenly saw the shadow of Li Zhi in Noble Concubine Chun’s glowing red phoenix eyes.

Thinking of Li Zhi, Shen Qingqing immediately looked away and lost interest in Noble Concubine Chun.

‘This pure noble concubine may also not be a good person given how hypocritical her brother is.’ Shen Qingqing furiously pondered.

Simultaneously, Noble Concubine Chun, who had just seated herself on Emperor Qingde’s right side, quietly directed her eyes towards Shen Qingqing. She noticed the young girl was dressed in clothing that was light blue. Upon initial observation, she realised that the little girl appeared to be a stunning woman vying for beauty. ‘Though it may not attract your attention at first glance, Shen Qingqing has gentle, delicate cheekbones and intelligent almond-shaped eyes. What a beautiful pair of eyes she has.’ Noble Concubine Chun was mildly amused as she bemoaned her brother’s vision. 

The sister-in-law she had longed for for so long was actually so immature? ‘She is really my sister-in-law.’

“Your Majesty, start now?” Queen Shen asked with a smile after everyone had settled down.

Emperor Qingde nodded.

The instructor then started directing the five stunning women in front to move forward. It had already been decided which women would be chosen. After giving the lovely women in front of him a fleeting glance, Emperor Qingde did what Queen Shen requested and placed a sign that matched each of the ladies.

Queen Shen couldn’t be satisfied as the emperor was listening to her. 

If Emperor Qingde chose the princes himself, it would mean that he valued the prince. 

Shortly afterwards, it was Shen Qingqing’s turn to step forward with five women in a row.

Realising this, Shen Qingqing seemed strangely nervous.

Zhou Ya, the Protector’s daughter, had already been selected as the Crown Princess.

First, Shen Qingqing thought that the queen would choose the fifth sister as the crown princess, so she didn’t have any worries. It was also what her father said to her before coming to the palace. But now, as the crown princesses had chosen, would the queen select her own niece to be a concubine? That was what Shen Qingqing thought all the time. 

Shen Qingqing turned to face secretly towards Shen Jiarong, who stood on her left. 

Even after Emperor Qingde revealed who would be the crown princess, Shen Jiarong looked pale, and she was now hopeless.

 At that time Queen Shen said, “Your Majesty, Qingqing has been well-behaved and sensible since she was a child. She is very suitable for me. She can be the crown prince’s concubine.”

 Just as Shen Qingqing was trying to tell herself not to worry too much, she heard Queen Shen’s words. 

 Shen Qingqing’s expression drastically changed. ‘Did she really choose me?’ She looked up distractedly, but before she could get a good look at Queen Shen’s face, she noticed Noble Concubine Chun on the right of Emperor Qingde tilting her body and falling down softly!

 “Ah Chun!” With a startled cry, Emperor Qingde quickly gathered Concubine Chun in his arms. “Ah Chun, what’s wrong with you?” Nervously, Emperor Qingde grabbed Concubine Chun’s slender shoulders and demanded.

With weak eyes, Noble Concubine Chun opened her eyes and looked at Emperor Qingde, saying in a painful voice, “Your Majesty, I, I feel so uncomfortable.” Noble Concubine Chun closed her eyes once more after saying so.

The emperor, who was hugging Noble Concubine Chun, angrily reprimanded the palace staff to go and call the imperial doctor as he made his way to the back hall.

This alteration left the palace in disarray, necessitating the suspension of the draft.

End of chapter 15

Have a nice day!