Chapter 133: Miscalculation

Chapter 133: Miscalculation

The setting sun turned fiery, stretching shadows long.

Sun Guiren stood at the doorway of Xuanxia Pavilion, turning back to gaze at Danxuexuan, where two elm trees stood. Her begonia-colored sleeves with subtle patterns gently fell, swaying in the evening breeze, then returning to stillness.

"My Lady?" Huamei asked, puzzled.

Sun Guiren snapped back to reality, softly saying, "Let's go back."

"Yes."

Huamei responded and followed Sun Guiren into the main room. After bringing tea, she hesitantly said, "My Lady, although you protected Wan Cairen's unborn imperial child, My Lady Jiang Hui only rewarded you with some fabric…"

Biting her lip, she speculated, "Could it be because you were too close with the Emperor and Wang Shi in the past, My Lady Jiang Hui disapproves? Even if you've made contributions, how could you advance to the position of Consort?"

Sun Guiren, her veil now removed, showed no worry on her face, calmly responding, "I never expected a promotion from just this."

"Then why did you do it…?" Huamei was confused.

"Although My Lady Jiang Hui holds the Phoenix Seal and Central Palace Documents, she hasn't officially undergone the Enthronement Ceremony. It’s improper to promote consorts now. Even if she intended to recommend me, it wouldn’t be now, and she didn’t. My actions were simply to give Wan Cairen a reason," Sun Guiren explained, sipping her tea, "My aim was to earn Wan Cairen’s good word with the Emperor. Having already been rewarded by My Lady Jiang Hui, any further rewards from the Emperor can only be greater, possibly leading to my promotion."

Understanding dawned on Huamei, "I see. You wanted Wan Cairen to speak well of you to the Emperor. With such a merit and already rewarded by My Lady Jiang Hui, the Emperor’s additional rewards would surely be more significant, potentially leading to your promotion."

Sun Guiren smiled slightly, setting down her tea cup, "Exactly."

Aware of her mistress’s intentions, Huamei then inquired, "My Lady, about the child in Wan Cairen’s womb…"

Sun Guiren interrupted, speaking lowly, "Of course, we must protect it."

"Be watchful of Dujuan in the coming days," Sun Guiren advised Huamei after some thought.

Despite the jade hairpin incident where Dujuan seemed loyal, Sun Guiren still harbored doubts, especially after the mishap with the small prescription. She worried about potential complications at this critical time.

"Understood," Huamei replied solemnly.

Jiang Hui returned to Yaohua Palace and sent word to Xiao Sheng at Liangyi Hall about the day's events, assuming the Emperor would dine at Danxuexuan. She and her children began their meal in the warm pavilion.

Midway through, a eunuch announced the Emperor's arrival.

Jiang Hui rose to greet the Emperor, who had become a frequent visitor to Yaohua Palace.

Huayang ran ahead eagerly, embracing the Emperor's legs as Jiang Hui approached, "Father!"

Xiao Sheng, smiling, lifted Huayang and patted Nian'er's head, holding Jiang Hui's hand as they entered. He noticed the partially eaten meal and playfully chided, "Why didn't Hui'er wait for me?"

Qiuxiu directed the servants to clear the table, leaving only the children's dishes, preparing to serve fresh meals.

Jiang Hui respectfully addressed Xiao Sheng, "Your Majesty, I thought you would dine at Danxuexuan tonight."

Xiao Sheng, amused by her words, lightly kicked Sheng An, jokingly blaming him for not informing Yaohua Palace sooner.

"Yes," Sheng An quickly bowed, joining in the jest, "It's my negligence. Please, Your Majesty and My Lady Jiang Hui, punish me."

Jiang Hui laughed, offering tea to Xiao Sheng, "What would Your Majesty like for dinner? I'll instruct the kitchen to prepare it."

"Anything is fine," Xiao Sheng replied nonchalantly, then mentioned, "Since the Enthronement Ceremony is intricate, we won't have time. I've asked Ningyuan Marquis to bring Ayun and his wife to the palace on the third day of February. Hui'er can then speak with Ningyuan Marquis at length."

Jiang Hui, surprised by his thoughtfulness, looked up gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for considering this."

Xiao Sheng, satisfied, gazing into her clear eyes, held her hand gently, "It's been many years, Hui'er must miss them dearly."

"Mother!" Huayang's sudden exclamation startled them, and they turned to see her curiously watching, with Nian'er silently observing as well.

Xiao Sheng cleared his throat and released Jiang Hui's hand, smiling, "Let's eat!"

The next day, after the morning court session, the rewards for Danxuexuan and Zhuxiaxuan were issued.

Wancairen, carrying a royal heir, received generous gifts, including gold, silver, jewelry, hairpins, fabrics, and rare medicinal herbs. Her status, however, remained unchanged, likely awaiting the birth of the heir for a promotion.

The rewards for Zhuxiaxuan's Sun Guiren were slightly less but still considerable, without any indication of a promotion.

Shanzha, massaging Jiang Hui's shoulders, remarked, "My Lady, you once said Sun Guiren desires a promotion and children. Now that the Emperor's rewards are issued, her ambitions will be thwarted again, won't they?"

Holding Snowy, Jiang Hui softly stroked its sleek black fur, saying, "The Emperor will visit Danxuexuan today; Wancairen will surely speak favorably of Sun Guiren before him."

"Ah?" Shanzha lamented, "So Sun Guiren might still get promoted."

Jiang Hui smiled at her, "Since when did you bear a grudge against Sun Guiren?"

Shanzha huffed, leaning closer to whisper, "When Wang Shi was in power, Sun Guiren always flattered her and was rude to you. I just can't stand her!"

Qiuxiu scolded her, "Shanzha, remember your place. Go and accept your punishment from Ge Mammy. If you continue this reckless talk, you won't be allowed inside anymore!"

Frightened, Shanzha hurriedly apologized, pleading not to be sent away.

Since Qiuxiu and Wanmeng had their hair styled up, the palace staff no longer addressed them as 'sisters.'

Watching Shanzha leave to find Ge Mammy, Jiang Hui asked Qiuxiu, "Do you think Sun Guiren will get her wish this time?"

Feeding Jiang Hui lychees, Qiuxiu replied, "In my opinion, it's unlikely."

"Why?" asked Jiang Hui, smiling as Snowy licked her fingers.

Qiuxiu explained, "After the Wang family's treason, Sun Guiren's father, the Minister of the Dali Temple, must have been implicated due to his close ties with Wang Shi's father. Even if he kept his position, he likely displeased the Emperor. With Sun Guiren out of favor, it's improbable the Emperor will promote her now."

"Indeed," nodded Jiang Hui, "You're becoming more insightful."

Smiling, Qiuxiu added softly, "As you're about to be the Empress, how can I only focus on trivial matters?"