Eternal Life as False Emperor-Chapter 102 - 72: Restored Favor

"Consort Shuu, why are you here?"

It’s been nearly two years since Yang Ni’s rebellion.

During these two years, Consort Shuu, Yang Huan, has been confined to Yonghe Palace, and cannot be seen without an imperial decree.

Of course, in these nearly two years, Zheng Yi also had not seen Consort Shuu, Yang Huan.

Unexpectedly, today’s encounter is under such circumstances?

She, with the noble status of a consort, disguised herself as a palace maid, taking advantage of the Concubine Candidate Selection Ceremony gathering many eunuchs in the Imperial Garden, sneaking into the garden.

The eunuchs guarding Yonghe Palace were also transferred to the Imperial Garden.

Thus, she found an opportunity to sneak over.

"Your Majesty, you always used to call me Huan’er, why?"

Yang Huan’s eyes were full of sorrow as she grabbed Zheng Yi’s trousers.

"Your Majesty, I beg you, for the sake of our past affection, can you go and see Yao’er?"

"Yao’er? How is she?"

"Since winter began, Yao’er has had a persistent high fever, and I, along with Qingg’er and Ning’er, have been caring for her day and night. But I couldn’t find an Imperial Physician..."

"Bold!"

A cold glint flashed in Zheng Yi’s eyes. Yao’er is my eldest daughter.

I confined Consort Shuu as punishment, but Yao’er is surely innocent, why should she suffer such hardship?

"Proceed to Yonghe Palace!"

"Yes!"

"Proceed to Yonghe Palace~!"

Zheng Yi also held Yang Huan’s small hand, letting her sit in his sedan chair.

"Huan’er, you’ve worked hard."

Yang Huan, who was originally exceptionally beautiful, usually wore complicated and noble clothes, dazzling and prominent.

Yet recently, to see him, she dressed in palace maid attire, appearing even more youthful.

Zheng Yi’s heart stirred, isn’t this the classic allure of a uniform?

He immediately embraced Yang Huan in the sedan chair, gently consoling her.

The sedan chair traveled along to Yonghe Palace, seen by all the eunuchs and palace maids on the way.

Many Concubine Candidates, Noble Ladies, and Consorts glanced sideways, continuously kneeling to pay respects.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty~!"

As Zheng Yi’s sedan chair departed, many quietly started discussing again.

"Which palace maid is the one nestled in His Majesty’s embrace? She’s been promoted in an instant!"

"Shh~! That’s not a palace maid, it’s Consort Shuu of Yonghe Palace!"

"Consort Shuu? Which Consort Shuu?"

"Young Master, hush, Consort Shuu is the daughter of Yang Ni, and she’s been confined to Yonghe Palace for two years. Who would have thought she’d seize this chance to regain favor today!"

"Ah... Consort Shuu can make a comeback after all this, there will be major changes in the palace now!"

"Although, how impressive can Consort Shuu be? She’s the daughter of a traitor, even just ensuring her own safety would be fortunate!"

"Indeed, Consort Shuu is not to be concerned with."

"However, I’m afraid the eunuchs and palace maids serving Yonghe Palace might be in trouble!"

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"I heard that Kang Dahai, the Chief Eunuch of Yonghe Palace, has privately embezzled Consort Shuu’s monthly salary, as well as wood, warmers, and hot water in winter!"

"What? This servant is so bold!"

"Ha~! That’s nothing, Kang Dahai only dared because His Majesty hadn’t visited for over a year, unexpectedly clashing with Consort Shuu’s regained favor."

"Shh... Let’s go, let’s not discuss the masters’ matters."

The palace maids and eunuchs whispered in discussion, while Zheng Yi had already arrived at Yonghe Palace with Yang Huan.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

The last two palace maids in Yonghe Palace quickly ran out and knelt in greeting.

"Gre-greetings, Your Majesty!"

Two little girls also knelt nearby, speaking softly.

"Who are they...?"

Beside him, Yang Huan quickly said, "Your Majesty, this is Qingg’er and Ning’er, they are my younger cousins."

"Yang Xueqing, Yang Xuening, quickly Qingg’er Ning’er, come, meet Your Majesty."

"Oh~"

Zheng Yi recalled the promise he made to Yang Huan to bring out two little girls, it must be them.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, you’re so tall~"

"Your Majesty, are you sister Huan’er’s husband?"

The two little girls raised their heads, asking innocently. One was slightly over five years old, the other over three, at a very cherishable age.

However, they were wearing several thin layers of clothing, and their cheeks were red from the cold.

"Good, Qingg’er Ning’er, I’m indeed your brother-in-law~"

Zheng Yi pinched the girls’ cheeks, his gaze dark.

Cold.

Though it’s early spring now, the cold still lingers, yet these little girls’ cheeks are as cold as ice.

Moreover, he had just sensed it upon entering: the entire Yonghe Palace emanated a cold feeling inside and out, lacking the warmth of the palaces of other consorts.

Glancing at the fire basin, it remained cold, with no warmth, not even a piece of charcoal!

Most importantly, Qingg’er and Ning’er had no resentment towards him.

It seems Yang Huan hadn’t revealed their origins to them.

Children hide their emotions the least.

"Where’s Yao’er?"

"Inside."

Inside, a little child lay sleeping on a wooden bed, a strong smell of herbs lingered in the air.

"Yao’er~"

Zheng Yi quickened his pace, carefully observing Yao’er’s condition.

She was sleeping, her little face exquisitely sculpted, yet her brow was furrowed.

Touching her head, it felt slightly hot, her lips still dry.

"Why does she have a fever? Call the Imperial Physician!"

"Yes!"

Liu Cheng’en responded and quickly ran out.

"Is Yao’er having a fever?"

Yang Huan also hurried over, distressed, "She-she was fine before I left, why?"

A palace maid said, "Consort, the little princess’s illness has never improved, her fever keeps recurring, and we-n-our maidservants could do nothing."

"Waaah..."

The voices must have been loud enough that they woke Zheng Yuyao up, causing her to cry immediately.

"Yao’er, calm down, Yao’er, calm down... Mother Consort is here, Mother Consort is here."

Yang Huan quickly held Zheng Yuyao in her arms, gently patting her shoulder to soothe her emotions.

"Oh, look who’s here, it’s your father~"

"Haven’t you been asking to see your father~"

After a few breaths, she placed Zheng Yuyao onto her arm, letting her small body lean into her elbow, facing Zheng Yi.

Zheng Yuyao, who had just woken up, had a blushing little face with a few teardrops in her big watery eyes, adorable like a small apple.

She also noticed a stranger standing before her, looking at her eagerly.

"Wah~!"

After just a few seconds, Yao’er started crying again with her mouth open.

"Be good~ Yao’er be good~ It’s your father~"

Yang Huan got nervous and quickly tried to comfort her.

Zheng Yi was at a loss, this being his first time, no, counting the day of her birth, it was the second time.

Unexpectedly, this meeting ended in her crying like this. He immediately reached out his hand and gently patted her.

"Yao’er, be good, don’t cry, don’t cry, it’s your father~"

Perhaps hearing Zheng Yi’s voice, Zheng Yuyao, who was previously troubled, unexpectedly stopped, hiding her little head in Yang Huan’s bosom, secretly peeking one eye at Zheng Yi.

"Father, Father... hug, hug..."

As she spoke, she tried to extend her small hands towards Zheng Yi.

"Haha, good, good~"

Zheng Yi laughed loudly, picking up Zheng Yuyao.

The little girl’s body was soft and light, as if he wasn’t holding anything.

Zheng Yi, after all, had held the other four princesses, so he knew how to hold a child.

But compared to Yuhuan and Yuxia, the other princesses, Yuyao seemed lighter and smaller.

"Heehee, heehee... Father, Father you’re here!"

"Yao’er is happy, Yao’er is very happy~!"

Zheng Yuyao said in a tender voice, causing Zheng Yi to pinch her little neck, his eyes full of affection.

"Yao’er, are you cold?"

Then he noticed Zheng Yuyao was wearing at least four or five thin layers of clothing, just like Yang Xueqing and the others, her little face still a bit flushed.

"No, no, I’m not cold~"

Zheng Yuyao pointed with her small hand in front of Zheng Yi, "But, at night it’s a bit cold, so Yao’er holds onto Mother, and also Sister Qing’er and Sister Ning’er, so, so I’m not cold~"

Zheng Yi’s heart sank, holding Huan’er and Sister Qing’er, Sister Ning’er?

In other words, to keep warm, they slept together at night?

The eunuchs in Yonghe Palace are truly despicable! 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

The other little princesses have everything they need, their sleeping quarters are incredibly warm, and they are even served honey water daily.

But his eldest princess...

He nudged Yuyao’s forehead with his head, softly saying, "Is Father’s head hot?"

"No, it’s not, Yao’er’s head is hot~"

Zheng Yi’s heart ached even more, holding her tighter.

At this moment, Liu Cheng’en walked in quickly.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Hospital’s physicians have arrived!"

Liu Cheng’en, skilled at discerning emotions, brought the three most skilled physicians from the Imperial Hospital, specializing in pediatrics.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"Mm."

Zheng Yi nodded and said, "Examine the princess, make sure she is well."

"Yes!"

The three physicians immediately surrounded Zheng Yuyao, taking her pulse and examining her.

Meanwhile, Zheng Yi called over the two palace maids still left in Yonghe Palace, asking sternly, "What are your names?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, this servant is Xiangcao."

"Replying to Your Majesty, this servant is Jinli."

"I ask you, where are the eunuchs and palace maids of Yonghe Palace?"

The one on the left thought of the hatred in their eyes, instantly said, "Replying to Your Majesty, they’ve all been transferred by the Imperial Household!"

"Initially, Yonghe Palace had twelve eunuchs and eight palace maids serving, as the little princess is still young, there used to be two wet nurses serving as well, unfortunately, they were all transferred later."

"Especially the Chief Eunuch Kang Dahai, not only did he transfer the people away to curry favor with other concubines, he also withheld all our food and clothing provisions, not even providing enough coal in the winter."

"If it weren’t for the Noble Lady secretly sending us out to sell jewelry and dowry, we would’ve frozen to death~!"

Zheng Yi’s expression turned cold, not bothering to investigate further, as this is common in the palace.

Consorts not favored or those sent to the Cold Palace are often bullied by the Imperial Household or other concubines and chief eunuchs.

This is an unspoken rule.

But once discovered, the punishment must be severe.

"Liu Cheng’en."

"This servant is here!"

"Issue an order, all former eunuchs and palace maids of Yonghe Palace, regardless of the reason for leaving, are to be executed immediately!"

"Yes!"

"Replace the personnel in the Inner Management Department of the Imperial Household, and severely punish the old ones in the Internal Criminal Justice Department!"

"Yes!"

"Order the Imperial Household to rearrange attendants for Yonghe Palace, and also..."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Instruct the Imperial Household Department to restore Consort Shuu’s name plaque."

Liu Cheng’en shuddered, then immediately said, "Yes~!"

At this time, the physicians also withdrew.

"How is the princess?"

The leading physician said, "Replying to Your Majesty, Princess Yaoshi only suffers from a common cold due to wind entering the body; she just needs to dispel the cold and avoid further chills. Within half a month, she’ll recover completely."

"Prescribe the medicine then."

"Yes!"

"Additionally, who’s in charge of medical affairs in Yonghe Palace?"

"The Chief Imperial Doctor of the Imperial Hospital, Doctor Liu Chen."

"Chief Imperial Doctor Liu Chen of the Imperial Hospital, for negligence of duty and disregard for His Majesty’s decree, causing the Eldest Princess to be bedridden for months, is ordered to commit suicide."

The three physicians trembled and said immediately, "Yes!"

"You may leave!"

The three physicians trembled as they retreated, while Yang Huan excitedly walked out.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, Yao’er seems much better."

Zheng Yi, holding Yang Huan’s small hand, said, "Huan’er, you have worked hard."

Yang Huan, excited, her face turning slightly red, nonetheless said, "These are what I should do as Your Majesty’s concubine."

"By the way, Your Majesty, a few days ago, reminded by Qing’er, I remembered when I was ordered to inquire with my father, to inquire with Yang Ni, he mentioned something else regarding Fire Spirit."

"Oh?"

Zheng Yi instinctively tightened his grip, holding Yang Huan’s small hand and asking, "What is the matter?"