Chapter 1675 A Lucky Star Born of Heaven's Mandate
Chapter 1675 A Lucky Star Born of Heaven's Mandate
"Your Majesty is afraid... afraid that if something goes wrong, Your Majesty will be disappointed and even more heartbroken. So I thought I would wait until the pregnancy is stable before informing Your Majesty at a suitable time."
The reasons are sound and the sentiments are sincere.
She presented herself as someone who was considerate and thoughtful towards the emperor in every way.
However, Nangong Xuanyu was an extremely intelligent person.
He gazed at Shen Zhinian's lowered eyes and saw the grievance and unease she was trying so hard to hide...
In a flash, the emperor suddenly understood.
Niannian wasn't saying she didn't want to disturb him, but rather that she was afraid he'd be disappointed.
It's obvious... this young woman is throwing a tantrum and being temperamental with him.
Because he had been immersed in his own emotions lately, neglecting and ignoring Niannian, Niannian was holding a grudge and deliberately didn't tell him the good news.
She wouldn't tell him until she could no longer hide it, or until she made a scene like this, so that he would rush over in a panic and witness her grievances.
Having figured this out, Nangong Xuanyu's hidden displeasure vanished instantly, replaced by a tender pity.
It's his fault.
He neglected Nian Nian first, and then became suspicious of her because of the sins of others.
It's perfectly normal for Nian Nian to feel angry and wronged.
Such a clever and patient woman, she didn't cry or make a scene, she didn't question him, she just used this childish way of being stubborn to make him anxious, which was already the utmost restraint on her part.
Seeing Shen Zhinian's forced composure but undisguised anxiety in her eyes, Nangong Xuanyu's heart softened completely, and he couldn't bear to blame her.
The emperor sighed, his tone more tender than ever before, filled with deep affection, and said helplessly, "You..."
He reached out and gently wiped away the tears on Shen Zhinian's face with his fingertips, his movements careful, as if handling a fragile treasure: "Nian Nian, you truly surprise and delight me, anger and pity me all at once..."
"Such a big matter, how dare you keep it a secret? What if something really bad happens to me? What am I supposed to do?"
Shen Zhinian sniffed.
Seeing this, Nangong Xuanyu stopped asking why he had concealed the truth and took the blame upon himself: "Alright, alright, it was my negligence. I haven't been able to take good care of you these days, and you've suffered."
"It won't happen again."
Shen Zhinian raised her teary eyes and looked into the emperor's eyes, which were filled with apology and tenderness. Her forced composure finally crumbled, and she revealed her dependence.
She gently shook her head, choking back tears, and said, "I am not wronged..."
"As long as Your Majesty is well, I will be content..."
Nangong Xuanyu pressed Shen Zhinian's hand tightly against his cheek, his eyes filled with anticipation: "Niannian, this child has come at just the right time; he is sure to be a blessed one!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions became subtle.
The hottest topic in the palace today is the auspicious omen from heaven. Just then, the Imperial Noble Consort announced her pregnancy. His Majesty even declared that this child is blessed…
It's hard for people not to overthink it.
Li Changde was the most clever. Seeing the emperor's beaming face and the Imperial Noble Consort's gentle smile, the scene was very warm.
A thought flashed through his mind, and he said, "This servant congratulates Your Majesty! Congratulations to the Imperial Noble Consort!"
"Auspicious omens descend from heaven, signifying Your Majesty's virtue. Your Majesty is pregnant, in accordance with the will of Heaven!"
"This is a double blessing, a sign of good fortune, that the Great Zhou Dynasty will enjoy a long and prosperous reign, and that His Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort will be blessed with happiness for ten thousand years!"
These words clearly linked auspicious omens with imperial offspring, making it sound incredibly joyous.
Upon hearing this, Nangong Xuanyu was overjoyed!
These words struck a chord with him!
Li Changde truly lives up to his reputation as someone who has served him since childhood.
Regardless of the origin of that giant rock, the auspicious sign that appeared and the possibility of pregnancy were an affirmation and blessing from Heaven for him and for the Great Zhou Dynasty!
Especially this pregnancy, which came at just the right time, dispelled the gloom that bothered him the most.
When it is associated with auspicious omens, it seems as if all the filth has been washed away by the glorious will of Heaven.
"well said!"
Nangong Xuanyu laughed heartily, his eyes filled with delight: "A reward! A generous reward! The entire Yongshou Palace will receive double the monthly stipend!"
A chorus of voices expressing gratitude immediately filled the inner chamber: "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!"
"Long live the Emperor! May the Imperial Noble Consort enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"
The Yongshou Palace was filled with a joyous atmosphere.
Shen Zhinian leaned against the soft pillows, a blush spreading across her face. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she gazed longingly at the emperor, her mind clear and lucid.
Things went even more smoothly than she had expected.
Li Changde was adept at discerning the emperor's intentions, and his words lent her a helping hand.
From this day forward, the child in her womb will be a lucky star born of auspicious omens!
This halo can pave a golden road for the child's future!
Especially... if the bookmakers knew that their carefully planned auspicious omen had been snatched away by her before it even had a chance to work...
Consort Zhuang's expression must be quite interesting, right?
With the emperor's tacit approval, or rather encouragement, the belief that auspicious omens would confirm the imperial heir quickly spread throughout the palace.
Everyone was shocked when they heard the news!
"Have you heard? The Imperial Noble Consort is pregnant!"
"Oh my god! Really? When did this happen?!"
"Absolutely true! His Majesty confirmed it himself, almost four months ago!"
"Four months?! The Imperial Noble Consort has kept it hidden very well... But this is truly a joyous occasion!"
"Who can disagree? His Majesty is overjoyed. Everyone in Yongshou Palace has received a generous reward. How enviable!"
"..."
In the palace, some were amazed, some were envious, some speculated, and some plotted...
But the most attention was focused on auspicious omens.
"Don't you think this is a coincidence? Just as news spread that auspicious omens had descended upon Yuzhou, with a giant rock inscribed with the words 'The Holy Emperor Reigns, and the Four Seas Are Forever at Peace,' news of the Imperial Noble Consort's pregnancy followed immediately."
"Oh, now that you mention it...it's true!"
"It's more than just a coincidence! I heard that His Majesty said personally in Yongshou Palace that the Imperial Noble Consort's child arrived at the perfect time and is sure to be a blessed one! Think about what His Majesty meant..."
"Could it be... that this auspicious omen has manifested in the Imperial Noble Consort's pregnancy?!"
"I think it looks like it!"
"The auspicious omens from heaven are a sign that Heaven praises Your Majesty's virtuous rule; the arrival of an imperial heir is a symbol of the continuation of the royal bloodline and the eternal stability of the empire!"
"With these two events happening one after another, doesn't that mean the imperial heir in the Imperial Noble Consort's womb is a lucky star born in accordance with the will of Heaven?"
"..."
Everyone thought that the child in Shen Zhinian's belly was a lucky star.
Tonight is destined to be a sleepless night.
Changchun Palace.
Consort Zhuang was still carefully calculating in her mind how the sight of hundreds of magpies coming to pay homage at Xianfu Palace tomorrow would elevate Consort Mei and the Zhuang family to a higher level.
How to arrange manpower, how to spread the news... everything must be done perfectly.
dognovel