Chapter 6: Support

Hui Chun stood outside the curtain, feeling perplexed as she watched Queen Wang for quite some time. She could not understand what the esteemed mother of the nation was doing eavesdropping here for so long. While she dared not make any assumptions, Hui Chun was certain that if today's events were to leak out, it would undoubtedly be explosive news

The Concubine, having a humble background, despite her impressive ability to give birth to the Crown Prince and thus attain the position of a palace mistress, could not change her demeanor and insight simply because of her sudden rise to prominence. Queen Wang sighed inwardly, pondering how she could have given birth to such a child.

After much hesitation, it seemed as though a strange force was pulling at her feet, and ultimately, Queen Wang took that step forward

"Mother... Mother..." Zhu Changluo put on a perfect display of all the cute and charming antics he had seen in his past life. After proudly collecting a floor full of goosebumps and dazed expressions, everyone unanimously expressed: We understand the deep bond between you and your mother, please wrap it up soon.

This shout was full of vigor, enough to astonish everyone familiar with Zhu Changluo. Is this still the same taciturn and reticent crown prince from before? In the past, he would have wished to find a hole in the ground to hide in when faced with strangers. What has happened today?

This... this question is truly difficult for Hui Chun. How could I possibly know what to write? The Empress's questions must be answered. Loyal Hui Chun racked her brains, thinking over and over again. Suddenly, it reminded her of something! "Your Majesty, at what age did the young prince begin to recognize characters?"

In an instant, he realized that he was not Emperor Wanli, and Empress Wang was not his wife. In response, Zhu Changluo expressed that he felt no pressure. It was a matter that did not concern him, so he maintained a detached attitude, believing that one should view others objectively and comprehensively. Thus, he quickly provided a new evaluation of Empress Wang: although her appearance was ordinary, she excelled in her calm demeanor and grand bearing, which was far beyond that of ordinary women.

For a moment, Zhu Changluo felt a bit of sympathy for the father he had yet to meet. From a man's perspective, being affectionate with such a woman is indeed a matter of considerable pressure and a burden.

The experienced Queen Wang was surprised for the first time to admit that she had truly misjudged someone! She had thought it was merely a fish eye, but it had unexpectedly transformed into a pearl that had fallen into muddy waters!

When he learned to write is not important; compared to that, I value his intelligence, wit, and adaptability more.

As a queen, being unable to bear children signifies what and what will be the outcome? History has recorded numerous instances, so there is no need to elaborate further. Moreover, there is also the ever-watchful Zheng Guifei, who is eyeing me closely.

Ignoring the crowd that can swallow eggs with their mouths and their dazed eyes, he shook off a pile of goosebumps. As a young man in his twenties, he felt quite awkward about trying to act cute. However, there was no choice; if he wanted to survive and live well, he had to find a support system

"Beating and humiliating the palace maid of the Shouxi Palace, do you not know that the Imperial Noble Consort holds a position equal to that of the Deputy Empress, enjoying immense honor? How could she dare to claim innocence after such actions? If I am not mistaken, disaster will soon befall the Yonghe Palace in a matter of moments."

Queen Wang was an exceptionally intelligent woman, one of the smartest women that Zhu Changluo had ever encountered in his life. Even years later, when he finally ascended to the throne as he had wished, this view remained unchanged

"I, your humble servant, do not know what crime I have committed. Please, Your Majesty, enlighten me." Zhu Changluo, being a bachelor, twisted his small body a few times and directly knelt down. The wretched old society! Just thinking about having to kneel countless times in the future gives me a headache.

After a moment of distraction, Empress Wang gathered her scattered emotions and returned to her previous, unyielding demeanor. "Luo'er, do you know your crime?" Her voice was not loud, yet it struck deeply.

Hui Chun noticed that Empress Wang was emotionally agitated, yet was unaware that it was due to Zhu Changluo's performance, which had given the despairing Empress Wang a glimmer of hope. Indeed, it was hope.

None of this is significant. As a queen, if one does not possess a certain degree of tolerance, there is no need to enter the palace. Queen Wang has received a good education and adheres to the principle that one can only speak rightly if one is in the right position. The first wife is the first wife, and the secondary wife is the secondary wife; Queen Wang understands this very clearly.

The flexibility and adaptability of the servants are truly not apparent. As for the Crown Prince, we have seen him on several occasions... his character is relatively good. Huichun is kind-hearted and does not like to speak ill of others. In her impression, it seems that the only thing that can be said about the Crown Prince is his character; there is really nothing else to mention.

The Concubine Gong felt anxious and uneasy, worried not only about the impending storm brought by Concubine Zheng but also about the sudden visit of Her Majesty the Empress, whose gaze was fixed on her son without pause. What could be the reason for this?

Hesitating whether to step over this threshold, into a place that the people of the royal palace avoid at all costs, the queen knows that taking this step means that her previous days of tranquility and peace will be left far behind. This is a gamble of life, with almost no chance of winning, but once lost, it could lead to the destruction of her life and family.

In conclusion, Queen Wang commands respect, yet it is difficult to inspire love.

A few years ago, an incident that occurred by chance completely shattered Queen Wang's immense confidence, leaving her despondent and withered for many years. This secret she kept buried in her heart, never revealing it to anyone, nor daring to do so. A woman who cannot bear children has no voice, is not favored by others, and can even be used as a reason for divorce, leaving anyone unable to offer even the slightest rebuttal

Zhu Changluo and Empress Wang exchanged glances, each harboring their own thoughts, though their contemplation lasted but a fleeting moment. Zhu Changluo displayed what he believed to be his most adorable and charming smile, revealing eight teeth, and lunged forward. "Son Zhu Changluo pays his respects to Your Majesty, Mother Empress"

Indeed, the Queen Wang felt a jolt in her heart; this was a matter of concern. What exactly had transpired with this child that led to such a drastic change? Queen Wang withdrew her gaze from the inner hall, and only she knew the reason behind her earlier excitement.

We are all sisters, so there is no need for excessive formalities, Concubine Gong. I came in a hurry and have disturbed you

Unfortunately, matters are never as simple as they seem. Since the marriage of Empress Wang and Emperor Wanli, their relationship has been neither particularly good nor particularly bad. However, ever since the arrival of Concubine Zheng, the situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse. The Emperor's heart is entirely devoted to Concubine Zheng, while the Empress is left to merely maintain appearances. According to palace rules, the first and fifteenth days of each month are designated as reunion days for the Emperor and the Empress, a privilege exclusively reserved for her that should not be easily altered. Yet, even this small privilege has ultimately been usurped by Concubine Zheng. The favor bestowed upon Concubine Zheng is evident.

The second impression was somewhat lacking... Zhu Changluo smacked his lips. As for the Empress, her appearance was rather ordinary. To speak solely in terms of looks, not only had the Emperor grown accustomed to numerous beauties, but even from the perspective of someone from a later time, the appearance of this national mother was indeed quite plain. To be honest, in certain aspects, even the attendants Huichun or Caihua standing nearby were far superior.

Looking at the stubborn little boy kneeling on the ground, it is truly...! ... truly too adorable. Come on, beg me, beg me, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Queen Wang's mouth, but her tone remained cold and stern, revealing not a hint of her intentions.

With a smile and a wave, she invited Concubine Gong to sit down, then her gaze shifted to Zhu Changluo. Zhu Changluo was also observing her, and when their eyes met, Queen Wang was momentarily taken aback, while Zhu Changluo broke into a grin.

Regarding Empress Wang's first impression, Zhu Changluo first thought of the records in the Ming History that he had learned about in his previous life. The history describes Empress Wang as intelligent and wise, skilled in strategy. Although she entered the palace early and did not receive the Emperor's favor, she won the affection of the Empress Dowager. Even though Emperor Wanli favored Consort Zheng, her position as Empress remained unshaken until her death. Just based on this, the woman before him was certainly not an ordinary person

If the history of the Ming Dynasty is said to have changed from the day Zhu Changluo was reborn, then this meeting with Empress Wang marks a significant turning point in his life. Everything changes from today

As the chief palace maid and spokesperson of Kun Ning Palace for many years, I am deeply unsettled by the Empress's unusual behavior. However, it is strange that the more the master listens, the more radiant her face becomes. In the end, both of her eyes even seem to shine with light. What exactly has the Empress heard or seen? Hui Chun is both perplexed and astonished.

In terms of appearance, Zhu Changluo essentially inherited the fine traits of his father. Although he is young, he has delicate features and it is evident that he possesses the foundation of a handsome man. Unfortunately, in terms of personality, he has completely inherited his mother's traits of being submissive, cautious, and fearful.

Recognizing that the current Empress Wang is the first major support for Zhu Changluo in this world, Zhu Changluo took action. What is wrong with a five-year-old child being cute? As for everything else, let it go to hell.

He was being scrutinized closely, and Empress Wang was also observing him carefully from a short distance. As the mother of the nation, she was not unfamiliar with the Crown Prince Zhu Changluo. The interactions between an empress and a crown prince were certainly not few, yet they were not many either

Even the bystanders are like this; how much more so is the Queen Wang, who is deeply entrenched in the situation, completely surrendering. What a clever and lovely child! Once again, the Queen Wang cast a complex glance at Concubine Gong, feeling jealousy for the first time towards this woman. With a child like this, no matter how much one is belittled day and night, or how many disdainful looks one receives, how far can the day of rising be?

"Your Majesty, you flatter me. This palace sees few visitors, and with Your Majesty's esteemed presence, the Yonghe Palace is illuminated. How could there be any talk of disturbance?" The Concubine Gong quickly stood up to respond, her face flushed and her demeanor quite anxious

The sudden accusation left the Concubine Gong and others in shock, their hearts racing. Just moments ago, they had been in a state of maternal affection and filial piety, completely unaware of the source of Empress Wang's inexplicable fury. One by one, everyone in the Yonghe Palace knelt down as if they were dumplings being dropped into water. Concubine Gong was no exception; she left her seat and knelt down.

Her arrival caused a stir throughout the Yonghe Palace. The Concubine hurriedly welcomed Empress Wang to the main hall, personally serving tea as a gesture of respect. After the flurry of activity, her mind remained in a state of confusion, unable to comprehend the significance of today's events. The sudden appearance of such a prominent figure in the palace left her uncertain whether to feel joy or concern

Queen Wang was the first person of high status and power he encountered after crossing over from his previous life to this world. She would also become his first support. Most importantly, from the woman's eyes, he understood what she desired, and naturally, she understood what he wanted as well

"That's all, you have eyes but cannot see." No one could fathom the tumultuous emotions surging within Queen Wang at this moment, a storm more intense than an eighth-grade gale at sea. It was as if a person on the brink of death from hunger for seven or eight days suddenly encountered a steaming, fragrant bun, or like a drowning individual grasping a piece of wood just as they were about to sink. Although the metaphors are perilous, they are the only means to convey the Queen's current state of agitation. It was as if a person on the brink of death from hunger for seven or eight days suddenly encountered a steaming, fragrant bun, or like a drowning individual grasping a piece of wood just as they were about to sink. Although the metaphors are perilous, they are the only means to convey the Queen's current state of agitation

As the empress of a nation, the influence of Empress Wang's maternal family is undoubtedly significant. The Wang family is a prominent aristocratic lineage with a rich heritage accumulated over several generations, producing numerous talented individuals and maintaining a long-standing tradition of nobility. Logically speaking, with such a strong backing, Empress Wang should be able to sit firmly on her throne.

As the saying goes, "A child at three shows what he will be like at seven;" in life, everything can change, but character is determined by nature and cannot be altered. While it is easy to change the landscape, it is difficult to change one's inherent nature, yet this wisdom has been passed down through the ages.

"Hui Chun, what do you think that child delivered to Consort Zheng?"

The moment she heard the title "Mother" called out, Empress Wang felt a surge of emotions. "Mother"—a title she had longed to hear in her dreams. Heaven knows how much she, as a woman, wished to have her own child. Now, a beautiful, snow-white little one was running towards her, extending tiny hands and calling her "Mother." In that moment, Empress Wang felt an overwhelming happiness, as if she could die from joy. She pulled Zhu Changluo into her embrace and said, "Good child, call me 'Mother' once more for me to hear."