Chapter 05: The Phoenix Arrives, A Glimpse Through the Fragrant Dust (Five)
The General is overthinking! In fact, it all comes down to a matter concerning a bird. "" Tang Tianxiao interrupted him, reaching out to pull Empress Shen into his embrace, holding her securely while smiling, "Tomorrow, I will have someone bring that wild goose, which has caused our esteemed father-in-law and uncle-in-law such displeasure, to the palace, so that the imperial chef can prepare a soup for the Empress to alleviate her grievances. How does that sound?"
Although it was nighttime, Shen Du was still dressed in the deep red embroidered lion uniform of a first-class military general, and Empress Shen arrived in full regalia. She wore a bright red brocade phoenix robe, intricately embroidered with nine phoenixes in various poses, vividly lifelike, fluttering as she walked; her hair was styled high in a five-phoenix crown, adorned with a magnificent flying phoenix hairpin, its beak holding a ruby, with several strands of pearl tassels shimmering with crystal light, casting glimmers of brilliance on her exquisitely delicate face
Tang Tianxiao did not even blink, and replied leisurely: "Since she is a foreign woman, do you still expect her to understand the etiquette of the Central Plains? If it is a joke, let it be a joke; I actually want to see the joke!"
"You should worry about yourself!" Tang Tianxiao pointed at Empress Shen and laughed as he scolded, "Although I cannot claim to have experienced countless battles, I have certainly led the charge in many great wars, haven't I? General, tell me, with my skills, do I need to worry about such a woman?"
What? The crimson on Empress Shen's face quickly faded, "Sister Yuwen... are you pregnant?"
His actions and expressions were exceedingly intimate, yet General Shen was still present. The palace maids and eunuchs serving on either side could not conveniently withdraw; they merely lowered their heads, not daring to directly gaze upon such an ambiguous scene. Even Shen Du felt awkward, clearing his throat and turning his head away.
Empress Shen struggled to free herself and said softly, "The Emperor speaks as if our Shen family is being stingy, but who isn't thinking about the Emperor's grand ambitions for the empire?"
Empress Shen was well aware that her supreme and unparalleled husband acted capriciously, and that these so-called rites and laws could not possibly restrain him. She hurriedly leaned towards Tang Tianxiao and smiled, saying: "In fact, both my father and I are concerned for the Emperor's safety. Your Majesty, consider this: that Princess Kezhu is lawless and can act without regard for right or wrong, even going so far as to assault my brother, the Empress's sibling. It is hard to guarantee that she would not be disrespectful to Your Majesty. Moreover, she possesses some martial skills, which truly worries me..."
Jin Qi nodded in agreement, chuckling, "Isn't that so? The Emperor was just saying that he has been thinking about it and will go to see Her Majesty the Empress shortly, and here we are!"
Shen Duggan smiled and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty's martial arts are exceptional, something I have only seen in my lifetime, and I cannot help but feel inferior. However... with the Northern He sending the princess here, I always feel that their intentions are questionable; the people of Northern He are cunning in their actions, as the saying goes, it is easy to dodge an open spear but hard to guard against a hidden arrow..."
Tang Tianxiao sighed, "I only hope you worry less about these trivial matters and eat more. Look at how thin you are; no wonder there has been no news after more than four years of marriage! Look, Yuwen Zhaoyi entered the palace two years after you, and she is already pregnant. You are good in every way, so why is your belly not cooperating?"
After a few casual exchanges, Shen Du stepped forward to advise, "Your Majesty, this princess from a foreign land is unruly and boorish, lacking in manners. If she were to enter the palace, one cannot imagine what kind of farce would ensue.
Seeing the two approach to pay their respects, Tang Tianxiao hurriedly called for those around him to assist them, laughing as he said: "I was just mentioning the Empress to Jin Qi, and here you are! Feng Yi, you haven't been to Xi Qing Palace for several days, and you seem even more beautiful!"
Empress Shen originally held her head high, but at this moment, in front of her father, she could not help but blush, and softly said: "This humble servant thanks His Majesty for his concern; it is enough that His Majesty has this intention."