At this moment, Chun Tao and Meng Wan hurriedly caught up. Seeing Consort Shu standing there looking down at her, while Consort Rong was half-kneeling and bowing to her, they quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, you have just recovered, you mustn't be angry."
"Yes, Your Highness, you mustn't get angry," Chun Tao hurriedly said, afraid that Consort Shu might rush forward if she wasn't careful.
Consort Shu narrowed her eyes.
I'm angry! How could I not be angry!
She was bedridden due to a miscarriage, but he ignored her completely, not visiting her for a long time, and even took a new favorite. It is said that kings have always been heartless, and she had never believed it before, but now she felt a little disheartened.
Your Majesty, you are truly ruthless to the extreme!
She suddenly overturned the zither in front of Consort Rong, then ignored everyone and turned to walk away. The depression in her heart was beyond words.
Stumbling and staggering all the way back to Shuangyun Palace, no matter what Meng Wan and Chun Tao said, it was no use. Consort Shu sat there blankly like a doll that had lost its mind, without saying a word from beginning to end.
This greatly alarmed Meng Wan. She instructed Chun Tao to bring medicine to Consort Shu, and then sat down next to her. She reached out and took Consort Shu's hand. Consort Shu visibly trembled, but did not move. She simply sat there, looking at Meng Wan, her face pale.
She should have thought of it long ago, when the Emperor hadn't visited her for so long. But she was unwilling to accept it. Their child had just died, and he had already returned to his old ways, embracing another woman without even a trace of grief. And what could she do but watch helplessly?
Consort Shu was always proud and arrogant, but now she was so depressed that she couldn't get over it. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, and tears fell down her face without her realizing it.
"It's true that men have always been fickle. Our child has only just passed away, and he's already found a new love, someone just like Consort Wen. Wan'er, isn't it ridiculous? I don't know whether to call him heartless or if his affection was only for Consort Wen. If she were the one who lost her child today, would the Emperor still treat her this way?"
She rarely sheds tears. In all the time they've known each other, she's only seen her cry twice: once when she lost her child, and once today. Meng Wan didn't know how to comfort her, so she could only pat her back to help her catch her breath, but remained silent.
Back at his residence, his heart remained heavy, his mind filled with Consort Shu's words. For a moment, his thoughts were in turmoil, unsure whether he felt sorry for Consort Shu or was worrying unnecessarily about himself because of her.
Men are often fickle; if the emperor is like this, then will Huangfu Mi be the same?
Young women are inevitably sentimental when it comes to matters of the heart. Looking at Consort Shu, she would worry about herself, pacing back and forth in the room restlessly, her brows furrowed.
When Huangfu Mi returned and saw her like this, he guessed that she was worried because of Consort Shu. He paused, then quickly stepped forward: "Other people's wives are all thinking about their husbands, but mine is the opposite. She worries about others all day long. As for me, her husband, I don't know where I'm placed--"
Startled by the sudden sound, Meng Wan turned her head and saw Huangfu Mi standing right in front of her.
His handsome face, as always, made Meng Wan's heart flutter—her husband was truly exceptionally good-looking!
But such a thought only lasted for a moment, and was soon overshadowed by a deeper worry. He was so good to her, the dream man of countless women, just like Hongxiu in the past, and a whole bunch of other women. Would he really always treat her this well?
With this worry arising, his brows furrowed even more, and his thoughts drifted slightly. He forgot what to say and just stared blankly, leaving Huangfu Mi somewhat at a loss.
He waved his hand in front of her eyes and asked, "Wan'er, are you alright?"
The concerned tone finally brought Meng Wan back to her senses. She shook her head slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "A new Consort Rong has entered the palace. Did you know?"
Huangfu Mi nodded: "I heard Father mention it that day, what happened?"
You dare ask what's wrong!
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? I didn't know, and today Consort Shu ran into her. She's heartbroken now."
Huangfu Mi was taken aback: "What's there to say? It's not a big deal. I forgot about it, so I didn't mention it."
...
Indeed, men find such things commonplace, so for Huangfu Mi, the arrival of a new concubine was not a big deal, and for Consort Shu, it was nothing.
The thought made him even more agitated. He glared at Huangfu Mi, said nothing more, and turned to walk into the house.
The anger came so suddenly that Huangfu Mi was caught off guard. He hurriedly reached out to pull her away, but Meng Wan shook him off, glared at him, and snorted, "Don't touch me!"
Huangfu Mi was even more puzzled: "What's going on? Did I say something wrong?"
"No!" Meng Wan said irritably.
It would be a miracle if you believed her!
"You're angry because I didn't tell you? But didn't I? It wasn't a big deal, so I just forgot. If you're angry because of this, then I'll apologize to you, okay?"
...
Meng Wan didn't really want him to apologize; it was just that her insecurity was making her restless. Looking at Huangfu Mi, she simply raised her voice and said, "If entering the palace as a concubine isn't a big deal, then what is? Do you think it's a big deal if ten or eight of them enter the palace together during the new year's selection, so you men can enjoy the blessings of having multiple wives?"
Huangfu Mi blinked, looking at the woman in front of him whose face was flushed red with anger, and suddenly understood: "You...you wouldn't be thinking of something strange again, would you?"
One sentence froze Meng Wan. She had originally intended to scold him further, but her voice stopped there.
Yes, she did have strange thoughts, worrying that he might have the same ideas as the emperor, but what could she say? She could only throw a tantrum for no reason!
Upon seeing this, Huangfu Mi couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips, and a smile quickly appeared on his face.
Like flowers blooming in spring, they quietly fell upon her.
“Silly girl—” he said, reaching out to pull her into his arms. “What are you worried about? It’s Father who has taken a new concubine, not me. Why are you thinking such nonsense? I know perfectly well that you are the only one in my heart.”
His chin rested against her neck, and his voice came softly, as if he were whispering: "Didn't we agree that in this life, I would not want anyone but you?"
His gentle tone was filled with boundless doting affection, as if he could pluck the stars from the sky for her anything she wanted.
Meng Wan was clearly taken aback. Looking at his sharply defined face, which was incredibly resolute, and his gaze, she felt a surge of emotion.
Yes, what is she worrying about unnecessarily? He is Huangfu Mi, Huangfu Mi who has been through so much with her! She is truly confused!
Thinking of this, she reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest, and sighed almost imperceptibly: "I'm sorry, I was confused, but seeing Consort Shu like that, I really felt sad."
"How can we control other people's feelings? She's always been proud, and she must be angry right now. If Father goes to see her, who knows what she might say or do? Wouldn't it be better to give each other some time to calm down?"
That makes sense. Meng Wan realized that no matter how rational she was usually, she would always lose her composure when facing him. Fortunately, he was always able to guide her in the right direction.