Palace Fighting: Naive Concubines' Ascent to Power-Chapter 416 Apology

She was somewhat puzzled, "Does His Majesty really need to be so particular when asking for the Pulse of Peace?"

Why not just take the pulse on the original table? It would be much simpler, without the need for all this fuss.

Then it occurred to her that when His Majesty said he would diagnose the pulse with her, this was what he meant by "together"—that they would be taking the pulse at the same time.

Having understood this, she couldn’t help but lift her head to look at the Emperor, her smile extending to her ears, "Your Majesty, did you arrange this on purpose?"

The Emperor’s heart skipped a beat, had she seen through him?

His arrangement had deep implications. When he and Nannan took the pulse together, the two Imperial Physicians could quickly stand up and switch places, unlike around a round table, which was not so easy to switch and involved too much going around, wasting Shichen and making the truth too apparent.

He had thought of several methods in advance. The first was to distract Nannan’s attention while the two Imperial Physicians switched positions, which might not even be noticed by her. Of course, this wouldn’t be easy, but it could be remedied afterwards.

The second method involved Nanny Qi taking the lead, allowing the two Imperial Physicians to diagnose and treat her in turns. With a precedent set, it would be easier for Nannan afterwards. If Nanny Qi had been attended by both physicians, then she would be more accepting of the same. freēwēbnovel.com

The third method was to find a self-explanatory reason, persuading Nannan to accept the two Imperial Physicians taking her Pulse of Peace. However, considering the situation just now, this seemed hardly feasible.

No matter the method, the first key was speed: convenient for the physicians to take the pulse and switch positions, catching people off guard and leaving them no time to react, thus ensuring the plan’s success. Thus, he needed to make arrangements.

But had Nannan discovered it just as arrangements were about to be made?

Not a trace could be seen on the Emperor’s face as he smiled slightly and counter-questioned, "What do you think, Nannan?"

At first hearing, the Little Concubine seemed to have penetrated his profound intentions, yet her face was smiling so happily. Something was off—it was better to stick with adapting without changing.

Indeed, the Emperor knew Lian Hua all too well.

In the next moment, Lian Hua couldn’t help but throw herself into his embrace, rubbing her face against his chest and sweetly saying, "Your Majesty, I’ve seen through it, when you said we would diagnose the Pulse of Peace together, it really was together. But there’s no need for such trouble in the future. You can diagnose first and me afterwards, there’s no need to do it at the same time. I’m very happy just to be with you."

His Majesty was truly considerate, and it sweetened her heart.

A flicker of emotion crossed the Emperor’s eyes. So that’s what she meant by special arrangement, straightforward as always in understanding his intentions. He guessed that Nannan wouldn’t think of anything else.

He wrapped his arms around Lian Hua, stroking her back up and down, neither denying nor confirming, yet feeling increasingly guilty in his heart, as if he couldn’t bear to deceive an innocent little bunny.

After rubbing enough on the Emperor’s chest, Lian Hua lifted her head and seriously said, "Your Majesty, you shouldn’t come back just to accompany me anymore."

"Hmm? Why?" The Emperor raised his eyebrows, not understanding her meaning.

Lian Hua’s eyes sparkled as she bravely said, "Even though I don’t like taking pulses, I know what needs to be done. You’re always so busy, and I don’t want you to overexert yourself. Grandma and I can manage—I promise I’ll be good from now on."

Feeling like a promise might not be convincing enough, she made up her mind to add, "Even if... even if Charcoal Head scares me, I’ll still be good."

Even though Charcoal Head was detestable, His Majesty had gone to great lengths for her, and she didn’t want him to be so worn out.

It was enough to throw a tantrum occasionally, but she couldn’t always cause His Majesty such worry.

Listening to her words, the Emperor felt even more troubled, but he truly couldn’t bring himself to leave her, and now he had missed the best opportunity to come clean. He could only follow this path to the end.

The Emperor sighed in his heart, his Little Concubine was just too obedient, melting his heart completely.

He reached out and touched her cheek, unable to resist the urge to kiss her.

Lian Hua caught sight of the shadows moving in and out and, acting quickly without thinking, pushed the Emperor’s face to one side with her hand.

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The Emperor turned his head and widened his eyes, incredulous that the person who had been obedient just a moment before suddenly stretched out a little paw, without any thought, pushed him aside, refusing his affection. This had never happened before!

And here he was, feeling guilty just moments ago, moved by her words. Was it all just his wishful thinking?

Lian Hua withdrew her hand, realizing she had reacted too strongly, and her face immediately became awkward.

Unable to help herself, she lowered her head, her ears starting to turn red. She fidgeted with the fabric at the front of the Emperor’s chest and said in a soft voice, "Your Majesty, there are so many people here..."

It wasn’t intentional, not with so many people moving around up front, with Nanny Qi there, so many Young Eunuchs, and two Imperial Physicians. She had reacted subconsciously... just like that, too strongly.

The Emperor looked down at her, saw that the tips of her small ears were blushing through, and knew she was feeling shy. He felt somewhat better.

No matter when, his Little Concubine was always so shy. Indeed, there were too many people; it was his frivolousness.

However, he didn’t plan on letting it go just like that, so he hummed through his nose to let her hear it, yet there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Lian Hua hung her head even lower, leaning against the Emperor’s body, and murmured something softly.

The Emperor didn’t hear her clearly, so he leaned over and asked, "Hmm? What did you say?"

She bit her lip, lifted her head, and moved closer to his ear—as if afraid of being overheard by others—before she softly repeated herself.

The Emperor’s lips curled into a smile, his grin growing wider, as he spoke suggestively, "Nannan’s apology pleases me greatly. I shall await Nannan’s performance tonight."

It was an unexpected delight; his Little Concubine, so bashful, had offered herself in apology for the slight from earlier.

This was a good deal indeed. Even if she pushed him away a few more times in the future, he’d be willing, for each time he could collect a little interest. What a delightful thought.

Lian Hua’s face turned so red it could drip blood, blaming her own too-quick hand. Oh dear, to mollify the Emperor’s irritation, she could only apologize all the more.

The hall was almost set up, and Zhang Qing had already dismissed the surplus people. Seeing the Emperor and little consort being affectionate, he was unsure whether to interrupt, and so he looked at Nanny Qi with uncertainty.

Nanny Qi gave him a glance then waited outside a bit longer, internally criticizing that whenever the Emperor and the little girl were together, they became all sticky and sweet, something no one would believe if spoken out loud.

Seeing that the two of them had not yet realized the preparations were complete, and had no intention of turning around, continuing to be lovey-dovey, Nanny Qi cleared her throat loudly.

Lian Hua, like a startled bunny, quickly stood up straight, hanging her head, her face still red.

The Emperor chuckled lightly, pinched her cheek, then turned and, shielding her, said to the people outside the door, "Nanny Qi, please come in. Chu Yuanzheng and Doctor Huang, please come inside as well."

Nanny Qi immediately helped Pang Ya to enter, with Chu Yuanzheng and Huang Zude following behind.

Xiao Jizi and the others had also returned. The more perceptive among them approached and took a medicine chest from each to facilitate their later treatment.