Chapter 360: Chapter 360 Kidnapping for Blackmail (4)
"Oh, rank? My beloved consort, be at ease. Today, I will bestow upon you the title of First-Rank Consort Hui, and once you give birth to a prince, I will promote you to Noble Consort,"
Consort Lian never expected happiness to come so abruptly. Her eyes widened in disbelief, "Your Majesty, how could this consort possibly deserve such honor...!"
"Hush... if I say you are worthy, then you are,"
"Thank you for Your Majesty’s mercy," a sweet smile spread across her lips.
On the sixth day of the fifth month, Consort Hui’s health improved. Having received the Emperor’s permission, she was allowed to invite her family into the palace for a visit.
Her father Xiu Aotian, her mother Lady Xiu, and her elder brother Xiu Bingxi received the imperial edict the day before. Early the next morning, they quickly packed and brought along their wives and sons to ride the horse carriage into the palace to see Consort Hui.
"Commoner Xiu Aotian, Lady Xiu, Xiu Bingxi pay respects to Consort Hui. May Her Highness be auspicious." Upon entering the grand hall, they saw Consort Hui sitting at the place of honor, leisurely holding a small white cat in her arms and stroking it back and forth.
When Consort Hui saw her father, mother, and brother kneeling on the ground to pay respects to her, she felt a momentary twinge of guilt. But then she thought, she was the Emperor’s woman now, a subject to him, while they were simply commoners.
Consort Hui gave Xiaoxi, who was beside her, a meaningful glance, raising an eyebrow and the corner of her mouth lifted slightly in a smile, "Father, Mother, Brother, you have come. Yangyang has missed you very much."
Xiaoxi helped Lady Xiu rise from the ground until she stood properly, then returned to Consort Hui’s side.
"Your Highness’s favor is too great for a commoner to deserve," Xiu Aotian narrowed his eyes slightly, smiling in response.
"Summon someone to offer seats and bring out the new tea bestowed by His Majesty." Putting down the cat, she supported herself with one hand on the Eight Immortals Table and slapped the other on her thigh, glancing sideways at the palace maid standing by.
In no time, three chairs were placed next to the visitors, and they all took their seats as prompted.
"Father, Mother. Have you been well since entering the palace? Since becoming a part of the palace, I have often longed to visit you both outside, but due to the strict palace regulations, I could not leave. It is because of this that our reunion has been delayed until today," she said, with tears welling up in her eyes and a face full of grievance, lifting a handkerchief to gently dab away the tears.
"Yangyang, you are with child now; you must not cry. Both your mother and I understand," said Lady Xiu, her heart aching at the sight of her daughter, who she held dear, appearing so aggrieved.
Xiu Aotian lifted his eyelids to look at the palace maid standing behind Consort Hui, furrowing his brow before turning to scold his wife, "Is it for you to call the Consort by her pet name? Quickly beg for her forgiveness."
After being scolded by her husband, Lady Xiu had a realization and knelt down, "Your Highness, I was overwhelmed for a moment, please forgive me."
"Mother, what are you doing? Please rise," she said, standing up and coming over to personally help her mother to her feet.
Turning to glance at the palace maids and eunuchs standing in the hall, she waved her hand to signal for them to exit. Observing the gesture, Xiaoxi and the others all withdrew, closing the doors behind them and standing guard outside.
"Father, Mother, Brother, now we can speak freely," she said, helping her mother sit down before returning to her seat of honor.
"Indeed, Yangyang, the palace is not like any other place; you must be extra careful and prudent," Xiu Aotian nodded slightly, his tone was cautious as he gave another reminder, for the well-being of Xiu Yang was linked to the prosperity of their entire family.
"Father, rest assured, Yangyang understands," said Xiu Yang with a pressed-lip smile.
Turning to look at her mother, with a slight shift of her eyes, she spoke coquettishly to Lady Xiu, "Mother, I have long missed the sweet rice wine balls you make. I wonder if you could make a bowl for me?"
Lady Xiu nodded repeatedly, "You loved them even when you were at home, and to think you still do in the palace; alright, I shall go prepare them now." She stood up with joy, hurried out, found Xiaoxi, and entered the small kitchen to start making sweet rice wine balls for her daughter.
