Imperial Husband Chapter 10

Da Xia Imperial Palace, Inner Court.

Ying Zhengjing learned from a eunuch that Gu Rushuang had awakened and accordingly went to Gu Rushuang's bedchamber to see him. "Empress, is your health improved?"

Gu Rushuang, his face pale, rose to respond. "Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. Chengjun is feeling much better."

[承君 (chéng jūn): lit. to receive/accept from you; An empress called herself "承君" to humbly state that her position was received from the emperor, acknowledging she ruled on his behalf.] 

Ying Zhengjing spoke to stop him, "The Empress has just awakened, there is no need for such courtesy."

"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace."

Gu Rushuang nodded towards Ying Zhengjing, then, supported by his personal attendant Zhiqiu, leaned back against the headboard.

Zhiqiu was a servant Gu Rushuang had brought from the Gu family to the inner court, responsible for attending to Gu Rushuang's daily life.

Ying Zhengjing frowned slightly and reminded him, "Empress, the deceased is gone, and the living must carry on. We know that the vile woman's suicide in her cell has left the cause of the Princess Consort of Dingbei's death unresolved, which causes you great distress. However, you are, after all, the mother of the country and must not indulge in prolonged grief.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Gu Rushuang's hand trembled slightly as he nodded in agreement.

Ying Zhengjing nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Empress, the Prince of Dingbei came to the palace earlier to discuss with Us his intention to elevate the Secondary Consort Wei in his mansion to Successor Princess Consort. What does Empress think?"

Gu Rushuang looked at Ying Zhengjing. "Chengjun has no opinion on this matter. However, Chengjun believes the position of heir apparent must go to Li Jin."

"Oh?" Ying Zhengjing raised an eyebrow. "What does Empress mean by this? It is widely known that Li Jin's health is now ruined. No one knows if he will even live to adulthood."

Having been married for many years, though not deeply in love, Ying Zhengjing still had some understanding of Gu Rushuang's character and knew he was not the type to act impulsively.

Gu Rushuang did not answer directly but instead asked, "Your Majesty, Chengjun believes that the war will eventually end one day. What will Your Majesty do then?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zhengjing fell silent.

Gu Rushuang had hinted so clearly, how could Ying Zhengjing fail to understand? His silence now was precisely because he was thinking it over.

Gu Rushuang said no more, quietly waiting for Ying Zhengjing's answer.

After a good while, Ying Zhengjing finally said, " Empress speaks reasonably. The position of heir apparent to the Prince of Dingbei is indeed most suitable for Li Jin."

"Your Majesty is wise."

Gu Rushuang gave a weak, light laugh.

Ying Zhengjing patted Gu Rushuang's shoulder. "It is also thanks to Empress's reminder. By the way, We still have to deal with the ministers' memorials and will take Our leave now. Empress, take care and rest, do not overexert yourself."

Gu Rushuang lowered his head. "Yes, Chengjun respectfully sees Your Majesty off."

Only after Ying Zhengjing's figure had completely disappeared did Zhiqiu say discontentedly, "Your Majesty, the direction His Majesty went is clearly towards Consort Chun..."

"It does not matter." Gu Rushuang shook his head, unconcerned. "It is just that my foolish younger sister was too naive. She thought she was Li Shiyun's beloved, but did not know that Li Shiyun was merely using her from start to finish."

Gu Rushuang had already told Gu Rulan that Li Shiyun was not a good match, but at that time, Gu Rulan was already infatuated with Li Shiyun and would not listen. She even knelt to Gu Rushuang, forcing Gu Rushuang to agree to the marriage.

In Gu Rushuang's view, it was impossible that Li Shiyun had not detected anything at all.

"Your Majesty, the affair concerning the Princess Consort of Dingbei is over. You..."

"This Palace is merely sighing with emotion." Gu Rushuang interrupted Zhiqiu's words and slowly got out of bed.

"Your Majesty, be careful not to catch a chill."

Knowing Gu Rushuang's temper, Zhiqiu hurriedly picked up a cloak and draped it over Gu Rushuang, not daring to try and stop him.

Gu Rushuang walked expressionlessly to the doorway and said calmly, "Zhiqiu, after Lan'er's funeral affairs are concluded, go to the Prince of Dingbei's Mansion to deliver This Palace's decree. Say that This Palace wishes to see Li Jin."

"Yes, Your Majesty."