The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 616: Chapter 603: Bottom Line

“Not exactly.”

Chu Jinnian laughed and said, “It’s just that Doctor Zhuang is not someone who covets fame and wealth, and we got along very well when we first met, having enjoyable conversations and finding mutual understanding. I thought that there was no need to rush this reward. When the time is right, it is not too late for the Emperor to bestow it.”

“Since you’ve said so, we’ll wait until the timing you mentioned is appropriate and bestow upon Doctor Zhuang then.”

Chu Shengrui continued, “However, considering Doctor Zhuang saved your life, it wouldn’t be quite right for me not to reward him at all. I have already prepared a list of rewards, mostly medicinal herbs and items related to medical skills, which I think Doctor Zhuang would appreciate.”

“Since you just mentioned that you have a close relationship with Doctor Zhuang, you can arrange for someone to deliver these items to him.”

Chu Jinnian taking the initiative to reward Doctor Zhuang would show his gratefulness and sense of reciprocity.

Chu Jinnian understood Chu Shengrui’s intention and expressed his gratitude, “I understand, I will convey Doctor Zhuang’s gratitude to the Emperor.”

“Since it is about awarding for meritorious services, he deserves these. You don’t have to be so courteous,” Chu Shengrui laughed and picked up his chopsticks. “We were so engrossed in this matter that we didn’t notice all the dishes have been served. Let’s eat.”

“I was waiting for the Emperor to speak. If I had waited any longer, my stomach would have flattened from hunger,” Chu Yunzhao joked, unable to wait any longer, he picked up his chopsticks and began to get food.

However, before serving himself, he first picked a piece of pickled goose for both Chu Shengrui and Concubine Hui. Only then did he serve himself a piece of ham, and started to eat with relish.

This was Chu Yunzhao for you. He was lively and mischievous on the surface, but he never failed to display the proper etiquette. He didn’t give anyone any room to find fault with him.

He exhibited the proper demeanor of a prince, and he also showed the affection and closeness of a son.

This made Chu Shengrui feel very comfortable. He couldn’t help smiling and there was an increased warmth in his eyes as he looked at Chu Yunzhao. He even helped pick out a piece of chicken with begonia and chestnut for Chu Shengrui, putting it into his bowl.

“Thank you, Father,” Chu Yunzhao said, thanking him and continued eating even more eagerly.

“Slow down, nobody’s going to snatch your food,” Concubine Hui chided him coquettishly. “The Emperor is increasingly indulging Yunzhao.”

“I am the Emperor, and I am also a father. It’s only natural for me to pamper my own son,” Chu Shengrui said laughingly, then picked a piece of black chicken for Concubine Hui. “You have looked a little pale these past few days. You need to take in more nourishment.”

“I remember there are newly arrived blood bird’s nests in the palace. I’ve already ordered some to be sent to your palace. Remember to eat them regularly.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Concubine Hui smiled gracefully and lowered her head to continue eating, her lips curving upwards slightly.

She didn’t normally care much about being favored.

With the Qiao family’s status behind her, the Emperor would treat her better than the other concubines after weighing the pros and cons.

However, since entering the palace, she and the Emperor have gotten along very well, which made Concubine Hui genuinely fond of this merciless royal family. Especially Chu Shengrui’s constant care for her, made her feel a deep affection for him.

To get to this position in the palace, apart from her relationship with Chu Shengrui, she also had to consider consolidating the position of the Qiao family and planning for Chu Yunzhao’s future.

As a prince, he was already rich and honored. Even if he didn’t ascend to the throne, he would still be a prince with a lifetime of glory and wealth.

And she, as a high-ranking concubine, was also in a position of immense honor.

Concubine Hui was not greedy. All she wanted was a peaceful and smooth future. Whether her son would become an Emperor and whether she would become an Empress did not matter.

But now, there were some people who wanted her son dead. They wanted to take his life, and this was something she could not tolerate.

If being a thorn in other people’s eyes was inevitable, regardless of whether she struggled or not, she might as well take a gamble. By ascending to power, she could permanently eliminate this threat.

Concubine Hui’s lowered gaze concealed a glint in her eyes.

“What are you thinking about? You seem distracted while eating,” Chu Shengrui saw that Concubine Hui had lowered her gaze and her face wasn’t beaming with joy like before when she was expressing gratitude. He discreetly squeezed her hand under the table.

“It’s nothing. The weather has been erratic lately, and I just feel a little unwell,” Concubine Hui forced a smile and said, “On the subject, the Empress hasn’t been feeling well lately. The Imperial Hospital mentioned that she has been having a coughing spell. I have been visiting her frequently and perhaps the Emperor should take more care of her.”

Chu Shengrui’s eyes dropped slightly.

Only the Empress herself knew why she had caught a cough.

The rumors outside, if any, were quite revealing. Also, Chu Yunzhao had found it strange when reporting on the suppression of bandits in Lu, about how people like Zhu Shisan could know about his and Chu Jinnian’s whereabouts. Chu Shengrui also found it suspicious and ordered an investigation.

However, the deeper he investigated, the more he found things he didn’t want to hear or see.

Chu Shengrui, having experienced the struggle for the throne and tasted the animosity and life-or-death battles between siblings, considered himself a tolerant Emperor and an impartial father. Having personally experienced these hardships, he certainly did not want his children to go through this again, nor did he want to see his own flesh and blood fighting each other.

But now, the actions of Chu Yunhe and the Empress have crossed his bottom line, touching his inverse scales.

However, it is difficult to openly discuss these issues regarding sibling rivalry and the despicable acts of a queen. Although Chu Shengrui didn’t say much publicly, he started to distance himself from the Empress and Chu Yunhe.

Since the investigation of this case started, he had only visited the Empress’s palace once every fifteen days, and each visit was short. As for Chu Yunhe, he was placed in an idle position, everything would depend on their performance in the future.

Seeing Chu Shengrui’s gloomy expression, Concubine Hui knew that her words had successfully provoked Chu Shengrui. She sighed and said, “Your Majesty, rumors are just rumors after all, and I believe that the Empress and the First Prince are both upright individuals who would not do such a thing.”

“Your seeming indifference towards the Empress is noticed by everyone in the court. They may believe that you are neglecting the Central Palace and favoring concubines. This would harm your reputation and the stability of the court. Fortunately, Yunzhao is safe and unharmed, and Jinnian has also escaped danger, so they will not hold grudges. You should visit the Empress more often.”

“Besides, if someone intentionally orchestrated this event with the aim of inciting hostility and conflict between the Empress and me, acting as you are now might fall right into the trap those crafty individuals have set…”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Only then did Chu Shengrui show any reaction, he looked at Concubine Hui and said, “I will visit the Empress when I have the time.”

“Yes.” A smile appeared on the face of Concubine Hui.