The Sickly Emperor Is Only Immune to Me

Chapter 78: Chapter 078 Stress

Qiuzhi hurriedly walked out.

She intended to find the Emperor.

Puzhu saw her and sneered with ridicule, “Why be so cautious? Do you take the Empress Dowager for a flood or a savage beast?”

Qiuzhi’s steps halted, and she lied awkwardly, “Lord Palace Commander misunderstands. I—I just have an urgent need.”

Puzhu obviously didn’t believe her words.

But she didn’t say anything, turning to Sang Yan and saying, “Miss Sang, let’s go. Don’t keep the Empress Dowager waiting anxiously.”

Sang Yan then followed.

Accompanying them were a eunuch named Little Guizi, along with several lower-ranked palace maids and eunuchs.@@novelbin@@

Qiuzhi stayed behind, and once they had gone, she went to find the Emperor.

Yongshou Palace

Once again Sang Yan stepped in, her mindset different now.

Last time she was fearful; this time she was composed.

Perhaps the Emperor’s love had given her confidence?

Inside the hall, the scent of Buddha Beads wafted.

The Empress Dowager sat at the highest seat, eyes slightly closed, twirling Buddha Beads, a picture of tranquil composure.

“I greet the Empress Dowager.”

Sang Yan curtsied.

Upon hearing her, the Empress Dowager opened her eyes, her smile nurturing, “You’ve arrived. Puzhu, arrange a seat.”

Puzhu had a chair brought over.

Sang Yan thanked them and sat down, quietly waiting for her to speak.

The Empress Dowager also remained silent for a long time before finally saying, “You have changed a lot from before.”

Previously somewhat unrefined, now much more composed and dignified.

Sang Yan felt that those words seemed like praise, but also sensed some dissatisfaction, so she didn’t respond; instead, she asked, “May I know why the Empress Dowager has summoned me?”

Seeing her inquiry, the Empress Dowager didn’t beat around the bush and spoke honestly, “The strategy that you had presented—I have already sent people to attempt it. One in ten could succeed.”

Sang Yan was baffled—she had almost forgotten about this matter. And one in ten, was the chance that high?

As she pondered, the Empress Dowager continued, “Your status, your fate, how you and the Emperor are—these matters I can overlook, but the issue of the heir cannot be taken lightly.”

Listening, Sang Yan faintly guessed the Empress Dowager’s intentions—was she really going to persuade her to advise the Emperor to use that method to obtain an heir?

Damn, she really had shot herself in the foot this time!

Would He Ying be infuriated by her?

What you fear, comes upon you.

The Empress Dowager said, “You are clever and should understand my meaning. I give you three days, you must persuade the Emperor to adopt the method and continue the imperial line.”

Sang Yan felt like she was being threatened.

And yet she could not confront the situation head on.

Just as she was feeling frustrated—

From outside came a voice, “The Emperor has arrived.”

A weight seemed to lift from Sang Yan’s heart—the one who tied the bell must untie it.

She truly wasn’t adept at handling such mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships.

“I have come to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager.”

He Ying hurried in, first glancing at Sang Yan to ensure she was unharmed before speaking to the Empress Dowager, and his tone was not polite.

He addressed himself as Emperor, not as a filial son.

The difference in status was clear.

How could the Empress Dowager not perceive the Emperor’s firm tone in his words?

She didn’t mind it, her voice as gentle as water, “Don’t harbor so much anger, lest you frighten your beloved darling. Very well, I’ve said what I needed to say. You may take your darling and go back.”

She easily let them go, but as Sang Yan turned away, she said, “Sang Yan, remember my words. Do not disappoint me.”

Sang Yan instantly felt a heavy pressure weigh upon her heart.

She turned and gave a parting courtesy to the Empress Dowager, then followed the Emperor back.

The Empress Dowager watched their figures disappear before closing her eyes and twirling her Buddha Beads again.

Quietly, Puzhu asked, “Will she do as told? With so many concubines driven away from the harem because of her jealousy, how could she let someone else bear the Emperor’s heir?”

“Let’s wait and see.”

A hint of lethal intent crept into the Empress Dowager’s voice, “She is a smart girl. If she fails to persuade the Emperor to extend the imperial line, then she is an obstacle. I will never tolerate obstacles.”

The Emperor was besotted.

He seemed intent on neglecting the harem just for her.

This was a grave taboo in the imperial family.

Furthermore, involving the heir made her a sinner in the eyes of the world.

She couldn’t stay.

*

Once He Ying left Yongshou Palace, he asked, “What did the Empress Dowager say to you?”

Sang Yan found the matter very awkward and replied, “Let’s talk about it when we get back. There are so many people here.”

He Ying agreed.

They got into the sedan chair and returned to a side hall in Qingning Palace.

As soon as they entered the side hall, He Ying waved his hand and sent everyone else away.

The hall fell silent.

Sang Yan was embarrassed, but she chose her words carefully and said, “I had… previously shared an idea with the Empress Dowager, didn’t I? She found someone to try it. It seems to be effective. She asked me to persuade the Emperor to adopt that idea to ensure the continuity of the heir.”

He Ying was stunned for quite a while before realizing what she meant.

Awkward.

He was genuinely awkward and a bit resentful in his tone, “You shouldn’t have thrown out such reckless suggestions. Now tell me, what should we do?”

Sang Yan was at a loss for words.

The method was essentially surrogacy.

And surrogacy was against ethics and morality.

Even though it was ancient times, where many things didn’t concern ethics or morality, the thought of her beloved man having a child with another woman was repulsive, even if there was no physical relation.

She wasn’t infertile; she just didn’t want to have children.

But he was the Emperor.

Indeed, there was a dynasty to continue.

And up to now, there wasn’t an heir.

The former concubines in the harem were all pressing for an heir—if it weren’t for the wish to see the He Chao dynasty prosper, who would fuss over the Emperor’s bedchamber matters?

What to do?

Was she being selfish in her refusal?

Sigh, indeed, love comes with its share of troubles.

“It’s alright, I won’t trouble you with this anymore.”

Seeing her furrowed brows and gloomy demeanor, He Ying felt sorry for her and said, “I will handle this matter. Don’t worry about it anymore.”

Upon hearing this, Sang Yan immediately asked, “What are you planning to do, Emperor?”

He Ying’s tone was nonchalant, “Doesn’t she want an heir? I’ll just give her one.”

Sang Yan was shocked, “You’ve agreed?”

She didn’t agree!

She couldn’t bear the thought of another woman bearing his child.

Without realizing it, she had also developed a sense of possession over him.

“No way!”

In her agitation, she blurted out, “I do not agree with you having a child with someone else.”

He Ying, too, didn’t want someone else to bear the heir; not to mention the humiliation of the method itself, the heir produced by such means might not even be his, and he certainly didn’t want to create a mess with numerous illegitimate children. Besides, he would have children—a love-child with her.

He didn’t say these words, as he didn’t want her to disagree first.

So, she had possessiveness over him too.

Attempting to draw out her true feelings, he feigned ignorance, “Why don’t you agree?”

Sang Yan was at a loss for words.

Indeed, why didn’t she agree?

Wasn’t it a good thing for someone else to bear the child for her?

That was her own idea, after all!

“It’s just… it’s just not okay.”

Her heart in turmoil, and overcome with jealousy, she said, “If you have children with another woman, then you might as well live happily with her. Have a warm bed with a wife and children; that would be fulfilling. Just forgive me, for I cannot be part of it.”

With that, she rushed him, “Go and father your child now. I need to pack my bags and return to my villa.”

Seeing that he had upset her, He Ying quickly apologized, “I was wrong. You misunderstood. I won’t father an heir with anyone else. I only want to do that with you. When I said I would give her an heir, that’s what I meant. I will wait for you, until you are willing to have an heir for me.”