Inside the warm pavilion of the Imperial Garden, the charcoal brazier was burning brightly.
The emperor, holding a cup of warm medicinal tea, gazed at Gu Moli, who was playing with a thrush not far away.
He recently drank Toxin-Clearing and Essence-Fortifying Decoction sent by the Imperial Medical Bureau, and his headache has eased somewhat, and his spirits have improved considerably.
The emperor looked at his daughter, and a thought began to form in his mind.
" Li'er."
He put down his teacup, speaking casually.
Gu Moli turned around, smiling innocently.
"Father."
The emperor beckoned.
"Come and sit down."
Gu Moli lifted her skirt and walked over, sitting obediently beside the emperor.
The emperor glanced at her, paused, and then spoke.
You're not a child anymore.
Gu Moli blinked but didn't reply.
The emperor continued.
Several ministers in the court privately mentioned wanting their sons to enter the palace to seek marriage partners.
Gu Moli's smile froze for a moment.
The emperor observed her reaction.
" The Chen Family, the Han Clan, and the family of Vice Minister Li of the Ministry of War all have sons of school age. I think they are all quite good."
Gu Moli lowered her head, her fingers gripping the hem of her skirt tightly.
The emperor continued.
"If you have someone you like, just tell me."
Gu Moli looked up, her eyes instantly reddening.
She suddenly threw herself into the emperor's arms, her voice trembling with tears.
"Father doesn't want Li'er anymore?"
The emperor was taken aback.
"What are you saying?"
Gu Moli clung to the emperor's arm, tears streaming down her face.
" Li'er is still young, Li'er wants to spend more time with Father Emperor."
She looked up, her eyes red and her face full of grievance.
"My father's health is poor, Li'er I am very sad. He has finally recovered, but I haven't even had a chance to properly show Li'er Li'er before he wants to marry me off."
As she spoke, she wiped away another tear.
"Now that Li'er is married, who will make tea for Father Emperor, and who will keep him company?"
The emperor's heart softened at her tears, and he patted her on the back.
"Okay, okay, no rush, no rush."
Gu Moli sobbed, clutching the emperor's sleeve tightly.
"Father said you mustn't lie to Li'er."
The emperor sighed.
"I'm not lying to you."
Gu Moli then wiped away her tears and smiled through them.
"Father is the best."
She took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and carefully wiped the emperor's clothes, which were wet with her tears.
The emperor looked at her, but in the end, he still couldn't bear to part with her.
"Then let's wait a little longer."
Gu Moli smiled and nodded, then poured the emperor another cup of tea and obediently handed it over.
The emperor took the tea, took a sip, and breathed a sigh of relief.
If our daughter doesn't want to get married, then we can wait. There's no rush.
Gu Moli sat to the side, her eyes lowered, her fingers gently stroking the rim of the teacup.
The smile on his face was gentle and harmless, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.
Gu Moli lifted her skirt and walked out.
Qingwu followed behind her and asked in a low voice.
"Your Highness, what about His Majesty...?"
Gu Moli raised her hand to interrupt her.
No need for further explanation.
She walked straight towards the Hanzhang Hall without stopping.
Qingwu followed, lowering her voice.
"Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine has been unwell recently, I wonder..."
Gu Moli gave a cold laugh.
"Feeling unwell? He's just faking it."
Qingwu didn't dare to say anything more and just followed with her head down.
Hanzhang Hall, curtains hung low.
Noble Consort Chen leaned against the sickbed, her eyes closed.
Gu Moli lifted the curtain and walked in.
"Mother."
Noble Consort Chen opened her eyes and glanced at her.
" Li'er."
Gu Moli waved her hand, dismissing the palace servants.
The palace servants bowed and withdrew from the hall.
Gu Moli sat on the edge of the couch, picked up the medicine bowl on the table, and handed it to Noble Consort Chen.
"Mother, it's time to take your medicine."
Noble Consort Chen took the bowl, took a sip, and swallowed it with a frown.
Gu Moli looked at her, her tone tinged with heartache.
"Why must you do this, Mother? Father's health has just improved, and he's already bored out of his mind, already thinking about choosing a consort for me."
To avoid the limelight, my mother drinks this bitter medicine every day and pretends to be sick. Why bother?
Noble Consort Chen put down her bowl and chuckled softly.
"Your elder brother has just gone to Yi Prefecture. If we are too carefree in the palace, it will inevitably arouse your father's suspicion."
She paused, then looked at Gu Moli.
"The emperor's thoughts should never be taken lightly."
"Coincidentally, I'm feigning illness and don't need to serve the emperor in bed."
Gu Moli gave a cold laugh.
" Li'er understands."
She stood up, walked to the window, and looked outside.
"Since Father is so energetic, then I will share Mother's burdens."
Noble Consort Chen frowned slightly.
What are you going to do now?
Gu Moli turned around, a smug smile on her face.
"Don't worry, Mother, there won't be any trouble."
She walked back to the edge of the tatami mat and lowered her voice.
I found seven women.
Noble Consort Chen was taken aback.
"What?"
Gu Moli's tone was icy.
"These seven women all bear a resemblance to my mother in terms of figure and features."
She spoke with a cold gaze.
"Even his gait and the way he brews tea were personally taught to him by me according to my mother's habits."
Noble Consort Chen's pupils contracted slightly.
Gu Moli continued.
"I want to place these 'shadows of the Empress Dowager' into the Emperor's service under the guise of palace maids."
She sneered.
"Let Father Emperor, unknowingly, squander his already dwindling lifespan in the arms of women."
Noble Consort Chen stared at her daughter, remaining silent for a long time.
A flicker of alarm crossed her eyes, but she did not stop him.
He simply closed his eyes silently.
Gu Moli looked at her mother and softened her tone.
"Mother, don't worry. I've made arrangements for all these women. They won't leave any trace."
Noble Consort Chen sighed.
"You..."
She paused for a moment, then didn't continue.
Gu Moli held her mother's hand.
"Mother, you've worked so hard for so many years, it's time for you to rest."
Noble Consort Chen did not reply, but gently patted her daughter's hand.
Gu Moli stood up and straightened her clothes.
"I'll be going now. Mother, please rest well."
She turned and left, her steps light and quick.
Noble Consort Chen watched her daughter's retreating figure with a complex expression.
She picked up the bowl of medicine and took another sip.
A bitter taste spread through my mouth.
She closed her eyes, but couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart.
Outside the hall, Qingwu asked in a low voice.
"Your Highness, those seven women..."
Gu Moli waved her hand.
"We've done everything we could. The rest is up to time."
She looked at the Hall of Supreme Ultimate in the distance, a cold smile playing on her lips.
"Father's health has just improved, and Mother is feigning illness to avoid him; this is precisely the time when he needs someone to serve him."
Qingwu nodded and asked no further questions.
Gu Moli lifted her skirt and walked towards her palace.
Her smile was innocent and naive, like that of a princess who knew nothing of the world.
But the coldness in his eyes was impossible to hide.
[Add the cute dress to my homepage, I'll be giving away bags tomorrow night at 8 PM, thank you everyone!!!!]