As someone who still had a shred of conscience, Zheng Qingling used her psychic ability to let Xiao Qianming have a prophetic dream.
In the dream, she appeared as the ancestral patriarch of the Xiao imperial clan, earnestly admonishing him:
"As the thirteenth emperor of the Xuanwu Xiao dynasty, you are fated to be without sons. I, your ancestor, have spent a century's worth of my merit to seek a sliver of destiny for you. One month from now, a woman in your harem will conceive auspicious dragon-phoenix twins."
"In exchange, it is very likely that you will have no other sons for the rest of your life. Do you accept this?"
Xiao Qianming found the matter absurd, but since the ancestor had appeared in his dream—and since he was indeed desperate for a son to inherit the throne—it might be worth believing.
"Ancestor, if it truly is as you say, I am willing to accept this arrangement."
"Remember this well: you must protect that woman with all your strength. If not, your fate of childlessness will not be altered. I have already revealed a heavenly secret for your sake. What follows is up to you…"
Xiao Qianming woke in disbelief. Could it be true that his ancestor wished to help him? For the next few hours, he only lay half-dozing, unable to sleep at all.
Meanwhile, Zheng Qingling, having accomplished her part, had already fallen into a peaceful slumber.
The reason she planted this prophetic dream was twofold: first, to ensure that she and her future child would be treated better; second, because she could not bear the thought of dozens of new concubines wasting away their youth in vain for the next ten-odd years.
She, Zheng Qingling, was no saint. But since she had caused this situation, she couldn't allow it to drag down women who hadn't even entered the palace yet.
As for the women already inside—none of them were innocent. The truly simple and pure ones had long since disappeared.
In any case, she had given her warning. What happened next depended on the emperor.
Inside Qingyu Hall, after morning court, Xiao Qianming sat heavy with worry. Watching him, Eunuch Yuan's heart trembled.
Ah, today in court the ministers once again pressed His Majesty on the matter of heirs.
And rightly so. At twenty-eight, the emperor was already at the age when many officials' eldest sons were old enough to marry and have children of their own. It was no wonder the ministers urged for a crown prince.
Xiao Qianming's heart was uneasy. Just one more month, and the truth would be revealed. The anticipation gnawed at him.
Soon, that month passed in a flash. During a meal with the emperor, Zheng Qingling suddenly displayed violent morning sickness.
Xiao Qianming's heart leapt with joy. He hadn't expected the ancestor's prophecy to come true—and with none other than the childless Zheng clan's daughter! Clearly this woman was blessed with extraordinary fortune.
"Xiao Yuanzi, summon Physician Zhang to discreetly examine Consort Rou. Keep the matter quiet—do not alarm anyone."
Soon, a white-bearded imperial physician rushed breathlessly into Xinghua Pavilion.
Holding his breath, he carefully took her pulse. The inner chambers fell silent; Xiao Qianming himself scarcely dared breathe, waiting in tense anticipation.
At last, the old doctor broke into a broad smile: "Congratulations, Your Majesty. Her Ladyship is one month pregnant."
Xiao Qianming shot to his feet, his usual imperial gravity gone, replaced by pure joy and gratitude.
"Physician Zhang, keep this matter secret. Announce instead that Consort Rou has contracted a grave illness, and must retire to the royal villa outside the capital to recuperate."
As a seasoned old hand, Zhang Taiyi instantly understood the deeper meaning behind the order.
"Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will not fail you."
"Good. I shall entrust this pregnancy entirely to you. Use your greatest skill to ensure she delivers safely."
Zhang knew well the emperor's ruthless nature. From now on, his life was bound to Consort Rou's womb. He had no choice but to board this dangerous ship.
Soon, an explosive piece of news spread through the harem—Consort Rou had contracted smallpox, and the emperor had ordered her sent away to recuperate.
Xiao Qianming had little choice. The Empress Dowager's schemes had yet to be tied off. If word of Rou's pregnancy spread now, the Dowager would surely act recklessly.
Upon hearing of the supposed illness, terror swept the inner palace. Everyone, even small children, knew how deadly smallpox was. The concubines jointly petitioned the emperor to send her away immediately.
That very night, a plain-looking but luxuriously appointed carriage rolled up to the palace gates.
Servants saw Consort Rou, her body hunched, supported by her chief maid. Though her face was veiled, her violent coughing rang out—harsh, heart-rending sounds that chilled everyone who heard them.
Only after the carriage left the palace did Zheng Qingling gradually stop feigning illness. Seeing this, Chunxiu—still unaware of the truth—was dumbfounded.
Hadn't her mistress contracted a deadly disease? How could she recover so quickly?
Noticing her loyal maid's bewilderment, Zheng Qingling explained without concealment:
"Our journey is said to be for convalescence, but in truth it is for nurturing this child. Since you risked your life to accompany me, I promise to find you a good marriage once we return. I will not let you waste away as an old maid in the palace."
Chunxiu flushed crimson at her mistress's words, deeply grateful that she had chosen loyalty despite her earlier wavering.
Back in Xinghua Pavilion, Eunuch Yuan glowered coldly. "Throw these useless servants into the Department of Prudence."
"Mercy, Eunuch! We have always been cautious and dutiful—we are innocent!"
Eunuch Yuan's eyes flashed like blades. At once, a young eunuch clamped a hand over the loudest one's mouth.
"This old man will tell you plainly. Consort Rou needs attendants now more than ever, yet you each scrambled to save your own skin. Naturally, His Majesty is enraged."
The servants collapsed to the ground in despair. If only they had stayed loyal to their mistress, they might have had a sliver of hope. But now, it was too late.
Zheng Qingling knew that although only she, Chunxiu, and Physician Zhang were visibly in the carriage, there were actually fifty hidden guards escorting them.
Yes, the emperor had played his move well. Though she was confident in her own ability to protect the child, living in the palace meant constant vigilance, which would have strained her mind throughout the pregnancy.
Now, Zheng Qingling was truly looking forward to life at the imperial villa. For once, she might enjoy a carefree season.