The Emperor Chenghua quickly took the third pill, and the changes in his body became more and more apparent. His white hair was almost gone, and the wrinkles on his face had lessened significantly. He looked as if he had aged more than ten years. Not only was his complexion radiant, but his energy and spirit had clearly returned to his prime. He practiced boxing in the courtyard every day, his movements powerful and his breath steady.
Seeing this, Xia Ruhai was overjoyed. The lives of eunuchs were tied to their masters. If Emperor Chenghua died, he wouldn't dare to live and would have to follow his master in death.
For every extra year Emperor Chenghua lived, he could live one more. Otherwise, even if he survived, he would surely die when the new emperor ascended the throne.
After finishing his boxing, Emperor Chenghua stopped and took a towel from a young eunuch. Eunuch Xia immediately stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your Majesty's boxing style is even more vigorous."
"You old fellow, you still know what vigor means?" Emperor Chenghua teased him before steadily walking back into the sleeping quarters.
Without anyone telling him, Emperor Chenghua knew his current condition. In the past month or so, he had been calling for consorts more frequently. Each time he summoned a concubine to his bed, he felt an inexhaustible energy, as if he had returned to his restless youth, calling for water two or three times every night.
The celestial pill was indeed magical, but unfortunately, there were only three. He wondered if they could be refined again in the future.
Emperor Chenghua thought of Li Man'er again, and his mind involuntarily drifted to lascivious thoughts. In terms of beauty, no one in the harem could compare to Li Man'er. This young girl was truly radiant and talented, but alas...
For a moment, Emperor Chenghua seemed to have the impulse to take her for himself. He was the Son of Heaven; if he were to bring Li Man'er into his harem, it wouldn't be impossible, would it?
After thinking for a while, he dismissed the idea. After all, she had been betrothed to his ninth brother. Why would he make a big fuss with him over a woman? He also didn't want to be recorded in history as someone whose judgment was clouded by lust.
Perhaps it was because the women in the harem no longer held any novelty for him that he had such thoughts. Selecting new consorts might be a good way to balance his inner restlessness.
With his plan in mind, Emperor Chenghua regained some of his rationality. Hadn't those old courtiers always advised him to fill the harem? This time, he would grant their wish.
Soon, Emperor Chenghua issued an edict to select suitable young women from the common folk for the imperial selection. Any maiden who was fifteen years old and unmarried would have her marriage arrangements postponed until after the selection.
This news brought joy to some and sorrow to others. What truly loving parents would want their daughters to enter the deep palace to scheme for a lifetime? Some even hastily married off their daughters to avoid the selection.
Inside the Qitai Palace, Consort Rong was furious upon hearing the news, smashing many objects. She had only just begun to gain favor with the Emperor, and now new women were about to enter the palace.
Once the newcomers arrived, the Emperor would surely be captivated, and what would be left for her? She hadn't conceived an imperial heir yet, nor had she been promoted to the rank of Consort. She...
Perhaps due to extreme anger, Consort Rong fainted.
"Your Ladyship."
The palace servants were terrified. They quickly supported Consort Rong, carried her to the bed, and sent someone to summon the imperial physician at top speed.
Consort Rong had been receiving the Emperor's favor most frequently recently, and the imperial physicians dared not be negligent, arriving promptly.
Emperor Chenghua, who happened to be free, rushed over upon hearing the eunuch's report that Consort Rong had fainted.
"Your Majesty has arrived, welcome the Emperor!" the shrill voice announced, and everyone quickly knelt to greet His Majesty.
The servants in Qitai Hall were quite clever. They had already tidied up the things Consort Rong had smashed, and the room was spotless, showing no signs of her rampage.
"What is going on? How did you attend to her?"
Naturally, the palace servants dared not say that Consort Rong had thrown a tantrum and fainted because of the Emperor's selection. They only said that Consort Rong had felt unwell since the morning and had thought a rest would suffice, but unexpectedly fainted.
"Where is the imperial physician? Why is there still no result after so long?"
After all, she was his woman and had been quite pleasing to him lately, so Emperor Chenghua showed some anxiety and concern.
The imperial physician had already finished his examination and knelt before Emperor Chenghua, his face beaming with joy. "Congratulations, Your Majesty. Consort Rong is with child. However, the pregnancy is still in its early stages, so it is best to have another check-up in half a month."
Emperor Chenghua's face lit up with joy. "Really?"
"This humble servant would not dare to deceive Your Majesty."
"Excellent, generous rewards shall be given!" Emperor Chenghua rubbed his hands excitedly.
It had been a long time since the palace had a new addition to the imperial family. This child was a new hope, the best proof for him.
At this moment, Consort Rong also woke up. The palace servants quickly offered her congratulations.
Emperor Chenghua also walked to the bedside, sat beside Consort Rong, and held her hand.
Consort Rong was a little excited and tried to get up. "Your Majesty..."
"Don't move, lie down. Didn't you hear what the imperial physician said? You are pregnant."
Consort Rong could hardly believe her ears. Had her wildest dream come true?
"Your Majesty..."
Emperor Chenghua smiled and said, "Take good care of yourself during your pregnancy. As long as you safely give birth to the child, whether it is a prince or a princess, I will promote your rank."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Consort Rong clutched the quilt tightly. She would definitely give birth to an imperial prince safely! Absolutely.
"Your Majesty..." Consort Rong said timidly, "May this consort request Princess Anning to take care of this pregnancy?"
"Oh?" Emperor Chenghua's gaze shifted. "What are your thoughts on this?"
Consort Rong subconsciously sighed. "This consort is worried! I believe that with Princess Anning's superb medical skills, she will surely ensure the safety of this consort and the child in my womb."
"Anning is still a young girl herself. How can she attend to a pregnant woman?"
"But the Princess's medical skills are unmatched in the world." Consort Rong, emboldened, placed her hand on Emperor Chenghua's and said softly, "With the Princess by my side, this consort can rest assured. As for other matters, are there not many experienced midwives in the palace?"
Emperor Chenghua thought for a moment. "Very well. Then I shall issue an edict to summon Princess Anning to the palace to accompany you."
When Li Man'er received the imperial edict, she almost laughed out loud. Eunuch Lin, who delivered the decree, thought she was furious and hastily asked, "Your Highness, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Eunuch, please have a safe journey. A'Si, see Eunuch Lin out."
"Yes, Your Highness, please this way, Eunuch."
Eunuch Lin, holding the red envelope given by Li Man'er, returned to the palace to report, feeling uneasy. He had a feeling that the Princess's smile was rather significant.
"You can still smile!" Qi Yihan said. "Ten months of pregnancy and childbirth. Even if this pregnancy is stable and she gives birth safely, won't our marriage be delayed?"
"I have my own arrangements, Your Highness, do not be anxious."