Chapter 1404: 1321 really thank you

“Imperial Concubine Ying Yue has recently lost her appetite, which could easily affect the development of the fetus,” the private physician of the Royal Family of the Great Tang Empire reported worriedly to Tang Mo about the pregnant concubine’s condition.

Before the war between the two countries began, Ying Yue was already pregnant, and her condition had been relatively good until now. But with the outbreak of war, life has become difficult for Imperial Concubine Ying Yue.

On one hand, because Ying Yue is pregnant, Tang Mo naturally cannot favor her. On the other hand, with the war between the two countries, Tang Mo doesn’t know what to say to Ying Yue.

Wes privately suggested that Tang Mo maintain a certain distance from Ying Yue, since the two countries are at war. If Ying Yue were to lose her mind, there’s no guarantee she wouldn’t do something crazy.

To ensure the safety of His Majesty The Emperor, there’s no other choice. While having the support of her native country, bearing the identity of a princess sometimes requires paying a certain price, which is unavoidable.

But avoiding the issue does not solve it. Even though Ying Yue has been trying her best to control her emotions and maintain a normal diet for the safety of the royal offspring, she’s still emotionally disturbed and faced some issues.

“She’s in a bad mood, vomiting whatever she eats, so despite her efforts to maintain her diet, she’s become somewhat frail,” the doctor said as he unfolded Ying Yue’s medical report for Tang Mo to see.

Tang Mo noticed some nutritional imbalances in the indicators. The medical practice in the Great Tang Empire is highly advanced, especially the private medical team for the royal family, which is truly world-class.

“If necessary, arrangements can be made for Your Majesty to visit Imperial Concubine Ying Yue,” Wes hesitantly suggested.

Ensuring Tang Mo’s safety has always been Wes’s responsibility; making such a concession has been his greatest effort. These decisions are indeed difficult.

Tang Mo looked at Wes and asked, “Has Ying Yue requested to see me recently? And where has she been going lately?”

“She’s visited Empress Irene a few times lately, and the rest of the time she’s been resting in her chamber… Compared to before, she’s indeed reduced her outings, appearing rather… somber,” Wes answered truthfully.

Tang Mo nodded and then instructed, “Find a time for me to have dinner with her. Also, find some eloquent ladies to visit Imperial Concubine Ying Yue more often. These sycophants are afraid of my reproach, but do they think I won’t hold grudges?”

In the past, these so-called noblewomen were eager to stay in the Forbidden City, currying favor with every imperial concubine.

Now, with the war between the Great Tang Empire and the Great Qin Empire, these women avoid going to Imperial Concubine Ying Yue’s chambers–they wish to avoid suspicion, fearing accusations of collusion.

Anyone who’s managed to frequent the Forbidden City has some standing, and risking suspicion isn’t worth the trouble; it’s better to sever ties with Imperial Concubine Ying Yue completely.

Tang Mo certainly knows that if he doesn’t speak, these people will be unwilling to approach such touchy matters regarding Imperial Concubine Ying Yue.

However, what he can do for Ying Yue is merely to have people accompany her. He is the Emperor, sometimes he can’t act recklessly; he must ensure his own infallibility to reassure his subordinates.

At dinner, Tang Mo saw Ying Yue for the first time in seven days. Her eyes were somewhat swollen, slightly affecting her beauty. The two sat at opposite ends of the vast dining table, seemingly separated by a great distance.

Tang Mo has tried to make his Forbidden City feel more like home, but most of the time, the royal family remains cold and detached–an unchangeable reality.

Ying Yue did not make a fuss, nor did she mention her father’s issues. Born into the royal family, she’s sensitive to such matters. Although royal customs vary slightly from one country to another, most are more or less the same.

Generally, besides the Emperor, other royal members tend to avoid political involvement as it might provoke the Emperor’s suspicion, ultimately leading to tragic internal strife.

Women, in particular, typically refrain from expressing opinions about certain matters, acting more like accessories and opting to avoid rather than express views on their political issues.

After all, pretending to stand on the Emperor’s side can earn some favor from him. Even if some price is paid in the end, the foundation remains unshaken.

However, Tang Mo did not wish for his Forbidden City to be so cold and heartless, so as he ate, he took the initiative to speak–talking while eating was part of the “culinary culture” that started in the Great Tang Empire.

“You don’t need to worry about your father’s situation; I’ll ensure he has a dignified position,” Tang Mo said, placing a piece of fish in his mouth, the fresh and smooth texture filling his palate; the imperial chefs’ skills have become increasingly refined.

With great wealth comes the pursuit of culinary perfection, and the royal family of the Great Tang Empire is immensely wealthy, so Tang Mo’s attention to detail in this area is unmatched.

It’s no exaggeration to say that, to ensure the Emperor’s safety, the fish is meticulously prepared, with the bones removed by carefully chosen female chefs, not leaving a single bone behind.

And why use female chefs for this task… Well, wealthy people dislike men handling their food.

It’s like with tea-picking–if you’re told it’s done by beautiful young girls, you’re more likely to pay, even pay more, perhaps much more. But if told it’s done by elderly men and women, you wouldn’t be so delighted…

This is probably a fundamental flaw of men, which could be elaborated into a thesis.

“Thank you.” Ying Yue understood that Tang Mo addressing these issues was already an “affectionate” gesture towards her. So she graciously thanked him, her maturity eliciting a twinge of heartache.

Tang Mo continued, “I’ll ensure his safety, as long as he doesn’t seek death, I won’t let him come to harm.”

This is a kind of promise–honestly, under normal circumstances, an Emperor wouldn’t make such a commitment. But Tang Mo did, and quite directly, with no ambiguity.

“If there are relatives or close friends you care about, let me know, and I’ll have someone keep an eye on them, doing their best to ensure their safety,” Tang Mo continued. “War is war; you and I are you and I…”

“Thank you,” Ying Yue said softly, her voice noticeably more pleasant this time, “Thank you very much…”

——-

Time difference messed up, today’s condition is really bad, will post one update today, will catch up tomorrow.