I became the God Brother of the Regent King after Transmigration!-Chapter 137 - 95: The Mother-in-Law Assesses Her Son-in-Law (2)

Gu Lan also greeted Rong Miaoyan.

Empress Su noticed the interaction between the two, her gaze gentle yet surprised, giving Gu Lan a few more glances.

This Young Master Gu was indeed quite handsome.

Gu Lan’s gaze casually swept over, also observing Empress Su next to Miaoyan, and suddenly frowned.

Previously, Concubine Yi had mentioned to her that Empress Su’s real name was Su Zhixue, the eldest daughter of the old Prime Minister Su and a niece of Empress Dowager Su. Because she had devoted herself to a life of vegetarianism and chanting prayers for many years, all the affairs of the harem were left to the Empress Dowager and Consort Qian, making her presence in the palace quite low-key.

However, Su Zhixue’s status was noble, and she was also the foster mother of the Crown Prince. Even if she neither fought nor contended, her position as Empress remained unshakeable. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

The Empress in front of her indeed matched the image in her mind, even surpassing it.

Su Zhixue’s appearance lacked the sharp and exotic features typical of the Empress Dowager’s aspect. Her oval face appeared slightly pale, giving an impression of serenity and elegance. Even when dressed in luxurious ceremonial attire, her demeanor remained calm and understated, like a delicate shadow in an ink painting.

Miaoyan and Su Zhixue shared a three-part resemblance, but compared to her mother, she exuded more charm and vitality.

Gu Lan initially thought that the Empress must have been deeply favored by Rong Jing. Otherwise, how could she maintain her position while leading a life of vegetarianism and prayer?

Now upon observation, the reality was not so.

The Emperor and Empress settled down to sit, and naturally, Rong Jing had a few words to say. However, Gu Lan noticed that after the Emperor released his hold on the Empress’s hand, the hand which the Emperor had held remained resting on her knee without moving.

—This indicates feelings of aversion towards someone.

It seems that Empress Su’s stable position had nothing to do with the Emperor’s affection but was merely because she was a member of the Su Family.

After announcing the commencement of the banquet, Rong Jing, due to the burden of state affairs, quickly had to excuse himself, intending to leave, as many ladies were present in this palace banquet, and the Emperor’s departure would certainly allow everyone to feel more at ease.

Empress Su rose to see him off, even sending her Chief Palace Maid to bid the Emperor farewell, a look of ease in her eyes.

The alienation between the Emperor and Empress was apparent to anyone with discerning eyes. Seeing her father and mother like this, Rong Miaoyan’s bright expressions dimmed a little.

Just as Rong Jing had left, suddenly, Empress Su’s expression changed, and she stumbled into the seat!

"Mother!" Rong Miaoyan hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief to pass to her, her face full of worry, "Qingyu, quickly fetch the Imperial Physician."

"No need, it’s just an old ailment," Empress Su held Miaoyan’s wrist, covering her red lips with a handkerchief.

The banquet, originally filled with laughter and merriment, gradually quieted down.

"Did the Empress just cough up blood?"

"I’ve long heard that Empress Su is frail and sickly; otherwise, why else would there be only Princess Ning’an as the sole Imperial Successor for so many years..."

"It’s not the Empress’s fault there’re no heirs, right? None of the other concubines in the harem have children either. Do you think it might be the Emperor who—"

"Wasn’t Consort Jia pregnant some time ago, but unfortunately had a miscarriage."

Hearing the low whispers around, Gu Lan frowned and asked Rong Heng, "Brother Hang, what do you think has happened to Empress Su?"

Rong Heng said calmly, "I am not a deity. I can’t even tell if she truly coughed up blood, so how would I know—why are you concerned about Empress Su?"

"Don’t you think..." Gu Lan elongated his tone.

"Think what?"

"That Empress Su is rather attractive?" Gu Lan looked at Su Zhixue, his eyes sparkling, then seriously observed Rong Heng’s expression, "She’s more elegant than Baoyi, more mature than Miaoyan, gentler than... Nian Xia. At her age, isn’t she the type Brother Hang would like?"

Rong Heng: If not for being mindful of the people around, he would have crushed the cup in his hand.

Thanks to Young Master Gu’s reminder, he was reminded of the scene where his sister and brother were cuddling together behind his back.

"I don’t think so," Rong Heng steadied himself and slowly replied, "Besides, it’s you, not me, who’s tangled up with Nian Xia."

Gu Lan also felt a bit strange herself, seeing an older Empress Su automatically triggering thoughts of Nian Xia, and then wondering if there might be some unknown relationship between Nian Xia and Rong Heng.

Even though she was aware that Nian Xia was held down by her, and if Rong Heng truly liked her, he would have already fought for her, yet he was indifferent, clearly proving their relationship was pristine.

But she just couldn’t help but want to ask.

After a moment, Empress Su removed the handkerchief, gently patting Miaoyan’s hand for comfort, her complexion slightly rosier.

Her voice was very steady and soft, "I’m fine, it’s just an old ailment, no need to worry, please continue the meal."

Seeing that Empress Su indeed seemed unaffected and was casually chatting with Princess Ning’an, the crowd finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Thankfully it was just a false alarm, and the banquet became lively again.