Permission

Emperor felt much better after his sleep, he then was informed that noble consort cheng had been waiting all this time to meet with him along with Royal Princess.

The eunuch also reported how they both were worried and cried in secret about emperor health. Emperor was pleased from all the love and care he was showered with.

Noble consort and Royal Princess enters the chamber in hurried steps after gaining the permission. "Your majesty...how come you didn't inform of your ill health...this consort felt like dying from all the worry...how are you feeling...someone call for the physician..."fusses noble consort.

"Fuhuang...you were so healthy...how come you are ill suddenly...are the servants not attending you properly...how are you feeling now...mother is right we should call for the physician to check on you.." asks Royal Princess very gently and emotionally.

Emperor who was showered with care was very pleased and smiling he answers "hush you two...no need to be so alarmed... Zhen is feeling well...it was just tiredness from work...Zhen is old this kind of thing is small and normal...beloved consort...Ji'er no need to panic..."

Noble consort eyes held some relief but her face was still worried "who said you are old?...you are in your prime...such nonsense...even though you are feeling well...it won't loose anything to check your pulse again...your majesty for this consorts and Ji'ers heart please allow the physician to check on you.."

Emperor though happy still acts helpless but agrees. After the mush better and need some rest finally did the fussing stopped. Noble consort who was now feeding the emperor the herbal soup speaks gently "your majesty...when this consort heard you had fallen ill...nearly the heart gave out...while waiting prayed and vowed to enter the green monastery if you become well...our royal family is not doing well..this consorts asks permission to enter the green monastery to pray in seclusion along with Ji'er.."

Emperor was suprised to learn that these lovely ladies pampered and served by many servants offered to enter the monastery to pray for him. He felt warm and happy and answers "no need to suffer... how can your delicate body handle such harsh place...Zhen is fine..just a few more days of rest...what will become of the harem and Zhen if you leave...not to forget under Ji'ers care the children are progressing well.."

Noble consort very lovingly wipes his mouth and answers "it's not suffering...and the issues of harem can be handled by household of department ...the children's also don't need for Ji'er as they have grown so beautifully...for your health and peace of our royal family this bit of praying isn't harsh...

though there might not be silk, jade and delicacies but still it has good vegetarian dishes...in seclusion one can pray with peace and calm mind...as a women it is this consorts duty to do everything for the family...also praying and writing scriptures is accumulating karma.."

Emperor looks at the women who had been with him since long time. Though her beauty was still eye catching but on closer look one could find she has matured and aged. Her eyes reflected his face and the love she had for him. He then turns to look at his daughter who had grown to be a graceful beauty.

He grabs his consorts hand and speaks gently like to a loved "beloved consort...you have suffered...Zhen with all the matters wasn't able to be attentive towards you or the children..but Zhen is happy and fortunate for you to have birthed such virtuous son and daughter..eldest has become refined under your care and Ji'er has become graceful...

Even now you both are willing to suffer for Zhen...Zhen is happy but also feel heartache and guilt...if you really had such desires then do as you see fit...but don't suffer too much and return soon...for Zhen will feel lonely in this big palace...when have you decided to leave?"

Noble consort pats and caresses his hand and replies "we will leave tomorrow at dawn...do not worry for it's not suffering...just not eating delicacies and living luxurious...this consort never felt suffering...but feels heartache to see you buried in work till falling ill...we will be staying for only two weeks...and the children becoming so is because they adore you and follow your steps...this consort just did what normal mothers do...

Do not worry...rest more...crown prince is very intelligent and capable...have him pass your burdens...it will also help him prepare for future and you will also have less to worry about...for small matters have Zhi'er handle them...as for us mother daughter we are just going in the monastery to pray in seclusion...what is there to worry about...with our personal maids it will be just four of us going..."

Emperor felt warm and slight pinch in his heart. He felt as if he had missed many things in his life. The dinner was warm with the three of them eating together. They were even laughing and talking making it feel more like home and family.