Chapter 274 - 273: The Eldest Legitimate Son
Xie Yunzhen is a heavy-hitting minister of the court. Organizing a banquet so grandly, the palace is bound to pay attention.
The Emperor immediately sent someone to investigate everyone on the list.
Afraid they might be forming cliques and seeking personal gain.
Creating factions in secret, doing things detrimental to the interests of the Royal Family.
This investigation led them to the Wei Family.
Although Young General Wei did nothing outrageous, he set his sights on Xie Yunling, treating the Imperial decree of marriage as if it were nothing, which greatly angered the Emperor.
He thought that once the realm was peaceful, Xie Yunzhen would be his biggest headache.
Unexpectedly, the first to emerge were the Wei Family.
Wei Family’s daughter became Empress, and her child was also made Crown Prince.
If they don’t know how to restrain themselves, then the situation within the harem needs to change.
Front court and harem have never been separated, since his ascension, the Emperor has repeatedly rejected proposals to expand the harem claiming it was to quell unrest.
Outsiders are spreading that his deep affection for Empress Wei was why he refused to select palace maids, not wanting to hurt the Empress’s heart.
Wei Family fought fiercely on the front lines, now they’ve won a great victory, the Emperor doesn’t want to chill the hearts of meritorious subjects.
But without a little hammering, letting the Wei Family continue to be flamboyant.
It’s detrimental to both him and the Crown Prince.
Staring at that list for a long time, a thought popped into the Emperor’s mind.
If he brought Yun Ling into the palace, supported her as an Imperial Concubine, opposing the Empress.
Then take the opportunity to select a batch of official daughters into the palace, evenly distribute favors, and when the commotion settles, pick out the most suitable candidate to support.
Wouldn’t such a plan be more beneficial to him?
As soon as this thought arose, the Emperor thought of Ji Mingzhu.
She and Yun Ling are as close as sisters; if he brought Yun Ling into the palace and made her a target, Mingzhu would surely hate him.
No matter how much supreme favor he gives Yun Ling, he can’t change his image in Mingzhu’s heart.
Now Mingzhu doesn’t even want to look him in the eye, if things really reached that point, he fears he’d only gain the hatred of his beloved.
And Ah Zhen... might stir up trouble for him.
The more he thought, the more troubled the Emperor became.
With a wry smile, he said: "As the Emperor, I’m worried about everything, fearing this one is unsatisfied, and that one is upset. Where is the decisiveness of an emperor?"
Eunuch Fu flattered: "You are a wise ruler, thinking on behalf of others, so you find it difficult. But as subjects, they must be loyal to the monarch. No matter what decision you make, they should fully support you."
Silence reigned in the palace.
After a long time, the Emperor sighed, "Some matters, I have no choice."
He ascended the throne, separating ruler and minister, creating a shift in stance with Ah Zhen.
And Mingzhu, even if he has feelings for her, he cannot ignore the court situation for her.
Once calculations are involved, even the best relationships can become tainted.
In the long run, who can truly be genuine around him?
Having been on the throne not long, the Emperor already tasted the loneliness of solitary royalty.
Thinking decades ahead, he didn’t want to dwell on the image.
Fingers tapping on the table, after a moment, he abruptly stood up, "Let’s go to the Empress Palace."
Whether or not Yun Ling should enter the palace, still needs consideration.
But selecting palace maids cannot be delayed any longer.
This proposal from the Empress seems justifiable.
Central Palace.
Palace Attendant’s face lit with joy, reported, "Your Majesty, the Emperor is coming to our palace!"
Empress Wei was coaxing the young Crown Prince to sleep, delighted at the news, handed the young Crown Prince to the wet nurse.
Afraid her appearance was not neat, she instinctively wanted to check herself in the mirror.
Quickly walked into the inner hall, "Take the young Crown Prince back... well, just let him stay here, since it’s rare for the Emperor to come by, let them spend some time together."
On the day of the celebratory banquet, Empress Wei knew she had angered the Emperor.
Later, she proactively chose Miss Zhao as a bride for her brother, although the Emperor’s attitude eased, he hadn’t come to stay overnight in her palace.
Although already endowed with a legitimate son, without the Emperor’s favor, their mother and son’s situation would be difficult.
Empress Wei forced herself not to ponder that matter.
Ji Mingzhu is Xie Yunzhen’s wife, no matter how much the Emperor likes her, it’s of no use.
Unless one day the Emperor cannot tolerate Xie Yunzhen and deals with him, only then could Ji Mingzhu truly become her rival.
Though one should consider a step whilst looking ten steps ahead, this matter is too absurd, the likelihood of occurring is minimal.
No need to tarnish her image in the Emperor’s eyes for Ji Mingzhu at this time.
Since her entry into the palace, she never indulged in the fantasy of being with the Emperor for all eternity.
Even if Ji Mingzhu were to truly enter the palace, she’d merely be a favored concubine, solutions could be found.
Stepping back, in a few years, would the Emperor still think of her when Ji Mingzhu ages and her looks fade?
Better to fend off dangers directly as they come.
Competing with Ji Mingzhu for favor was the dumbest thing she ever did!
Empress Wei entered the inner hall, gazing meticulously at her reflection in the bronze mirror.
Asked the trusted palace maid beside her, "Is there any milk odor on me?"
As the Emperor’s lawful wife, she doesn’t need to rely on beauty to serve him.
But she still needs to vie for favor.
After all, human hearts are warm, wherever the affection lies, there the heart inclines.
"Your Majesty, you exhaust yourself managing the harem and personally raising the little prince. The Emperor, upon seeing you, will only feel sympathy for your hard work."
She planned to change clothes, but this remark swayed Empress Wei’s decision.
Indifferently, she said, "With a little child in the palace, there’s no avoiding it."
Outside, the eunuch’s loud announcement echoed, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Adjusting the golden phoenix hairpin against the mirror, Empress Wei’s face held a smile as she quickly went out to welcome.
From the palace gates, palace attendants knelt all the way.
Empress Wei also prepared to bow but was first supported by the Emperor.
"Rise."
The deep voice fell upon her ears, Empress Wei’s heart was involuntarily stirred.
The Emperor towards her, was not entirely devoid of affection.
At least... he gave her enough respect.
Bring the young Crown Prince forward, "Emperor, look at Ah Shu, hasn’t he grown a bit?"
This being his legitimate son, the Emperor’s feelings for him were exceptional.
His stern expression showed signs of softening.
Took the child, holding him in an awkward position, "It’s said children grow quickly, truly it’s not false."
The young Crown Prince’s care and supplies were of the finest, this little infant, white and plump, indeed appearing very lovable.
Her son receiving favor, Empress Wei felt delighted.
"Ah Shu was just crying and fussing, refusing to sleep. I thought he was unwell, was about to send for the Imperial Physician, but no sooner than you came, he stopped crying and fussing, obediently letting you hold him, seems you are Ah Shu’s favorite person."
Listening to this, the Emperor felt exceptionally happy.
Also heard the little infant’s gentle cooing, invisibly soothing his inner agitation.
The dissatisfaction towards the Wei Family also dispersed to some degree.
That’s the Crown Prince’s maternal family, crushing them too early brings harm to the Crown Prince.
The hammering needs to be toned down.
Swaying his arms, he personally lulled the child to sleep.
Having fussed, the young Crown Prince was also tired, just lying in his father’s arms, fell asleep.
Sleeping so soundly, even producing gentle snoring.
Milky breath, incredibly endearing.
The Emperor’s lips curled slightly, abandoning imperial dignity, kissed the child’s little hand.
"So well-behaved."