Chapter 1072 - 454: Male Consort
Yueyao sat under the Bodhi Tree, the Bodhi Tree was growing well, already two people tall, in two or three years, it would be possible to enjoy the cool under the Bodhi Tree in summer.
Xi Juan was holding a palace fan woven with ivory silk threads depicting chrysanthemums and butterflies, fanning Yueyao beside her, and the long tassels under the palace fan were dancing with Xi Juan’s fanning.
Every day, Yueyao would spend time with her daughter, write, paint, and occasionally chat with her friends. This was Yueyao’s life now, leisurely and comfortable.
When Xiang Wei returned, she saw Yueyao’s relaxed demeanor: "Young lady, this little life of yours makes me envious!" The shop had now gotten on the right track, and Xiang Wei no longer needed to be there all the time, often coming back early.
Yueyao chuckled lightly: "What are you envious of? No one forces you to be this busy every day." Yueyao felt that living well or not entirely depended on oneself.
Xiang Wei snorted: "Isn’t it just for Xiao Kexin? Now, the more money I earn, the more dowry I can prepare for Xiao Kexin in the future." The money Xiang Wei was earning now, Yueyao didn’t take, only letting her keep it as Xiang Wei’s private savings.
Xiang Wei didn’t refuse. After all, she was just one person, well-fed and not hungry, and her money was essentially Yueyao’s, so what’s the point of making such clear distinctions?
Yueyao laughed: "If Heyue hears your words, he definitely won’t allow you near Kexin again." Preparing a dowry for one’s daughter is a father’s business, how could An Zhichen let that happen? If An Zhichen knew Xiang Wei’s idea, he’d surely trouble Xiang Wei again.
After teasing Kexin for a while, Xiang Wei talked about serious matters with Yueyao: "The Emperor wants to select consorts for several princes, an edict has already been issued, involving daughters of officials ranked third and above."
Yueyao immediately guessed Xiang Wei’s next words: "The Ninth Prince is also among them, right?" The Ninth Prince was not yet married, and he was already of marriageable age, so he must be included.
Xiang Wei nodded, saying: "Yes. Didn’t you say the Ninth Prince gave you a strange feeling? Let’s see which family’s young lady he chooses this time." If he chooses a lady from a prominent family, it proves that the Ninth Prince is not as indifferent as he appears. If he picks a girl from a lesser-known family, it shows the Ninth Prince indeed lacks ambition.
Yueyao smiled a little, not responding to Xiang Wei’s words. Yueyao was willing to believe the Ninth Prince was not ambitious now, anyway, his older brother is the Crown Prince, and when the brother ascends as Emperor, he will surely become a Prince, not needing to strive for it. But if something happens to the Crown Prince, the situation changes. The Fourth Prince is openly ambitious, but he lacks the ability, surely he can’t rival the other princes.
After thinking for a while, Yueyao tentatively asked: "Xiang Wei, if the Crown Prince unexpectedly passes away, do you think the Ninth Prince would still remain uninvolved?" Yueyao always believed that any prince who managed to live smoothly wasn’t simple. If the Ninth Prince was really ridiculously foolish, that would be one thing. But even the tutors in the study room said the Ninth Prince was naturally intelligent, just a bit lazy. Given his wisdom, he must know that if neither of his two brothers ascends to power, he would have no way to survive. Yueyao was certain that when it came to one’s own life and death, no one would sit back and do nothing.
Xiang Wei’s expression changed: "Young lady, did you receive another omen?"
Yueyao shook her head and said: "I’m just hypothesizing, you also know nothing is absolute..." The Crown Prince is indeed the heir, but the Crown Prince is not the Emperor. Until he ascends to the throne, the Crown Prince is never safe.
Suspicion flashed in Xiang Wei’s eyes, Yueyao had said this last time too, yet she hadn’t thought too much at that time. Now, she couldn’t help but think more: "Young lady, you mustn’t tell anyone else about this, not even An Zhichen." It wasn’t that Xiang Wei didn’t trust An Zhichen, but because she knew that people are always in awe and fear of the unknown, and she, being experienced and having stayed by Yueyao’s side for so long, although finding Yueyao’s ability terrifying, didn’t have other thoughts. But An Zhichen was different, who knew if he might use the young lady’s ability for gain.
Xiang Wei knew that An Zhichen was very good to Yueyao now, but love is such a fleeting thing, it could last for a year or two, but who could guarantee it would last a lifetime. To promise a lifetime of love requires time to prove it.
Yueyao nodded: "I haven’t told him."
Xiang Wei smiled and said: "You don’t need to worry, as long as An Zhichen doesn’t get caught up in the power struggles, the family can be safe." As long as it’s not a treason charge, even if it takes some effort later, they can surely keep Tingzheng’s life safe. As long as there’s life, careers and such are not something to worry about.