Chapter 80 Prime Minister Song, You Are Bold
The selection of consorts by princes is naturally not just about choosing whoever they want; in the end, the decision still lies with the Emperor. Naturally, if you’re favored and ask the Emperor for an imperial decree of marriage, it’s not impossible to make it happen.
Moreover, the selection of a consort by a prince is a major consideration; it starts first with benefits. Can the wife’s family help provide support? Can they make one’s status more stable or secure? It’s less about selecting a consort and more about selecting the wife’s family, where everything needs to be considered thoroughly.
Chu Hongzheng ranks third among the princes, and his mother is the legitimate daughter of Prime Minister Fan in this dynasty. Apart from the Empress’s legitimate son, his status is the most honorable, making the selection of his Prince Consort even more prudent.
"Mother, Second Brother hasn’t chosen a consort yet. If I choose now, will it be...?" Chu Hongzheng hesitated for a moment before speaking.
Consort Fan sneered at his words and said, "Your Second Brother is struggling to survive under Noble Consort Duan’s name. She herself has a sixth son, so how could she be concerned? Besides, even if she chooses, he can’t surpass you. He’s merely someone born from a lesser concubine, no matter how skilled, he can’t compare to you, my son, with your noble birth."
Chu Hongzheng felt somewhat self-satisfied as well; indeed, Second Brother is just an unnoticed prince among many.
He thought for a moment and asked tentatively, "Mother, do you have someone in mind?"
Consort Fan raised her eyebrows and asked in return, "Does my son have someone in mind?"