Chapter 84: The Second Prince’s Consort

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The New Year’s Grand Court Ceremony was a significant ritual. After the ceremony ended, the noblewomen were not to leave the palace immediately but were to have lunch within the palace before departing. These women came from different backgrounds and had varied personalities, but at this moment, all stood cautiously in the grand hall, speaking carefully to one another. Only a selected few women of high status were invited by the Empress to the warm pavilion for conversation.

 

Prince Wei’s family and the Marquis of Zhenbei’s household were royal relatives and were soon led into the inner palace under the envious gazes of the others. However, this year, there was one more household that became the object of envy—Changxing Marquis’s family, which had recently risen in prominence.

 

Old Madam Chu, the old matriarch of the Changxing Marquis family, followed the court ladies into the pavilion with great trepidation. As soon as she entered, she didn’t dare lift her eyes, immediately kneeling down to offer a grand salute. “This subject greets Her Majesty the Empress.”

 

“So it’s the old madam from the Changxing Marquis family,” Empress Xiao Qi said as she glanced down, her gaze sweeping over the serious expression of Old Madam Chu and Madam Zhao, who had her head lowered, barely daring to breathe. Empress Xiao Qi smiled slightly and then said slowly, “Rise.”

 

Madam Zhao quickly helped Old Madam Chu to her feet. Old Madam Chu was quite elderly, and having risen early in the cold wind, she was already feeling unwell. However, she was a strong-willed woman, especially unwilling to show any weakness. As soon as she stood straight, she turned to salute Chu Jinyao. “Greetings to the Crown Princess.”

 

Before Old Madam Chu could kneel, Chu Jinyao hurriedly had the court lady assist the old lady. She gave a respectful family greeting to Old Madam Chu and Madam Zhao: “Grandmother, mother.”

 

Naturally, Madam Zhao and Old Madam Chu sidestepped the greeting. Empress Xiao Qi, who had been watching for some time, now smiled and said, “The Crown Princess is truly affectionate with her family.”

 

The Princess of Rong’an, who was seated beside them, added, “Indeed. The Crown Princess is both dignified and courteous, truly a blessing to our dynasty.”

 

“Your praise is too generous, Princess.” Chu Jinyao modestly replied.

 

“You’re still calling me ‘Princess’?” the Princess of Rong’an teased with a hearty laugh. “I was hoping to finally become your aunt. I’ve even prepared New Year’s gifts, but it seems I won’t get to give them.”

 

After she said this, the crowd laughed, and Chu Jinyao playfully stood and gave a respectful bow, saying in jest, “Since Aunt Rong’an insists, then I won’t be shy.”

 

The County Princess Fuqing, along with several other titled women, were also present. Upon hearing this, Fuqing smiled and said, “Aunt is too partial, only thinking of the Crown Princess. Do we also not get New Year’s gifts?”

 

The Princess of Rong’an laughed heartily and agreed. Empress Xiao Qi playfully tapped Fuqing on the forehead and chided her with a smile, “You, with your sharp tongue, are always causing mischief!”

 

The royal women above were laughing heartily, while Old Madam Chu, feeling out of place, dared not interject and only laughed along. Old Madam Chu prided herself on enduring many hardships in life, from losing favor after marriage, to dealing with a husband who spoiled concubines and neglected his wife, and even nearly losing her family’s title. Yet, despite the hardships, her son had made her proud, allowing her to later live as a revered matriarch. Even so, standing before the Empress made her legs weak. However, Chu Jinyao interacted with these princesses and noblewomen with ease, appearing as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

 

It was only at this moment that Old Madam Chu truly realized that the once-timid girl who had returned to the marquis household had transformed completely. As she and Madam Zhao watched this new world from below, Chu Jinyao had already become part of it.

 

Both Old Madam Chu and Madam Zhao felt a bit embarrassed, unsure of how to behave in this environment. Thankfully, in the palace, silence was often golden, and remaining quiet was often the best course of action.

 

Empress Xiao Qi continued chatting with the group and eventually turned the conversation to Zhao Lanhui. “These past few days, I’ve been feeling quite lonely and wish for more children to be around. When the palace lights are lit in a few days, Rong’an, why don’t you bring your second daughter to the palace? It would liven things up.”

 

Empress Xiao Qi’s mention of “second daughter” referred to Zhao Lanhui, who was second in line within the Prince Wei’s family. Upon hearing this, the Princess of Rong’an initially tensed up, worried about recent rumors involving a pregnant palace maid and fearing the Empress’s displeasure might spill over to her. But when she realized that Empress Xiao Qi was referring to her daughter, she was a bit taken aback.

 

The Princess of Rong’an cautiously replied, “If it pleases Her Majesty to have her in the palace, it would indeed be her good fortune. I only worry she may be too mischievous and cause a disturbance.”

 

“What’s the harm in that?” Empress Xiao Qi responded with a meaningful pat on the princess’s hand. “I’d be more than happy for her to stay in the palace, bringing more vitality.”

 

Chu Jinyao, who had been sitting quietly with a smile, heard these words and her expression didn’t change, but her eyes showed a deeper understanding.

 

Last night had been the New Year’s Eve celebration, and it was no surprise that the Emperor had spent the night in the Empress’s chambers. It seemed that the Emperor had already discussed Zhao Lanhui with Empress Xiao Qi.

 

The Emperor actually favored Zhao Lanhui? She was the only daughter of the Princess of Rong’an, and marrying her back into the royal family would certainly be a favorable match, especially given that Zhao Lanhui was backed by the powerful Prince Wei’s family, which held considerable influence at court. But the question remained: Was this the Emperor’s choice, or was it the Second Prince’s?

 

Either way, this was a complex and tricky situation. If the Second Prince had requested this match, it suggested he was ambitious enough to secure a powerful family as his backer. If it was the Emperor’s decision, then strengthening the Second Prince’s position could pose a threat to the Crown Prince’s standing.

 

Chu Jinyao’s thoughts raced. She wanted nothing more than to rush back and tell Qin Yi. Even though he was likely already aware, the thought of sharing this information with him somehow made the problem feel smaller.

 

While Chu Jinyao pondered, the Princess of Rong’an also quickly processed the situation. The Empress’s comment about wanting Zhao Lanhui to stay in the palace implied an important marriage prospect. But the real question was, which prince? The Second Prince or the Third?

 

Although there was only one rank separating the two princes, the implications were vastly different. The Third Prince was a legitimate son, and although it was disloyal to say, if anything were to happen to the Crown Prince, the Third Prince’s chances of ascending the throne were the greatest.

 

As for the Second Prince, he was born of a palace maid, and although he had Noble Consort Shu as his official mother, Noble Consort Shu herself was not of high birth, being merely a concubine. To the nobly born Princess of Rong’an, such a low status didn’t amount to much.

 

The Princess of Rong’an replied cautiously, “If she can gain Her Majesty’s favor, that is her blessing. As her mother, I am only delighted. If she can often accompany Her Majesty in Kunning Palace, bringing you joy, it would indeed be the fortune of our house.”

 

The Princess’s words carried hidden meaning. The first line acknowledged the Empress’s suggestion, implying that she was open to a royal marriage. The second line specifically mentioned Kunning Palace, subtly inquiring if the match was for the Third Prince, as any future daughter-in-law would need to observe palace etiquette under the Empress’s guidance.

 

Sitting quietly beside them, Chu Jinyao couldn’t help but marvel at how these women, seasoned by years in the palace, could pack so much meaning into a few simple words. However, the Princess of Rong’an was destined for disappointment. The marriage was not for the Empress’s Third Prince, but rather for the less prominent Second Prince.

 

Sure enough, Empress Xiao Qi responded, “Young girls are like budding greens; if she were to stay here all the time, wouldn’t she feel stifled? You may be willing, but I certainly wouldn’t want that.”

 

The Princess of Rong’an smiled in response, but she felt a pang of regret. So, it wasn’t for the Third Prince. What a pity.

 

Meanwhile, the women from the Zhenbei Marquis household sat listening. Upon hearing that Zhao Lanhui had been chosen as a royal consort, they could no longer remain idle. Madam Qi gave Empress Xiao Qi a meaningful look, and the Empress, sensing the unspoken request, took the opportunity to excuse herself. “Since the Crown Princess hasn’t had much time with her family since entering the palace, it would be a shame to keep you from them. Old Madam, it’s not easy to visit the palace, so I won’t delay your reunion any longer. Go, have a good chat.”

 

It was clearly a dismissal, although framed as a generous gesture to allow Chu Jinyao to spend time with her family. Chu Jinyao stood and responded, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

 

The others also chimed in with praise for the Empress’s kindness, praising her as a model of maternal virtue. Chu Jinyao left Kunning Palace, not staying to hear what was said after.

 

She returned to Ciqing Palace with her grandmother and mother, where her maid Linglong prepared seats for Old Madam Chu. Only Old Madam Chu and Madam Zhao had come to the palace that day, as only women with imperial ranks could enter. As Old Madam Chu took in the grandeur of the palace and Chu Jinyao’s ease in commanding the attendants, she sighed with genuine satisfaction. “It seems the Crown Princess is doing well in the palace, and now I can be at ease.”

 

Doing well in the palace? Chu Jinyao didn’t confirm or deny, instead replying, “His Highness is fair in his conduct, so naturally, things are well.”

 

Chu Jinyao only mentioned the Crown Prince, making no reference to the Empress. Old Madam Chu quickly caught on, but even so, she believed Chu Jinyao had been incredibly fortunate. What new wife didn’t face trials with her mother-in-law? To have a supportive husband was already an extraordinary blessing. After all, who wouldn’t want the “privilege” of being under the Empress’s rule? Many sought that privilege and never received it.

 

In an ordinary family, a daughter sent to the palace would keep her parents awake with worry. But all Old Madam Chu could see were the advantages. Chu Jinyao had no expectation that her so-called family would truly care about her well-being; as long as they didn’t cause her trouble, that would be enough.

 

As Old Madam Chu observed the palace furnishings, satisfaction flashed in her eyes. Leaning in closer to Chu Jinyao, she lowered her voice and asked, “Crown Princess, it’s almost been a month. Have you conceived?”

 

Throughout the day, many had discreetly scrutinized Chu Jinyao’s stomach, and now her own grandmother was asking this. Chu Jinyao didn’t know whether to be annoyed or embarrassed. She hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushing. “Not yet.”

 

Not yet… Old Madam Chu was a little disappointed. She pressed on, “Crown Princess, has His Highness been staying in your chambers recently?”

 

At that moment, the events of the previous night flashed before Chu Jinyao’s eyes. Even now, her waist still felt a little sore. But having her private life probed like this made her uncomfortable. She was both embarrassed and annoyed. “His Highness is honorable and knows how to conduct himself properly,” she replied.

 

And, Chu Jinyao silently added in her mind, what do you mean “my chambers”? It’s our chambers.

 

Honorable and proper? Old Madam Chu almost wondered if they were talking about the same person. However, Chu Jinyao’s response at least confirmed that the Crown Prince was treating her with the respect due to a legitimate wife, and that was enough. Still, Old Madam Chu was puzzled—if the Crown Prince was so proper, did that mean they were simply maintaining a distant, polite relationship?

 

Madam Zhao was more anxious. This wasn’t a good sign. Meanwhile, Chu Jinyao, oblivious to the misunderstanding her remarks had caused, sat with them for a while before suggesting Old Madam Chu rest in the palace. She herself needed to hurry back to Kunning Palace, as she had many people to meet that day and couldn’t be absent for long.

 

Back at Kunning Palace, Empress Xiao Qi was having a private conversation with the Zhenbei Marquis’s family. Judging by Madam Qi’s expression, it hadn’t gone well. The Zhenbei Marquis household had enjoyed the benefits of being related to the royal family and were now eager to have another daughter enter the palace as a royal consort. Initially, Madam Qi had her sights set on the position of Crown Princess, but Empress Xiao Qi wasn’t interested, and Qin Yi certainly wouldn’t agree. They could only watch the opportunity slip away. Now that the Crown Princess position was no longer an option, they turned their attention to the Third Prince.

 

Though the Third Prince was only fifteen, and Qi Rong was actually a year older, they believed that marrying an older wife would bring good fortune. The Qi family saw no issue with the age difference and believed that keeping things within the family would strengthen their ties.

 

However, Empress Xiao Qi wasn’t inclined to agree. It wasn’t that she thought her niece was unsuitable, but she believed her son deserved an even stronger match.

 

While her family pushed for a marriage alliance, Empress Xiao Qi had her sights set on a more advantageous match for the Third Prince—perhaps the granddaughter of the Grand Secretary Fan.

 

Empress Xiao Qi didn’t outright reject her family’s suggestion, but she didn’t accept it either, leaving the matter unresolved. This ambiguous response left Old Madam Qi and the Zhenbei Marchioness dissatisfied, and they left feeling disgruntled.

 

This year’s New Year celebrations were filled with anxiety for many. Recently, the palace had become increasingly unpredictable. First, a palace maid had secretly become pregnant, leading to her being elevated to the rank of Imperial Concubine. The news had barely settled when another rumor emerged, suggesting that the second daughter of the Prince Wei’s family, Zhao Lanhui, might become the Second Prince’s consort.

 

Seasoned political players sensed that something was brewing. The Emperor’s approval of such a powerful marriage for the Second Prince hinted at upcoming changes. The empire had been at peace for a long time, but it seemed this calm facade was beginning to crack.

 

When Chu Jinyao returned from Kunning Palace, she was utterly exhausted. Still, her first priority was to tell Qin Yi about the situation with the Prince Wei’s family. She had worried about it all day, but Qin Yi, upon hearing the news, was unfazed. “I already know,” he said, looking at her with a teasing smile. “What’s wrong? Were you scared?”

 

“Of course not,” Chu Jinyao huffed, feeling that she wasn’t being taken seriously. She glared at Qin Yi for a moment but soon gave in to her anxiety. “Your Highness, are you sure everything is fine? Is the Emperor…”

 

Qin Yi gently pressed a finger to her lips, raising an eyebrow as he said, “Be careful with your words.”

 

“I know,” Chu Jinyao replied. She hadn’t intended to say much more—just mentioning the Emperor was enough to convey the rest. Although Qin Yi’s calm demeanor suggested he had a plan, Chu Jinyao couldn’t help feeling nervous. It was her first time being involved in such a power struggle, and she found herself in the midst of royal intrigue. In this unsettling situation, the only source of reassurance she had was Qin Yi. She moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder and whispering, “You’ll always be here, won’t you?”

 

Qin Yi’s heart softened. He had always known that he wasn’t alone, that the hopes and lives of many depended on him. But this was the first time he truly felt someone needed him. He wrapped an arm around Chu Jinyao’s shoulders and pulled her closer. “Of course. Don’t worry, I’m here.”

 

Those three simple words, “I’m here,” weren’t loud or grand, but they brought an inexplicable sense of security. Chu Jinyao nodded firmly, gripping Qin Yi’s hand tightly as she tried to convey her feelings. “I’ll always stay by your side too. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be.”

 

Such sweet words were more intoxicating than any drug. The first time Qin Yi heard them, he instinctively wanted to distance himself. But after hearing them repeatedly, he found himself becoming addicted. It had to be said: people are greedy, impulsive creatures. When they are alone, they don’t feel the need for warmth. But once they’ve experienced it, they don’t want to let go. They want more, even if it leads them to the edge of a dangerous abyss. Qin Yi felt like he was teetering on that edge now. The strict education he’d received as heir warned him to pull back, but the greed inside urged him to indulge just a little longer.

 

In the end, Qin Yi tightened his grip on Chu Jinyao’s hand and replied in a low, seductive voice, “Alright, you said it yourself.”

 

—

 

Author’s Note:

 Late-Night Discussions at the Imperial Pharmacy

– Subject: Qin Yi, a typical avoidant personality in intimate relationships.

– Analysis: He’s never been used to expressing love (perhaps he’s never experienced it), so he grew up refusing to speak openly. When faced with declarations of love, compliments, or affectionate gestures, his first reaction is to avoid them and deflect with other words. The best way to deal with someone like this? Desensitization therapy—he’ll get used to it after hearing it enough. If any side effects arise, such as addiction, well… we’ll address that later.

P.S.: A certain unnamed doctor warns that they’re just talking nonsense. If a medical accident occurs, the doctor’s guild takes no responsibility!

Translator’s Note: Bye see you next week !! Enjoy your weekend