Chapter 0045: Flattering to Kill

Chapter 0045: Flattering to Kill

Lady Lan, observing the pretense between the two, chuckled to herself, thinking how well Consort Jin De played her role.

Surely by now, she couldn’t expect the Empress to share the same sisterly affection as before?

"The 17th is the Crown Prince's birthday. Last year, being in mourning, we couldn't celebrate grandly. This year we should do something special. His Majesty has only this one prince; we can't neglect him," said the Empress.

"Your Highness is too kind; he's still young and can't handle too much. I think it's unnecessary," said Consort Jin De.

"Nonsense, of course, we must celebrate. We can't have a grand feast, but we can set up a table in your quarters. We'll all go to wish him well. We'll also invite His Majesty and the Empress Dowager," the Empress insisted.

"Then I thank Your Highness," said Consort Jin De.

She knew the Empress harbored resentment, but to completely forgo celebrating her son's birthday would not sit well with her either.

Once everything was settled, the Empress began instructing everyone on some details in front of the crowd.

After everyone dispersed, the Empress went to the Empress Dowager's palace.

Whether formally invited or not, the Empress Dowager wouldn't personally attend her little grandson's birthday.

It wasn't a matter of affection; unless it was a significant celebration or special occasion, the Empress Dowager wouldn't go to a concubine's palace for such a birthday.

But the gesture had to be made.

Although the Empress Dowager wouldn't be there in person, gifts would be sent on her behalf.

The imperial relatives also needed to send gifts, as this was the Emperor's only son at the moment.

In the future, with more princes, the situation might change, but for now, it was inappropriate not to send a gift.

On the 16th, the Empress reiterated the importance of making the next day's celebration grand.

Indeed, the 17th turned out to be a grand affair. The Empress had summoned performers from Yue Mansion, specifically for a dance routine arranged for the eldest prince, which was quite spectacular.

Consort Jinde could barely contain her smile.

Many female members of the imperial relatives attended, all invited by the Empress.

The Empress's birthday gift for the eldest prince was exceptionally lavish - a pillow made of white jade from the Eastern Sea.

"After this birthday, the eldest prince will be five years old. Come spring, he will start his studies. He is the Emperor's only son for now, and His Majesty has high hopes for him. When he starts his studies, he must do well. This pillow, used regularly, can clear the mind and sharpen the senses, preventing drowsiness. Consort Jinde, make sure the prince uses it."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'll make sure he uses it. Thank you for such a generous gift; I'm truly humbled," Consort Jinde replied.

"What are you saying? I have no children of my own and see the eldest prince as if he were my own. Just as His Majesty and the Empress Dowager place their hopes in him, so do I. Our Great Jin's prince should use the finest things. I hope he grows up quickly and helps relieve His Majesty's burdens," the Empress said warmly, beckoning, "Eldest prince, come here to your mother."

The eldest prince approached, "Mother."

"Yes, my good child, study hard. Make your father proud and don't disappoint him," the Empress said with a smile.

With the Empress praising him, could the princesses and ladies of the imperial clan hold back their compliments?

Every single compliment was enough to make the eldest prince exceedingly happy.

Yun Li sat in a corner, whispering with Jing Xiaoyi.

"Has the approach changed?"

Jing Xiaoyi smiled, "No matter who initiated it, Consort Jinde made the Empress lose face, and the Empress is not one to let things slide."

Regardless of who was behind Consort Jinde's miscarriage, the fact that Lan Kou, who was involved, belonged to the Empress is undeniable.

The Empress losing a servant is trivial, but Consort Jinde's actions significantly embarrassed her.

How could she not seek revenge?

The Empress is the mother of the nation.

Her means of retaliation are numerous, and since the facade is already torn, she might as well be overt about it.

A direct assault wouldn't work, as both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager are watching.

What about killing with kindness?

Even the Empress Dowager and the Emperor wouldn't stop the Empress from venting her anger, would they?

She intends to make the eldest prince famous, letting everyone outside know how much he is valued in the palace.

Ambition needs to be nurtured from a young age, doesn't it?

As for whether the eldest prince will really be pushed forward, well...

The Emperor is only in his twenties, and there will be plenty more princes in the future. Can the early-born have such an advantage?

Unlikely.

But with this bewitching narrative, Consort Jinde can't help but overthink. Even now, possessing the eldest son of the Emperor, wouldn't she harbor ambitions?

The Empress has no children of her own. If she remains childless, doesn’t the eldest prince have a chance to be named the Crown Prince in the future?

That's the situation now. In another two or three years, if the Empress still has no sons, court officials might start requesting the appointment of a Crown Prince.

Faced with great temptation, how many can control themselves from overthinking?

When His Majesty arrived, it was the perfect time.

Everyone paid respects, and he waved them off, "Please, be seated. All the relatives have entered the palace; it is my duty to be a good host."

The royal relatives hurriedly expressed their unworthiness.

"Then let's begin the feast. Don't be shy, everyone enjoy yourselves to the fullest."

"The Empress instructed her attendants to prepare for the banquet."

"The Emperor's gift was much simpler: a gold lock, engraved with the characters for 'peace and smooth sailing.'"

"'I was just saying that the Crown Prince could start his schooling next year. Then, the eldest princess will also have a companion.'"

"In the Great Jin dynasty, both princes and princesses are educated alike; there's no rule that princesses can't be educated. When they are young, they all study at the Guanghong Palace."

"The Guanghong Palace is spacious, with three halls inside, ample enough. Even the unmarried fifteenth prince still has to report there daily."

"'Hmm, Jiu has been quite intelligent since he began his studies, and his writing is good too. I hope the Crown Prince can be like this as well,' said He Jinli."

"'Yes, the Crown Prince seems bright, surely better than Jiu,' the Empress said with a smile."

"Her gaze at the Crown Prince was full of maternal affection, making one want to remark on the deep bond between mother and son."

"'Now, with both Wu Bao Lin and Yun Xiaoyi expecting, if they both have princes, it will be a joyous occasion. Many sons bring many blessings,' the Empress added."

"'Your efforts in managing the harem are commendable, they are all your children,' He Jinli remarked."

"'Yes, I dare not say I see them as my own, but I certainly treat them all well,' the Empress replied with a smile."

"'Consort Lan, as Yun Xiaoyi is of lower status and sometimes might be overlooked, you must take good care of her. She resides in your palace, so you have a responsibility,' the Empress instructed."

"'Rest assured, Your Majesty, I am diligently taking care of her,' Consort Lan replied, her face beaming with a smile, showing no signs of displeasure."

"Current rules do not dictate that women of lower status cannot raise their own children."

"Any woman can raise her child, but sometimes it’s not feasible."

"If a high-ranking consort has no children and desires yours, with the Emperor's consent, the child can be taken away."

"Consort Lan never expressed such intentions, but she had to respond affirmatively to the Empress’s suggestion."

"Yun Xiaoyi's expression darkened slightly."

"Wu Bao Lin, on the other hand, was currently at ease, as the Empress had not expressed a desire to take her child, likely indicating she did not want to."

"The Empress could bear a princess, so she could also bear a prince, just a matter of time."

"Besides, one can't be certain if the child in the womb is male or female."

"Regardless of their gender, both children are now the focus of everyone's attention."