Chapter 328 – A Reliable Shoulder to Lean On

Chapter 328 - A Reliable Shoulder to Lean On

He then pulled out the paper and said, "Empress, look! This predicts a high-flying phoenix, a son-producing wife, and receiving obeisance from all directions while facing south..."

The crowd fell silent.

"Oh? Let me see," the Empress said, her interest piqued.

The little eunuch hurriedly handed it over.

"The Princess Mingzhu is also on the list for the selection?" the Concubine asked in surprise.

"The... this servant doesn't know. Her name was just on the list that was delivered," the little eunuch replied.

The Empress smiled. "Since it's from the Imperial Astronomer, it must be true. The princess has always lived in the palace, and she's grown up now. Whether or not she participates, her astrological chart can still be read."

"Yes," everyone agreed.

"But I never expected the princess to have such an excellent destiny. That's wonderful, but it would take a brave soul to marry her," Concubine Shu commented.

"Yes, what does 'Phoenix Soaring High' signify? Tsk, I never expected the Princess's destiny to be so esteemed," Yun Li commented with a tsk.

"Princes Fifth and Sixth can already be married," said Jin De Fei.

"Has Elder Sister forgotten about the Crown Prince?" asked An Fei.

Jin De Fei slapped her forehead. "Oh dear, the Crown Prince is always the Crown Prince. My mind just slipped. I always feel that the Crown Prince is different from the other princes. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"How could I?" The Empress chuckled and waved it off. "But the Princess's birth chart is unexpectedly excellent. Her marriage should be approached with care. Go, take this to Empress Dowager's chambers."

Naturally, someone answered and took the document away.

After the greetings were exchanged, each person had their own thoughts.

Upon returning to Yuzhu Palace, Lü Wei chuckled. "Did you notice, Your Highness? The Empress is eager for the Crown Prince's wedding to happen right away."

"Well, let her try. As long as the Empress Dowager is still around, she won't succeed," Yun Li replied with a smile.

"Oh, help me change my clothes. I'll go out for a stroll too," Yun Li said as she got up.

She changed into a light purple dress and headed for the Imperial Garden, accompanied by reeds and fragrant tea.

Upon arriving, she noticed a group of people not far away.

Yun Li clicked her tongue but made no attempt to avoid them.

As she approached, she saw a cluster of young ladies, perhaps seven or eight, along with their attendants.

They were led by Yu Chengyi and Jiang Chengyuan.

"Greetings to Empress Xiaoyi," they bowed.

The maidens had to kneel: "Kowtowing to Empress Xiaoyi, may Your Majesty be at ease."

"Rise," Yun Li said.

As they stood up, they kept their heads lowered. "There's no need to be overly formal."

Among the young ladies, there was one bold enough to glance up, only to be astonished. Empress Xiaoyi wasn't young anymore, so why did she still look so captivating?

"I'll go admire the flowers then, I won't disturb you all." Yun Li took a few glances at the young ladies before taking her leave.

Jade Concubine smiled and said, "If Your Majesty doesn't mind, could you bring me along?"

"Sure, let's go." Yun Li smiled.

"Your Majesty, this humble one bids you farewell." Jiang Concubine bowed.

The other maidens hurriedly bowed in farewell as well.

Once they were out of earshot, Jade Concubine said, "You came at just the right time, Her Majesty. If all you wanted was to appreciate the flowers, running into them was a stroke of luck."

"I thought you came out with her," Yun Li remarked.

"Oh no, this humble one is quick to speak but slow to think. Her temperament is too gloomy; we don't get along," Jade Concubine explained.

Yun Li chuckled. "Sis, you might be quick-witted, but how can you say you lack brains?"

"Your Majesty jests with this humble one. If I had more sense, I'd avoid her even more," Jade Concubine replied.

Amidst laughter and conversation, they made their way to the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

"In this selection of maidens, there are a few who are both pleasing to the eye and of suitable age. It's likely that they'll be chosen to stay. But, as always, Her Majesty couldn't care less about such matters," Concubine Yu said.

"It makes no difference either way," Yun Li smiled. "Worry less, live longer."

"Ah, that does sound like something you would say," Lady Yu chuckled.

"Ah yes, the young lady from the Qian family whom Her Majesty the Empress intended to betroth to His Highness the Crown Prince a few years back is also on this list," Concubine Yu mentioned.

"Oh? Perhaps it could work out then. If the engagement is settled this year, the wedding the year after wouldn't be impossible," Yun Li said.

"Lady, you're quite the persuader. But how likely is this possibility?" Concubine Yu covered her mouth in a smile. "But I'm afraid Empress's focus isn't there anymore. The Qian family is indeed admirable, but if the Crown Princess were to soar high and bring fortune to her husband, why would they need the Qian family?"

"Sister, what are you saying? I don't understand," Yun Li also covered her mouth in a smile.

"Oh dear, Your Servant was just rambling. Please disregard my words, Your Majesty. After all, the Crown Prince's condition is not known to the public. He seems much healthier now than before. The Qian family might waver. Besides, the first princess's in-laws are also supportive."

"However, if the Empress changes her heart, the Qian family might feel disillusioned," Concubine Yu commented.

"Having spent quite some years in the palace, I've never quite grasped my sister's intentions. Why are you telling me all this now?" Yun Li asked.

"Your Highness, please don't doubt my sincerity. I only wish to establish a friendly relationship with you. There's no need for you to do anything; I understand," Yu Chongyi replied.

Yun Li looked at her and smiled again, neither confirming nor denying her intentions.

After admiring the flowers together for a while, they each went their separate ways.

Yu Chongyi's maid, Chi Su, sighed. "Couldn't you have been more tactful?"

"How tactful? When speaking with Empress Xiaoxian, one must be straightforward. If you're tactful, would she even bother listening?" Yu Chongyi rolled her eyes.

"So... does that mean she acknowledged your approach?" Chi Su asked, puzzled.

"It doesn't matter, my attitude is clear," Yu Chongyi said.

"Your Highness... you have an imperial prince, and you haven't lost the emperor's favor. Our prince is also beloved by the emperor. Why go through all this trouble?" Chi Su wondered.

Yu Chongyi paused and sighed. "Of course, I hope my child will one day rise to prominence. But which imperial prince is lacking? What if mine fails to make it? Courting Empress Xiaoxian is always a wise move. If my child has a one in three chance, then hers has a two in three chance. We can't just think about the best-case scenario. What if it doesn't work out?"

"As a mother, isn't it natural to think ahead for one's child?"

Fei Shu felt a pang of sorrow in her heart as she replied, "Your Highness is absolutely right."

"One day, I too will no longer serve His Majesty. Who can I rely on then? I must put all my bets on her. There's no one else in such a high position worth depending on. And as for my rank, mark my words, it won't change for another ten or eight years."

Fei Shu could only acknowledge the truth in her words. It seemed that unless there were extraordinary circumstances, her position would remain untouched.

"How many concubines in the palace are as favored as Empress Xiaoxian?" she mused.

Isn't losing favor an inevitable outcome?

Jade Concubine sighed, gazing at the lake. "How much do I adore His Majesty."

Alas, it was not to be. At first, it was the Empress Dowager who had hoped for me to take action. But when she gave up, His Majesty never took a liking to me either.

If something cannot be sought after, then it's best not to pursue it. Human hearts are the most elusive things.

It would be wiser to devote herself to raising her child for a peaceful and joyful life.

Of course, if in a few years, her child could win the favor of His Majesty, then as a mother, she wouldn't hesitate to fight for her child's sake.

But for now, it's still too early to tell.

She truly couldn't discern any significant difference in how the Emperor regarded her son compared to other children.