Chapter 0354: The Ninth Prince Gets Schemed Against

Chapter 0354: The Ninth Prince Gets Schemed Against

In the palace, it was the usual morning greetings.

Another fifteenth, and it's still cold on the fifteenth of the second month, especially after three days of windy weather, these days are bone-chilling.

In the Ci'an Palace, Yun Li didn't feel much like talking and sipped her hot tea.

The Empress Dowager chose black tea, which suited her taste better than the somewhat astringent green tea; she preferred the mellow flavor of black tea.

"His Majesty's letter from yesterday mentioned they were on their way to Jiayang. It takes three or four days for the letters to come back, so by now, they should already be in Jiayang," the Empress said.

"That's good," the Empress Dowager smiled. "It's rainy in the south around this time; they might not be accustomed to it."

"Yes, but the imperial physicians are with them. If they really can't stand the dampness and discomfort, the physicians are there to look after them," the Empress mentioned.

"Didn't they say something about cooling tea? To dispel dampness?" the Noble Consort asked.

"Yes, there is, but some children don't like to drink it. The Ninth Prince doesn't like it," Yun Li said.

"The Second Princess is okay with it; she's fine with anything," the Noble Consort laughed.

Someone's mouth twitched, probably thinking a princess shouldn't be so undemanding. However, they dared not let the Noble Consort see.

"Has there been any correspondence from the Fourth Prince? I miss him dearly after such a long separation," the Empress Dowager said.

"His Majesty mentioned in his letter that he has grown taller and looks much more spirited. His health has improved as well. It's his fortune that Grandmother thinks of him. I will write to him and convey this. Knowing this, he will surely be grateful to his Grandmother," the Empress replied.

"It's good to be spirited. Going out and about is beneficial. That child has been frail since childhood, which has worried me. Now, if he can be well, nothing could be better. I think, Empress, you shouldn't rush into arranging his marriage. Let him recover fully; we can consider marriage when he's eighteen. It's alright for a boy to marry later," the Empress Dowager advised.

"Yes, I will follow Mother and His Majesty's wishes," the Empress said.

Indeed, if he is no longer the Crown Prince, there's no need to rush the Fourth Prince's marriage.

Since he cannot have children, what difference does it make sooner or later?

Today was uneventful.

After everyone dispersed and returned to their quarters, the cold and windy weather discouraged anyone from going out.

Upon returning, Yun Li inquired, "What illness does Consort Hu have?"

Consort Hu didn't qualify to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, but she was absent during the time at Fengyi Palace, having taken sick leave.

"I inquired a bit, but nobody could specify. The imperial physician just went to see her. I'll keep an eye on it," Zhu Que replied.

Yun Li nodded, "Make sure to find out for me. We wouldn't want someone to lose their life under unclear circumstances, giving someone else an extra son."

"Your Highness, are you suspecting that Consort Hu was schemed against?" Zhu Yu asked.

"I wouldn't dare say that outright, but it's certain that Consort Xuan was schemed against. Now that the Second Prince has entered court, his reputation is quite good. However, as for his character..." Yun Li shook her head slightly.

"Compared to other consorts, he still doesn't measure up."

"What do you imply? If you have any plans, I will surely assist you well," Zhu Yu said.

"I haven't decided yet, just that Consort Zhang is truly enigmatic. Like a venomous snake, always ready to strike," Yun Li lightly laughed and shook her head, "Let's first see what's going on with Consort Hu. No rush, we'll take our time."

Sometimes, schemes are mutual.

Yun Li found Consort Zhang to be a thorn in her side.

Yet, she found the Yun Li mother and son equally displeasing to her eyes.

In the distant palace, the Second Prince was conversing with his eunuch, Zhiming.

"Are you aware of what Mother Empress has in mind?"

"Your Highness, this servant understands. Now that the matter is out in the open, it wouldn't be appropriate for you to be involved. If Princess Mingzhu were to be associated with Ninth Prince, it might not matter for now. But as time passes and her fate is mentioned again, His Majesty might develop different intentions. Or perhaps, even if His Majesty dotes on Ninth Prince, with so many people talking, he'd inevitably start to doubt. Besides, His Majesty will grow older each year, while Ninth Prince will continue to mature."

"But his mother is still favored..." The Second Prince frowned.

"Your Highness, although Concubine Xiaoyi is indeed favored, she's not young anymore. With so many beauties in the harem, she may still hold sway for now. But what about the next imperial selection? No man can remain infatuated with one woman for so long; it's merely a facade." Zhiming said.

"Tsk, but this matter must be handled discreetly, without anyone noticing. They're still young. If we overstep, Father might not believe us," the Second Prince replied.

"Your Highness, rest assured. While other matters might be challenging, Princess Mingzhu has taken a fancy to Ninth Prince herself. She's constantly fawning over him. Should anything happen, she would be more than pleased," Zhiming said.

The Second Prince expressed disdain. "She's shallow-minded too. All those years in the palace have been wasted on her."

"Your Highness speaks the truth. In the end, she lacks ambition. This situation can be easily managed," Zhiming commented.

"Then go and make the arrangements. This prince believes that among the princes, the ninth one poses the greatest threat. If he's taken care of, this prince can rest assured for half the battle," the second prince declared.

"Yes, this servant will see to it. Your Highness will ultimately triumph, while others can only aspire," Zhu Ming replied with a smile.

In the harem, Hu Meiren's illness this time was indeed just a simple case of catching a cold, nothing more.

For within seven to eight days, she recovered, and in about two weeks, she reappeared in the Fengyi Palace.

Yun Li wasn't disappointed at all.

Time passed by slowly until after the Dragon Boat Festival when Yun Li received a letter.

She immediately shattered one of her favorite teacups from a set.

"Your Majesty?" Everyone knelt down and cautiously called out to her.

Yun Li gave a cold laugh and handed the letter to Zhi Fu. "Look, someone can't seem to wait any longer."

After reading it, Zhi Fu's expression turned grim. "Truly courting death, but who could it be?"

The clock turned back to the imperial retreat.

On the verge of departing for Northern Sai, the Dragon Boat Festival was still celebrated in Jiayang.

It was on this very day that an incident unfolded.

After hosting a small banquet in the retreat with his children, He Jinli let them roam freely.

That freedom led to trouble.

Amidst the merriment, the Ninth Prince found himself severely dizzy from the alcohol and decided to make his way back.

Exiting the hall, he couldn't locate his servant Ji. Thus, he planned to walk back alone, albeit unsteadily. Another eunuch stepped forward to assist him, but he barely noticed.

He allowed himself to be supported, too disoriented to pay attention to his surroundings. When he entered a pavilion and sensed something amiss, a shrill scream pierced the air.

Glancing over, he was met with an expanse of fair, bare backs.

A shiver ran down his spine, but the effects of the alcohol refused to subside.

Amidst the commotion, he abruptly pushed through the crowd and dashed out.

Amidst the cacophony, the Ninth Prince momentarily regained clarity. He ran straight towards the lotus pond outside the pavilion and dove in.

This startled everyone around him, prompting them to rush to his rescue.

In truth, his mind was still foggy. He had jumped in to sober up, aware that the lotus pond wasn't deep and wouldn't pose a drowning risk.

By the time he was pulled out, He Jinli had already arrived.

"Our treasure has been schemed against," he grunted.