Chapter 422 – Envy

Chapter 422 - Envy

When Qin Wang bid his farewell and left, the emperor sighed softly, "He is, after all, the son I dote on the most. Though he complains with his words, his eyes are filled with affection."

The eunuch following behind chuckled, "His Highness is the same. He is also the emperor's beloved son."

Qin Wang smiled but didn't comment either way.

He was well aware of how much his father truly loved him. However, he knew that his father's affection for him was different.

For his ninth brother, the emperor genuinely cherished and adored him from the bottom of his heart.

As for him, perhaps it was a mix of guilt and pity?

It didn't matter anymore. Wasn't life just like this? One couldn't always have everything perfect. Yet, wasn't it enough that he was more favored than his second and third brothers?

He took a deep breath and left the palace.

This year has indeed brought significant changes.

The Crown Prince had yet to occupy the Eastern Palace, so naturally, he should accompany Prince Jingli in receiving guests at the Zhengyang Palace.

But early in the morning, they had to kneel and pay respects at the Ancestral Temple.

With the Empress too ill to rise from her bed, the Concubine Gi, Concubine Xian, and Concubine Shu, along with the other concubines, first paid their respects to the Empress Dowager before proceeding to the Lingzhi Palace to celebrate the New Year.

This year, the families of court officials also knew whom to curry favor with; the Empress was now yesterday's news.

No one dared to inquire about her condition recklessly.

Although many people harbored suspicions about the nature of the Empress's illness, even those who had previously noticed that she wasn't well understood that such was the nature of people.

When doubts arise, even those who had witnessed it firsthand would still entertain them.

But isn't that how things have always been in the imperial family?

What couldn't be articulated might truly be indescribable, or perhaps it was simply not to be spoken of.

In any case, Empress Consort was out of the picture, but Concubine Xian's son could become the crown prince.

All they needed to know was how to curry favor with him.

Some also mentioned the upcoming imperial selection of consorts.

Yun Li merely said, "Let's proceed according to tradition. I must confess, these days have been so busy that I haven't had the chance to examine each candidate closely."

Her words made everyone feel uneasy about recommending their own children.

At the Empress Dowager's court, there was also an abundance of flattery. It was acceptable on New Year's Eve, but even on New Year's Day, the same spectacle persisted.

Regardless of the rumors surrounding the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, the current reality was that Empress Consort's position was compromised, while the Empress Dowager remained securely seated on her throne.

Everyone wore a joyful expression, for there was now a crown prince to celebrate.

Yet, amidst the joy, there were those who were not pleased, such as Concubine Jiang.

For the tenth princess had suddenly burst into tears.

She didn't even know why the two-year-old was crying.

Petrified, her face turned pale as she hurriedly pulled the princess down to kneel.

"It's all my fault. I failed to educate the child properly."

"Enough, it's New Year's Day," the Empress Dowager waved dismissively.

"The princess is still so young. There's no need for this." Yun Li smiled and beckoned. "Come here, Princess, and take a look at these delicious treats."

The tenth princess, reassured by her nanny, approached cautiously.

Yun Li passed her a cluster of four or five grapes. "Why are you crying?"

The tenth princess mumbled through teary words, "Want cake, cake."

"You cried just because you didn't get your cake?" Yun Li chuckled. "Well, then, have some grapes instead."

Princess Decadence hummed in response.

The nurse hurriedly said, "This servant thanks Consort Xian on behalf of the princess."

Yun Li waved her hand and then turned to the awkward Concubine Jiang. "There's no need to be nervous. Aren't children supposed to cry and make a fuss? When the Crown Prince was young, I took care of him just the same."

Poor thing, since giving birth to the princess, Concubine Jiang had rarely served the emperor.

Compared to other consorts who had given birth, she was indeed unremarkable.

Seeing Consort Xian's reassurance, she felt somewhat relieved.

No one paid attention to her as they started discussing Princess Yi Xuan.

"Yi Xuan is severely affected by morning sickness. She's usually mischievous, but now she can barely get out of bed," the Empress Dowager chuckled. "Morning sickness is nothing unusual; few women don't experience it. To be pregnant so soon, that's a joyous occasion."

"And what about Princesses San and Si?"

Empress Xiaoxiu hastily rose to her feet: "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, Princess Third hasn't had any good news yet."

"Not in a hurry, not in a hurry. It'll come eventually."

"Your Majesty, Princess Fourth also doesn't have any news at the moment," Concubine Ye said.

The Empress Dowager waved her hand. "She married last, so it's not surprising that she doesn't have any yet. We'll wait patiently. Oh dear, thinking back to how our princesses were just children a few years ago, and now we're waiting for them to bear their own children."

"You're right, Your Majesty. Don't focus only on the princesses. Consort Wu is with child," the Honorary Empress said with a smile.

Lady Liao blushed as she stood up. "It's only been three months."

"Is that so? Such joyous news! Attendants, see to it that Consort Wu's diet is changed accordingly," the Empress Dowager said with a smile.

Despite these words, there was no sense of urgency in her tone.

In recent years, the princes and princesses had grown up. The previous autumn, an arrangement had been made for the marriage of Fifth Princess to the Lu family.

The Lu family wasn't a prominent political clan, but rather, part of the scholarly elite.

The betrothal for the Sixth Princess has also been decided.

Though not publicly announced, Yun Li already knows that He Jinli has set his sights on the Xie family.

The same Xie family of the Empress.

It's evident that the Empress's days are numbered, and He Jinli still holds some affection for her clan. Even after her passing, when the Xie family's influence may wane, a marriage between one of their sons and a princess would carry a different significance.

In truth, it would be ideal if a Xie family daughter were to marry into the royal family. However, the way He Jinli perceives the Xie family's upbringing of the previous Empress has left him disappointed.

Thus, instead of that, he has chosen to send one of their daughters to wed.

What's surprising is that the chosen Sixth Princess was raised by Concubine An, originally the daughter of Concubine Lan. This development is truly unexpected.

The Sixth Princess's palace is currently under construction, and she will be married next year.

As for this marriage arrangement, the Sixth Princess has no objections. To be precise, apart from the eldest, second, and third princesses, whose marriages were decided by their late father, all other princesses' weddings have been settled by He Jinli.

Their opinions are no longer sought.

Of course, this was not uncommon; in this era, marriages were arranged by parents and matchmakers.

Unless one was exceptionally favored, parents usually didn't bother to seek their children's opinions.

Empress An was not entirely pleased, but what did her opinion matter? Who cared whether she was willing or not?

Upon hearing the news, the Empress fell silent for a moment but ultimately said nothing.

From the second day of the new year, the Empress genuinely avoided seeing the First Princess and Prince Qin. The First Princess had no choice but to visit the Empress Dowager.

Yun Li now had to admit that changing palaces previously had been the right decision; there were far too many guests this year.

In their old palace, they might not have even had enough seating.

She had always had her share of flatterers, and most were aware that Empress Xiaian was impervious to sweet talk.

There was no point trying to butter her up; she didn't appreciate it.

It would be better to engage her with interesting conversation.

A well-told tale surpasses your half-hour of praising her.

Thus, in the Jade Channel Palace, some astute and articulate ladies indeed began to share jokes, filling the air with laughter.

Meanwhile, in the Zhengyang Palace, everyone was engaged in conversation with the Crown Prince.

Prince Five, sitting aside, glanced at Prince Six and asked, "How does Sixth Brother seem to be feeling?"

"Brother Five is jesting, isn't he? It's the New Year, of course I'm delighted. Could it be that Brother Five isn't?" Prince Six replied with a smile.

"Delighted, why wouldn't I be? As long as Sixth Brother is genuinely happy, that's all that matters. Hahaha." Prince Five laughed, lifting his wine cup and strolling away.