Chapter 87 – Discordant Hearts

Chapter 87 - Discordant Hearts

"Back then, Second Prince married the princess of Bei Xi due to military necessities and for the greater good. Now that the northern frontier is at peace, it's time to consider an alliance for the Crown Prince."

The emperor had suppressed his own son, yet he was making her take the blame. Ha ha.

Empress Lao let out a cold laugh inwardly and said with a smile, "Actually, isn't there a perfect candidate for the Crown Princess right in front of us? Tonight at the banquet, I saw Marquis Cheng'en's wife bringing her daughter into the palace. She's quite a beauty. They're cousins, and if I recall correctly, Sister Shen used to like her too..."

Yuan Zixu's face darkened slightly as he replied, "The Crown Prince's main consort concerns the foundation of the nation. We must take our time in selecting her. I have some recollection of Marquis Cheng'en's eldest daughter, but she pales in comparison to her aunt. Besides, the Crown Prince has high standards. Let's start by choosing a secondary consort first. Her family background doesn't matter; as long as the Crown Prince likes her. This matter is of utmost importance, so please give it your attention."

Empress Luo gritted her silver teeth, nearly cracking them under the strain. But she was indeed plagued by guilt; the incident with the goddess-like woman days ago had naturally aroused the Emperor's suspicions, leading him to grow cold towards her for a considerable time. Only recently had their relationship begun to thaw. She dared not defy the Emperor now, so she humbly acquiesced, her face a picture of deference, "This concubine obeys Your Majesty's command."

Yuan Zixu remarked, "I am well aware that the Crown Prince has discerning tastes and is not easily impressed by ordinary women. Choose someone of exceptional beauty. This year, ensure she is granted a noble title and sent to the palace to serve the Crown Prince. We must strive for the joy of an imperial grandchild soon."

Empress Lao scoffed inwardly. She recalled the stunning palace maid she had once presented; in the end, she was simply transferred to Princess Yi Yang. For no apparent reason, why would the Emperor suddenly think of concubines for the Crown Prince?

Yet, she still approached with warmth to attend to Yuan Zixu as he prepared for bed.

The following day, Yuan Zixu once again exhorted Empress Luo to take matters into her own hands before departing for the Taoist temple. With the New Year's recess in effect, all officials had sealed their seals, and Yuan Zixu naturally seized this opportunity, free from courtly affairs, to devote himself wholeheartedly to his cultivation within the temple.

Confused, Empress Lao nevertheless summoned her daughter and son during the New Year festivities to have a discussion, inevitably touching upon the matter of taking a concubine for the Crown Prince.

Empress Lao queried, "Why has His Majesty suddenly thought of taking a concubine for the Crown Prince?"

Yuan Yixue whispered, "Could it be... that he's still trying to warn the Empress Dowager?"

Empress Lao gave a cold laugh. "It's not that serious. From the way he treated me last night, it seems he didn't take that matter to heart. No matter how much is said, it was just the ravings of a courtesan. He was the one who imprisoned the crown prince and married off his daughter. How could he admit to being outwitted by someone else? He might even think it was heaven sending a warning through this opportunity."

Yuan Yixue fell silent. Lately, she had been apprehensive that her father, the emperor, and her mother, the empress, might suddenly recall her marriage and arbitrarily arrange a match for her. As a result, she had become much more reserved in her speech.

Empress Luo continued, "I did attempt to probe him on the matter, suggesting that the eldest daughter of Marquis Cheng'en be betrothed to the Crown Prince as his consort. He categorically refused, insisting there was no rush. This clearly indicates that he, too, is wary of the Shen family completely aligning with the Crown Prince. With Empress Shen gone, the Shens may no longer harbor the same loyalty towards the Crown Prince; they must also consider the welfare of their entire clan. Hence, while the Crown Prince remains imprisoned, they can only retreat into their shells. But if the eldest Shen daughter were indeed designated as the Crown Princess and bore an imperial grandson, the Shen family would have no choice but to fully support the cause."

Yuan Yixue whispered, "Shen Danzhu has remained unmarried all this time, perhaps she's biding her time to marry the crown prince. Could it be a show for Elder Sister, considering she now holds power in Jingbei? Is Father Emperor trying to appease Elder Sister?"

Empress Luo furrowed her brow as she observed Prince Yuan Zhen, who sat idly by, seemingly still nursing a hangover from the previous night. His demeanor was casual, his eyes barely open, and the scent of alcohol lingered on him. Irritation welled up within her. "It's only the first day of the new year, and you're already in this drunken state. If not for the lack of news about you and Princess Wang, would your father, the Emperor, have even considered betrothing the Crown Prince to another consort?"

Yuan Zhen countered, "Mother Empress, you have spent less time in the outer court lately. Throughout the court, from top to bottom, who isn't aware that His Majesty is engrossed in the pursuit of Dao? Daoist Chong Xiao has been in the palace for months without leaving, and Father Emperor's complexion grows rosier by the day, his spirits vibrant and vitality robust like a dragon's vigor and a tiger's vitality, indicating a great accomplishment in alchemical cultivation. Consequently, he has even less interest in state affairs, entrusting the handling of memorials to the Crown Prince."

Empress Lao commented, "Abbot Chong Xiao must have synthesized countless pills by now… Not long ago, His Majesty did send someone to inquire if the red pills I had taken before were of any use. How could I possibly remember? Hasn't he already bestowed ample medicinal pills upon me? I believe Abbot Chong Xiao is simply devising new tricks to coax the emperor into funding him."

Yuan Zhen chuckled softly. "Empress, in Father's heart, there are only two things that matter: immortality and the throne. No one can lay a finger on the throne, and no one can stand in his way to immortality. Think carefully, he suddenly wants to give the Crown Prince a concubine. It's certainly not to show off to Yi Yang. There must be something about the Crown Prince not taking a wife that's bothering him."

Luo Empress felt somewhat bewildered by his words, but Yuan Zhen had long lost all hope. The emperor's blatant favoritism towards his two young brothers during yesterday's palace banquet made it crystal clear to him where he stood. He, an abandoned prince, was even worse off than the imprisoned Crown Prince, who at least could still handle state affairs.

What about himself? He was just an unwanted pawn, not even worth mating with a decent female hog!

He laughed again and rose to his feet. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first. Staying in the palace too long might arouse Father's suspicions. Nowadays, as long as I indulge in debauchery every day, Father will be pleased. As for the imperial grandchildren, they don't matter much to Father. If he can become immortal, the Crown Prince will still succeed him. If not, then we, the elder princes, are all unfortunate obstacles, regardless of how hard we try."

With that, he turned and strode away, head held high.

Empress Lao's brows furrowed as she exclaimed in anger, "Rebellious child! How dare he!"

Yuan Yixue, however, softly consoled her, "Your Majesty, there's no need to be upset. Second Brother was just under the influence of alcohol. When he sobers up, he'll surely regret his words and come to apologize to you." In her heart, she knew that Second Brother's insightful observation held some truth, while only their mother remained stubbornly unaware.

Empress Lao, still somewhat irked, whispered, "Isn't it all for your sakes? Your Second Brother is indeed no longer reliable; now it all depends on your younger brother... Suddenly, the Emperor wants me to find a concubine for the Crown Prince, but who knows what other intentions he might have."

Yuan Yixue responded softly, "Even if a royal grandchild were born, they would be too young. Perhaps, as Second Brother suggested, the Emperor worries that the Crown Prince has not been close to any women, which might be causing an issue. Mother, please rest assured. Since Father Emperor has commanded it and said that family background is unimportant, any virtuous maiden would suffice and pose no real threat to us."

Empress Lao expressed her regret, "He specifically mentioned that she must be exceptionally beautiful. Unfortunately, Rong Bi, whom I had chosen previously, was truly stunning, but she proved useless. Well, we can only start looking around first. Let's see if there are any modest and graceful young ladies from humble backgrounds suitable to become a concubine for the Crown Prince. I doubt he will be interested, given how wary he is of us..."

Yuan Yixue observed her mother's preoccupation and finally couldn't help asking, "Mother... after the New Year, I've grown another year older..."

Empress Luo looked at her blankly. "Yes, but your new clothes are too small? I'll ask the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau to make you a few more outfits."

With great reluctance, Yuan Yixue asked, "Has Mother given any thought to my future marriage?"

Empress Luo was surprised and studied Yuan Yixue carefully. Seeing her daughter's blushing cheeks, she felt a stir in her heart, but maintained a loving expression and asked, "Do you have someone you like?"

Yuan Yixue gritted her teeth. "Mother, I wish to marry Zheng Tanhua."

Empress Luo was taken aback. "Zheng Changyuan? Didn't his first wife pass away? If you marry him, you would be his second wife! Though it's not unheard of, you're still an untouched maiden, a precious and esteemed princess. Wouldn't people mock you if they knew? Besides, I've heard he's quite a ladies' man. He had some connection with your eldest sister before. How can you marry him? The court officials would surely laugh at you for taking your sister's leftovers."

Seeing that her mother was still solely concerned with appearances, Yuan Yixue felt frustrated but tried to patiently explain and persuade her. "He didn't have an improper relationship with Eldest Sister. Mother knew this too. Back then, it was just to dispel the rumors about her and the Crown Prince of Duke Ding. Zheng Tanhua is both talented and handsome, and his family is far in the south. Being alone in the capital, he wouldn't need to deal with his in-laws, and his temperament is good. His family is wealthy, and I could assist Mother and my brother with their needs."

Empress Luo shook her head. "No, he might favor Yuan Yiqing. He won't be much help. You'd just be giving away a legitimate princess for nothing. It's better with the Crown Prince of Duke Ding; he comes from a military family, after all. But his reputation isn't great, and your father is wary of him. I'm still looking among the military aristocrats for you. Don't worry, I must find a match that will be beneficial."

She pondered further, dismissing the idea. "Zheng Changyuan is cunning and not a suitable match. He's just a scholar, so of little use to you. You wouldn't be able to control him. With your father being cautious around us, it's difficult to find a military family. Ordinary families aren't worthy of you, and you're still young. There's no rush. Let's wait a few more years until your father relaxes his vigilance. Then, I'll plan your marriage."

Yuan Yixue realized her mother remained stubborn, caring more about her brothers' futures than her own happiness. In the past, she had been sent for an arranged marriage to benefit her elder brother, and now her mother was planning another match for the sake of her younger brother. Her heart turned cold.

Her own lifelong happiness, in the eyes of Empress Luo, ultimately paled in comparison to that supreme throne.

Seeing Yuan Yixue's dejected expression, Empress Luo consoled her with a few kind words and cajoled her into searching for a virtuous and beautiful young maiden from a humble background. Only then did she dismiss Yuan Yixue from the palace.

Exiting the palace, Yuan Yixue was filled with despair. At this moment, she understood her second brother's helplessness. How could she allow her own happiness to be used once more as a pawn in her mother's power struggles? She had been fortunate enough to escape marrying Prince Jingbei previously, but who knew if she would be so lucky the next time around?

Using the pretense of visiting her elder brother and sister-in-law to celebrate the New Year, she left the palace in a carriage, her mind preoccupied. Suddenly, she remembered that her third brother, known for his charm, had a good rapport with Zheng Tanhua. Perhaps she could seek him out and have the chance to meet and discuss matters further.

Deciding on this course of action, she instructed the carriage to change direction and head towards Third Prince Yuan Ya's residence.