Chapter 96: The Right Moment

Chapter 96: The Right Moment

"On the eighteenth day of the third month, the Crown Prince rises at dawn, practices Baduanjin, and meditates briefly before attending to state affairs. At noon, he dines with Rong Liangdi in the pavilion by the water, playing the zither and teaching her to play. After their afternoon rest, they pick melons and beans together in the vegetable garden. Rong Liangdi personally prepares the evening meal, and after dinner, the Crown Prince and Rong Liangdi stroll along the lotus pond in Han Palace, then retire for the night with Rong Liangdi attending to him."

"On the nineteenth day of the third month, the Crown Prince follows his routine, practicing Baduanjin, meditating, and handling official documents. At noon, he orders Commander Shen to lead the guards and eunuchs to climb trees to gather blossoms from the locust and elm trees, which are then handed to Rong Liangdi. She prepares steamed elm bud buns and steamed bread with locust flowers. They host a banquet in the pavilion, sharing the delicacies with the guards, eunuchs, and palace attendants. The Crown Prince continues to play the zither, tutoring Rong Liangdi. Their afternoon rest proceeds as usual. For the evening meal, Rong Liangdi prepares the food, and afterwards, they leisurely walk together. The Crown Prince teaches Rong Liangdi how to play chess. After bathing, they go to bed, with Rong Liangdi by his side."

"On the twentieth day of the third month... the Crown Prince and Rong Liangdi admire the magnolias, engaging in a game of chess under the flowers."

"On the twenty-first day of the third month... the Crown Prince and Rong Liangdi fish by the lotus pond. Rong Liangdi prepares a fish dish for the Crown Prince."

"On the twenty-second day of the third month... The Crown Prince and Lady Rong planted melons together. The Crown Prince personally harvested spring chives, and Lady Rong prepared chive pockets for him to enjoy."

"On the twenty-third day of the third month... The Crown Prince and Lady Rong played cuju under a tree, facing each other."

"On the twenty-fourth day of the third month... Lady Rong made purple wisteria pastries and distributed them to the servants."

For several consecutive days, Yuan Zixu was left speechless upon reading the reports submitted by Yu Huan, the Deputy Commander of the Qinghou Guards.

Almost every day, the Crown Prince spent his time with Lady Liangdi, engaging in various activities such as playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, or even styling her hair and adorning it with flowers and gold leaf. He also personally commissioned the Department of Internal Affairs to create spring robes for Lady Liangdi, design jewelry, and purchase the latest cosmetic powders.

For the first few days, he would see the Crown Prince meditating, but gradually, he woke up later and later. Although he still had to review official documents, the Crown Prince had abandoned his meditation practice.

Yuan Zixu set aside the documents and gazed out the window at the gentle east wind, chirping birds, and the blooming magnolias, apricots, cherries, peaches, and pear blossoms that filled the branches with their sweet fragrance. The Crown Prince had always been handsome, and indeed, this was the best time to admire the flowers in the palace gardens. Even Empress Lao had hosted several flower-appreciation banquets in a row.

Contemplating for a moment, Yuan Zixu summoned Empress Lao. She arrived, elegantly dressed and smiling as she bowed. "Your Majesty, your radiance has increased, and you seem to have an otherworldly aura. Have your spiritual practices been successful?"

Yuan Zixu's face flushed with pride; he had indeed ventured into transcendent realms several times recently, even catching a glimpse of the grandeur of the celestial palace. Recalling the young and beautiful Empress Shen during his trances, he found Empress Lao less appealing. He said, "These days, the Crown Prince and Rong Liangdi have grown very close. You've done well in this matter. Also, it's time to start considering matches for Princes Third and Fourth."

Empress Lao hurriedly smiled. "I've already started looking, Your Majesty. I've organized flower appreciation gatherings in the palace, specifically inviting ladies from noble families to bring their unmarried daughters... But... for Prince Third, it might be better for the Empress to make the decision."

Yuan Zixu dismissed her concern and casually asked, "You can discuss it with her. Does she have anyone in mind?"

Empress Lao's expression conveyed her mixed feelings, but she continued, "Your Majesty could summon your sister, the Empress, and ask her. She wouldn't confide such matters in me."

Yuan Zixu coldly harrumphed. "Speak openly. If she has someone in mind, let her decide."

Empress Lao chuckled softly. "I actually think it's not quite appropriate. If the Emperor is displeased, don't blame me for speaking up. During my flower appreciation banquet, the Empress favored two young ladies: one was the legitimate daughter of Marquis Cheng'en's family, and the other was a girl from Duke Song's household. She showered them with gifts."

Yuan Zixu frowned slightly. "Duke Song has a daughter?"

Empress Lao gave a slight smile. "She's just a concubine's daughter, still young at heart. She's only just reached the age of maturity this year, yet she's quite sought after. After all, the Duke of Song's household is not like others. Let alone other matters, didn't the Eldest Princess send her trusted aide all the way back here, specifically to present gifts to the Duke's residence?"

Yuan Zixu's brow furrowed slightly. Empress Lao chuckled and said, "Forget about a concubine's daughter; even the second son of the Song family is now the focus of many high-ranking families seeking an alliance."

Smiling gently, she continued, "But the Song family has already married into the royal family before, and now their daughter is marrying an imperial prince. This servant thinks that His Majesty has shown them more than enough favor. With so many noble ladies and maidens watching at the Flower Appreciation Banquet, it might provoke speculation among the capital's elite."

Yuan Zixu's expression was inscrutable. "It's only a matter of granting some gifts. Yuan Ya is known for his wayward ways, and the Duke's residence is strict in upbringing. If their daughter were to marry him, I'd be afraid she would be demeaned. Then, I would have wronged Duke Song."

Empress Lao smiled slightly. Yuan Zixu, however, changed the subject. "I haven't seen Xiao Xue in quite some time. It's high time we started considering her marriage. Do you have any plans in mind?"

Empress Lao was genuinely surprised by Yuan Zixu's sudden interest in their children's marriages. In the past, he had been solely devoted to his spiritual cultivation. Nevertheless, she smiled and said, "Yixue has been spoiled since childhood and can be a bit willful. I worry that if she were to marry into a prominent family, she might not be able to control her temper, thus bringing disgrace to Your Majesty. After much contemplation, I've been considering seeking Your Majesty's favor. My younger brother's son, Luo Tai, is Yixue's cousin through my family. It would strengthen the familial bond, and as it's also my own family, I doubt she would suffer any injustice."

Yuan Zixu merely wished for his children to be betrothed as soon as possible, lest another with a divine connection should appear and dilute his own. He said nonchalantly, "It's fine if you find someone suitable, even from the Imperial Uncle's family. However, I doubt Yi Xue would comply. I recall Luo Tai being quite weak-willed; I wonder if he has improved at all."

Empress Lao chuckled. "His Majesty still remembers? That was when you saw him at the age of ten. Back then, he was young and intimidated by your imperial might, so he appeared weak. Now that he's grown up, he's become a refined gentleman. His temperament might be gentle, but looking at Princess Yixue, whose temper is more resilient, doesn't it suit your preferences? However, this concubine also finds Lord Lao Tai's position a bit low, not befitting for an arranged marriage. If Your Majesty has the opportunity, it would be appreciated if you could grant him a position in the Imperial Guard to toughen him up. After all, Yixue is still young, and this concubine cannot bear to send her away just yet."

Yuan Zixu observed her genuine concern for her daughter and deemed her request reasonable. For high-born aristocrats, bestowing an empty title of a guard was merely for appearances, especially since the candidate was to be betrothed to a princess. Moreover, selecting a mild-mannered and submissive prince consort was undoubtedly out of worry that her daughter might suffer in the future.

In contrast, the Imperial Concubine was intent on marrying her wayward and debauched son to the daughter of a high-ranking military official, or even to the Empress Shen's niece. Such intentions could not help but arouse his displeasure.

But he had always been a man of depth, and simply said, "It's not a major issue. Assign him to the Zhu Zhiwei as a commander of the imperial guards. Let him gain some experience. Daughters grow up and can't be held back forever; trying to keep them only breeds resentment. It's best to settle things sooner rather than later."

Empress Lao smiled gently. "With Your Majesty's reassurance, this concubine is at ease."

After exchanging more casual conversation, she noticed the hint of fatigue on Yuan Zixu's face and promptly took her leave, asking, "Is there anything else Your Majesty wishes to instruct?"

Yuan Zixu glanced at the time, knowing he needed to resume his meditation practice. He replied, "That's all for now. Seeing how affectionate the Crown Prince and Liangdi are, I suspect we'll have joyful news soon. Instruct the Palace Ladies' Bureau to start selecting healthy wet nurses in preparation."

Empress Lao's heart trembled slightly. She couldn't help feeling annoyed, thinking about her second son who still hadn't sent any news. Nevertheless, she maintained her composure and said, "As you wish."

Empress Lao bid her farewell and left with a sense of satisfaction, having sowed seeds of discord among Duke Song and the imperial concubine. She then called her daughter over. "In a few days, I'll have Lao Tai accompany you to burn incense."

Yuan Yixue frowned. "Lao Tai is as weak and slow as a snail. I won't marry him!"

Empress Lao replied, "Who asked you to marry him? It's just for your father, the emperor, to see. Once the matter with Duke Song is settled, you can argue with Lao Tai. Then, I'll speak up and find you another worthy groom."

Yuan Yixue argued, "If I go out with him now, my reputation will be ruined. How can I marry a fine man?"

Empress Lao spoke coldly, "Your eldest sister's reputation was no better, but she still managed to win the Jingbei Prince's heart. You're a princess. What fear do you have of gossip?"

Yuan Yixue was at a loss for words, but Empress Luo softly continued, "Bear with it for now. I've taken an interest in Yu Huan, the deputy commander of the Qinghou Guards. You should also pay attention to him. He's highly regarded by your father and is currently the most likely candidate to become the commander."

Yuan Yixue struggled to recall who Yu Huan was. "Aren't the Qinghou Guards chosen from outside? I remember many of them coming from humble backgrounds, unlike the other three guards who mostly consist of noble sons."

Empress Luo replied, "Those who rise from the mud are the ones with true potential. What do you know? You're only fixated on Zheng Tanhua's looks. How useful is that?"

Feeling annoyed, Yuan Yixue understood her mother's intention to gain influence over her father's trusted guards, but she was also wary of provoking her father's suspicion. With her usual wayward behavior, if anything were to happen, her father would likely attribute it to her choice rather than her mother's manipulation.

But how easily could her father be deceived?

Yuan Yixue didn't argue, instead responding obediently, "If Mother thinks it's a good idea, then I'll take a look."

Relieved by her daughter's compliance, Empress Luo proudly announced, "In a couple of days, your uncle will impeach Duke Song. Just wait and see."

=====

Sure enough, two days later, Lord Lu presented a case against Duke Song, accusing him of embezzling military funds and causing shortages in provisions. He was also alleged to have formed factions within the army for personal gain.

The emperor didn't comment directly, neither approving nor disapproving. Instead, he offered some comfort to Duke Song. But a few days later, the Ministry of War issued an edict. Duke Song was relieved of his command in the capital's garrison and appointed as the governor of the southwest, overseeing military affairs in four provinces, controlling all garrisons, and managing supplies. He was immediately required to hand over his duties and set off for his new post.

Meanwhile, at the Marquis Cheng'en's residence, Lord Shen met with the prince once again, who had secretly left the palace in the afternoon.

Yuan Jun spent each day enjoying lunch, playing the zither, and playing chess with Rong Bi at the waterside pavilion. The Qinghou Guards had long grown accustomed to the routine of the Crown Prince and Rong Liangdi, and during the prince's midday rest, they too would unwind, indulging in the delightful dishes prepared by the palace attendants under Rong Liangdi's supervision, as a gift from the prince himself.

On this day, Yuan Jun once more slipped out of the palace through a secret passage to meet Lord Shen Hou.

Marquis Cheng'en paid his respects with great ceremony, but Yuan Jun gently helped him up, whispering, "Has there been any word from Elder Sister?"

Marquis Cheng'en replied, "Everything is proceeding according to Your Highness's instructions. We've arranged for people to enter the capital in batches through the escort agency. The Rong siblings have indeed drawn Empress Luhou's attention, allowing me some leeway to maneuver. Unfortunately, Miss Rong was suddenly summoned into the palace by Empress Luhou, which was unforeseen. I'm aware that an imperial edict has already been issued, and there's no changing it now."

Yuan Jun declared, "In the future, I will make amends to the Rong family. Bring me the latest court bulletins from the capital, and keep me informed of any incidents."

Marquis Cheng'en said, "The Duke of Song has unexpectedly been stripped of his position as commander of the Imperial Guards. For now, the guards are temporarily under the command of Li Zhangliang from the Five Cities Military Commission. He's from the Luo family. This change in leadership at such a time is unfavorable for our future plans. I've investigated, and it seems to be the work of Empress Luo. Lord Lu himself took part in the move."

Yuan Jun frowned, then thought for a moment. "I have a plan. Let's expose the matter of the golden elixir."

Marquis Cheng'en was surprised. "So soon?"

Yuan Jun was resolute. "We can't delay. It's essential that the emperor and empress develop distrust for each other before we make our move."

He chuckled coldly. "The time has come."