Chapter 105 – Arranging Marriage for the Third Prince

Chapter 105 - Arranging Marriage for the Third Prince

"I knew it, Your Majesty is always the wisest," Empress Concubine Qiu caressed the Emperor's hair.

The Emperor couldn't help but feel a wave of affection. Due to his health, he hadn't spent intimate moments with the Empress Concubine for quite some time, and now he was eager to do so. However, just as he was about to make a move, a thought crossed his mind, "Were the two women Wei'er invited to her palace today the former daughters-in-law of the Xie family?"

Empress Concubine Qiu nodded gently, "Indeed, it's them. I wonder when Miss Su became so close to them. I've never heard of such a relationship before."

She didn't associate this with Xie Yuan, after all, he was just a lowly slave. Even if Su Youyue had lost her senses, she wouldn't go to such lengths for a disliked slave.

The Emperor frowned, finally recalling that there seemed to be a shadow of Xie Yuan around Miss Su earlier that day, "Wei'er was being reckless, sending Xie Yuan out of the palace. I was planning to find an excuse to deal with him sooner rather than later, to eliminate a potential threat."

"Your Majesty, Wei'er actually intended to bring Xie Yuan back to the palace today. Who would have thought that Miss Su would be so mad, daring to kill within the palace grounds? That's why things were delayed...

Moreover, Your Majesty need not worry. Xie Yuan is not like his two elder brothers, capable and competent. He's too emotional and impulsive; how could he achieve great things?"

Empress Concubine Qiu had always been confident in her intelligence and abilities, which made her look down on those who were less accomplished or of lower status than herself. However, when it came to the Xie brothers, her tone was more approving than critical.

Indeed, those two individuals back then were exceptionally talented. Xie Yu was proficient in literature, composing poems at the age of three and mastering the art of eloquence by seven. He distinguished himself with remarkable literary prowess, eventually becoming the top scholar in the imperial examinations. In the court, he often quoted ancient texts to engage in debates with the scholars, leaving them speechless with his wit and sometimes turning their faces red with frustration.

Though Xie Chuan was not as eloquent as his elder brother, his tangible accomplishments were the envy of officials. When floods struck southern Jiangnan, he personally went there and managed to restore order and soothe the agitated public within a month. During the locust plague in Huzhou, he led a team into the fields to develop methods for pest control, saving a substantial amount of grain...

Such accomplishments were numerous, and both had carved out their own realms in the court through genuine talent and effort, not at all reliant on the shadow of their forefathers, as some outsiders might have rumored.

The third son of the Xie family was skilled in martial arts, but in this dynasty, scholarship was esteemed over military prowess, hence his reputation paled in comparison to his two elder brothers. Moreover, he was known for being impulsive, having once forsaken a crucial opportunity to be the top hunter during a winter hunt, all for a companion with whom he didn't share a deep bond.

It was then that the Emperor deemed him emotionally impulsive and unfit for important tasks.

Given that the Xie family, though loyal in the court, were essentially isolated and served as a blade in the Emperor's hand, executing covert and bloody tasks that could not be done openly.

House seizures, executions, and torture all required a scapegoat to bear the infamy. Thus, it was predetermined that the Xie family could never afford to act on sentimentality.

Now that the imperial power is consolidated, no longer resembling the tumultuous times when the Emperor seized the throne, he needs the reputation of benevolence. Naturally, with the rabbits dead, the hunting dog is cooked; he shifts the blame for his past ruthless tactics onto Xie Changlou, the "traitorous minister" who already bears a heavy burden of vilification.

But those cunning elders in the court are not as naive as the common folk. Could they truly believe Xie Changlou to be an utterly treacherous minister? Witnessing their supported sovereign's ruthlessness, wouldn't their hearts turn cold?

That's why the Emperor spared Xie Yuan's life, to display his mercy.

However, Concubine Qiu was well aware of the man she had served for twenty years. He was fickle and ungrateful; sparing Xie Yuan's life wasn't out of mercy but a plan to quietly eliminate him once the uproar subsided. Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed others to humiliate Xie Yuan.

Servicing this heartless man, Concubine Qiu knew that she must constantly please him and maintain his image, acting demurely at all times. For if she ever truly enraged him, regardless of twenty, fifty, or even sixty years of companionship, he would show no mercy...

"Your Majesty, Xie Yuan is nothing but a coward. He kowtows before Miss Su, how much more so in Your Majesty's presence? He must be too frightened by your authority to speak," she said softly.

"Once two days have passed, Wei'er will bring him back to the palace. If he dares to defy me, I'll take his life!"

The emperor felt instantly relieved upon hearing this. Although he desired Xie Yuan's death, he wouldn't do it himself to maintain his image of benevolence.

Pleased, the emperor embraced his beloved concubine. "That boy is indeed insignificant, timid and lacking his father's charisma. My dear, let's discuss Lu'er's marriage..."

As he spoke, he drew Concubine Qiu towards the bed.

Regarding the incident where Miss Su killed someone in the palace, he made no mention of it. It was merely a servant's life, easily dismissed. Thus, their playful laughter and amorous activities continued.

Outside, the palace attendants, accustomed to such sounds, knew that whenever the emperor was angered, a visit to Concubine Qiu always calmed him down within an incense stick's time. This was why Concubine Qiu had been the sole recipient of imperial favor for so long.

Yet, who dared to comment? Not only would it displease the Emperor, but it might also incur the wrath of the future Emperor, the Second Prince.

After their intimate encounter, the Emperor's face bore a deep sense of satisfaction, but his body seemed significantly weaker. He leaned half-against the bed: "Since Lu'er likes that little lucky star, I'll issue an edict to grant her to him. May Lu'er enjoy blessings all his life..."

Empress Concubine Qi's heart bloomed with joy. Though she had been eager to marry her younger son to the fortunate girl, the final decision still lay with the Emperor. Many families in the capital were vying for Miss Su, and she genuinely feared that someone else might snatch her away before the Emperor gave his approval.

Now that Su Qian's marriage was settled, she leaned against him coquettishly: "I knew that His Majesty loves me, Lu'er, and Wei'er the most."

Feeling her delicate hand caressing him, the Emperor found himself lacking the energy to respond. He coughed and gently pushed her hand away: "I have state affairs to attend to..."

A hint of disappointment flickered in Empress Concubine Qi's eyes, but she quickly concealed it behind a bright smile. She called for her attendants as they left the room, waiting until the Emperor had departed before summoning her personal maid, Wanqiu: "Go invite Lord Li and Lord Zhang from the Princess's residence to join me in tasting this new tea."

Wanqiu instantly understood and returned a knowing smile: "Yes, Your Highness."

As Wanqiu left, another maid couldn't resist offering her congratulations: "Congratulations, Your Highness. Your wish has come true. The Third Prince will surely be delighted."

Empress Concubine Qi playfully brushed her hair aside: "That little wench really angered Lu'er and Wei'er today. Later, you should tell them that their father has allowed them to go out freely. Have them bring some tonics and visit Miss Su. Explain that this is my way of showing care for Miss Su."

The palace maid swiftly obeyed and left. Before long, Qiugui reappeared in the Chao Lu Palace, accompanied by two eunuchs in their attire.

Upon observing their handsome, effeminate features and youthful figures, Empress Concubine Qiu's lips curled into a smile.