Chapter 118: The Fifth Princess Consort

Chapter 118: The Fifth Princess Consort

The entire Guanjia family was delighted about An Qing's plan to take Buyantai out of the capital. Even Suochuoluo, who had previously been stubborn, couldn't help but smile.

However, as she smiled, her peripheral vision caught sight of her daughter, and a trace of worry flashed across her eyes.

Taking advantage of everyone's distraction, Suochuoluo pulled Guanjia into the room for a private conversation.

"Ruyue, did the Fifth Beile and the Fifth Princess Consort mention taking you along when they leave the capital?" Suochuoluo asked.

Guanjia wasn't foolish; she immediately understood her mother's implication. "The Princess Consort mentioned it, but I declined."

Suochuoluo was taken aback. "You declined? Why would you do that? Don't you know they'll be gone for a long time?"

Guanjia smiled, not beating around the bush. "Mother, I understand everything. But you must have heard some rumors too. The Beile only has eyes for the Princess Consort. My presence in his household is merely decorative. Whether I go or stay makes no difference."

Suochuoluo had indeed heard rumors about the Fifth Beile's exclusive affection for the Fifth Princess Consort, especially since he hadn't taken any new concubines in recent years. These rumors had spread widely outside the palace.

But she had never dared to ask her daughter, hoping that with only the Princess Consort and Ruyue in the household, even if Ruyue wasn't favored, she would still receive some attention over time, eventually bearing children and securing her position.

Hearing her daughter say she was merely decorative, Suochuoluo was at a loss. "The Fifth Beile is a prince. How could the Emperor and Concubine Yi be pleased with this?"

The imperial family always valued offspring, so there might still be a chance for change.

Guanjia shook her head. "Mother, think about it. Since the Princess Consort entered our household, no new women have been brought in. Without the Emperor and Concubine Yi's tacit approval, do you really think this could happen?"

Without going into details, the example of the Eighth Beile was clear enough. Despite the Eighth Princess Consort's reputation for jealousy, the Emperor still granted him concubines.

She didn't know the specifics, but she was certain that their situation had been acknowledged by the Emperor, Concubine Yi, and the Empress Dowager.

Thus, it was a settled matter, and Guanjia wanted her mother to accept reality sooner rather than later.

"What can we do then? You're still young, and this... this..." Suochuoluo looked panicked.

Guanjia gently patted her mother's hand. "Mother, I think things are fine as they are. As a concubine of the imperial family, apart from lacking favor, I am well-provided for. The Princess Consort is kind, and my life these past few years has been comfortable."

Despite this, Suochuoluo still felt uneasy. "But you don't have any children. This isn't a sustainable situation."

Guanjia was unperturbed. "Look around. Not just princes, but many noble families have women who are childless and unfavored. They still live well. At least I'm a concubine of the imperial family..."

She tried to reassure her mother, but Suochuoluo remained sorrowful. "It's all our fault."

She knew her daughter's character well. The Fifth Princess Consort had done them a favor, which might explain why her daughter didn't compete for favor.

Guanjia couldn't help but laugh. "Mother, you think too highly of me. I simply know my place."

She explained that since the Princess Consort entered the household, the Beile hadn't visited other quarters. She also briefly mentioned Liu Jiashi and Baijia Shi's failed attempts to gain favor, omitting the more sensitive details.

Suochuoluo was stunned by these revelations.

So, the Fifth Beile truly had eyes only for the Princess Consort.

"If I were a man, meeting someone like the Princess Consort, I wouldn't see anyone else either," Guanjia said.

Suochuoluo recalled her encounters with An Qing and her daughter's descriptions. She had to admit that An Qing was indeed an extraordinary woman. "It's fate. Well, well."

As long as her daughter was safe and content, that was what mattered most.

Guanjia smiled. "Mother, while the Princess Consort is away, she entrusted the management of the household to me."

Suochuoluo's face lit up with surprise. "Really?"

Guanjia nodded with a smile.

Suochuoluo finally smiled genuinely. Having something to do was better than being confined in the back quarters.

"The Princess Consort is a good person."

Guanjia understood her mother's sentiment. Yes, the Princess Consort was a rare good person, clear-minded and principled, seeking only peace of mind.

*

While Suochuoluo worried about her daughter, in the main courtyard of the Fifth Beile's residence, An Qing was concerned about Perilla and the other maids.

Since moving out of the palace, she had been pondering their future. Initially, she wanted them to find their own happiness, releasing them from servitude and providing a generous dowry.

But she soon realized that their social circle was too limited. None of them seemed interested in marriage, likely due to their restricted interactions.

In the past two years, she had been busy with agricultural schools in Royal Manor and various projects in the household, rarely socializing except with the Fourth and Ninth Princess Consorts, and occasional visits to the Eighth Princess and the Empress Dowager.

Thus, Perilla and the others' social circles were naturally narrow, centered entirely around her.

Perilla spoke first. "Mistress, I don't want to marry. I want to stay by your side and take care of you and Little Master."

Marriage meant leaving her mistress, which she didn't want.

Chunxiao quickly agreed. "I feel the same. What's so great about marriage compared to serving you?"

"Exactly, Mistress. You used to say that not marrying isn't a big deal. Why are you pushing us now?" Cui Liu complained, puzzled. "Is it because... mothers become like this after having children?"

An Qing couldn't help but sigh. She knew the girls were set in their ways and wouldn't be easily persuaded. She decided to revisit the topic later.

"For now, keep your eyes open. Don't miss opportunities like Mai Dong."

Turning to Mai Dong, she said, "Mai Dong, you'll stay behind. We won't be able to attend your wedding with Dr. Xiao Qi, but don't worry. I'll make sure everything is arranged properly."

Dr. Xiao Qi, full name Qi Chonglou, was the nephew of the Chief Physician Qi and had been responsible for An Qing's medical care during her pregnancy with Xiao Bao. During that time, Mai Dong often sought advice from him, leading to a growing affection between them.

An Qing was quite surprised when she first heard about this. After all, she never imagined that Mai Dong, the little stick-in-the-mud, would be the first among them to find her true love. She had always thought it would be Cui Liu, who is more outgoing.

However, from her observations, Doctor Xiao Qi seems to have a good character. He is clean-cut and comes from a respectable family. More importantly, he still does not have any concubines. For this reason alone, An Qing holds him in high regard.

Their wedding is set for the end of this year. With An Qing leaving, she might not make it back in time, but she will arrange everything beforehand. As the wedding approaches, Guoerjiashi will take over the preparations, and the ceremony can proceed from the Beile's residence.

On their wedding day, she plans to invite Princess Consort Nine or Princess Consort Four to send Mai Dong off. Mai Dong is one of her closest attendants, so she deserves a proper send-off. This way, no one in her new home will dare to look down on her.

An Qing thought everything was well-arranged, but unexpectedly, Mai Dong put down what she was doing and approached her with a serious expression. "Mistress, I want to go with you this time."

An Qing didn't think much of it, assuming Mai Dong was just reluctant to part ways. Smiling, she said, "Don't be silly. There are only a few months until the end of the year. Why would you come with me? You'd just have to rush back, which would be exhausting."

Mai Dong pursed her lips and replied, "I won't rush back; I'll stay by your side. You need someone skilled in medicine while traveling. How can we manage without me?"

When the princess bought her and sent her to serve the mistress, it was precisely because of her medical skills. She couldn't let her personal feelings jeopardize the mistress's safety.

An Qing patted her shoulder and joked, "Are you the only doctor in the world? Besides, your mistress is perfectly healthy. Don't worry."

Mai Dong persisted, "Mistress, you're an adult, so you're fine. But Little Master is still so young. If he gets sick during the journey, where will we find a doctor so quickly? I can't bear the thought."

An Qing: "…"

Alright, she admitted that since Xiao Bao was born, Perilla and the others' hearts have shifted entirely towards him. *sigh* She's no longer their most important mistress.

Because they now have a more important little master!

"What about Doctor Xiao Qi? Don't be unreasonable, girl. I'll ensure Guoerjiashi arranges everything properly." An Qing continued, "As for Xiao Bao, don't worry. There are plenty of people to take care of him. Nothing will happen."

However, Mai Dong's words did remind her that they should have a doctor in their travel party. It wasn't a big deal; she could ask Yinqi tomorrow if anyone in his entourage has medical skills.

If not, they could hire a skilled doctor to accompany them. Once they settle down, they could send the doctor back.

Mai Dong shook her head, "No need, Mistress. You don't have to worry about me anymore. I've already spoken to him."

An Qing was taken aback. What did she say? To whom?

Doctor Xiao Qi!

She suddenly had a bad feeling. "What did you tell him?"

Mai Dong lowered her eyes and whispered, "I told him to find someone else to marry."

An Qing: "!!!"

Isn't this breaking up?!

This girl…

Cui Liu and the others were equally shocked, clearly hearing this for the first time.

"How dare you! You didn't even consult us before making such a decision. You really… you…" An Qing was clearly angry, her words becoming incoherent.

Perilla reacted first and came over to pat An Qing's back. "Mistress, please don't be angry. Let's hear what Mai Dong has to say."

An Qing retorted, "What does she have to say? This is ridiculous. Marriages aren't games. Send someone to Doctor Xiao Qi's house and bring him here. I need to talk to both of them!"

An Qing knew Mai Dong's personality well. She must have heard about their departure and panicked. But there were solutions, why should she sacrifice her happiness?

Mai Dong hurriedly said, "Mistress, you don't need to call him. We've already…"

An Qing glared at her and interrupted, "Who's the mistress here, you or me?"

Mai Dong silently closed her mouth.

She knew her mistress usually had a good temper, but when truly angry, she could be terrifying. Sometimes, just a simple glance could chill one to the bone.

Just then, Little Xizi rushed in from outside. "Princess Consort, Doctor Xiao Qi is here to see you."

"Why is Doctor Xiao Qi here now? Shouldn't he be serving in the palace?" Cui Liu was surprised. "He… he wouldn't be here to…"

Realizing what she said, she covered her mouth instinctively.

But her words echoed everyone's thoughts. They had exchanged betrothal gifts and marriage documents. If something happened, there would indeed be a process for breaking the engagement.

Mai Dong kept her head down, seemingly agreeing with Cui Liu.

An Qing took a deep breath. Regardless, she needed to see him first. "Let him in."

Soon, Little Xizi led a tall, thin man into the room. Perhaps due to his years of studying medicine, he exuded a gentle scholar's demeanor.

Qi Zhonglou's gaze immediately fell on Mai Dong beside An Qing, but she kept her head down, giving no response.

An Qing observed his reaction as soon as he entered. Seeing his gaze toward Mai Dong, her heart suddenly calmed.

She had a feeling he wasn't here to break the engagement.

That's good. As long as it's not about breaking the engagement, there's still room for negotiation.

After bowing to An Qing, Qi Zhonglou got straight to the point. "Today, I came to request that the Princess Consort not cancel my engagement with Mai Dong. I have already…"

Mai Dong interrupted, "This has nothing to do with the Princess Consort. It's me…"

An Qing raised her hand to stop her. "Let Doctor Xiao Qi finish speaking."

Qi Zhonglou bowed again and continued, "I have already discussed this with my family. My uncle will petition the Emperor, and I will accompany the Princess Consort and Beile Yinqi out of the capital."

He looked at Mai Dong tenderly. "All the issues you mentioned have been resolved."

So, do we really need to separate?

Maigdong's eyes suddenly welled up with tears, and she abruptly turned around, saying, "You don't have to do this..."

An Qing watched the two of them quietly, feeling as if she had been fed a mouthful of dog food.

However, her impression of Qi Zhonglou improved considerably. Regardless of other things, his feelings for Maigdong were genuine, and he was also responsible, evident from his efforts to persuade his family before coming to declare his intentions.

But in matters of the heart, the most feared thing is this intense sense of sacrifice.

He was willing to give up everything in the Imperial City and his future at the Imperial Medical Institute; this sacrifice was too heavy, putting pressure on Maigdong as well.

"Do you think you can be certain that you won't regret following us out of the capital?" An Qing asked.

Qi Zhonglou lightly shook his head and said, "There's nothing to regret. I must confess, Your Ladyship, this is also my wish. Since childhood, I've wanted to travel around the country and not just stay in the Imperial City. It's just that there was no suitable reason before, and my family did not agree. If Your Ladyship and Beile agree this time, I would be immensely grateful."

An Qing met Qi Zhonglou's clear gaze and felt reassured that he was sincere. However, she did not give an immediate response but instead threw the question back to them.

"I cannot give you an answer yet. The matter between the two of you should be resolved by yourselves. Come back to me once you reach a conclusion."

With that, she waved her hand, signaling for Maigdong and Qi Zhonglou to go out and discuss it first.

Maigdong initially felt awkward but was pushed out by Cui Liu and Chunxiao. Seeing this, Qi Zhonglou hurriedly bowed to An Qing and followed after them.

An Qing watched their disappearing figures from afar and helplessly shook her head.

She couldn't rely solely on Qi Zhonglou's words and needed to send someone to inquire further from Master Qi. She would make a decision only after everything was clear.

The principle was to ensure that there would be no hidden dangers in Maigdong's married life.