Chapter 134: Daily Life in the Palace (3)

Chapter 134: Daily Life in the Palace (3)

The first night in the palace passed quietly. The next day, Lin Yingxue went to the Empress Dowager’s palace early to pay her respects.

Since it was early, she did not bring the young imperial grandson with her but went to the Empress Dowager’s palace alone.

As the Empress had predicted the previous day, the Empress Dowager said she had done the right thing, incessantly saying that the child didn’t need to wake up so early and that there was nothing much to see here, so there was no need to bring the child in the future.

He Lanting said with a smile, "Mother, you are truly considerate. Yesterday was too bustling, and I didn't get a clear look at the young imperial grandson. I hope one day, Crown Princess, you can visit my residence with the child. I have always longed for a child, but unfortunately, my belly is not cooperating."

Before Lin Yingxue could respond, the Empress Dowager immediately dismissed her.

"It’s better for the Crown Princess to take the little imperial grandson to the Empress’s place. The Crown Prince was lost at a young age, and I’m sure the Empress would love to see the little imperial grandson, to witness the Crown Prince's childhood again."

With the Empress Dowager having provided a way out, Empress Jian Yunyao naturally took the opportunity to agree.

Dabbing at her handkerchief as if wiping away non-existent tears, the Empress said, "When the Crown Princess sat with me yesterday, I held the child and did not want to let go. If it weren’t for not wanting to separate the mother from the child, I would have taken the child under my care."

"Concubine Chen, don’t try to take this child from me. If you like children, I remember there’s also a child in the Weiwu Marquis Mansion. Why not bring the child to the palace for a visit?"

Jian Yunyao said with a faint smile, referring to the child born to Lin Baozhen.

Concubine Chen’s face stiffened. Her support came from the Weiwu Marquis Mansion, and to maintain a closer relationship with her cousin Xie Yuan, it was sometimes necessary for Lin Baozhen to bring the child for visits to the palace.

However, Concubine Chen did not like Lin Baozhen, and unless it was an urgent matter requiring Xie Yuan’s help, she would avoid summoning Lin Baozhen to the palace whenever possible.

Now that the Empress had the Crown Prince, she revealed her sharpness, directly striking Concubine Chen.

Concubine Chen actually had a genuine desire to see Zhao Youhong, and she missed her Jier. Unfortunately, she and the Crown Prince were destined to be opposed, and her request to see the child was firmly rejected.

Looking at Lin Yingxue, Concubine Chen felt that this extraordinarily beautiful Crown Princess was far luckier than she was.

Lin Yingxue married the Crown Prince as his legitimate wife without any obstacles, gave birth to a son, and is protected by both the Empress and the Empress Dowager.

Unlike herself, He Lanting felt that her path had been difficult, and she wondered why the heavens haven’t favored her and granted her wishes.

The Empress Dowager, who was already impatient with these people sitting in her residence, allowed them to stay for only a short while before declaring that there was no need to come for morning greetings in the future, with the next visit set for a month later.

Lin Yingxue returned to check if Hong’er had woken up, and once he did, she carried the child to Luanfeng Palace.

Jian Yunyao changed into some lightweight and comfortable clothes and patiently coaxed the child to lie on the soft mat and lift his head.

"Well done!" Seeing that Hong'er managed to hold his head up a bit longer, Jian Yunyao didn't spare her praise. She carefully turned the child over, allowing him to rest, and the next session would only occur after half an hour.

Jian Yunyao asked Lin Yingxue about their time in the Wei Lin mansion. Lin Yingxue recounted everything she knew in detail.

Lin Yingxue had originally thought that it would take some time for her to adapt to life in the palace. However, with the Empress and Fu Bin around, aside from not being able to visit other households freely, life wasn't much different from before.

Lin Yingxue focused most of her attention on taking care of the child. At first, the baby could only open his eyes and wave his little hands, but gradually, he learned to lift his head and roll over.

The little child grew and changed every day, filling the Eastern Palace and Phoenix Palace with laughter and joy.

Children represented hope, and even small milestones brought immense joy.

·

As for Zhao Jiaze, Emperor Chengde instructed him to join the other young princes in attending the Imperial Academy.

Being the Crown Prince didn't exempt Zhao Jiaze from following the same educational regimen as the other princes.

And so, Zhao Jiaze took a seat at the back, while the younger princes in front either practiced writing characters or read aloud.

Zhao Jiaze sat there, calmly practiced calligraphy, treating it as a form of self-cultivation, while the officials in charge of teaching felt rather perplexed, not understanding why the Emperor had made such an arrangement.

However, this routine didn't last long. On the third day of Zhao Jiaze's attendance at the Imperial Academy, an unexpected visitor requested a meeting with the Emperor.

The former emperor's old tutor, supported by a dragon-head cane, entered the Imperial Study to meet Emperor Chengde.

He presented the imperial-bestowed dragon-head cane and made only one request—to mentor the Crown Prince.

"Though my hair has turned completely white, I have been maintaining my health in Jiangnan, practicing the Eight Pieces of Brocade every day. My body remains strong, and my mind is clear. I humbly request Your Majesty to permit me to mentor the Crown Prince."

The old tutor, Mi, had hair and a beard as white as snow. He had been residing in Jiangnan, but upon hearing the news of the Crown Prince's appointment and knowing that the Crown Prince was the top scholar from two years ago, he could no longer stay still.

Mi had previously read Zhao Jiaze's essays, and the sharpness in his writing left a profound impression on him. Usually, top scholars typically remained in the Hanlin Academy, but Zhao Jiaze had chosen to serve as a county magistrate in a small county. Mi had even gone out of his way to inquire about how Zhao Jiaze performed in his official duties.

Zhao Jiaze excelled in his role, capable of uncovering hidden secrets from minor details without becoming bogged down by them. He understood the importance of focusing on the bigger picture while letting go of minor issues.

Mi was deeply moved, thinking that it was no wonder Zhao Jiaze, despite his association with despicable eunuchs, was still acknowledged by Pei Jin as his disciple. Pei Jin’s discernment was indeed excellent.

For over two years, Mi Taifu had been quietly following Zhao Jiaze and was fully aware of his talents. Now that he knew the official he held in high esteem was actually the Crown Prince, he could no longer hold back and headed to the capital.

If Emperor Chengde had allowed the Crown Prince to attend court, or if a Tai Fu for the Crown Prince had been appointed, Grandmaster Jian would not have gone to visit this old friend. He truly felt distressed for Zhao Jiaze.

"Do not worry," Mi Taifu said to Grandmaster Jian, "I returned to the capital specifically for his sake."

Even if Grandmaster Jian hadn't come, Mi Taifu had always been concerned for the Crown Prince. He could not stand idly by and watch the Crown Prince being mistreated by Emperor Chengde. An official of such quality was the heir apparent, an omen of Heaven’s favor for the Great Qi, and he could not let Emperor Chengde continue mistreating the Crown Prince.

Thus, three days later, on a propitious day, Mi Taifu went to the palace to meet the Emperor.

Mi Taifu, a man who had served through two reigns, was especially revered during the time of the previous Emperor. What could Emperor Chengde do? He had no choice but to entrust Zhao Jiaze's education to Mi Taifu.

Because of this, He Lanting clenched her teeth in frustration. The Empress Dowager had clearly begun to show favor to the Crown Prince's side, and now there was Mi Taifu...

"Mi Taifu is quite old, don't let him overexert himself," He Lanting reminded the Emperor, "In due time, please appoint another Tai Fu for the Crown Prince."

Emperor Chengde’s eye twitched as he thought of Mi Taifu performing the Eight Pieces of Brocade in his study.

"Forget it, Mi Taifu was once heavily relied upon by the late Emperor. If he wishes to teach the Crown Prince, so be it."

For the first month, Mi Taifu visited the palace daily. After a full month, Mi Taifu brought the Crown Prince to see the Emperor.

Zhao Jiaze bowed and said, "Mi Taifu's health is not good. If Your Majesty permits, I request to leave the palace daily to study under the Tai Fu outside the palace."

Mi Taifu, with a look of shame, said, "This old body of mine is not strong enough. I wanted to teach the Crown Prince more, as he has not been in the capital for many years. I planned to enter the palace early each day, but the frosty autumn cold caused me to catch a chill in my back."