Chapter 54 He Grew Up Overnight

Chapter 54 He Matured Overnight

The Empress Dowager was snacking on fresh fruits, attended by several imperial consorts.

The consorts quickly rose and bowed to the Jingxi Emperor, who waved his hand, signaling everyone to withdraw. They bowed and withdrew.

The Empress Dowager snapped irritably, "On such a festive occasion, I was enjoying the lively company, and you just had to come and chase them all away!"

It was like an eagle descending upon a flock of sparrows!

The Jingxi Emperor replied respectfully, "Mother, your son has come especially to accompany you on this festive day."

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon the half-embroidered Prince Mianyang embroidery on the table, and he smiled, "Has Mother almost finished the longevity tapestry?"

The Empress Dowager retorted, "The Emperor is swamped with state affairs—how could he have time to celebrate with me? Just speak plainly. What is it this time?"

The Jingxi Emperor lifted his robe and took a seat before saying, "Mother, nothing in the inner palace escapes your notice. But this time, your son has come to discuss De Ning's marriage."

Marriage?

At this, the Empress Dowager brightened immediately. As an elder, she naturally hoped for her descendants to marry early, establish families, and carry on the family line.

She had already reviewed several candidates, all to her satisfaction, though of course, the final decision rested with the Jingxi Emperor.

The Emperor listened attentively, analyzing the merits and drawbacks of each family in detail, which pleased the Empress Dowager.

She sighed, "You’re doing your duty as a father. At least you haven’t neglected this matter entirely."

Yet the Jingxi Emperor added, "But the child has only just had her hair-pinning ceremony. She’s still young, and your son thinks it best to keep her in the palace a while longer. Even as a royal daughter, once married, she’ll have to show deference to her husband's family and manage household affairs—her life won’t be as carefree as it is now."

The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement, "Yes, there’s some truth to that."

She remarked with satisfaction, "In the past, you were too busy with state affairs, and due to the division between inner palace and court, you were never close to De Ning. You rarely mentioned her marriage. But hearing you speak today, it seems you’ve given it some thought."

The Jingxi Emperor smiled, "Mother, your son has long had plans in mind. There’s one more matter I’d like to ask your opinion on."

The Empress Dowager said, "Speak freely."

The Jingxi Emperor continued, "Daughters must marry eventually, but De Ning’s temperament is too willful. Though she has been instructed by palace matrons, Lady Li’s meddling has always displeased me—Mother knows this."

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager recalled Consort Kang and felt displeased as well.

It must be understood that the Emperor, ruling over the realm, must maintain authority over court and ministers.

The Emperor’s majesty is the face of the imperial family, the foundation of court stability, and the reliance of all women in the inner palace.

Without the foundation, where will the fur cling? Thus, all imperial consorts, children, and even she, as the mother, must always prioritize this principle and never dare to offend it lightly.

But this Consort Kang—how utterly foolish! To undermine the Emperor’s dignity at such a grand banquet!

This was no mere inner-palace squabble. She had dragged the scheming of the inner palace into the open, flaunting it before court officials and letting the outer court and all ministers witness the spectacle.

The Jingxi Emperor, having ascended the throne young, had ruled with an iron fist. How could he, as Emperor, be openly challenged and controlled by a mere consort over a princess? Had he been weak and indecisive, he would never have secured his throne.

Moreover, while De Ning was Consort Kang’s only leverage, to the Emperor, he was first a ruler, then a father. Even if she were his only daughter, a princess of the inner palace was just one of many considerations.

If a daughter acted out stubbornly, a father preoccupied with state affairs might grow distant—that was the Emperor's right.

Thus, Consort Kang was a fool. She had thrown such a lavish hair-pinning ceremony, yet instead of warming the Emperor’s heart, she had only emboldened herself to overreach!

Now merely sending a female palace official to reprimand her is already doing Princess De Ning a favor, otherwise—

Facing the Empress Dowager's silence, the Jingxi Emperor naturally understood.

However, he didn’t wish to dwell on it and merely said indifferently, "Mother, all things are predestined. Your son has long accepted his lack of fortune with children. But as for this pair of children now, I have no intention of indulging them to the point of raising a spoiled and headstrong child."

This single statement made his stance abundantly clear.

As for the women in his harem, even if he no longer favored them, he would still provide for them, ensuring they lived comfortably without hardship, allowed to study and practice arts, and never mistreated.

But those who dared harbor ill intentions—he had never tolerated such.

The Empress Dowager sighed, troubled. "As for Li Shi, I will reprimand her myself. But De Ning..."

She felt a twinge of sadness. "In truth, it’s not impossible for De Ning to remain under my guidance. But after all, they are mother and daughter, and De Ning is grown now—she will still listen to her birth mother. Li Shi, discontent as she is, might say anything."

The Jingxi Emperor replied, "Mother, though it’s said an emperor’s daughter need not worry about marriage, our royal princesses cannot rely solely on power to attract suitors. To have it said that a spoiled, willful princess was pushed onto someone—it would shame our family."

Back when the incident of the Nanqiong peonies occurred, the Jingxi Emperor had immediately banned the use of fresh flowers upon hearing of it—partly for this reason.

Even a common townswoman like A Wu knew the reason. If such extravagance and arrogance spread widely, inviting censure, it might be recorded in history books or inspire some scholar to compose a line like, 'Nanqiong’s peonies fade, all for the golden branch’s feast,' ensuring eternal notoriety.

The Empress Dowager glanced at him. "Since you’ve spoken this plainly, just say it outright. No need to beat around the bush."

The Jingxi Emperor said, "In your son’s opinion, it would be best to take advantage of these two years before her marriage is settled. I propose inviting female scholars from the Imperial Academy to instruct De Ning, accompanied by tutors as study companions, to guide and mentor her diligently. This way, we may correct her behavior, and in the future, she will have a good reputation—to say that the princess studied at the Imperial Academy under renowned scholars... What does Mother think?"

Studying under renowned scholars...

The Empress Dowager’s lips twitched. Her granddaughter—learning from scholars?

But she said nothing, merely exchanging a knowing glance with her son. "Excellent. Let it be as the Emperor says."

No grandmother would ever prevent her granddaughter from studying under renowned scholars. With the Emperor’s words, the Empress Dowager resolved that, if necessary, she would haul her granddaughter to the Imperial Academy herself.

The Jingxi Emperor said, "In that case, your son will issue the order."

The two promptly discussed the matter, and the Jingxi Emperor summoned the Grand Secretary Eunuch to draft the edict on the spot.

The Empress Dowager was surprised. "This isn’t such a grand matter—no need for such formality."

After all, it was just a matter of the palace. A verbal order would suffice. Why such a fuss?

The Jingxi Emperor smiled. "Mother, for De Ning’s temperament, nothing but an imperial decree will be most effective. This also prevents you from relenting out of pity tomorrow and indulging her again."

Without further discussion, he had the edict drafted, swiftly engraved, and disseminated through the Grand Secretariat.

Thus, the decision was issued through the Grand Secretariat, leaving the inner court no chance to interfere.

Shortly after, the Jingxi Emperor took his leave. When Princess De Ning arrived, she was hit with shocking news: starting the next day, she was to attend the Imperial Academy daily at the hour of Chen, learning proper behavior under the guidance of female palace officials and remaining there a full ten hours before returning to the palace.

Ten hours! It was practically torture!

She let out a wail, "Grandmother, De Ning doesn’t want to—"

The Empress Dowager sighed. "Ah, my child, your grandmother isn’t happy about it either, but your father’s decree has already been issued..."

A decree?!

De Ning’s legs gave way, and she almost fainted on the spot.

How could His Majesty treat her like this!

**********

That evening, after the Jingxi Emperor left, Consort Hui had a good, private laugh for quite some time.

The Emperor had suddenly come to her quarters, lingering over two full cups of tea—all just to hear her talk about that young lady’s schooling.

In her memory, the Jingxi Emperor had always been unfathomable, radiating imperial majesty that made him hard to read.

But now, here he was, practically wrapped around her little finger, almost being led by this young noblewoman.

Thinking of this, she found it amusing but also saw an opportunity for herself.

At twenty-seven, she had reached the rank of Consort Hui and had accepted her lot, becoming resigned to her position. But given the chance, who wouldn’t want to advance just a little further?

She felt this was her golden opportunity—if she helped this Little Noble Lady well, her own future could be even brighter.

Why had such a stroke of luck fallen on her and no one else? Clearly, the Jingxi Emperor favored her, trusting her steadiness and good temperament.

So the next day, she went early to Langhua Hall and immediately noticed A Wu with reddened eyes, looking utterly dejected.

When A Wu saw her, she pursed her lips and averted her gaze.

Consort Hui smirked and said, "What’s this? Won’t even call me ‘sister’ today?"

A Wu had no choice but to mumble, "Sister."

Her voice was quiet and sulky.

Consort Hui nearly laughed aloud. She stepped closer to A Wu and gazed at her gently. "Noble Lady Ning, last night His Majesty came to my place. Guess what he said?"

A Wu: "What did he say?"

Consort Hui: "He said you aren’t applying yourself and lack ambition."

A Wu: "..."

Her face fell as she sighed helplessly, looking defeated.

Consort Hui: "Don’t dwell on it. Just focus on your studies. Otherwise, if you lose his favor someday, what will you do?"

With an amused expression, Consort Hui watched as A Wu wrinkled her brow in worry.

A Wu knew perfectly well that Consort Hui was teasing her—the Emperor wouldn’t just ignore her so easily.

But if he was upset and dead set on making her study, that was indeed a problem.

She mumbled, "Sister Sun, what should I do... Should I go beg him?"

Consort Hui handed A Wu her notes. "Here, take mine for now."

A Wu looked at the notes—scrolls of rice paper tied with red silk, covered in tiny, densely packed characters.

She quickly said, "Thank you, sister."

Consort Hui smiled warmly. "We’re sisters—no need to stand on ceremony. Go over these carefully, and after lunch, we’ll head to Jingyan Hall together."

A Wu nodded. "Mm!"

This time, Consort Hui had an agenda—she wanted to keep an eye on Princess De Ning. If she picked on anyone again, she’d make sure word got back.

But who would have thought that when they went to attend lectures that day, Princess De Ning was nowhere to be seen.

Upon closer inquiry, they learned that Princess De Ning had been sent away by an imperial decree, required to spend a full five hours daily at the Imperial Academy, attending lectures alongside female students, and was not allowed to return.

It was said that Princess De Ning had wailed and begged the Empress Dowager to no avail, then sought out her mother, Consort Kang. Encouraged by her, the princess rushed to Fengtian Hall to see the Jingxi Emperor.

However, the palace maintains strict separation between the inner and outer courts. Without an imperial summons, neither princesses, consorts, nor even the empress could freely enter Fengtian Hall. Thus, she was immediately stopped. Despite her tearful pleas to see the Jingxi Emperor, not a single response came from within. Instead, a female palace official was sent to escort her back, reprimanding and instructing her along the way.

In full public view, a princess of the nation had made a scene, failed to see her father, and was lectured by a female official—Princess De Ning completely lost face.

The emperor’s actions were ruthlessly rigid, showing no warmth beyond rules and laws, even to the only princess in the inner court.

The next day, palace eunuchs and female officials arrived to escort the princess to the Imperial Academy, their attitude firm—she was forced to comply.

No amount of tantrums could change the situation, and the princess had no choice but to go, albeit reluctantly.

This incident shocked all the consorts, and the Crown Princess was especially surprised that the emperor had taken such an unyielding position against Princess De Ning.

As they exchanged glances, they suddenly realized one thing—the emperor’s actions clearly held deeper meaning.

Consort Kang had provoked the emperor's wrath in that situation. Though he appeared to dismiss it lightly, simply having a female official reprimand her, in truth, he harbored deep displeasure toward Consort Kang, which would gradually manifest in the days to come.

Because Consort Kang relied on Princess De Ning, if the princess had shown understanding and admitted her mother’s wrongdoing, there might have been a chance for reconciliation. But instead, Princess De Ning became increasingly defiant, as if believing the emperor was wrong and her mother was right.

The Jingxi Emperor would naturally not tolerate this.

At this point, if Princess De Ning could heed the female official’s teachings and reform herself, things might still be salvageable—after all, she was the emperor’s only daughter.

But if she remained obstinate, in a couple of years, she would be married off with a generous dowry, and with no mother in the palace who could speak on her behalf before the emperor, the bond between father and daughter would only grow more distant.

These considerations stemmed partly from the Jingxi Emperor’s long-standing dissatisfaction with his daughter, but a key reason was undoubtedly the incident where Princess De Ning had torn up the copied notes.

This was meant to keep Princess De Ning away from Chengyan Hall.

Why…?

All eyes turned in unison to the unassuming Little Noble Lady nearby.

Her thin eyelids were slightly reddened as she lowered her head, silently staring at her handwritten notes.

At that moment, everyone had the same thought:

Don't provoke her.

For the emperor to defy all conventions and bring her into the inner court—this Little Noble Lady was the emperor’s favorite!

As they pondered this, a sudden disturbance came from outside. Curious, they peered curiously to see the arrival of the Imperial Academy’s Director and the Disciplinary Officer.

The Director, a sixth-rank official, oversaw the six departments of female officials under the Imperial Academy, while the Disciplinary Officer, an eighth-rank official, was responsible for maintaining discipline and decorum. Upon their arrival, all the consorts rose to greet them.

In terms of rank, the consorts were not inferior to these two officials. However, first, the inner and outer courts observed different protocols—according to Great Hui’s unwritten rules, when inner and outer court members met, each side observed etiquette as if three ranks lower. Second, there was the teacher-student relationship, which took precedence over titles and ranks.

Thus, the consorts not only stood to greet them but also bowed as students would as a sign of respect. A-Wu followed their lead, bowing along with the others.

The two officials naturally didn't presume to take precedence, bowing respectfully to the consorts and keeping their gazes averted.

After the formalities, the Director announced their purpose: the female officials’ lectures in Chengyan Hall were meant to provide instruction, and all who entered must not act arrogantly. He then instructed the Disciplinary Officer to explain the disciplinary regulations.

Listening intently, everyone understood—this was the emperor’s way of expressing his displeasure with Princess De Ning’s behavior, using her as a cautionary example to warn others. None dared to speak out, all listening in meek silence.

Finally, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy inquired about "Noble Lady Ning" and specially presented her with a complete calligraphy set crafted by the Imperial Academy—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

A Wu was deeply honored. The Crown Prince had once gifted her money and fine silks, and the Emperor had bestowed upon her gold filigree and silver hairpins, but no one had ever given her such scholarly implements before.

She promptly bowed again, accepting the gifts with reverent hands, and expressed her gratitude once more.

After the officials took their leave, the hall returned to silence. Everyone resumed their seats, and only then did A Wu quietly examine her precious gifts.

It was a finely crafted huanghuali wood box, polished to perfection, inscribed with the characters of the Imperial Academy.

Elegant and refined, it carried an air of restrained sophistication, with a faint scent of ink lingering about it.

Opening the box, she found the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone—all of the highest quality, meticulously wrapped in smooth silk, each piece a rare treasure.

A Wu was utterly delighted, though she also felt a blush of embarrassment.

Truthfully, she was no scholar, yet she had received such gifts and even been praised by the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy!

During the break, Consort Hui leaned over and explained the origins of these scholar's implements, adding that such a set was not easily obtained. A Wu became even more enamored of them, so much so that she listened to the lectures with fresh enthusiasm—suddenly grasping concepts that had once eluded her.

As for the covetous looks from those around her—

A Wu was already tired of seeing them!

Upon returning to Langhua Palace, she ceremoniously displayed each of the four items, admiring and handling them one by one, discovering that every piece bore the inscribed insignia of the Imperial Academy.

The Imperial Academy was the long-cherished aspiration of scholars across the land, and to gain entry was the dream of countless individuals. Thus, writing tools specially crafted by the Academy were exceptionally rare and coveted.

She even began to daydream—when her father returned, she would show him these treasures. He would surely be astonished: "A Wu, where did you get these?"

He had studied for over a decade, only achieving the rank of xiucai before his scholarly path was abruptly cut short, forcing him into trade. The Imperial Academy had always been his unattainable dream.

At this thought, she decided that, given her limited scholarship, she shouldn’t use these precious items—it would be a waste. She would save them for her father, for when he returned!

With this in mind, she also thought of the Jingxi Emperor.

Actually… he wasn’t entirely the depraved and despotic ruler people made him out to be. A Wu faintly guessed that his visits to Consort Hui weren’t for romantic purposes but to inquire about her thoughts.

The realization made her cheeks warm.

Was this a bit embarrassing?

Still… she had to admit he had handled things rather satisfactorily.

If he came by in the evening, she would be sure to humor him properly.

But to her surprise, the Jingxi Emperor remained too busy to visit over the next couple of days, merely sending over several sets of rare pearl and jade hair ornaments.

A Wu fingered the ornaments, musing that the Old Emperor was purposely giving her the cold shoulder because of their little quarrel.

She felt a warm glow, and she couldn’t help but chuckle. After all, he had already taken care of everything for her, settling matters perfectly. If he wanted to nurse his pride a while longer, so be it.

Let’s see who could hold out longer!

************

By now, the weather had grown frigid. On the official road leading from the northern territories to the capital, the Crown Prince was pushing his mount relentlessly.

Throughout the journey, the Crown Prince had remained tight-lipped, urging his horse forward day and night without rest. His entourage couldn’t afford to lag, keeping close behind. Two horses had already collapsed from exhaustion before they finally arrived at Nanqiongzi by starlight.

Coming from the north, he had skirted the northern mountains, making his way south to enter the imperial city.

As the galloping horse trampled over the withered yellow grass of the Nanqiongzi plains, the Crown Prince suddenly yanked the reins. Amid the horse's piercing whinny, the horse reared high into the air.

Clutching the reins tightly, the Crown Prince was breathing hard, his bloodshot eyes fixed unwaveringly on a spot ahead.

It was the remnants of an earthen rampart left behind after a campsite. Though time had passed and windblown sand had scattered willow fluff and dead leaves across the area, the Crown Prince recognized it at once.

A guard beside him examined the traces and cautiously asked, "Your Highness?"

The Crown Prince did not answer. He abruptly dismounted and hurried forward.

He walked to where the main tent had stood, staring at the spot in despair and agony.

Of course he remembered—that day when he had run into his father here, only to see the Emperor holding a woman in his arms.

At this thought, his clenched fists trembled violently.

His father had embraced that woman—he had even caught a glimpse of her dark hair!

Yet he had never seen her face. At the time, he had even joked with Fu Tai, saying the woman had no manners and was thus not worth noticing.

He shut his eyes tightly in anguish. Now, at last, he understood.

It was A Wu. It was A Wu—his A Wu!

How could A Wu, held in his father's arms, face him? She had hidden from him, afraid he would recognize her.

The burning betrayal overwhelmed him, nearly made him stumble.

How could they do this? How could they deceive him like this?

And that early morning...

The Crown Prince recalled what he had seen that dawn—his father carrying the woman back to the tent, the two of them embracing intimately for so long. He knew they had been intimate inside that tent.

Gritting his teeth, the Crown Prince's handsome face contorted with rage.

A Wu—she had known he was right outside. She had known it was his father. Yet she had still lain with the Emperor in that tent.

How could she?

You liar! You damned liar! How could you do this to me!

Just then, a nearby servant suddenly spoke: "Your Highness, there's an object here."

The Crown Prince glanced over and saw a silk handkerchief embroidered with a charging horse design—clearly an imperial possession.

He scoffed, "The Emperor's things—"

But as the words left his lips, realization struck. His eyes widened, and he stepped quickly forward, snatching the handkerchief and cradling it in his hands.

The silk was ruined with dirt, stained, its shape mangled. Yet the Crown Prince recognized it instantly—it had been folded into the shape of a grasshopper.

A grasshopper!

Suddenly, he remembered their first meeting, when A Wu had folded a handkerchief into a grasshopper. She had been toying with it, smiling as she told him it was a fold she came up with herself—because she loved eating grasshoppers.

So this was her creation!

Trembling, the Crown Prince carefully held the grasshopper, slowly raising his eyes to ask the servant, "Where was this found?"

The attendant, seeing the Crown Prince's intense expression, got scared and quickly replied, "This is the spot—"

He pointed ahead.

The Crown Prince rushed forward, his gaze fixed on the traces there. He recognized it immediately—this was the area of ground just outside the main tent where the camp had been set up, right beside the tent itself.

His brow furrowed deeply as the Crown Prince murmured, "She must have known I would recognize her by this grasshopper. Why did she deliberately fold a handkerchief like this? Did she accidentally leave it here?"

The spot where the handkerchief was buried lay outside the tent...

He imagined the scene—A Wu, just used by his father, the Emperor stepping out to go riding and hunting with him, while A Wu folded the grasshopper and left the handkerchief outside the tent.

What had she been thinking at that moment?

The Crown Prince couldn't bear to think about it further.

Gritting his teeth, veins bulging at his temples, he stared at the distant riverbank.

The reeds had long since fallen, lying flattened in large patches in the cold water. In painful agony, he thought of his A Wu.

Had A Wu folded this grasshopper handkerchief to ask for help?

Too afraid to reveal the truth in front of the Emperor, she had secretly reached beyond the tent, leaving the grasshopper she had folded herself, hoping he would see it, hoping he would save her?

She had been reaching out to him...

And what had he done?

He'd been completely unaware. He had even returned the deer antlers to his father!

The deer antlers—

He had actually given them to the Emperor, telling him to boost his energy—what had he done?!

His father had defiled his A Wu, claimed A Wu as his own!

Fury, anguish, and self-reproach tangled together, raging inside him. He felt as though his body might explode.

Drawing his sword from his waist, he hacked wildly at the earthen mound, sending sand flying and dead leaves scattering.

The nearby guards were terrified, rushing to restrain him, but the Crown Prince looked possessed, his eyes bloodshot as he swung at everyone around him!

The onlookers stood frozen in shock, afraid he might harm himself, and had no choice but to wrest the sword from him.

After his frenzied assault, the Crown Prince suddenly stiffened.

Silently, he stared into the distance, unblinking, before dropping to his knees with a heavy thud.

His fingers clawed at the hard, dry earth until they nearly bled.

"Why, Father... why? That was my A Wu... mine!"

Why had his father done this to him?!

The winter wind rustled through the withered grass by his ears as the Crown Prince stared blankly ahead.

After a long silence, he slowly rose to his feet, his eyes locked on the direction of the imperial capital.

With a cold laugh, he brushed the dirt and weeds from his robes.

The attendants shook with fear, watching as the once-youthful prince's eyes turned steely with determination in mere moments.

It was as though he had grown up all at once.

Without expression, the Crown Prince mounted his horse, his handsome face cold and unyielding as he looked toward the capital.

His thumb pressed against the hilt of his sword as he said each word slowly and clearly: "I am going to see him."