Chapter 76: “What do you think of the name Xian Shan?”…

Chapter 76 "What do you think of the name Xianshan..."

The heavy rain pounded the entire capital all night long, finally stopping at dawn.

Lady Huo went into labor last night after the palace gates were locked and gave birth to a prince early the next morning, so no one outside the palace had heard any news.

On the first day of the month, a grand court assembly was held. The ministers rose early and rode in their carriages to attend court, but they didn't see any sign of the emperor until around 7-9 am, when Chief Eunuch Li Man arrived in a rush, grinning from ear to ear.

"Gentlemen, please return home. Last night, Her Majesty the Empress went into labor and this morning gave birth to a prince. His Majesty stood watch outside Fengyi Palace—the empress's residence—all night and is now quite exhausted."

Though brief, these words carried immense weight.

Officials loyal to the Empress, such as Minister Qiu Hongzhen and Duke Jingguo, were visibly thrilled.

Others like Wen Shengan, Lu Hang, Imperial Censor Chen, and Chancellor Jiang weren't part of the Empress’s faction, but they too seemed genuinely pleased.

No matter how suitable an adopted heir might be, he could never match the legitimacy of the Emperor's own son and the Empress's trueborn heir.

At this thought, many exchanged sidelong glances toward Prince Duan and Duke Liu.

Later on, Princess Ningxin and Prince Su also learned of the news.

Princess Ningxin and Xu Shidu quickly prepared themselves and hurried to the palace to offer their congratulations.

Prince Su, however, made a point of calling his second son and daughter-in-law to his bedside.

Since returning from the hunting lodge, Prince Su had taken a turn for the worse. Getting on in years and never particularly strong, his earlier ability to accompany the Emperor on the trip had been sustained largely by sheer determination. Now that his resolve had faded, his illness began to come and go unpredictably.

"You've both heard that Her Majesty the Empress has given birth to a prince?"

Madam Ji and her husband nodded quickly.

Prince Su continued, "I've told you before, but I must repeat it now: When His Majesty had no sons, we could consider alternatives. But now that His Majesty and the Empress have a child together, we must abandon all other thoughts."

His son replied quickly, "Father, rest assured—I understand perfectly."

Prince Su went on, "Don't lose heart. The crown prince only has two older sisters and no brothers of his own blood. When he grows up, won’t he need cousins to support him?"

"Our family has always maintained close ties with the Empress. San Lang (their third son) is just a few years older than the crown prince. If he gets along well with him, he’ll do just fine."

Seeing that his son and daughter-in-law truly understood, Prince Su let out a relieved sigh.

At this moment, he felt only gratitude that their family hadn’t sunk too deep into dangerous waters and could still pull back. San Lang had only just started his schooling—proper guidance would keep him from developing false hopes.

Unlike the situation in Prince Duan’s household or Duke Liu’s estate, which would prove truly troublesome.

Ji Yuanwan, who had lived in the palace since childhood, was already ten years old, his character mostly formed. If he couldn’t let go of those unrealistic expectations and adjust his mindset and position accordingly, then his future would be finished.

With her father-in-law speaking so plainly, Madam Ji wasn’t slow to respond. "In two days will be the prince’s third-day celebration. The palace will surely invite us. I’ll go to the storeroom right away to prepare a fine gift for the occasion."

"And for Her Majesty the Empress—she must be very weak after childbirth. Although the palace lacks for nothing, we should still bring some nutritious foods to show our concern."

Prince Su nodded in approval.

Staying on good terms with the Empress was all upside.

Before becoming pregnant, Empress Huo Ling (née Huo) already exerted considerable influence over the court, indirectly advancing numerous policies.

Now that she has given birth to the Crown Prince, her ability to influence affairs will only grow.

In Fengyi Palace (the Empress's residence), Huo Ling fell asleep from exhaustion immediately after delivering the child, having only a brief moment to glance at the newborn.

By the time she awoke, it was already afternoon.

While being attended by palace maids and eating, Emperor Jingyuan arrived.

Shortly after, Nanny Zuo and the wet-nurse brought the Crown Prince in.

Emperor Jingyuan took the child from the wet-nurse and handed him to Huo Ling: "You haven’t had the chance to see him properly yet."

Huo Ling reached out and touched the baby’s red, wrinkled little face.

His skin was warm and soft, his hair thick, curled up as a tiny bundle in the emperor’s arms.

She then gently squeezed the baby’s tightly clenched fist.

As if disturbed by her touch, the child flailed his tiny arm.

"Has the Imperial Physician examined him?"

Emperor Jingyuan’s smile deepened. "Yes. The physician said he is very robust—you took excellent care of him during the pregnancy."

Hearing this, Huo Ling let out a relieved sigh. "That’s good."

The emperor asked, "Have you thought of a name for him?"

"We'll name him An'er." Huo Ling lowered her gaze, her lips curving slightly as she looked at the child. "As a mother, I only wish for him to grow up safe and healthy."

In this lifetime, she would likely have only An'er as her child.

As the rightful heir to Great Yan's throne and future crown prince, he would bear immense responsibilities—but before that, she simply hoped he could grow up peacefully.

He would receive the father's love she'd longed for in her childhood, as well as the mother's love she'd missed.

She was determined to protect this child wholeheartedly, guiding him alongside the emperor to become a worthy heir and an exceptional ruler.

With the Imperial Household Department ensuring ample nourishment, and the child already born, Huo Ling no longer needed to worry about over-supplementation affecting delivery. She could now focus solely on her postpartum rest.

For the child’s third-day purification ritual, many noble families in the capital were invited.

Imperial consorts such as Noble Consort De and Noble Consort Xian, along with the First Princess, Second Princess, and Ji Yuanwan, all attended.

When the wet-nurse carried the Crown Prince forward, the crowd immediately gathered, bombarding him with congratulations.

Some remarked, "The prince takes after Her Majesty," while others said, "Rarely have we seen a newborn so healthy from birth," or "Look how strong his tiny limbs are!"

With so many pressing forward, those who held back were noticeably apart.

The Princess Consort of Duan held Ji Yuankang’s hand, standing silently at the periphery.

Ji Yuankang occasionally rose on tiptoe, peering eagerly toward the crowd, but after a look at his mother, he ultimately held back and turned his attention to Ji Yuanwan nearby.

Ji Yuanwan maintained a polite, distant smile, his gaze fixed on the Crown Prince from a distance—yet he never took a single step forward.

***

In the days following the prince’s birth, Emperor Jingyuan was too elated to sleep. Only after the first excitement faded did he finally turn his attention to other matters.

Looking at Prince Duan standing below, Emperor Jingyuan spoke in a calm tone.

"That child Yuanwan has been raised in the palace for four years. It's time for him to return to Prince Duan’s estate."

Prince Duan lowered his eyes and respectfully acknowledged, showing little reaction. This had been expected all along.

Emperor Jingyuan said, "I've prepared an imperial decree. Let Li Man read it to you."

The decree mainly concerned the honors bestowed upon Ji Yuanwan.

When Ji Yuanwan first entered the palace, he was not simply sent in by carriage but was received with a full ceremonial procession.

Now that he was to be sent back, he could not be sent off with just a carriage either—the same ceremonial procession would be arranged to escort him back to Prince Duan’s estate.

In addition to the ceremonial procession, Emperor Jingyuan also appointed Ji Yuanwan as heir to Prince Duan.

By convention, as Prince Duan was an imperial prince, his son would inherit a reduced title.

However, the decree stated that Ji Yuanwan, as heir, would be allowed to inherit the full princely title in the future.

Prince Duan clenched his fingers hidden in his sleeves but maintained an expression of grateful humility on his face. "Imperial Brother, isn’t this somewhat against protocol?"

Emperor Jingyuan replied, "An heir raised in the palace holds different significance than one raised outside."

Beyond this, Emperor Jingyuan also granted Ji Yuanwan many precious gifts, and even Ji Yuankang received rewards.

This was Emperor Jingyuan’s way of appeasing Prince Duan’s household.

Now that he had his own son, he naturally did not wish for Ji Yuanwan to remain in the palace. But after all, this was his own nephew—even raising a pet for years would foster affection, let alone a real child. Proper arrangements were necessary.

Prince Duan accepted the decree on behalf of both children and expressed gratitude, then asked Emperor Jingyuan when Ji Yuanwan would be sent back so that Prince Duan’s estate could prepare accordingly.

Emperor Jingyuan said, "The Imperial Household Department still needs time to arrange the ceremonial procession."

"This subject understands." Prince Duan took the initiative to alleviate Emperor Jingyuan’s concerns. "If Imperial Brother does not mind, allow this subject to meet with Yuanwan and explain the matter to him in full."

Emperor Jingyuan did not agree to Prince Duan’s suggestion.

It would be better for him to personally inform Ji Yuanwan than for someone else to do so.

"Have Yuanwan come to the imperial study. We will speak to him ourselves."

Ji Yuanwan arrived quickly.

Upon entering the imperial study and seeing Prince Duan present, Ji Yuanwan paused slightly in surprise.

Emperor Jingyuan dispensed with pleasantries and handed the decree to Ji Yuanwan for him to read himself.

As Ji Yuanwan opened the decree, he felt a sense of finality settle over him. "Your Majesty, I understand. These past years, I am deeply grateful for your care."

Emperor Jingyuan’s gaze lingered subtly on Ji Yuanwan, observing how the boy, despite his young age, remained composed and showed no trace of resentment. He nodded to himself in approval.

After Prince Duan and Ji Yuanwan left, Emperor Jingyuan also departed for Phoenix Palace.

He spent time with the grand prince for a while, and only when the child grew hungry and was taken to be fed did Emperor Jingyuan speak to Huo Ling about the day’s events.

Huo Ling had never involved herself directly in matters concerning Ji Yuanwan, so she was just now learning of Emperor Jingyuan’s arrangements.

However, she raised no objections.

Barring Ji Yuanwan from the throne and expelling him from the palace was already the most severe reprisal against the Duan Manor and the Liu Guogong Manor.

Huo Ling then turned to something else she cared more about: "Your Majesty, I've seen you poring over books these past two days—have you decided on An'er's formal name yet?"

Emperor Jingyuan replied, "I did think of one, but I'm afraid it might be too powerful for the child."

Huo Ling quickly said, "If even Your Majesty considers it a good name, I must hear it."

Emperor Jingyuan chuckled, "I know exactly how you are—you always want the best. Once you hear this name, every other name would seem second-rate."

Huo Ling urged, "Just tell me already."

After hesitating briefly, Emperor Jingyuan finally said, "This name answers the dream you had during your pregnancy."

"'The sun enters the embrace, rising with the mountains.' What do you think of 'Xianshan'?"

Huo Ling understood why Emperor Jingyuan had said that.

For any other child, the name might not mean much.

But for their child—what mountain could he be meant to carry, if not the empire itself?

"Xianshan. Ji Xianshan." Huo Ling repeated the name twice, her eyes sparkling. "Your Majesty, don’t hesitate. Let’s go with this name."

"Our child is the most blessed in the world. He will surely bear it well."