Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The early court session on the eighth day of the lunar month was an impromptu addition by Emperor Xingwu upon his return to the capital; routine court meetings were typically held only on the third, sixth, and ninth days of each month.

On the ninth day of the sixth month in the fourth year of the Xingwu era, Emperor Xingwu issued an edict in the Taiji Hall, naming his eldest son, Qin Hong, as Crown Prince.

When the news reached the inner palace, Consort Li felt a great weight lift from her mind. Sometimes she worried that Emperor Xingwu, due to his excessive affection for her, might impulsively choose their third son as Crown Prince, thereby making her and her children targets of resentment from both the Noble Consort and the faction of the Eldest Prince. Her children were still young, and she was alone in the capital—how could she possibly contend with the influential families backing the Noble Consort and the Eldest Prince?

"Mother, what is a Crown Prince?"

The little princess’s question came again.

Consort Li replied, "The Crown Prince is the heir to the dynasty, the next emperor after your father. From now on, when you see your eldest brother, you must call him 'Crown Prince Brother.' Do you remember?"

Qingyang remembered and then asked, "But Father is the Emperor. If Big Brother becomes the Emperor, where will Father go?"

Consort Li’s eyes suddenly welled up. She hugged her daughter and said, "You’ll understand when you grow up. Don’t ask anymore now—it would make Father sad if he heard, and Crown Prince Brother would be sad too."

Emperor Xingwu was seventeen years her senior; he would likely precede her in death.

Qingyang nodded vaguely in understanding.

Consort Li took her daughter to the Noble Consort’s Changchun Palace. The appointment of the Crown Prince was a joyous occasion, and she wished to express her happiness to the Noble Consort.

The three princes were still in the Taiji Hall, while the Noble Consort was chatting and laughing with Princess Yongkang.

The Noble Consort was highly educated. Her father had arranged her marriage to Emperor Xingwu because he admired the emperor’s bearing and talent. On one hand, matters of marriage and children were traditionally subject to parental decree; on the other, the Noble Consort herself found Emperor Xingwu to possess a kingly demeanor, so she willingly became his honored concubine, managing his household and raising his children.

After Emperor Xingwu ascended the throne, the Noble Consort immediately considered the matter of imperial succession. As the Noble Consort in charge of the inner palace and with a Prime Minister for a father, it seemed natural to everyone—Emperor Xingwu, the ministers, and even the common folk—that she would desire her second son to inherit the throne. This common suspicion became a constant source of pressure for her and her son.

In reality, when studying history, the Noble Consort had always favored the principle of succession: "appointing the eldest son of the primary wife, regardless of virtue, and appointing the son of the highest status, regardless of age." She believed that only by firmly establishing this rule early on would ministers loyally regard the Crown Prince as the next emperor, thereby preventing other princes from resorting to unscrupulous means, including forming factions, to cultivate a reputation for "virtue."

Over the past three years, Emperor Xingwu had never asked her opinion on the matter of succession, and the Noble Consort had no opportunity to bring it up herself. Now, with the eldest prince appointed as Crown Prince, she could continue to be a dutiful and proper Noble Consort, constantly reminding her second son to respect the Crown Prince, thus avoiding the conflicts outside the palace.

The Noble Consort’s joy mirrored Consort Li’s, while Yongkang’s happiness was a genuine outpouring for her full brother.

The year their grandmother passed away, her brother was just five years old, and Yongkang was already eight. Before her grandmother died, she spoke to Yongkang alone for a long time, lamenting how pitiable the siblings were for losing their mother so young. She said that although the Noble Consort seemed kind to them, she would inevitably favor her own second son. Once their father truly ascended the throne, the Noble Consort would surely strive for her second son’s succession.

Her grandmother told her that her brother was too young to understand and warned her not to be deceived by the Noble Consort’s outward kindness. As the elder sister, she had to keep a close eye on her brother and protect him. If her brother were to be manipulated by the Noble Consort, she must remember to fight for his position as Crown Prince.

Yongkang kept these words firmly in her heart, never relaxing her vigilance for nine years. Now that she was about to leave the palace and could no longer watch over her brother up close, her father’s appointment of her brother as Crown Prince was like a soothing balm for her. It also dispelled her bitter thought that "Father has forgotten his old wife for his new consorts and only favors the second brother, third brother, and sister."

Qingyang had always found her eldest sister somewhat stern, with a serious expression more often than a smile. But today, as soon as she entered, she saw her eldest sister smiling brightly, her eyes curved and her teeth white. The last time her eldest sister had smiled like this was when her second brother had taken a big tumble while running…

Seeing her eldest sister so happy, Qingyang couldn’t help but smile too.

Yongkang first glanced at Consort Li. Seeing the mix of genuine joy and a hint of an attempt to please on Consort Li’s face, which was poor at concealing her feelings, as if trying to demonstrate her support for the Crown Prince, Yongkang found her far easier to read than the Noble Consort. Her mood improved even more, and she unexpectedly stood up and bowed to Consort Li in a junior's greeting—a courtesy she rarely extended to Consort Li, since she was the emperor’s eldest daughter by his primary wife, while Consort Li was merely a low-born imperial consort who relied on her looks.

Consort Li was flattered.

Yongkang straightened up and reached out to her sister beside Consort Li: "Lin'er, come here. Let your sister hold you."

She had always envied her sister, feeling that all blessings had been bestowed upon her. This made Yongkang unable to deny her sister’s charm but unwilling to pamper her half-sister as she had with her brother. She even disapproved of the Crown Prince getting too close to her sister.

After today, everything would be different. No matter how favored her sister was, she was only a princess born to an imperial consort. At most, she would enjoy her father’s favor for another decade or so. Once her brother succeeded to the throne, she, as the emperor’s full-blooded sister, would undoubtedly be more respected than his half-sisters.

At three years old, Qingyang could only perceive the emotions of those around her but couldn’t understand more complex feelings. Since her eldest sister liked her, Qingyang obediently let her hold her, hoping her eldest sister would remain as happy as she was today, because only a happy eldest sister was willing to play with her.

The appointment of the Crown Prince was a joyous occasion. At noon, Emperor Xingwu summoned both imperial consorts and all five children to the Qianyuan Palace for a meal.

The Noble Consort and Consort Li brought Princesses Yongkang and Qingyang with them.

The three princes were already in the Qianyuan Palace. Emperor Xingwu alternated between encouraging the newly appointed Crown Prince Qin Hong and instructing his two younger brothers to show deference to the Crown Prince.

When the women entered, both sides exchanged proper greetings. The two consorts bowed to Emperor Xingwu, and the younger generation bowed to their elders.

Fortunately, there were few people, and it was all done in a few moments. Remembering her mother’s words, Qingyang looked at Qin Hong and obediently said, "Crown Prince Brother."

Qin Hong patted his sister’s head and said gently, "That’s how people outside the family respectfully address me. Among us siblings, you can still call me Big Brother. It sounds more intimate."

After saying this, he looked at his two younger brothers, whom he had already reminded once.

Qin Bing: "Fine, then I’ll keep calling you Big Brother. I can’t bring myself to say 'Crown Prince Brother'."

He emphasized each word of "Crown Prince Brother" with a nod toward Qin Hong, making such a funny face that even Emperor Xingwu laughed.

After the meal, while all the children were present, Emperor Xingwu said, "Father has been busy all these years and hasn’t had time to spend with you. Now that the empire is unified, Father can relax a bit. Tomorrow is a day of rest, so Father plans to spend the whole day with you. Tell me, what would you like to do or where would you like to go?"

He looked encouragingly at the eldest princess, who was to be married in a few months.

Yongkang instinctively looked at the Crown Prince.

Emperor Xingwu’s gaze followed.

Qin Hong had always followed the teachings of his sister and the Noble Consort, focusing on his studies and martial training. Even at an age when he should have been playful, he didn’t dare to be. Now, at fourteen, he had learned self-discipline. Suddenly told he could play, his mind went completely blank, and he had no idea what to do, so he looked at his second brother beside him.

The eleven-year-old Qin Bing said excitedly, "I want to go outside the palace. Will Father take us?"

Emperor Xingwu: "Yes. Each of you five can make one wish, and Father will fulfill them in order."

He looked again at his eldest son and eldest daughter.

Yongkang composed herself and said, "I want Father to take me to a jewelry shop and pick out a piece of jewelry for me to keep as a treasure."

She had lived among the common people until she was fourteen before moving into the palace and often had the chance to wander the markets of large and small towns. She had always envied children who had their parents with them.

Emperor Xingwu looked at her with compassion: "Good, Father will pick out a full set of jewelry for you."

When Pure Filial Empress married him, the family was still poor. The diligent and gentle empress had passed away without enjoying many good days. Yongkang, as his first child, had endured the most hardships. Emperor Xingwu wanted to compensate his eldest daughter properly.

When it was Qin Hong’s turn again, he thought quickly and said, "I would like to visit a bookshop."

Emperor Xingwu: "Approved."

Qin Bing: "I want…"

Emperor Xingwu: "Your request was to leave the palace. I’ve already agreed. You’ll just come along with us when the time comes."

The Noble Consort and Consort Li exchanged knowing smiles.

Emperor Xingwu didn’t give the second prince a chance to continue and looked at the third prince, Qin Ren.

Qin Ren scratched his head, lacking assurance and his eyes darting away: "When Second Brother leaves the palace, Big Brother goes to the bookshop, and Big Sister goes to the jewelry shop, will Father take me and Little Sister along too?"

Emperor Xingwu: "Of course."

Qin Ren immediately grinned and asked tentatively, "Then can Father promise to let me sleep until full daylight tomorrow morning?"

Usually, for their studies, they had to get up at *mao* hour (5-7 AM). They could only sleep in on three rest days each month. Although leaving the palace with Father tomorrow was a good thing, if the cost of leaving was still having to get up before dawn, Qin Ren wasn’t too excited about going.

Emperor Xingwu: "...Alright, but if you oversleep, I won't wait for you."

Qin Ren relaxed and said, "Don't worry, Father. Your son will sleep until *chenshi* (7-9 AM) at most."

Emperor Xingwu ignored him and looked at his youngest daughter, Lin'er, who was standing properly beside her older siblings. "Has Lin'er made up her mind?"

Princess Qingyang hadn't decided earlier, but her third brother's words had resolved her dilemma, and she now had an idea. "I want to visit the Duke of Wei's residence. Zhang Su always stays at our place, but I’ve never been to his home or met his mother and brothers."

Emperor Xingwu: "..."

Qin Bing snorted, "Zhang Su this, Zhang Su that—you only care about Zhang Su. You’re closer to him than to us. Why don’t you just become his little wife..."

The Noble Consort sharply interrupted, "Enough!"

Emperor Xingwu’s cold glare shot over like a knife.

Qin Bing silently sidestepped and hid behind the Crown Prince.

As the atmosphere grew tense, Consort Li nervously tried to smooth things over. "It’s alright, it’s alright. The Second Prince is still young—just joking."

The Noble Consort: "Sister, there's no need to defend him. The Second Prince is already eleven and still so careless with his words, even daring to make up stories about his own sister. If we indulge him further, who knows what he’ll become? Your Majesty, perhaps he should be punished by staying in the palace tomorrow to copy texts until he learns his lesson."

Emperor Xingwu glared at his second son and said, "No need to wait until tomorrow. Have him start copying as soon as he returns this afternoon and bring it to me by dusk. If I’m not satisfied, he’ll continue copying tomorrow in the palace."

Qin Bing felt both relieved and dismayed. What should have been a fun afternoon was now ruined because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut—he’d be confined to his study.

Princess Qingyang glanced at the angry adults and her punished second brother, puzzled. "What’s a 'little wife'?"

Emperor Xingwu: "Don’t listen to your second brother’s nonsense, Lin'er. Tell your father, do you like Zhang Su more or your second brother more?"

Princess Qingyang answered without hesitation, "Zhang Su."

Emperor Xingwu: "Why?"

Princess Qingyang: "Second Brother always pinches my cheeks until it hurts. Zhang Su never bullies me, tells me stories, and answers all my questions. He even knows things Third Brother doesn’t."

Qin Ren’s expression shifted slightly. It wasn’t that he didn’t know—he just pretended not to when annoyed by his sister and passed the questions to Zhang Su.

Emperor Xingwu saw through the Third Prince’s thoughts immediately. If even Qin Ren was like this, the Second Prince certainly lacked the patience to coax his sister. Zhang Su, on the other hand, was a calm and good-natured child.

Having agreed to the first four children’s requests, Emperor Xingwu couldn’t refuse his youngest daughter. "Tomorrow is a day for us, father and children, to enjoy family time together. We’ll go out and return together, so let’s not disturb the Duke of Wei’s household. If you really want to go, Lin'er, after the midday rest, your Third Brother can accompany you to the Duke’s residence for a short while before returning."

If he went personally, Zhang Jie’s family would feel uneasy, and it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings among the officials.

Princess Qingyang was just happy to visit the Duke of Wei’s home, regardless of whether her father accompanied her, and she nodded cheerfully.

After the children went for their midday rest, Emperor Xingwu instructed He Yuanjing to send a young eunuch to Zhang Jie to explain that the young princess was merely coming to play and that the Zhang family should host her simply, without any grand preparations.

Having recently returned from conquering three southern states with Emperor Xingwu, the Duke of Wei, Zhang Jie, was on a few days’ leave. When the young eunuch arrived with the emperor’s verbal order, Zhang Jie and his wife, Lady Xu, had already lain down for their midday rest, chatting idly.

After hurriedly dressing and rushing to the main hall to receive the decree, Zhang Jie was both amused and exasperated.

After seeing the eunuch off, Zhang Jie informed his wife. Lady Xu, with her maids, prepared fruits, tea, and snacks for the Third Prince and young princess, while Zhang Jie, without disturbing his eldest and second sons, went alone to his third son’s courtyard.

"Reporting to the Duke, the Third Young Master is resting at the heir’s residence."

Zhang Jie chuckled. His third son had been a study companion in the palace since age six and spent limited time at home. The three brothers missed each other, so whenever Zhang Su was home, he usually slept at one of his older brothers’ places. Zhang Jie had almost forgotten.

Zhang Jie changed direction and went to his eldest son’s courtyard.

The heir, Zhang Jian, came to see his father in his inner robes and asked quietly, "Third Brother just fell asleep. Is something the matter, Father?"

Zhang Jie explained the situation.

Zhang Jian frowned hesitantly. "His Majesty has betrothed Princess Yongkang to the second son of the Marquis of Zhennan, clearly using a marriage alliance to stabilize the nobility. Given how close Princess Qingyang is to Third Brother, might His Majesty eventually...?"

Zhang Jie waved his hand. "The emperor’s favor, whether as thunder or rain, is always grace. Whatever decree His Majesty issues, present or future, we as subjects shall obey. There’s no need for speculation. Princess Qingyang is young—her relationship with Su Geer is merely that of playmates. Don’t overthink it."

Zhang Jian: "Understood. Should I wake Third Brother to prepare?"

Zhang Jie: "Let him sleep. The Third Prince and the others will also be resting—they won’t arrive too early."

.

Zhang Su only managed a half-hour nap. After washing up, his eldest brother informed him that the Third Prince and Princess Qingyang would be visiting later.

Bewildered, he followed his eldest brother to the main courtyard to see his parents.

Lady Xu smiled and praised her son, "Our Su Geer is so impressive. At such a young age, he’s already excelling as a study companion and has won the affection of the Third Prince and the princess."

Zhang Su’s ears turned slightly red. He thought his two older brothers—serving in the Imperial Guard and excelling in both military and literary studies at the martial academy—were far more impressive.

Once his ears returned to normal, Zhang Su showed no other reaction, standing stiffly beside his eldest brother Zhang Jian and second brother Zhang Heng.

Despite five family members being in the hall, Lady Xu was the only one actively speaking. The three sons and their father were like carved from the same mold—handsome, yes, but all as silent as wooden dummies, as though speaking an extra word would invite trouble or violate court laws.

Lady Xu suddenly wondered how her youngest son had managed to win the favor of two royal highnesses.

Around mid-afternoon, a team of imperial guards escorted a royal carriage to the front gates of the Duke of Wei’s residence.

Fu An, the chief eunuch serving Qin Ren, first helped his master alight, then prepared to carry the young princess down.

Princess Qingyang, stepping out of the carriage, glanced at the Duke of Wei standing at the lead, pushed away Fu An’s hand, and pointed at Zhang Jie. "Duke, carry me down."

Fu An: "..."

Zhang Jie: "..."

Zhang Su: "..."

Lady Xu glanced at her husband, who, though past forty, still had the handsome, scholarly appearance of a refined gentleman, and suddenly found the answer to her earlier confusion.