Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Rewards

"How is the meal going up front?" Princess Wulie reclined on the daybed, four maids standing silently beside her, gently fanning the ice chest. Their movements were soft, the breeze gentle, and the cool air drifted slowly, keeping the entire room comfortably cool.

Suxin smiled and said, "I will send someone to inquire."

Princess Wulie remained silent but nodded, looking quite weary.

Suxin moved even more quietly, slipping out of the room like a ghost to check on the prince's meal in the front courtyard.

Today was Prince Wulie’s birthday, and several of his younger brothers had come to the estate to offer congratulations. Since Princess Wulie wanted to know how things were progressing in the front courtyard, she couldn’t send just any maid; only Suxin, her senior maid, was suitable for the task.

"Zhao Shou, how are things inside?"

A eunuch approached. He served the prince, while Suxin was Princess Wulie’s senior maid. The two were familiar with each other, having interacted frequently.

"The prince is thoroughly enjoying himself," Zhao Shou whispered, careful not to disturb the princes inside.

"Very well, I understand. Keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t drink too much. Have the kitchen prepare some congee and sobering remedies." Suxin recalled Princess Wulie’s usual instructions and passed them on to Zhao Shou.

Zhao Shou agreed quickly, but as Suxin left, he curled his lip in disdain. The prince was in high spirits—if he went in and told him to drink less, wouldn’t he just be asking for a scolding?

"Zhao Shou, Zhao Shou!" Prince Wulie’s voice called from inside.

Zhao Shou hurried in and knelt. "What do you need, my lord?"

"Bring Yan Lin here. Let him meet his imperial uncles," Prince Wulie said, slurring drunkenly.

"Yes, my lord. I'll go right away."

The Eleventh Prince and Twelfth Prince added, "Fifth Brother, there’s no need. There’s no reason to trouble our nephew to come all this way."

The two had long since moved out of the palace and established their own residences, but due to the Emperor’s displeasure and their mothers’ humble origins, they had yet to be granted princely titles. Fortunately, their mothers resided in a side hall of Consort Li’s palace, so the two maintained a good relationship with Prince Wulie and enjoyed his protection, which kept them from being disrespected by others in the palace.

"It’s been so long since you last saw him—you’ve probably forgotten what he looks like," Prince Wulie insisted, his face flushed from drinking. Once he made up his mind, he was not easily swayed.

The Eleventh Prince chuckled foolishly, "Children grow so quickly. We truly have no idea what Yan Lin looks like now."

Fifth Brother had four sons, but only Yan Lin was born to Princess Wulie. At home, he was doted on by both Fifth Brother and his wife.

Zhao Shou relayed the message to Princess Wulie, informing her that the prince wished to bring their young master to meet his two imperial uncles.

Princess Wulie hesitated for a moment but, considering it was the prince’s birthday, decided not to oppose him. She went to the western chamber and gently woke the soundly sleeping Yan Lin.

Woken up suddenly from a deep sleep, Yan Lin—a child with a quick temper—began to whine and grumble, lying on the bed and refusing to get up.

"Be good, get up now. Your father is asking for you," Princess Wulie said, patting his bottom lightly.

Yan Lin stopped his whining, caught between obeying his father and staying sleepy.

Yan Lin idolized his father more than anyone else.

He wanted to be as great as his father one day.

The wet nurse chimed in soothingly, "The prince is waiting for you in the front courtyard, young master. Wiping your face will help wake you up." As she spoke, she squeezed out a wet cloth and gently wiped Yan Lin’s face.

Yan Lin, impatient with the wiping, struggled after a few swipes and pushed her hand away. "Enough, I’m awake now."

He sat up straight, and the maids gathered around to help him get dressed.

Princess Wulie frowned and said, "Have Liang Weiren accompany him as well."

Liang Weiren was a eunuch from the main courtyard. Since Yan Lin was to meet male guests, it wasn't proper for Suxin to accompany him.

"Yes, Princess," Suxin hurried off to summon Liang Weiren, instructing him and the wet nurse to accompany Yan Lin to the front courtyard to see the prince.

After they left, the room had far fewer attendants.

Princess Wulie leaned back on the daybed, deep in thought.

Suxin dared not disturb her but was more on edge than usual.

"Wet Nurse Lin has been with Yan Lin for seven years now, hasn’t she?" Princess Wulie said suddenly, her voice so soft it seemed like she was talking to herself.

Suxin replied, "Princess, you're mistaken. Wet Nurse Lin has been in the estate for eight years. She arrived the year you found out you were pregnant, when the prince began selecting wet nurses."

Noting Princess Wulie’s thoughtful expression, she continued, "There were four wet nurses who came to the estate that year, but over time, only Wet Nurse Lin has remained by the young master’s side."

Princess Wulie said, "I noticed just now how bossy she was. She wiped Yan Lin’s face with a wet cloth without caring whether he wanted it or not, and with such force that his pale, soft cheeks turned red."

Suxin whispered, "Should we get Matron Bai to teach her some manners?" Unsure of Princess Wulie’s intentions, she decided to feel her out.

Princess Wulie replied, "No need. Have the people in the eastern courtyard keep an eye on her and record her mistakes. We’ll deal with her when the time comes, adding up all her offenses."

This meant she intended to have her expelled from the estate. Suxin felt no sympathy—Wet Nurse Lin had grown too ambitious. "Yes, madam," she said.

Boys in the estate were required to move to the eastern courtyard after turning six. However, since it was Prince Wulie’s birthday and Yan Lin was particularly doted on by Princess Wulie, he was allowed to sleep in the main courtyard that night.

It was only because of this that Princess Wulie realized how bold her son’s wet nurse had gotten.

Indeed, when servants are not kept under close watch, they will get ideas.

No wonder there’s a saying among the common folk: "Heaven is high, and the emperor is far away." The situation in the eastern courtyard must be just like that.

Liang Weiren called Zhao Shou "brother" over and over, and Zhao Shou responded with equal courtesy.

The two interacted frequently and knew what each other was like. Fortunately, they served different masters and had no conflicting interests, which allowed them to keep things peaceful.

When they reached the front courtyard, Yan Lin, hearing his father’s voice, tried to dash inside. Wet Nurse Lin grabbed his hand quickly. "Young master, slow down. If you rush in, the prince might not be pleased."

The warning worked right away. Yan Lin immediately stopped running and held Wet Nurse Lin’s hand as they entered together.

Zhao Shou frowned and stepped in front of Wet Nurse Lin’s path. "Liang Weiren, you take the young master inside."

Liang Weiren finally understood and gave Wet Nurse Lin a sharp look. He decided to report her behavior to Princess Wulie upon their return to the main courtyard.

Wet Nurse Lin’s face flushed red and then paled. "It’s not... I forgot..."

Zhao Shou didn't want to hear her excuses. "Enough, no explanations," he said. She could explain herself to Princess Wulie later.

Liang Weiren entered and knelt, while Yan Lin let go of his hand and ran over quickly.

Prince Wulie laughed heartily. "Yan Lin, what do you say when you meet your imperial uncles?"

Yan Lin recalled the etiquette his father had taught him. He took a step back, bowed and saluted with cupped hands. "Yan Lin greets Eleventh Imperial Uncle and Twelfth Imperial Uncle."

Prince Wulie patted his head approvingly. The Eleventh Prince and Twelfth Prince took turns praising him, calling him a polite and smart child. Their compliments, one after another, made Yan Lin’s cheeks turn pink.

After meeting his two imperial uncles, Yan Lin was taken away by Liang Weiren. He was still too young; only when he turned ten would he be allowed to sit at the table with his uncles for a while.

Now, still a child, though he knew the rules, he grew restless after sitting for just a while and began fidgeting with the chopsticks and spoons on the table. Liang Weiren feared his young charge might irritate the prince. Fortunately, the prince had him take Yan Lin away.

On the way from the front courtyard to the rear courtyard, they had to take the path past the East Courtyard.

Yan Qi and Yan Shen happened to be returning just then from the study.

Yan Qi asked, "Is that Fourth Brother?"

The eunuch beside him replied, "It would appear so."

"Where has he been?" Yan Qi asked again.

At this, the eunuch had no choice but to tell the truth. "It's the prince's birthday, so he had the Fourth Young Master brought to meet the Eleventh Prince and Twelfth Prince."

Yan Shen's face darkened, and he said unhappily, "Father is too biased."

Yan Qi and Yan Shen shared the same mother, which was why Yan Shen dared to speak so frankly in front of him.

Yan Qi said, "He was born to the Princess Consort, so he's different from us."

Yan Shen disagreed. He believed their father doted on Fourth Brother only because he needed the support of the Princess Consort's family to help him ascend the throne. Once their father actually took the throne, he might not continue to favor Fourth Brother as he did now.

Both lost in thought, the two brothers returned to the East Courtyard in silence.

The eunuchs accompanying them were trembling nervously, not daring to say another word.

The front courtyard was even livelier than before, as a palace messenger had arrived, bearing gifts from the Emperor for Prince Wulie.

In earlier years, the Emperor would personally visit the homes of his favored officials to celebrate their birthdays, but he no longer did so.

Prince Wulie had never expected his father to come in person; he was simply grateful for the gifts.

Eunuch Huang, having served in the palace for many years, was as smooth as polished stone. He entered the room with a smile and bowed to the three princes.

"Please rise, Eunuch Huang. What gifts has my imperial father sent?"

Eunuch Huang had memorized the list on his way and now recited it smoothly before them: silver, horses, ornaments—all manner of gifts. But what most captured Prince Wulie's interest was the "Thousand Blossom Tree" mentioned by Eunuch Huang.

"Eunuch Huang, what is this Thousand Blossom Tree?" the Eleventh Prince asked.

Eunuch Huang signaled to those outside, and several eunuchs brought in a tree in a pot, placing it before the three princes.

The Twelfth Prince leaned in for a closer look and exclaimed, "Fifth Brother, look—this isn't a tree—it's, it's..."

The Eleventh Prince said, "It's glasswork?"

Eunuch Huang smiled and explained, "Your Highness is correct. This Thousand Blossom Tree is made of glass. Look at the texture, leaves, and branches—would you ever guess it's man-made? His Majesty specifically ordered me to retrieve it from the treasury. It's the only one of its kind in the world, and now it belongs to you. I'm fortunate to have been the one to deliver it and see it with my own eyes. I can die content now."

Eunuch Huang's flattery wasn't especially polished, but he knew how to seize opportunities, praising the Thousand Blossom Tree extravagantly to flatter Prince Wulie.

Prince Wulie, having drunk wine and now hearing such praise, was greatly pleased. "Eunuch Huang, convey my thanks to my imperial father on my behalf today. I will enter the palace tomorrow to offer my personal thanks."

Having drunk wine, he certainly couldn't appear before his father in such a state.

"My imperial father holds me dear—I'm overwhelmed with gratitude..."

Eunuch Huang was also moved to tears. "You are His Majesty's most beloved son..."

As the two made small talk, the Twelfth Prince pointed to a small horse that had been brought in, also made of glass but far less impressive and smaller than the Thousand Blossom Tree.

"Eunuch Huang, is this also a gift from imperial father?"

Eunuch Huang immediately stopped crying, looked over, and said, "No, that was a birthday gift from Prince Qihui to Prince Wulie. While His Majesty was reviewing memorials today, Prince Qihui brought this gift and said he wanted to give it to Prince Wulie. His Majesty then instructed me to deliver all the gifts together."

Prince Wulie's expression changed. Though Eunuch Huang's explanation was unclear, it made him wonder: Was it that Prince Qihui's mention prompted the Emperor to remember his birthday, or did Prince Qihui simply happen to arrive at the perfect time, allowing the gifts to be delivered together?

Eunuch Huang acted as though he hadn't noticed and quickly made his excuses to leave.

Zhao Shou personally escorted him out.

"Fifth Brother, imperial father certainly remembers your birthday. It's just that fellow deliberately pretended to be close in front of imperial father, so imperial father decided to send the gifts together."

The Eleventh Prince added, "That's right, Fifth Brother. You know how cunning that one is. When Twelfth Brother and I were in the palace, he never stood out. Now he's making himself conspicuous, which proves he was just pretending before."

The Twelfth Prince said jealously, "Imperial father has been deceived by him. Even before leaving the palace, he was given a title."

As they spoke, they began to wallow in self-pity.

Previously, the Emperor had given them opportunities to handle affairs, but they failed to seize them or mishandled them, leading to the Emperor's displeasure.

"Don't worry, you two. I'm not angry. I'll look into this matter myself," Prince Wulie said calmly, though his earlier enthusiasm had plainly waned.

The Twelfth Prince looked toward the palace and said, "Eunuch Huang has become smoother with his flattery. His words can't be trusted. He's also quite close to Prince Yongming."

Prince Wulie sat back in his chair, paying no further attention to the Thousand Blossom Tree and the glass horse on the floor.

"I know about that," Prince Wulie mused. "Eunuch Huang is a favored eunuch by imperial father's side. Whoever he draws close to might be the next... But from the looks of it, Eunuch Huang doesn't seem to know either. He treats me, Prince Yongming, and all the other princes who have left the palace equally well."

The Emperor had many children, but only half lived to adulthood. Later, the Emperor decreed that only those over six years old would be given their formal rankings.

The Eleventh Prince and Twelfth Prince fell silent. As long as the Emperor did not name an heir, they would remain on edge.

Because of their mother's status, they had thrown in their lot with Prince Wulie since birth. Though they secretly wondered why they couldn't be the favored son, after leaving the palace, the Emperor's indifference made them abandon such thoughts. Now, they only hoped Prince Wulie would ascend the throne and grant them titles, so they wouldn't be left in an awkward position in the capital.

The Twelfth Prince, more easygoing by nature, still went out to enjoy himself in the streets, but the Eleventh Prince was too embarrassed to venture beyond his gates.

The banquet had been enjoyable, but it ended uncomfortably. After having Zhao Shou see the Eleventh Prince and Twelfth Prince off, Prince Wulie sank into thought.

His drunkenness set him to brooding.

Every move the Emperor made now invited speculation about his intentions.

Why was Prince Qihui's gift delivered together with the Emperor's gifts?

Was it simply to foster brotherly harmony, or was it a hint for him to support Prince Qihui?

A young eunuch entered the room. "Your Highness, where should these two items be placed?"

His words interrupted Prince Wulie's thoughts. Prince Wulie waved his hand. "Store them in the treasury."

The young eunuch knelt to begin moving them, but Prince Wulie suddenly changed his mind and stopped him. "Wait. Display them in the room instead. Find a suitable spot."

The young eunuch paused again and went to clear a space.

The Emperor had bestowed many gifts. The silver was stored in the treasury, the horses were kept in the stables, but some decorative items were uncertain—should they be stored or displayed?

"Your Highness, should this plaque be stored in the treasury?"

Prince Wulie raised his head and saw the plaque gleaming with the four characters: Loyalty, Filial Piety, Virtue, and Wisdom—clearly written in his imperial father's own hand.

Startled, Prince Wulie wondered: Was his imperial father hinting he shouldn’t harbor other ambitions?

---

After the Lotus Banquet concluded, the events at the feast became the talk of the town among the nobility; it remained a hot topic for a while before gradually fading from conversation.

Now, everyone was discussing another matter.

On Prince Wulie’s birthday, the Emperor bestowed plaques inscribed personally by him: Prince Wulie received "Loyal, Filial, Virtuous, and Wise"; Prince Yongming received "Filial, Fraternal, Loyal, and Trustworthy"; Prince Pingning received "Loyal, Filial, Honest, and Principled"...

All centered on loyalty and filial piety, which inevitably led people to ponder deeply: What exactly did the Emperor mean by this?

Though Dong Yuting remained in her residence, news of this event reached her ears all the same.

She felt the Emperor was like a celebrity of the era, whose every move could spark citywide (or even nationwide) discussion.

In her view, the Emperor meant nothing beyond simply gifting these plaques, and it was certainly impossible to deduce the next emperor from these inscriptions.

Amid this lively atmosphere, the royal consort selection drew nearer.

And just yesterday, Dong Yuting received an invitation card from the Marchioness of Yongle.

Although she couldn’t attend social gatherings for entertainment, others were still free to visit her. Dong Yuting, indeed bored enough to "grow moss" staying indoors, prepared fresh tea and fruits in anticipation of her sister-in-law's visit.

The Marchioness of Yongle always showed respect toward Dong Yuting. "Big Sister, should I go pay respects to the Old Madame?"

Dong Yuting shook her head. "No need. The Old Madame prefers tranquility—your visit might only disturb her."

The Marchioness of Yongle nodded. She had brought along a young woman with her this time.

She was a relative from the Marchioness’s mother's side of the family—graceful and poised, with smiling eyes and curved brows, her gentle demeanor naturally making people like her instantly.