Chapter 8, Mother and Child

After the early morning rituals, Yuan Qi was to visit the Empress Dowager's palace to pay his respects. As it was a meeting between mother and son, there was naturally no need for many attendants. The morning dew had cleared up by mid-morning.

Aunt Yue looked at this scene and could only smile bitterly, feeling the heavy burden on her shoulders. Remembering something, she reminded, "Your Highness, early this morning, a message came from the Empress inviting the concubines of the harem to a banquet in her palace. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Upon opening the door, it was seen that Mei Pin had come alone.

Mei Pin was fiddling with something in her hand, her face breaking into a tender and sweet smile, her bright eyes filled with clarity and innocence

After not seeing him for many days, this dashing prince, who is the focus of attention both in the court and among the people, remains unchanged in his usual habits, adorned in resplendent gold and luxury. He is seen wearing a golden crown set with large luminous pearls, radiating brilliance, and a dragon-patterned ring on his finger, which is translucent and emerald green. His entire attire is opulent, yet at his waist, there is only a hint of unusual color; upon closer inspection, it turns out to be the most mysterious "Tears of the Moon Goddess" from ancient Loulan.

Aunt Yue picked up the bowl and, using a white jade spoon, carefully fed it into the mouth of Consort Mei.

Aunt Yue let out a sigh: "Shang Yi, please forgive this old servant for being overly suspicious; it is truly at this critical moment..."

She turned her head, smiled gently, and at the age of forty-five, the woman still looked extraordinarily beautiful when she smiled

It is only a few steps away, yet I have to wear this cumbersome thing... My aunt is really making things difficult for me!

She is wise beyond her years, a product of a wealthy family, and upon hearing the tone of the conversation, she immediately became alert

Her family is also moderately wealthy, with a tradition of poetry and propriety, and she has always been favored by her parents. Shortly after entering the palace, she gained the emperor's favor, and it can be said that she has never experienced the taste of sorrow.

She complained with her mouth, yet her hands deftly placed the medicine on the table, and then, with composure, she bowed to Chen Lu: "I have met Lord Shang Yi."

Lady Mei immediately retorted: "Not at all, Your Majesty the Empress is humble and very kind to others. During the morning court session yesterday, she even inquired about you, saying she did not know how such a clever and courteous woman could exist!"

Such a masterfully crafted item is rarely seen even within the palace

Lady Mei clapped her hands and exclaimed, "That's right, it's time for me to change my outfit—soon I will be able to taste the specially prepared delicacies from the Empress's side. The last time I was granted some, the flavor was truly delightful"

The hand reached out swiftly! Chen Lu remarked in a low voice, and then smiled, saying, "It is better to comply than to be overly cautious." The group changed their attire and proceeded to the Zhaoyang Palace.

After respectfully performing the grand ceremony to pay respects, Jing Wang smiled and said to the Emperor: "It has been many days since we last met, and Your Majesty looks particularly spirited. No wonder it is said that one feels invigorated when encountering joyful events."

Lady Mei listened from the side, feeling that the topic was dull and also ominous and dangerous, so she smiled and said: "Aunt, you are being overly cautious; in this vast and open world, how could such evil deeds occur?"

You, my child, are simply too upright. Never mind, with you here, I have nothing to worry about.

Qier, I have also heard about your recent appointment as a ceremonial official— is that woman truly so remarkable that it has led you to change your initial intention of not wanting a female official?

Her eyes lit up as she said to the morning dew, "Shang Yi, you are not on duty this afternoon, right? Why don't you accompany our lady to meet and pay respects to the various ladies? They do not know you yet."

Lady Mei's aunt appeared at the door, holding a lacquer tray inlaid with the characters for fortune and longevity, on which was a bowl of steaming medicine

On this side, the concubines of the harem had already dressed and adorned themselves early, preparing to attend the banquet, while in the Empress Dowager's Cining Palace, there was harmony and joy, with mother, sons, and brothers gathered together.

She had just returned to her courtyard when she heard someone gently knocking on the door

She complained, and upon seeing the morning dew, she exclaimed "Oh!" with wide eyes, curiously examining, "Sister, you are dressed quite differently today..."

The Empress listened to these insinuating and meaningful words, and her expression stiffened involuntarily. However, as these words were grandiloquent, they could not be refuted in any way, and she soon smiled.

Yuan Qi got up, changed the tea for the Empress Dowager, and then said with a smile: "If the Third Brother can learn from Lao Laizi to amuse our mother and make her smile, considering this point, no matter how much of a scoundrel he is, I will not hold it against him!"

Before the Emperor could become enraged, the Empress Dowager rebuked him: "You wicked tyrant, how can you so casually slander others! A pure and innocent girl, who is also a female official, is being so wantonly defamed by you!"

The emperor was so infuriated by this lazy scoundrel that he felt as if smoke were coming out of his seven orifices, wishing he could revert to the old ways and drag him over to choke him half to death. He could only glare at him fiercely, but this only resulted in the scoundrel's smug demeanor.

Your Highness, please have some consideration for us servants. After taking the medicine, you should go out... You just promised a moment ago, and in the blink of an eye, you ran over here. It is quite difficult to find you!

It was early spring, yet she was wrapped up like a bundle in a white fox fur, and as soon as she entered, she eagerly took it off

... ...

Chen Lu looked at her and saw that she had finished drinking the medicinal soup, idly playing with the exquisite ornamentation of gold and jade on her body

With a gaze fixed in the morning dew, I carefully inhaled, confirming that my memory was not mistaken, and inquired: "Where did this medicine come from?"

The three of them chatted about some trivial matters, and only then did the two brothers take their leave.

Morning Dew chuckled lightly and shook her head, saying: "Aunt, you are being overly cautious. I merely feel that this medicine has a delightful fragrance, unlike the work of the imperial physicians in the palace"

Such a body adorned with jewels, if worn by another, would undoubtedly appear vulgar and unrefined; yet this Prince Jing, adorned in such a manner, only serves to accentuate his extraordinary beauty, as if he were a being from the realm of immortals

Upon hearing this, Chen Lu felt a clarity in her heart. Fortunately, the Emperor's intention was indeed as such, so she readily acquiesced: "Chen Lu should indeed pay her respects to all the esteemed ladies—it's just that I am of humble status and have come uninvited, so I hope Her Majesty the Empress will not take offense."

The peculiar warmth of the medicine subtly permeates the room, creating a misty atmosphere

The Empress Dowager observed the two seated together; the Emperor was dressed simply and refreshingly, while Prince Jing was adorned in the utmost luxury. She secretly sighed at the differing natures of the two, yet did not reveal any of her thoughts on her face. She was only amused to the point of choking by Prince Jing Yuan Zhi's antics. After taking a sip of tea, she regained her composure and smiled as she pointed at the two, saying, "You still behave so mischievously in my presence!"

He entered the main hall, first paying his respects with a grand ceremony to the Empress Dowager, and then took a seat on the chair personally presented by Aunt Ye. Only then did he have the leisure to look at his third younger brother, Prince Jing, Yuan Zhi

Upon hearing this, Aunt Yue became greatly alarmed: "I was just about to mention this, Your Highness, please remember that food items should only be tasted after everyone has taken their first bite, and it is also necessary to use silver utensils..."

The late emperor was a hero of unparalleled greatness, having expelled the barbarian tribes and established the glorious foundation of our dynasty. However, in terms of offspring, he was quite lacking. The concubines in the palace consecutively gave birth to three princesses, but not a single prince. It was not until the current empress dowager, who was then the primary consort, gave birth to the current emperor Yuanqi that a temporary crisis was alleviated. Subsequently, a concubine gave birth to a son, but unfortunately, he passed away young. This Prince Jing, Yuan Zhi, was born to the empress dowager's cousin, Consort Hui, and he often stayed close to her, making him no different from a biological child.

The child also understands this principle, but throughout history, to cultivate oneself, manage the family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world, one must first cultivate oneself; without self-cultivation, one cannot manage the family. If the inner court is in constant strife, even the emperor will be ridiculed by others. He glanced at the Empress Dowager and added, "Mother should also understand this principle"

Upon arriving at the Empress's palace, Yuan Qi could faintly hear the resplendent and clear laughter of Yuan Zhi from a distance

The exquisite object is only the size of a pigeon egg, its jade quality is originally snow-white and flawless. Inside, it is divided into nine layers, each nested within the other, and intricately carved with various patterns, accented with pure gold dots, and adorned with ruby stones the size of grains of rice. The brilliance of the gems radiates, and with a slight shake, a melodious sound of the wind is produced.

Aunt Yue said: "It was the Emperor who instructed the imperial physician to prepare this. It is a large bag full of dark, round granules, each the size of a longan. It is said to be a unique recipe for nourishing energy and stabilizing the fetus—what's wrong with that?"

Chen Lu knew that she was in charge of affairs in the palace and was also the dowry of Consort Mei, thus she was always held in high regard. With a smile, she stopped her, saying: "Aunt, there is no need for such formalities; it is better to attend to your master and serve him his medicine."

She recalled that the morning dew was also present, and explained vaguely, "In fact, although the Empress is virtuous, the grand banquets in the palace have always been crowded and chaotic, and my lady is also with child..."

The Empress Dowager lightly tapped his forehead with a painted fan and said: "You, with your ever-cautious nature, have chosen a female official of ordinary appearance. I have heard that to avoid suspicion, you even had her reside in the Changchun Palace—this is rather excessive. You are the Son of Heaven; even if you were to truly favor someone, it would be a common occurrence. Is my son truly trying to become a saint?"

The emperor could not help but chuckle: "Which servant is it that has been gossiping?" He shot a glance at Prince Jing, Yuan Zhi: "And those who fan the flames and spread rumors have turned a trivial matter into such a spectacle. Mother, you will see for yourself that the girl is truly ordinary in appearance; there is nothing extraordinary about her beauty, nor is there any need for deception! She is merely a relative of Qu Qing, and I appointed her as a Shangyi because I found her to be straightforward in her speech and actions.

Without waiting for his response, he replied to the Empress Dowager with a mischievous smile: "Mother, you just mentioned that you are worried about the Emperor's excessive fatigue, but there is really no need for concern... The Emperor is in excellent health, and besides, the Consort Mei is pregnant!"

This is the ceremonial robe worn by Lord Shangyi during his duty

Yuan Zhi, however, was not one to easily let things go, and he smiled mysteriously: "I heard that my royal brother has acquired a peerless beauty, and he is hiding her away in the Changchun Palace with Consort Mei to keep it a secret from others"