The Crown Prince Chases His Wife
Extra 4 Full Moon
Great Xia.
The Empress safely gave birth to the imperial heir, and the Emperor was overjoyed. Everyone in the imperial palace was rewarded, and the entire palace was celebrating the Empress and the imperial heir.
Ji Nanfeng and the team of imperial physicians conducted thorough examinations of the prince and princess, and no abnormalities have been found so far. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
The Empress recovered exceptionally well after childbirth. The physicians and midwives were amazed, as it was rare in the world for a first-time mother carrying twins to have such a smooth delivery.
Both the Empress and the imperial heir were truly blessed.
Moreover, Qin Yan also resolved the long-standing health issue that had troubled her for years through this pregnancy.
Since Qin Yan became pregnant, from last winter until now, she has not shown the usual symptoms of being more sensitive to cold than others.
Ji Nanfeng has some speculations about this, believing that the pregnancy might have altered Qin Yan’s constitution.
Ji Nanfeng feels somewhat conflicted. He had previously been somewhat resentful about Qin Yan taking the risk of pregnancy and childbirth, but now it seems that this childbirth might not have been a bad thing for her.
After Ji Nanfeng left, Qin Yan leaned on a soft pillow on the couch, closing her eyes to rest, but she was not sleepy.
Qin Yan knew that her fear of water and cold had started after she fell off Meishan and into the icy pool.
However, during last autumn’s hunt, she and Feng Zhan experienced a similar situation in the deep pool at the western hunting grounds. Later, when they returned to the capital by sea, Qin Yan fell into the water and was rescued by Feng Zhan. After that, she became less resistant to water and less fearful of the cold winter.
Perhaps, the physical damage she suffered from falling into the water was real, but it was also influenced by psychological factors.
And her change began after she met Feng Zhan.
Thinking of this, a faint smile appeared on Qin Yan’s lips.
This man…
——–
“Your Majesty,” a pleasant voice greeted from outside at that moment.
Qin Yan slowly opened her eyes and turned her gaze toward the white jade landscape screen separating the inner chamber from the outer room.
Feng Zhan’s tall and imposing figure paused for a moment on the other side of the screen. It seemed as though he and Qin Yan exchanged a glance through the screen, and then he quickly turned and walked toward another part of the hall.
Qin Yan slightly furrowed her brows. What was wrong with this man?
Feng Zhan did not bring anyone with him, but Shen Ying, who had just gone to the side hall to check on the prince and princess, returned.
However, Shen Ying’s expression… was somewhat hard to describe.
Seeing that Shen Ying seemed to be holding back something she wanted to say, Qin Yan frowned and said, “Speak.”
Shen Ying glanced around as if making sure no one could overhear, then quickly stepped closer to Qin Yan’s bedside, crouched down, and whispered mysteriously, “Master, you must not tell His Majesty that I was the one who told you.”
Qin Yan narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly, seemingly displeased with Shen Ying’s suspenseful manner.
Having served her master for so many years, Shen Ying could easily sense her displeasure. Without further ado, she immediately spoke, “Master, when His Majesty went to the side hall earlier to visit the little prince and princess, he happened to encounter the nanny changing the little prince’s undergarments.”
“The Empress Dowager teased His Majesty, asking if he wanted to try doing it himself. After a moment of hesitation, His Majesty actually nodded and agreed.”
At this point, Shen Ying glanced toward the screen again, ensuring no one was coming in, then let out a relieved sigh before continuing, “But just as His Majesty took the undergarment from the nanny and bent down to try putting it on the little prince, the little prince suddenly… urinated, and it… it landed right on His Majesty’s face.”
Shen Ying seemed to be holding back laughter, taking a few deep breaths before continuing, “His Majesty’s face turned so dark at that moment…”
“Except for the Empress Dowager, everyone in the room immediately knelt down, not daring to make a sound. They were all regretting having witnessed such an awkward moment for His Majesty and were utterly terrified.”
“After that, His Majesty returned to the main hall and went straight to the bathhouse. I…”
“Your Majesty.” The voice of a palace servant sounded from outside again, and Shen Ying immediately stopped speaking. She quickly stood up, bowed her head, and hurried out of the hall.
Qin Yan looked at Feng Zhan, who was approaching with a slightly stern expression and was still surrounded by a faint mist of water vapor. Recalling what Shen Ying had just said, she couldn’t help but feel a sudden urge to laugh.
Seeing the suspicious and teasing curve at the corner of Qin Yan’s lips, Feng Zhan’s brows furrowed slightly.
Feng Zhan strode to the bedside, removed his outer robe, and climbed onto the bed. He embraced Qin Yan, burying his handsome face into the soft, pale side of her neck. His chin nuzzled against her collarbone, and his demeanor… seemed somewhat aggrieved?
Qin Yan, however, burst into laughter, then softly said, “Have you been bullied by your son?”
Feng Zhan’s body stiffened for a moment, but he did not speak, instead burying his face even deeper into Qin Yan’s neck.
The sound of Qin Yan’s joyful laughter echoed through the hall, while Shen Ying, standing outside the door, felt a sudden pang of worry.
Oh no, would His Majesty hold her accountable for being the messenger of this gossip…
———–
Before the Empress gave birth, the palace had arranged for several wet nurses to breastfeed the prince and princess. However, Qin Yan still personally fed her children occasionally, as she enjoyed being close to her son and daughter and relished the feeling of being needed by them.
But every time Qin Yan breastfed, Feng Zhan found it difficult to endure.
Seeing Qin Yan’s slightly disheveled collar and hearing the sound of the infant swallowing in her arms, Feng Zhan’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes turned red, and desire surged within him.
Before his son or daughter could drink much of their mother’s milk, Feng Zhan would have the wet nurses take the prince and princess away and order the doors to be closed.
Inside the hall, Feng Zhan pressed against Qin Yan’s now fuller figure, his breathing heavy, and his voice slightly hoarse as he spoke, “Yan Yan, it seems I am hungry.”
Qin Yan’s eyebrows twitched slightly. How could she not understand what the man on top of her meant?
Although Qin Yan had just given birth and it was not advisable to engage in intimate relations, Feng Zhan was well-versed in finding ways to indulge himself with Qin Yan.
Feng Zhan buried his head, truly acting without restraint.
“Feng Zhan!”
Outside the hall, Song Zhi and Shen Ying, standing guard, heard the Empress’s angry voice and the occasional sounds that made their ears burn. Both of them blushed deeply.
It was truly difficult for them…
———
On the day the Empress gave birth, Zhang Xi, the Imperial Observatory Bureau, used the birth charts of the prince and princess to determine an auspicious time for the “washing ceremony” on the third day after their birth, according to the Imperial Compilation of Auspicious and Inauspicious Times. The chosen time was noon on the 27th day of the second month.
In the second year of Taichang, on the 27th day of the second month, the “washing ceremony” was held to celebrate the third day of the prince and princess’s birth.
On that day, Emperor Feng Zhan personally attended the ceremony at the southern suburbs to perform the rituals and offer congratulations.
Civil and military officials of the fifth rank and above, dressed in ceremonial attire, accompanied the Emperor to the inner hall of the Ancestral Temple in the southern suburbs for the worship ceremony.
At Yihe Hall, the side hall of Ningshou Palace.
The Empress Dowager, the dowager concubines, and the two elder princesses all came to offer their congratulations.
After Emperor Feng Zhan ascended the throne, following the Ministry of Rites’ recommendations, he conferred honorary titles to the late Emperor’s concubines. The late Emperor’s legitimate wife was honored as the Empress Dowager and the four imperial concubines were honored as dowager concubines, including the late Imperial Concubine Shu, who was posthumously honored as Dowager Concubine Shu. The two princesses were also granted the title of elder princesses according to protocol.
Since Feng Zhan’s harem was virtually empty, except for the Empress Dowager, who moved from Kunning Palace to Shou’an Palace, the other dowager concubines and elder princesses continued to reside in their former palaces.
The mother of Liang Wang, Feng Yi, who had once led troops into the capital in an attempt to force the Emperor to abdicate, Dowager Concubine Jing, was placed under house arrest in Yonghe Palace by the Empress Dowager. Dowager Concubine Jing had refused to eat or drink for some time, and her condition was not optimistic. It seemed she might pass away in the coming days.
Since the downfall of the Wang family and their departure from the capital, Dowager Concubine Xian, the Empress Dowager’s younger sister, seemed to have suddenly lost the desire to compete with the Empress Dowager. She no longer interfered in the affairs of the inner palace and had not left the gates of Zuiren Palace for many days. Only when Empress Qin Yan gave birth did she, at the Empress Dowager’s request, leave the palace to offer her congratulations.
In the Yihe Hall of Ningshou Palace, everyone was smiling as they looked at the little prince and princess in their cradle. Even Dowager Concubine Xian, who had little connection with Empress Qin Yan, was moved by the cuteness of the two little ones.
After so many events in the past year, both in the Great Xia and within the palace, who wouldn’t welcome the arrival of new life?
The Empress Dowager gazed lovingly at the two children and couldn’t help but sigh, “The little prince looks exactly like His Majesty did when he was a child.”
“We are all getting old, so old.”
As she spoke, the Empress Dowager glanced at Dowager Concubine De and Dowager Concubine Xian.
Dowager Concubine De also looked at the little prince and princess with affection, as did Dowager Concubine Xian.
At this moment, Dowager Concubine Xian seemed to have forgotten her past grievances with the Empress Dowager. After all, these two children were her own grand-nephew and grand-niece.
Dowager Concubine Xian, who had never had children of her own, felt a pang of sadness in her heart. She couldn’t help but reach out and gently touch the little prince’s soft cheek, her eyes moist.
Who wouldn’t want to leave their own bloodline in this world…
Meanwhile, Feng Yuyao and Feng Yunchao continued to play with the two children. Feng Yuyao softly murmured, “Call me Imperial Aunt…”
Feng Yuyao was lightly tapped on the shoulder by Dowager Concubine De, who chided her softly, “Before calling ‘Father Emperor’ or ‘Mother Empress,’ why call you Imperial Aunt!”
Feng Yuyao glanced sheepishly at Qin Yan, who was sitting in the main seat drinking tea and fell silent.
Feng Yuyao turned her gaze back, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at the little prince and princess.
The children were so adorable. If only she and Shen Ci…
At this thought, the tips of Feng Yuyao’s ears turned slightly red.
Feng Yunchao, standing beside her, gave Feng Yuyao a puzzled look before continuing to play with the children.
Qin Yan set down her teacup and glanced at Feng Yuyao and the others, her mind drifting to another matter.
Now that the empire was stable, the marriages of the two princesses would likely be brought up for discussion. She wondered if things would go as they wished.
———–
Before the washing ceremony for the prince and princess began, the “Tian Pen” ritual was performed. This involved the Empress Dowager, the dowager concubines, and the elder princesses adding gifts such as gold, silver, treasures, and Ruyi scepters into two golden nanmu basins carved with the motif of carp leaping over the dragon gate, prepared for the washing ceremony.
When noon arrived, the washing ceremony officially began.
Two ceremonial maids poured water boiled with locust branches and mugwort leaves into the basins, which was believed to ward off evil spirits and diseases. They then added auspicious items such as silver coins, eggs, and dates. Once the water reached a lukewarm temperature, the prince and princess were placed into the basins, facing the south, the direction determined by the Imperial Observatory Bureau as the most auspicious, to welcome the God of Joy.
After the bath, the prince and princess’s skin glowed with a pinkish hue, making them even more adorable.
Once the washing ceremony concluded, the Empress generously rewarded the ceremonial maids.
Following this, at the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), auspicious cradles were raised to ensure complete good fortune.
With this, the three-day ceremony for the prince and princess was completed.
———–
The Ministry of Rites, following the Emperor’s orders, moved the naming ceremony, which was traditionally held on the hundredth day after the birth of the prince and princess, forward to the full moon celebration. A banquet would be held for the court officials at that time.
The Ministry of Rites consulted the Imperial Observatory Bureau to select an auspicious date for the full moon ceremony. Meanwhile, officials from the Hanlin Academy prepared several potential names for the prince and princess, which were presented to the Emperor and Empress for their decision.
In the Imperial Study at the Ningshou Palace Garden, Qin Yan and Feng Zhan sat on either side of the imperial desk, each reviewing the memorials submitted by the Ministry of Rites regarding the naming of the prince and princess, along with a stack of ancient texts.
Both Feng Zhan and Qin Yan were decisive by nature, but when it came to naming their children, they were not so casual. They were very careful about the names that would accompany their children for life.
After the time it took to burn an incense stick, Feng Zhan looked at Qin Yan, “Their names shall be decided by you.”
Qin Yan looked up, her gaze shifting from the book in her hands to the handsome, well-defined face of the man sitting across from her. Her expression showed a hint of surprise.
She was to decide the names of the imperial heirs?
This was not in accordance with tradition.
Feng Zhan’s deep, dark eyes fixed on Qin Yan’s as he spoke earnestly, “As their mother, you carried them for ten months and risked your life to bring them into this world. It is their honor to have you name them.”
Qin Yan’s eyebrows raised slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
Feng Zhan… this man, how could Qin Yan not be satisfied with him?
Qin Yan knew that if the old ministers found out she was naming the prince and princess, there would be a lot of fuss and chatter.
However, she was not one to shy away from trouble.
Qin Yan reached for a piece of yellow paper with golden dragon patterns on the imperial desk. She furrowed her brows in thought for a moment, then dipped the brush into the ink that Feng Zhan had prepared for her. With strong, decisive strokes, she began to write.
After setting down the brush, Qin Yan handed the written paper to Feng Zhan.
Feng Zhan took it and saw a single character written on the paper “Qi”.
Qin Yan explained, “The ancients said, ‘大启尔宇’ (Da Qi Er Yu), meaning ‘to open up new horizons’ and ‘启’ means ‘to open.'”
“I hope that under his rule, the Great Xia will usher in a new era and a new outlook.”
Feng Zhan gazed intently at Qin Yan, “Can’t it be under our rule?”
Qin Yan leaned back in her chair, adjusting to a more comfortable position.
“It would be better to hand over power to the Crown Prince sooner rather than later. We should take a rest.”
Feng Zhan chuckled softly, his tone filled with affection, “Alright, as you wish. The prince’s name shall be Feng Qi.”
“Now, for our daughter’s name, it’s your turn.” After saying this, Qin Yan picked up a teacup and took a sip.
Feng Zhan furrowed his brows in thought for a moment, then picked up the brush and wrote.
“Feng Ning. I hope she will have a peaceful and smooth life.”
Qin Yan had no objections to her daughter’s name, but…
Ning?
As the daughter of Qin Yan, it was unlikely that she would have much to do with the concept of “peace.”
Considering that Qin Yan herself had a mother like Lady Shen, her own actions and style spoke volumes.
Well, this was just Feng Zhan’s wish for their daughter. She would let him have it.
When the officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy received the names chosen by the Emperor and Empress for the prince and princess, they couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled.
Neither the prince’s nor the princess’s names seemed to have been selected from the memorials they had submitted.
The officials from the Hanlin Academy worked through the night to cross-check the names against the imperial genealogy records, ensuring there were no duplicates or violations of naming taboos. Only after confirming this did they feel at ease and reported the matter to the Emperor.
On the day before the crown prince and princess’s full moon celebration, Emperor Feng Zhan personally went to the Ancestral Temple to offer sacrifices and formally announced the chosen names of the prince and princess to the spirits of the past emperors.
Following this, Emperor Feng Zhan went to the Fengtian Gate to issue an imperial decree, officially transmitting the names of the prince and princess to the Ministry of Rites, which would then record them in the imperial genealogy.
————
On the morning of the full moon ceremony, as determined by the Imperial Observatory Bureau, the nannies carried the prince and princess into the main hall of Yihe Palace. Duan Wangfei, who had come to the capital to celebrate the Empress and the royal heirs, performed the hair-cutting ceremony for the prince and princess.
After the hair-cutting ceremony, the maids carried the prince and princess, following the imperial procession led by the Emperor and Empress, to the Fengtian Hall in the front court.
In the Fengtian Hall of the imperial palace, Feng Zhan wore a golden crown and a black ceremonial robe adorned with twelve symbolic patterns representing the sun, moon, stars, and other symbols of the Son of Heaven. Empress Qin Yan wore a phoenix crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes, dressed in a golden cloud and dragon-patterned empress’s ceremonial robe. The two arrived hand in hand.
The ministers and noblewomen bowed in reverence to welcome the Emperor and Empress.
The Emperor and Empress ascended to their respective thrones on the high platform. Feng Zhan raised his hand, and the palace attendants announced, “Rise.”
The court officials and noblewomen stood up.
The palace attendants then announced, “Present the Eldest Prince and Princess to the palace hall.”
The swaddling clothes of the little prince and princess were carried into the hall by two nannies, who then bowed on behalf of the infants to the Emperor and Empress seated above.
Two officials from the Ministry of Rites held up trays containing the golden scrolls and seals, standing at the front of the hall. The announcer proclaimed, “Proceed with the conferment ceremony for the prince and princess.”
“Confer the title of Crown Prince to the Empress’s eldest son, bestow the Crown Prince’s scroll and seal, and grant him residence in the Eastern Palace.”
“Confer the title of Princess Anping to the Empress’s eldest daughter, bestow the golden scroll and seal, and grant her residence in Fengyang Palace.”
The prince and princess were carried by the maids to receive the scrolls and seals.
The announcer called out, “Bow.”
All the officials and noblewomen bowed to congratulate the newly appointed Crown Prince and Princess Anping.
With this, the heir to the Great Xia had been established, marking a sign of peace and political stability, a joyous occasion for all.
However, the court officials couldn’t help but ponder that the Emperor had issued a decree on the day of the Crown Prince’s birth, appointing him as the heir. Today’s ceremony was merely a formality.
What surprised the court officials was that the eldest princess was conferred the title of Princess Anping and was granted not only a golden scroll but also a golden seal.
According to tradition, princesses are only granted scrolls, not seals. The conferment of this princess resembled that of a prince.
Princess Anping held a significant position.
Some court officials had heard that the Empress had summoned members of the Hanlin Academy, the Ministry of Rites, and the Grand Scholar, seemingly inquiring about the legal provisions regarding women’s rights and status throughout history.
So, is the matter of granting Princess Anping the Golden Seal a sign that the Empress intends to elevate the status of women in the Great Xia?
———–
After the ceremony for the coronation of the Crown Prince and Princess, the officials from the Ministry of Rites presented the Golden Seal and the Golden Book, leaving everyone a bit confused, was there more to the ceremony?
A palace attendant took the imperial edict and read aloud, “Bow.”
The ministers and noblewomen bowed once again.
The palace attendant continued, “I hereby declare that the Empress, who is gentle, virtuous, and has contributed to the stability of the Great Xia, as well as having given birth to the heir, is hereby specially granted the title of Empress Zhuang Suwen.”
Qin Yan looked at Feng Zhan, seemingly unaware of this.
Seeing that the Empress was still seated on the Phoenix Throne, the officials from the Ministry of Rites bowed and presented the Golden Seal and Golden Book to the high platform, where the Empress’s maid, Chen Ying, received them on her behalf.
The palace attendant again called, “Bow.”
The ministers bowed again to congratulate the newly titled Empress Zhuang Suwen.
Everyone was greatly surprised.
The bestowal of a revered title to the Empress was something that, apart from the Ministry of Rites and Hanlin Academy, most courtiers had no prior knowledge of.
Traditionally, when a new emperor ascends the throne, only the Empress Dowager or the Dowager Concubines is given a revered title. Bestowing such a title on the Empress was an unprecedented move.
The Emperor had granted the Empress a level of honor that others would not dare to even imagine.
After the coronation ceremony, the officials from the Ministry of Rites went to the outer Wumen Gate to read the imperial edict. They then took the edict to the cabinet and issued it to the world.
———
Inside the Fengtian Hall, the Crown Prince and Princess Anping were escorted back to Ningshou Palace, where a banquet was held in celebration.
As people’s thoughts wandered in different directions, many were busy flattering the members of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion.
The Duke of Zhenguo Mansion had nurtured the remarkable Shen Shiying, who was not only the Great Xia’s Princess of Huayang but also the Empress of Northern Liang, a truly extraordinary woman.
Now, the family’s young lady, Qin Yan, was highly favored by the Emperor and had become a powerful and influential Empress.
The Duke of Zhenguo, Shen Changshan, was the only Duke in the Great Xia, making his family one of the most prestigious and powerful in the empire.
At the banquet, there were some people who kept casting complicated glances at the Marquis of Yongding, Xie An, and his son, Shizi Xie Changyuan.
Not long ago, it was Shizi Xie who, with a casual remark, broke off the engagement with Qin Yan, who was then just the eldest daughter of the Qin family. People wondered if, looking back now, Shizi Xie regretted his decision…
When Marquis of Yongding Xie An noticed these gazes, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat awkward.
Meanwhile, Xie Changyuan kept his head lowered, sipping his wine, deliberately avoiding looking up at the Emperor and Empress on the high platform, the couple that everyone admired.
But during the bowing earlier, Xie Changyuan did catch a glimpse of Qin Yan. She seemed to have gained some weight, and compared to before, she looked even more beautiful, almost unnervingly so.
Xie Changyuan drank another cup of wine, trying to drown the bitter feelings that almost welled up in his throat.
Before the banquet began, everyone sent their congratulatory gifts to the side hall of Fengtian Hall for the Crown Prince and Princess.
In the gifts sent by the Minister of War, He Yanming, there was also the deed to the shop and the land in the gift that the Empress had sent to the He family during the wedding of He Xiao and Qin Nian.
He Yanming was somewhat aware of the relationship between the Empress and the Qin family. Now, He and Qin families have formed a feud over the poisoning of He Xiao by Qin Nian.
Returning the gift was He Yanming’s way of not wanting to take advantage of the Empress.
Far away in Yangzhou, the Emperor’s father-in-law, Qin Wenzheng, also sent gifts but declined to come to the capital due to illness. The reason for his absence was something everyone was well aware of.
Qin Wenzheng no longer had the face to enter the capital…
Of course, the Emperor and Empress also gave gifts to all the ministers as a return gesture.
It was worth mentioning that the Empress of Northern Liang also sent an extravagant gift.
The Emperor of Northern Liang was extremely generous, and even though the Qin family was wealthy, they were still taken aback by the grandness of the gift.
Of course, Qin Yan knew that the Emperor of Northern Liang sent such lavish gifts not only for his mother but also to maintain friendly relations between Northern Liang and the Great Xia.
Additionally, this time, Northern Liang had sent back a letter from Shen Shiying to Qin Yan, along with correspondence from the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion.
The contents of Shen Shiying’s letter greatly surprised them.
———-
After the banquet, Feng Zhan went to the South Study to handle state affairs, and Qin Yan returned to Ningshou Palace, accompanied by several members of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion.
Outside the Yihe Hall in Ningshou Palace, the faces of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion’s members were somewhat serious.
After sitting in silence for a moment, the Duke of Zhenguo, Shen Changshan, furrowed his brows and spoke, “Shen Shiyan, Shen Ci, both of you ask the Emperor for permission to go to Northern Liang. If the Emperor permits, you can depart immediately.”
“I am too old to go myself, so you two will go on my behalf and take care of things.”
“I cannot rest easy knowing Shiying is alone in Northern Liang, especially with everything happening now. If something were to happen to her, and no one reliable is around, that would be far too troubling.”
Shen Changshan’s brow furrowed tightly, but at this moment, this old father could do nothing but accept that his daughter had married so far away.
…Is it really true that there’s no one reliable for Shen Shiying?
Duke of Zhenguo, have you completely forgotten about your son-in-law, the Emperor of Northern Liang, Xiao Qian?
Fang Su also furrowed her brows and spoke up, “I will go as well. As a woman, I can better take care of Shiying.”
But Shen Shiyan immediately rejected his wife’s suggestion, “Su Su, you stay behind. The journey is too long, and your health isn’t good. Stay in the capital to take care of Yan Yan.”
Fang Su nodded. She wouldn’t stubbornly insist on going, but she couldn’t help feeling concerned about Shiying.
After all, carrying a child and giving birth at Shiying’s age was not without risks…
Qin Yan remained silent for a moment before speaking, “The guards of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion cannot stay in Northern Liang for too long, so take my people with you to help care for my mother.”
“Let Mr. Ji go with them.”
The Duke of Zhenguo, Shen Changshan, accepted Qin Yan’s arrangement for guards but politely declined the suggestion of having Ji Nanfeng accompany them.
“Yan Yan has just given birth, and the matters at hand are relatively simple. Mr. Ji is your left and right arm, so let Shen Shiyan and Shen Ci go to Northern Liang first to check on Shiying’s situation, and then we’ll make further arrangements.”
Qin Yan nodded, “Alright.”
After the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion’s members left, another visitor arrived at Ningshou Palace: Princess Jingyi, Feng Yuyao.
Feng Yuyao, of course, followed the usual procedure of first visiting the Crown Prince and Princess Anping, still staying in the side hall of Yihe Hall in Ningshou Palace. When she arrived at Qin Yan’s inner chamber, Qin Yan was lying on a soft couch by the window, resting with her eyes closed.
Feng Yuyao took off her shoes, climbed onto the soft couch, and lay down beside Qin Yan. She gently shook Qin Yan’s arm and whispered, “Yan Yan, may I ask you for a favor?”
After Qin Yan was made Empress, Feng Yuyao immediately changed how she addressed her. Whether in public or in private, she now called Qin Yan “Your Majesty.”
But Qin Yan responded, “Yuyao, just call me Yan Yan.”
At that moment, both of them were reminded of the time two years ago at the Yunfu Tea House in the Western Market, when they hadn’t seen each other for years. Back then, Qin Yan had called Feng Yuyao “Princess,” and Feng Yuyao had said, “Yan Yan, just call me Yuyao, alright?”
Although it had only been two years, it felt as though so much had changed.
And since Qin Yan had already spoken, Feng Yuyao did not hold back. Aside from showing respect and formality in public as the Empress, when they were alone, they were just as casual as they had been before.
Qin Yan slowly opened her eyes but didn’t speak.
Feng Yuyao continued, “I want you to help me find out if Shen Ci has someone he cares about.”
“If he already has someone in his heart, I won’t interfere or try to steal someone’s love. But if he doesn’t, he needs to get married someday, and if he ends up marrying a random person without any background, it’s better for him to marry me.”
“Now that you are part of the imperial family, and Aunt Shen has become the Empress of Northern Liang, it’s no longer possible for the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion to distance themselves from the imperial family like before. It might not be as easy to avoid suspicion anymore.”
“Whoever Shen Ci marries is his choice, but at least I’ve had feelings for him all these years, and I will treat him well for the rest of my life. Yan Yan, trust me.”
After saying this, Feng Yuyao fixed her gaze on Qin Yan, as if hoping for some affirmation from her.
Qin Yan looked at Feng Yuyao, feeling somewhat pleased and amused that she no longer tried to hide her feelings so covertly, “Young lady, where did your reserve go?”
Feng Yuyao’s face flushed slightly, but she still spoke with openness, “Yan Yan, you might not know this, but among the young masters of the great noble families in the capital who are currently being watched by the matrons. Shizi Feng Subei of Duan Wang Mansion and Shizi Xie Changyuan of Marquis of Yongding Mansion are both widowers. Xie Zhao’s background has some minor flaws, and others are in not important. So, Shen Ci is the most sought-after one.”
“If I wait too long to compete for the man I desire, and still hold onto my reserve, it will be too late.”
Seeing that Feng Yuyao spoke so earnestly, without a hint of jest, Qin Yan responded seriously, “Shen Ci is about to depart for Northern Liang. When he returns to the capital, I will ask him.”
“Mm-hmm, Yan Yan, you’re the best.” Feng Yuyao nodded in satisfaction, then leaned against Qin Yan’s side affectionately.
Since the Emperor’s ascension, Feng Yuyao could finally be at ease and enjoy her life as a princess, no longer needing to worry that her marriage would be used as a political tool, without any regard for her own wishes.
But did Feng Yuyao realize that the position she held now was entirely by the Emperor’s will?
After the Crown Prince and Princess Anping’s full-month banquet, the Emperor sent Feng Subei, the Shizi of the Duan Wang Mansion, to represent the Great Xia imperial family. He was accompanied by a generous gift and traveled with the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion to Northern Liang to visit Princess Huayang, who was also the Empress of Northern Liang, Shen Shiying.
At the same time, Feng Subei, who was scheming to win another man’s betrothed:…
———–
In the Northern Liang Palace.
Empress Chen Shiying sat leisurely on the large chair at the head of the hall, while Emperor Xiao Qian of Northern Liang stood two steps away from her, his face ashen with anger.
The atmosphere in the hall was tense, and a group of court physicians knelt inside, trembling slightly.
As the imperial physicians began to break into cold sweats, the cold voice of Emperor Xiao Qian of Northern Liang echoed through the hall, “Get rid of the fetus.”
The imperial physicians, who had been kneeling on the ground, all shuddered at the command.
Then there was a loud “smack,” as Empress Shen Shiying slapped down on several objects next to her.
“Xiao Qian, how dare you!”
The imperial physicians trembled once more.
Only the Empress dared speak to the Emperor in such a manner, and the Emperor, surprisingly, tolerated it.
Emperor Xiao Qian stared at Empress Shen Shiying with a stern, cold gaze.
Shen Shiying let out a soft sigh and then used calmer words to soften her next statement, “Since the miscarriage medicine couldn’t take the child’s life, it means that the child’s fate is not meant to end.”
Xiao Qian’s eyes narrowed dangerously, and he said in a low voice, “Shen Shiying, I don’t care about the life of the child. I only care that nothing harms your life.”
Shen Shiying was a bit exasperated by Xiao Qian’s stubbornness. This man was so difficult to reason with, “My mind is made up. No more words are needed.”
Xiao Qian, understanding her temperament, realized that he could not persuade her further.
After a brief silence in the hall, Xiao Qian turned to the group of imperial physicians and coldly ordered, “If you cannot ensure the Empress’s safety, I want all of you to present your heads to me.”
The imperial physicians’ hearts skipped a beat. The Emperor was especially forceful when it came to matters involving the Empress, but this…
Shen Shiying frowned and then spoke with a calm yet firm tone, “Xiao Qian, even Feng Zhan knows that the Great Xia is praying for Yan Yan’s well-being, yet you, on the other hand, you kept threatening to shed blood.”
Xiao Qian’s face was grim, but he did his best to calm himself.
“Shen Shiying, let me make myself clear, if the child has any slight possibilities that might harm you, I will take the child’s life at any time.”
Shen Shiying gave Xiao Qian a disdainful look but did not respond.
After a moment of silence, the physicians, still trembling, heard the Emperor’s cold voice again, “Every day, take the Empress’s pulse and report to me at any moment.”
The imperial physicians immediately complied.
Xiao Qian then issued another command to his subordinates, “In my name, gather the finest physicians from both Northern Liang and Great Xia. Ensure the Empress’s safety at all costs.”
One physician hesitated, then decided it was best to report the risks of the Empress’s pregnancy to both the Emperor and Empress. Otherwise, even if the Empress were to safely deliver the heir, any problem with the heir could still lead to the entire Imperial Hospital being held accountable.
“Your Majesty, the effects of the miscarriage medicine on the heir are still uncertain, and…”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qian’s expression darkened even further. This was one of his concerns as well.
But Shen Shiying, with a calm expression, gently stroked her abdomen and softly replied, “Let’s see what fate this child has in store.”
“Now, you may leave.”
The imperial physicians, trembling with fear, bowed and retreated. Only after they had exited the hall did they dare to wipe the cold sweat off their foreheads.
In their hearts, they felt both a sense of relief and awe. No matter what, the Empress’s pregnancy was a grand joy for Northern Liang. The Empress truly was a blessing for the empire.
After the physicians had left, Shen Shiying beckoned Xiao Qian over.
He sighed and walked over in two steps. He looked at her abdomen with a complicated expression before squatting down and furrowing his brow.
“You must not have any accidents while carrying this child.”
Shen Shiying paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “Well, do you think, even though this child is younger than the pair of twins Yan Yan carries, they’re still a generation above them, aren’t they?”
Xiao Qian helplessly pinched Shen Shiying’s cheek, “You still have the heart to think about others?”
Shen Shiying’s smile faded, and a softness appeared in her eyes as she spoke, “Xiao Qian, if every woman feared the risks of childbirth and didn’t dare to conceive, then there would be no you, and no me either.”
“I am the mother of the nation, and I must lead by example. I have the entire Imperial Hospital watching over me, and I also have the famous physicians you’ve sought out from the common folk. If, with all this, I still fear pregnancy and childbirth, then who among the people of Northern Liang would dare to do so?”
“Besides, I’ve always been lucky. After everything I’ve gone through, none of it has been able to take my life. This time, it won’t either.”
“Don’t be afraid.”
Shen Shiying’s resolve as a mother was strong, but how could Xiao Qian, the Emperor of Northern Liang, not be afraid?
When Xiao Qian was young, his father, the Emperor, passed away, and his mother died a year after he ascended the throne.
He also had a twin brother who passed away before birth.
This was why rumors spread that the Emperor of Northern Liang, Xiao Qian, was said to be cursed, bringing misfortune to his close relatives.
Before Xiao Qian met Shen Shiying, he had never taken an empress or concubine, and he had never been involved with any woman. Yet, in the end, he couldn’t control his desire to claim Shen Shiying as his own.
Xiao Qian had never feared anything in his life except when it came to Chen Shiying.
Would she be the one exception?