Although Emperor Jingming’s inner scale had begun to tip towards Yu Jin, he was still hesitating. It was Prince Xiang’s return after leaving that finally prompted him to make a decision.
Emperor Jingming believed Jiang Simeng’s account of Princess Fuqing’s encounter with danger during the Lantern Festival, as subsequent events had proven it true.
However, when the Empress proposed adopting a prince, citing inspiration from a Bodhisattva in her dream, Emperor Jingming became skeptical.
Could a Bodhisattva enter the Empress’s dreams? After so many years of marriage, didn’t he know that the Empress wasn’t the type to attract Bodhisattvas?
Later, when he heard that Prince Xiang didn’t want to marry because of a dream, Emperor Jingming not only disbelieved it but also refrained from throwing his oft-replaced white jade paperweight at Prince Xiang’s face.
If everyone started using dreams as an excuse to make unreasonable demands, how could he continue to rule as Emperor?
The Eighth Prince had outdone himself this time. How dare he make up excuses to avoid marriage? He couldn’t give a son who treated him like a fool to the Empress, could he? Of course not!
Having made his decision, Emperor Jingming headed towards Kunning Palace.
The Empress had just returned to Kunning Palace. Even with Princess Fuqing and the Fourteenth Princess, who had come from Cining Palace, to keep her company, she still felt uneasy.
Would the Emperor choose Prince Yan?
Although she had subtly expressed her thoughts, the Emperor would surely have his plans for such an important matter.
If the Emperor ultimately chose Prince Xiang, how should she argue her case?
She was the Emperor’s wife, and her status was vastly different from the other consorts. But if she truly clashed with the Emperor, it wouldn’t end well.
However, while some things could be conceded, others had to be fought for, such as the matter of adopting a prince.
Princess Fuqing noticed the Empress’s unusual demeanor and softly said, “Mother, are you still worried about me?”
The Empress composed herself and smiled gently at Princess Fuqing. “You’ve both lost weight these past few days.”
Princess Fuqing pursed her lips. “I’ve caused you to worry, Mother. From now on, my sister and I won’t leave the palace carelessly. We’ll either stay in our chambers or visit you or the Empress Dowager. Please don’t dwell on this matter anymore—”
The Empress patted Princess Fuqing’s hand lightly. “You silly child.”
It was precisely because her daughter would visit Cining Palace, and she, even as the Empress, couldn’t prevent it, that she worried.
Was the Empress Dowager involved in the Lantern Festival incident?
As the Empress pondered these thoughts, a palace servant announced, “His Majesty the Emperor arrives—”
Just as the Empress and the two princesses rose to greet him, Emperor Jingming strode in.
After dispensing with the formal greetings, Emperor Jingming glanced at his two daughters and smiled. “So you two came to visit the Empress.”
Princess Fuqing smiled demurely. “Had we known Father would come, we would have accompanied you.”
Seeing the Empress’s puzzled expression, Emperor Jingming explained with a smile, “I just took a walk outside and happened to meet these two girls.”
The Empress knew that Emperor Jingming’s visit at this hour must be about adopting a prince, but she didn’t reveal anything in front of Princess Fuqing and the Fourteenth Princess. After some casual conversation, she said, “Fuqing, Fourteenth, you may return now.”
Princess Fuqing and the Fourteenth Princess curtsied and withdrew.
The Empress fidgeted with her teacup, unconsciously tightening her grip while maintaining a calm exterior.
Before the ruler of a nation, nervousness could only be kept in one’s heart; appearing too eager might backfire.
Emperor Jingming sipped his tea and spoke, “I’ve decided. We’ll adopt the Seventh Prince under your name.”
The Empress let out a great sigh of relief, her smile genuine. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Observing the Empress’s smile, Emperor Jingming’s lips curved slightly. “It seems the Empress is satisfied with my decision.”
The Empress quickly bowed to Emperor Jingming, saying, “I would be satisfied with whichever prince Your Majesty chose to adopt under my name, though I am especially pleased it’s Prince Yan.”
Hearing the Empress speak thus, Emperor Jingming felt not annoyed but rather pleased. He smiled, “Is the Empress so certain that the Seventh Prince will take good care of Fuqing?”
The Empress paused for a moment before replying, “As a woman, I may not think as far ahead as Your Majesty, nor do I understand as much, but I believe a man who treats his wife well will not treat his relatives poorly.”
Look at Prince Qi, for instance. He was said to be affectionate with Princess Qi, yet his mansion was overflowing with concubines and bedwarmers. After Princess Qi’s incident, he remained coldly composed.
This composure was nothing but indifference.
Even if Princess Qi had erred, if Prince Qi truly cared for her, he wouldn’t have distanced himself so completely.
If he treated his wife, who lived with him day and night, like this, one could imagine how he’d treat others.
Hearing the Empress’s words, Emperor Jingming chuckled.
The Empress indeed had good judgment. He treated his wife well too, didn’t he?
Having made his decision, Emperor Jingming felt lighter, and the Empress, having achieved her wish, was equally pleased.
Two people in good spirits naturally conversed pleasantly, and Emperor Jingming stayed for quite a while before leaving.
As he left Kunning Palace, Emperor Jingming looked up at the sky.
The sky was vast, with clouds drifting in patches.
Returning to the Imperial Study, Emperor Jingming instructed Pan Hai, “Summon the Minister of the Imperial Clan Court.”
The Great Zhou had established the Imperial Clan Court to manage the affairs of the imperial clan, including the task of compiling and perfecting the imperial genealogy.
The Empress’s wish to adopt a prince was a significant matter, and it was necessary to consult with the Minister of the Imperial Clan Court.
Soon, the elderly Minister of the Imperial Clan Court tottered in and bowed to Emperor Jingming.
Emperor Jingming hurriedly said, “Uncle Wang, there’s no need for such formality. Please, sit.”
The Minister of the Imperial Clan Court had always been held by a royal duke, and the current minister, already quite old, was Emperor Jingming’s paternal uncle.
Pan Hai immediately brought a small stool and placed it beside the Minister, helping him to sit.
Seeing his portly old uncle barely fitting on the small stool, Emperor Jingming glanced at Pan Hai.
How could they give his old uncle such a small stool? What if he fell?
Pan Hai felt deeply wronged.
Wasn’t it customary to sit on small stools before the Emperor? Apart from the Empress, who could casually sit in a rocking chair?
The Minister of the Imperial Clan Court, however, paid no mind to these details and asked, “May I inquire why Your Majesty has summoned this old official to the palace?”
Emperor Jingming gestured for Pan Hai to stand by the Minister’s side, then smiled slightly. “There’s a matter I need to discuss with Uncle.”
The old Minister straightened his back, assuming a posture of attentive listening.
Emperor Jingming imperceptibly glanced at the old Minister, who could be described as corpulent, straining to support himself. He hesitated for a moment, concerned, before saying, “We wish to adopt Prince Yan under the Empress’s name—”
Before he could finish, the old Minister swayed and nearly fell off the small stool. Fortunately, Pan Hai’s quick reflexes prevented an accident.
Emperor Jingming couldn’t help but stand up, his face full of concern. “Are you alright, Uncle?”
The Minister’s expression contorted, his breathing rapid. Completely disregarding his near fall, he hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, the Empress adopting a prince is a momentous decision. You must think it over carefully!”
Emperor Jingming didn’t mention offering another seat and smiled faintly. “Rest assured, Uncle. We have given it much thought.”
“Has Your Majesty consulted with the Six Ministries and Nine Chief Ministers?”
Emperor Jingming’s smile grew fainter. “This is a family matter. Discussing it with you is sufficient.”