With the rewards settled, the court suddenly relaxed from its busy atmosphere. Everyone truly breathed a sigh of relief. Emperor Jianzhang used the New Year as an excuse to give extremely generous rewards to all the officials, even granting three more days of holiday than usual.

The entire capital was decorated with lanterns and festive colors. In a trance, it seemed as if the battle in Xibei had never occurred.

In this atmosphere, Master Zhang Tianshi from Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi personally came. He had received Emperor Jianzhang’s command to specially pray for blessings for the imperial great-grandson in Song Chuyi’s belly.

But after leaving the palace, he still had to make a trip to the Song residence first—Old Madam Song’s spirits had been increasingly declining. Recently she slept more and was awake less. Song Chuyi had specially entrusted him to prescribe some remedies for her.

The First Master and Song Jue welcomed him in. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they led him inside to see Old Madam Song.

The First Madam said as they walked: “The weather is getting colder and colder, yet the old ancestor has developed a child’s temperament. Last night she insisted on going to Guanju Courtyard, saying she wanted to see Xiao Yi. In the latter half of the night, she had the master write a letter overnight to Shu, calling Yan’er back.”

Master Zhang Tianshi raised his eyebrows. This was how elderly people were, but Old Madam Song having fussed all last night was not a good omen.

When they reached Ningde Courtyard, before even entering the door, crying sounds came from inside. Second Madam, Third Madam, and Fifth Madam who were keeping watch inside were crying loudly. Soon Yushu, Yulan, and several others ran out in panic.

The First Madam’s heart skipped a beat. Not caring about anything else, she lifted her skirt and rushed through the curtains. She saw Second Madam stand up crying, tears streaming as she said: “The old ancestor, she’s gone.”

First Madam Song was so shocked she stepped back several paces. Actually, starting from a couple of years ago, the old madam’s health had begun failing. When they summoned the imperial physicians, they only said to nurse her carefully—this was common for the elderly. Deep in her heart, she had more or less already prepared herself. But when this day truly arrived so quickly, she suddenly felt grief welling from within.

The old madam had been an excellent mother-in-law, never reproaching her because of her family background. Even when she had once pushed her own people out to take the fall, the old madam had only treated her coldly for a while, then personally taught her proper conduct.

She suddenly felt her throat choked, unable to speak a single word. She threw herself on Old Madam Song’s body and wailed.

After crying, things still had to be handled. She wiped her tears and stood up, instructing Second Madam and Third Madam to serve Old Madam Song by washing and preparing her, changing her into the longevity clothes that had been prepared long ago. She then had someone go out to inform the men, afterward struck the wooden board, and sent news to familiar families.

The First Master, a man nearly sixty years old, cried like a child.

Song Yi and the others who were serving as officials far away also submitted memorials and rushed to the capital. Someone was also sent to fetch Song Yan.

Old Madam Song’s funeral was held with exceptional grandeur. Old Master Song had only just retired from office, but even so, the Song residence still had a constant stream of visitors—although the Emperor had approved Song Chengru’s retirement memorial, the title he bore had not been stripped away. He was told to rest easy as Earl Changning. Everyone had their own measure of what the imperial intent meant.

On the day of Old Madam Song’s funeral procession, Vermilion Bird Street was almost entirely filled with canopies erected by various families. Even the Crown Prince personally came to see her off for part of the way—the Crown Prince’s Consort was pregnant, and red and white occasions could not clash, so she did not come.

Song Yan knew. He had arrived in the capital when the city gates were about to close, having rushed back frantically. Without even sleeping properly, he had kept vigil for Old Madam Song all night, staying with her the entire evening. Today his eyes were red and swollen. First Master Song was in front breaking the bowl and carrying the spirit tablet. Song Yan followed behind in silence the whole way. When they were about to leave the city, he finally stopped and looked at the Crown Prince, asking in a hoarse voice: “How is Sister?” Unable to help feeling sad: “Her thoughts run deep—Brother-in-law, please comfort her more.”

Zhou Weizhao shook his head: “She cries whenever she thinks of it. Not being able to personally come see off the old madam, she’s terribly sad inside.” He then nodded: “Don’t worry. In a few days, come to the palace to see her. Seeing you, she’ll feel somewhat better inside.”

By the time he returned to the palace, dusk had already fallen. Zhou Weizhao first went to Empress Lu’s palace to pay respects. Empress Lu had also bestowed funeral offerings. Seeing him return, she sighed again: “The old madam was a rare sensible person. What’s rare is that her temperament was magnanimous and benevolent. In the palace, Consort Song is also terribly upset, not to mention your wife. Comfort her well. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are human nature—one cannot take them too seriously.”

Zhou Weizhao responded in a low voice. When he returned to Yongan Palace, he happened upon Song Chuyi kowtowing before an altar set up facing north.

He quietly waited for Song Chuyi to finish kowtowing before going over to help her up, supporting her as they walked inside: “Don’t be sad anymore. Do you remember what Grandmother told you before? She said birth, aging, sickness, and death—everyone who is human has this day. She told you not to be too sad. She only hopes you all are well. If you live well, she’ll be happy even below.”

Song Chuyi’s tears fell in streams. She buried her face in her hands, crying until she was gasping for breath.

She had indeed used her own abilities to exchange for the Song family’s protection, but Old Madam Song had truly given her unreserved trust and shelter. With such an elder who always stood behind her shielding her from wind and rain now gone, her heart felt as if cut by knives.

Zhou Weizhao held her in his embrace letting her cry. Only when her emotions had calmed slightly did he take the handkerchief Qing Ying handed him and wipe her face: “You also can’t keep crying like this. The days ahead must still be lived, right? You’re sad, the child in your belly is also sad, Yan’er also feels terrible—just now he asked me to comfort you, telling you absolutely not to be too sad, to think of the child. There’s also the old earl. He’s already so old, suddenly losing his companion, his heart also feels bad. If you continue like this, how can their hearts feel at ease?”

Nanny Xu also hurriedly followed up with comfort: “His Highness speaks truly. Even if the old madam knows of your condition from the earth below, she won’t be at peace.”

With great difficulty they coaxed Song Chuyi to sleep. Zhou Weizhao lowered the bed curtains for her, softly instructing Nanny Xu: “You all work hard these days, comfort her more often.”

Nanny Xu felt greatly comforted in her heart. Zhou Weizhao truly was the best husband possible. Since their marriage to date, he wouldn’t even allow a female mosquito near him. Thinking of this, she nodded, then remembered something, looking at Zhou Weizhao with some hesitation.

Zhou Weizhao was somewhat surprised. Seeing her not respond, thinking she had something on her mind, he asked: “Is there something else?”

“There is something I need to ask you.” Nanny Xu steadied herself and looked at him: “I heard… I heard the palace is going to select consorts.”

Seeing Zhou Weizhao furrow his brow, she was somewhat afraid, but still mustered her courage to ask him: “Could you not tell Her Ladyship about this news? Since becoming pregnant, she’s become especially prone to crying. Even small matters make her sad for half a day. Pregnant women are sometimes like this. If she learns of this matter at this juncture, I’m afraid her heart won’t feel well.”

Zhou Weizhao didn’t understand: “Select what consorts?”

Nanny Xu was somewhat astonished: “You don’t know? I heard the Ministry of Rites is to select secondary consorts for you.”

Zhou Weizhao stopped in his tracks, lowering his voice even more. Glancing inside and seeing Song Chuyi sleeping soundly, he said: “No one is permitted to tell Her Ladyship this news.” He paused, then said to Nanny Xu: “I trust your handling of matters. Don’t let this news reach her ears. Rest assured, there won’t be any secondary consorts. Never will be.”

Nanny Xu watched him lift his foot and leave, unable to react for a moment. Her mouth hung open for a long time, thinking she must have heard wrong. Seeing Ziyun’s face bearing a smile, she asked her: “Did the Crown Prince just say he won’t take any secondary consorts?”

Even though Song Chuyi and Zhou Weizhao’s relationship was so affectionate, Nanny Xu had never taken Zhou Weizhao’s previous words seriously. Which man truly didn’t love novelty? Even if he married a celestial maiden, over the years he would eventually forget her. But looking at it now, the Crown Prince was actually serious?

But how could this be possible?!

Emperor Jianzhang also raised his eyebrows looking at Zhou Weizhao kneeling before him. He first frowned, but then for some reason suddenly laughed with a snort, placing the memorial on the table, looking at Zhou Weizhao as if looking at a child throwing a tantrum: “What kind of talk is this? You’re going to be the ruler of a nation in the future. Which emperor doesn’t have three palaces and six courtyards? Yet here you are—you don’t want three palaces and six courtyards, won’t even take a single secondary consort?”

But Zhou Weizhao didn’t consider himself to be speaking childish words. His expression carried determination as he knelt before Emperor Jianzhang, nodding earnestly: “Your grandson aspires to follow the example of Emperor Jingzong.” Seeing Emperor Jianzhang frown, he called out: “Imperial Grandfather, you know I’m not quite the same as ordinary people. I grew up in a Taoist temple from childhood.”

Emperor Jianzhang was mollified by this address of “Imperial Grandfather,” his expression complex as he looked at him for a long while: “But the imperial family always emphasizes branching out and flourishing. If offspring aren’t abundant, do you know what consequences there will be? Moreover, sometimes it’s not about you seeing one and loving one. Many times, the women in the harem also have their purposes. For example, Consort Song—she was elevated after I ascended the throne and after Prince Tai’s rebellion. The reason need not be stated, you should know. Even if you’re truly determined to only love your current wife alone, couldn’t you just treat them as decorations?”

Zhou Weizhao shook his head. Seeing Emperor Jianzhang wasn’t angry, he stood up and sat beside Emperor Jianzhang, saying softly: “Your grandson is also just an ordinary person. Being human, there are times when one can’t control oneself. When they’re not there, I won’t think of it, but once they’re there, I fear my willpower won’t be enough—being human means having desires. Competition for favor and jealousy in the harem has never been a small matter. Moreover, since I don’t like them, wouldn’t having them placed there to look at also be very unfair to them? As for other uses, if I can know and employ people well like you, why would I need these women?”

Seeing Emperor Jianzhang say nothing, he paused before continuing: “I know Imperial Grandfather means well for me, but right now I’ve only been married for just over a year, and hasn’t Xiao Yi already become pregnant? While sparse offspring is certainly frightening, when there are many children from different mothers, disputes naturally multiply.”

Emperor Jianzhang knew he had made up his mind. He found his childishness somewhat amusing, yet also felt this kind of childishness was somewhat precious. After a long silence, he smiled: “Fine. Right now you two are in the throes of passion. I won’t be the villain then. Since you have this intention, I hope you do well by it.”

The list Nanny Liang held in her hand was taken away again. She really couldn’t help but sigh to Crown Princess Lu: “Where could one find someone as good as His Highness again? Truly, I’ve never seen anyone dote on his wife like this.”

The Crown Princess half-reclined against her pillow, taking the medicine Nanny Liang handed her and drinking it, sighing yet not quite sighing: “I’ve raised a good son.”

He was truly different from his father the Crown Prince. He understood the difficulties girls faced, could sympathize with girls’ hardships, and never placed himself above Song Chuyi.

Crown Princess Lu felt proud and gratified, unable to help smiling again: “This is a good thing.”

Nanny Liang felt the Crown Princess’s heart as a mother-in-law was perhaps a bit too magnanimous. But since even the Emperor agreed and Empress Lu had no objections, naturally she couldn’t say anything more.

When Nanny Xu heard the news, she was completely dumbfounded. No matter what, she hadn’t expected Zhou Weizhao would actually go find Emperor Jianzhang to discuss this matter, and Emperor Jianzhang had actually agreed.

Thinking it over, after discussing with Nanny Xu for a while, she still felt she should tell Song Chuyi about this matter.

When Zhou Weizhao returned, he brought her braised pig’s feet prepared by the cook from Princess Rongcheng’s residence outside. Seeing her sitting under the lamp reading, he came forward and placed the lotus-leaf-wrapped pig’s feet beside her: “Smell it. Is this the flavor you like?”

Zhou Weizhao truly was the most considerate husband possible. He never forgot to buy Song Chuyi little trinkets to make her happy. After Song Chuyi became pregnant and couldn’t eat, he also racked his brains searching everywhere for delicacies.

Nanny Xu truly felt completely at ease now. The days of walking on eggshells under her stepmother seemed to have never existed. Her young lady had always deserved to be cherished and doted on like this.

Song Chuyi didn’t take it. She didn’t need to observe mourning for her grandmother, but even if she didn’t need to, before a hundred days had passed she didn’t want to touch meat or fish. She propped her chin with one hand, and only after a long while sighed: “His Majesty didn’t scold you?”

Zhou Weizhao knew she had heard. He handed the pig’s feet to Nanny Xu for them to share, smiling as he grasped her hand to warm it for her: “There’s no helping it. Who told me I’m someone who keeps his word? I promised you back then, and I’ve always been sincere in thinking this way. Having you alone by my side is enough.”

“But…” Song Chuyi felt women’s hearts were too soft. This was clearly the life she wanted to live, clearly the person she should like, yet when the moment came she couldn’t help but counsel him: “Your days ahead, I fear won’t be easy.”

Those censors and officials—who knew what they would say? They managed heaven and earth, even the emperor’s household affairs they had to manage.

Zhou Weizhao couldn’t help but laugh: “There’s no helping that either. Anyway, I’m not the only one who won’t have it easy. If they clamor too fiercely, you can bestow on them fine concubines and beautiful maids, and see whether their households erupt in chaos or not.”

Song Chuyi laughed with a snort, amused: “I never discovered you were so mischievous before.”

Zhou Weizhao touched her face and also smiled: “Toward you I’m not mischievous. If I didn’t maintain a serious face when discussing proper matters with you, I’d fear scaring you away.”

The night was already deep. Song Chuyi looked at his face through the hazy glow of light, suddenly feeling that everything she wanted, she had already obtained.

[End of Main Story]

A long chapter—the main text is complete. Everything not explained will be updated in extras, which will be free.