The consecutive days of spring rain finally gave people a day’s respite. On this day, the sun hung high over the capital that had been overcast for so long. The early sun rose, tender leaves sprouted—it put people in good spirits.
The heir of Duke Yingguo, Shen Xiaohai, returned home from the ministry and saw that the Princess Consort, He Shi, was discussing with the eldest daughter-in-law the congratulatory gifts for Marquis Zhongyi’s household.
“Back early today?” He Shi put down the list in her hand and personally rose to remove his outer robe for him.
The eldest young mistress also came forward to pay respects and greet him. Shen Xiaohai nodded and waved his hand for her to withdraw.
“Regarding the matter of going to Marquis Zhongyi’s household, has the Song family sent word?” Shen Xiaohai casually sat in a yellow birch circular chair, raising his eyebrows at He Shi: “I heard their eldest young master went to Qingzhou. What’s going on? Wasn’t it previously agreed he would attend the spring hunt? With this back-and-forth delay, he definitely won’t be able to go.”
He Shi stepped forward to remove his boots for him and change them to comfortable knitted shoes, not forgetting to respond: “Yes, he went to Qingzhou. The day I went over, Old Madam Song happened to mention this matter. It was coincidental timing. My lord, you’re not unaware of that bit of trouble with their family’s aunt.”
Shen Xiaohai nodded, seemingly with an attitude of watching the excitement: “This year their Song Ren can’t go. In April for the hunt, he’ll certainly have to accompany them. The second and third sons just returned from traveling far. Logically speaking, they would send a steward, so why this time must Song Jue personally go? Could it be she’s dying?”
He Shi laid his garments on the rack. After thinking, she said: “Looking at it, I estimate it’s probably the case. Old Madam Song seemed to be in a bad mood. A legitimate daughter of an earl’s household, reduced to such a situation—it’s truly a pity.”
Shen Xiaohai was dismissive and no longer mentioned this matter, turning instead to say: “When you go there, be more alert. Old Madam Song is a shrewd person—she went through great storms in her day. Don’t leave any traces.”
Speaking of this, He Shi couldn’t help feeling somewhat alarmed. After hesitating repeatedly, she still couldn’t help opening her mouth: “But their family already has a Consort. How would they be willing to attach themselves to another family?”
“So what if she’s a Consort?” Shen Xiaohai gave a mocking laugh: “Even now she’s only given birth to a princess, hasn’t even borne a prince. Moreover, even if she bore one, it’s not certain she could raise him. The Emperor and Empress have had feelings since childhood—how can she compare? Even Consort Xian has given birth to two princes, and both have already come of age and been enfeoffed as princes. She’s now stuck in the middle—comparing affection, she can’t compare to Consorts Xian and Liang; comparing status, she can’t compare to the Empress. Shouldn’t she find herself a way out?”
Gui, Xian, Shu, De—Song Chuchen had used just a few short years to become the head of the four consorts. On the surface it looked infinitely glorious. But examining it closely, it wasn’t hard to see her situation was awkward.
Emperor Jianzhang was after all already over fifty years old, while she was only twenty-three, in the prime of youth. If she still couldn’t bear a prince, her future situation would truly be hard to predict.
He Shi still had some vision. After thinking, she reminded him again: “But the old Duke is a wily fox. Now he’s Minister of Revenue—he has both status and position. He’ll only be more cautious and prudent than before. I’m afraid he won’t take the Song family’s future to risk.”
“That’s why this matter can’t be rushed.” Shen Xiaohai pointed a finger at the loquats on the table, indicating He Shi should pass them over: “In the palace, Consort Xian has no opinions of her own—doesn’t she just do whatever Prince Duan tells her to do? Once she becomes familiar with Consort Song, some words will naturally be easier to say. If Consort Song has ideas, could the Song family still ignore it? Add to that our help from the outside, and there’s a sixty to seventy percent possibility.”
He Shi peeled a loquat for him and picked it up with a toothpick to feed him, sighing worriedly: “After all, this is a major matter. Should you discuss it with Father?”
Shen Xiaohai couldn’t stand hearing these words. His face showed some impatience, and he didn’t take the loquat either.
“Discuss with him? What can he do besides idling away waiting for death? Now he’s still dragging his feet refusing to pass the position to me—isn’t it just because he’s afraid of being demoted? If I don’t accomplish some achievements, by the time the position reaches Qingrang’s turn, it’ll be an earl. Marquis Changning’s household has real substantial positions—what do we have? Once we’re demoted to an earl’s household, can our days compare to Marquis Changning’s household?”
Marquis Changning’s household had a Consort, and the Earl had unprecedentedly taken the imperial examinations to gain official status, climbing to the position of Minister of Revenue.
This was also imperial grace. Back then, the old Marquis Changning’s blood brothers fought over property, alarming the late Emperor and receiving reprimand. The title was demoted from marquis to earl, and Marquis Changning’s household suffered greatly.
Originally, the legitimate eldest son Song Chengyan was to inherit the title. Who knew that just days after inheriting, he lost his life in a riot among the twelve Imperial Guards. At this time, the legitimate second son Song Chengru, who originally didn’t need to inherit the title, had already passed the imperial examinations, received an official position, and been sent out as a prefect.
The late Emperor, mindful of Marquis Changning’s achievements and that Song Chengyan had died in the line of duty, allowed Song Chengru to accept the title with his official status. Marquis Changning’s household thus became even more prosperous.
This was naturally incomparable to Duke Yingguo’s household, which would be demoted after four generations. Seeing the time for demotion approaching, Shen Xiaohai naturally couldn’t sit still.
The Crown Prince’s position in the Eastern Palace was solid as a mountain. Someone like him with an empty title and no real position going over wouldn’t gain any benefits. He could only take unconventional paths.
Seeing his expression was displeased, He Shi didn’t dare say anything more and obediently agreed.
Shen Xiaohai most detested seeing her reveal this servile appearance—He Shi was famous for bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Before lower-ranking madams outside, she was arrogant and domineering. Returning to the inner quarters, she also wouldn’t tolerate anyone in anything, only acting as a yes-woman before her parents-in-law and himself.
If it weren’t for four generations of Dukes Yingguo being immersed in pleasure-seeking without knowing progress, how would he have ended up marrying the daughter of an imperial relative’s family with no real power? Look at this upbringing—compared with other noble madams, she immediately showed her inadequacy.
Thinking of this point, then thinking of his childhood playmate Wang Jinsi, raised before the Empress Dowager, he couldn’t help feeling bored.
Even with this layer of disdain, he still didn’t forget to instruct He Shi once more: “This time, don’t botch things, and don’t talk too much. Naturally, people from Marquis Zhongyi’s household will say what needs to be said. Don’t be gossipy and chatty, arousing Old Madam Song’s suspicion.”
How could He Shi dare not listen? She hurriedly agreed.
Shen Xiaohai then stood up, took his outer robe, and walked out.
“You’re not dining at home?” He Shi hurriedly went forward to help him dress, her face showing several parts anticipation and several parts dejection.
Shen Xiaohai shook his head. After finishing arranging his clothes, he stepped out the door. After thinking, he turned back: “Oh right, you must properly discipline that brat of ours in daily life. Since they’re similar in age, have him associate more with the Song family’s… which ranking was it again?”
He Shi understood his meaning and hurriedly replied: “Among the girls, the ranking seems to be sixth.”
“Just allow them to interact more. That little girl has one more advantage compared to the Song family’s other young ladies.” Having finished speaking, Shen Xiaohai left without looking back.