After Tong Lanshu and the child had their heart-to-heart conversation, Yinzhen visibly became much more lively. Although he wasn’t climbing roofs or tearing tiles, he gradually began to show the demeanor befitting a child when facing Tong Lanshu.
He would act coy in front of her and express his preferences.
Based on the incident where palace servants gossiped and Yinzhen overheard them directly, to avoid such occurrences happening again, Tong Lanshu selected a clever young eunuch to be placed beside Yinzhen.
Dedicated to serving him.
When that young eunuch went to Yinzhen’s side, Tong Lanshu specifically met with him, instructing him to serve diligently and wholeheartedly, without harboring other intentions. “Serve Fourth Prince well, I will not treat you unfairly. If Fourth Prince approves, when Fourth Prince later leaves the palace to establish his own residence, follow your master to work outside the palace—that would also be a stroke of fortune.”
The young eunuch received the Imperial Noble Consort’s promise and knelt on the ground, continuously bowing his head.
From then on, Xiao Luzi went to Yinzhen’s side, wholeheartedly following Fourth Prince.
Although winter brought little activity, Tong Lanshu’s responsibilities were not light. The New Year’s Eve approached, and the palace was to host a banquet. She had already completed her minor confinement, so this matter naturally fell upon her shoulders.
Tong Lanshu was unfamiliar with palace affairs and never intended to take everything upon herself. She wanted to distribute the tasks. Originally, the best candidate was Noble Consort Wen, but Noble Consort Wen seemed unwilling to involve herself in this matter. Even before Tong Lanshu began her minor confinement, Noble Consort Wen summoned imperial physicians every few days.
Xianfu Palace often emitted the scent of medicinal herbs, known throughout the entire palace.
Chengqian Palace was likewise, so no one paid excessive attention to Noble Consort Wen. Tong Lanshu extended an olive branch, and Noble Consort Wen unsurprisingly declined.
Tong Lanshu took the opportunity and summoned the four consorts to discuss together.
Assisting the Imperial Noble Consort in managing palace affairs was originally an honor, but Consort De needed to nurture her pregnancy. After weighing considerations, she still declined.
If her child were stable and secure, Consort De naturally would not miss this opportunity to show face. Moreover, being able to report daily at Chengqian Palace, she could also seize this chance to see Fourth Prince.
But the imperial physician’s warnings were too severe, making her dare not risk it.
The various banquet affairs were entrusted to Consort Rong, Consort Hui, and Consort Yi.
The three consorts received their assignments and were very diligent, reporting progress daily at Chengqian Palace.
This morning, when the time arrived, Tong Lanshu did not see them. She didn’t pay much attention, happily sitting aside listening to Yinzhen reading to her.
The small child’s voice was milky and soft, some complex phrases and words not yet enunciated clearly. He himself knew the problem—the more he wanted to read well, the more prone he was to mistakes.
Tong Lanshu found it amusing and couldn’t help laughing. Yinzhen, seeing this, became very bashful, his little face flushing red.
Tong Lanshu had already struggled to hold back her laughter, now even more unable to restrain herself, causing Yinzhen to look at Tong Lanshu with grievance, “…Mother.”
“Ahem.” She swallowed her laughter, cleared her throat, and restrained the smile on her face. “Don’t rush. If unfamiliar, read slowly. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You haven’t reached the age to attend Shufang yet; being able to recognize so many words is already remarkable.”
Tong Lanshu’s earnest demeanor affected Yinzhen. The originally bashful child silently nodded.
Approaching Tong Lanshu a few steps, he murmured, “Mother, don’t mock your son.”
These words melted Tong Lanshu's heart, and the faint amusement in her heart completely dissipated as she earnestly explained to him, "Mother wasn't laughing at you. It's just that I found Yinzhen's way of reciting his lessons exceptionally adorable, which made me unable to hold back my laughter."
"If Yinzhen doesn't like it, Mother will definitely restrain herself in the future."
Tong Lanshu's solemn promise made Yinzhen's already flushed face turn even redder. He could sense the sincerity in his mother's words, and being treated with such seriousness, the child imitated Tong Lanshu's manner as he responded, "No, it's not that I don't like it. As long as Mother wasn't laughing at me, it's fine."
Tong Lanshu repeatedly assured him that she had not been mocking him and persuaded him for quite some time before Yinzhen reluctantly agreed to put down the book in his hands.
Zhilan entered, carrying tea and pastries.
Tong Lanshu took the opportunity to urge Yinzhen to have some pastries and drink some tea to soothe his throat.
She had instructed Zhilan to prepare plain water for Yinzhen, avoiding the possibility of him having trouble sleeping at night after drinking tea.
"Thank you, Mother." Yinzhen still performed his bow with rigid formality, but in front of Tong Lanshu, much of his restraint had already faded. He held the teacup carefully, taking small sips of water.
He drank with great caution, afraid of spilling any.
Tong Lanshu found this amusing, but this time she managed to restrain her smile well.
After finishing the water, Yinzhen reached for the book again, but Tong Lanshu swiftly intercepted him. "Didn't you just promise Mother? Too much is as bad as too little. Studying should be balanced with rest."
Hearing this, Yinzhen set the book aside, but unsure of what else to do, he simply sat and watched Tong Lanshu.
Tong Lanshu wasn't particularly skilled at raising children, but having been a child herself, she knew what children of his age enjoyed.
"The weather is lovely today. Let Xiao Luzi accompany you to the courtyard to build a snowman." Tong Lanshu was well aware that many praised Yinzhen for his adherence to rules and propriety. Having such a well-behaved child did make things easier for her, but precisely because he was so obedient, it stirred many worries in Tong Lanshu's heart.
She always sought ways to encourage Yinzhen to go out more.
If it had been a few days earlier, Yinzhen would likely have obediently left the bedchamber upon his mother's suggestion. But today was different. He looked at Tong Lanshu and asked softly, "Will Mother come?"
Yinzhen's voice was quiet, and upon closer listening, there was a hint of anticipation hidden within.
Tong Lanshu had long wanted to go out and see the snow, but she had been restrained by Zhilan and Dong Zhu, unable to fulfill her wish. Hearing Yinzhen's question, she immediately seized the opportunity.
"You go ahead and build a snowman. Mother will change her clothes and join you shortly," Tong Lanshu said gently.
Yinzhen excitedly started to run off but then remembered his mother's earlier words, forcing himself to suppress the urge to run and slowing his pace instead.
Both mother and son were filled with anticipation, so Tong Lanshu did not keep Yinzhen waiting long. Before he had even finished building a snowman, she had already changed her clothes. When Consort Hui, Consort Rong, and Consort Yi arrived at Chengqian Palace, they saw the Imperial Noble Consort standing in the covered corridor, dressed in a bright yellow cloak, gazing tenderly at the Fourth Prince.
From time to time, she reminded the child to be careful, and when the Fourth Prince finished building the snowman, she did not hesitate to offer generous praise.
The Fourth Prince grew even more delighted, seemingly oblivious to the cold, and eagerly brought the shapeless lump of snow to show the Imperial Noble Consort.
And the Imperial Noble Consort indulged him, managing to praise even a handful of snow as if it were a blooming flower.
The palace maids and eunuchs nearby also offered auspicious words, making Chengqian Palace exceptionally lively. Consort Hui and the others exchanged glances, hesitating for a moment before stepping forward. It was Zhilan who noticed the three of them and quickly went to greet them.
The group walked over somewhat awkwardly to Tong Lanshu and bowed, "Your subject consorts pay respects to the Imperial Noble Consort."
Tong Lanshu nodded casually, somewhat puzzled as to why they had come at this time. She hadn’t seen them this morning and had assumed they weren’t coming.
"What happened?"
Consort Rong and Consort Hui exchanged glances, as if unsure how to begin.
Seeing this, Consort Yi took the initiative to explain the reason for their late arrival. "Imperial Noble Consort, please forgive us. It was your subject consort who lost track of time today, which is why we arrived late."
Tong Lanshu nodded casually, not making a big deal of it.
Consort Yi quietly breathed a sigh of relief. It was indeed her fault for forgetting the time and neglecting proper etiquette. She had hesitated about whether to still go to Chengqian Palace, and in her indecision, she ended up delaying even further.
She had expected the Imperial Noble Consort to seize the opportunity to criticize her, but to her surprise, the Imperial Noble Consort didn’t seem to care at all.
While relieved, Consort Yi also felt a slight unease, a subtle emotion stirring within her.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Consort Rong quickly changed the subject. "Your Highness, the three of us have finalized the gold and silver utensils to be used for the banquet. We have brought the list for your review."
Tong Lanshu wasn’t particularly interested in looking at these things, but she couldn’t show it openly. She signaled Zhilan to take the booklet and replied perfunctorily, "I understand."
"Is there anything else?" Tong Lanshu’s tone was indifferent, clearly indicating she had no intention of engaging in a detailed conversation with them.
She just wanted to send them away quickly so she could continue playing in the snow with Yinzhen.
Consort Hui and Consort Rong also understood that their arrival at this time had disturbed the Imperial Noble Consort, but since they were already here, they could only pretend not to notice and force themselves to make conversation.
If they left immediately after arriving, rumors would surely spread.
Each of them harbored their own thoughts as they began to chat about trivial matters. Just then, Eunuch Li from the Emperor’s side arrived to deliver an oral decree from His Majesty, instructing the Imperial Noble Consort to go to the Prince’s Residence immediately, as the Eldest Princess had taken a fall.
"His Majesty has ordered me to go to the Prince’s Residence—is it to visit the Eldest Princess or to find out what happened?" Tong Lanshu asked bluntly.
Eunuch Li did not put on airs and replied respectfully, "The Imperial Clan Court reported the matter to Qianqing Palace. His Majesty is currently unable to leave, so he ordered this servant to come and trouble the Imperial Noble Consort to make the trip. As for your question, His Majesty’s intention is for you to decide how to handle it."
Tong Lanshu naturally did not refuse. She inquired about the situation, "How is the Eldest Princess? Has the imperial physician been summoned?"
"This servant only just received the news. The imperial physician has already been summoned—it is Physician Zhang, who specializes in treating children."
Since Tong Lanshu was going to the Prince’s Residence, Consort Rong and the other two would not continue to linger in Chengqian Palace discussing trivial matters. They all took their leave. Tong Lanshu left Dong Zhu to look after Yinzhen and then took Zhilan with her to the Prince’s Residence.
When Tong Lanshu arrived at the Prince’s Residence, the Eldest Princess’s wound had already been bandaged, and she was now nestled in her wet nurse’s arms, crying.
The imperial physician gestured to Tong Lanshu about the length of the wound. It was quite deep, located on the arm, and there was a risk of scarring in the future.
Fortunately, the cold weather would help reduce the risk of infection.
"Please do your best to think of a way, Physician. It would be best if a young lady could avoid scarring," Tong Lanshu said solemnly.
The imperial physician respectfully agreed and then went outside to write the prescription and prepare the medicine.
Tong Lanshu ordered the wet nurse to take the Eldest Princess away and summoned all the servants from the Prince's Residence who attended to the Eldest Princess. A group of people knelt before Tong Lanshu, and with a quick glance, she counted over a dozen of them. "What exactly happened here?"
The hall fell into dead silence, with no one daring to speak.
"What? Is there no one who can answer?" Tong Lanshu's tone was calm, and her voice was not particularly authoritative, yet it still frightened them into trembling. They had long heard of the swift and decisive dismissal of palace maids in Chengqian Palace.
Those kneeling below dared not deceive her casually and could only muster the courage to speak. "In reply to the Imperial Noble Consort, the Eldest Princess was playing with the Fourth Princess when she accidentally tripped and fell, scraping her arm on a sharp stone…"
As the servants explained, Tong Lanshu pieced together the truth. If Chunxi hadn't instinctively used her arm to shield herself when she fell, the injury would have landed on her face.
Tong Lanshu imagined the consequences and felt a wave of lingering fear.
"How did you serve her?" Tong Lanshu's voice turned icy. "Over a dozen people couldn't keep an eye on one child?"
The kneeling servants lowered their heads even further. Though none dared to breathe loudly, their responses were mostly vague, implying that it was an accident.
The room was eerily quiet. Tong Lanshu ordered the servants to be separated and interrogated individually. She wanted to know whether it was a momentary lapse or a habitual neglect.
Zhilan selected several eunuchs and palace maids from Chengqian Palace to conduct the interrogations.
Tong Lanshu went to see Chunxi. The little girl had stopped crying by now, but she looked listless. The pain in her arm made her reluctant to speak.
Tong Lanshu felt a pang of heartache.
Yet, when Chunxi saw her, she struggled to rise and pay her respects. "Your daughter greets the Imperial Noble Consort."
Tong Lanshu felt even more unsettled. Softening her tone, she asked a few questions.
Chunxi's eyes were red, but she managed to reply in an orderly manner. Tong Lanshu listened patiently, responding occasionally.
After speaking, Chunxi began stealing glances at Tong Lanshu. This expression was all too familiar to her—Yinzhen looked the same way when he hesitated to speak.
"Does the Eldest Princess have something to say?"
Seeing Tong Lanshu inquire, Chunxi gathered her courage and asked what would happen to her wet nurse and Mammy.
Her eyes held obvious concern. Tong Lanshu knew Chunxi's background—she had been taken into the palace at birth, and her closest companions were her wet nurse and Mammy.
But from her earlier questioning, Tong Lanshu had learned that when Chunxi fell, only the Fourth Princess's wet nurse was present, while the Eldest Princess's wet nurse was nowhere to be seen. With so many eyes watching, negligence was undeniable. It was only natural for Chunxi to worry.
Tong Lanshu did not reply immediately, pondering how to handle the matter.
She did not want to be remembered as the villain by the Eldest Princess, nor could she allow the wet nurse to continue neglecting her duties. For a moment, she felt quite conflicted.
"In a little while, shall I accompany the Eldest Princess to Cining Palace to visit the Grand Empress Dowager?" After some thought, Tong Lanshu decided to seek someone in authority.
Tong Lanshu was still uncertain about the Empress Dowager's temperament.
But the Grand Empress Dowager was Chunxi's biological great-grandmother. If there was anyone in the palace who could genuinely consider Chunxi's well-being and feel heartache for her, the Grand Empress Dowager was certainly one of them.