Zhou Jinyan: “General Shen’s legitimate daughter.”
“Shen Qingrui?” The Empress’s eyes showed surprise. Shen Qingrui’s status as the legitimate daughter of a military family was decent, and her appearance was passable, but she was a false legitimate daughter. Moreover, the opinions of various noble ladies about her were mixed—she was a woman prone to stirring controversy and gossip.
If Shen Qingrui were truly matched with Prince Duan, others would surely say she was being harsh, unable to tolerate a sickly man.
“Not her.” Zhou Jinyan lifted the corner of his lips. “General Shen has only one legitimate daughter, named Shen Yiren.”
“Shen Yiren is already married to the heir of Duke Anguo’s household, a title personally bestowed by your Father Emperor.” Consort Xian’s tone grew slightly heavier. “Yan’er, you are of imperial lineage and must not commit the act of taking another man’s wife.”
Inside and outside the palace stood a high wall. Unless one deliberately arranged for surveillance, news from outside rarely made its way in.
The Empress and Consort Xian were still unaware of the truth.
“The one married to Lord Cen is not Shen Yiren but the false legitimate daughter Shen Qingrui. I do not know exactly how this came about, only that the legitimate daughter General Shen painstakingly recovered has been deceived and mistreated by her own family. It pains my heart deeply.” Zhou Jinyan spoke without a trace of emotion.
Yet Consort Xian straightened her posture at the words “pains my heart.”
Though she had not seen her son for many years, she knew his gentle appearance concealed a cold nature. When had he ever felt such distress for anyone?
“But…” The Empress hesitated. She had never met this legitimate daughter General Shen had recovered and did not know if she would be easy to control.
“Your Majesty.” Consort Xian knelt. “This humble consort has never asked anything of you. Today, I beg you to grant Yan’er his wish.”
A flicker of surprise passed through Zhou Jinyan’s eyes.
The Empress scrutinized the woman at her feet. Consort Xian had clung to her since entering the palace, obedient and compliant. Today, for her son’s sake, she showed unexpected boldness.
“Although Shen Yiren is the legitimate daughter of the General’s household, she has only returned to the capital for two years. It is unknown whether she has been properly taught etiquette and decorum, nor how much noble bearing or talent she possesses. Yan’er is a dignified Prince Duan. How can you treat your own son’s marriage so lightly?”
“Precisely because Shen Yiren comes from humble origins, she can better accompany Yan’er to reside long-term in his fiefdom.” Consort Xian’s mind raced. “This humble consort does not wish for Yan’er to marry a clever and talented woman either. I only hope for someone willing to stay by his side, accompany him through life, peacefully and safely.”
The Empress was moved.
Indeed, what did it matter whether Shen Yiren was easy to control? As long as she posed no threat, it was enough.
A crude girl raised in the countryside—what threat could she possibly pose?
Yet she was still the legitimate daughter of the General’s household, her status and position established. Moreover, Zhou Jinyan himself sought to marry her. Why not grant this wish and earn a reputation before the Emperor for favoring Prince Duan?
The Empress had made up her mind but showed nothing on her face, saying only, “Your Father Emperor dotes on you greatly. Whom you marry as your Wangfei cannot be decided by this palace alone. Later, when the Emperor comes for the meal, you may bring it up again.”
“This palace is your mother. You grew up in Weiyang Palace as a child and will naturally help you.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
Consort Xian breathed a sigh of relief and looked at her son with pleasure. Though she did not know why her son had taken a liking to a girl from the countryside, she still wished for him to have his way in this matter.
Zhou Jinyan met his mother’s gaze, then quickly looked away again.
The smile on Consort Xian’s lips stiffened, fading as she lowered her eyes. Nanny Ying watched from the side and sighed inwardly once more.
After all these years, the relationship between Consort Xian and the Prince remained as cold and distant as ever.
…
“General Shen has served with great merit, but his daughter falls a bit short of being suitable as your Wangfei, Yan’er.” The Emperor dismissed his son’s intentions, then turned to ask the Empress, “How did you make this selection?”
“It is I who want her,” Zhou Jinyan stated bluntly. “Only her.”
Firstly, Shen Yiren could save his life; secondly, he absolutely could not allow the Empress to plant a spy by his side.
“Your Majesty, you see, it is Yan’er himself who likes her.” The Empress personally served the Emperor dishes, persuading him, “You have doted on Yan’er for so many years—what harm is there in indulging him once more? When Yan’er is happy, his health will follow suit. Joy brings vigor to the spirit. Look at his complexion—hasn’t it improved greatly? Isn’t that the effect of mentioning his beloved?”
Zhou Jinyan thought to himself, the women of the inner palace were not just glib-tongued; they could turn black into white.
Since the Empress was so eager to arrange this match, he might as well reap the benefits.
Seeing that his son’s complexion had indeed improved slightly, and that his son wanted only Shen Yiren, with both the Empress and Consort Xian eagerly watching him, the Emperor slightly relented.
“Think it over for a few more days. Once you are truly certain, come to the palace to request the decree.”
“Your son thanks Father Emperor, Mother Empress, and Imperial Consort Mother.” Zhou Jinyan performed a proper bow. After the Emperor finished his meal and left, he too prepared to leave the palace and return to his residence.
Consort Xian stood up, her gaze fixed intently on her son’s retreating figure.
“Prince.” Nanny Ying called out to stop him. When the Prince turned around, she bowed and said, “The Prince and Fei Yun have not seen each other for many years. Today, Her Ladyship told Fei Yun that you were coming to the palace, and it was so happy it jumped around in Xianyun Palace. The sky is not yet late—why not go and see it?”
Fei Yun was a white dog Zhou Jinyan had raised at the age of twelve. They had eaten and slept together for two months, but he had not taken it with him when he left for his fiefdom.
“Fei Yun has always been close to you. Go and see it,” Consort Xian urged hopefully.
Zhou Jinyan parted his lips slightly, but the Empress spoke first: “Fei Yun is a large dog with a fierce temperament. Yan’er is in poor health—what if it pounces and causes harm or frightens him? As a mother, you should think more about your son.”
Consort Xian pressed her lips together. Ever since Yan’er was born, the Empress had forbidden her from getting too close to her son.
She had known this would be the outcome, yet she still wanted to try.
“I will just take a look. It won’t be a problem,” Zhou Jinyan agreed.
Consort Xian’s eyes brightened like a starry sky, and Nanny Ying smiled until her face was full of wrinkles: “Prince, this old servant will lead the way for you.”
The Empress did not stop them further, instructing Eunuch Fu: “Protect Yan’er. Do not let Fei Yun harm him.”
Eunuch Fu’s gaze was profound: “Yes~”