“Nothing escapes the watchful eyes of the eunuch. I purposely timed my arrival, just to avoid Her Ladyship assigning me some chore,” Ji Shuyao said.
Indeed, she didn’t mind Liu Gonggong’s teasing at all, and even shamelessly admitted that she had arrived late just to slack off.
Hearing this, the stern expression Liu Gonggong had worn in front of the young eunuch immediately softened, his face creasing into a smile.
“You timed it perfectly. By now, there should already be quite a few people at the Qionghua Terrace. If you head there now, you’ll probably only have time to sip some tea with the Empress.”
“In that case, we must hurry. Gonggong, you may go about your work,” Ji Shuyao replied, waving politely as she led Shen Yunshu along.
“Wait a moment. The place is crowded and chaotic. I’ll have Xiao Anzi escort you out,” Liu Gonggong said.
He signaled Xiao Anzi, who immediately set aside his work, straightened his clothes, bowed slightly, and led Ji Shuyao and Shen Yunshu along a less crowded palace path.
Since Liu Gonggong was busy assisting elsewhere, Xiao Anzi only escorted the Zhenbei Wang Fei and Shen Yunshu until they reached a spot where the Phoenix Yi Palace was already visible, then he returned.
“It seems the Emperor was very satisfied with the Crown Prince’s flood relief efforts. Even Liu Gonggong has been pulled in to support him,” the Zhenbei Wang Fei said, glancing at Xiao Anzi’s retreating figure, then explained to Shen Yunshu.
“Gonggong was sent to support the Crown Prince?” Shen Yunshu asked.
“Of course. There are so many people in the palace. No event ever requires the Emperor’s attendants like Liu Gonggong to serve for the princess’s banquet. Even if it’s Princess Le’an’s first banquet, the Empress oversees everything. Her attendants are more than capable; there’s no need to involve Gonggong. Even though the Emperor dotes on the princess, occasions for women are better managed by the Empress’s maids than by eunuchs. Liu Gonggong was likely sent to help the Crown Prince’s side, handling matters for the men.
It’s the Crown Prince’s first time managing a palace banquet, and having a senior eunuch of the Emperor assisting indicates the Emperor’s attitude clearly. No fool dares to disrupt the Crown Prince’s event.”
Shen Yunshu had previously been surprised to hear that Liu Gonggong was helping organize the princess’s banquet. She thought it was because the Emperor doted on Princess Le’an, lending her prestige. She hadn’t realized it was mainly because of the Crown Prince.
“Of course, the Emperor does care for Princess Le’an. Otherwise, no other princess would ever have Gonggong assist. The Crown Prince and Princess Le’an are both legitimate children of the Empress. It is fortunate for Liang Dynasty that they are so favored—when the Emperor’s attitude is clear, succession disputes are less likely to destabilize the court. Other princes understand what they cannot do, and are thus more restrained.”
The Zhenbei Wang Fei lowered her head, patiently explaining these relationships to Shen Yunshu.
Unlike other households, the Zhenbei Wang Mansion controlled 200,000 troops of the northern army, wielding considerable military power, and had sworn brotherhood ties with the Emperor. Their family was inevitably involved in imperial succession struggles.
Thus, the Zhenbei Wang Fei never hid these truths from Shen Yunshu. Only by understanding these relationships could Shen Yunshu avoid being manipulated or misled.
Shen Yunshu listened, subtly shaking her head.
She understood her mother’s intent, though she found it somewhat idealistic.
In this world, the most irresistible things are power, wealth, and beauty. When combined, they awaken desire in almost everyone. When a throne promises all three, even those who know better will struggle and strive.
All born of the same father, who would willingly submit to a brother?
At least according to the history she knew, the one who eventually ascended the throne was not the Crown Prince who seemed secure now.
…
“Zhenbei Wang Fei, County Mistress, you’ve arrived! We’ve been just mentioning you, Wang Fei!”
After some idle chatter, they arrived at the Phoenix Yi Palace gate. The Empress’s personal maid, Qiu Yue, heard the announcement and came out smiling.
“Greetings, Aunt Qiu Yue. You’ve become even more radiant since last we met,” Shen Yunshu said, standing behind her mother with a cheerful smile.
Her mother had a close relationship with the Empress, and when she was young, Shen Yunshu often accompanied her to the palace. She was familiar with Qiu Yue as well.
“The County Mistress has grown taller. After such a long time, you still enjoy teasing your maids. Say it too many times and they’ll really think themselves a beauty,” Qiu Yue replied with a smile, leading the Zhenbei Wang Fei and Shen Yunshu inside.
“You two haven’t even stepped inside before trying to flatter me. Do you realize you’re late?” The Empress teased as they entered, gesturing for them to sit.
The Zhenbei Wang Fei did not act distant. She gestured, bowed symbolically with Shen Yunshu, then sat in a seat already prepared for her.
“I’m not late. The banquet hasn’t even begun. I still have time for a cup of tea.” She took the tea cup offered by Xi Xue.
“You have some nerve!” the Empress said, looking at the shameless Zhenbei Wang Fei, then glanced at Shen Yunshu. “Princess Le’an is still fussing over her pile of jewelry. Wait here for a bit; if you went now, she might drag you along to continue choosing.”
Usually, Shen Yunshu would have followed immediately, but with the banquet about to start, letting her be drawn into the princess’s endless picking would be impossible.
Recalling her little friend Princess Le’an’s indecisiveness, Shen Yunshu nodded knowingly.
“A few days ago, I happened to see the Crown Prince’s procession when I went out to choose jewelry. How is the Crown Prince now?” Shen Yunshu asked the Empress cautiously, recalling the Crown Prince’s odd behavior.
Hearing the question, the Empress’s tone carried a hint of pride.
“He returned just a few days ago and immediately reported to his father. Afterwards, the Emperor assigned him numerous tasks, keeping him on his feet constantly. I haven’t even seen him much myself.
This was his first official duty managing flood relief, and he did it well. The Emperor praised him. After that severe illness, it seems the boy was truly enlightened by the immortals—he’s become much calmer and more responsible.”
Shen Yunshu could see the Empress trying to restrain herself, urging Shen Yunshu to remain low-key, yet she couldn’t hide her pride in her son.