Chapter 85: Recognizing Ancestors and Returning to One's Origin

As night deepened, palace maids lit the wicks for the stone lamps in the palace courtyard, and the Phoenix Palace was brightly lit with candles, from which the cries of children could be heard continuously from the inner palace.

The head palace maid tiptoed to the Empress's side and whispered, "His Majesty went to the West Garden today."

The Empress gently patted the Second Prince's back, paused upon hearing this, and remained silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice, "I understand."

The servants quickly brought over the prepared medicine and fed it to the little prince spoonful by spoonful. Liang Tianrui resisted fiercely, crying and twisting his body, burying his face in the Empress's arms. He barely managed to swallow half a bowl of medicine, spilling most of it.

After coaxing the child for more than an hour, he finally fell asleep, his eyelids feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds, and he leaned drowsily against the Empress.

It was nearly midnight when the emperor, wrapped in a thick cloak, strode in. As he entered the palace, the cold wind he had brought with him was instantly melted away by the warmth inside.

The Empress caught a glimpse of the figure outside the screen, released the Second Prince, handed him to the wet nurse, and rose to greet him.

The emperor took off his cloak and handed it to a palace attendant, then took the empress's arm and sat down at the table. He glanced into the inner palace and said, "Is Tianrui ill again?"

The tone of the word "again" is slightly high because the second prince, Liang Tianrui, has been weak and sickly since birth, and he would get a fever every month.

Princess Fu'an was the same age as him, but she was much stronger and taller, able to stand up and run steadily on her own. In contrast, Liang Tianrui was thin and always looked sickly; he would cry when separated from others and was unsteady when standing or walking.

The emperor had originally placed some hope in his newborn son, but in the past two years, reality had dealt him a heavy blow. A prince who was weak, sickly, and not yet mentally sharp was certainly not capable of shouldering his responsibilities.

The Empress sighed, "This child is born with a weak constitution and is prone to illness when the weather changes. He needs extra care to be taken care of."

The emperor took her hand and said gently, "You've worked hard these past two years."

The servants, with great foresight, carried the young prince out and closed the palace doors.

The emperor glanced at the doorway before leaning close to the empress and speaking solemnly, "A-Ning, there's something I'd like to ask for your opinion on."

He hadn't called her name in a long time, and the Empress felt a mix of emotions. She forced a gentle smile and said, "I am willing to share my husband's burdens."

"I wish to bring Zhuoyan back to the palace."

The emperor's tone left no room for argument. The empress had anticipated this, and hearing his resolute tone, she remained calm. After a brief pause, she smiled and said, "Lady Zhang has lived a lonely and miserable life all these years. Have you come to your senses now?"

The emperor did not answer, but said with a burning gaze, "The mother and son have suffered a lot over the years. I wish to make amends by bestowing the title of Noble Consort upon Zhuoyan and the title of Prince of Qin upon Yuanyi."

"Lady Zhang has shown His Majesty kindness in times of need, so it is only right that she be granted the title of Imperial Concubine." The Empress's eyes turned cold, and her tone became hesitant. "But Yuan Yi... how will His Majesty explain to the court officials this prince who appeared out of nowhere?"

“Yuan Yi is a prince. In the past, everyone said that his biological father was unknown. Now I am going to bring him back to recognize his ancestors and return him to the family. Why do I need to explain to outsiders?”

"The prince has been wandering in the capital for twenty-two years, and now he has suddenly returned to the imperial family. There will inevitably be discussions in the court. If Your Majesty does not clarify this matter, how will Yuan Yi face the rumors?"

After a moment's thought, the Emperor clasped his hands together and said, "This matter is easy to handle. Just say that the eminent monk of Xijing Temple made a prophecy that I had a grudge against the Zhang family and that this child was born with a calamity. After the fire in Yongning Ward the other day, I consulted the eminent monk about my fate and found that the prince's calamity has been broken and he can return to the throne."

Suppressing her emotions, the Empress replied perfunctorily, "Since Your Majesty has a foolproof plan, I will proceed with the investiture ceremony."

The emperor was surprised that she agreed so easily. He gently put his arm around her waist and said, "Ah Ning, we have been through thick and thin together. No matter what happens in the future, I will always protect you."

The Empress smiled and agreed, but inwardly she was disdainful.

If Yuan Yi were to be recognized as a member of the imperial family, the next step would be to shake the position of the crown prince. Even if Lady Zhang is not one to fight for power, would the Zhang family let go of this opportunity to regain the regency?

After coaxing the emperor to bed, she whispered to her maid, "After dawn, please invite the Crown Prince over."

…

One wave subsides, another rises.

The Xie family's old associates were removed like rusty nails, and disputes arose again inside and outside the Taiji Hall. This time, the officials who jointly petitioned the emperor to reconsider were Li Qinian, Chen Qu, and others.

Outside, the wind howled, but inside Zhaohua Palace, all was peaceful. Liang Yuanjun instructed the palace servants to place the newly made cat bed from the Inner Palace Bureau inside the palace, and then coaxed and tricked Motiao into lying down inside.

Mo Tiao was quite cooperative, circling the cat's nest twice, jumping up and poking at Liang Yuanjun's sleeve a few times, before entering the nest amidst everyone's expectant gazes. It stomped its front paws down and lay down, turning into a black ball.

Liang Yuanjun said happily, "Minister Yu's drawings are excellent. I really like this cat's nest ink stick."

Yu Mingshu admired her attitude.

Yang Leyi rushed in, tossed aside her cloak, bowed to Liang Yuanjun, and said anxiously, "Your Highness, Prime Minister Li and the others have been arguing before the Emperor for nearly ten days. His Majesty seems determined to recognize the prince back. Even my grandfather's attempt to persuade him was thwarted by His Majesty..."

Liang Yuanjun raised an eyebrow calmly. "There's news from the West Garden?"

Yang Leyi said, "The West Garden is under tight security, and not a single word has leaked out. However, Tong Shun secretly took the imperial physician there late last night. The physician looked happy when he left, so it seems that the person should be fine."

Yuan Yi's recovery means that a tough battle is about to begin in the near future.

Liang Yuanjun rubbed her temples, stood up, and gestured to the palace maid to bring her a cloak. "This show should end now."

As evening approached, the sky was filled with rosy clouds, and finally some news came from the Taiji Palace.

Yu Mingshu had just finished hearing Chen Qingyue's account of the farce in front of the palace when He Zheng intercepted him on his way out of the palace.

Chen Qingyue clicked her tongue twice and said tactfully, "I'll wait for my brother. You guys go ahead."

He Zheng was very satisfied with this.

After walking ten steps away, when everything was quiet, he whispered in Yu Mingshu's ear, "Li Qinian has been playing the peacemaker for so many years, but today he finally stood up for himself! Guess what? He brought up Zhang Niangzi and Xie Sihong's old relationship in court, questioned the prince's parentage, and angered the Emperor, who drew his sword to kill him!"

Yu Mingshu continued, "Fortunately, His Highness the Crown Prince arrived in time today, saving Prime Minister Li's life and sparing His Majesty the infamy of killing a loyal official."

"You knew all of this?"

"Chen Qingyue just told me that once."

"How can she talk so fast..."

Yu Mingshu couldn't help but laugh.

He Zheng stared at her smiling face, slightly lost in thought.

After leaving the palace and getting into the carriage, he said in a deep voice, "I originally thought that His Majesty and his aunt, the Empress, were a loving couple, but I never expected that he was truly devoted to Lady Zhang. In order to grant Yuan Yi the title of Prince and establish a mansion, he did not hesitate to confront Prime Minister Li with swords drawn."

Yu Mingshu sighed wistfully, "Next time we meet, we'll have to address him as His Highness the Prince of Qin."

He Zheng scoffed and said, "Yuan Yi has always liked to pontificate about the country. What will he be like when he gains power? You should stay away from him when you work in the inner court."

Yu Mingshu glanced at him and said, "I am an official of the Crown Prince's Palace. Only a madman would go near him."

He Zheng turned his head to look at her, "Someone as loyal as you would sever ties just because of our different social statuses?"

Yu Mingshu tapped his chest. "Feelings can be kept in your heart, but your stance must not waver."

He Zheng tightened his grip on her waist, displeased. "You're going to keep him in your heart?"

Yu Mingshu said frankly, "I have many people in my heart."

As soon as she finished speaking, she was forcefully pushed into a corner.

He Zheng supported her waist with one hand to prevent her from hitting the wooden board behind her, and with the other hand he gripped her wrist and pressed it above her head, his eyes sharp: "Yu Mingshu, I'm not that magnanimous."

Yu Mingshu unconsciously swallowed and said softly, "You know that's not what I meant..."

"So what do you mean?"

"I don't like him, I only like you."

This straightforward statement silenced He Zheng's anger. After a long silence, he let go of her hand.

Yu Mingshu took the initiative to wrap her arms around his waist, tilted her head up and whispered in his ear, "I will never like a man who likes to act like a father."

He Zheng's breathing became erratic. Although he had never heard of the saying "good at being a father," he felt that Yuan Yi fit the description perfectly.

Say it again.

"I will never like a man who acts like a father."

“Not that sentence.” He Zheng looked into her smiling eyes.

Yu Mingshu only paused for a moment before knowing what he wanted to hear, and then answered him, word by word, "I only like you."

The emotions that had been building up in He Zheng's heart melted away like ice and snow, and the slight anxiety and bitterness dissipated in the warm breeze.

Seeing that he was just grinning foolishly, Yu Mingshu shook her head imperceptibly and took the initiative to place a kiss on his lips.

…

In October, the emperor fulfilled his wish and conferred the title of Imperial Concubine upon Lady Zhang. On the day of the investiture ceremony, Yuan Yi, who had just recovered from a serious illness, appeared before the Taiji Hall for the first time as Prince Liang Yuanyi of Qin.

Yu Mingshu followed Liang Yuanjun and watched the entire investiture ceremony.

This scene is truly bizarre.

Lady Zhang, now Consort Zhang, had a blank expression, with a hint of sorrow hidden in her eyes.

Liang Yuanyi stood at the head of the line on the other side of the hall, his face devoid of a smile, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the Crown Prince.

In the entire hall, only the emperor and Zhang Jinghua were genuinely smiling.

Liang Yuanjun glanced discreetly at Li Qinian, who stood beside her with a cold expression, and Chen Qu, who stood behind him, his sleeves tangled throughout the entire investiture ceremony. After the two of them, most of the officials seemed distracted.

In this standoff with the officials who opposed Yuan Yi's change of title and enfeoffment as a king, the emperor and the Zhang family seemed to have the upper hand. However, the emperor's obstinacy towards the Zhang mother and son planted a thorn in the hearts of many.

It is too early to judge the outcome at this point.

After the investiture ceremony, it was already dusk. Yu Mingshu was preparing to go home when he was suddenly stopped in his way by an unfamiliar eunuch.

"Master Yu, His Highness the Prince of Qin would like to invite you to his residence for a talk."

Yu Mingshu looked at the eunuch in front of her, and her head began to ache.

Liang Yuanyi is the focus of the entire capital today. If she goes to see him now, the rumor that Yu Mingshu, the young master of the Eastern Palace, has changed his allegiance will spread throughout Chang'an within half an hour.

She had no grudge against Liang Yuanyi, and they even had a teacher-student relationship. Why would this good person harm her for no reason?

Just as he was wondering how to refuse, Chen Qingyue hurriedly came over and said, "Ming Shu! His Highness the Crown Prince has urgent business to discuss with me!"

Yu Mingshu breathed a sigh of relief and said to the eunuch, "The Crown Prince has summoned me, and I cannot refuse. Please ask the eunuch to apologize to His Highness Prince Qin on my behalf."

She practically fled in panic, only remembering to ask Chen Qingyue after walking a whole street: "Did His Highness the Crown Prince say what urgent matter it was?"

Chen Qingyue whispered, "His Highness didn't issue any decree. It was Young Marquis He who told me to say this. He's waiting for you up ahead."

Yu Mingshu understood and didn't ask any more questions. He thanked her and walked towards the figure not far away.

"You've got some nerve, falsely claiming to be acting on the Crown Prince's orders."

"He can't possibly chase you all the way to Zhaohua Palace to verify it, can he?" He Zheng tapped her forehead dismissively. "I'm just helping you out of a tight spot."

Yu Mingshu brushed his hand away, touched her forehead, and muttered, "Then how did you know he would come looking for me?"

He Zheng clicked his tongue and said resentfully, "During the investiture ceremony, he stared at you for a full hour."

Was he looking at the Crown Prince? Yu Mingshu was slightly surprised.

To her surprise, the day after she declined the invitation, Liang Yuanyi came directly to Chongrenfang.

Upon opening the door, Yu Mingshu was startled to see an unfamiliar carriage blocking his doorway.

Liang Yuanyi lifted the curtain and said to her in a calm voice, "Get in the car."

Yu Mingshu looked at the carriage with lingering fear, thinking to himself that hiding back in the house now would be too deliberate. Fortunately, the carriage was not conspicuous, and outsiders should not be able to tell that it was the Prince of Qin's carriage.

After much hesitation, she finally climbed onto the carriage using the ladder lowered down by the eunuch.

The carriage was cramped, so she awkwardly gave a bow and said respectfully, "Your humble servant greets Your Highness, the Prince of Qin."

Liang Yuanyi raised an eyelid to look at her, "Do you usually bow when you see Marquis Pingyan?"

After considering it for a while, Yu Mingshu said honestly, "I'll go ahead."

Liang Yuanyi didn't delve into the meaning of her words, only saying, "In the future, when there are no outsiders present, you don't need to stand on ceremony with me."

"Yes," Yu Mingshu replied, sitting down two steps away from him.

Feeling somewhat uneasy, she tentatively asked, "Why are you in such a hurry to see me, sir?"

Liang Yuanyi glanced at her. He used to dislike the title "sir," but compared to the title "Your Highness Prince Qin," the former sounded much more pleasant.

He pursed his lips, his mind churning with unspoken thoughts, yet finding it difficult to utter a word. After a moment of silence, he asked her in a slightly hoarse voice, "Are you willing to leave the Eastern Palace?"

Yu Mingshu's heart skipped a beat. He clenched his fist warily and carefully observed the other person's expression.

What did he mean by asking that?