Chapter 49: A Lustful Desire
"This servant doesn't understand. You clearly favored the Crown Prince before, so why are you suddenly inclined to support the Seventh Prince?"
Hongyu helped her up and asked in confusion.
The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes and a cold smile appeared on her lips: "Both the Crown Prince and the Seventh Prince are now eighteen years old. Although the heir apparent has been chosen, no one can say for sure what will happen in the future."
Do you understand what I mean?
"This servant is foolish and dull."
Hongyu dared not speculate further, but respectfully replied in a low voice.
The Empress Dowager nodded: "You are a wise person, knowing to keep your mouth shut and avoid making mistakes."
Hongyu's heart trembled upon hearing this, and she quickly lowered her head: "Yes."
The Empress Dowager sat down at the stone table, flicked her sleeves, gave a soft hum, and said nothing more.
At this moment, a palace maid rushed forward to report, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, the Emperor has arrived!"
No sooner had the palace maid finished speaking than a sharp voice came from behind her, followed by a series of footsteps.
"Greetings, Mother."
The Empress Dowager remained calm and simply said, "The Emperor has also come. The Carp Pond is quite lively today. Please have a seat."
The emperor outwardly complied, but inwardly he thought that his mother probably already knew why he had come.
"Your Majesty, I have come today regarding the matter of the Crown Prince. I wonder if Your Majesty has any suggestions?"
The emperor didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
The Empress Dowager looked up at the Emperor, a hint of ambiguity flashing in her eyes before returning to normal: "I have also heard about that matter. The Emperor and Empress should discuss it and make a decision."
However, there is one thing: let's put Yin'er's marriage on hold for now.
That child seems unreliable to me; if we hastily arrange a marriage, I don't know which parents will have to worry about him.
The emperor frowned upon hearing this, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded: "Yes."
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager smiled with satisfaction, then turned her head to admire the fish.
The emperor wasn't stupid; he could naturally discern something from the empress dowager's expression. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, he exchanged a few pleasantries, sat quietly for a while, and then found an excuse to get up and leave.
Within a few days, the news that the Crown Prince had made the second young lady of the Shen family his concubine spread throughout the palace.
The news spread like wildfire not only in the palace but throughout the entire capital. Many people used it as a topic of conversation during their leisure time, and the lively discussion was enough to make them eat three bowls of rice.
The women were happy, but the remaining scholars couldn't laugh.
From then on, the list of talented women in the capital lost one person who was someone everyone could aspire to be, and what remained were mostly mediocre and unremarkable women.
The top spot on the beauty list is something one dares not even dream of, or rather, one is not destined to dream of.
"It's such a pity that Miss Shen, a woman of great learning and talent, was buried in the deep palace. What a pity!"
"If you ask me, since all women from noble families can enter the palace as concubines, why not choose Yuan Siyin?"
"It must be that even the Crown Prince dislikes her because she's all looks and no substance."
"Shh, keep your voice down! Are you out of your mind?! You'll be in big trouble if she finds out you said that!"
Yuan Siyin, in a good mood, ordered a bowl of wontons. Just as she sat down at the slightly greasy wooden table, she heard a group of people at a table by the window of the teahouse "greeting" her.
Thank you, I was offended.
She smirked, not intending to make a fuss, but then caught a rag on the corner of the table and casually reached over to wipe it.
She really likes it here.
Even if you just sit in an inconspicuous corner, you can silently blend into this bustling street. Looking up, you can see the red bricks and green tiles shining brightly under the sunlight. The pavilions and eaves intertwine, exuding the full charm of prosperity. People are everywhere, and there is a constant flow of traffic. Amidst the hustle and bustle, there is also a touch of warmth and tranquility.
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