Chapter 5. I have met the Prince.
“One minute it’s a marriage of convenience, the next it’s a betrothal to Miss Lin.” The Empress Dowager put down her teacup and smiled enigmatically. “The matriarch of the Jia family truly dotes on her grandson.”
Shuangyun shook her head: "Madam Jia is only concerned with competing with her daughter-in-law, but she has forgotten that her granddaughter's reputation is more important. If you ask me, she is getting senile."
The Empress Dowager sneered, "It doesn't matter if she's senile, but I can't choose another daughter-in-law for her. If she's sensible, she shouldn't do anything foolish again."
The Lin family's daughter was the one Master Pingyi predicted could save her son. The Empress Dowager sent people to investigate thoroughly, and it was found that no one else had interfered; it was indeed destiny.
Therefore, regardless of the Jia family's plans or whether the Lin family's daughter wanted to or not, the Princess Consort of Duan had to be, and could only be, her.
Shuangyun said, "Even if Madam Jia is confused, she still knows how to cherish her life. Even if she is old and doesn't have many days left, the Jia family still has her children and grandchildren. She will definitely not dare to say those baseless things in the future."
The Empress Dowager said indifferently, "Hmm, and also... just how close is that girl from the Lin family to the young master of the Jia family who was born with a jade in his mouth?"
Shuangyun said, "I heard that they often quarreled and made up in the past two years, and the quarrels never stopped. But things have gotten much better in the last year or two. Moreover, Your Majesty, from what I've observed about the Jia family, Miss Lin is a woman who knows what's important. After she got older, there haven't been any more such incidents. However, since we all live in the same garden, we can't avoid seeing each other in the end."
The Empress Dowager nodded after hearing this and said, "A girl of twelve or thirteen is just beginning to experience love. It's understandable that she would feel a stirring of affection if she only had one person by her side. But none of that matters. In the end, from now on, she can only have Heng'er in her eyes and heart."
"By the way, don't let Heng'er know about these things," the Empress Dowager instructed. "He doesn't care about them anyway, and if they get out, it will cause trouble and make him unwell, which would be bad."
Shuangyun quickly agreed, and then said, "In the end, it's because the matriarch of the Jia family spoils her grandchildren too much that these things have happened. Your Majesty, it's one thing when they're young, but the young master of the Jia family is already a teenager, and it's too disrespectful for him to still be mixed up with his sisters."
The Empress Dowager took a sip of tea and said, "It's not just her. The imperial edict that ordered this boy to move in was issued by Yuhua Palace."
Yuhua Palace was the residence of Consort Jia Yuanchun. Although she held a high rank, she was not favored by the Empress Dowager and was only mediocre in the eyes of the Empress Dowager.
Shuangyun took the teacup from the Empress Dowager: "There aren't many days left. Once the Princess Consort marries next year, the fate of the Jia family will be none of her concern. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager frowned and said, "How can my daughter-in-law be at ease while she's in the Jia family?"
Seeing her mistress's concern, Shuangyun quickly pondered for a moment, then said, "Empress Dowager, the Princess Consort is not familiar with the rules of the royal palace. Do you think we should send two governesses over?"
Not only can they teach her manners, but they can also observe the princess's words and actions, killing two birds with one stone.
The Empress Dowager slowly relaxed her brows, but then had another idea: "I was going to take Heng'er to Longhua Temple to worship Buddha, so I'll invite Lin'er along as well."
Shuangyun was taken aback and quickly reminded her mistress, "Empress Dowager, this is probably against etiquette."
"Etiquette is important, but Heng'er is even more important." The Empress Dowager leaned against the pillow and said slowly, "The Jia family's matriarch didn't care about etiquette at first, but for Heng'er's sake, I have no choice but to learn from her this time."
It's just a matter of spending time together day and night, and feelings will naturally develop over time, the Empress Dowager thought. Chu Heng and Lin Daiyu are a perfect match, a match made in heaven. What is Jia Baoyu compared to them?
The old lady of the Jia family was senile for doing that. But Shuangyun had a different story to tell her mistress. She flattered her, saying, "The Empress Dowager is truly a parent who cares for the world. For the sake of the prince, she can't care about such trivial matters."
These words struck a chord with the Empress Dowager, who nodded with a smile: "What mother doesn't worry about her child?"
"You should choose the best person for the governess," the Empress Dowager said. "Don't choose someone who is old-fashioned, stubborn, and unreasonable, or people will think I'm a mean mother-in-law who loves to be mean to her daughter-in-law."
Shuangyun curtsied and said, "This servant will remember."
...
Over the years, Chu Heng had been ill many times, and each time it would take two or three months to recover. This time, however, it only took half a month from when he woke up to when he was able to enter the palace to express his gratitude.
Sitting in the carriage on the way to the palace, Chu Heng rested his chin on his hand and thought for a while. The imperial physicians were still the same ones, and the medicine was still so bitter. Could it be that the old monk really had some skills?
The Empress Dowager has already arranged to go to Longhua Temple to worship Buddha for half a month on the 25th. Regardless of whether that old monk is just pretending to be a god or has real talent, Chu Heng has the time to test him.
Chu Heng first went to Haiyan Palace to pay his respects to the Emperor. The chief eunuch, Li Zhong, was waiting in the corridor. Upon seeing him from afar, he hurried over and said with a smile, "Greetings, Your Highness! His Majesty heard that Your Highness was coming to the palace today and instructed me to wait for you early this morning."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate your help, Eunuch," Chu Heng said with a smile.
Li Zhong bowed and smiled, "I wouldn't dare, Your Highness, please slow down."
Upon entering and meeting the emperor, before Chu Heng could even perform the proper greetings, the emperor said, "Fifth brother, please don't stand on ceremony. Please sit down."
Chu Heng still bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
The emperor laughed and said, "He's always been like this since he was a child. Li Zhong, quickly help the prince sit down."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Chu Heng said with a smile. "But etiquette must not be neglected. It was Your Majesty who taught me this before, and I will certainly not forget it."
The emperor pointed at him and laughed, "So you're saying I've been harsh on you?"
Chu Heng cupped his hands in greeting and smiled, "Your subject dares not."
"You're such a chatterbox, sit down, sit down." The emperor waved his hand and smiled helplessly, "You've only just recovered, and you're already rushing over here. Don't tire yourself out."
Chu Heng smiled and said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I am much better now. I feel lighter than ever before."
The Emperor nodded and smiled, "Indeed, Master Pingyi is truly a man of great power. Your recovery this time is entirely thanks to him. Fifth Brother, when you go to Longhua Temple to worship Buddha, you must sincerely thank Buddha."
Chu Heng neither confirmed nor denied this, but he had no reason to contradict the emperor, so he simply smiled and said, "I know."
After exchanging a few more casual words, the emperor said, "Mother must be getting impatient. You should go over there quickly."
Chu Heng rose and respectfully said, "Your subject takes his leave."
Everyone in the palace loves to act, and everyone wants to act.
Brothers and friends are respectful to younger brothers, mothers are kind and sons are filial.
That's really boring.
Chu Heng sat on the palanquin, propping his chin up, idly gazing at the unchanging scenery of the palace.
Upon arriving at the side hall of Renshou Palace, Chu Heng listened to the Empress Dowager's rambling words of concern and greetings, and patiently answered them one by one.
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Lunch will be served in the palace. We already discussed this yesterday. The Emperor and Empress will also come with Jie'er and Rong'er."
Chu Jie and Chu Rong are the Emperor and Empress's children; Chu Jie is the eldest son, and Chu Rong is the eldest daughter.
Chu Heng could not refuse, so he could only smile and say, "Yes."
During the time before lunch, Chu Heng wanted to be alone. Just as he was about to give his fabricated excuse, a palace maid entered and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, Miss Lin requests an audience."
Chu Heng was taken aback, blinking in confusion. Miss Lin? Which Miss Lin? Could it be the Miss Lin he was thinking of?
The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Please." As she spoke, she looked at Chu Heng's expression and saw that he was finally no longer indifferent.
"About seven or eight days ago, Miss Lin fell ill. I sent Physician Song to take a look at her. This girl is very polite. She came to express her gratitude as soon as she recovered." The Empress Dowager took Chu Heng's hand and said with a smile, "You are the same way. The two of you are quite similar in temperament. You must have a lot to talk about."
Chu Heng understood immediately. The Lin family girl currently had no official title, and if she wanted to enter the palace, she needed to ask the Empress Dowager for permission first. It was such a coincidence that Chu Heng was entering the palace. It was obvious that this was the Empress Dowager's doing.
The Empress Dowager undoubtedly wanted Chu Heng and Miss Lin to meet "coincidentally" at Renshou Palace.
Chu Heng raised his eyes and smiled: "Since the formal ceremony has not yet taken place, it is inconvenient for my son and Miss Lin to meet. It would be better to avoid each other for a while."
The Empress Dowager grasped his hand and smiled, "It's alright, I'm here, it won't hurt to see you."
Chu Heng wasn't actually opposed to meeting the Lin family woman; after all, they were already husband and wife, and half a month was enough for him to accept it.
Of course, Chu Heng's desire not to get close to the princess remained unchanged.
Soon, a girl in a bright red dress gracefully entered the hall. Chu Heng glanced at her casually, but couldn't immediately look away.
That swindling old monk did have one truth to say: whether it was her appearance or her overall demeanor, the Lin family girl really looked like a fairy who had accidentally descended from heaven to earth.
Graceful as a startled swan, lithe as a swimming dragon.
If there truly is a goddess named Luo, perhaps she would possess such grace and beauty.
When the Empress Dowager saw him stare at Daiyu, she couldn't help but chuckle. She thought to herself that this step was indeed the right one. In all her years, she had never seen a young man who was not interested in women. She wondered if Heng'er would still be able to remain indifferent in the future.
Chu Heng was brought back to his senses by the sound. Annoyance flashed in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it and looked away as if nothing had happened.
The hall was very quiet, so Daiyu also heard the Empress Dowager's laughter. She was puzzled and walked away, pondering as she lowered her eyes.
"Greetings, Empress Dowager." Daiyu was about to perform the national ceremony when Shuangyun stopped her.
"No need for formalities," the Empress Dowager said with a smile. "Come, Lin girl, greet Prince Duan."
Daiyu paused, realizing that the Empress Dowager had granted her permission to enter the palace to express her gratitude the day before yesterday, and that was all to create this coincidence.
Even though she knew she would have to see him sooner or later, Daiyu still unconsciously clenched her handkerchief tightly.
Looking down at the hem of her dark robe, Daiyu curtsied and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."
After a moment, a deep male voice said, "No need for formalities."
The Empress Dowager offered Daiyu a seat, then smiled and said, "It just so happens that Heng'er has come to pay his respects today..."
While listening to the Empress Dowager's unnecessary explanation, Daiyu glanced at Prince Duan without making a sound.
Perhaps due to his pampered upbringing, Prince Duan, who was only twenty years old, looked much younger than his age, resembling a handsome young man. However, his eyes were too cold, making people reluctant to look at him for long.
Moreover, Daiyu looked at the Empress Dowager and noticed that Prince Duan resembled her mother, which explained why he was the Empress Dowager's favorite.
A note from the author:
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