Chapter 82 (None)
The old Prince Xian recorded the fourth prince in the family genealogy, officially registering him under Jiang Ling's name. Consort Zhao prepared all the necessary items for the baby's first birthday celebration and sent them over via Granny Huang. Jiang Ling refused to take them, forcefully pushing them to Emperor Yuanming. Helpless, he ordered Huang Liang to supervise the Imperial Household Department in handling the arrangements.
The first birthday celebration was held in the front hall of Fanying Pavilion. Consorts such as Consort Lin, Consort Zhao, and Consort Liu arrived, and the usual gold and silver necklaces and bracelets were added. Consort Zhuang Shun was about to be moved to the Dizang Hall of the Imperial Temple, so it was not appropriate to celebrate. After the fourth prince finished his first birthday celebration, everyone sat for a while before leaving one after another.
To Jiang Ling's surprise, Consort Liu and Consort Zhao remained completely inactive. Two years passed in the blink of an eye; the Third and Fourth Princes grew up safely, and the harem was peaceful.
"Mother! Mother!"
Jiang Ling was taking a midday nap when he was awakened by Xiao Yunzan's loud shouts. As his voice grew closer, the thumping footsteps became increasingly clear.
Without needing to identify him, Jiang Ling knew that Xiao Yunlang was also following behind him. The two of them played together from morning till night, inseparable.
"Mother, it's raining outside, can I not practice calligraphy?" Xiao Yunzan jumped onto the footstool and asked, leaning against the edge of the bed.
Xiao Yunlang was half a year younger and half a head shorter than Xiao Yunzan. He stepped onto the pedal a step behind and then rushed forward, saying, "I don't want to write big characters."
Most children in the Great Yin Dynasty begin their education around the age of five. Xiao Yunzan had just turned four and would be starting school the following spring. He followed Jiang Ling and learned to recognize characters, do arithmetic, and begin writing large characters. Jiang Ling thought that Xiao Yunzan's wrist strength was insufficient, so he made no demands on him.
As for Xiao Yunlang, he was even younger and only played with Xiao Yunzan.
Jiang Ling looked up at the sky speechlessly, propped himself up to sit up, and asked, "What does the rain outside have to do with you writing calligraphy?"
"I want to play on rainy days, not write," Xiao Yunzan said with a grin, making her playfulness sound perfectly justified.
Jiang Ling glared at him, picked up her outer garment and put it on, asking, "We can't go out on a rainy day, so why do you want to play in the rain?"
"I want to play when the weather is nice, but Mother won't allow it." Xiao Yunzan blinked her bright black eyes, her fair and rosy face full of innocence.
Jiang Ling was amused and reached out to pinch his face. Xiao Yunzan nimbly dodged, buried his head in the bed and rolled around, whining, "Mother, I don't want to write, Mother, let me play for a while, just a while."
Xiao Yunlang mimicked the parrot's words, acting coquettishly. Jiang Ling, annoyed by the noise, figured they were just playing around with their calligraphy, so she gave in, saying, "It's cold in the rain, no running outside to splash in the puddles. If you disobey, I'll punish you!"
"Ah!" Xiao Yunzan cried out in disappointment, hugging Xiao Yunlang and falling onto the bed together, protesting in a self-deprecating manner, "Mother's words don't count. We used to be able to go out and play in the water."
Jiang Ling chuckled coldly and said, "It's already winter, and you're all soaking wet in the dead of winter. I think you're asking for trouble."
"Yes." Xiao Yunzan bowed with his head down, pulled Xiao Yunlang, who also had his head down, and then took his leave.
The two were at that mischievous age, often getting into trouble. Jiang Ling initially tried to reason with them patiently, but they wouldn't listen. She was a woman of her word, and after a few stern reprimands, Xiao Yunzan learned his lesson. Once he behaved, Xiao Yunlang followed suit.
Seeing the two about to run away, Jiang Ling quickly reminded them, "Today is the Emperor's birthday. We need to go to the Lan Yue Palace to attend the banquet. Don't get so caught up in the fun that you forget the time. When Chang An and the others remind you, don't pretend you can't hear them."
"Understood." The two answered one after the other, their voices and footsteps fading into the distance.
After Jiang Ling finished dressing, Wen Juan brought tea into the room and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, I have already checked. The Third Prince and the Fourth Prince are playing war games in the study. Chang An and Wu Gui are keeping watch over them every step of the way."
Chang An, Wu Gui, and the others were eunuchs selected by Jiang Ling from among the newly arrived palace eunuchs to serve him personally. Although they were honest and loyal, Xiao Yunzan was really too mischievous and had many tricks up his sleeve. Jiang Ling was exhausted from dealing with them, and they couldn't keep an eye on him at all, so Wen Juan and the others would go and keep an eye on him from time to time.
On a rainy winter day, the house became dim by mid-afternoon. A-Ruo lit a lamp, while Wen-Juan tidied her clothes and hair for the evening.
Jiang Ling dressed according to her rank and the rules, just as before. Wen Juan combed her hair, put on a gold and jade crown, looked at Jiang Ling in the bronze mirror, and praised with a smile: "Your Highness is so beautiful. You look just as beautiful as when I first came to serve you. You haven't aged at all."
New concubines are constantly being added to the imperial harem, especially in the last two years, with annual selections. The palaces are packed together, and even the Xiefang Pavilion, which is considered an ominous place, is full of people.
However, apart from Consort Xu, who entered the palace last year and gave birth to a princess, none of the others have shown any signs of pregnancy. To date, Emperor Yuanming's harem is unprecedentedly large, and his offspring are neither too many nor too few compared to previous emperors: four sons and three daughters.
None of the concubines had conceived, and Jiang Ling was fairly certain it was due to Emperor Yuanming. His speed was lightning fast, and his physique, like that of the concubines, was gradually swelling. Before, he was weak; now he was frail, like a pig being puffed up for slaughter.
Emperor Yuanming's new favorite is Consort Wu, who is as beautiful as a rare orchid in a secluded valley and has a natural, innocent charm. She entered the palace this year and was first favored by the emperor. She was then given the title of Talented Lady and promoted to Consort in August.
Originally, Consort Wu lived in Qingyuan Pavilion, relying on Consort Xia. After her promotion, it would be unfair for her to continue living in Qingyuan Pavilion. Looking at the entire harem, only Jiang Ling lived alone in Fanying Pavilion, so it was only reasonable to let Consort Wu move to the spacious Fanying Pavilion.
Wenjuan's words were meant to comfort Jiang Ling. She smiled and said, "Wenjuan, when you praise someone for being young, she must actually be old."
"Your Majesty, how could this servant dare to lie? Your Majesty has not changed at all. Not only this servant, but others are saying the same thing," Wen Juan hurriedly explained.
Jiang Ling laughed heartily. Her physical age was only twenty-five, the prime of her youth. The imperial harem aged people exceptionally quickly; only a fool could remain innocent and carefree. Her mind, however, was already that of a seventy or eighty-year-old.
She had previously read an analysis of the lifespan of women in ancient times, and the data was quite interesting. The infant mortality rate for women in ancient times was higher than that for men before childbirth. However, once they passed their reproductive years, that is, after ceasing to have children, their average lifespan was higher than that of men.
Based on this analysis, Jiang Ling has essentially overcome the life-or-death hurdle of childbirth. The late Emperor and Empress Dowager both lived to their early fifties, while Madam Xue and Jiang Wenxiu are both quite healthy. With the added advantage of their genes, she is absolutely certain she will outlive Emperor Yuanming.
Living a long life doesn't necessarily mean living a good life. For the Dowager Consort, every day in the harem felt as long as the long night of the winter solstice.
Jiang Ling didn't want to be a concubine; she wanted to be the Empress Dowager.
Being an empress dowager is not easy; there's no need to get angry with people over a palace.
When she reaches the pinnacle, she will move out of the palace and live in different palaces, estates, and gardens, free and unrestrained, doing whatever she wants!
After Jiang Ling finished dressing, Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang came to the side room together. She pulled the two of them aside to check them over and instructed them, "A-Zan, remember, you are not allowed to be naughty in Lan Yue Palace."
Xiao Yunzan drawled, "Yes, Mother, I understand."
"You brat!" Jiang Ling glared at him, then touched Xiao Yunlang's clothes. Seeing that his palm was warm, she immediately felt relieved. She patted Xiao Yunzan's head, "It's still raining outside. You should all come with me in the sedan chair."
Xiao Yunzan's plan to go to Lanyue Palace and take the opportunity to play in the water fell through, and he reluctantly followed Jiang Ling into the sedan chair.
The Lan Yue Palace was brightly lit, its solemnity tinged with joy. When Jiang Ling arrived, most of the concubines in the harem had already arrived. Her seat was on the lower left of the steps, while Consort Lin was on the lower right.
Consort Zhao had arrived, but Consort Liu and Consort Lin had not yet arrived. Consort Zhao, accompanied by Xiao Yunjue and Jiang Ling, paid their respects. She nodded in return. Then, Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang greeted Consort Zhao, and Xiao Yunjue paid his respects.
Xiao Yunjue was chubby from a young age; even at just over ten years old, his face was so round and chubby that his eyes were almost invisible. When he greeted Jiang Ling, his gesture of raising his hand in a bow seemed rather perfunctory due to his physical limitations. When Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunjue greeted him, he nodded casually and impatiently sat back down.
Just as Jiang Ling and the others sat down, Consort Lin led Xiao Yunrui, and Consort Liu led Xiao Jiatong. Xiao Yunrui was the complete opposite of Xiao Yunjue; he was as thin as a bamboo pole. The hall was filled with incense burners, the heat radiating from them. He remained wrapped in his fur coat, his face pale as he stared at the low table before him. Whenever there was a loud noise, he would lift his eyelids to glance over, his expression indifferent.
Emperor Yuanming, still slightly tipsy from the wine, arrived with Consort Wu in a daze after receiving the court officials' congratulations during the day. Everyone rose to their feet, paid their respects, and raised their cups to wish the emperor a long life.
After several rounds of drinks, the hall became lively. Consort Wu was the first to rise and offer her birthday wishes to Emperor Yuanming, who happily drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
After a while, Xiao Yunrui presented his congratulatory gift. Emperor Yuanming unfolded the copy of the Classic of Filial Piety that Xiao Yunrui had made, looked at it for a long time, and said, "Arui's handwriting has not improved much over the years. It is neat but lacks spirit."
Consort Lin sat upright, her expression unchanged. Xiao Yunrui lowered his head, his face growing increasingly pale.
Emperor Yuanming put down the Classic of Filial Piety, frowned, and said, "Your teacher praised you for your good reading, saying you've already read up to the Spring and Autumn Annals. Let me test you. In the Spring and Autumn Annals, it says that Duke Xiang of Song fought against Chu at Hong. What comes next?"
Xiao Yunrui's mind was in complete disarray after being criticized for his large characters by Emperor Yuanming. He vaguely remembered something, but couldn't recall it at the moment, stammering and unable to answer for a long time.
Emperor Yuanming was deeply annoyed. Xiao Yunrui was the eldest son, and their marriage was to be arranged in two years. He was clever and quick-witted in his youth, but as he grew up, he was nothing special!
"A-Jue, you answer!" Emperor Yuanming said sternly, pointing at Xiao Yunjue, who was watching the show.
Xiao Yunjue panicked and quickly stood up, sweating profusely, saying, "Father, I haven't learned the Spring and Autumn Annals yet."
Emperor Yuanming snorted, displeased, "You're so playful and greedy. If you were this diligent in your studies, you would have finished the Spring and Autumn Annals long ago!"
Xiao Yunjue lowered his head and remained silent, occasionally stealing a glance at Xiao Yunrui with resentment and mockery, cursing inwardly.
It's all his fault; he dragged me into this and got scolded too!
How shameless! Boasting about his intelligence and claiming to have read the *Spring and Autumn Annals*. Who would have thought he was just bragging and his lie was exposed in front of everyone!
Emperor Yuanming's gaze swept over the crowd, stopping on Xiao Jiatong, and he said, "Atong, you answer."
Xiao Jiatong rose and curtsied gracefully, answering clearly, "He was defeated because of his benevolence."
Emperor Yuanming's expression softened slightly, but he was immediately filled with regret again. Xiao Jiatong was intelligent, with beautiful handwriting and excellent reading skills. It was a pity she wasn't born a man!
Before Xiao Yunzan and Xiao Yunlang had even begun their formal education, Emperor Yuanming ignored them, his face darkening as he rebuked them mercilessly: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In both reading and conduct, one must avoid being impetuous. You are not even as good as A-Tang, who has never formally attended school. You have only a superficial understanding, yet you dare to presume to read the Spring and Autumn Annals! Starting from the Ming Dynasty, you will begin your studies from the very beginning!"
Xiao Yunrui swayed slightly, bowed, stepped down from the steps, returned to Consort Lin's side, and sat down without saying a word.
Jiang Ling sat opposite Consort Lin, Xiao Yunrui, and could clearly see his face change from pale to flushed red, and then all color faded.
Consort Lin remained silent from beginning to end; her calm and gaunt face seemed to twitch and twitch a few times.
However, what Jiang Ling found most objectionable was the actions of Emperor Yuanming. While rigorous study was necessary, Emperor Yuanming, being both the emperor and a father, had no reason not to test Xiao Yunrui's studies.
He reprimanded Xiao Yunrui in front of everyone, which not only shattered the young man's self-esteem but also embarrassed Consort Lin.
Even if Xiao Yunrui is very smart, if this continues, he will eventually become insecure and afraid of studying.
Jiang Ling made up his mind that he would not allow Emperor Yuanming to interfere when Xiao Yunzan and the others went to school!
Jiang Ling didn't see Xiao Yunrui raise his head again until the banquet ended. Consort Lin drank many cups of wine, her face slightly pale, but her mind was very clear.
Consort Zhao chatted idly with Consort Liu, while Xiao Yunjue ate snacks and occasionally winked at Xiao Yunrui.
Two days later, Xiao Yunrui and Xiao Yunjue caused a disturbance at the school.
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