The slap made Yun Yibo gasp in pain, clenching his teeth.
His mother expressed her affection by slapping him hard, and she had a very strong grip.
Seeing Yun Yibo's pained expression, Empress Zhaoyuan felt a pang of heartache. She gently stroked Yun Yibo's head and said, "Ah, my son, don't be afraid. His Majesty said that you are still young. Although you have been granted the title of prince, you will remain in the palace for the time being. You will be allowed to move out of the palace after you have completed your coming-of-age ceremony."
As if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, Yun Yibo's heart immediately turned cold.
Living alone is great! He's not afraid. He wants to move out and live on his own!
"Alright, hurry up and pack your things, take your best stuff, and go see your sister. This time, we really owe it to the little princess. Otherwise, your mother would never have had a chance to get ahead in her life!"
In this harem, she was the most honored among the concubines. However, in terms of appearance, she could not compare with Consort Chen; in terms of family background, she could not compare with Consort De; and in terms of talent, she was far inferior to the other concubines.
Now that her son has become successful and gained the Emperor's favor, this is a great joy for her.
Empress Zhaoyuan rubbed her hands excitedly and hurried back to her bedchamber, rummaging through the jewelry box on her dressing table for the latest fashions in the capital.
...
Inside the Jade Palace, melodious and graceful zither music drifted out. Unlike the rich and sensual songs in the Red Mansion of the capital, this music was fresh and bright, like a clear spring washing one's face.
Gradually, the sound of the piano grew louder, as if a thousand horses were galloping, which was awe-inspiring.
Hearing footsteps outside the door, Consort Chen stopped playing the zither, steadyed the strings, wiped her delicate fingers with a handkerchief from the corner of the table, stood up, walked to the warm pavilion, and sat down.
"Did you find out anything?" Consort Chen asked languidly.
"Your Majesty, I have learned that today in the palace, the First Prince and the Third Prince were also granted the title of Five-Bead Prince."
"Hmph, I knew it. No matter how outstanding Zhong'er is, His Majesty will never see it."
Consort Chen is the mother of the Second Prince Yun Yizhong. She is extremely beautiful, with no flaws in her nose, eyes, eyebrows, or lips, and even her figure is perfectly proportioned.
Consort Chen wore a brightly colored woolen jacket embroidered with floral patterns, a Burmese red jade lace bracelet on her wrist, gold rose quartz earrings, and a pearl necklace. With her bright red lips and sparkling eyes, she looked like a blooming, radiant flower of wealth and nobility.
"I had no idea when Zhong'er went to Shouchang Palace or when he saved the little princess." Consort Chen sat up straight, suddenly realizing that her son had started going out to do things behind her back.
"This servant deserves to die! I failed to protect the Second Prince properly!" The palace maid was so frightened that she knelt down on the ground with a thud.
Consort Chen glanced coldly at the palace maid kneeling on the ground.
When Consort Chen entered the palace, the eldest prince had already been born. She used every means to enter the palace and became pregnant with the imperial heir in less than three months. Later, she gave birth to Yun Yizhong and was then conferred the title of Consort Chen.
In her view, although the eldest prince held the title of legitimate son, he was inferior to her son in every aspect, including literary talent, martial arts, and governance.
If the emperor could dislike the eldest prince, or if the eldest prince could commit some unforgivable crime, then her son would be able to rightfully enter the Eastern Palace.
"Get up," Consort Chen said calmly, taking a sip of tea.
"The tea has gone cold." Consort Chen frowned and placed the teacup on the table.
"This servant deserves to die! This servant will go and pour Your Highness some fresh tea right away!" The palace maid hurriedly picked up the teacup, lowered her head, and quickly walked out.
Only Consort Chen remained in the Jade Palace. She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and fell into deep thought.
Because the three princes unintentionally saved the little princess's life, His Majesty bestowed upon them the title of Five-Bead Princes, which shows how high the little princess's status is in His Majesty's heart.
If the eldest prince were to unintentionally harm the little princess, it would surely offend the emperor and incur his wrath.
Consort Chen curled her lips into a smile, a ruthless glint in her eyes, as a plan formed in her mind.
"Mother!" Yun Yizhong's voice came from the doorway.
Consort Chen's eyebrows twitched, and her expression immediately became kind and gentle.
"Have you heard, Mother? Your son, my eldest brother, my third brother, and I have been granted the title of Five-Bead Prince!" Yun Yizhong came to find Consort Chen with some joy.
"I've heard about it, Zhong'er. I'm so happy for you. But you can't let your happiness show on your face. You have to be more composed, okay?" Consort Chen wiped the sweat from Yun Yizhong's forehead.
"From now on, don't be flustered. Be steady in your actions in the inner palace." Consort Chen instructed her son, who would become the crown prince in the future, and he needed to establish his authority as early as possible.
"Yes, Mother, I remember." Yun Yizhong put away his smile and his expression returned to calm.
"Hmm, good girl. Go to the imperial kitchen and get some pastries, then go and thank your father."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go right away."
Watching Yun Yizhong's departing figure, Consort Chen breathed a sigh of relief. She was going to Shouchang Palace to see what kind of little vixen this newborn princess was, that she possessed such great magic that she could make her usually obedient and composed son sneak out to see her.
...
Inside Changqiu Palace, Consort De looked furious.
"I've rewarded the eldest and second eldest with five royal pearls!" She slammed her hand on the table angrily, throwing the pastry plates on the floor.
"Your Highness, His Highness has one too," the head maid beside Consort De said softly, comforting her mistress.
"I know!" Consort De roared.
"What do you know? This title of Prince is only a matter of time. Now, all three of the older princes have been granted the title of Prince!" Consort De slammed her teacup on the table.
"It seems that this is not a special favor at all, but rather will arouse the jealousy of everyone in the harem." Consort De tightly gripped the handkerchief in her hand, feeling very worried.
His son was simple and kind-hearted, with no guile. He was in an awkward position in the palace, but now that he has been rewarded by His Majesty, all eyes will be on these three princes.
His son might be exploited by someone with malicious intent, or harmed by someone else.
"From now on, we must be careful in everything we do."
Chunhua, the personal maid of Consort De, nodded. She understood that her mistress was in a position that was neither high nor low in the palace. Above her was the Empress's biological son, the eldest son of the Empress, and above her was the Second Prince, the son of the favored Consort Chen. Although the eldest prince was of noble birth and of the highest rank, the Empress had lived in the Xiongnu and was not a native of the capital.
Consort Chen was exceptionally beautiful and shrewd, and her son was also intelligent, excelling in both literature and martial arts.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
