Chapter 178: The Emperor’s Mind

Chapter 178: The Emperor's Mind

Firstly, if Xiao Lang was healthy, he would be the son most in line with the Emperor’s wishes. He could favor him under the pretext of "poor health," privately nurturing him with great care;

Secondly, with the legitimate eldest son being "frail," he naturally couldn't become a target for schemes, avoiding the risks and calculations of others. This not only shields him from dark conspiracies but also causes ambitious princes, consorts, and former court officials seeking to curry favor to act rashly. All these serve as perfect whetstones for Xiao Lang’s experience.

Thirdly, the Emperor could use this opportunity to observe his children and subjects closely, selecting suitable candidates for his future heir’s team.

Just these three reasons alone were enough for the Emperor to turn a blind eye.

“Mother, you just mentioned, 'the real Snow Lotus has already arrived in the capital'? If Father has known all along, he only needed to release false news. Doing this now… does it mean someone has become suspicious of me?” Xiao Lang was more concerned about the current situation. Since his father was playing the fool, past issues could be set aside for now.

A gentle evening breeze rustled the beaded curtains on the porch, causing the embroidered ball Hua Yang had carelessly placed on the table to roll off the edge. Just as it was about to hit the floor, Snow Snow suddenly leaped from Hua Yang’s arms, deftly avoiding a large porcelain vase beside, and caught the ball adorned with colorful silk threads using both paws and mouth.

Jiang Hui softly called, “Snow Snow,” and picked up the attentive animal. While stroking its sleek black fur, she replied, “Those who take a superficial view believe the ‘Snow Lotus will be harvested and sent back to the capital in a few months.’ Those who look deeper might guess it's a deliberate leak from your father, so they will watch you more closely to see if the real Snow Lotus has indeed arrived in the capital or if…”

“...or if I have been feigning illness all along?” Xiao Lang understood.

Jiang Hui nodded, her expression calm, “So your father will send the head of Lin Institute with the Snow Lotus to check your pulse… Whether it’s the real Snow Lotus or a fake one still in the Tianshan Mountains depends on what they choose to believe.”

Regardless of which they believe, any impulsive action would fall under the Emperor’s watchful eye.

Xiao Lang, upon hearing this, suddenly grew serious and asked in a low voice, “Mother, among Father’s children, only my second and third brothers and I are of age. Why is he in such a hurry?”

Hearing her brother's words, Hua Yang also furrowed her brows and looked towards Jiang Hui.

Realizing Xiao Lang was misunderstanding, Jiang Hui shook her head, “Because of your health, your father has held off on appointing an heir for years. Now, the court ministers are clamoring for an autumn hunt. Their real intention is not the hunt itself but to pressure your father into deciding on the heir sooner. Your father is just going with the flow.”

As for why he is going with the flow, Jiang Hui paused, then softly added, “The Huns have been friendly with our dynasty, pressing the Xiqiang, who have fled to the Wala. The Huns’ territory has expanded, and so have their ambitions. Although your father hasn’t stated it explicitly, the palace guesses he has a plan in mind. However, to be cautious, he wants to secure the line of succession first.”

Hearing his mother's words, Xiao Lang replied solemnly, "Mother, I understand."

Jiang Hui smiled and gestured for Wan Song, who was standing nearby, to come over, instructing, "Go check if the stewed quinces in the small kitchen are ready."

In spring, it's suitable to nourish the liver and spleen. After dinner, the small kitchen in Fengyi Palace prepared various delicacies for health.

"Yes."

Wan Song bowed and was about to hurry the small kitchen when Bi Yun entered after parting the curtains, greeted the masters, and said, "My masters, someone from Jianzhang Palace has come to invite the Crown Prince."

"Jianzhang Palace?" Jiang Hui murmured softly, "I understand. You may leave now."

Then, turning to Wan Song, she instructed, "Tell the kitchen to pack the food and add a few soups. Send one portion to Jianzhang Palace."

Recently, His Majesty the Emperor had increasingly summoned Xiao Lang to Jianzhang Palace. Jiang Hui had thought that since Xiao Lang came to visit her in Fengyi Palace today, the Emperor would let him rest, but unexpectedly, he still sent for him after dinner.

The next morning, the concubines came to Fengyi Palace as usual to pay their respects.

Currently, the highest-ranking in the palace were Shu Fei and De Fei, each seated to the left and right closest to the phoenix throne on redwood cloud-patterned armchairs.

Seated below Shu Fei was Lu Shi, recently promoted to Jing Fei. She earned this second-rank consort title for her contributions in co-authoring a book with Jiang Hui. Her title was Jing (Tranquil).

Across from Jing Fei sat Zhao Yi Gao Shi, who entered the palace during the great selection in the tenth year of Jianzhao. In the eleventh year, her father, while escorting the Market and Maritime Bureau's fleet, encountered pirates. Despite winning against greater numbers, he was gravely wounded and died a martyr. Consequently, Gao Shi was exceptionally promoted beyond her level to Zhao Yi, the first-rank among the nine consorts. Gao Zhao Yi also had a son, the sixth prince, who had just turned three.

Below Jing Fei sat Yi Jieyu Luo Rou. Luo Rou, having gained nothing from the southern tour, failed to conceive and was promoted to the third-rank Jieyu through two major imperial promotions based on seniority. However, advancing beyond Jieyu to the rank of the nine consorts wasn’t achievable through mere seniority.

Opposite Yi Jieyu sat her old acquaintance Xue Biling, also a Jieyu. Although her favor had waned, she was raising the fourth prince, leading a vibrant life and often playing leaf card games with De Fei in Guangyang Palace.

Below them was Gui Pin Fu Shi. During the southern tour, Fu Shi garnered exclusive favor and successfully conceived an imperial heir. In the eighth year of Jianzhao, she gave birth to the fourth princess, Xiao Wan, and was promoted from noble lady to pin (consort). After two major promotions in the tenth and fifteenth years of Jianzhao, she ascended to the rank of Gui Pin, a fourth-rank consort.

Opposite Gui Pin sat a naturally charming woman, always with a smile on her lips. This was the Emperor's new favorite, Rou Pin Li Shi, who entered the palace in the thirteenth year of Jianzhao. In that year, the Emperor realized Xiao Lang's illness was feigned. Although he did not show any less favor towards Jiang Hui, he brooded alone. During this time, Rou Pin stood out and won the Emperor's favor.

However, Rou Pin seemed to have bad luck. While still a lady-in-waiting, she gave birth to a prince, but the child died of illness before being adopted by other consorts. As a result, she was promoted by the Emperor to Rou Pin, a fifth-rank consort.

At this moment, the palace maids in Fengyi Palace served freshly brewed hot tea. Seeing that the Empress was still absent, De Fei couldn’t help but initiate a conversation, "Yi Jieyu, isn’t the second princess currently considering suitors for marriage? I heard the spring imperial examination results were out, and there are several unmarried talents. Have you seen anyone you like?"

——

Note: This story is fictional. The names of ethnic minorities are used fictitiously. Please do not take it as historical fact.

To prevent any misunderstandings among young students, it should be noted that historically, the Huns were divided into the Southern and Northern Huns during the Han Dynasty, with the Southern Huns being allies of Han. During the Three Kingdoms period, the Xianbei rose to power, and the Huns declined. In the Jin Dynasty and the Five Barbarians’ chaos, the Xianbei’s slaves, the Rouran, rebelled and fought the Xianbei (Tabgach, Northern Wei). Later, the Turks defeated the Rouran, and then split into the Eastern and Western Turks. They were later defeated by the Tang Dynasty, with the Uyghurs rising during this period. Then came the Khitans, Jurchens, Mongols... For those interested, you can explore these histories further on your own.