Chapter 199: Confrontation - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 199: Confrontation

This action was not appropriate, but since the emperor found it acceptable, naturally, no one dared to question it. Thus, Princess Ke and the imperial grandson stayed in a side hall of the Chang Le Palace. Prince Ke visited them daily, and the emperor would come to see his grandson twice every three days after the court sessions. For a time, the Chang Le Palace was livelier than usual.

The empress was playing with Yong Cong when she heard the palace attendants announce loudly, "Consort Wei has arrived!"

Her previously smiling face gradually lost its joy. She glanced at the wet nurse beside her and said, "It's time for Yong Cong to nurse, take him away to feed him."

Although he had just been fed and brought to the empress, the wet nurse did not dare to question and could only curtsy and leave with the imperial grandson before Consort Wei entered.

"Oh, where is our precious imperial grandson? Empress, bring him out for me to see. I heard he greatly resembles His Majesty and must be very blessed."

Her words sounded polite, but to the empress, they were provocative.

Maintaining her usual gentle demeanor, the empress replied, "You came at a bad time, Consort Wei. Yong Cong was taken away to nurse. He is still young, and he will sleep after eating, so I’m afraid you won't see him today."

The arrival of Consort Wei made the empress very cautious. Regardless of whether Consort Wei had any malicious intent, the empress did not want her near the imperial grandson, as a newborn could not resist any harm.

Raising an eyebrow at the empress, both women tested each other. After a moment, Consort Wei smiled softly and said, "Well then, it's only right for the empress to cherish her grandson. I'll come with His Majesty next time."

After speaking, she waved her hand, and the gifts prepared by Yue Shi were all presented.

"These are for the imperial grandson. You know, Yunli has gone to war, and His Majesty's rewards keep coming in, my Hanzhang Palace is almost too full. So I picked some good ones to bring here, since the Ke Palace is being renovated, it’s good to add some festive items."

Although the items were indeed good, the empress was displeased but couldn't refuse them outright.

"Thank you for your kindness, Consort Wei. On behalf of the imperial grandson, I accept them. When Yunli gets married, I will prepare generous gifts for him as well."

Returning kindness is a basic courtesy, and the empress was no pushover.

Consort Wei laughed instead of getting angry, "I'll take your word for it. When Yunli returns victorious, his marriage should indeed be properly discussed. I’ve considered several families, but none seem suitable. However, the Qianling County Princess of Zhongzhou looks perfect, with her appearance and background. What does the empress think?"

The empress kept a calm expression, but her hand clenched tightly under her sleeve.

Zhongzhou is a fertile land, rich in resources, money, and soldiers, eyed by many. The Qianling County Princess is the only daughter of King Yi, who controlled Zhongzhou after his death. If Yunli marries her, his power will only grow, making it harder to oppose them.

"The Qianling County Princess once said she would remain single and guard Zhongzhou, didn’t she? Are you confused, Consort Wei?"

Consort Wei covered her mouth and laughed, "She was young and foolish then. They have had feelings for each other since childhood, and now, as long as His Majesty grants the marriage after Yunli's victory, I hope the empress will support it. After all, such a good match is rare."

Her smug expression made the empress want to tear her apart, but she maintained her composure.

"If that’s the case, then I congratulate you in advance."

Privately, she thought about how to ruin this marriage.

After some more back and forth, they both calmed down because Princess Fulin arrived.

Consort Wei and Princess Fulin had been at odds for years, but since Princess Fulin was the emperor's elder sister, she couldn't be lightly dismissed. Rather than being targeted by Princess Fulin, Consort Wei decided to leave, using the excuse of palace affairs to exit.

After she left, the empress relaxed and bitterly smiled at Princess Fulin, "It's a good thing you arrived, otherwise who knows how much more she would mock me."

Princess Fulin and the empress were close friends since childhood. Although they were of similar age, since the empress married the then prince, their relationship had grown to resemble that of an elder and a younger sister.

"If she bothers you again, just scold her. You are the empress; there’s no need to be oppressed by her for so many years."

Princess Fulin disliked such arrogance, especially from the Wei family.

The empress smiled bitterly. If she had a strong background like Princess Fulin, she wouldn't need to endure.

When her father, Prime Minister Pang, was alive, everyone envied her, but now, those days were long gone.

"Sister, what brings you here today?"

Changing the topic, Princess Fulin smiled and said, "I came to see Yong5cong. I liked him so much last time I saw him. I brought him some treasures again."

She then had her attendant bring out a brocade box, which contained a Hetian jade necklace with lotus and cloud patterns, finely carved and of high quality.

"This was made from a single piece of jade, taking nearly a year to complete. I planned to keep it for my grandson, but Yong Cong was born first, so I brought it for him."

The empress admired the exquisite necklace, understanding Princess Fulin's goodwill, and ordered the imperial grandson to be brought to see his grandaunt.

A day changes a child greatly. He seemed much bigger than the last time he was swaddled.

"Seeing them makes us feel old. I wonder how many years of our grandchildren's happiness we can enjoy."

"Don't say that, sister, you have a long life ahead."

Princess Fulin, now nearly sixty, did not strongly wish for longevity but had one matter to discuss with the empress.

"I have something to tell you. May I?"

"You can say anything to me, sister."

Princess Fulin smiled.

"The crown prince now has a son and a daughter, and the ninth prince will also soon marry. But the sixth prince is still single. He and his mother, Consort Liu, have been quiet for years, which I appreciate. Recently, I adopted a girl from Lord Xu's family. I think a marriage between her and the sixth prince would be perfect. What do you think?"