Chapter 1361 - 1288: Secretly
In the Zhao Mansion, two streets away, Mrs. Wang saw the celestial phenomena and couldn’t help but run to the ancestral hall to bring out the tablets of Zhao Changyu and Zhao Zhi, letting them witness the wonders in the sky together.
Just as she was about to sit down to watch the phenomena, she thought of something, hesitated for a moment, and then instructed the servants, "Bring another table."
She went into the ancestral hall to take out Zhao Zhongyu’s tablet and placed it on the table. Then, with bright eyes, she looked up at the increasingly visible dragon scales in the sky. At the moment the dragon’s head appeared, she almost knelt to pray for blessings. It was Qing Gu who supported her, softly saying, "Madam, you must not kneel; you are Your Majesty’s mother."
Mrs. Wang steadied herself, then glanced proudly at the three tablets beside her, thinking to herself: Did you hear that? The emperor was born of me!
At the Princess Mansion, Princess Hongnong and the Prince Consort were also observing the celestial phenomena.
Fu Xuan, with no reservations, directly exclaimed, "The mandate of heaven is upon her."
The Princess felt both joy and sadness. Upon hearing this, a wave of anger surged towards him, "Do you regret not attending the enthronement ceremony?"
Fu Xuan shook his head, "Such an enthronement ceremony is rare to see even once in a century, but the rituals are heavy. It’s not something to regret over."
The celestial phenomena could be seen under the same sky from here, although it would be more awe-inspiring from the altar, wouldn’t it?
Princess Hongnong grew worried and asked, "If she invites us to live in the palace, how should we decline her?"
Previously, although she accepted the Little Emperor’s abdication for her, not to let the world fall into chaos again, following Ji Yuan’s advice by staying home, she was not very pleased about it.
Zhao Hanzhang had already asked once before, but she did not want to enter the palace.
"I have lived in the palace for many years and have grown tired of it. I don’t wish to enter the palace."
Fu Xuan particularly supported her, "Simply say you would not go."
Seeing her expression, Fu Xuan immediately said, "I will handle this matter; you need not worry about it."
He especially feared their false courtesy and clumsy attempts would end up truly bringing the two women into the harem.
Though he liked staying home, it didn’t mean he liked being cooped up in the Imperial Palace.
Fu Xuan decided to discuss this personally with Fu Tinghan to resolve the matter.
Seeing Princess Hongnong still worried, for the sake of today’s family atmosphere, Fu Xuan comforted her, "Don’t worry, the new emperor’s enthronement and coronation of the Empress Dowager will also honor Mrs. Wang. Since she is residing in the palace, it will not be convenient for us to move in as well. I’ll discuss it with Ting Han, we can definitely refuse."
Princess: ...
She furrowed her brows, looking sternly at Fu Xuan, "Your son wants to live together with his mother-in-law. As a father, aren’t you worried he may suffer grievances?"
Fu Xuan said in surprise, "How could he suffer grievances at his in-laws’? Haven’t you seen how well Mrs. Wang treats him? They have lived together for years, and I see they get along well, Ting Han is also more at ease there."
Princess Hongnong’s attention was instantly diverted, "Are you saying I don’t treat him well?"
The couple had another argument. When the clouds in the sky dispersed, judging the time, assuming the ceremony had also ended, they snorted, turned, and left in their separate ways.
After moving into the Princess Mansion, the couple tacitly agreed to live in separate courtyards.
Princess Hongnong resided in the main courtyard, while Fu Xuan chose an east courtyard close to the side gate for convenient entry and exit.
Had it not been for him spending twenty-five days a month in the courtyard reading books, with only a follower serving him, Princess Hongnong would have suspected he had other intentions.
Princess Hongnong stomped angrily back to the main courtyard. Ren Hui poured her tea, "Princess shouldn’t be angry with the Prince Consort. Mr. Cheng and the new emperor’s spring and summer clothes are all sent by staff ordered by Mrs. Wang. I heard last year when Mr. Cheng was dredging the Yellow River, Mrs. Wang even made two pairs of boots to be sent over, just to prevent Mr. Cheng from freezing. Knowing that Second Master and the two young masters were there, she also sent a pair of boots for each."
Princess Hongnong’s expression froze.
Ren Hui gently advised, "Princess, you and Mr. Cheng are mother and son, how can there be enmity between a biological mother and son? You should show more concern for Mr. Cheng; the mother-son relations will be restored."
Princess Hongnong lowered her gaze, after a long pause shook her head, "Forget it, let it be. He is no longer a child in need of a mother’s care, and I cannot learn to be a gentle and kind mother; let us keep it indifferent."
Princess Hongnong thought of something and sat up, "Go to the storeroom and find some quality screens, porcelain, and fabrics. Send them to Prince An, he’s leaving the palace to establish his residence. Many people may want to laugh at him, we need to support his establishment."
Ren Hui sighed softly, bowed, and retreated to carry out the order.
Prince An stood before the grand hall watching the celestial dragon slowly dissipate in the sky, leaving only a purple and orange layer blending among a few light clouds. He couldn’t help but exhale a breath, trembling slightly, supporting himself on Eunuch Dong’s hand as he returned inside to await the ceremony’s end.
Zhao Hanzhang watched as the sacrifices burned completely, marking the end of the heavenly offerings.
The officials knelt to bid farewell to Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan. After the two left, they stood up, realizing there was still a banquet that evening, they needed to change out of these formal attires, or they’d be exhausted dining in the palace attire.
After the officials departed, Liu Kun immediately seized the opportunity to rush toward Tuoba Yilu, who was also looking for him.
The two brothers felt a surge of mixed emotions; Liu Kun was an emotional man, and Tuoba Yilu was outgoing as well. As soon as their hands met and their eyes locked, they embraced each other.
Tuoba Yilu wept, "Second brother, save me!"
Liu Kun, "Elder brother, you’re being foolish!"
When they finished crying, Liu Kun immediately searched through the crowd, "Where’s the virtuous nephew?"
Tuoba Yilu, "That rebellious son..."
"Be cautious with your words," Liu Kun said. "To save you, the eldest nephew must come forward to plead, only if he overlooks this, can the major issues be reduced to minor ones, and the minor ones dismissed entirely."
Tuoba Yilu, knowing he was right, remained silent.
Tuoba Liuxiu had already been taken away.
Just as Liu Kun and Tuoba Yilu exchanged glances, an eunuch quietly approached Tuoba Liuxiu, whispering, "Eldest Prince, Your Majesty wishes to see you."
Tuoba Liuxiu glanced once at his father before turning with the eunuch to leave.
Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan returned first to the rear hall to change out of their formal attire, intending then to proceed to Deyang Palace. Lai Qing followed closely, softly advising, "Your Majesty, Prince An is still waiting at Taiji Palace."
Zhao Hanzhang was momentarily stunned, then realizing, said, "The hour grows late, go to Taiji Palace and invite Prince An to rest in the side hall, let him leave the palace after the evening banquet."
Lai Qing nodded in agreement.
Zhao Hanzhang turned to look at Fu Tinghan, hesitating.
Fu Tinghan said, "You go ahead, I’ll take care of him, he won’t be slighted. I will also watch over the palace banquet and send someone to fetch Mother and the Princess to the palace."
Zhao Hanzhang, relieved, nodded, "Alright, I’ll be off then."
As she left, Ting He entered to report, "Mr. Zhao Cheng currently holds no official position, where should his seat be arranged?"
Fu Tinghan said, "Since he’s willing to attend the heavenly sacrificial ceremony, it shows he has turned back. After over half a year away, he’s likely thought it through, let him sit with He Xun."
Ting He nodded in acknowledgment.
Fu Tinghan went first to Taiji Palace to find Prince An, who was still waiting dutifully. He brought him to the annex to rest, "Your Highness, having lived in the palace long, you are familiar with the court. Should anything be lacking, have Eunuch Dong order someone to fetch it, and feel free."
Prince An nodded affirmatively.