Chapter 1096 - 896: The Very End
Chapter 1096: Chapter 896: The Very End
The Emperor nodded, “The Empress’s words hold much truth, and I, too, have thought the same. What do you think about Jia Lanxin, the granddaughter of the Minister’s family? With her gentle disposition, and being of marrying age already.”
The Empress Consort thought for a moment, “Your Majesty, although it is quite easy for the daughter of Minister Jia’s family to marry into the palace, and you would just have to grant the engagement, my liege thinks that Xiaoye is overly fond of Nan Feng and furthermore, I heard from Xiaoye himself that he intends to marry only one wife. I fear Xiaoye might not agree.”
The Emperor waved his hand, “Nowadays, anyone of some status cannot possibly have only one wife. His thoughts are merely his old notion when he was Nangong Ye, which doesn’t represent his current thoughts. Moreover, as a royal bloodline, the heavy responsibility to propagate and extend the family lineage is greater than mountains. Failing to do so is considered a great crime against the dynasty. Besides, Xiaoye currently has only one daughter; he needs more consorts to bear him sons and daughters. This is the fate of the princes. Look at me back then, wishing to grow old only with you, but ended up taking several consorts, did I not? However, I will always cherish you. If Xiaoye’s feelings of novelty haven’t faded, he can continue to cherish Nan Feng too, right?”
The Empress Consort paused, intending to say more, but stopped herself as the words reached her lips, realizing the Emperor’s words made sense, reflecting their unavoidable choice in the past.
“Empress Consort, isn’t my birthday banquet two months from now? At that time, I will host a Palace Banquet and will invite the daughter of Minister Jia as well. Let’s give Xiaoye and Lady Lanxin a chance to meet and see what the two young people think of each other.”
The Empress Consort thought for a moment then nodded in agreement, “Very well, then let’s follow Your Majesty’s plan.”
…
Within the Crown Prince Palace.
The moment the Empress entered, her face was stern, causing Nangong Nini to be exceedingly cautious.
The Empress has been increasingly displeased with Nangong Nini recently, especially now that Ye’s popularity is soaring, and many ministers, originally loyal to the Emperor, are now turning to support the Emperor instead.
“Mother, please have some tea,” Nangong Nini took the tea from a palace maid and offered it to the Empress with both hands.
But the Empress stared at the cup of tea, and after a few glances, suddenly flung her hand dismissively, “With the crisis at hand, who cares about drinking tea?”
The boiling tea splashed onto Nangong Nini, causing several blisters to form on her fair hands, making her grimace in pain.
Just then, the Crown Prince returned from court. Upon entering, he saw the scene and, without pausing to greet the Empress, hurried to help Nangong Nini rinse the scalded area with well water. Yet Nangong Nini was still in great pain.
Seeing this, the Crown Prince, frustrated and anxious, turned to the palace maids, “What are you still doing here? Hurry and fetch the Imperial Physician.”
While waiting for the Imperial Physician, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but turn to the Empress, “Mother, you knew the tea was hot. Why would you throw it at Nini?”
The Empress, seeing the Crown Prince’s distressed expression, retorted out of anger, “Crown Prince, are you still siding with her? Do you not understand the current situation in the court? I don’t believe you attend the morning assembly and discuss state affairs with your father every day without gaining any insight. The popularity of the eldest prince has already surpassed yours significantly, do you understand?”
The Crown Prince looked at the Empress, “Mother, I understand, but what does this have to do with Nini?”
“Unrelated? If it weren’t for her bringing disaster into our midst, would you be pushed to this point? Hmph, King Qi, do you realize what that means? King Qi, sharing the stage with a king — his power now exceeds yours, does it not?”