Chapter 1574: Emperor Chu’s Protection, Revered as Family
Chapter 1574: Chapter 1574: Emperor Chu’s Protection, Revered as Family
Prince Zhou was so enraged that he spoke recklessly. As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had misspoken and guiltily looked at Consort Fan’s angry face.
"Your son is unfilial." Prince Zhou, even in front of his mother, swallowed his pride and quickly admitted his mistake. He added, "Your son spoke rashly in a moment of desperation. Please, mother, forgive your son this time."
Consort Fan glared at him: "Zheng’er, remember, until the day you ascend to the throne, your greatest support remains your maternal family. Without the backing of your mother’s family, the forces you’ve cultivated over the past few years cannot succeed."
Prince Zhou felt indignant but had to acknowledge the truth, and said disheartenedly, "Mother, I know. But don’t forget, the Fan Family also has two choices."
Consort Fan gritted her teeth and said, "Precisely because the Fan Family has two choices, you must be cautious and win them over completely. Your maternal grandfather isn’t foolish; the latter kin and the maternal kin are always separated by a generation."
Prince Zhou felt a jolt in his heart, but thinking of how he was now assigned to oversee the grand ceremonies, he slumped his shoulders and said, "But Father has already ordered it. Once the decree is made, your son has to go to Hanlin. Mother, this..."
Consort Fan said, "Tonight at the small palace banquet, I will speak with your father again. Even if he doesn’t retract the decree, you must stay at Hanlin obediently. You must know, that place is of utmost importance. The elders in Hanlin, which one of them doesn’t have numerous disciples? They are all learned men, do you understand?"
Prince Zhou raised his eyebrow.
"Also, it’s been almost a year since the Wen family entered the door, and there’s still no good news. Today, your mother has lost face, not only does the Empress want to send beautiful maids, but even your grandmother wants to send some fertile women to you." Consort Fan gritted her teeth and said, "Those people are mere toys; even if they bear children, they won’t be noble persons. Keep them for a while and then send them away. Your mother will personally choose two people and send them to you."
Prince Zhou felt a headache coming on and said, "Mother, your son’s courtyard is already full of people..."
"What use is it if they can’t bear children? Among your brothers, the offspring in Prince Zhou Mansion are the fewest. Your second elder brother already has almost four sons and two Commandery Princesses. What about you?"
Prince Zhou was stung by this remark and said, "Second brother, what is so remarkable about him? He’s no better than a breeding horse."
"Just don’t worry about it. After all, Prince Wu is formidable. They are all royal descendants, and expanding the family tree is the most basic duty."
Prince Zhou said impatiently, "Alright, alright, your son understands."
...
The New Year’s Eve banquet was held at noon, while in the evening, it was the Emperor’s private family banquet, attended by his concubines and descendants.
Consort Fan seized the opportunity to personally help Emperor Chu change clothes and coquettishly brought up the matter of Prince Zhou overseeing the grand ceremonies.
"Your son has grown, and you are aware of his capabilities. Isn’t it a bit of a waste to have him oversee the grand ceremonies?"
Emperor Chu looked half-amused at her: "A waste? How is it, in Consort Fan’s eyes, overseeing the celebration of the grand ceremonies a waste, when it is a matter of national significance?"
"No, that wasn’t what I meant. I mean..."
"Once the Emperor opens his golden mouth, it’s hard to retract the decree. If he doesn’t want to oversee the ceremonies, then he can go to the Northwest and rear horses."
Consort Fan turned pale.
Emperor Chu snorted lightly and said, "When I was young, I and the Empress Dowager ended up among the people. Consort Fan knows that I respect Madam Song like a true elder. Does Consort Fan have a different opinion? Do you perhaps think Madam Song is unworthy of my respect, or do you think my respect is laughable?"
Consort Fan kneels on the ground: "I dare not!"
"Consort Fan has been somewhat anxious lately. Just take care and rest in the palace." Emperor Chu left after saying that.
"Emperor."
Consort Fan’s face was ashen.