Chapter Thirty-Two: The Princess Royal Grants Her Blessing

Today, the spring sunlight was brilliant. The Emperor had specially arranged a family banquet beside the Jade Pond, inviting all the imperial consorts, princes, and noble sons to gather together.

Noble Consort Jia sat at the Emperor’s side, her figure full and adorned in splendid attire. She held her head high, her posture dignified. Yet whenever she spoke to the Emperor, she adopted the charming bearing of a delicate woman.

In recent years, Noble Consort Jia had enjoyed great favor and influence. The position of Empress had long been vacant, but she wielded the authority of one in all but name—even the Crown Prince deferred to her with respect.

On the Emperor’s other side sat his only daughter, the Princess Yushan, just blooming into girlhood.

She and the Crown Prince were both children of the late Empress. Out of pity for their loss, the Emperor showered them with devotion.

The Crown Prince, Second Prince, and Third Prince were seated in order to the left. The Fourth and Fifth Princes sat behind them, still very young at only four or five years old.

A few consorts sat to the right.

“Today the weather is splendid. It’s rare for our family to gather together with time to speak at leisure,” the Emperor said, his tone relaxed.

Yushan rolled her eyes playfully and tugged at the Emperor’s arm. “Father, I haven’t seen much of you lately. Yushan is very unhappy.”

“Oh, my little princess, your father has been so busy he hasn’t even had time to play with you,” the Emperor replied, lowering his head to comfort her.

“Big Brother doesn’t come to see me either,” Yushan complained with a small huff.

The Crown Prince smiled indulgently. The Emperor explained, “Your eldest brother has been helping Father with state affairs. He’s been so busy there’s simply no time to spare.”

“Alright, then I’ll forgive him for now.”

“Noble Consort Jia, Lady Lin has been out of the palace for some time. Has anyone been caring for Yushan lately?”

Lady Lin had served as the princess’s attendant for eight years, and Yushan was very fond of her. Having reached her twentieth year, Lady Lin was permitted to leave the palace to marry, as the princess did not wish to delay her future.

Noble Consort Jia replied, “Your Majesty, I have already made arrangements. I selected the most gentle and clever girls from noble families, choosing the best among them to care for the princess.”

The Emperor nodded, his gaze full of approval. “Noble Consort Jia, you have done well.”

Yushan spoke up quickly, “Father, now that Lady Lin has left me, I don’t want anyone else.” Her eyes swept over Noble Consort Jia with disdain.

“You are being willful, Yushan. You were the one who insisted Lady Lin should leave. Now you’re sulking—do you want Father to summon her back?”

Yushan shook her head vigorously. “No,” she murmured, “Lady Lin must be married by now.”

Noble Consort Jia smiled faintly at Yushan, though impatience flickered in her eyes.

The Second Prince rose, cup in hand. “Since Father is in such good spirits today, your son is truly joyful. I can only drink a cup myself to express this happiness. I offer this cup to Father and Mother.”

The Emperor smiled in satisfaction, and Noble Consort Jia giggled. “Oh, Your Majesty, just look at Mian’er—he’s becoming more eloquent by the day.”

The Emperor patted her hand. “I’ve been troubled often these years, but thankfully Mian’er is always there to cheer me. It brings me great comfort.”

The Second Prince demurred shyly. The others seemed entirely forgotten— the Crown Prince drank quietly, while Chengyu watched the scene with gentle eyes.

From a corner, Consort Ying suddenly spoke, her voice as light as raindrops, “Your Majesty, some time ago the Third Prince traveled to the Kingdom of Qiliang and handled matters admirably.”

The Emperor glanced at Consort Ying—a delicate beauty fond of wearing pale colors. He remembered little of her, save that her father, He Shendian, was commander of the infantry.

Chengyu looked at Consort Ying, his gaze briefly turning tender—a tenderness deeper than the mild kindness he showed before others; it was heartfelt.

“Indeed, Consort Ying reminds me—I should reward him.”

The Emperor raised his hand and pointed to Chengyu. “Yu’er, what do you desire? Tell your father.”

“The best gift you’ve already given me, Father,” Chengyu responded without hesitation.

The Crown Prince and Second Prince both stiffened inwardly.

The Emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly, puzzled. “Oh? And what is that?”

Chengyu smiled gently. “My name, Father. A life of abundance and peace. You bestowed your finest blessing upon me long ago. I wish for nothing more.”

The Emperor nodded, visibly moved.

When the banquet ended, the Emperor and Crown Prince went together to the study. Noble Consort Jia and the Second Prince strolled away slowly.

“That Consort Ying, so reticent usually, now speaks up for the Third Prince,” Noble Consort Jia remarked.

“Well, the Third Prince is still her son. His honor is hers as well,” the Second Prince replied.

“Consort Ying is but twenty-three, and the Third Prince is already seventeen. Watching them leave just now, so intimately… they didn’t seem like mother and son at all.”

The Second Prince lowered his voice. “Mother, you should not speak such things lightly.”

Word soon spread throughout the palace: a selection would be held for the Princess’s new attendants. Unmarried girls over fourteen from official families could participate.

Second Madam and Ming Wan, upon hearing the news, immediately requested Lady Jiang to allow Ming Wan to enter the selection. To become an attendant was an honor that could elevate an entire family or clan.

Lady Jiang agreed readily, and wrote down the names of both Ming Wan and Ming Chu.

“What? They’re choosing palace attendants? And I have to go?” Ming Chu gaped in shock.

Lushang smiled sweetly, “Madam has already submitted your name, Fifth Miss. You should prepare yourself—attendants may not bring their maids.”

Ming Chu’s eyes widened. “I have to enter the palace as well?”

“The decision has been made, Miss. You might as well go,” Yuewu said.

Yuewu nodded at Ming Chu, her tone gentle. “Don’t feel pressured; treat it like an outing. We’ll be waiting for your return.”

Yunxi and the old nurse agreed, “Yes, miss, it’d be wonderful if you pass, but if not, it doesn’t matter.”

Yunxi clung to Ming Chu’s arm, reluctant to part. “Miss, don’t worry. While you’re gone, I’ll eat your share of the meals and take good care of Duofu!”

Ming Chu tapped her on the head, both amused and exasperated. Duofu was still napping beneath the parasol tree. Ming Chu quietly went over and stroked his ears.

“I’m really going to miss you all.”

Yunxi exclaimed, “Oh, Miss, with your abilities you’ll probably be eliminated in the first round and we’ll see you back home in no time!”

Yuewu laughed. “I agree.”

“You two are so mean—can’t you at least pretend to be encouraging?” Ming Chu pouted in mock annoyance.

Everyone escorted Ming Chu out of the residence. Two sedan chairs were already waiting by the steps. Ming Wan and Second Madam stood below, Ming Wan elegantly dressed, clearly having put great effort into her appearance. Ming Chu smiled at her.

The old nurse handed Ming Chu her packed belongings.

Suddenly anxious, Ming Chu rummaged through her sleeves. “Wait, where is it?” she murmured, flustered.

“Looking for this, Miss?” The First Moon Flute lay quietly in Yuewu’s palm as she gazed at Ming Chu.

Ming Chu’s face instantly lit up. “Ah! You have it.” She patted her chest in relief. “You scared me—I thought it was lost.”

Yuewu smiled calmly and said seriously, “When you enter the palace, Miss, you must endure all things. Remember, we’ll be waiting for you to come home.”

Ming Chu nodded solemnly. “I understand.”

Ming Wan and Second Madam were growing impatient. Only then did Ming Chu reluctantly leave her companions. She bowed to Lady Jiang, who offered a few words of advice, and then Ming Chu and Ming Wan boarded their sedan chairs together.

Ming Chu lifted the curtain and waved repeatedly.

Yuewu’s gaze followed her. Yunxi and the old nurse waved gently. Their figures grew smaller and smaller.

Ming Chu let the curtain fall, gently caressing the First Moon Flute in her hand. “With this flute by my side, it’s as though Yuewu remains with me.”