Zhou Jinyan: "The legitimate daughter of General Shen."
"Shen Qingrui?" Surprise flashed in the Empress's eyes. Shen Qingrui's identity as the legitimate daughter of a prestigious military family was indeed decent, and her appearance was acceptable, but she was a fake legitimate daughter. Not to mention that the wives of various noble houses held mixed opinions of her; she was a woman prone to stirring up controversy and trouble.
If Shen Qingrui were truly matched with Prince Duan, wouldn't others say she was harsh and could not tolerate a sickly man?
"Not at all." Zhou Jinyan curved the corners of his lips. "General Shen has only one legitimate daughter, named Shen Yiren."
"Shen Yiren is already married to the heir of the Duke of Anguo Estate, and the heir was personally granted this marriage by your imperial father." Noble Consort Xian's tone grew heavier. "Yanyan, you are of imperial blood and noble birth; you cannot steal another man's wife."
A high wall separated the inner palace from the outside world; unless someone was intentionally sent to keep watch, news from outside could hardly fly in.
The Empress and Noble Consort Xian did not yet know the truth.
"The person who married Lord Cen is not Shen Yiren, but the fake legitimate daughter, Shen Qingrui. Exactly how this came to be, I do not know, but I only know that the legitimate daughter General Shen has so painstakingly managed to bring back has been bullied and deceived by her own family, and it breaks my heart." Zhou Jinyan spoke with utter calm.
Yet because of the words "breaks my heart," Noble Consort Xian straightened up.
Though she and her son had not seen each other for many years, she knew that her son possessed a gentle face and a cold, indifferent temperament. When had he ever cared enough about anyone for it to break his heart?
"But..." The Empress hesitated. She had never seen this legitimate daughter whom General Shen had brought back, and she did not know whether she would be easy to control.
"Empress," Noble Consort Xian knelt down. "This concubine has never asked you for anything. Today, I beg you to grant Yanyan's wish."
A trace of surprise flashed in Zhou Jinyan's eyes.
The Empress, on the other hand, sized up the person at her feet. Ever since entering the palace, Noble Consort Xian had attached herself to her, obeying her every word, yet today she was remarkably bold for the sake of her son.
"Although Shen Yiren is the legitimate daughter of the General's Estate, she has only been back in Yujing for two years. Who knows whether her etiquette and rules have been properly taught, let alone how much nobility and talent she possesses. Yanyan is, after all, the dignified Prince Duan; how can you make a joke of your own son's marriage?"
"Precisely because Shen Yiren grew up in hardship, she will be all the better suited to accompany Yanyan to live in his fief for the long term." Noble Consort Xian's mind raced. "This concubine does not hope for Yanyan to marry a woman who is exceptionally clever and talented. I only hope there is someone willing to stay by his side to accompany him for a lifetime, living in peace and safety."
The Empress was moved.
Indeed, what did it matter whether Shen Yiren was easy to control, as long as she brought no threat?
A crude girl raised in the countryside—what threat could she possibly pose?
Yet she happened to be the legitimate daughter of the General's Estate, her status and position were right there, and it was Zhou Jinyan himself who was asking to marry her. Why not grant it, and in front of the Emperor, earn a good reputation for doting on Prince Duan?
The Empress made up her mind in her heart, though her expression remained neutral. She merely said: "Your imperial father dotes on you greatly, and who you marry as Princess Consort cannot be decided by this Empress alone. When the Emperor comes later for a meal, you may bring it up yourself."
"I am your mother, the Empress. You also grew up in Weiyang Palace in your childhood, so I will naturally help you."
"Thank you, Empress Mother."
Noble Consort Xian breathed a sigh of relief and looked at her son with pleasure. Although she did not know why her son had taken a fancy to a girl from the countryside, she still wanted him to have his wish.
Zhou Jinyan met his mother's gaze, only to quickly look away again.
The smile on Noble Consort Xian's lips stiffened and faded as she lowered her eyes. Mother Ying, watching from the side, sighed inwardly once more.
After all these years, the mother-and-son relationship between Noble Consort Xian and the Prince remained as cold and distant as ever.
...
"General Shen has rendered great and meritorious service, but this daughter of his is still somewhat lacking to be your Princess Consort, Yanyan." The Emperor rejected his son's intent, then turned back to ask the Empress: "How did you pick her?"
"It is this son who wants her of his own accord." Zhou Jinyan said bluntly, "I want only her."
First, Shen Yiren could save his life; second, he must resolutely prevent the Empress from planting her own eyes and ears by his side.
"Your Majesty, look, Yanyan likes her himself." The Empress personally served food to the Emperor and persuaded him, "You have doted on Yanyan for so many years; what harm is there in doting on him once more? Once Yanyan is happy, his health will follow suit. Joy lifts the spirit. Just look at his complexion—hasn't it improved a great deal? That is precisely the effect of being reminded of the one in his heart."
Zhou Jinyan thought to himself that the women in this inner palace were masters of glib talk; they could make black look white.
Since the Empress was striving so hard to bring this match about, he might as well sit back and reap the benefits.
When the Emperor looked at his son, his complexion indeed seemed slightly better; moreover, his son only wanted Shen Yiren, and the Empress and Noble Consort Xian were both looking at him with eager anticipation. He relented slightly.
"Think about it for a few more days. Only when you are truly certain should you enter the palace to seek an imperial decree."
"This son thanks Imperial Father, Empress Mother, and Imperial Concubine Mother." Zhou Jinyan bowed formally. After the Emperor finished his meal and left, he too prepared to leave the palace and return to his estate.
Noble Consort Xian stood up, her gaze fixed tightly on her son's retreating back.
"Your Highness." Mother Ying called out. When the Prince turned his head, she curtsied and said: "Your Highness and Feiyun have not seen each other for many years. Today, when Her Ladyship told Feiyun that you were entering the palace, it was so happy it was jumping up and down in Xianyun Palace. The hour is still not too late; why doesn't Your Highness go take a look?"
Feiyun was a white dog that Zhou Jinyan had raised when he was twelve years old, sharing food and lodging with it for two months, though he had not brought it along when he set off for his fief.
"Feiyun has always been affectionate with you; go take a look at it." Noble Consort Xian hoped expectantly.
Zhou Jinyan's lips parted slightly, but the Empress chimed in first: "Feiyun is a large hound, and its temperament is fiercely wild. Yanyan's health is poor; what if it lunges and causes some mishap, or frightens Yanyan? You are a mother; think more of your son."
Noble Consort Xian pressed her lips together. Ever since Yanyan was born, the Empress had never permitted her to be overly close to her son.
Even knowing it would be this outcome, she still wanted to try.
"This son will just take a glance; it's no trouble." Zhou Jinyan agreed.
Noble Consort Xian's eyes lit up like a starry night sky, and Mother Ying smiled so broadly her face was covered in wrinkles: "Your Highness, this old servant will lead the way for you."
The Empress did not stop them further and instructed Attendant Fu: "Keep a close guard on Yanyan; don't let Feiyun hurt him."
Attendant Fu's gaze turned profound: "Understood~"