I heard you’ve been spending time with the third young master of Shen, strolling, walking dogs, and chatting pleasantly. The third young master of General Shen was clever, articulate, and an excellent painter, which suited my taste. My imperial uncle arranged for him to approach me to dampen An Jin’s spirit, wanting An Jin to understand he wasn’t the only man in the world, especially since An Jin often looked down on others and sought to oppose him.
This was hardly An Jin’s fault. My uncle frequently discussed filling the harem and never meant well towards him. With An Jin’s temperament, he inevitably opposed my uncle. My uncle escalated these matters, especially now that we had not had children. He became more insistent that I let the imperial physicians examine me or consider replacing my partner. As I ignored him, he arranged for several outstanding noble youths from Southern Rui to appear in the palace under various pretenses, nearly driving An Jin to demolish the imperial study.
I cleared my throat and said seriously, “The third young master is indeed quite good. I’ve been thinking of finding an opportunity—”
His eyes turned cold, and he grabbed my arm. “Don’t you dare!”
I couldn’t help but laugh. He awkwardly glared at me and let go.
“It doesn’t matter,” I said calmly. “When Afu turns fourteen, he will participate in the trial. If he passes, I will establish him as the heir.”
“Your Majesty! This is really inappropriate,” he shook his head. “You should have your own child. You should not delay having an heir because of the empress.”
“How does the imperial uncle know it’s the empress’s problem? It might be my own.”
The imperial uncle stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes. “The imperial physicians have checked your pulse regularly and say that you have no abnormalities. The delay in having an heir is definitely not your fault. Please don’t hide it from this old minister anymore.”
“Very well,” I said. “Imperial uncle, An Jin was indeed poisoned because of me and will find it very difficult to have children. I have decided that in this lifetime, I will only bear children for him. If we ultimately do not have this blessing, I will have no regrets.”
The imperial uncle let out a long sigh. “Please grant me your blessing,” I lowered my head.
After a long pause, the imperial uncle finally spoke: “I have seen how he has acted and protected you. But regarding an heir—is there truly no way?”
“I have consulted famous physicians, hoping for a breakthrough. However, Afu participating in the trial at fourteen will not change.”
“Ah Yao, why must you be like this?” His eyes were slightly moist, and I sensed he was thinking of Yun Qiao, which made my mood turn melancholic.
(end)
