During their lifetime, the Empress was most wary of the fourth prince’s mother, who was originally her maid, and had seduced the Emperor to bear the fourth prince. Now, after the Emperor’s death, to be posthumously honored as Empress Xiaoxian—how could this not infuriate her? There was another matter that infuriated her even more: another decree from the Emperor was for Li Qin to marry Qingqing as the Empress immediately upon his ascension, while Yuzhen and Yafu were to be made noble consorts and virtuous consorts respectively. This decree shocked everyone. Before his death, the Emperor had an agreement with Qingqing, asking her to choose between the fourth prince and Li Qin, but he never inquired about her feelings thereafter. The training was merely a process, an opportunity for them to “develop feelings,” nothing but a facade. But what puzzled everyone more was why the Emperor would risk the displeasure of the Right Chancellor Chen with such a decree. What benefits did Qingqing possess to be worth such favor from the Emperor?
The Empress, further angered by the matter of the fourth prince’s mother, said bluntly, “I absolutely will not agree to this marriage; she doesn’t even qualify to be a noble consort, let alone the Empress!” Everyone present dared not speak, and Li Qin, naturally unwilling, excused himself by saying that the government was not yet stable and they must placate Right Chancellor Chen, so the matter could not be rushed. The court ministers also refrained from commenting, as it was inappropriate to hold a grand wedding right after the Emperor’s death.
“You seem not to be in a hurry,” someone remarked.
“Though I am involved, I am not in a position to worry about it,” Qingqing replied, watering some flowers in front of the study, speaking casually to Mr. Liu behind her.
“But this is the late Emperor’s last wish, don’t you care about the outcome?”
Qingqing put down her bamboo watering can and said solemnly, “Though entering the palace was not what I desired, this is the late Emperor’s command, and it must be obeyed by all.”
“Hmph, quite the bold words,” Mrs. Yao had approached without being noticed. “The Virtuous Consort has suddenly returned home and wishes to see you on urgent business.”
Chapter 102: Virtuous Consort Yafu
