Chapter 202.4

The commotion outside was caused by the relatives from Side Consort Xu’s natal family, more specifically, Count Zhongyi Manor, the in-laws of Xu Zhe who is the eldest son of Duke Xuguo. Ever since Duke Xuguo passed away, the duchess took Xu Yanru back to the manor and brought along another child from a branch family to raise. Life became difficult for the side branch.

Xu Yanru was not like the duchess, and she had always been ruthless. Now that she no longer had her father’s suppression, the affairs of Duke Xuguo Manor were controlled by her and the duchess. Dealing with the side branch was just a minor issue for them.

After causing a disturbance for some time, Xu Yanru became bored and didn’t want to continue fighting with others. She proposed to split the household.

In theory, it was possible to divide the mansion since Duke Xuguo had passed away.

However, this matter had been deliberately forgotten and not mentioned. When it was brought up at this moment, it was like a bolt from the blue for the side branch.

The division of the household had always been unfavourable for illegitimate children. If they lost their connection to the prestigious name of Duke Xuguo Manor, their future would only plummet. People only recognized the ducal title; they didn’t care who Lady Yulan was or who Xu Zhe was.

Yaoniang and Side Consort Xu

No matter how unwilling they were, the household was still split.

The side branch only received a small house, and the amount of money they received was negligible, so they were basically driven out of Duke Xuguo Manor.

Since Duke Xuguo’s death, the days of the side branch had been difficult, but not as difficult as they were now. The hidden conflicts that had not been revealed before surfaced.

Previously, the side branch had a good reputation in Duke Xuguo Manor. As the eldest son, Xu Zhe married the di daughter of Count Zhongyi as his main wife. Now in this predicament, Xu Zhe’s future was uncertain. He was dispirited, and his wife often quarrelled with him, saying that he was useless.

However, Xu Zhe still had a sister who served as a side consort in Jin Wang Manor, so Count Zhongyi had not made a move. They stumbled along until this year when suddenly Jin Wang ascended to the throne.

Now that Jin Wang became the emperor, Xu Yueru, as the previous side consort, should at least hold the position of a consort. The side branch suddenly had hope again. Even if she didn’t receive favour, once she entered the palace, Su Yaoniang could forget about being the only favoured woman in the entire six palaces. It was simply a pipe dream.

Side Consort Xu endured and waited, yearning day and night. Finally, after enduring so much, the main courtyard entered the palace, but to her surprise, she was forgotten!

She wanted to make a scene, but it would be useless if no one knew about it. She didn’t want to be quietly dismissed like this. She had endured for so long just for this day!

So, she came up with a plan. Taking advantage of New Year’s Eve, she sent her attendants back to her natal home and told Lady Yulan and Xu Zhe about the matter.

After discussing with her son, Side Consort Xu was told not to worry. Xu Zhe went to appease his own wife. Coincidentally, Count Zhongyi’s household was also a prestigious family, and they often interacted with other noble families. Xu Yanru’s sister-in-law went back and informed her family about the situation, following the principle of having multiple connections open multiple paths. If anyone came to visit Count Zhongyi’s household, they would inevitably be informed of this matter.

In just a few days, rumours began to spread outside that the new emperor’s main consort was a jealous woman, and after moving into the palace, she intentionally ordered the servants to leave the two side consorts behind. This was simply preposterous.

In fact, at this time, no one dared to openly discuss this matter. They only spoke about it privately. Su Yaoniang had a good relationship with the wife of Duke Zhenguo Shizi, Qiao-shi. When Qiao-shi heard these rumours outside, she secretly made inquiries and didn’t delay in coming to find Yaoniang.

“I can honestly say that I really didn’t instruct anyone to do this.” After listening, Yaoniang explained with an embarrassed expression.

Qiao-shi covered her mouth and chuckled, saying, “I am very clear about the type of person you are, but you should still hurry up and deal with this matter. Now that your time has finally arrived, don’t let people find anything against you to stir up trouble.”

Qiao-shi’s appearance made Yaoniang even more curious. What kind of matter could make Qiao-shi say such words?

In fact, this matter was related to Yaoniang. With the new emperor’s ascension, the era name being changed, and Yaoniang having entered the palace. According to normal procedures, her elevation to the rank of empress should have been put on the agenda. Emperor Jin’an had not forgotten about this matter and had already proposed it to the Ministry of Rites, but complications arose.

The reason was that Yaoniang was a side consort who had been promoted to the position of the main consort. Her background was humble. Once her elevation to empress was put on the agenda, it was inevitable that some ministers would privately criticize it.

In the common people’s eyes, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate heirs was emphasized, but in the imperial family, especially in the palace, it wasn’t of great importance. The position of the empress should be given to the virtuous. Throughout the dynasties, after the crown prince ascended the throne, if the main consort came from a humble background or lacked virtue, or if the new emperor was eager to win the favour of court officials, he would not promote his main consort to be the new empress but would choose another noble and virtuous lady as empress instead. Such cases were not uncommon.

These days, the court was discussing this matter. Now with the rumours circulating outside that Yaoniang was a jealous woman, this caused many ministers to develop further reservations about her.

The rumours about Yaoniang from before had resurfaced, such as being a femme fatale and seducing the master to become the most favoured woman in the manor. These were the roots of calamity for the country and the people. Although it was fine for her to be a prince’s main consort, once the doors were closed, it became a private matter for Jin Wang’s household. However, now that Jin Wang had become the emperor, family matters were no longer just family matters but national affairs.

Of course, there were also some noble ministers who had their own calculations, but they won’t be mentioned for now.

After listening to Qiao-shi’s words, Yaoniang was astonished and remained silent for a while, unable to close her mouth.

Qiao-shi couldn’t help but say, “Don’t worry too much. I can see that His Majesty values you. He won’t let such a thing happen.”

Yaoniang smiled with a heavy heart and a hint of reluctance. She could only say, “I’m fine. I’m just a little surprised. Why do these ministers focus on such trivial matters in others’ households?”

Qiao-shi sighed, “To be honest, I envy you. His Majesty takes care of everything for you, and you don’t have to worry about anything. There are no in-laws to please, no brothers or sisters-in-law to deal with. You live alone in your own mansion. But now, times have changed, and you need to take it more seriously. In the future, such matters will only increase. If you don’t take them seriously, you will be passively beaten.”

Yaoniang fell into silence. She clearly understood what Qiao-shi meant, and this was precisely the issue she had been avoiding all along.