Chapter 214.3

Yaoniang was left speechless by Emperor Jin’an’s explanation. She had known that Consort Yong’s actions were far from pure, but she hadn’t expected such complex motives.

Emperor Jin’an’s insights made her realize that this seemingly simple request was actually a well-calculated move, made after anticipating everyone’s reactions and attitudes. Despite Emperor Jin’an’s disdain for Yong Wang Manor, Yong Wang’s death shifted the dynamics. Consort Yong, by seeking them out at this time, not only demonstrated her understanding of the situation but also avoided any confrontation. In the end, it would make Emperor Jin’an appear not magnanimous if he rejected her plea.

“So, all these calculations are just to allow Jing Ge’er and Shan Ge’er to go back to the imperial study?” Yaoniang questioned.

Emperor Jin’an nodded slightly.

Seeing Yaoniang’s hesitation, he added, “Do you think having them go to the palace to study is just about studying? There are scholars outside the palace, and the children of the imperial family don’t need the imperial exams to secure their future. Academic excellence isn’t paramount.”

“Then, why?”

“The court has already abolished fiefs; there won’t be new ones. In the capital, a prince with an empty title is less influential than a third-rank official. Zhen is the ruler of the country with complete authority and Chen’er is the crown prince. Whether it is to show off in front of me, or seek a position next to Chen’er, this is a shortcut and is better than waiting idle and useless.”

Yaoniang struggled to grasp it all. After a pause, she asked, “Are they willing?”

This question pertained to the fact that both Jing Ge’er and Shan Ge’er were sons of the imperial family, yet due to circumstances, she had to beg for favour from Emperor Jin’an, her brother-in-law. Despite being younger than other imperial grandsons, Xiaobao was also the most respected one.

“They don’t have a choice.” Emperor Jin’an’s lips curled, exuding an indescribable dominance. “Smart people will willingly comply, like He Wanyi. As for the less intelligent, there’s no need to bother with them.”

Emperor Jin’an’s demeanour made Yaoniang’s heart race. She couldn’t resist leaning in closer and planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Your Majesty, you look exceptionally handsome today.”

Emperor Jin’an glanced at her. After carefully scrutinizing her, he remarked, “Provoking me again? You didn’t learn from last time?”

Naturally, Yaoniang understood the meaning behind his words. Embarrassed, she blushed and lowered her head to look at their two children.

“Your Majesty, have you noticed that Sanbao and Sibao are looking less alike?”

Emperor Jin’an lowered his gaze and indeed saw the difference.

Sanbao had grown plump, making it difficult to discern resemblances. Sibao, however, had been deprived of some nourishment by her elder brother while in the womb, resulting in her smaller and thinner frame compared to Sanbao. At this moment, her features were becoming distinct. She had inherited more from Yaoniang with her fair and tender complexion, large almond-shaped eyes, and rosy little mouth.

Young Sibao had a peculiar fondness for chewing on fists. Often, while Sanbao was sound asleep, Sibao could be seen gnawing on his tiny fist, sometimes dozing off mid-chew. She was particularly obedient and endearingly well-behaved, evoking deep affection. At the moment, she was staring at Emperor Jin’an with her big round eyes, quietly nibbling on her fist, neither crying nor making a fuss.

“Changle resembles you, which is really good.”

Meanwhile, in the residence of Yong Wang, Consort Yong was also engaged in a conversation with her two children.

“Mother Consort has already made a plea to the empress in the palace today. It won’t be long before you can return to the imperial study. Do you still remember what Mother Consort told you?”

Jing Ge’er and Shan Ge’er were not young anymore. Jing Ge’er was ten years old, while Shan Ge’er was five. They could naturally understand. Even if they didn’t understand in the past, the passing of Yong Wang and a year of seclusion, coupled with Consort Yong’s guidance, have clarified matters for them.

“Your son remembers.”

“Try to please the crown prince and your imperial uncle, but don’t go overboard. Remember the saying ‘moderation is key.’ The Emperor Emeritus still resides in Qianqing Palace. You can go and pay respects to him frequently. If you do gain even a slight amount of favour from him, it would be enough for your future. But above all, remember not to overshadow any of the princes, especially the crown prince.”

Both children nodded. “We understand, Mother Consort.”

Observing their mature demeanour, Consort Yong’s eyes shimmered with a hint of moisture, soon transforming into a smile. “Actually, Mother Consort didn’t want you to understand these matters so early, but now that your father is gone and I, as a woman of the household, can only stay within the manor walls, everything outside needs to be taken care of by you two brothers.”

“Mother Consort also doesn’t want you to curry favour from others too much, but a great man recognizes the trends of the time. Being in the imperial family, if you don’t fight, you’ll be forgotten, even humiliated. Others are making their moves, and if Mother Consort were to shelter you too much, you might resent me in the future.”

“We will definitely not disappoint Mother Consort.”

“Mother Consort believes that you will excel.”

Afterward, Consort Yong had the attendants lead Jing Ge’er and Shan Ge’er away. Then, with the service of her maids, she retired to her chamber to rest.

The surroundings were quiet. Consort Yong usually didn’t keep the lights on when she slept, so her chamber was dimly lit. Only near the doorway was there was a small night lamp left on for illumination, though it couldn’t reach inside.

Consort Yong gazed at the canopy above. Despite the prevailing darkness, she kept her eyes open.

She thought about many things yet seemed to think about nothing at all. She lost track of time, and suddenly, she smiled wearily, closing her eyes.