Chapter 53

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

Because Yu Shi could skillfully manage all matters great and small in the mansion even before she was married, she was comparatively sensible and pragmatic.

A person like this, as long as she puts her heart into it, will live well no matter where she is.

At the same time, Yu Shi's background and mindset are also very suitable for Xiao Jin, who is in the position of a hidden heir.

Shen Yao cannot guarantee that Yu Shi will definitely be happy and fulfilled if she marries Xiao Jin.

But as long as Yu Shi isn't stubborn and doesn't pursue those illusory, ethereal notions of romance, relying on her own ability she will certainly live a peaceful and smooth life.

Xiao Jin is a son Shen Yao personally raised; not to mention his talents and capabilities, just his character and temperament alone are far better than most royalty.

Without exaggeration, Yu Shi marrying Xiao Jin is her hitting the jackpot.

In this feudal society, the marriages women can choose each have their own misfortunes.

But comparatively speaking, marrying Xiao Jin — if things go smoothly later she can even sit in the position of Mother of a Nation — absolutely counts as a rare smooth path.

"Not going back, it's still early, but this palace has no mind to rest either."

This isn't Shen Yao being delicate; it's purely from excitement — after all, she has anticipated this day for a very long time.

Heaven knows how much Shen Yao wanted to cry when this day finally arrived as wished.

It hasn't been easy — she worked diligently as a wage-earner in the Great Jing Dynasty's imperial harem, coaxing those above and below, without a moment's leisure from dawn to dusk.

Now that hardship has turned to sweetness, sleep? Shen Yao couldn't even remember that notion; her mind was busy pondering what she should say when Xiao Jin and Yu Shi come over later.

Mm, the words that need instructing still have to be spoken; times are different from the past, Xiao Yanchen's age is what it is, his physical constitution will only worsen day by day, Xiao Jin's marriage and court entry indirectly announces the heir's selection.

Xiao Yanchen might not feel anything at first, but the ministers' subsequent behavior and the court's shifting situation will force Xiao Yanchen to react.

Once Xiao Yanchen feels Xiao Jin is a threat, Shen Yao's side will also be in a difficult spot — one hair pulled moves the whole body.

Still that same saying: facing a single throne, even biological father and son will kill each other.

Rather than gamble on Xiao Yanchen's heart, better to place all hope on Xiao Jin.

Compared to men, Shen Yao still trusts her son more.

After hearing her master's words, Qiu Yue saw that further persuasion would have little effect, so she simply turned and brought over the soup that had been stewing in the small kitchen for a long time.

Since her own master doesn't want to go back, she might as well directly nourish her body.

This time, facing Qiu Yue's concern, Shen Yao did not refuse.

Taking it and swallowing a few mouthfuls of the soup, a warm feeling rose through Shen Yao's entire body.

She smiled and rubbed her cheek, and spoke with Qiu Yue about this selection matter.

Don't think that just because Xiao Jin is marrying, Xiao Yanchen won't select consorts.

The selection held every three years, except for the year Shen Yao became Empress, has never been skipped.

The Wan Fei the system specially mentioned to Shen Yao earlier has now long since become an ordinary consort in the harem.

Currently the one enjoying Holy Favor is Third Rank Guipin Rou, a palace maid from the Shangyi Jian.

She merely delivered clothes to Taiji Hall once, and caught Xiao Yanchen's eye.

In just two years, she climbed from the lowest-ranked attendant (only those with sufficiently low status would have this rank) to proper Third Rank Guipin.

Whoever saw it wouldn't fail to call it legendary.

Heh~

"If Niangniang hadn't mentioned it, this servant would've forgotten.

Speaking of this selection, there are again several Xiu Nu of outstanding looks and excellent talent entering the palace."

Qiu Yue, who was worried sick earlier, has now learned to banter back and forth with Shen Yao.

Anyway, every year the selection produces Beauties whose looks and talent are both top-tier.

Qiu Yue's heart, which was originally jumping wildly, has already gradually calmed down.

It's truly too similar.

Just like a great reincarnation cycle — three years beginning, three years ending.

These beauties' flowering periods are terrifyingly short; Qiu Yue doesn't know what to say.

Entering the palace they can only be Favored Consorts for three years, then everything returns to flatness.

Hiss

Casually rubbing the back of her hand, Qiu Yue sidled up to her master and continued teasing.

Shen Yao didn't notice Qiu Yue's abnormality; only hearing Qiu Yue say the same words again, she shook her head and smiled wryly — it's all fate.

Shen Yao has no ability to stop these people from entering the palace; what she can do is coldly observe from the sidelines.

Anyway, whatever kind of life they end up living is the result of their own choices; as long as they don't regret it, that's fine.

While master and servant were chatting, time passed very quickly.

The young couple who were still greeting at Taiji Hall earlier have now already appeared at Fengyi Palace.

Shen Yao smiled watching such a well-matched young man and woman; besides joy in her heart, there was even more sentiment.

Signaling Qiu Yue to bring out the gifts she had prepared, Shen Yao beckoned, letting the two sit down nearby.

Yu Shi still looked somewhat apprehensive, but Xiao Jin's posture was leisurely and casual.

"Mother Empress, your son has long been tired, thirsty and hungry yet cannot dine," not to mention how stifling.

If he could choose, he would definitely come to Shen Yao's Fengyi Palace first.

After all, it's his own birth mother — tea and snacks in plenty, unlike Father Emperor where it's dry as dust, only able to stand, not even a place to sit.

Complaining with her mouth, Xiao Jin did not forget to pull the flustered Yu Shi over to rest together.

"Relax, the Empress Dowager won't fuss over these things; Fengyi Palace and Taiji Hall are quite different."

Xiao Jin exchanged a word with Yu Shi, then reached out and picked up the prepared pastries, sending several pieces into her mouth.

Yu Shi:...

Today she had truly broadened her horizons; they only said they were different, but her own Prince Consort never said where they differed.

Yu Shi had a very pleasant maiden name, called Yansi.

Taken from the ancient poem "Bai Zhou" by an anonymous author of the Pre-Qin period: "In silent thought, she cannot soar and fly."

This signified the girl's quality of being diligent in thought, quick in action, and cautious in speech.

As she grew up, Yu Yansi lived up to the origin of her name; as the daughter of a fourth-rank official, she successfully married into Rong Jun Wang Fu as the principal wife, becoming Princess Rong Jun.

But no matter how resourceful, Yu Yansi was still a young girl who had just turned sixteen.

Her complexion was green and inexperienced, her methods immature, and she even looked somewhat flustered and pitiful.

Shen Yao:...

Shen Yao helplessly glared at Xiao Jin; this child acted as if she were the mistress of Fengyi Palace, and didn't even properly explain things to Yu Yansi, who had just married yesterday.

As for this, Xiao Jin also felt wronged; he had spoken to Yu Yansi last night, but Yu Yansi was excessively cautious in her actions, so how could she believe anything?

And it was true they had married, but they were only newlyweds who had married yesterday.

Between them there was only a general understanding, and they didn't yet know exactly how things were; there had to be a period of contact before they could adjust and get along.

"Yu Shi, please sit quickly, don't be so courteous."

"Yes, Empress Dowager."

Yu Yansi quickly gathered her thoughts, trying her best to look relaxed.

Meeting her mother-in-law for the first time as a daughter-in-law was different from before.

Shen Yao could naturally see the restraint and nervousness on Yu Yansi.

However, Shen Yao didn't say much, just smiled and asked about the situation at the mansion, and also cared about the two of them coming over this morning.

The pastries and soups that Qiu Yue had prepared early were brought up.

Xiao Jin ate with satisfaction, and led Yu Yansi to try several pieces as well.

Shen Yao didn't urge them, watching the two eat, and when they finished, she had Qiu Yue bring new ones to replenish.

Xiao Jin and Yu Yansi:...

Xiao Jin ate even more happily, and Yu Yansi shyly withdrew her hand; the married couple were distinctly different in temperament.

Shen Yao had originally planned to take the opportunity to speak with Xiao Jin today, but seeing this situation, she could only look for another opportunity.

"After you've eaten, rest a bit and then go see Xiao Yu and Xiao Yue."

These two children have been clamoring to leave the palace to find you since last night, and were stopped before they reluctantly gave up.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhi were obedient, but they haven't returned to the palace yet today, saying they had already prepared apology gifts for you.

Xiao Wei, this youngest son, has a weak constitution; he's probably still asleep and hasn't gotten up."

Shen Yao touched the wrist wearing the jade bracelet, and briefly told Xiao Jin about the situations of the other children.

Xiao Wei, this youngest son, was the young son Shen Yao gave birth to with difficulty five years ago.

To give birth to him, Shen Yao suffered many hardships, and even developed health problems.

During that time, Shen Yao observed postpartum confinement to recover, and the entire imperial harem was in a state of panic; Xiao Yanchen ruthlessly dealt with several imperial consorts to suppress certain trends.

To this day, Shen Yao and Xiao Yanchen have tacitly avoided mentioning that period of time.

Xiao Jin hummed and nodded, "Empress Dowager, my son and Yu Shi will go take a look now."

"Empress Dowager, your daughter-in-law takes her leave."

Shen Yao smiled, and had Qiu Yue by her side see Xiao Jin and the others out.

Qiu Yue returned and, lowering her head, quietly told Shen Yao a parting word from Xiao Jin.

"Did the Emperor really say that?"

Shen Yao's mouth corner curved slightly, "That's good; at least the Emperor currently holds hope for Xiao Jin," and wouldn't feel uncomfortable about Xiao Jin attending court to participate in politics.

"Your Majesty, Prince Rong Jun's meaning is to wait and see; although there have been some disturbances at court these past few years, they are within the Emperor's tacit approval," so Xiao Jin also wants to try, and by the way, test his biological father's bottom line.

Shen Yao pondered for a moment, and ended the conversation with the final sentence "let him be careful himself."

She wasn't a personal nanny; Xiao Jin's every move didn't need Shen Yao to be responsible.

Since Xiao Jin hadn't lost his mind, as long as he didn't go too far, Shen Yao wouldn't interfere.

Xiao Jin's days after marriage, compared to when he was single, had both good and bad.

The mansion had a mistress to manage it, and indeed the chaotic situation from before no longer existed.

Even because Yu Yansi was too capable, Xiao Jin occasionally told her some not-too-important matters of court politics.

The relationship between the husband and wife became increasingly good, and consequently Yu Yansi became more diligent when entering the palace.

After Shen Yao confirmed that Yu Yansi's skills and abilities were indeed not exaggerated, some not very sensitive words were passed to Xiao Jin through her.

The mother and son communicated frequently, which also allowed them to grasp more information from each other.

Of course, there were also disadvantages; the most obvious was that someone targeted him in court politics.

The Crown Prince Xiao Yu and the Second Prince Xiao Heng, who married early, were both dissatisfied with Xiao Jin.

Although the two of them had a very small possibility of succession, who let their position have an advantage?

Once you marry, you have in-laws; when there are many people, various winds blow, and even a dead heart can come back to life.

Indeed, with Xiao Yanchen's more or less tacit approval, these two would give Xiao Jin trouble every now and then.

Xiao Jin could return most of them, and the small part wouldn't let himself suffer a loss.

It was just that there were too many such matters; Xiao Jin was overwhelmed with annoyance, and with Xiao Yanchen's changeable and ambiguous attitude, Xiao Jin truly experienced the meaning of the words Shen Yao had once spoken: "In the imperial family, there are no father and son."

It cannot be denied that Xiao Yanchen was undoubtedly a good father once.

Even now, Xiao Yanchen has not uttered a single word of open reproach or reprimand to Xiao Jin.

But it was precisely that kind of tacitly accepted attitude that made Xiao Jin feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Shen Yao:... Affected.

"People all change; you have changed too, yet you still hope your Imperial Father will treat you the same for decades on end?"

Taking advantage of Xiao Jin's entry into the palace, Shen Yao and Xiao Jin spoke face to face.

Xiao Jin rubbed his head; his originally bright and smooth hair instantly became a bit disheveled.

"Mother Empress, your son is merely a bit surprised," Xiao Jin wore a face full of grievance.

What kind of birth mother is this, not comforting him is one thing, but she even has to deal a blow.

Shen Yao hmphed once, completely ignoring Xiao Jin's act of feigning obedience and selling pitifulness, "Surprised at what? If your goal doesn't change, these are all necessary steps.

Back then the Former Emperor and your Imperial Father went through this very same way; even before the Former Emperor passed away, he had once suppressed your Imperial Father for several years.

Xiao Jin, you must be clear about what you want."

Shen Yao's words could be said to be utterly devoid of courtesy; she fundamentally did not leave Xiao Jin any face.

Xiao Jin also put away that pitiful face of his, his expression turning serious and proper.

"Mother Empress, your son understands."

He still had the proper sense of proportion; he wanted that position where one's word carries the weight of nine tripods, and his relationship with Xiao Yanchen would no longer be simply father and son.

Since ancient times, the changing of emperors has been both bloody and cruel.

Warm affection, you good me good? That kind of scene can only exist in dreams.

An idealized world ultimately still loses to those two words "ideal."

"It's good that you understand; if there are any matters in the future, have Yu Shi come over, you should pay more attention to propriety."

The Huang Hou is ultimately a place where inner chambers women live; Xiao Jin is growing older in years, and with the slightest carelessness, it is easy to become entangled in unnecessary gossip.

After all, men's preferences will never change; an eighteen-year-old beauty looks fresh and tender just by looking at her.

Xiao Jin left, then handed over the matters of communicating with Shen Yao to Yu Yansi.

Compared to when she had just entered the household, Yu Yansi's methods of handling affairs have become increasingly seasoned.

Apart from the fact that they have temporarily had no offspring in the two years of marriage, Yu Yansi has no worries.

However, the imperial offspring of the Great Jing Dynasty are all difficult; Xiao Yanchen's Huang Hou has so many consorts, yet over the years, only a mere three or two have been able to conceive and bear children, among which Shen Yao's stable contribution is included.

"The matter of offspring, there is no need to rush for a moment," Shen Yao handed the water dissolved from the Fertility Pill to Yu Yansi, speaking soothing words while helping to think of methods.

Yu Yansi and Xiao Jin these two years having no children is not because either's body is bad; it is simply that they lack the fate for offspring.

This Fertility Pill is merely Shen Yao's attempt; if it works then naturally good, if not there are still other methods.

Currently, among Xiao Yanchen's several sons, apart from Xiao Wei who is too young in age, the others all have movements.

Xiao Yu married last year, Xiao Yan is betrothed this year, Xiao Yue has already married out, Xiao Zhi awaits marriage in her boudoir.

Shen Yao relaxed considerably at once; otherwise she wouldn't have had the mood to speak with Yu Yansi about grandchildren matters.

"What Mother Empress says is correct; the Prince and the daughter-in-law both mean to let nature take its course."

It's not that they aren't rushing for a moment; rather, because other people including Xiao Yu and Xiao Heng have none, they have the confidence.

Anyway, everyone is pretty much half a catty eight taels; Yu Yansi rarely has no pressure on her.