Chapter Seventy-Nine: The Inner Palace

As soon as court was dismissed, Song Zhiyuan was once again summoned to the Imperial Study, earning the envy of all who witnessed it.

Fan Zhang gave a cold snort and swept his sleeves as he departed. He had only taken a few steps when a eunuch approached, stooping respectfully and greeting him with deference, “Grand Chancellor.”

Recognizing the eunuch, Fan Zhang’s brows knit slightly as he asked in a low voice, “Does Her Highness have some matter to discuss?”

The eunuch, known as Xiao Chunzi, smiled and replied, “Her Highness is simply missing her family and wishes to have her relatives visit the palace for some conversation.”

Fan Zhang frowned, glanced around, and replied, “My wife is suffering a mild cold and will not come to the palace to pay her respects, lest she pass on her illness.” He paused, then added, “Tell Her Highness that the matters discussed at court this morning have not yet been decided by His Majesty. Patience is needed to achieve great plans; the time has not yet come. Advise Her Highness to remain steady.”

“Yes, Grand Chancellor. I shall see you off,” Xiao Chunzi replied, bowing his head and stepping backward.

Fan Zhang left with his hands clasped behind him. Only after he had gone did Xiao Chunzi turn and return to the inner palace.

In the Changchun Palace, a beautiful noblewoman, her features delicate and refined, lounged on a chaise with her eyes half closed. Her slender, fair hands were being carefully painted with nail polish by two attendants, while a third, a younger maid, gently massaged her legs with a small wooden mallet.

“Your Highness, Xiao Chunzi has returned,” reported a senior palace matron, bowing slightly.

Consort Fan opened her eyes and looked over as Xiao Chunzi approached, then waved her hand. The maids tending to her, trusted confidantes, remained at her side.

Xiao Chunzi stepped forward, shook his sleeves, and knelt to pay his respects. After being instructed to rise, he quietly relayed the Grand Chancellor’s message.

Consort Fan pressed her lips together thoughtfully. “I understand. You may go. Chunying, send a selection of medicinal herbs to the Chancellor’s residence as a gift, and tell his wife to rest and recover.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Your Highness, the Third Prince has arrived.”

At these words, a bright smile blossomed on Consort Fan’s face. She straightened and looked toward the entrance, where a tall, handsome youth was stepping inside.

“Your son greets Mother Consort,” Chu Hongzheng said, kneeling on one knee to salute her.

“Hurry and get up,” Consort Fan replied, her face full of warmth as she gestured for him to rise. Looking at her refined and elegant son, she asked, “How is it that you have time to visit your mother today? Are there fewer lessons in the Hall of Scholars?”

“No matter how many lessons there are, I should always come greet you, Mother Consort,” Chu Hongzheng replied, taking her hand to guide her to sit on the luohan couch beside him.

Consort Fan, sweetened by his words as if tasting honey, instructed her trusted maid Zilan, “Go and fetch the bird’s nest soup warming on the small stove, and serve it to the Third Prince.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Mother Consort, that is your tonic. There’s no need for me to have it,” Chu Hongzheng protested, frowning. “I’m a man—why should I be eating such things?”

Bird’s nest soup was for young ladies, after all. If word got out that he ate it, people might say he was effeminate, lacking in masculinity.

“Nonsense, bird’s nest is good for everyone, regardless of gender—it’s beneficial to the body,” Consort Fan retorted, giving him a playful look as she stroked his face. “My son is so handsome, he ought to eat well. That way, all the young ladies will be unable to take their eyes off you.”

Chu Hongzheng’s cheeks flushed. He was fifteen, not yet initiated into adult affairs, nor had he chosen a consort. Occasionally, he overheard his elder brothers or even some younger ones telling ribald jokes, which always made his thoughts wander.

Seeing his reaction, Consort Fan drew him into her embrace and laughed softly. “Our Zheng’er is growing up—it’s time to choose a bride. I already have the lists of eligible young ladies from various families. Shall we look through them together soon?”