“I came today to greet you as well as to tell you something else.”
When Shuangxi repeated whatever she had eavesdropped on to Sun Lingshu, Sun Lingshu could not sit still. She had created trouble for Fu Rou previously. If Fu Rou were to become Prince Zhou’s consort, in the future Fu Rou would be able to stand proud in front of her. Sun Lingshu would not be able to take it. Luckily, Shuangxi overheard Fu Rou talking and found out her weakness. As long as she took the chance, Fu Rou could forget about perching on a branch as high as Prince Zhou’s.
“I heard that Imperial Mother was intending to let Fu Siyan become Prince Zhou’s consort?”
Empress Zhangsun frowned. “Crown Princess, you should just take care of yourself and not bother about other things. This has nothing to do with the Eastern Palace.”
Sun Lingshu hurriedly spoke, “Imperial Mother, you are wrong.”
Empress Zhangsun’s gaze sharpened. “What did you say?”
“Forgive my impudence. Please calm down, Imperial Mother.” Sun Lingshu softened her tone. “I mean if Fu Siyan follows Prince Zhou, it will have something to do with the Eastern Palace. The personal relationships that Fu Siyan has in the palace cannot be something Prince Zhou uses to deal with the Crown Prince in the future.”
“Personal relationships in the palace?” Empress Zhangsun controlled her expression.
“Imperial Mother, think about it. Why would Prince Zhou, who is such a young and talented prince, desire Fu Siyan and would even fight Grand Prince Liang for her? Could it only be because of her looks? Fu Siyan is a very smart and bright person. What she is best at is not her embroidery but how she is able to get everyone to like her. Although she hasn’t been in the palace for long, is there anyone in the six offices and twenty-four departments that is more outstanding than her? She wins over her superiors and subordinates and creates relationships with various consorts and princesses. When that happens, will there be anything that happens in the palace that Concubine Yan will not know?”
“She has good relations with various imperial consorts and princesses?” Empress Zhangsun did not think of this.
“Prince Zhou has always been favoured by Imperial Father and this has been a hidden danger for the Eastern Palace. Imperial Mother, you must definitely not allow Prince Zhou to increase his power in the palace through Fu Siyan. For the Crown Prince, you cannot let Fu Siyan marry Prince Zhou.”
Empress Zhangsun fell silent for a moment. “I understand. Please return to your palace.”
Sun Lingshu knew that she had definitely succeeded. After all, Empress Zhangsun was most concerned about the Crown Prince. She would not overlook even the slightest threat to the Crown Prince.
On the same day, Empress Zhangsun invited the Emperor. She told him that she was still having difficulty in deciding between Grand Prince Liang and Prince Zhou.
“A dilemma?” The Emperor was not pleased. “You have always been a decisive person. Why is this small issue difficult for you? In my opinion, isn’t Prince Zhou a good choice? Of course, I handed it over to you so you have the final decision. I am just stating my opinion. I will not interfere.”
His response was exactly as Empress Zhangsun expected. The Emperor was biased towards Concubine Yan. She became even more determined.
“I have always treated Prince Zhou as one of my own. I would definitely hope for him to get what he wants. However, the Grand Emperor has stated clearly that he wishes for someone to be by Grand Prince Liang. Fu Siyan is considerate and bright, she could take care of him. As a daughter-in-law, if I ignore the Grand Emperor’s wishes, I will be considered unfilial. How can I be unfilial?”
“Are you really thinking of handing Fu Siyan over to Grand Prince Liang?” The Emperor frowned.
“I understand what you are thinking. Grand Prince Liang has always been disrespectful to palace maids and ladies. I have heard of his various misdeeds. I have only kept silent for Grand Emperor’s sake. Indeed, I should not hand any more palace maids or ladies to him and increase his overweening attitude. But we need to give the Grand Emperor a reason.”
“What do you intend to do?” The Emperor was curious.
“Heaven’s will.” Empress Zhangsun smiled slightly. “On the same day, four men asked Your Majesty for a palace lady’s hand. It is uncommon so we should use an uncommon method to resolve it. I was having a headache initially, but Xinnan gave me a good idea.”
“What idea did Xinnan give?” The Emperor could not think of anything.
“Master Yuan. Master Yuan’s skills are incomparable. Your Majesty even praised him for his ability to read faces and predict futures before. I was thinking of going to Qingfeng Monastery for some air and bringing Fu Siyan along for Master Yuan to read her face. I would like to see what her fate is like. If Prince Zhou is blessed in Fu Siyan’s fate, Master Yuan’s reading will help us convince the Grand Emperor. What do you think?”
“We will do as you suggest.” He was the one that left the decision to the Empress and it was too late to change anything.
“Thank you for your permission.” Empress Zhangsun was rest assured.
However, the Emperor was gloomy as he stood up to leave. “Concubine Yan is not feeling well and has been coughing. I am worried and I am going to check on her.”
It was rare that Concubine Yan requested something from him. Who would have expected the Empress, who has always been docile, would go against his will. Now that things were out of his control, he was not feeling fine. Treating Prince Zhou as her own? Ultimately, Prince Zhou was not the Empress’ biological son and she just did not want Concubine Yan and her son to get what they wished for.
The news about the Empress going to seek Master Yuan quickly spread to the Han Mansion.
Sheng Chumu purposely ran over to confirm this with Consort Han. When he realised that it was true, he was excited. Everything was going according to plan. Now, all he needed was to set out on his journey.
Ma Hainiu suddenly appeared and handed over a small box. “Consort Han, this is the antidote for your brother.”
Sheng Chumu was suspicious. “You are giving it so easily? Is it poison?”
Ma Hainiu refused to look at Sheng Chumu. “It is up to you whether you want to believe me. I have given up on you anyway.”
Consort Han gestured to her servants to take it. “Thank you. I hope that you will find a man that belongs to you. Just treat these few days of hard work as fate with our Han Mansion.”
Ma Hainiu asked, “Can I continue learning?”
Consort Han was stunned. “Why?”
Ma Hainiu replied, “I want to become someone who is responsible for myself. I want to be someone that is proud of myself and not have to rely on anyone.”
Consort Han smiled in approval. “That’s right. Women should strive for independence.”
“Consort Han, I have finished reading the books. Can you give me more?” Ma Hainiu took the initiative to ask for books to read.
Sheng Chumu cut in, “Ma Hainiu, you are so rough, I never thought you would know how to read?”
Ma Hainiu ignored him.
“Oi, Ma Hainiu, I am talking to you.”
Ma Hainiu eventually turned to look at him and greeted him politely. “Consort Han, you have a guest. I shall not interrupt.” She then turned and left.
“Oi, oi. Are you pretending that I don’t exist?” Sheng Chumu shouted at her.
Ma Hainiu did not turn back and stepped out of the door. A triumph smile appeared on her face as she muttered to herself, “Lian Yan’er was right. If I ignore you, you will chase after me.”
It was not that Ma Hainiu did not care anymore, but she had changed her tactic. Lian Yan’er taught her three golden rules. First of all, make the person owe you. Secondly, don’t chase after the other party. Lastly, she had to be independent.