Sun Lingshu got up. Her makeup made her look happy as her eyes narrowed in a smile. “I am younger than you, I wouldn’t dare to ask Imperial Mother to remember my birthday, much less give me a gift.”
Sun Lingshu was pretending to be courteous. Before she came, she had already known that Empress Zhangsun had recently received two sable fur coats. Empress Zhangsun had kept the white one for herself and intended to give the black one to her. Sun Lingshu was actually feeling annoyed that the weather was turning cold and she had nothing to wear. She was waiting to receive the fur coat at the banquet.
Empress Zhangsun said, “There is nothing to be courteous about. You have been serving the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace and also taking care of the young Imperial Grandson. I know it must be difficult on you. Today, everyone is part of the family, there is no need to be courteous.”
It was then that Sun Lingshu thanked the Empress and took the fur coat. She could not hide the pride in her eyes as she looked at Consort Han.
Empress Zhangsun noticed that Consort Han made a gesture to stop at the palace maid that was helping her pour drinks. She asked in concern, “Consort Han, why aren’t you letting them pour you anymore drinks? Are you not feeling well?”
Consort Han became shy and did not speak. As she saw Prince Han about to answer on her behalf, she immediately pinched him. Prince Han obediently shut his mouth and simply let out a silly breath.
Fu Rou saw this and spoke softly. “Perhaps it is not convenient for her body?”
Empress Zhangsun came to a realisation. “Are you pregnant?” Seeing how Consort Han still did not reply, she knew that Consort Han was silently acknowledging. She could not help but be overjoyed. “It is such a joyful matter, how can you hide it from me?”
Seeing how things had already been exposed, Prince Han smiled. “Imperial Mother, the Imperial Physician has not confirmed it. I had intended to wait for the confirmation in about half a month before telling you.”
Empress Zhangsun found it weird. “Wait? It is about time. I have waited for this day for so long that my neck has grown. After hearing this news today, I feel as if I have recovered by a lot. Come servants, help to top up the wine. I am going to drink a cup. Consort Han, you don’t have to drink. Give her honey.”
Consort Han took a sip of honey and suddenly coughed lightly. Prince Han immediately became anxious. “Why are you coughing? Have you caught a cold?”
Empress Zhangsun was even more anxious. “Quick. Bring my white sable fur coat. Help Consort Han wear it. She must not catch a cold now.”
The internal attendants rushed to get the white sable fur coat and handed it over to Prince Han.
Prince Han hurried to place it over Consort Han. He did not forget to butter up to his mother. “Imperial Mother, this sable fur coat is really beautiful. What a good item.”
Empress Zhangsun smiled. “You have discerning eyes. This had also just been given. I haven’t even used it before giving it to Consort Han.”
Consort Han wanted to stand up to thank her but Zhangsun waved her hand. “You don’t have to get up to thank me. I said that today’s banquet is for our family and there is no need to be courteous.”
Sun Lingshu pulled a long face as jealousy and hatred grew within her. Consort Han had ruined her reputation. Not only that, she was pregnant and even got the white fur coat as a gift. Prince Han was so attentive to her as well. Consort Han had gotten everything good and she was still lacking compared to her. How could she not get angry?
Empress Zhangsun did not notice the change in Sun Lingshu’s expression. “Crown Prince, Prince Han, both of you have not been visiting me together recently. Have you all been busy?”
The Crown Prince replied, “I have been busy with official duties and could not come to greet you often. It is my fault. Please forgive me.”
Prince Han replied, “I have been busy…” Just thinking about the Crown Prince has made him so busy he did not have time for anything else. “...with writing.”
Empress Zhangsun found it strange. “Haven’t you already completed your book <<Broad Geography>>? Are you trying to write another extraordinary book?”
Prince Han laughed in embarrassment. “I wanted to write a book to showcase Great Tang’s culture. But I don’t know who the Literature School offended recently, we are facing trouble after trouble. I am having a headache because of it. Imperial Father is not around and I don’t know what to do with my troubles.”
“You are too foolish.” Empress Zhangsun played dumb. “Although your Imperial Father is not around, your brother is here. The Crown Prince is managing the country and oversees everything. Don’t you know how to ask the Crown Prince for help?”
Prince Han snorted, “Of course I want to ask him for help. But I am afraid that even if I ask, there would be no use. If I try to ask for too much, the Crown Prince might blame me. It might not be worth it.”
“Nonsense. The Crown Prince is your older brother and he loves you very much. He will not ignore you if he sees that you are struggling. Crown Prince, don’t you agree?” Empress Zhangsun directed.
The Crown Prince was indifferent. “Imperial Mother is right. We are biological brothers and should love and respect each other.”
Zhangsun looked at Prince Han. “Did you hear that? Your brother will not ignore you.”
The Crown Prince’s tone changed. “Speaking of respect, if a younger brother offends the older brother a little, the older brother can be generous and let it go. However, if the younger brother goes overboard, disrespecting and conspiring against the older brother. Imperial Mother, what do you think the older brother should do?”
Prince Han called out, “Imperial Mother, I don’t understand. Everyone in my Literature School has been out of luck and even got their pays cut. How did I end up being the one that is conspiring?”
The Crown Prince directly bellowed at Prince Han, “You know in your heart who has been plotting against whom.”
Prince Han jumped up. “Speak clearly. Who is plotting against whom?”
The Crown Prince snorted, “If we were to speak clearly in front of Mother, you won’t be able to hold your head up.”
Prince Han retorted, “You dare to tell the truth in front of Imperial Mother? Ever since Imperial Father went to the Hot Spring Palace to recuperate, what have you been doing? We are biological brothers and I have always been helping you. On the other hand, you keep trying to put me down. What are you trying to do?”
“Pretending to be a good person on the surface yet conspiring with officials beneath the surface to write a signed appeal to Imperial Father to impeach me. What are you trying to do?” Don’t think that he did not know what Prince Han was trying to do!
“I...what appeal?” Prince Han was slightly guilty. Although he was not the one that led them, the group of scholars that had suffered because of the Crown Prince’s actions had jointly signed an appeal. It was because the Crown Prince had pushed them too far.
The Crown Prince was stern. “If you dare to say nothing like this has happened, then swear in front of Imperial Mother. If you lie, you will suffer heaven’s punishment and be punished in hell forever!”
Bam! Empress Zhangsun slammed her cup on the table.
Chapter 68: Turbulent
A family banquet, yet everyone’s hearts were not aligned. They each had their own schemes and resentment. But like what Fu Rou said, at least they could fight it out and say whatever they wanted to say.
The Crown Prince wanted Prince Han to swear on his life and Empress Zhangsun became furious as she heard it. She questioned why there was a need to swear with such cruel words.
The Crown Prince immediately kneeled. “Imperial Mother, please calm down.”
Prince Han murmured, “He is already so brazen in front of Imperial Mother. There is no need to think of what happens behind her back.”