Prince Han answered on Consort Han’s behalf. “Imperial Mother, Consort Han’s three younger brothers are all still unmarried. However, as you probably know, the eldest brother, Sheng Chumu, has an illness and cannot marry.”
“Yes I’ve heard of Consort Han’s eldest brother’s illness.” Empress Zhangsun pretended not to notice Consort Han and Sun Lingshu’s reactions. “What about her second and third brother? They are fine right?”
“Ngh...this…” Prince Han looked at Consort Han. As soon as he saw her wide eyes, he immediately understood. “Her second brother, Sheng Chuling, he...he likes to drink and when he is drunk, he hits people. He often abuses the maid that attends to him until she is covered in bruises.”
Sun Lingshu silently pulled on the Crown Prince’s sleeve. The Crown Prince also got her hint. “People who go crazy when they are drunk are not good. If he can hit his maid, he might hit his wife too. Lingwei is small and frail, I am afraid that she would not be able to withstand a few hits.”
Empress Zhangsun did not give up. “Then what about the last one? Is he also abusive?”
“Her third brother, Sheng Chujun...he...he…” Prince Han started to sweat.
“Why are you stammering? Are you trying to think of another excuse?” Empress Zhangsun was more alert than anyone else.
“No, no, how would I dare to make up an excuse?” Prince Han could not find a suitable ‘illness’. “Consort Han’s third brother, Sheng Chujun…”
The Crown Princess interfered, “Imperial Mother, actually the Crown Prince has already helped make preparations for my sister’s marriage.”
The Crown Prince looked at the Crown Princess in astonishment. He never expected that it would be his turn to use his brain juices.
“That’s right, Imperial Mother.” At a time like this, a husband had to take responsibility. “The Crown Princess only has one sister, Sun Lingwei. How can I not care about her marriage? I have already discussed with my father-in-law and made preparations.”
“Oh? Who have you made arrangements with?”
“I have made arrangements with...with…” The Crown Prince blurted out. “Lu Qi!”
“Duke Chen’s son, Lu Qi?”
Empress Zhangsun smiled. “Lu Qi has indeed performed outstandingly in Cangshan Mountain. Speaking of which, in order to help me escape, he put his life on the line and fought the rebel Hong Yide. I owe him one.”
The Crown Princess immediately pushed forth. “Since Imperial Mother also approves of him, then why don’t you take the chance to return his favour by granting him marriage with my second sister?”
Consort Han breathed a sigh of relief and a genuine smile appeared on her face. “That’s right, he is talented and she is beautiful. They are a match made in heaven. Imperial Mother, why don’t you grant them marriage and create a beautiful story?”
Prince Han had to add on. “Since the Crown Prince approves of him, he must be good. Imperial Mother, just agree to the marriage.”
Empress Zhangsun’s gaze softened as she looked at them. “Now that you all are united, how can I not agree? Okay, I will bring it up to His Majesty.”
Fu Rou was standing behind Empress Zhangsun. She did not say anything as she saw this joyful atmosphere. However, she could not help but frown. It was obvious that there was a violent undercurrent between the Eastern Palace and Han Mansion.
The Emperor returned from Hot Spring Palace. Empress Zhangsun waited happily for him to finish his court session. Unexpectedly, Wei Song brought two bad news. The first was that the Imperial Physician had checked Consort Han’s pulse and they had confirmed that she was not pregnant.
Empress Zhangsun was disappointed. “I thought that Prince Han could finally have an heir. Unfortunately, we were excited for nothing. It seems like the priest was accurate, Consort Han is destined to be childless.”
Fu Rou could not help but say, “How can you believe what the priest said? Prince Han and Consort Han are still young. They have many chances in the future. Your Majesty, you have to be patient and you will get what you desire.”
Empress Zhangsun glanced at her. “Consort Han must have treated you very well when you are in the Han Mansion. Even after entering the palace for so long, you never forget to speak up for her.”
Fu Rou was startled and could only be careful with her words. “Consort Han did indeed treat me quite well. Ever since I entered the palace, I have received Your Majesty’s graces on numerous occasions. I just wish that Your Majesty and those around you will live in harmony.”
Empress Zhangsun shook her head. “We are the royal family. How can it be easy for everyone to be happy and harmonious?” She turned to ask Wei Song. “What is the other news?”
Wei Song replied, “During today’s morning court, You Jianming submitted a memorial. He said that the Crown Prince is disabled and cannot be treated. As the foundation of the nation, the fact that the Crown Prince is lacking would mean that Great Tang is lacking. Moreover, up until now, there has never been an emperor that is disabled. He wanted the Emperor to make Prince Han the Crown Prince for Great Tang’s future.”
Empress Zhangsun was shocked and furious. “This You Jianming, who gave him such courage?”
Fu Rou asked Wei Song, “What was His Majesty’s reply?”
Wei Song responded, “The Emperor expressed that he supported the Crown Prince. He even punished You Jianming to fifty strokes of the cane for offending the Crown Prince.”
“That’s good.” Fu Rou turned to Empress Zhangsun. “Your Majesty, as long as His Majesty does not waver, it does not matter what other people say.”
Empress Zhangsun sat down slowly, a gloomy look on her face. “No, it is not so simple. You Jianming has a nickname of Iron Mask Imperial Censor. Even if his words do not influence His Majesty, I am afraid that it will influence the other hundreds of officials. A thousand mile embankment can be ruined by a single ant. Did you think that the officials would not have a knot in their hearts when the Crown Prince got into the accident? They just did not voice it out. Also, it was not easy to finally improve the relationship between the Crown Prince and Prince Han. Now with You Jianming’s memorial, the Crown Prince might think that Prince Han has been conspiring against him.”
“Your Majesty, please do not worry too much. Maybe the Crown Prince does not think that way.”
An announcement was made, declaring the arrival of the Crown Prince.
“Fu Siyan.” Empress Zhangsun looked into Fu Rou’s calm eyes, her smile was laced with pain. “If only everyone’s heart were as clear and pure as yours.”
Fu Siyan did not say anything more as she backed into the corner.
The Crown Prince took big strides into the hall, his eyes were brimming with anger. He pulled his robe aside and kneeled down. “Imperial Mother, during morning court today…”
Empress Zhangsun raised her hand. “I have heard of what happened today. You Jianming offended you and was punished by the Emperor.”
“What about Prince Han?” The Crown Prince was suppressing the fury within him.
“What about Prince Han?” Empress Zhangsun’s expression did not change.
The Crown Prince raised his voice. “Imperial Mother, you said that as biological brothers we should be united. You said that biological brothers should respect…I listened to you. But look at what happened today. Look how Prince Han treats me as his older brother? I became disabled because I was set up. He wants me to be like Wu Taibo (Eldest son of King of Zhou) and give up my position. He wants Imperial Father to dispose of me! Prince Han is your flesh and blood but aren’t I also your flesh and blood?”
“You Jianming was the one that asked to dispose of you, not Prince Han.”
The Crown Prince was in disbelief. “Up till now, you still choose to believe Prince Han?”