Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
“Has His Highness returned?” Sitting on a tall stool by the window, Zhang Wan leaned forward to inquire.
“Reporting to the Crown Princess, His Highness is still studying at the Chongwen Hall. It may take some more time,” a maid below replied softly.
“Have someone remind him. We have to go to Shiqian Hall today; don’t be late,” Zhang Wan said.
These days, the Crown Prince often went to the Chongwen Hall to study and even summoned officials from the Water Ministry for inquiries. He was diligent, rising early and working late, which pleased Zhang Wan. Not only was he supervising water management, a task arranged by the Emperor, but also gained insights into state affairs, which would be beneficial in the future.
Therefore, despite concerns from the attendants about the Crown Prince going out to manage water affairs and potentially missing the birth, Zhang Wan was not worried. It wasn’t her first childbirth, and with so many people in the palace watching, there was no need to delay the Crown Prince’s important duties for such a minor matter.
After taking her eldest son from the nurse’s arms, Zhang Wan reached out to touch the clever little nose of her son, saying, “Our eldest is getting more handsome. How about meeting the Emperor later?”
The baby made a popping sound, blowing a bubble, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
On the side, a palace maid leaned over to whisper something in the Crown Princess’s ear. Zhang Wan’s eyebrows remained unchanged, considering it inconsequential.
Generals entering the palace was not an uncommon occurrence. If they went to see the Emperor now, it was likely the Emperor wouldn’t be displeased; instead, he might be delighted. Zhang Wan was well aware of this.
After waiting for another moment, the door of the Warm Chamber was pushed open, and Liang Rong walked in briskly, saying, “I got so engrossed in reading that I almost forgot the time. Thanks to Aunt Shun for reminding me…”
Zhang Wan took the handkerchief from the maid’s hand and wiped a little sweat off Liang Rong’s forehead, saying gently, “It’s still early; there’s no need for His Highness to be in such a hurry.”
The Emperor did not like to be treated as a beast of burden, so the Crown Prince did not use a carriage when in the Eastern Palace; they walked instead. It seemed that walking too fast made him break into a sweat.
Liang Rong smiled faintly, holding his wife’s hand, “The ground is slippery in winter, and you’re carrying a heavy load. It’s better to walk slowly.”
Zhang Wan blushed at his words, “Your Highness is considerate.”
To ensure her comfortable ride, the Crown Prince would rather walk a few extra steps himself. How could Zhang Wan not be moved by such care?
Liang Rong, however, didn’t pay much attention to such trivial matters. After the sweat dried off, he took the hand of the Crown Princess and climbed onto the carriage, heading towards the Shiqian Hall.
The Eastern Palace was not far from the Shiqian Hall, and they soon arrived. Liang Rong, accompanied by his wife and son, leisurely entered a side hall. Inside, on the imperial desk, a Go game was set up. The Emperor and General Yi were sitting across from each other, engaged in a conversation about the game.
“Rong’er is here? Come in quickly.” Seeing his son’s family entering, Liang Feng pushed aside the chessboard, turning with a smile.
Seeing that the nearly-won game was disrupted by the movement, General Yi raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile on his lips, and stood up.
“Your son pays respects to the Emperor.” The Crown Prince and Crown Princess both bowed.
On the side, General Yi bowed and saluted the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, “General Yi pays respects to His Royal Highness and the Crown Princess.”
Liang Rong hurriedly said, “General Yi, please rise.”
On this side, Liang Rong was not surprised to see Yiyan. Having just pacified Yong County and returned in triumph, it was expected that the Emperor would summon people to the palace. After so many years, he was quite accustomed to such situations. As long as Yiyan remained loyal and followed the Emperor’s side, there was some reassurance.
“Take a seat,” Liang Feng smiled and gestured, “Has little Yu also come? Let Grandpa Emperor have a look.”
When they chose a name for their eldest grandson, Liang Feng had truly wracked his brains. It had to sound pleasant and avoid common characters. The names of emperors were taboo, just like his own character “Feng”; no one dared to use it now. “Abundant Harvest” had to be referred to as “Bountiful” or “Plentiful.” Dealing with such troublesome matters twice was enough. In the future, when naming imperial sons and grandsons, it would be better to choose more uncommon characters.
Hearing the Grandpa Emperor calling him, the little one, not shy at all, was led by the nurse, toddling over like a little penguin. Liang Feng laughed heartily and embraced the little chubby bundle in his arms.
Just turning one year old, Liang Yu was in a lively phase. Being held by the Grandpa Emperor, he giggled happily. He then turned his head to the person beside him, curiously extending his hand as if wanting to grab those peculiar-colored eyes. This time, not only Liang Feng but even Yiyan couldn’t help but show a smile. Children who weren’t afraid of his appearance were indeed rare.
Taking off a sapphire-inlaid ornament from his waist, Liang Feng waved it in front of Liang Yu, “Do you like this color?”
The little one, not understanding, excitedly reached out to grab it. Liang Feng smiled, placing the object in his hands, amusing him for a while before letting the nurse carry him away.
Wiping his hands with a handkerchief, he asked Zhang Wan, “Wan, have you been well recently?”
Zhang Wan slightly bowed, “Returning to Father Emperor, your daughter-in-law has been well these days. Eating and sleeping are all good. I also move around every day. The child in my belly is stable.”
Liang Feng nodded, “Listen to the imperial physicians. You can’t just stay in bed and rest. The Obstetrics and Pediatrics departments in the Imperial Hospital have made significant progress in recent years, which is also a joyous matter.”
Not to mention Obstetrics and Pediatrics, even with smallpox, he had people studying it. Now, infant mortality rates are still high, and various epidemics are hard to prevent. Naturally, he had to think of ways to improve the average lifespan.
Zhang Wan smiled, “Father Emperor cares for the people, which benefits your daughter-in-law.”
This statement was appropriate, and Liang Feng smiled. Zhang Bin’s daughter was clever, concealing her sharpness, virtuous and elegant. It was not in vain that he carefully examined the female officials in the palace when he hosted a banquet for the families of officials.
Thinking of this, he remembered something else, “By the way, you previously submitted a memorial, asking the Crown Prince to take a concubine. Is there such a matter?”
Zhang Wan’s expression immediately became serious, “Your daughter-in-law does have such intentions. Your daughter-in-law has been pregnant for several consecutive years, and the Crown Prince should have someone to take care of him. It is an ancient custom for the Crown Prince to take noble concubines and consorts. Your daughter-in-law dare not stay alone in the East Palace.”
Hearing Zhang Wan’s words, Liang Rong couldn’t help but grasp her hand, “Shun Niang, why bother like this?”
Now, besides Zhang Wan, there were actually several accompanying maids in the East Palace. However, to ensure the legitimacy of the heir, Liang Rong didn’t touch them. He and Zhang Wan were a young couple, and their affection was growing.
However, Zhang Wan just smiled faintly at Liang Rong, showing no intention of relenting.
Liang Feng carefully observed this young woman and found that her eyes indeed lacked any signs of scheming or pretense. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, “This is good as well. However, the selection of a concubine is an internal matter of the East Palace. When it comes to choosing someone, it can be overseen by you.”
Upon hearing these words, Zhang Wan was momentarily stunned, then stood up and bowed gracefully, “Thank you, Father Emperor, for your grace.”
Her gratitude was sincere. The Emperor’s words were clear—he had no intention of using the position of the Crown Prince’s concubine to manipulate influential families, nor did he have the idea of balancing future harem leaders. By entrusting the authority to select the Crown Prince’s concubine to her as a new consort, he hoped for stability in the Crown Prince’s inner court and less political influence in the future harem.
The Emperor had been generous in his treatment of her and her father.
Seeing his father issue the decree, Liang Rong did not say much, just holding his wife’s hand. Zhang Wan gently returned the gesture.
After dealing with official matters, the family sat down for a meal. With the New Year approaching, Liang Feng specifically instructed Zhang Wan not to overexert herself during the grand ceremony and to act within her capabilities.
After the meal, he did not keep the two for long and allowed Liang Rong to take his wife and child home early.
Waiting until everyone in the hall had dispersed and rearranging the chessboard, Yiyan found himself unable to concentrate. After making two moves, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why does the Crown Princess want the Crown Prince to take a concubine?”
He truly couldn’t understand. The Crown Prince had a clear favoritism towards the Crown Princess, and she was blessed with a fertile womb, consecutively bearing royal heirs. Wasn’t this a tremendous boon? Why would the Crown Princess want someone else to share that favor?
Liang Feng raised an eyebrow, casually placing a piece on the board, “After all, the Crown Princess is a woman, experiencing the pains of childbirth. Each time she gives birth, it’s like passing through the gates of the underworld. If this happens every year, it might affect her lifespan.”
Yiyan was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t thought about this aspect. However, sacrificing the one you love to others for this reason was indeed hard to accept.
“What if the Crown Prince shares his favor with others…” Yiyan’s words were not fully spoken, hesitating for a moment.
Who could guarantee that this favoritism would never change? If he encountered someone younger and more beautiful, wouldn’t that be a problem? What would happen to the Crown Princess then?
Liang Feng sighed softly, “She is, after all, the Crown Prince’s legal wife and the mother of the Crown Prince’s heir.”
Liang Feng didn’t explicitly state everything. He could somewhat guess Zhang Wan’s thoughts. Without contraceptive measures, the inability to prevent pregnancies was just one aspect. More importantly, the Crown Prince currently only had her and hadn’t had any contact with other women. If she monopolized the favor, there was no guarantee that in the future, when Liang Rong ascended the throne, he wouldn’t be tempted to seek new experiences. At that time, who could stop the Nine-Five Majesty? Men, by nature, couldn’t escape their base instincts. Even Liang Feng himself couldn’t guarantee that Liang Rong wouldn’t change in the future.
Therefore, instead of fiercely guarding this affection, it might be better to take a step back and secure one’s position. Zhang Wan probably sincerely wished to be with Rong’er for a long time. However, as the Crown Princess, there were some things she couldn’t avoid.
Hearing this sigh, Yiyan lowered his eyes, “If I could bear a child for the Lord, I would never let others come close.”
Liang Feng burst into laughter, “Even if you can’t bear children, you won’t let others get close. Jealousy seems to be inseparable from you.”
Yiyan didn’t defend himself. Across the chessboard, he grabbed Liang Feng’s hand, “That’s because my Lord is different from others.”
Actually, the one who is different from others is you. Looking at those passionate eyes, a faint smile appeared on Liang Feng’s lips, “If men could bear children, would you want to?”
“I would beg for it!” Yiyan answered swiftly, without hesitation.
Liang Feng chuckled, “Then let me give it a try…”
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the modern era. Even his childhood friends could have two children, but the two of them couldn’t. However, for Liang Feng, this small issue didn’t really matter. After all, isn’t having a son stronger than having a grandson? On this matter, hasn’t he won again?
※
“It’s me who wronged Shun Niang…” After leaving Shiqian Palace, Liang Rong couldn’t help but stop and whisper.
“Why does Your Highness say that?” Zhang Wan smiled, grabbing her husband’s hand, “Being able to enter the palace and serve Your Highness is already the greatest blessing for me. Moreover, we still have the eldest son and the second son in my womb. I just hope Your Highness can live more comfortably.”
Gently patting her slightly bulging belly, Liang Rong sighed. Compared to his father, he was indeed more fortunate. Shun Niang’s deep affection must not be let down.
Seeing the expression on Liang Rong’s face, Zhang Wan gently pinched his palm, “It’s still early, will Your Highness accompany me back?”
“The East Palace is far away…” Liang Rong hesitated.
However, Zhang Wan smiled, “The imperial physician advised that daily exercise is essential for the health of the child in my womb. Moreover, with Your Highness by my side, how can it be far?”
These words were filled with deep affection, just like her warm gaze. Liang Rong also smiled, holding his wife’s hand. The two walked side by side towards the East Palace.
Author’s note:
The previous chapter had some issues. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Yellow River was in a stable period, far from flooding. I made some adjustments, focusing on improving the Fenshui River in their hometown first.
