Chapter 42: I Want to Be the Crown Princess (2) Fifth Update

I had no idea when Jiang Xuan would speak of this matter to Jiang Yun. In truth, I would rather it remain unspoken.

On this day, Zhang Bitong asked Yun Qing and me to accompany her to Kunning Palace to pay respects to the Empress. Normally, we would return after our greetings, but today the Empress said, “Since all my sisters are here, I happen to have something for you to help me with. You all know that Lady Meng and I have been preparing for the selection of the Crown Princess. There are many candidates, and for the moment, we cannot decide. Today the weather is fair, and all the young ladies have come to the palace and are now playing in the Imperial Garden. If you have no pressing matters, why not accompany me there and help me take a look? Choosing the Crown Princess is a matter of great consequence, and I must act with the utmost care.”

Jiang Ziqian rose and said, “Your Majesty works so tirelessly to administer the Six Palaces—if we can relieve you of some burden, it is our duty.”

The other consorts nodded in agreement.

But Zhang Bitong looked displeased. She rose, clearly intending to excuse herself with some pretext, but before she could speak, the Empress interrupted, “Consort Tong, you must come. Among my sisters, you are one of the most respected. With your oversight in this matter, I will be much more at ease.”

The Empress thus raised Zhang Bitong to a position of prominence, making it impossible for her to refuse. She managed a strained smile, saying, “Your Majesty flatters me. If I can share your worries, it is only right—just as my sisters do.”

“That’s settled, then. Let us go to the Imperial Garden. Ming He, go ahead and announce our arrival. Make sure the girls are presentable and don’t make a spectacle of themselves before the consorts.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Ming He went ahead, and with the Empress leading, we consorts followed toward the Imperial Garden.

Before we even arrived, peals of laughter, bright as bronze bells, reached us—so lively and spirited that even this wintry day seemed to warm with spring’s breath.

“The Empress arrives!” called out a eunuch in a clear voice.

At once, the girls who had been playing ahead were startled, like rabbits, and quickly knelt, “Your subject greets Her Majesty the Empress and the honored consorts.”

Seats had already been arranged for the consorts. The Empress sat first, then the others in turn.

She did not immediately bid the girls rise but asked Ming He, “Did I not instruct you? Why is it still so noisy when I approach?”

Ming He bowed, “These ladies are visiting the Imperial Garden for the first time; it’s only natural they’re excited. I tried to persuade them, but to no avail.”

“It is only natural for young women to be lively, Your Majesty need not blame them,” said Liu Yunmeng gently.

The Empress replied, “Since you all think it is nothing, I shall not punish them. Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Six young girls, all about fifteen or sixteen, stood up, each of them beautiful and radiant.

At that moment, one of the girls ran up to the Empress and said coquettishly, “Aunt, Mu’e has missed you dearly.”

“How is your brother these days? You are becoming more and more unruly—don’t forget the other consorts are present.”

With this address, it became clear the girl was the daughter of the Empress’s brother, Gong Xiang—Gong Muwe. She wore a pale rose gauze blouse; her jet-black hair was styled in a bun adorned with a pearl hairpin from which tassels hung, swaying as she spoke. Her face was fair and delicate, her skin soft and smooth, her brows long and graceful, her eyes bright as stars.

It was obvious that much care had been taken with her attire and ornaments, all with the aim of making her the perfect choice for Crown Princess.

“Where is my cousin, the Crown Prince? Why is he not here?” Gong Muwe glanced around.

“You will see the Crown Prince soon enough; don’t be impatient. Go and stand with the others so the consorts may have a look at you.”

Gong Muwe obediently joined the other girls.

“I think Miss Mu’e is truly lively and beautiful—the Crown Prince will surely be pleased. Raised by Gong Xiang, she is certainly learned and well-mannered, and will make a worthy helpmate to the Crown Prince. Your Majesty is truly blessed to have such a daughter-in-law,” Jiang Ziqian said first.

Several other consorts immediately echoed her praise.

If the Empress were to choose the Crown Princess, it would surely be someone from the Gong family. When the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the harem’s power would remain in Gong hands. The other girls were only foils; unless one of consequence objected, the choice would certainly fall on Gong Muwe.

“Sister Qian, your words are not entirely fair,” Zhang Bitong remarked languidly. “The Emperor’s selection of a Crown Princess is, in effect, choosing a future Empress for Jin. Such a matter cannot be treated lightly. Though Gong Muwe is outstanding, Her Majesty is seeking the best among ten thousand. Even when buying something, one must compare three shops. With all these girls present, why settle on Gong Muwe? It is not fair to the others, nor does it seem thorough. Don’t you agree, Sister Meng?”

Zhang Bitong turned slightly to Liu Yunmeng.

Liu Yunmeng nodded. “Sister Tong is right. I am helping Her Majesty with this matter and dare not be careless. Even if we approve, the Emperor and Empress Dowager must also consent. You may rest assured.”

“Lady Meng speaks truly. I am choosing the Crown Princess for the heir, and would not be careless. But, Consort Tong, in the selection of the worthy, one does not avoid kin. Mu’e is exceptional in every regard, as all can see. But do not say I am biased—if, among these girls, the Crown Prince, the Emperor, or the Empress Dowager favors another more suitable, I will gladly accept it.”

Zhang Bitong only smiled, saying nothing further.

Suddenly, Shui Yunqiu, seated nearby, began to retch.

“What ails you, Noble Lady Yun?” asked the Empress.

Shui Yunqiu tried to speak but started retching again.

Liu Yunmeng rose and said, “I have studied medicine for a few years; may I take a look?”

“Thank you, Sister,” Shui Yunqiu replied.

Liu Yunmeng took her pulse, and after a moment said, “If I am not mistaken, you are with child. But to be sure, let the imperial physician examine you.”

Shui Yunqiu was so moved she nearly wept. “Is it true, Sister?”

“I am eighty percent certain. Go and rest in your palace and summon the physician at once.”

Shui Yunqiu was at a loss for words, her excitement overwhelming her. The Empress said, “This is wonderful news! It has been some time since a prince or princess was born in the harem. His Majesty will be delighted. Noble Lady Yun, return to Zhongcui Palace. Ming He, summon the imperial physician. If she is indeed with child, go and report it immediately to His Majesty.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Yan’er, let us return.”

“Yes, Your Grace, take care.”

Yan’er carefully supported Shui Yunqiu as they left. Among the consorts present, only Liu Yunmeng seemed genuinely pleased; the rest concealed their thoughts. As for the Empress, her expression remained dignified as befit the mistress of the Six Palaces, betraying nothing of her feelings.

“Mother!” At that moment, a childish voice called out. It was Princess Xihe, skipping over in a goose-yellow jacket.

“Xihe, slow down,” said the Crown Prince Jiang Yun, who held her hand. Behind him followed Jiang Ye, Jiang Chen, and Jiang Xuan.

Unexpectedly, all four princes had arrived together.

“Have you been running off to play with your brothers again? They have much to do—don't always disturb them,” Liu Yunmeng chided gently, dabbing Xihe's brow with a handkerchief.

“My brothers were practicing archery at the range, so I went to learn too. Someday, I’ll go to war like Father and win glory!” The childish declaration made everyone present laugh.

“Xihe will be a great heroine, outshining all her brothers,” Jiang Yun replied with a smile.

“Cousin Crown Prince!” At the sight of Jiang Yun, Gong Muwe immediately skipped forward, tilting her head and calling out sweetly.

“And you are?” Jiang Yun looked confused.

“Cousin, have you forgotten me? You used to visit my home!” she pouted.

“Mu’e? Ah, now I remember! You’ve grown so much, I hardly recognized you,” Jiang Yun laughed.

“Girls change as they grow—haven’t I become prettier?”

“You certainly have.”

Gong Muwe beamed at his words.

“Yun’er, are you tired from riding and archery today?”

“Not at all, Mother. I was escorting Xihe to Lady Meng, heard she was in the Imperial Garden, and so came with my brothers. I did not expect to find you here. If you have matters to attend to, we will take our leave.”

“Since you are here, why rush away?” Zhang Bitong interjected. “This matter concerns you. Now that all the princes are present, you might as well help make a choice.”

Jiang Yun was puzzled. “May I ask what matter this is, Lady Tong?”

Concealing a smile behind her hand, Zhang Bitong said, “Your Highness, are you so forgetful? The great matter these days is choosing your Crown Princess! Come, take a look—these young ladies have us all dazzled. See if any catch your fancy.”

Jiang Yun blushed slightly. “Mother and the consorts may decide as you see fit; I have no objections.”

Jiang Ye stepped forward, “Third Brother, that isn’t right. Choosing your Crown Princess means choosing your wife. You should have a say. The rest of us aren’t so lucky yet, right, Sixth Brother?”

“We’re still young; there’s no hurry for us. Third Brother should choose first,” Jiang Chen replied.

“You’re not that young anymore,” the Empress said. “If any of you take a liking to someone, once the Crown Prince’s matter is decided, I will arrange matches for you. It’s time you all married.”

Jiang Yun said, “Why don't you choose with me? There are six ladies here.”

“Cousin Crown Prince!” Gong Muwe immediately protested. “I came to be your Crown Princess—how can you let them choose?”

“Crown Princess, you? Mu’e, don’t be ridiculous. You are my cousin.”

“Only by blood! Why can’t I be your Crown Princess? Aunt, look—he’s bullying me.”

“Mu’e, enough of this,” the Empress rebuked, then turned to Jiang Yun. “Is there anyone here you favor? Remember, it’s not just about looks; character and propriety matter even more.”

Jiang Yun glanced over the girls, then asked, “Mother, must I choose only from these?”

“These are the candidates your mother and Lady Meng carefully selected. The Crown Princess will be one of them,” the Empress replied.

“Aunt, what is there to choose? The others can’t possibly—”

“Mu’e, mind your manners,” the Empress cut her off, lest she say something improper out of petulance.

Jiang Yun looked at the group again. Deliberately avoiding Gong Muwe, he suddenly pointed at another girl and said, “Then I choose her.”