Chapter 1047: Raising the Princesses

Xia Ruqing’s palanquin left the Rewarding Spring Pavilion.

The quietness followed her.

She looked up at the bright sunlight and...the gentle spring light caressing her face, and smiled contentedly.

Such a feeling of satisfaction without lifting a finger is truly wonderful!

Especially when the Emperor handed down that slap, it was immensely gratifying.

Not just for Yellow Bean, but also for the Third Princess.

Even if it was a stranger, she couldn’t bring herself to lay a hand on a seven or eight-year-old girl.

How could a daughter raised by her side not be dear?

That was a dog bite, after all.

Beyond health reasons, scars in ancient times were tied to a woman’s virtue.

A girl bearing scars before marriage was a matter nearly as grave as losing her chastity.

The likes of Shih Wanxin certainly deserved divine retribution!

Anyway, no matter how you spin it.

She got what she deserved, not an ounce of sympathy is warranted.

Seeing evil brought to justice is very satisfying!

Xia Ruqing, sitting in the palanquin, delightedly admired the springtime scenery.

"Madam, are we heading back to the palace?" Zi Yue asked.

Xia Ruqing considered for a moment.

"Let’s not go back just yet, it’s rare to come out, let’s have a good stroll!"

"Let’s take the road along Taiye Pool and enjoy the shimmering lake with lush willows!"

"Ah!"

Zi Su cheerfully responded.

Just as they were about to set off, they heard someone greeting them from behind.

"Greetings, Empress!"

Xia Ruqing turned towards the voice and saw that it was Consort Yun and Consort Zheng.

She smiled.

"Oh, it’s you two!"

"Stand up!"

The two thanked her with smiles and stood up.

Xia Ruqing assumed they had met by chance and intended to move on.

But they followed along, looking like they had something to say but hesitated.

She was a bit perplexed.

Could it be that they had some issue?

Looking around, Xia Ruqing ordered them to stop at a pavilion by Taiye Pool.

After sitting down, she got straight to the point and asked.

"You follow me, is there something you need?"

Consort Yun and Consort Zheng exchanged glances, then both knelt down.

"Empress!"

"To be honest, we have a request and hope you can grant it!"

"Oh?"

"What is it?"

Xia Ruqing suddenly became interested.

Consort Yun, unable to hold back, spoke directly.

"Empress, we wish to adopt the Third Princess!"

Xia Ruqing was a bit shocked.

"Why?"

After all, she is of the Shih Family’s blood, and the Empress Dowager is still around.

There’s no telling what issues might arise in the future.

Besides, the Third Princess is not favored; she wouldn’t bring them much of the Emperor’s attention.

Whichever way you look at it, it seems unwise.

The harem usually tries to avoid trouble, who would take it on themselves?

Consort Yun did not beat around the bush and got straight to the point.

"To be honest, Empress!"

"My maiden family previously depended on the Shih Family!"

"Although we were restrained, we were protected as well!"

"Now the Shih Family is practically gone, and the Third Princess has fallen to such a state!"

"I consider this repaying their kindness!"

Consort Zheng smiled as well.

"Exactly!"

"Besides, we have the time!"

"Taking care of the princess to alleviate your worries is naturally our duty!"

Inwardly, Xia Ruqing marveled:

See, being the Empress comes with so many perks.

No matter if they liked or disliked you before, they all come with their most sincere attitudes to curry favor!

Thinking this way.

All the hard work over the years seems worth it!

She then smiled and said.

"It’s good that you have this intention!"

"But this matter concerns lineage!"

"I still need to discuss it with His Majesty! You may rise!"

Consort Yun and Consort Zheng looked delighted.

"Thank you, Empress!"

Seems like this matter is likely settled!

Since the Empress agrees, how could the Emperor disagree?

Seeing their happy expressions, Xia Ruqing also smiled.

She invited them to enjoy a cup of tea, exchanged a few casual words, and then they went their separate ways.

...

Back at Duanning Palace.

After an afternoon nap, when Zhao Junyao came for dinner in the evening.

Xia Ruqing casually brought up this matter.

Zhao Junyao furrowed his brows and pondered for a long time before nodding thoughtfully.

"The idea is not bad, Yijing is getting older, and someone needs to take care of her!"

"Although Consort Yun isn’t too clever, she has become honest after suffering a few setbacks!"

"Consort Zheng is somewhat average, a bit conceited, but fundamentally decent!"

"In any case, they are indeed qualified choices!"

Only just qualified.

When it comes to teaching daughters, besides Qingqing, Consort Hui undoubtedly ranks first.

Even Consort Cheng can’t compare.

But as Consort Hui already has a daughter and manages the harem’s affairs, there’s no need to trouble her further.

Zhao Junyao thought for a moment and added.

"In that case, let the Eldest Princess move over as well!"

"Yiming is already fourteen and needs guidance! Consort Hui can’t manage everything!"

"Both princesses, they can take care of one each!"

Xia Ruqing’s eyes lit up.

"That’s a good idea!"

"Your Majesty, you truly are a good father!"

Zhao Junyao, feeling a bit exhausted, slumped on the couch.

"Not really!"

Thinking of his youngest daughter’s tearful eyes still pained him.

Yue Er cried so heartbreakingly for the first time.

Alas!

There’s nothing more to be done now.

Xia Ruqing snuggled next to Zhao Junyao, seeing his melancholy expression, she couldn’t help but tease him.

"Your Majesty, just imagine, in different clothes you’d look like a romantic scholar!"

Zhao Junyao gave her a mischievous glance.

"If I were a romantic scholar, you’d be the prime minister’s beautiful daughter!"

The tragic love between a poor scholar and a minister’s daughter—countless dramas have played it to overuse.

Xia Ruqing gamely went along.

Imitating the opera scenes of Cui Yingying and Zhang Sheng, she dramatically ’cried’ with a flourish of her sleeve.

"Oh!"

"Dear lord, for my sake, you must become a top scholar!"

"If you return in glory, my father surely will agree to our marriage!"

Having said that, she pretended to weep behind her hands.

Zhao Junyao instantly took up the role.

"My lady, rest assured, though parted by time and place, you must wait for me to return in triumph!"

"When the time comes, I will marry you with full ceremonies!"

Xia Ruqing giggled gleefully.

"In grand style!"

"Hahaha!"

Zhao Junyao also pulled her to the bed, tumbling together.

"Qingqing, now you are my wife, and I haven’t made you shine yet!"

"Shall we... enjoy a bridal night once more?"

Xia Ruqing hurriedly dodged.

"No, no, no, Your Majesty, I am already plenty delighted!"

The two teased and played.

After a while, both tired out, they washed up and went to sleep.

...

The next day

Lady Shih had already moved to Ningshou Palace to reside.

The Third Princess was also taken in by Consort Yun and Consort Zheng.

The Emperor’s edict ordered them to raise even the Eldest Princess together.

Though a bit reluctant, they couldn’t defy the decree.

Thus, the Eldest Princess and Third Princess settled into their residence on the same day.

Consort Yun and Consort Zheng were quite pleased, as it indeed counted as a joyous occasion.