The Crown Prince’s Consort naturally did not believe a word of this.
But what could she do if she didn’t believe it?
Her son was grown, long capable of standing on his own, and he had strong convictions to match. Whenever he chose not to speak of something, no matter how tightly one pressed him, he would not add a single word more.
The Crown Prince’s Consort turned it over for a moment, then ventured carefully, “Are you still thinking about Ling Jingshu?”
The moment those three characters — Ling Jingshu — reached his ears, a flash of anguish crossed the Crown Grandson’s eyes, and just as quickly vanished, leaving behind an expression of perfect blankness. “Mother Consort worries too much. I know my own station, and I know what I ought to do. I will not place all my thoughts on matters of sentiment.”
Good — that is exactly the right way to think.
The Crown Prince’s Consort exhaled with relief and said gently, “A’Yao, it is better that you think this way. Born into the imperial family, and Crown Grandson of the Great Zhou — you were born with a rank more noble than most, and the duties and responsibilities you must shoulder far exceed those of others. You cannot afford to act willfully or impulsively…”
Yes.
He was the Crown Grandson of Great Zhou. He needed to direct all his energy toward affairs of state. He had to contend with the ambitious Prince Yan and his mother. He had to assist his royal father in ascending the throne and achieving a legacy for the ages…
A man like him — what right did he have to act willfully? What claim did he have to disregard everything else?
To gain some things, one must always give up others.
Nothing in this world comes without a cost. No one could have everything they wished for.
Even he, for all his lofty station, was no exception.
The Crown Grandson listened in silence as the Crown Prince’s Consort spoke on, a wave of quiet bitterness washing through his heart.
“…On another note — Prince Yan’s match has been settled. In a few days at most, the imperial decree of betrothal will be issued from within the palace. I’ve heard the wedding date has been set as well — the end of the year.” The Crown Prince’s Consort shifted to a different subject, and could not resist a cold scoff at her last words. “Empress Xu has quite the calculation — she deliberately chose this match for Prince Yan.”
The Crown Grandson set aside the tangled turmoil in his heart and said evenly, “Their mother and son’s intentions — aside from the Imperial Grandfather, who remains in the dark, the rest of the court and public alike can see them plainly. Handpicking this particular Princess Yan’s bride — that, too, is a well-laid scheme.”
Marital alliances had always been the most effective means of binding important court ministers to one’s cause.
The moment the second daughter of Duke Pingguo’s household stepped into Prince Yan’s residence as his wife, the entire house of Duke Pingguo would have no choice but to be lashed to Prince Yan’s ship — to rise and fall together with him.
The Crown Prince’s Consort’s expression also turned grave. She said through gritted teeth, “Whatever the case, your marriage cannot be allowed to fall behind Prince Yan’s.”
This was not merely a matter of pride. It bore directly on where the loyalties of hearts and minds across the court and country would turn — between the Eastern Palace and Prince Yan’s household. It was not something to take lightly. From this point of view, Ling Jingshu was utterly without the qualifications to become the Crown Grandson’s Consort.
The Crown Grandson heard the meaning beneath the Crown Prince’s Consort’s words. The bitterness in his heart nearly swallowed him whole.
Even so, his reason managed to hold his inner turmoil in check. He said slowly, “Mother Consort is right. I have long delayed in selecting a consort and settling my marriage. It is, indeed, no longer appropriate to wait. Once the palace issues the decree of betrothal for Prince Yan, please, Mother Consort, see to the arrangements for my own marriage.”
That was exactly what the Crown Prince’s Consort had been hoping to hear.
Her eyes brightened, and she nodded with an unguarded smile. “Very well — leave these matters to me. I will certainly find you the most suitable and accomplished wife.”
The Crown Grandson curled the corners of his lips, but no warmth reached his eyes.
The Crown Prince’s Consort continued with enthusiasm. “I’ll let you know — your royal father and I have already discussed the candidates. While the capital has no shortage of young women from prominent families, those whose background is truly distinguished and who possess both the looks and the character worthy of you are, in truth, not many. Su Ying is my own niece, and your cousin on my side — gentle and refined by nature. Then there is Jiang Rongyue, who has grown up alongside you since childhood — lively and charming, with an even more exceptional family background. Your primary consort will be chosen from one of these two. This is your lifelong matter — it must be someone you find agreeable. Speak your mind now: between these two, which one do you favor?”
The Crown Grandson frowned and said nothing.
Between the two of them, he bore no particular ill feeling toward either. Nor, of course, did he feel any special affection.
Since the goal was to select the most “suitable” Crown Grandson’s Consort, the natural choice would be the one with the stronger family background — the one who could best help consolidate the Eastern Palace’s influence…
“The cousin from the Jiang family, then.” The Crown Grandson spoke of his own marriage as though he were selecting a personal guard — with the same composed, unremarkable indifference.
The Crown Prince’s Consort’s smile faltered slightly, and her brow furrowed. “A’Yao. Su Ying is your actual blood cousin on my side. The Su family is a household of literary prestige and noble cultivation — why are you unwilling to choose Su Ying?”
From the Crown Prince’s Consort’s perspective, she naturally favored her own family’s niece.
The Crown Grandson looked up. “Did Mother Consort not just say that my marriage cannot fall behind Prince Yan’s? The Su family is a fine family, but they are still a household of civil and literary renown — with a good reputation among the civil officials. Duke Yingguo, however, commands military forces and holds great standing among the nobility and military commanders. To outshine Duke Pingguo’s household, marrying the legitimate daughter of Duke Yingguo’s house is, of course, the more suitable choice.”
The Crown Prince’s Consort was left without a word to say, yet could not deny that what the Crown Grandson said made perfect sense.
“If I recall correctly, Miss Jiang’s coming-of-age ceremony is in a few days. I will accompany Mother Consort to Duke Yingguo’s household to offer our congratulations.” The Crown Grandson added with the same quiet, measured tone.
The Crown Prince’s Consort finally came back to herself. With a complicated expression, she gave a nod of assent.
“I will leave these matters for Mother Consort and Royal Father to decide.” When the Crown Grandson finished speaking, he rose to his feet. “It is getting late. Please rest, Mother Consort. Your son takes his leave.”
After the Crown Grandson had gone, the Crown Prince’s Consort sat in her chair with a darkened expression for a long while before letting out a long sigh.
So be it.
Her own family mattered, but not as much as her son. Since he wished to marry the Jiang girl, then let it be as he wished.
---
Two days later, the palace issued a decree bestowing a marriage upon Prince Yan.
The news spread through the capital in less than half a day.
Ling Jingyan heard of it and felt a moment of wistful melancholy before quickly composing herself. She went to Ling Jingshu’s room. “A’Shu, I have a big piece of news to tell you. I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear it.”
Ling Jingshu smiled and asked, “Oh? What news?”
“The palace has issued a decree of betrothal for Prince Yan!” Ling Jingyan announced loudly. “The other party is the second daughter of Duke Pingguo’s household. I hear the wedding is to take place by the end of the year!”
Ling Jingshu’s response was remarkably subdued. “Oh, I see.”
Ling Jingyan was a little put out. “How can you be so indifferent? Prince Yan is going to be married — after this, he won’t come bothering you anymore.”
Ling Jingshu said lightly, “Have you forgotten my strange illness? Even if Prince Yan had not taken a wife, it would have had nothing to do with me.”
Ling Jingyan silently regretted her own slip of words.
Knowing perfectly well that Ling Jingshu suffered from this peculiar condition — that she was unable and unwilling to be close to any man — she had brought up such a topic. It was, without doubt, like pressing on a raw wound.
Ling Jingyan coughed, and swiftly changed the subject. “It’s so dull, being shut up in the residence every day. Tomorrow is the coming-of-age ceremony for Miss Jiang of Duke Yingguo’s household. The two of us will go with our eldest sister-in-law to offer our congratulations.”
Jiang Rongyue’s coming-of-age ceremony — Jiang Shi would certainly attend.
Ling Jingshu thought it over and smiled. “That sounds good. A chance to get out and clear my head.”
---