Emperor Jingming said he needed to think it over, and the Empress tactfully refrained from pressing further.
Moderation was key.
Though her words had been subtle, they had made her stance clear. The Emperor would surely understand.
Saying more would mean spelling things out explicitly, which wasn’t wise while the Emperor was still undecided.
The Empress decided to wait and see.
For such a major matter as adopting a son, the Emperor would surely consult her once he made a decision. If he chose Prince Yan, it would be ideal. If it was Prince Xiang… well, she’d have to voice her objection at that point, come what may.
This time, it was the Empress who left Yangxin Hall, her heart filled with indescribable anxiety.
Emperor Jingming stood up and paced around the hall twice.
Pan Hai stood quietly in the corner, keeping a low profile.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Emperor Jingming spoke, “Pan Hai, accompany me for a walk outside.”
Pan Hai responded and hurriedly followed.
The sunlight outside the hall was pleasant, but it did little to lighten the old emperor’s mood.
Emperor Jingming unconsciously walked to the depths of the inner palace, where he encountered Princess Fuqing and the Fourteenth Princess coming out of Cining Palace.
“Greetings, Imperial Father,” the two princesses saluted Emperor Jingming together.
Emperor Jingming said gently, “Rise, both of you.”
He gazed at his two daughters with kind eyes.
It had been only a few days since the Lantern Festival, yet both Princess Fuqing and the Fourteenth Princess had visibly lost weight.
Unlike previous encounters where his beloved daughter had appeared bare-faced, Emperor Jingming could barely discern, with his decades of pitiful experience, that Princess Fuqing had applied some makeup today.
The use of cosmetics was clearly to conceal her haggard appearance.
Emperor Jingming couldn’t help but feel a pang of distress.
This daughter of his had truly suffered too much misfortune. Though she was supposed to be a cherished pearl in his palm, she had repeatedly fallen victim to schemes.
This was his failure, both as an emperor and as a father.
Emperor Jingming’s silence made the Fourteenth Princess uneasy, but being habitually cautious, she dared not say much.
Princess Fuqing, however, mustered her spirits and showed a light-hearted smile. “Father, are you out for a walk? Would you like your daughter to accompany you?”
Emperor Jingming felt even more guilty.
This child, Fuqing, though scared and worried, didn’t let it show to avoid worrying her elders.
With such a disposition, if there was no one to protect her— Emperor Jingming couldn’t help but recall the Empress’s words.
Unconsciously shaking his head, Emperor Jingming smiled and said, “No need. You two should go back and rest.”
Princess Fuqing and the Fourteenth Princess exchanged a glance, then curtsied slightly. “We’ll take our leave, Father.”
Watching his two daughters walk away, Emperor Jingming let out an inaudible sigh and withdrew his gaze, no longer in the mood for aimless wandering.
Returning to Yangxin Hall, the warm air that greeted him made Emperor Jingming somewhat uncomfortable.
They should remove the floor heating and braziers; it’s so hot it’s irritating.
Sitting down heavily, he drank a cup of hot tea brought by Pan Hai. Suddenly, Emperor Jingming spoke, “Pan Hai—”
“Your servant is here.”
Emperor Jingming looked at him, seemingly casual: “What do you think is best between mother and son?”
“Huh?” Pan Hai’s face went blank.
The Emperor’s unusual behavior these past two days had not escaped Pan Hai’s notice, making him want to keep a low profile.
Emperor Jingming’s expression turned serious. “Speak your mind.”
Such a significant matter—surely he wouldn’t make a decision based on a few words from a eunuch? Not, but it didn’t hurt to listen.
Pan Hai inwardly groaned, but he dared not ignore the Emperor’s question. After careful consideration, he said, “Your servant hasn’t read many books and doesn’t understand much philosophy. I can only speak nonsense—”
Emperor Jingming glanced at him, thinking these were just empty words, and said impatiently, “Speak.”
“I can only think of a mother’s kindness and a son’s filial piety.”
Emperor Jingming waited, but seeing Pan Hai say no more, he raised an eyebrow. “That’s all?”
Pan Hai gave a simple smile. “That’s all.”
Emperor Jingming’s gaze lowered, sweeping over a certain sensitive area of the old eunuch’s body.
Pan Hai immediately felt the Emperor’s deep malice.
He had only kept his answer brief, did the Emperor have to react like this…
For the mighty Son of Heaven to mock an old eunuch in such a silent manner—how could he be so heartless!
At that moment, Pan Gong, the head of the Eastern Depot, felt a strong urge to wipe away tears with his sleeve.
Having silently chastised his old confidant, Emperor Jingming waved his hand. “You may withdraw. I wish to be alone.”