Chapter 24 The Crown Prince's Official Wife Arrives

  It's unknown whether Qing Sang's words were effective, but three days after Ge Yun'er arrived, the news that the Seventh Prince Tong had regained his title as King Qing and would marry the daughter of the Minister of Rites, Ge Yun'er, on the fifteenth of next month indeed spread.

  "Ge Yun'er finally got what she wanted." Qing Sang, who usually seemed calm and peaceful, felt a sharp pain in her heart upon hearing the news.

  Xue Pen heard this and knew that Qing Sang's heart was bitter, but didn't know how to comfort her. Just then, Pu Jiayear entered the courtyard.

  Xue Pen hurriedly went to fetch a goose feather soft cushion and placed it on the stone bench, and immediately served a cup of hot tea.

  Pu Ji Nian sat down, picked up the handkerchief embroidered with half of the green mulberry pattern on the stone table, looked at it and said: "Sang Niang, forget some things, don't torment yourself." The unfinished lotus flower on the handkerchief made him recall the lotus flower earrings that Tong had dropped to the ground, worrying that Qing Sang still had lingering feelings for Tong.

  Qingsang looked at the half-embroidered diamond 'flower' and smiled lightly: "Father is being overly cautious, daughter just likes it."

  Pu Jiannian took a sip of hot tea and said, "I didn't know you liked this 'flower'. It's extremely rare to find people cultivating it in the capital. I wonder where my daughter learned about this 'flower'?"

  Qing Sang was taken aback, her eyes rolled over, and she said with a smile: "The lotus flower falls and then blooms again, the mulberry girl has finished raising new silkworms. Sang Er felt that the words were beautiful, and also had the character 'Sang' in her name, so she had a liking for Lian Hua. On the day of Jia Ren Gong Zhu's full moon, Sang Er was fortunate enough to attend, and unexpectedly saw a pool full of lotus flowers in the general's mansion backyard. The bright yellow color was elegant and bright, and Sang Er liked it at first sight, which is why she had a special affection for this flower."

  Pu Jiannian smiled slightly, knowing that this 'girl' was clever. Even if she liked the 'flower' because of the Seventh Prince's sake, she would not reveal anything. Since that was the case, he did not want to mention her painful past again and changed the subject: "Today after court, Marshal He asked whether Father is free tomorrow and invited Father to visit his residence for a chat. He also mentioned bringing you along, saying that Princess Jiarong treats you like an old friend and often thinks of you."

  Qing Sang nodded in agreement. She thought to herself that this must be Crown Prince Tong Hao's little trick. The crown prince was cautious and sought stability in all things, so using his sister, Princess Jia Ren, as a cover for their meeting was the most secure way. Although she wasn't too willing, the crown prince would soon be her husband, and if she didn't go, it would only make her father worry.

  Pu Jiannian was delighted to see that his daughter had agreed so readily, and he went on to say: "Father has another happy event to share with you. This matter hasn't been discussed with your mother yet, but I'll tell you first."

  Qing Sang looked at her father with curiosity and smiled, "What's the good news? Is it that Jing Yu has made progress in his studies or achieved success in his martial arts training?" Jia Bao was no longer allowed to be called by his childhood name now that he was growing older and had a stronger sense of self-respect.

  At present, as Qing Sang thought, the joyful event that could be related to her mother should be Jing Yu.

  Pu Jiannian smiled and said, "I heard that you and the teacher have been praising Qiang Yu recently. Yesterday, I asked him some small questions, and he answered them wonderfully. He has indeed made great progress. However, what I want to tell you is not this good news." After finishing speaking, he just drank tea and didn't continue.

  Qingsang saw her father selling off Guanzi and couldn't help but pout, saying: "Father, are you trying to make your daughter lose her appetite and sleep poorly?"

  Pu Ji Nian burst out laughing and said: "How could your father bear to part with you? A few days ago, I discussed with the ancestors to choose an auspicious day to make your mother a legitimate wife."

  "Really?" Qing Sang's face lit up with joy, "Such good news, Father should hurry and tell Mother."

  Pu Jinye smiled and nodded. He told Qing Sang first because he knew she would be happy. Since the news of the Seventh Prince's restoration of his title and his upcoming marriage to Miss Ge came out, Pu Jinye had been worried. After returning home and seeing that Qing Sang was indeed anxious, he thought of telling her some good news to lift her spirits.

  Qing Sang urged her father to hurry up and tell her mother in person, and Pu Jiayear was "pushed and pulled" out of the yard by her.

  "You child! Your heart is so anxious." Pu Jinyan chuckled and smiled, looking at Qing Sang with extreme doting.

  "Father, hurry up!" Qing Sang stamped her foot and said with a pout.

  Pu Ji Nian was about to leave, but he didn't forget to remind Dao Tian that the weather was cold and gloomy, telling Qing Sang not to sit in the courtyard for too long and to go back to her room early.

  Qing Sang hastily agreed.

  After Pu Jinyan left, Xuepan saw the young lady's smiling face and was also delighted. She said crisply: "Young lady, this is a great joyous occasion! Are you going to offer congratulations?"

  Qing Sang smiled slightly and said, "Mother has gone with Father, they have their own things to discuss, I won't join in the excitement. Mother has suffered for so many years, but finally, her hardships have come to an end. It's just a pity about Third Aunt."

  Xue Yan comforted her: "Miss, don't worry about this. Master is always thorough and must have discussed it with Third Madam."

  Qing Sang sneered and said: "You little girl, you're getting bolder and bolder, daring to comment on the master of the house. However, you do have some insight."

  "It's all because I often follow Miss, that's why I have such a broad vision." Xue Pan flattered.

  "You're quite sweet-tongued." Qing Sang smiled and said. The two master and servant chatted for a few more sentences before returning to the house.

  From now on, the Pu family finally has a happy event, and everything will slowly get better, right? Qing Sang thought to herself as she looked at the half-embroidered diamond-shaped handkerchief.

  After noon, Qing Sang went to Zheng's house to visit. Zheng's mentality was calm and self-aware of her own humble nature, knowing it would be difficult for her to become the main wife. She had a decent relationship with Wang Shi, and since Master Wang hadn't taken another concubine from a wealthy family, she felt at ease. After all, not every woman from a prestigious family was as kind-hearted as Liu Shi; if one were to come who was particularly formidable, it would be more advantageous to promote Wang Shi instead.

  Qing Sang was also moved by his father's decision not to take another wife of higher social status. Perhaps it was Shu Wan's affair that had chilled his heart, but he must have spent some effort persuading the stubborn and unyielding old grandmother who only wanted to glorify the family name.

  Thinking of this, Qing Sang had even more respect for Pu Jiannian.

  On the second day, the weather was exceptionally good, and Pu Jiayear took Qing Sang to set off for Jiangjun Fu.

  After entering the 'door', they paid their respects to the princess and the prince consort, and then took their seats. The crown prince was not seen in the mansion, but rather it was General He Yan who seemed somewhat unusual today. Just as he entered the 'door' earlier, Qing Sang's expression seemed to be one of disappointment. This made Qing Sang very curious - why would he have such an expression?

  The four of them chatted for a while before the princess took Qing Sang's hand and said they were going inside to discuss some personal matters between women.

  Qing Sang smiled and followed, but in her heart, it was like a clear mirror, fearing that the Crown Prince was waiting for her behind.

  Inside the house was indeed someone waiting, but it wasn't the prince, surprisingly it was the empress.

  "The slave pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress, may Her Majesty be forever safe and prosperous." Qing Sang hastily knelt down.

  "You still recognize me, get up." The empress ordered her to rise and gave her a seat.

  Qingsang sat down neatly and thought to himself: Of course I recognize her, I've seen her twice before! But is today's visit to the palace really the Empress's intention?

  The queen waved her hand and even Princess Jia Ren left with the others. The room was now empty except for her.

  At this time, Qing Sang was a bit nervous, after all, the one sitting in front of him was the real empress, not an actress from TV shows in his previous life. The noble aura made people dare not look straight at her.

  The queen saw her nervously twisting her hands and smiled: "You don't have to be so afraid, today I let Yan'er (that is, Princess Jiarui, named Bao Yan) invite you to the house, it's also to chat with family, you just need to tell the truth."

  "The slave girl should certainly know and say nothing."

  "Good," the Empress said, "On that day when you saw off Bei Men at the North Gate, your sisterly affection moved me deeply. However, the method was not quite proper and it's not right for you to be so reckless. You didn't consider the reputation of the Pu family, nor did you think about the reputation of the Crown Prince."

  Qing Sang slightly furrowed her brow. The Empress's words sounded like she was scolding her for the incident at the North Gate that day, but it seemed there was more to it. Was it because she had seen Tong and her intimate behavior that day? There were many people from the imperial family and guards on duty at the North Gate that day, how could they not have seen anything in broad daylight? She was probably just deceiving herself into thinking that everyone had turned around and left without seeing anything.

  The queen saw the faintly visible look of fear on Qing Sang's small face, and knew that she had already guessed the meaning behind her words. She then continued to say: "You have always been clever, you should know what I am referring to! Among the three virtues of a woman, the first is 'wifely virtue'. Being chaste and quiet, guarding one's chastity with integrity, having shame in one's actions, and having rules for movement and stillness, this is called 'wifely virtue'."

  At this time, Qing Sang had already fully understood that the Empress was warning her about her relationship with Tong'er, and hastily knelt down to plead for forgiveness.

  The queen told her to get up and said: "I've said it before, you don't have to be so nervous and afraid. Today I just want to chat with you casually, so sit down."

  Qing Sang couldn't quite grasp what kind of "medicine" the empress was selling, but still obediently sat down again.

  The Empress continued: "Hao'er's good intentions towards you, I have already understood, and therefore specially reported to the Emperor to fulfill your wishes as soon as possible. Who knew that recently the national affairs were busy, and also busy with the preparations for the celebration of the King's wedding, so the Emperor wanted to wait a few more days. Moreover, the Crown Prince is not young anymore, I and the Emperor both have the intention to establish him as the Crown Prince's consort. It would be good if you and the Crown Prince's consort could enter the palace at the same time, which would also elevate your status."

  Qing Sang sighed in her heart, after all, she had to share a husband with others.

  The Empress continued: "However, Xiao Er is deeply infatuated with you and does not want you to suffer any injustice. He even told me that he intends to make you his official wife, but since your status is lower, he will first take you as a concubine as a temporary measure. After you give birth to a child, he will promote your position, so he does not want to marry another woman as his official wife."

  Qing Sang was shocked and looked at the empress with suspicion.

  The empress didn't mind, and continued to say: "I know you are clever and virtuous, and Duke Pei is a high-ranking official in the court. If you were indeed Duke Pei's legitimate daughter, it would also be suitable for you to hold the position of Crown Princess. However..."

  Qingsang saw the empress 'wanted' to speak but stopped, and hastily said: "I dare not have any unseemly thoughts."

  The queen chuckled twice, and the "yin" hidden in that chuckle made Qing Sang shiver with a chill.

  "The Empress said, 'I have summoned you to the palace today just to let you know that I will not tolerate any such unseemly thoughts.'"

  Qing Sang puzzled and couldn't understand.

  "The Empress and Duke Pu discussed, to legitimize your birth mother, adopt you under the late Madame Liu's name, making you Madame Liu's legitimate granddaughter. And intend to let you pay respects to General He Xiong as your adopted grandfather, then ask General He Xiong and Duke Liu to recommend you as the Crown Prince's consort." The Empress' words shocked Qing Sang so much that she almost slid off her chair.

  "Slave, slave..." Even Qing Sang, who was normally eloquent, was somewhat flustered at this moment.

  "After the imperial decree is issued, you will be the legitimate crown princess. You must devote yourself to serving the crown prince wholeheartedly and not disappoint me and the emperor's good intentions." The empress finished speaking, instructing her not to tell anyone about today's events, and without waiting for her to say anything else, she waved her hand and let her withdraw.

  Qing Sang still had some doubts, but one thing was clear: her grandmother would agree to her father making her mother a proper wife only if he had told her the Empress's intentions and used his position as Crown Prince to make it a condition of their agreement. How could her grandmother possibly disagree?

  I just don't understand why the empress would do such a thing, and actually try every means to elevate her status and make her the crown prince's consort. (It won't be long before Qing Sang finds out why the empress went to so much trouble to establish her as the crown prince's consort. Being an empress also has its own helplessness! Today, I saw a long review from Wu Luo Ru Meng and Ai Li Si Que Rong, and I'm very moved. Thanks also to all of you who have been supporting me, thank you! (*^_^*)