Chapter 114:

The Empress Dowager naturally knew everything that had happened in the past couple of days. However, since the Emperor had indicated he would handle matters himself, she chose not to interfere. Still, she looked at Yan Jia, who sat there blankly.

The Empress Dowager tugged at Yan Yu beside her.

Yan Yu furrowed his brows, somewhat unwilling, but under the Empress Dowager’s gaze, he obediently walked over.

“Jia’er, let’s go to the study together later,” Yan Yu said gently.

Yan Jia looked up at his elder brother and then lowered his head again. “I want my mother.”

Yan Yu pressed his lips together.

“Staying with your grandmother isn’t so bad.”

But it wasn’t particularly good either, Yan Yu silently added in his heart.

“I want my mother,” Yan Jia repeated.

“Enough!” the Empress Dowager scolded.

Both Yan Yu and Yan Jia turned to look at her.

The Empress Dowager fixed her gaze on the two young boys. “If you don’t behave, then you won’t be allowed to see your mother ever again. Your mother made a mistake and must be punished. You’re still young and don’t understand, but you must remember this: in this palace, you cannot act on whims and desires.”

Her words were rather harsh.

Indeed, this was also her disappointment toward Virtuous Consort. For Jia’er’s sake, they had occasionally forgiven her mistakes. But everything has its limits. If she doesn’t understand where that line is, she must face the consequences.

Yan Jia pouted and started to sob.

Yan Yu, standing nearby, thought for a moment and then took his younger brother’s hand.

The two brothers had always been distant, rarely interacting. Even just now, if the Empress Dowager hadn’t spoken, Yan Yu wouldn’t have paid attention to Yan Jia at all.

Yet now he had taken the initiative to hold Yan Jia’s hand. The Empress Dowager’s eyes flickered with surprise.

Yan Jia was equally surprised.

“We’ll go to the study together later,” Yan Yu repeated the same sentence.

Perhaps frightened by the Empress Dowager’s stern words, Yan Jia, seeing Yan Yu’s relatively gentle expression, nodded.

Seeing the two children holding hands, the Empress Dowager’s expression softened slightly.

At that moment, a maid hurried into the room. “Your Majesty, Concubine Chun requests an audience.”

The Empress Dowager nodded. It was about time this girl came.

Thinking of Chen Yulan, who had deliberately plotted against others, the Empress Dowager felt a wave of disgust. Fortunately, the person had been dealt with. Such viciousness was truly a misfortune for the palace.

December entered and bowed gracefully. “Your Majesty, this concubine greets you.”

Seeing her fresh, natural appearance, the Empress Dowager nodded approvingly.

“Yue’er, come sit. How is your health?”

December smiled warmly at the Empress Dowager. “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. The imperial physician examined me last night and said there’s nothing serious.”

The Empress Dowager nodded and turned to give instructions. “The two princes will go to the study later. Go to their chambers and help them change clothes, then send them over.”

Several maids bowed slightly and led the two young boys out.

December glanced at them. Seeing Yan Yu look back at her, she gave a bright smile.

Seeing December’s expression, Yan Yu lifted his head proudly, holding the younger boy’s hand as they left.

“Yuyu is really adorable!”

Seeing the good relationship between December and Yan Yu, the Empress Dowager felt pleased.

Her health had been deteriorating in recent years. Yan Yu had been raised under her care since childhood. The Emperor did not want to repeat the mistakes of his father and remained distant toward his children. This child also lacked the protection of a mother. If she were gone, the Empress Dowager dared not imagine what would become of him. Indeed, no one would dare to openly disrespect the eldest prince, but hidden dangers were always a concern. How could she not worry?

Although Shen Layue might not be the best choice, the Empress Dowager had observed her for a long time. If she had ill intentions toward the child, she would not have acted accordingly.

Moreover, Yan Yu seemed to have grown more accepting of her. The Empress Dowager hoped that, one day when she was gone, Shen Layue would continue to protect Yan Yu.

Despite his intelligence, he was still just a child.

Regardless of whether she remained favored, Shen Layue was now the Emperor’s beloved consort. Even if she ever fell out of favor, given her personality and current status, as long as she did not cause trouble, she would not face serious consequences.

With Shen Layue’s support, Yan Yu would at least have a smoother path ahead.

Even if Shen Layue were to have her own son in the future, the Empress Dowager did not think it would matter. Unlike Virtuous Consort, Shen Layue was not foolish. If she had said Yan Yu would not inherit the throne, then it was truly so.

Reflecting for a moment, she returned her thoughts to the present and smiled. “Indeed, this child is considerate. Although he usually keeps his distance from Jia’er, he was the one who reached out to comfort him today.”

Thinking of Yan Jia, December knew that he had been sent to the Empress Dowager’s palace last night, while Virtuous Consort was now confined to the cold palace.

“The second prince is still young. he will understand in a few years.”

The Empress Dowager shook her head.

“Although Virtuous Consort comes from a prestigious scholarly family, when it comes to raising children, I must say she is truly inadequate. How could a child be raised in such a way in the palace?”

December simply smiled without responding.

Indeed, in the past, when Virtuous Consort had not committed any faults, the Empress Dowager would never have spoken thus. The second prince had been raised under her care. Now that problems had arisen, everything was being criticized.

Even the child’s upbringing was now being blamed.

December did not hold strong opinions on the matter, but it served as a reminder to herself.

One must always be cautious in words and actions.

Every step must be carefully considered, for the consequences may affect more than just oneself.

As for Virtuous Consort, December felt she had received what she deserved.

Since entering the palace, she had suffered countless schemes from Virtuous Consort. It was hard to count how many incidents involved her hand. If she felt any pity for her current downfall, that would truly be a joke.

“The Emperor has already ordered the cleaning of Qing’an Palace. I suppose you can move in a few days. From then on, your journey here will be longer, especially since you are with child. You must be extremely careful. There’s no need to come unless necessary.”

December shook her head. She wasn’t that delicate.

Seeing her shake her head, the Empress Dowager warned again. “This time you were lucky. Don’t act as if you know nothing. If you ever truly fall into a trap, what will you do then?”

“I will be careful, Your Majesty.”

She lifted her face with a sweet smile.

The Empress Dowager did not ask much about the events of the past few days. Even without asking, she already knew everything. Why bother questioning others when it could lead to bias?

As the two were chatting casually, a nursemaid rushed in. “Your Majesty, Prince Six requests an audience.”

Since returning to the capital, Prince Six had visited the palace only a handful of times. The first time was when he met the consorts paying their respects, and the second was during the New Year. Other than that, he had never been seen in the palace.

The Empress Dowager seemed genuinely surprised and delighted. “Quickly, invite him in.”

Regardless of anything else, he was still her youngest son.

Seeing this, December stood up. “Your Majesty, since Prince Six has arrived, I shall not linger here and disturb your family reunion. May I take my leave?”

The Empress Dowager looked at December and nodded. She was indeed considerate. It wasn’t just about interrupting family time; Prince Six was an adult male, and they were all the Emperor’s consorts. It was only appropriate to maintain distance from male outsiders.

Her awareness of propriety was commendable.

“Yes, you should return and take good care of yourself. I’m looking forward to welcoming a princess from you.”

December smiled gently, dimples showing.

She bowed gracefully and left. She had no intention of meeting Prince Six. Somehow, she instinctively felt that Prince Six was an unstable factor.

Although he had only looked at her twice before, his presence had left a deep impression on her. Perhaps to others it was nothing, but December had an especially strong sense of danger and sensitivity.

After leaving the main hall, December did not immediately head for the main gate. Instead, she went to a small side room and waited until Prince Six entered before proceeding toward the gate.

Naturally, there was nothing inappropriate about this. Avoiding male outsiders was considered the most appropriate behavior in the eyes of others.

Even the nursemaid Zhou nodded approvingly beside her. Chun Concubine was not the first mistress she had served, but she was certainly the most discreet. Others would not avoid Prince Six, especially since he was the Emperor’s own brother.

But in her view, throughout history, many consorts had been executed precisely for such matters.

Thus, maintaining proper boundaries was indeed the best course of action.

“Did you meet Concubine Chun just now?” the Empress Dowager smiled at her son.

Yan Lie shook his head. “No.”

The Empress Dowager paused, then realized and laughed. “This child is indeed mindful of propriety.”

Yan Lie did not respond and sat down on the lower seat.

A young maid quickly refilled his teacup.

“How have you been lately?”

Yan Lie looked thinner, as if burdened with worries.

“There’s nothing particularly good or bad. It’s been the same as always.” His tone was indifferent.

“These official duties are endless. You must not overwork yourself. Look at your body—it’s thinner than during the New Year.” The Empress Dowager advised.

Yan Lie gave a faint smile and looked at the Empress Dowager. “Mother worries too much. What do I have to be busy with? It’s just the same as always.”

The Empress Dowager naturally understood this. The Emperor would not entrust important matters to him, only trivial affairs. However, she could not speak too much on this matter, for saying too much would be a mistake.

Moreover, she could not interfere much in state affairs.

“Then you must not be living and resting properly. You, my son, need someone by your side who can care for you. Now that Princess Consort Six and her concubine are both gone, who is there to look after you with warmth and care? I know there are many eligible young ladies from noble families in the capital. Let me choose one for you.” The Empress Dowager carefully observed her son’s expression, fearing his refusal.

Indeed, Prince Six frowned, his tone firm. “There’s no need. I don’t need a delicate woman. Besides, even those noble daughters in the capital may not wish to marry someone like me.”

“Nonsense! You are the Sixth Prince of the realm, of noble status. If they don’t wish to marry you, then who would they want?” The Empress Dowager rebuked.

Prince Six gave a distant smile. “Even those in high positions cannot always have their way. The most elusive thing in the world is love and emotions.”