Chapter 167:

Layue knew what the Emperor intended to do on the day when several of the little ones would get married. She was unsure whether this would be inappropriate, but she could never resist the Emperor’s will. Seeing her hesitating, the Emperor repeatedly assured and comforted her, though it was all just an act that would ultimately change nothing.

She could only agree now.

Layue had never given birth to children herself, but according to the old nursemaids, although these three children were triplets and had been small at birth, they had grown up quite well. Now they were no different from other children.

Moreover, the youngest, Xiaosì’er, had already learned to call “Niáng” (Mother) in a simple way.

Little Jiaojiao and Xiaowu’er hadn’t yet managed to speak. Every time Xiaosi’er babbled “Liang Liang” and threw himself at Layue, the two other children would get visibly upset.

Among them, little Jiaojiao was the most competitive. Her tiny lips quivered as she struggled to speak, but no words came out, leaving her looking utterly frustrated.

The more she failed to speak, the more she seemed to resent her talking younger brother.

She would pull and fuss at Xiaosì’er.

This made Layue and her maids laugh uncontrollably.

Little Jiaojiao didn’t understand why everyone was laughing. She didn’t realize that Xiaosi’er couldn’t comprehend her jealousy and thought his older sister was just playing with him. He clapped his hands excitedly, occasionally blurting out “Liang,” which only made Jiaojiao even more frenzied.

“Alright, alright. Jiaojiao, how can you be so competitive? You mustn’t bully your little brother.”

In Layue’s opinion, it was a good thing for the children to play together energetically.

But of course, everything had its limits.

Jiaojiao turned her little bottom away and refused to look at Layue, as if she was sulking.

“Your Grace, the Imperial Concubine!” someone shouted loudly.

Layue immediately knew it was the two young princes.

Previously, she had already discussed with the Emperor. Yu and Jia couldn’t always reside in Qing’an Palace.

But since the Empress Dowager was unwell, and Huici Palace was bustling with people, the Emperor was reluctant to send the two boys back.

Although the Empress Dowager would certainly instruct others to take good care of them, servants could never match the care of family.

Given the Empress Dowager’s current condition, it was indeed unsuitable for her to take care of them. Moreover, the boys had a good impression of Layue and were very fond of their younger siblings, so staying in Qing’an Palace was acceptable.

Nonetheless, Layue also knew that staying permanently was impossible.

Even her own sons, like Yu who was already older, couldn’t reside permanently in the palace.

“Has Jiaojiao been a good girl today?” Yu and Jia quickly went to the inner room to freshen up a bit before coming out to play with the children.

Little Jiaojiao had been sulking over her inability to speak and was somewhat taking it out on her younger brother. When she saw her most beloved older brother, she waved her little fists and babbled up and down to complain.

Yu and Jia listened attentively. Yu furrowed his little eyebrows, resembling his father.

He occasionally nodded, as if he truly understood.

After a moment, Yu turned around in confusion to look at Layue: “Your Grace, it seems Jiaojiao is unhappy.”

Seeing his confusion, Layue couldn’t help but laugh.

She pretended to understand, “Of course she is. She can’t talk yet and is taking it out on her little brother.”

Ever since Xiao Si’er learned to call out “Liang” in his babyish, lisping voice—though it was barely intelligible—it deeply moved Layue. Each time he called, Layue would scoop him up and shower him with endless affection. Consequently, Jiaojiao, despite being just a one-year-old baby, had already grown quite jealous.

Hearing this, Yu frowned slightly and nodded, then placed Jiaojiao on his lap.

“Jiaojiao must be a good girl. You can’t bully your little brother. Even though he’s a bit slow, you still shouldn’t pick on him. Jiaojiao is the older sister and should protect her little brother. I protect Jiaojiao, don’t I?”

Jiaojiao squirmed on his lap, tugging at his clothes and drooling all over him.

At first, I thought only Xiaosì’er had the habit of drooling on people, but it appeared Jiaojiao was no exception.

“Be good, listen to your big brother.”

He gave Jiaojiao a light peck on her little cheek and earnestly advised, “Be a good girl. Don’t throw tantrums, okay? Whatever Jiaojiao wants, your big brother will get it for you. But learning to speak is something you have to work on yourself. How can you be angry at your little brother for that? Xiaosi’er is so silly, we won’t be angry at him. Okay?”

Layue silently looked at her eldest son happily playing by himself, then at the serious pair of siblings here.

She quietly lowered her head.

Little Jiaojiao was quite a clever child. Whether she understood or not, she hugged her older brother, babbling and making approving sounds.

This made it seem as if she had understood.

Seeing the children getting along so well, Layue felt comforted.

Although she had been young back then and hadn’t paid attention to the struggles for the throne.

Now, whenever she heard others mention it casually, she could understand.

It must have been extremely fierce. Looking at the Emperor and the Sixth Prince’s personalities, they both had significant issues. So what else was there not to understand?

The children being healthy and happy was her greatest comfort.

As a mother, she hoped her children would eventually ascend the throne and reach the most prestigious position.

To say that she only wanted her children to live a life of wealth and honor was not her way, not Shen Layue’s nature.

Based on all she had experienced, only by reaching the highest position could one have a voice.

Yu and Jia were both good children, and she loved them. Moreover, Yu was the son of the late Empress.

Many things were beyond her control. The Emperor was not a foolish man either and naturally knew which of them would make the best emperor. Therefore, what she could do now was simply hope that her sons could get along well.

Without any hidden conflicts.

Although Yu and Jia were not her biological sons, and though they only addressed her as Consort Shen, in her heart, they were no less than her own children.

After a while of daydreaming, Layue felt she was being too indecisive, hoping for one thing and then another. Indeed, she was quite fickle.

The children were still very young. Why was she thinking about such things?

Wouldn’t it be better to focus on taking good care of them, letting them grow up safely and happily?

Putting these thoughts aside, Layue smiled again.

***

Before they knew it, the first birthday celebration had arrived. Due to various delays, the previous events like the one-month and three-day celebrations had been very simple, nothing like this day.

Now, whether in the imperial court or the palace, everything had calmed down. The Emperor was in a good mood and seemed determined to give all the best to his little treasures.

It was still early spring and quite cold, so Layue was reluctant to take the children outside too early. However, many noble ladies had already arrived early, greeting the palace ladies and chatting with each other. Such opportunities were rare.

In her previous life, due to her lack of favor, few people came to see Layue at such major banquets.

But today, visitors came continuously, which was natural. As the Imperial Concubine, and with the first birthday of her several little ones, whether or not someone had good judgment, they would rush to pay their respects.

Besides wanting to flatter her, many also wanted the chance to catch a glimpse of Imperial Concubine Shen.

They had had opportunities before, though only from afar and not clearly, unlike this time.

There were many rumors about Imperial Concubine Shen outside the palace. At first, when she was favored, people had said she was merely a beautiful but empty-headed woman. However, as her status gradually rose, many opinions changed.

Sometimes, one couldn’t help but believe in fate. Just take the children, for example—she had given birth to three at once, which was a great joy not only in the royal family but even in ordinary households.

This Imperial Concubine in the palace was naturally someone they could only look up to.

Seeing her, even learning a bit from her, might make a difference.

Today, Imperial Concubine Shen wore a gorgeous red brocade gown that accentuated her alluring figure. A wide emerald green sash was tied around her slim waist, making it seem as if it could be encircled with one hand. The red and green contrasted vividly, far from vulgar, instead giving off a fiery charm.

Looking at her delicate face, the light makeup made her even more dazzling. Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, and her cherry lips parted slightly.

Although they had imagined her beauty, even the wildest imagination couldn’t match the sight today.

While the Southern Qins generally favored ethereal beauty, Imperial Concubine Shen was different. If asked to describe her, she would be more like a worldly, flourishing flower.

Several senior palace maids served tea to the noble ladies who came to pay their respects, standing properly aside afterward.

Some wives of lower-ranking officials briefly paid their respects and then left, while those who stayed were mostly from prominent families in the court.

Among them were naturally Lady Fu, the Prime Minister’s wife, and Princess Diwa.

Although Xiao Zhou held a relatively low position, Princess Diwa’s own status was dazzling enough.

Before Lady Fu could go see her daughter, she was detained by Layue’s invitation to have tea.

Naturally, she dared not quarrel with the Imperial Concubine, but she was certainly not pleased inside.

Her daughter was in a subordinate position, and every letter she sent back was filled with sorrow. As a mother, how could she not feel heartache?

She had already lost one daughter, and this one was the apple of her eye.

Seeing her somewhat restless, Layue sipped her tea with a smile: “Lady Fu must be missing Lady Hui, I suppose. I wonder if you have visited your younger sister since entering the palace?”

Although she was younger than Fu Jin Yao, Layue, being of higher rank, addressed Fu Jin Yao as “younger sister” without hesitation.

Lady Fu forced a weak smile: “Your Grace, I went to Huici Palace and Your Grace’s residence right after entering the palace. I haven’t had the chance to visit Lady Hui yet.”

“I had heard that Lady Fu and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager are cousins!” Princess Diwa, sitting beside them, tilted her head and smiled as she interjected.

That was indeed true, but their relationship was far from harmonious.

Many noblewomen who knew this detail lowered their heads or sipped their tea, unwilling to get involved in the matter.

Lady Fu’s expression stiffened, and she soon forced an even more strained smile: “That’s correct. However, although we are cousins, our familial ties are quite distant.”

Lady Fu wasn’t a clever woman; her embarrassment was evident on her face. Internally, she was cursing the foreign princess bitterly, which goes without saying.

“Ah, I can see that.” Princess Diwa nodded.

The way she said it made it even more unpleasant.

What could one see? That the Empress Dowager disliked Lady Fu?

The noblewomen all felt that Princess Diwa was indeed blunt and unfiltered, but they were secretly delighted to watch the drama unfold.