tallest building

Consort Hui praised Gong Chang'an for a while before sighing, "I really envy you! Although you can't rely on your husband's family, you have such a good son, so you don't have to worry about the future. Unlike me, I only have two daughters, who give me trouble every day."

Hearing her say that, Wen Mingqian naturally followed up: "Your Majesty is too kind. The two princesses are of noble status and married well. Why would you need to worry about them?"

Consort Hui was just waiting for her to say this, and immediately said with a worried frown, "Alas, what good is a noble status? As a woman, the first thing is to be able to give birth to children, isn't it? Take Yingpei for example, she has been married for three years, but she still can't get pregnant. Every time she comes to the palace, she has to cry to me."

I could only advise him that now that the prince consort had returned from Jiangnan, the two of them spending more time together would surely result in a pregnancy.

But she also said that the prince consort was never home, and she couldn't go looking for him everywhere. She added that she didn't know what was luring him away, and he was nowhere to be seen.

When Consort Hui got to this point, Wen Mingqian already understood.

It must be that Consort Hui found out about Dong Gang's harassment of her in the palace.

Consort Hui continued, "I told her that men are not meant to be kept at home, and that she shouldn't be suspicious. I've already spoken to the Empress, and I'll take her with me to the Yuzhen Temple tomorrow to pray for blessings. Firstly, to pray for the elders and ward off misfortune, and secondly, to accumulate good fortune for herself."

So I wanted to ask you, when you had Chang'an, did you make any wishes or burn incense? So you told her to do the same, to give birth to a smart and chubby little boy. If that happened, my wish would be fulfilled.”

Consort Hui's words veered towards Dong Gang and then back again, as if casually saying, "Children are truly a lifelong debt! You are a mother yourself, so you must understand my feelings. I worry about him all night long and can't sleep well. I only hope that he and his wife are loving and harmonious, only then can my heart be at peace."

Consort Hui was not stupid; she knew it was best not to make a big fuss about this, otherwise it would be bad for everyone.

He knew he couldn't control Dong Gang. Of course, Wen Mingqian wasn't the only person he coveted, but Wen Mingqian was the most dangerous.

If she were to consort with Dong Gang, it would be an act of debauchery within the palace. If you don't want others to know, then don't do it in the first place.

If a scandal breaks out and is used against us by someone with ulterior motives, wouldn't that cause a lot of trouble?
Even if no one investigates, wouldn't her daughter's reputation be damaged? People might not say it to her face, but they'll laugh at her behind her back. How can a princess have the face to have her husband stolen by a divorced woman?
Moreover, she knew the eldest princess's temperament well; once she found out, she would definitely make a scene, and then how would she handle the situation?
If Wen Mingqian doesn't agree, and Dong Gang insists on pestering her, and if Wen Mingqian is truly a virtuous and chaste woman, and complains to the Emperor, not only will the Dong family lose face, but she will also lose face.

There are risks no matter how you look at it, so it's better to win her over, do her some favors, and let her break off this ill-fated relationship out of consideration for your feelings.

Wouldn't it be better for everyone if we could win without bloodshed and without making a sound?

“This servant is deeply grateful for Your Highness’s high regard, and I admire Your Highness’s motherly heart.” Wen Mingqian stood up and said gracefully, “The Princess is blessed with great fortune and will surely have her wishes fulfilled. When I return, this servant will definitely use this string of prayer beads to pray for the Princess’s well-being before the Buddha.”

"Mingqian, thank you so much!" Consort Hui smiled. "By the way, you are still young, and with such good character and good looks, haven't you ever thought about remarrying? To be honest, it's a real pity."

According to the customs of the Great Xia Dynasty, widowed or divorced women could remarry without being gossiped about.

Wen Mingqian is good in every way. Given her current status, it would be entirely possible for her to ask the Empress to arrange a marriage for her.

Although she wouldn't marry into a very prominent family, she certainly wouldn't be inferior to Gong Xu. Upon hearing this, Wen Mingqian shook his head with a bitter smile and said, "This servant's heart has long since turned to ashes. Now, besides serving Her Majesty the Empress and all the masters, I only hope to see Chang'an grow up safely. I have no other desires."

Hearing this, Consort Hui felt even more relieved and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "You've really suffered. Alas! Beautiful women have always had tragic fates!"

“I think this is good. Since ancient times, women have been trapped by their emotions. It is more liberating to cut off the threads of love.”

"Your Majesty need not lament for me; I am already considered fortunate." Wen Mingqian had long since let go of his resentment.

"Very good, it's best that you can take it easy. Indeed, people who have cultivated themselves have a different mindset." Consort Hui nodded and said, "Alright, I've kept you occupied for so long, I really feel bad. Let Granny Xia take you back! And take those pastries with you, it's a waste to leave them there."

"Then this servant will take her leave. I wish Your Majesty a safe and successful journey, and that all your wishes will be fulfilled." Wen Mingqian bowed again before gracefully withdrawing.

Granny Xia accompanied her, but when they reached the door, Wen Mingqian stopped and said humbly, "Granny, please stay. I can go back by myself."

"Then please slow down, madam." Granny Xia didn't insist any further.

He turned back and poured Consort Hui another cup of tea.

“Your Majesty, I think Wen Mingqian is a pragmatic person, so you can rest assured,” said Granny Xia.

“She is naturally intelligent, otherwise she could not have become the Empress’s favorite.” Consort Hui seemed a little tired, and raised her hand to rub her stiff shoulders and neck. “She can understand the hidden meaning in my words and can still follow my lead. I really hope she can keep her word.”

“Her Majesty has been kind enough to her. If she still has any improper thoughts, then it is really unacceptable,” said Granny Xia.

"Yes, I gave her such valuable things, and she repeatedly told me that she was heartbroken and had no more thoughts of love. That's all I can think of," Consort Hui sighed. "However, it's better to be safe than sorry. We've been away from the palace for several dozen days after all; who knows what might happen?"

"If Her Majesty is still not at ease, what else can we do?" asked Granny Xia.

"The old woman who informed you already knows. Tell her to keep a close eye on Wen Mingqian and see if he behaves himself while we're away from the palace," Consort Hui said. "If everything goes smoothly these days, then nothing else will happen."

"Your Highness has considered everything very well. I'll tell her later," said Granny Xia quickly.

“Don’t just order her around for nothing; give her some benefits. Are these people below us really currying favor out of loyalty? Aren’t they just after some real benefits?” Consort Hui said.

"Your Highness need not worry about that. I already gave her a hairpin when she came to see me last time," said Granny Xia.

"How can I use your things?" Consort Hui said. "Go to that drawer over there and pick out a few pieces of jewelry." (End of Chapter)