Too high to reach

Chapter 38 Worrying about gains and losses
Look at Consort Feng's expression...

The servants were a little puzzled. Mama Song asked cautiously, "Your Highness seems to have something on your mind. Would you like to tell us?"

Consort Feng turned to look at the table beside her; there were several invitations on a silver tray.

This is just what the various mansions and their inner quarters handed over to me; who knows how many more there are in the front study!
In addition... the beautiful Miss Zhou Jiu.

Most people probably only have one goal: the position of princess.

Thinking of this, she said somewhat absentmindedly, "When the prince returns this time... I'm afraid he will be marrying a new princess."

The people in the room exchanged serious glances. After a long while, Chunman advised, "Your Highness, you have given birth to the Prince's only son. You have also managed the inner quarters for so many years without any mistakes. This servant thinks... it is possible that the Prince will make you his principal wife."

“Yes, Your Highness!” Madam Song nodded. “If you are worried that your background is not good enough… but to put it bluntly, if it were based on your background, it would be difficult for you to become a concubine! But the Prince was willing, and he still managed to get it approved for you, didn’t he?”

“Yes, yes, putting everything else aside, we need to ensure our Xu-ge’er has a good background. Making you his official son is the most effective way! He is the prince’s only son!” Xia Hua added.

Consort Feng wholeheartedly agreed with this. She even considered that the Prince had been away for many years, more than two years this time, during which he had been involved in several major battles. If it were true… then this Prince's mansion would belong to her son.

But she would never say those words aloud: "Don't talk nonsense, you're overstepping your bounds."

"Your Highness, how outstanding was the previous Princess Zhou?" Madam Song continued her analysis, "But she never won over our Prince's heart. With the Prince's status, what kind of noble lady couldn't he have wanted? Yet he didn't look for one, did he?"

“In our backyard, there are women who grew up with the Prince, some are stunning beauties, and Consort Tian even has business dealings with the Prince. But the one the Prince values ​​most is you!” Chunman added.

"I'm afraid... this is where the trouble lies!" Consort Feng smiled bitterly. "If a princess of good birth were to come and give birth to a son, would she tolerate me? Let alone the right to manage the household..."

"Your Highness, when the Prince returns, you should put Xu'er first! He's already this age, and the Prince only has one son, so he'll definitely value him. With Xu'er holding your left hand and the Prince's right hand, wouldn't they be a family?" Mama Song suggested beautifully.

“Mother Song is right! Your Highness, you see, you have a close relationship with the Prince and have a son. The head steward of the manor respects you, and the stewards are completely obedient to you! Any families who want to marry their daughters into the family have given up the idea once they find out about this!”

"Exactly! Besides, there are several maids who keep a tight rein on the mansion!"

"Alright! I'm counting on you all..." Consort Feng smiled. She was very generous to these people; it wasn't her own money!
Just then, someone announced, "Your Highness, Granny Zhao requests an audience!"

Consort Feng was not surprised that this person would come. However, she still frowned slightly, then quickly relaxed her brow and said with a smile, "Quickly, please invite Granny Zhao in!"

A woman in her fifties walked in, dressed in a low-key yet sophisticated manner from head to toe.

The way she walked... her upper body didn't sway, and her steps were light and delicate, unlike someone her age at all!
She wasn't particularly beautiful, but whenever she smiled, she made people feel good: "Greetings, Consort!" Her manners were elegant.

Chunman had already stood behind Consort Feng, pretending to help her put on her hairpins.

Therefore, Consort Feng remained seated and said with a smile, "Granny Zhao! There's no need for such formalities between us. I'm currently arranging jewelry, so it's inconvenient for me to get up and greet you!"

Zhao Mama said respectfully, "I appreciate Your Highness's kindness, Consort Zhao. However, proper etiquette must not be disregarded!"

"You're too kind, Granny. Please have a seat!"

"Thank you, Consort Xie. Zhao Hui has come here on some business and needs to disturb you for a moment."

"Please speak, Granny Zhao!" "The medicinal bath herbs prescribed by Doctor Huang for the Prince, should they be kept by the Consort?"

"Yes!" Consort Feng nodded gently.

"His Highness needs recuperation after his return, and a medicinal bath is most suitable. That medicine needs to be boiled for two hours! Zhao Hui has come..."

Consort Feng interrupted her with a smile: "What you said, I've already thought of. The medicine is in the kitchen of the west wing of the main courtyard. I've already instructed the servants. There are also hot compress medicine packets! Doctor Chen is also waiting in front, and will take the prince's pulse and examine him as soon as he arrives home."

"Your Highness, the concubine is very thoughtful!"

"It's so kind of you, Granny... Is there anything else?"

"This is the only thing."

"Oh. Well... I still need to check the inventory and arrange the dinner later. So... perhaps, Granny Zhao, could you stay and have dinner with the Prince?"

"Thank you for your consideration, Consort Xie. The Prince has just returned and must be very busy. It is also a day for family reunion, so Zhao Hui will not disturb you any longer."

"Well then... then you can go ahead and get busy!" Consort Feng's smile remained unchanged.

"Zhao Hui takes her leave!" Granny Zhao bowed and left.

Consort Feng's smile faded as she glanced at Madam Song.

Just now, Madam Song had been wearing a cold expression. Seeing Consort Feng's gesture, she immediately gave Xia Hua a few instructions, and Xia Hua left. Only then did Madam Song say irritably, "Doesn't she ever get tired? Do she really need to worry about these things?"

"She's taken care of the prince for so many years, it's become a habit!" Consort Feng said calmly.

"Yes, she only cares about the Prince!" Chunman said sourly, "She doesn't even come when the Prince isn't home! But when she sees the Empress, she's all lovey-dovey..."

Consort Feng couldn't help but feel resentful: This person is really annoying, calling her "Consort" all the time.

It's as if she's afraid of usurping someone else's place and becoming the de facto princess!

"You all always forget that she has official rank!" Consort Feng's tone was equally unpleasant. "Her husband and son are officials. Her son-in-law is just one step away from becoming the head steward of the Prince's mansion. Her twin grandsons are the Prince's favorites. The whole family depends on the Prince for their livelihood, and he trusts them implicitly. Just now, look at the expressions on your faces... Don't think she couldn't see through them! Let me tell you: if she wanted to find fault, she wouldn't even have to bother; she could find something out of nothing. When she punishes you, I won't be able to stop her!"

Chunman looked incredulous: "Your Highness, are you joking?! No matter how much the Prince trusts her, it's nothing compared to Your Highness! This Prince's Mansion is Your Highness's home! It's our eldest son's home! What is she anyway?"

"That's right! We are the Empress's people, the Prince's people, and she has no right to reward or punish us! Does she still think it's like before? If she dares to cause trouble, we'll see who loses face!"

Although these words pleased her, Consort Feng still thought to herself: all these years, things have gone too smoothly for me!

The prince is often away from home, and without a princess, I am the most powerful person!
Accustomed to a life of luxury, they are absolute and domineering.

The thrill of wielding power and the expectation of gaining status through her son made her unconsciously... forget those past events.

But seeing Granny Zhao reminds me of her!
I felt like I wasn't good enough...

(End of this chapter)