At the thought that her mistress might end up like the eldest son of the Pei Family, not even knowing her fate at the end, Rong Le felt utterly sorrowful.
The issue with Princess Consort Ying remained unresolved, but things with the Fourth Prince and Concubine Qian were becoming more harmonious.
His left ear was deaf, which not only affected the speed of his speech in the future but also meant his health was not as robust, requiring constant medication.
Today he was feverish, tomorrow there was a bit of coughing.
Not much different from what the Second Prince was like back then.
In the Empress Dowager’s courtyard, Concubine Qian was visiting more and more frequently.
Basically, except when she slept at night, Concubine Qian was practically living in the Empress Dowager’s courtyard.
Naturally, there were some rumors outside.
They said she was clingy, said she was cunning.
Said all sorts of things, but Concubine Qian didn’t care at all.
Because by now, if she still didn’t understand how to climb the social ladder, then she really would be foolish.
Seeing that Princess Consort Ying was falling out of favor, although the Fourth Prince was deaf in his left ear, making him destined to not share in the vast empire. The rıghtful source is 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✶𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲✶𝗻𝗲𝘁
However, this also removed him from the whirlpool of political intrigue.
In the future, he could become a wealthy and leisurely prince, and if Concubine Qian wanted to share in this fortune, she naturally had to become the legitimate adoptive mother of the Fourth Prince.
Otherwise, how could she enjoy a peaceful old age?
Although Da Wei did not have a system of concubines following their masters to the grave, without a child to support her, she would struggle to live safely and peacefully.
She had served in the palace long enough, long enough for her heart to warm and cool again and again.
Now looking at the Fourth Prince in her arms, it seemed she found a bit of the comfort she once had.
At least, it was now a soon to be one-year-old prince in her arms, not the breathless swaddled baby.
Just like when Lin Wanyi took the Second Prince and raised him under her care.
She also wanted to emulate Lin Wanyi, raising the Fourth Prince under her care.
In this way, her promotion to a concubine would just be a matter of time.
However, at the moment, she couldn’t say anything to the Emperor, so she could only rely on the Empress Dowager.
If she could receive an edict from the Empress Dowager, her promotion would be rightful.
Therefore, in caring for the Fourth Prince, she had both private intentions and public duty, naturally putting extra care into it.
It was because of this attention that she caught Princess Ming Ruo’s eye.
Under the corridor, Princess Ming Ruo was supposed to be in the backyard learning manners, but now she stood here motionless.
Watching Concubine Qian coaxing the Fourth Prince, her eyes suddenly filled with envy.
Her mother, the Imperial Consort, had left the capital a year ago, and they hadn’t spent last year’s Mid-Autumn Festival together as mother and daughter.
It looked like it wouldn’t be possible this year either.
She used to find her mother’s nagging annoying, so she let her instructions go in one ear and out the other.
Now, living under the roof of others, she realized how difficult life was.
The Empress Dowager, perhaps because she had stayed at Wutai Mountain for a long time, greatly appreciated peace and quiet.
She didn’t lecture her daily.
But because of this, she felt even more overlooked.
When the Fourth Prince also moved into the courtyard, there was a moment of panic.
Since ancient times, princesses did not compare to princes; Lin Guifei had said this every day before.
So when she learned that the Fourth Prince was deaf in his left ear, she was secretly delighted.
At least this brother wouldn’t take her place in the Empress Dowager’s eyes.
Especially when Concubine Qian appeared, she hoped even more that Concubine Qian would try harder.
It would be best if she could take the Fourth Prince and raise him under her care, which would be the best scenario.
Thinking of this, she beamed.
She said to Nanny Chi, who was accompanying her.
"Let’s go, we should check on Grand Empress Dowager, I’ve heard she wasn’t feeling well. As her granddaughter, it’s my duty to be attentive."
Nanny Chi looked at the Princess, who had grown more graceful these days, feeling both moved and somewhat sad.
The once willful and capricious, yet radiant and graceful Princess Ming Ruo was no longer.
And now, this was a Princess Ming Ruo who understood the rules and followed etiquette, but with no hint of childishness in her eyes.
Thinking of this, Nanny Chi couldn’t help but sigh deeply.
Inside the room, the Empress Dowager was reclining on the kang, reading a book.
Her complexion was quite rosy, not looking like someone who was ill.
"Granddaughter Ming Ruo greets Grand Empress Dowager, wishing you health and peace."
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager lifted her gaze from the book and looked at Princess Ming Ruo kneeling on the floor.
"Mm, you may rise. Have you come to see me for a particular reason?"
"No particular reason, granddaughter just heard that Grand Empress Dowager was ill, so I came to visit."
"Oh, I see. It’s thoughtful of you. But my illness is of the heart and won’t heal quickly. You needn’t worry. Spend more time learning the etiquette from the nannies. When you come of age, you can study in the study a bit. The more you learn, the better."
For the Empress Dowager, she never thought that lack of talent equated to virtue in women.
Instead, she believed that reading more was good. Reading could make people wise and sensible.
Especially as a princess of the Royal Family, her every move represented the dynasty.
So it was essential to be disciplined to set an example for others.
It was a pity that her own Hui Yue had already been ruined.
Luckily, Hui Xian had some sense and knowledge of propriety.
In the past, Ming Ruo had been spoiled, so the Empress Dowager wasn’t in a rush to teach her grand principles.
Letting her cool down for two years, temper her character and heart before discussing other things.
"Granddaughter understands, thank you for your guidance, Grand Empress Dowager!"
"Mm, if there’s nothing else, you can go back and rest. The sun is quite strong; you don’t need to stay here."
"Thank you for your care, Grand Empress Dowager. Ming Ruo understands. However, when I came, I happened to see Concubine Qian coaxing the Fourth Prince. I must say, she’s very kind-hearted, and the Fourth Prince is much more well-behaved in her hands, not as prone to crying as before."
From her words, the Empress Dowager understood immediately.
So, the little girl was awaiting this, showing a young age yet already intolerant of others.
Judging from this mindset, it was clear how Lin Guifei taught her usually.
So her eyes deepened, deliberately acting kind and amiable, she asked.
"Is that so? I hadn’t noticed much. What did you see? Tell me about it."
How could young Ming Ruo outwit the Empress Dowager?
Thinking her little trick was successful, she immediately replied.
"Grand Empress Dowager, you didn’t see, but Concubine Qian kept holding the Fourth Prince, coaxing back and forth. I saw her arms must have been sore, yet she wouldn’t let anyone else hold him, showing she’s truly a kind person to the Fourth Prince."
Getting this response from the Empress Dowager, Ming Ruo thought she piqued her interest.
"Yes, yes. I also noticed that she wore no jewelry, surely to prevent accidentally hurting the Fourth Prince, which shows she truly cares. If the Fourth Prince could be raised by her, he would surely grow well."