The silence in the hall was so profound that Consort Yu suddenly dared not speak up for Princess Linghe. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Pingjun, both kneeling with their heads bowed low, touched the ground and felt a gripping urgency inside.
What is Consort Yu doing? Speak up!
Thinking about how she had become the Imperial Consort, the Pingjun Prince’s Mansion had also put forth considerable effort, and if Princess Linghe could truly marry Xiao Changyi, her position as the Imperial Consort would be even more secure, she and the Pingjun Prince’s Mansion were, after all, close relatives. Shared glory would benefit all. With this in mind, Consort Yu finally gathered her courage and said, "Emperor, in the past, did you not favor Linghe greatly? Surely, you would not wish for her to leave ."
As she spoke, Consort Yu began to lament with sorrowful tones, "That child as well. Knowing that the King of Eternal Victory already had a wife, she still remained hopelessly infatuated with him. Such devotion is rare. The last time she visited me in the palace, she looked so haggard, as if... As I watched her, my heart too felt unbearably heavy."
The Emperor of Xiyun remained silent, his aged face still expressionless.
An Jing finally spoke up in what appeared to be a kind manner to Consort Yu, "Your Highness, if your heart is so troubled, it’s better to have the Imperial Physician have a look. It would be unfortunate if you fell ill as well."
Consort Yu’s fingers twisted the brocade handkerchief hidden under the table tightly, but on the surface, she smiled and said, "The Princess is so concerned about me, I am truly moved. However, the Imperial Physician has already seen me yesterday, and I am in no discomfort. Yet, I am genuinely worried about your health, Princess. Perhaps you should let the Imperial Physician examine you. Their medical skills are excellent; it’s said they might cure the Princess’s infertility."
Here, infertility was a curse with no cure; no one could heal it. Consort Yu’s words were not out of concern for An Jing but a declaration to everyone present that she could not bear children.
An Jing did not get angry; instead, she laughed.
The Changsheng Princess cannot have children?!
Those who did not know about An Jing’s infertility were shocked when they learned the truth, and after the surprise, their expressions were mixed.
Several Civil Officials who were on good terms with the Prince of Pingjun had been requested by him a few days earlier to speak on his behalf at the right moment today, and now was that proper time.
One of those officials feigning righteousness addressed the Emperor respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Prince has such merits. It would be unfortunate for him to have no heir. Since Commandery Princess Linghe is so devoted to the Prince, your humble servant requests that Your Majesty bestow Princess Linghe as a consort to the Prince so she may bear him sons and daughters, thus continuing the lineage."
The other Civil Officials also chimed in, echoing similar sentiments.
The Military Officers, in fact, wanted to speak up too, not to help the Prince of Pingjun but because Xiao Changyi was their hero, whom they admired greatly. How could he be without an heir? But since they always looked up to Xiao Changyi as their leader, and were used to him making his own decisions, they just needed to follow orders. Hence, none of them broached the subject.
An Jing still wore a light smile on her face, looking utterly calm and collected.
The Crown Princess Consort on the other side couldn’t help but admire her.
Finally, the Emperor of Xiyun addressed Prime Minister Li, "My loyal minister, I wonder what your thoughts are on this matter."
Prime Minister Li immediately responded respectfully, "Your Majesty, this is a family matter for the Prince, and it is not my place to interfere."
This was a veritable slap in the face to those officials who had just parroted support, resounding across their cheeks.
Those officials already disliked Prime Minister Li for being clearer than clear water, and now, their disdain only grew, blooming into outright hatred.
The Prince of Pingjun also harbored fierce resentment towards Prime Minister Li. Not helping was one thing, but to slap the faces of those helping him?