For several days, Emperor Yongping remained within the Qianyuan Hall, secluded from his four concubines, children, grandchildren, and courtiers. Only the doctor was granted access to verify his well-being through pulse checks, ensuring no undue worry.
It wasn’t until the imminent burial of the Crown Prince that Emperor Yongping emerged from the Qianyuan Hall. Despite the weight of losing his son in old age, he retained his majestic aura, albeit appearing worn. His physical health remained unaffected.
The Crown Prince passed away at the end of the new year, prompting Emperor Yongping to declare a 27-day mourning period for officials and the people. Consequently, the eleventh year of Jinghe was marked by desolation.
Emperor Yongping remained secluded in the Qianyuan Hall, personally instructing his sons and daughters, through a messenger, to abstain from visiting the palace for New Year’s greetings.
“It’s truly worrisome to see Father in this state,” sighed Yin Hui, holding Wei Luo’s hand tenderly on the eve of the new year.
When Empress Renxiao passed away, her father-in-law experienced sadness, but his demeanor wasn’t as bad. The loss of his son weighed heavily on him, compounded by his advancing age, making it difficult for him to find solace in his grief. Despite Wei Ying’s desire to offer comfort by visiting Qianyuan Hall, none could gain access to him.
Wei Luo said, “Tomorrow morning, I will go to the palace to check on him.”
However, the Emperor adamantly refused to receive visitors. They couldn’t ignore him, especially considering his age. How could they let him continue to be depressed?
Feeling uneasy about leaving his father alone, Wei Luo decided he and the children should remain in the palace.
This sentiment was shared by the others. As dawn broke on the first day of the lunar new year, the siblings gathered outside the Qianyuan Hall, kneeling in solidarity.
Joining them were Xu Qingwan and Da Lang. Da Lang, holding a food box and suppressing tears, whispered inwardly, “Grandfather, today marks the beginning of the lunar new year. I’ve brought your favorite cabbage dumplings, along with sauce and vinegar. Won’t you please give them a try?”
Wei Yan’s eyes twitched as he observed his nephew’s thoughtful gesture. Compared to their arrival empty-handed, he wanted to imitate Wei Ang and become the Crown Prince.
When Wei Yan looked at the Third Brother, he found him looking at him as well,compelling him to avert his eyes downward.
Wei Yan mourned the loss of his eldest brother and sympathized with his nephew’s predicament. However, if the Emperor intended to make his nephew as the Crown Prince, Wei Yan would be the first to oppose it. He steadfastly believed that no one else deserved the position except for the Third Brother.
The Fourth Concubine stood outside the hall, observing Xu Qingwan and Da Lang with a subtle sarcastic smirk playing at the corner of her lips.
Concubine Li pondered the Emperor’s likely course of action, speculating that he would choose someone from among the remaining sons rather than making his grandson the Crown Prince. After all, he had previously removed a grandson from the throne. If he established a grandson as a Crown Prince wouldn’t that be a slap in the face?
Turning her attention to the Emperor’s four sons, Li Fei assessed them with narrowed eyes. Despite her reluctance to admit it, she couldn’t deny that the Emperor’s third son was more deserving of the crown than her son (Wei Yang). However, her son held the advantage, having defended the city and controlled waterways. Coupled with her favored status, she believed her chances of securing the crown for her son were still strong. While the Third Son possessed merit, the low status of his consort and her merchant background family posed challenges to public acceptance.
Each person harbored their own inner contemplations. In that moment, the gray-haired Eunuch Hai emerged, retrieving the food box from Da Lang. Addressing the gathered individuals, he relayed the Emperor’s message, “His Majesty requests that all guests return. He also mentioned that he will be available for visits after the fifth day.”
With that, Eunuch Hai entered the hall again, carrying the food box with him.
Everyone understood Emperor Yongping’s temperament well. Taking charge, Concubine Li instructed them, “Return for now. Come back on the sixth day of the lunar new year. With us here, your father will be fine.”
With that, the kneeling crowd dispersed.
The Eldest Princess approached Xu Qingwan, her voice tinged with sadness, “Sister-in-law,”
Xu Qingwan nodded, then turned to Da Lang and instructed. “You go see off your uncles and aunts.”
Da Lang complied and went to fulfill his duty.
The second and third princesses accompanied their respective mothers, only the four princes and their wives left. Wei Yan, as the eldest, walked alongside Da Lang.
At the palace gate, Wei Yan placed a reassuring hand on Da Lang’s shoulder. “Even though my elder brother is gone, you still have us. If you face any issues in the future, just ask us, and we will definitely help you.”
Da Lang looked at each of his four uncles in turn, his eyes reddened with emotion. He saluted them respectfully, “Nephew thanks uncles.”
Wei Yan sighed heavily as he boarded the carriage first.
Meanwhile, Da Lang remained standing in front of the palace gate, watching the four carriages depart before turning his gaze towards the East Hall.
The day was overcast, with the wind intensifying, causing his tear-streaked face to feel cold and stinging. Yet, it wasn’t just the weather that chilled him; his heart felt numb.
To Da Lang, his four uncles seemed like immovable mountains, forming an insurmountable barrier between him and his grandfather.
The late Emperor’s grandson had the privilege of growing up by his side from a young age. He was not only beloved but also cherished as the most valued grandson. Positioned perfectly in terms of timing, circumstances, and surroundings, he enjoyed a special place in the late Emperor’s heart.
In contrast, Da Lang felt like one among many grandchildren to his grandfather. Despite his proficiency in both civil and military affairs, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being overshadowed by Wu Lang, the Third Uncle’s son.
The Emperor secluded himself in the Qianyuan Hall to avoid seeing anyone, especially Da Lang. He feared that encountering Da Lang, who lived in the palace and could easily visit him, and witnessing his grandson’s emotional vulnerability would evoke feelings of pity and guilt. The Emperor aimed to avoid making any promises or commitments that he might not be able to fulfill.
As the wind intensified, Da Lang surveyed his surroundings, observing the palatial structures one after another. These grand buildings were meant to be his home, both now and for the foreseeable future. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he might soon be moved from his current residence.
His eyes grew misty, and Da Lang absentmindedly wiped away the tears. Upon returning to the East Hall, he found his aunt engaged in conversation with his mother in the inner room. Taking a seat in the hall, Da Lang waited quietly.