The Emperor was examining the Crown Prince’s studies when the person sent by the Empress Dowager explained the situation. The Emperor then came with the Crown Prince.
For some, it was their first time entering the palace.
To enter the palace and see the Emperor for the first time, most were flustered and fearful, with few remaining composed.
The Empress Dowager watched carefully, secretly crossing out more than half.
The Crown Prince’s gaze met with Consort Wei’s. Consort Wei subtly shook her head. The Crown Prince frowned slightly, sensing a change in plans, but he didn’t know what exactly had happened.
His gaze fell upon Ban Ruoxuan. Knowing she was the candidate for Crown Princess chosen by Grand Tutor Wei for him, and seeing her innocent and carefree demeanor, he felt a sense of displeasure.
As Crown Princess, she would need to manage the Eastern Palace, win over the families of court officials, and offer him counsel. With Ban Ruoxuan’s childlike innocence, what could she possibly do?
“Does Mother have anyone in mind?” The Emperor sat at the head of the table, glancing at the young ladies standing on the ground, and asked the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager smiled, “What I fancy doesn’t count. It must be the Crown Prince’s choice.”
As she spoke, she turned to the Crown Prince, “Does the Crown Prince have anyone who catches his eye?”
The Crown Prince was very obedient, “I will abide by Grandmother’s decision.”
The Empress Dowager was delighted by his words, but the most crucial decision still rested with the Emperor.
The Empress Dowager smiled and asked the Emperor, “Which one does Your Majesty think is suitable?”
Once the Emperor spoke, his words were final. Whoever he chose would be the one.
In that instant, not only the young ladies present but also Consort Wei and the Crown Prince held their breath.
Honestly, apart from Feng Jiangduo, Ban Ruoxuan was quite outstanding among this group of young ladies.
Especially since the Emperor favored such women, he unconsciously looked towards the childlike Ban Ruoxuan and asked kindly, “Whose daughter is this?”
Consort Wei was overjoyed and quickly replied with a smile, “Replying to Your Majesty, this young lady is the legitimate youngest granddaughter of Minister Ban, the Minister of Justice.”
The Emperor let out an “Oh,” but didn’t say anything further. His gaze shifted to Wang Qingyao, and he asked, “I heard your eyes have recovered?”
Wang Qingyao stood up and replied, “Yes, thanks to Guoshi Feng Fu.”
The Emperor smiled, “Speaking of which, the Guoshi is also a benefactor to the Princess of Ding’an.”
Wang Qingyao’s transformation from a mere orphan to the Princess of Ding’an was thanks to Guoshi Feng Fu’s divination. Now, he had even cured an eye ailment that countless renowned physicians could not.
Although Guoshi Feng Fu, as the Great Sheng’s Guoshi, hadn’t accomplished many reliable deeds, these two alone were enough to make him famous throughout Great Sheng.
The Empress Dowager chuckled, “In my opinion, the Princess of Ding’an is A Yun’s benefactor. Without the Princess of Ding’an, A Yun would likely…”
The curse of the Xiao family, the family of the Prince of Ding’an, was discovered by Wang Qingyao. Although it was man-made, without Wang Qingyao, it would have continued to be mistaken as divine retribution.
At this point, the Empress Dowager remembered that the poisoner was the eunuch Changshou by her side. She couldn’t help but feel guilty, which further solidified her resolve to prevent the new Crown Princess from having any ties with the Wei family.
Wang Qingyao glanced at the Emperor.
Both of them knew clearly who the real poisoner was.
The Emperor coughed guiltily, “The Princess of Ding’an has regained her sight, she deserves rewards, she deserves rewards.”
Wang Qingyao: “……”
Others: “……”
Shouldn’t Guoshi Feng Fu be rewarded?
However, the Emperor’s words were final, and rewards were to be given.
Thus, Wang Qingyao, who had come to attend a flower appreciation banquet, inexplicably received a pile of gifts.
After mentioning the rewards, the Emperor left with the Crown Prince, leaving a group of people looking at each other in bewilderment.
Wasn’t this a selection for the Crown Princess?
The Emperor hadn’t indicated who he favored.
However, although the Emperor hadn’t decided on the Crown Princess, among so many young ladies, he had only inquired about Ban Ruoxuan. This was an immense honor!
Consort Wei was overjoyed.
After returning, Wang Qingyao said to Xiao Yun, “It’s a pity for Miss Ban’s personality to enter the palace. She’ll either be devoured until not even bones remain, or she’ll become corrupted and lose her former innocence.”
Xiao Yun: “The Emperor won’t choose her.”
“Hmm?”
“The Emperor is extremely filial. The Empress Dowager has already eliminated the Ban family lady, so the Emperor won’t go against her wishes.”
“What if Consort Wei acts first and persuades the Emperor to issue an imperial decree? Then, even if the Empress Dowager dislikes it, it will be useless. Conversely, the Empress Dowager will protect Miss Ban in the future.”
Xiao Yun pondered, “That makes sense. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the palace and plead with the Emperor, exaggerating the incident where Consort Wei incited you against Princess Nange.”
Wang Qingyao laughed heartily.
Ever since Xiao Yun learned that Guoshi Feng Fu had swapped the Green Demon in Shunfeng’s possession, his courage had grown, and he would go to the palace for even the smallest matter.
Although the Emperor had issued an order forbidding Xiao Yun from entering the palace without summons, Xiao Yun paid no heed, and the Emperor could do nothing.
He could only clean up after Xiao Yun each time, sending Shunfeng away when Xiao Yun arrived.
As a result, before Xiao Yun could even enter the palace the next day, the decree for the new Crown Princess had already spread throughout Duanjing.
The Emperor decreed that the Crown Prince’s secondary consort, Lady Lu, was intelligent, agile, dignified, virtuous, and prudent in her conduct, and was to be elevated to Crown Princess!
Upon hearing the decree, everyone was stunned.
Secondary Consort Lu!
Setting aside Lady Lu’s family background, the elevation of a concubine to the primary consort was already against all propriety.
This was the case even in common society, let alone the imperial family!
The old men of the Censorate immediately submitted memorials in opposition.
Many court officials also raised objections.
The Wei family, however, remained quiet. No one opposed during the court session, and they maintained a silent neutrality.
Yet, there were also those who supported the Emperor.
For example, Duke Zhongyong Fang’s family and the Prince of Ding’an’s mansion.