The Emperor's decision to elevate Consort Lu to the position of Crown Princess surprised even Consort Lu herself.
While the Crown Prince was fond of Consort Lu, he was not entirely pleased with the Emperor's decree. In his view, Consort Lu was already his consort, and the Lu and Zhou families were already his allies. He saw no need to further elevate her to the position of Crown Princess. Even as a consort, Consort Lu would undoubtedly assist him wholeheartedly. The position of Crown Princess, however, would bring new allies and influence, regardless of who filled it.
Despite his inner dissatisfaction, the Crown Prince outwardly maintained an attitude of "I will obey my father's will."
The court had been abuzz for days, with heated debates surrounding the elevation of Consort Lu to Crown Princess. Finally, Fang Zheng silenced the opposition with a single statement: "Throughout history, there have been instances of imperial concubines and even grand imperial concubines being elevated to Empress. Strictly speaking, this is also a case of a concubine being legitimized. Do you all believe this also violates propriety and law?"
Someone retorted, "How can ordinary people be compared to the Son of Heaven?"
Fang Zheng: "Is the Crown Prince an ordinary person?"
"Ah, no... no, but..."
"But what?"
The opposition was left speechless. The Crown Prince was the heir apparent, the future Son of Heaven. As long as he did not rebel, anything the Son of Heaven could do, he could also do. Moreover, this matter had the Emperor's approval.
Later, Xiao Yun informed Wang Qingyao that the idea of elevating Consort Lu had been a collective decision reached by the cabinet members. Xiao Yun, not being deeply involved in practical matters, only learned of this later.
During the Empress Dowager's flower appreciation banquet, the Emperor had indeed shown great favor to Ban Ruoxuan. However, the Ban and Wei families were related by marriage. To prevent the imperial relatives from wielding excessive power after the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the Emperor decisively abandoned Ban Ruoxuan.
The Emperor had not initially considered Consort Lu. It was Prince Wang Jing who mentioned her, and after deliberation, they all agreed she was an ideal candidate.
Wang Qingyao expressed her surprise: "My elder brother? My elder brother is the most particular about propriety and law." He was so devoted to it that he was almost becoming an old fuddy-duddy.
Xiao Yun said, "I suspect my elder brother knew of your grievances with the Wei family. His actions were also meant to protect you." Wang Qingyao felt a warmth spread through her heart.
And so, Lu Peishan transformed from a mere consort to the Crown Princess. Since Wei Yu's deposition, Lu Peishan had been managing the affairs of the Eastern Palace, and now it was even more legitimate. Apart from her chambers being moved to the main hall and the change in titles for her within the Eastern Palace, little else had changed.
It was rumored that Consort Wei had summoned Lu Peishan specifically to admonish her, subtly urging her to take good care of Wei Yu. The following day, Consort Wei also sent a female official to deliver items to Wei Yu.
Because the Crown Prince had ordered that no one in the Eastern Palace was allowed to enter Changning Palace without his command, Lu Peishan waited outside with her maids. The female official, accompanied by two maids from Huayang Palace, entered.
Changning Palace was isolated from the outside world, and Wei Yu was unaware that Lu Peishan had been made Crown Princess. What would her reaction be upon hearing the news? Lu Peishan, waiting outside, curved her lips slightly. Although she was now the legitimate Crown Princess, she knew that as long as Wei Yu existed, her position would not be secure.
Consort Wei had always treated Wei Yu as her own daughter. Even after Wei Yu was stripped of her position as Crown Princess and confined to Changning Palace, Consort Wei would send people to check on her every few days, fearing she might be wronged. Did the Emperor know how much Consort Wei doted on Wei Yu?
The Emperor disdained Wei Yu, and Consort Wei's actions were kept from him. The Emperor, busy with state affairs, naturally would not concern himself with such minor matters. Consort Wei, having been a favored concubine for so long, now felt a sense of crisis, but her long-held sense of superiority and autocratic tendencies were not easily changed. Initially, she visited Wei Yu in secret. Later, seeing that the Emperor was unaware and no one advised her against it, she became increasingly bold. She did not treat Wei Yu as a deposed consort at all.
The female official soon emerged, her expression unusual. After a few polite words with Lu Peishan, she hurried away with her entourage. Lu Peishan was puzzled. Glancing at the tightly shut main doors of Changning Palace, she inexplicably felt a premonition of something bad.
Indeed, not long after, Consort Wei herself arrived, leading a large retinue and bringing Imperial Physician Lu with her. It was then that Lu Peishan learned Wei Yu was pregnant. Wei Yu was pregnant! And she was two months along!
Lu Peishan accompanied Consort Wei into Changning Palace. Upon seeing her, Wei Yu prepared to bow, but Consort Wei quickly stopped her: "You are with child, so these formalities are unnecessary. I doubt the Crown Princess would mind." Consort Wei glanced at Lu Peishan. "Is that right, Crown Princess?"
Lu Peishan clasped her hands within her wide sleeves, revealing a benevolent and magnanimous smile. "Mother Consort speaks wisely. This is the Crown Prince's first child, so Sister Fengyi should be cautious."
Wei Yu curved her lips slightly, her eyes filled with mockery. Lu Peishan's chest tightened, and her fingers clenched.
Consort Wei said, "A'yu, do not be afraid. I have already informed the Emperor of your pregnancy. You are carrying the Crown Prince's first child, the Emperor's first grandson. The Emperor is overjoyed."
"However, the Emperor's word is law, and for now, you cannot leave Changning Palace freely. But it is not a matter. You should rest and nurture your pregnancy here. Once the Emperor's anger subsides, I will plead with him. For the sake of the imperial grandson, the Emperor will not make things difficult for you."
Wei Yu nodded demurely, her eyes slightly raised, and she cast another provocative glance at Lu Peishan. Lu Peishan's fists clenched.
"These are all people I have assigned to serve you. If you feel it is not enough, tell me." As Consort Wei spoke, she ordered the bedding, curtains, teacups, bowls, chopsticks, clothes, and shoes in Wei Yu's chambers to be replaced. Many exquisite small items were also placed, and even gardeners were tending to the flowerbeds in the courtyard. After all this, Changning Palace no longer resembled a cold palace.
"Thank you, Aunt. You are so kind." Wei Yu sweetly petted Consort Wei, who affectionately embraced her and stroked her cheek, making Lu Peishan, standing beside them, feel like an outsider.