Concubine Fang went to see the Old Imperial Concubine and was lectured again.
She felt listless, heartbroken by her son, and from then on, she devoted herself to Buddhism and no longer bothered with Wang Qingyao and the others.
Wang Qingyao saw everything that happened with her clairvoyant eyes. Although she didn't know what the Old Imperial Concubine and Concubine Fang said afterward, Concubine Fang stopped bothering her from then on, and she enjoyed the peace.
At this moment, Xiao Yun entered the room. He didn't mention his kneeling, only said that everything was fine and she didn't need to worry.
Wang Qingyao was touched and rubbed his hand for a long time.
Xiao Yun smiled, "Are you trying to rub a layer of skin off my hand?"
Everyone in the room laughed.
Nanny Nian, who protected her mistress, was beaten by Concubine Fang. Xiao Yun and Wang Qingyao saw this and rewarded her with many gifts the next day.
Later in the evening, the Old Imperial Concubine arrived.
She sat by Wang Qingyao's bed, sighed, and said softly, "Your mother is not a bad person, she just sometimes can't get her mind around things."
Wang Qingyao nodded.
The Old Imperial Concubine added, "I've already spoken to her, so you shouldn't hold it against her."
Wang Qingyao nodded again, "I understand."
"Good child."
Then she began to talk about the washing ceremony.
Newborn babies have weak resistance, and Pingping and An'an were premature. Wang Qingyao did not want them to be exposed to so many people so early. It would be best to wait until a month later, by which time she would have finished her confinement and could supervise.
She shared her thoughts with the Old Imperial Concubine, who found her reasoning sound. Thus, the washing ceremonies for both children were combined with their full moon celebrations.
Wei Residence.
In Grand Tutor Wei's study, Wei Yu stood with her head bowed before Grand Tutor Wei.
"Grandfather, I messed things up. Please punish me."
Wei Yu and Wang Qingyao had no deep-seated hatred. Wei Yu had never intended to kill Wang Qingyao. Whether it was the person skilled in ventriloquism saying something that made her misunderstand, or drugging Xiao Yun to sleep with another woman, in the end, it was all to embarrass and distress Wang Qingyao, making her life unstable.
As for whether she lived or died, Wei Yu had never considered it.
The one who wanted Wang Qingyao dead was Grand Tutor Wei.
After hearing Wei Yu's report, his eyes darkened. It was a moment before he said, "You did your best. It was Wang Qingyao's good luck."
Wei Yu breathed a sigh of relief, looked up, and her eyes were firm, "Grandfather, although Wang Qingyao is very lucky, as long as we have an informant in Prince Ding'an's mansion, there will always be opportunities to act again."
Even though Wei Yu disliked Wang Qingyao, she had to admit that Wang Qingyao was very lucky and blessed.
The ventriloquist beside her had used such methods countless times over the years without being discovered. Yet, as soon as she encountered Wang Qingyao, Wang Qingyao immediately detected it and even turned the tables on her, causing her to lose a capable subordinate.
"You have an idea."
"The Fifth Princess."
Grand Tutor Wei frowned, signaling her to continue.
"Since the Fifth Princess admires Prince Ding'an and is determined to marry him as a secondary consort, unwilling to be married off to a foreign land, we will help her. A secondary consort with the status of a princess, I imagine Wang Qingyao's life will not be easy, and it will be much easier for the Fifth Princess to act."
"The Emperor will not agree to the Fifth Princess becoming a concubine."
"This is where Aunt will help."
Wei Yu mentioned Noble Consort Wei.
Speaking of Noble Consort Wei, Wei Yu added, "Aunt seems... to quite like Wang Qingyao. I don't know if she will be willing to help with this matter."
Wei Yu observed Grand Tutor Wei's expression as she spoke. Indeed, his brow furrowed even deeper, and he said sternly, "Your aunt is a bit muddled. Fine, I will speak to her personally about this matter."
Wei Yu was overjoyed, "Yes."
The palace was Noble Consort Wei's domain. With her help, things would surely be twice as effective with half the effort.
Grand Tutor Wei soon met Noble Consort Wei. Seeing Grand Tutor Wei's solemn expression, Noble Consort Wei was quite puzzled.
Ever since she entered the palace and bore three princes, Grand Tutor Wei had reached the pinnacle of officialdom, and the Wei family was flourishing. What could possibly be a cause for worry?
Although the Second Prince had lost his eligibility for succession, and the Fourth Prince was confined to Jiayun Peak, was the Fifth Prince not established as Crown Prince? Moreover, the Crown Princess was still from their Wei family.
When the Fifth Prince ascended the throne, the Wei family would only rise higher!
"Father, what has happened?"
Grand Tutor Wei began, "I heard you are very fond of the Princess of Ding'an?"
Noble Consort Wei was taken aback, then smiled, "Why would Father suddenly mention her? I do indeed like her very much. This child is straightforward, sincere, and interesting to talk to. I even..."
"Does Your Majesty know," Grand Tutor Wei interrupted her rambling, his voice as cold as ice, "that if she does not die, the Fifth Prince, as Crown Prince, may very well not inherit the throne!"
Noble Consort Wei was greatly shocked and looked at Grand Tutor Wei in confusion, "What does Father mean by this?"
"The Eldest Prince is not dead."
Grand Tutor Wei's words were like a thunderclap, directly striking Noble Consort Wei's heart, leaving her mind blank.
She sank into a chair, her expression a mixture of bewilderment and shock.
Although she had not directly participated in what Grand Tutor Wei did back then, she actually knew a little about it.
For years, she had pretended to know nothing, diligently playing the role of a pure and kind noble consort. She thought she no longer needed to fight for anything; her son would naturally be the future emperor, and she would naturally be the future Empress Dowager.
But unexpectedly, at this moment, an accident had occurred!