Wang Qingyao lay down for a while, and then Consort Chen entered.
Wang Qingyao was a little surprised. Logically, the Emperor would be arriving soon, shouldn't Consort Chen be thinking about how to make a good impression? Why was she specifically coming to her?
Wang Qingyao got up to get out of bed, but Consort Chen quickly stopped her and sat down by the bed. "You lie down and rest. I'll say a few words and leave."
"Your Ladyship, please speak," Wang Qingyao said, leaning against a large cushion and looking at Consort Chen.
"It's about what you asked me last time," Consort Chen said cautiously. After saying this, she glanced towards the door. Wang Qingyao used her clairvoyant eyes to look; there was nothing unusual. The palace maids guarding the door stood respectfully, neither too close nor too far, at a distance where they could be heard if someone inside called out for service.
"...Later," Consort Chen lowered her voice, "I secretly disguised myself as a palace maid and sneaked into Empress Xiaoxian's delivery room. It was chaotic then, and no one noticed an extra person. I hid under the bed... Later, I heard the baby cry, but the cry soon grew weak... Someone said, 'Don't be soft-hearted. While the Empress is unconscious, quickly smother the child.' I covered my mouth in shock, not daring to move. Another person couldn't bear it, and the baby's cries grew weaker and stronger... But in the end, it was gone. I heard the door open, and someone went out to report the death..."
"...Empress woke up then. Everyone was in the outer chamber, and the inner room was completely empty. I crawled out and held her hand, saying I would tell the Emperor, but she shook her head, gritted her teeth, and gave birth to another child. She said, 'Don't let anyone know this child exists. Take him out of the palace and save his life...'"
"Empress gave birth to two children consecutively, and her body was extremely weak. Before she could finish speaking, she fainted again. I heard someone outside about to enter, so I couldn't care about her anymore. I picked up the child and left the delivery room."
"Later, I handed the child over to Imperial Physician Lu. Imperial Physician Lu used his position to secretly transport the child out of the palace. As for where the child went afterward, I never knew."
"I didn't dare to ask. I was afraid that if one more person knew, the child would be in more danger."
Consort Chen's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke. Recalling the dangers in the delivery room back then, her heart still trembled.
If it weren't for Wang Qingyao's accidental involvement, that child would likely have lived as an ordinary person his entire life.
But now, both Grand Tutor Wei and Prince Ding'an were looking for him.
For him, it was hard to say whether it was a good thing or a bad thing.
Consort Chen sighed heavily.
Wang Qingyao said, "...Later, Imperial Physician Lu handed the child over to Duke Zhongyong..."
Consort Chen was stunned, then excitedly grabbed her hand and asked, "Did you find... did you find the child?"
"No, Duke Zhongyong went traveling with the State Preceptor Feng Fu, and we haven't found him yet. We don't know the child's whereabouts."
Consort Chen was stunned again, unsure whether she felt relieved or disappointed.
Wang Qingyao was much more relaxed. Without any psychological burden, she said, "Your Ladyship, don't worry. When we find him, I will come to the palace and inform you."
Consort Chen smiled. This child was truly carefree. She probably didn't realize what a storm the exposure of the eldest prince's identity would stir up!
"You rest well."
Consort Chen left.
Wang Qingyao lay down, waiting for Xiao Yun. She didn't know what the Emperor was talking about with them. Consort Chen had spoken for such a long time, and he still hadn't returned.
Wang Qingyao was getting impatient and was about to send someone to inquire. As soon as she got out of bed, the door was pushed open, and someone walked in.
It was the Fifth Princess.
Wang Qingyao raised an eyebrow, a little surprised.
"Fifth Princess."
"Consort Ding'an."
They exchanged greetings. The Fifth Princess walked closer to Wang Qingyao and looked her up and down, her gaze finally falling on her belly.
Her gaze was not exactly friendly. Wang Qingyao frowned slightly and subtly took a few steps back.
"What business does the Fifth Princess have?"
"I have something to ask of Consort Ding'an."
Wang Qingyao had met the Fifth Princess for the first time today. She couldn't imagine what the Fifth Princess needed her help with.
Was it to borrow money? She had money, but she and the Fifth Princess were complete strangers. Even if the Fifth Princess needed to borrow money, why would she come to her?
"Your Highness, please speak," Wang Qingyao said insincerely.
The Fifth Princess took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and said, "I wish to marry Prince Ding'an as a secondary consort. I ask for the Consort's approval."
"Huh?"
Wang Qingyao was too astonished. More astonished than if the Fifth Princess had asked her for money.
A princess wanted to be Xiao Yun's concubine?
Was she out of her mind? Would the Emperor agree?
"You and Prince Ding'an..." she asked tentatively. Was it the kind of childhood sweethearts story written in novels?
She hadn't heard Xiao Yun mention it at all!
The Fifth Princess's face blushed slightly. "...About five years ago, Prince Ding'an went to Cishou Palace to see the Empress Dowager. I happened to be there too..." She lowered her head shyly. "I fell in love with Prince Ding'an at first sight!"