The Emperor, upon hearing of Consort Yao's indisposition, summoned the entire Imperial Medical Office to Yaochi Palace to attend to her.
The Consort was grieving for her deceased niece. To comfort her, the Emperor posthumously conferred the title of Princess Qingping upon Yao Sanniang and decreed that she be buried with the honors befitting a princess.
To ensure fairness, the Emperor issued an edict promoting Second Master Yao, a Secretariat Official, to the position of Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi.
Though merely Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, this appointment placed him squarely within the power center of the Three Departments, a step away from becoming Prime Minister.
This decree caused an uproar throughout the court. With one member of the Yao family being a Marquis and another a future Prime Minister, the long-standing rule of not overly relying on imperial in-laws was broken.
The Emperor's profound affection for Consort Yao was evident, and the prestige of Cheng'en Houfu grew even stronger.
In the blink of an eye, it was the third day of the third lunar month, Shangsi Festival, a holiday greatly cherished by the Great Wei. People flocked to the banks of the Luo River, not only to ward off misfortune and cleanse themselves but also to actively participate in festivities and feasting.
Literati even gathered in nearby pavilions for flowing wine and poetry recitals.
This was the most vibrant time along the Luo River, a season where tales of talented scholars and beautiful maidens often began.
Even the Sage himself, accompanied by the Consort, ventured out of the palace for a stroll. They chose the picturesque Bibo Pavilion, guarded by imperial guards, keeping ordinary citizens at a distance.
The capital, which had been subdued for over a month, once again buzzed with life. Young ladies from noble families shed their heavy winter attire for their beloved gauzy skirts, which, when caught by the breeze, made them appear ethereal and as vibrant as the spring blossoms.
Today, Yu Mingyue wore a mountain pomegranate-dyed dancing skirt. Unadorned by makeup, she was both charming and graceful.
Su Mu, concerned about insects, had pre-treated her clothes with medicinal herbs and carried an insect-repellent sachet.
"Mingyue, what scent are you wearing today? At first, I didn't notice, but the more I smell it, the more I like it," Xu Zijun remarked.
It wasn't a sweet fruity scent; it began with an herbal aroma, then a woody one—in any case, it was refreshing and comforting.
"It's the insect-repellent sachet that Sister Su Mu made for me. If Sister Zijun likes it, I can have Su Mu get some for you."
Xu Zijun quickly waved her hand, "How can I accept something from Mingyue?"
"It's just a sachet, I'm happy if you like it."
"Then thank you, Mingyue," Xu Zijun said, affectionately linking her arm with Yu Mingyue's, though her eyes frequently scanned their surroundings.
Yu Mingyue knew that Xu Zijun's closeness was largely due to the Seventh Prince, and she herself had agreed to accompany Xu Zijun today with the hope of seeing him.
Otherwise, she would have preferred to be with young ladies of her age, openly observing the eligible young gentlemen from prominent families to select a suitable husband.
This was an opportunity to confess one's feelings, whether for a gentleman or a lady.
Presenting hand-picked flowers and herbs to someone, and if accepted, it might blossom into a beautiful romance. Even if rejected, it wouldn't lead to ridicule.
However, much to Xu Zijun's disappointment, the Seventh Prince did not appear. Instead, a female official from the Consort's retinue arrived.
Xu Zijun watched Yu Mingyue's retreating back with envy. She was fifteen this year, and her family background was not poor, nor was her age incompatible with the Seventh Prince.
Xu Zijun bit her lip. In truth, she would have been willing to be a secondary consort, but alas, neither the Seventh Prince nor the Consort ever seemed to notice her.
"It's been a while, Miss Yu. You've become even more radiant," Su Wanqing had noticed Xu Zijun earlier but hadn't approached while Yu Mingyue was present.
"Miss Su!" Xu Zijun nodded slightly, intending to leave after a brief greeting.
Since the last incident, Xu Zijun had been deliberately avoiding Su Wanqing. While they had previously gotten along well, as an orphan living in the Duke's mansion, she didn't have the standing to offend Yu Mingyue.
"Miss Yu, please wait," Su Wanqing stepped forward, catching up to Xu Zijun.