Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 380

Before the imperial decree was delivered to the Duke Lu, Mrs. Qin was in conversation with Concubine Feng.

Mrs. Qin was elderly, and when she fainted that day, it sent shockwaves throughout the household. The doctor diagnosed her with a disordered pulse, which posed a severe risk, and even the possibility of a stroke due to her advanced age.

Feng Yuan dispatched Zheng Mama to convey the news to Concubine Feng using Mrs. Qin’s waist card. Upon learning of her mother’s condition, Concubine Feng immediately implored Emperor Zhengyuan to allow her to leave the palace temporarily and visit her ailing mother.

At that time, Emperor Zhengyuan was deeply occupied with official ceremonies and the daily guidance of Gu Ye at the Mental Cultivation Hall. He neither had the time nor the desire to expose Concubine Feng to Gu Ye, so he granted her request to stay with her family for a few days. It was considered a rare privilege for concubines in the palace to leave and visit their families, and this decision reflected Emperor Zhengyuan’s compassion.

Upon hearing that Concubine Feng was granted leave, Mrs. Qin, lying in her sickbed, miraculously experienced a swift recovery. She even instructed Zheng Mama to hastily prepare and beautify the courtyard to welcome her daughter back.

When Concubine Feng returned to Duke Lu’s mansion, she brought along numerous gifts and an imperial doctor. To everyone’s amazement, Mrs. Qin had recuperated considerably, thanks to the rare medicinal herbs from the palace. She was now able to sit up with the assistance of the imperial doctor.

Concubine Feng sought to console her mother, saying, “Why let these unworthy people trouble you? After all, my brother lacks a wife, does he not?”

Mrs. Qin clenched her teeth and responded, “You’re absolutely right. Mrs. Ge is unworthy, but Duke Ying’s family went to the extent of having someone impersonate my servant to deceive me. That family should have shown some respect for us, especially given our title. Yet they seem indifferent, ignoring the dignity of the Imperial Concubine.”

During the last palace banquet, Concubine Feng had aimed to humiliate Gu Yin and Mrs. Wang, but was thwarted by Empress Zhou’s intervention. On that occasion, it was evident that Duke Ying’s family did not take Concubine Feng seriously.

Concubine Feng commented with a sly smile, “Our family matters were meddled with by Duke Ying’s family, who resorted to such malicious tactics. It’s indeed exasperating. But, Mother, you must prioritize your health. That family still wields power, and despite our grievances, we must endure for the time being.”

Seeing that Concubine Feng’s expression conveyed more than met the eye, Mrs. Qin quickly grasped the hidden message. She asked, “What do you have in mind?”

Mrs. Qin naturally deduced the matter. There were only two women in Emperor Zhengyuan’s harem: Empress Zhou and Concubine Feng. Although Empress Zhou had given birth to a prince, the frail Lu Zhao had yet to speak or walk, resembling an infant in swaddling clothes. In contrast, Lu Xu, Concubine Feng’s son, who was born on the same day as Lu Zhao, was agile, articulate, and lively due to his mother’s attentive care.

Empress Zhou was no longer young and unlikely to bear another child. Emperor Zhengyuan, hailing from a commoner background, didn’t attach the same significance to direct descendants as aristocratic families did. He treated both of his sons with equal care. Given Lu Xu’s affectionate disposition, he appeared closer to his father.

Mrs. Qin couldn’t help but smile and patted Concubine Feng’s hand affectionately. “It is fortunate that Heaven has blessed our family. Your brother, as talented as he is, has a sister like you, and His Royal Highness is a rare gem.”

Mrs. Qin then expressed her lament. “It’s a shame that His Highness cannot leave the palace. As a grandmother, I see him only a few times a year.”

Upon hearing that, Concubine Feng inquired further, “And where is Ah Yu? I sent a message to my elder brother that His Majesty will choose a companion for the prince in the first month, but he didn’t come to greet me.”

Mrs. Qin revealed sternly, “You should be angry. Your brother informed him in advance, but he insisted on accompanying a friend for studies outside. Your brother reprimanded him severely, imposed a punishment, and confined him at home. His mother was locked up, restricting any contact with the outside world. Who knows how her street vendor parents received the message and even had Duke Ying’s family visit. Don’t worry, he can’t leave the house, and he’s learned his lesson.”

Feng Yu, as the eldest son of the family and Feng Yuan’s only son, was not in a position to decide family matters in the mansion. Mrs. Qin’s sharp reprimand had its desired effect. She followed up with a few encouraging words for her grandson. “He is still a child, and his mother’s influence was negative. I plan to raise him personally, then send him to the palace. With your guidance, he’ll learn to distinguish right from wrong. He is indeed a promising child. I’ve hired several teachers for him, and they all have praised his aptitude. He’ll certainly be a great support to His Highness!”

Though Concubine Feng was displeased to learn that Feng Yu had refused to become a companion for her son due to a friend’s commitment, she managed to put on a loving front for her mother. She suggested, “Let him come here, and I’ll have a word with him.”

Mrs. Qin summoned Feng Yu. Concubine Feng played the role of the doting elder and remarked on his growth and the weight he had lost. Feng Yu responded with utmost respect.

Later, Concubine Feng raised the matter of Emperor Zhengyuan selecting scholars to study in the Wenhua Palace. She urged Feng Yu, saying, “Lately, His Majesty has chosen several scholars to study at the Wenhua Palace. The weather is pleasant these days. You should come to the palace and join your cousin in his studies at the Wenhua Palace, understand?”

Feng Yu bowed and replied, “Aunt, your kindness is undeniable. However, I have prior commitments with someone. I cannot join my cousin to study at the Wenhua Palace.”

Concubine Feng’s initial smile disappeared instantly. Upon exiting the room, Mrs. Qin signaled Zheng Mama to act accordingly. She had already devised a plan to eliminate those around Feng Yu. In matters involving Duke Lu’s family, Feng Yu held no authority to make decisions.