The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1555 - 1552: Mutual Understanding
When she was alone, she could carve out a realm for herself in this deep palace. Now that she has a child, the harem must be firmly in her grasp!
As for outside the palace, she used to understand the Emperor’s intentions, knowing the Emperor disliked her associating with the Ladies of the Outer Court, so she dutifully kept her relationships with them average.
But now with a child, for the child’s sake, she can no longer behave as she did before.
Fortunately, the Emperor had initially planned to pull the Duke Weiguo Residence into his fold.
The Imperial Noble Consort, though not inquisitive about the affairs of the previous court, naturally knew about the matters of the Duke Weiguo Residence, as they were widespread in Capital City.
For the past month, she has been observing Wang Yongzhu closely, and her understanding has grown.
She refrains from commenting on Duke Weiguo.
However, the Heir’s Wife of Duke of Weiguo is not an ordinary woman.
To elevate from a mere peasant girl to Heir’s Wife, there’s an element of luck involved, but more importantly, it’s due to her abilities.
The fact that the Heir to the Duke can marry such a woman suggests he is of great character.
Naturally, she dare not provoke Duke Weiguo, nor will she.
Yet, if she starts associating with the Heir’s Wife of Duke of Weiguo now, within ten years, the Heir will become Duke Weiguo, and his wife will be the Duchess.
Moreover, Wang Yongzhu is the niece of the Gu Family, which, due to her mother’s influence, cherishes this niece dearly.
The offspring of the Gu Family have always been promising, with connections in both literary and military circles; it doesn’t get any better than this.
By then, her child should have grown up, making it the opportune moment.
Furthermore, this will not arouse the Emperor’s suspicion.
After all, the Emperor provided the best excuse, as the Heir’s Wife saved her and the Little Prince’s lives. A closer relationship in the future makes sense.
The Imperial Noble Consort made her plans clear and naturally did not hide them from Wang Yongzhu.
She knew that her thoughts could not be concealed from Wang Yongzhu, so she might as well be honest.
Currently, she and her son rely on Wang Yongzhu, having a weaker position.
But in the future, when she ascends to the throne, when the Little Prince grows up, might she not be able to bestow greater honor and fortune upon the Gu Family and Duke Weiguo Residence?
Moreover, the child is young and doesn’t require Wang Yongzhu to do anything specific now. Just forming a good relationship is enough; at critical moments in the future, they might slightly favor her and her son. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎
After listening to the Imperial Noble Consort’s frank words, Wang Yongzhu’s first reaction was, "Alright, yet another person has been hurt by the Emperor and turned dark."
The Imperial Noble Consort now is not the same as before; she is now Niohuru·Hitara·Imperial Noble Consort!
The second reaction was, "Indeed, everything is as Song Chongjin anticipated."
Before returning to the Capital City, Song Chongjin had said that if the Imperial Noble Consort were truly clever, she would use this opportunity to seek a private alliance with them.
They also analyzed that if the Imperial Noble Consort truly gave birth to a Prince, she would have to strategize for herself and the Little Prince.
The Imperial Noble Consort’s family is merely inconspicuous officials in the Capital City, without outstanding offspring. Only after the Imperial Noble Consort was favored did they donate some idle positions for surface grandeur, with no real foundation in court.
Everything depended on the Emperor; should one day the Emperor’s favor fade, they would immediately fall from grace.
Whether for herself or the Little Prince, the Imperial Noble Consort must seek another path.
Previously, she had little contact with the Ladies of the Outer Court; even if a Prince were born, and she were granted the title of Empress, the Prince is young, and outcomes are unknown.
The truly great families are all ancient foxes, how would they rashly invest in her and the Little Prince?
By then, those who flatter her would be families of little importance.
Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin, though young and holding low positions, have the backing of Duke Weiguo Residence and the Gu Family. They are the only ones the Imperial Noble Consort sees fit for a proper association.
If she isn’t foolish, she won’t miss this opportunity.
However, though this was the result they sought, they couldn’t agree readily.
Wang Yongzhu pondered for a moment and then said, "This matter is of great importance. I cannot make it happen simply by agreeing; I need to discuss it with my husband. Furthermore, I must put certain things forward. Even if my husband agrees, it can only represent us, not the Duke Weiguo Residence or the Gu Family!"
Upon hearing Wang Yongzhu’s words, the Imperial Noble Consort saw hope, though somewhat dissatisfied with the notion that it doesn’t represent Duke Weiguo Residence and the Gu Family.
However, she reconsidered, understanding Wang Yongzhu’s concerns.
It actually revealed Wang Yongzhu’s caution; she didn’t agree recklessly.
Moreover, she knew the most important task was ensuring the Little Prince’s survival, and her own ascension to higher rank before discussing future matters.
Everything cannot be rushed!
Thus, the Imperial Noble Consort thought it over and nodded firmly.
The two reached an understanding, choosing not to discuss the matter further.
Instead, the conversation shifted as the Imperial Noble Consort outlined the upcoming banquet’s considerations.
She was worried that Wang Yongzhu, summoned yesterday, hadn’t brought a maid along, which was not acceptable.
Then she assigned Bai Su and another palace maid to attend to Wang Yongzhu properly.
Huai Cai, having many connections within the palace, dispatched a Little Eunuch to report that the female members of Duke Weiguo Residence and the Gu Family had entered the palace.
The Imperial Noble Consort knew it was time, "Now is the right time; you should go; they’re arriving, and together you can take your seats and avoid others’ gaze. And don’t forget about the Little Prince’s Three-Day celebration and full-month ceremony!"
Wang Yongzhu smiled and took her leave.
Today, the dignitaries of Capital City are being overwhelmed by shocking news, one after another.
First, at the year’s end, it was revealed that the fetus of the Imperial Noble Consort had a cord wrapped around its neck, fearing an unsuccessful birth, possibly not surviving the new year.
Many lamented that the Imperial Noble Consort was unfortunate.
But early this morning, joyous news spread from the palace that the Imperial Noble Consort smoothly delivered a healthy Little Prince.
Reportedly, the Emperor was delighted, rewarding the Imperial Noble Consort with countless rare treasures.
It seems that after the Imperial Noble Consort’s confinement, she will be named Empress.
No one dared to say anymore that the Imperial Noble Consort or the Little Prince is unlucky; if this isn’t fortunate, who is?
The Little Prince is truly blessed by heaven, surviving the cord wrapped neck and born on such an auspicious day, New Year’s Day, naturally elevating his standing.
Families who hadn’t prepared gifts were suddenly searching through their homes frantically for congratulatory presents, hastily retreating their mourning offerings that were prepared privately.
Especially those who had previously mocked Duke Weiguo Residence and Wang Yongzhu were regretting heavily, having laughed at them for counting on a burning hot stove only to see it collapse.
Now they know it wasn’t collapse but rather blazing bright!
Once the Imperial Noble Consort is named Empress, Wang Yongzhu and Duke Weiguo will undoubtedly become formidable figures in the new Empress’s court!
If they’d known the Imperial Noble Consort was so fortunate, they would have befriended her earlier, wouldn’t they?
Thus, when the female members of the Gu Family and Duke Weiguo Residence entered the palace, many officials’ wives clustered around them.
The conversation was filled with praises of Lady Gao and the Lady of the Gu Family for their fortune, having such capable daughters-in-law and nieces, destined to be the Imperial Noble Consort’s top favorites in the future.
The Lady of the Gu Family, always tactful, only responded with a smile, deftly diverting the conversation.
Logically, Lady Gao should have been delighted, given Wang Yongzhu’s face of honor, and should be showing happiness for Wang Yongzhu!
Yet inexplicably, while Lady Gao wore a smile, her expression wasn’t entirely joyful, but rather carried an indescribable unease.
She usually maintained a gentle demeanor, being thoughtful in all directions, yet today seemed distracted. Even amidst such praises, she barely responded, seemingly preoccupied.
It piqued some to wonder; those who disliked Lady Gao muttered, "Pretending to be generous and magnanimous, now the facade is slipping. Knowing that one’s daughter-in-law has such prowess, wouldn’t any biological mother-in-law be joyous? But she’s not the real mother-in-law, showing a gloomy face, clearly having pretended before!"
Those who were friendly with Lady Gao couldn’t endure it, spoke a few words, and reminded her.
Lady Gao returned to her senses, showing worry, "I’m happy, but mainly concerned for my daughter-in-law. It’s a serious matter assisting in the delivery for the Imperial Noble Consort; summoned yesterday, we haven’t seen her today, isn’t it natural to worry?"
Her prior distraction was concealed successfully.
