novelraw Chapter 768 - 747 Backyard
Chapter 768 - 747 Backyard
After Princess Mingzhu became familiar with Ruyi in the palace, Fengyu explained the situation to the teacher from the Imperial College and arranged for her to study there. Recently, Fengyu intentionally had nursing nuns from the palace follow Mingzhu, teaching her courtly etiquette and the rights of a Princess. The Imperial College is home to many noble sons and daughters, who grew up being pampered, so Fengyu feared Mingzhu might be bullied. Thus, she specifically instructed the nursing nuns to teach her and selected several elderly attendants from the palace to serve her.
After the Princess entered the Imperial College, Ruyi couldn’t sit still and clamored to go study there as well. However, he was too young, barely grasping the basics of literacy, and unable to keep up with the curriculum at the Imperial College. Yet Ruyi didn’t care; he was especially attached to his elder sister and constantly found excuses to tag along with Mingzhu to the college. Mingzhu had to focus on her studies, while Ruyi was merely causing trouble. After much persuasion, Ruyi finally tearfully agreed to separate from his sister.
Ruyi was just at the age of enlightenment. There were tutors in the palace to teach him, and Xie Xun had already begun grooming him as the Crown Prince. Though it hadn’t been explicitly stated, it was clear from the tutors Xie Xun had chosen—each of whom could be an imperial mentor. Others might not perceive this, but Xie Jue and Fengyu could discern Xie Xun’s intentions.
Xie Jue did not stop him, seemingly acquiescing to the arrangement.
In truth, Xie Jue did not wish for Ruyi to become the Crown Prince. That position was too arduous; he would rather have Ruyi become a Great General guarding the borders or a carefree royal prince living away from court, enjoying tranquility and stability. However, if Xie Xun and Fengyu had no heirs, Ruyi would have no choice but to shoulder the burden.
Fengyu visited the academy daily. With her there, the Commandery Princesses of the Jingbei Royal Family and the Beiman Noble Ladies were no longer bullied. Under her and Fang Lingjun’s lead, even some daughters of military generals gradually became willing to interact with them and spar in horse archery. Fang Lingjun was naturally well-liked; whether they were young men or women, most had good relations with Fang Lingjun. In this way, Fengyu was able to resolve a worry on her mind.
This is diplomacy through noblewomen!
As long as the noblewomen and ladies in the Capital City lived well, they could influence the Beiman men. The scene where Lin Yunong led others to isolate them never happened again.
Fang Lingjun also knew that Lin Yunong had been confined at home. Those noble daughters who had been reprimanded dared not cause trouble anymore, so the academy and Imperial College became very peaceful. Even when sharing the same horse archery field, no conflicts arose.
Fengyu secretly asked Fang Lingjun, "You visited the Jingbei Prince Manor with Mrs. Fang several times. Did you meet Dugu Jing? Did you speak with him? Was there any chemistry?"
Unable to contain her curiosity, Fengyu finally asked after holding back for many days. The Princess Consort Jingbei had invited Fang Family mother and daughter to her estate three times, and Mrs. Fang had reciprocated once, inviting them as guests to the Fang Family—courtesy was observed.
Fang Lingjun spread her hands and said, "We met once; he’s fierce!"
She couldn’t shake off her initial impression of Dugu Jing. Fengyu laughed and asked, "Have you spoken privately?"
Fang Lingjun shook her head. "I always play with the Commandery Princesses. Since there’s no marriage proposal, who would spend time with him alone!"
"...Alright then!" Fengyu thought to herself. Back in the day, she spent plenty of private time with Xie Xun despite there being no marriage arrangement. How else would one determine whether someone’s character is suitable?
"Do you think I should marry Dugu Jing?" Fang Lingjun asked.
"It doesn’t matter what I think; it’s what you think that matters." Fengyu reiterated her stance. "Your mother originally didn’t want to agree, but now she’s willing to visit as a guest. It seems she’s changed her mind."
"Ayu, my brother doesn’t seem to like Dugu Jing very much; he has a lot of complaints about him."
"It’s your marriage, not your brother’s reason to meddle," Fengyu said, lowering her voice. "He’s just unlucky in love and jealous of you!"
Fang Lingjun, "..."
Fengyu was preoccupied gossiping about Fang Lingjun and Dugu Jing, unaware that trouble was brewing in her own backyard. That day, as soon as she arrived at the academy, she encountered Second Mrs. Lin.
By kinship, she should greet Second Mrs. Lin as Second Aunt. The latter often accompanied Madam Lin to the palace. She was a typical noble lady, more lively and coquettish than Madam Lin. As a second wife, she did not oversee the family’s central affairs, so she lived a life of leisure and elegance. Fengyu hadn’t summoned noble ladies to the palace recently, nor had anyone requested an audience. Knowing that she visited the academy daily, those eager to ingratiate themselves with her mostly flocked there. Some even expressed loyalty and sought to assist the Empress and Mrs. Fang by volunteering to teach Beiman women about etiquette and culture.
Among those currying favor were none of the Lin family’s ladies.
Madam Lin and Second Mrs. Lin came from prestigious backgrounds and carried themselves with dignity. Even though Fengyu was now Empress, they remained neither servile nor arrogant. This had always been the case, both in the previous era and now, especially since the Lin Family and Xie Family were relatives.
Fengyu had always treated the Lin Family’s ladies with courtesy.
"Second Aunt, is there something you wish to discuss with Ayu?" Fengyu spoke gently and warmly, mindful of Second Mrs. Lin’s emotions. She could sense her nervousness and unease.
As the younger generation, she wouldn’t embarrass her elders and took the initiative to ask.
Inside the side courtyard of the academy, only Qiuxiang was attending to them; the others waited outside the Moon Gate. Knowing Qiuxiang was trusted by Fengyu and discreet, Second Mrs. Lin felt reassured. She spoke softly, "Your Majesty, this humble lady has heard rumors lately that there are intentions in the palace to arrange a marriage between a noble lady and Duke Wu’an. Both His Majesty and Your Majesty are reportedly favoring Yunong."
"Aunt, where did you hear this? There is absolutely no such thing. The marriage of Duke Wu’an is a matter His Majesty will decide upon. What matters is mutual affection; forced unions bear no sweetness. His Majesty would never arbitrarily issue an edict for such a marriage. Please rest assured, Aunt. If Cousin Yunong has no interest in Duke Wu’an, I promise His Majesty will not decree such a marriage." Fengyu spoke with warmth, her tone laced with a gentle smile. Her serene expression, which had become characteristic of her reign as Empress, was dignified and tender—perfectly in line with the people’s image of the mother of the nation.
Second Mrs. Lin breathed a sigh of relief. Fengyu pondered where these rumors were originating. Worry clouded her judgment, and she seemed deeply anxious about marrying her daughter off to Dugu Jing.
Fengyu was somewhat baffled. Apart from his Beiman heritage, Dugu Jing was an exceptionally suitable candidate for a marital alliance. Now as Duke Wu’an, his legendary martial prowess made him well-matched for Lin Yunong.
Perhaps the scholarly Lin Family harbored disdain for such alliances or simply detested Dugu Jing’s Beiman lineage.
After Fengyu’s explanation, Second Mrs. Lin relaxed. This matter should have concluded, but Fengyu noticed a peculiar look on her face, which unsettled her. Could she have another request?
"Second Aunt, do you have something further to ask of me?" Fengyu kindly prompted, allowing her an opportunity to speak. Fengyu preferred finesse in her own speech but had a double standard, preferring others to state their requests plainly.
Second Mrs. Lin did not disappoint Fengyu. She suddenly knelt on the ground, bowing deeply. "This humble lady does indeed have an unreasonable request. I beg Your Majesty to grant it!"
Fengyu signaled with her eyes, and Qiuxiang hurriedly stepped forward to assist Second Mrs. Lin. "Second Mrs. Lin, you mustn’t do this. Whatever the matter, let’s discuss it while standing. We’re outside the palace; there’s no need for excessive courtesy."