coobybook Chapter 116 Noble Lady Fucha, Consort Yu
Chapter 116 Noble Lady Fucha, Consort Yu
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
As the seasons change, the weather gradually turns cooler, and the autumn breeze brings a refreshing coolness.
Fucha Peiyun and the others busily packed their bags, preparing to return to the palace.
Just days before Nian Shilan was to return to the palace, she found Big Fat Orange.
Mentioning Hongli, and also the matter of Consort Yu and her son Hongzhou returning to the palace.
Upon hearing the name "Hongli," the chubby orange cat's relaxed brows instantly furrowed tightly.
This name was like a shadow, long buried deep in the corner of his memory.
For many years, he had almost subconsciously forgotten about this son.
They don't even want to think about that unbearable past.
Hearing that name again from Nian Shilan's mouth, Da Pang Ju was stunned.
Then, subconsciously, one wants to refuse.
Deep down, the chubby orange tree didn't really want Hongli to return to the palace.
Although Hongli was indeed his son, this son represented shame to Da Pang Ju.
Back then, the chubby orange was tricked by the Eighth Prince, which led to the birth of Hongli.
He had an affair with a palace maid from the Old Summer Palace after drinking, which led to his impeachment.
They were pointed at and gossiped about, and even got a severe scolding from the old man.
Whenever I recall the old man's angry and disappointed face,
And those sharp, dagger-like words of rebuke would send a chill down Big Fat Orange's spine.
The old man had a truly sharp tongue; back then, even Fatty Orange wished he had never been born.
He still remembers that feeling of shame and indignation.
Therefore, the chubby orange tree felt a deep aversion to its son, Hongli.
The chubby orange-haired man said, "They were doing quite well in the Old Summer Palace."
Nian Shilan concealed the mockery in her eyes, "The Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince are all grown up now..."
It's time to learn what needs to be learned.
If they remained in the Yuanmingyuan Garden and were unable to receive a good education,
If you grow up and don't understand anything, won't you become a laughing stock?
Where do you put your face? Where do you put the dignity of the royal family?
Only then did the chubby orange realize that Hongli and Hongzhou had grown up.
Hongshi began his formal education at the age of three; as a prince, he naturally had a lot to learn.
If Hongli and Hongzhou don't start learning now, it will be too late.
Shilan is right. If Hongli and Hongzhou don't study now, they'll end up knowing nothing.
It's not just him, the emperor, who loses face, but also the royal family.
The chubby orange-faced man remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking:
"Then let them all return to the palace this time."
Nian Shilan's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile as she responded:
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will arrange this matter."
Big Orange's paranoia kicked in again. Did the Nian family want another prince?
They set their sights on Hongli, the motherless prince.
Big Fat Orange squinted at Nian Shilan and asked, "Why did Shilan suddenly bring up Hongli and Hongzhou?"
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan knew that the old man's paranoia had flared up again.
Nian Shilan immediately said, "I brought this up for a reason."
Your Majesty also knows that I was injured and lost my memory before, and that I do not recognize the Fourth Prince or the Fifth Prince.
It's because I've been running into the Fourth Prince a lot lately.
"I only just learned that there was a Fourth Prince and a Fifth Prince being kept in the Yuanmingyuan Garden."
The chubby orange looked at Nian Shilan suspiciously.
"Shilan, are you saying you've been running into Hongli a lot lately?"
Nian Shilan nodded. "That's right, didn't Consort Shu introduce this new thing called mahjong?"
That mahjong game was quite fun! Lately, I've often gone to play mahjong with Consort Shu and the others.
Or let's go horse racing at Baijun Park together.
It's quite a coincidence that I always run into the Fourth Prince on my way to see Consort Shu.
This fourth prince is always reading a book by the back lake.
At first, I didn't know this Fourth Prince.
Just think of it as some lazy, slacking eunuch popping out from some corner!
Look at the clothes he's wearing; they're not only tattered and old, but also way too small—they're utterly inappropriate.
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange cat's heart stirred.
It is highly likely that Hongli intentionally created these chance encounters.
Which of the children in this harem is truly innocent?
Back then, he himself had grown up step by step amidst deceit and treachery.
As for the ill-fitting clothes that Hongli was wearing,
Was it truly because he only had these tattered clothes to wear?
Or was it intentional that he dressed like this to gain Boschlan's sympathy?
Big Fat Orange's brows gradually furrowed.
"Oh, what did Hongli say to Shilan?" Big Orange asked.
Nian Shilan said, "The Fourth Prince said he is very interested in riding and archery, and asked me to teach him."
Upon hearing this, the chubby orange tentatively asked:
Did Shilan agree to Hongli's request?
Nian Shilan shook her head, her answer crisp and decisive:
"No."
The chubby orange cat was puzzled and then asked:
"Why? Does Shilan look down on Hongli?"
Nian Shilan certainly looked down on Hongli, but she wouldn't be so foolish as to say it directly.
This fat orange cat could dislike its son, Hongli.
But that doesn't mean that the chubby orange cat would tolerate others disliking his son, Hongli.
"How could I possibly dislike the Fourth Prince? Although I have amnesia..."
But Songzhi had already told me that I hadn't touched riding or archery in the past few years.
Having been out of practice for so long, how could I possibly have the ability to teach the Fourth Prince now!
This fourth prince, being a prince, if he were to learn riding and archery...
"Of course, Your Majesty will personally arrange a highly respected tutor for him."
After a pause, Nian Shilan continued...
"Your Majesty, I have some doubts."
"Oh, Shilan, what's wrong?" Big Fat Orange asked.
Nian Shilan said, "This Consort Shu's riding and archery skills are superior to mine. Why doesn't the Fourth Prince go to Consort Shu to learn riding and archery?"
Why have you come to see me?
Big Fatty Orange naturally understood that Hongli's desire to learn horsemanship and archery was just a pretext.
Hongli's true aim was to have Consort Shilan become his foster mother.
Consort Shu has her own son, so Hongli naturally wouldn't go looking for her.
However, judging from Shilan's words, Big Fat Orange understood that Shilan had no intention of having an adopted son.
This made the chubby orange cat breathe a sigh of relief.
"Hongli knows that Consort Shu needs to take care of Hongchang, which is why he came to find you, Shilan."
"Once we return to the palace, I should arrange riding and archery instructors for Hongli and Hongzhou."
Nian Shilan: "Yes, Your Majesty, you love your son dearly, so you will surely arrange everything properly."
Big Fat Orange always felt that Shilan's words had a hidden meaning.
The chubby orange shook its head, then tentatively asked:
"Shilan, don't you want to have a child of your own now?"
Upon hearing this, Nian Shilan felt a surge of irritation.
Why does this old guy always like to test things out like this?
She could no longer contain her dissatisfaction; her face flushed red, her eyebrows furrowed, and she said fiercely:
"Hmph! I'm only twelve years old this year, what kind of child would I have!"
After saying that, she flicked her sleeves and turned to leave without looking back.
Watching Nian Shilan's departing figure, Big Fat Orange wasn't annoyed by Shilan's cold shoulder.
He actually found Nian Shilan's bold and straightforward nature quite charming.
He also blamed himself for being too suspicious, always believing Shilan was only twelve years old after her injury and amnesia.
A twelve-year-old girl is still thinking about how to have fun, how could she possibly think about having children?
She wanted to have a child, but Shilan had long forgotten what happened after losing that child.
Her unwavering devotion to her child meant she never ate pickled cucumbers again.
After losing her memory, Shilan basically only thinks about how to have fun.
She hired beautiful palace maids to perform for her, including horseback riding and playing mahjong.
Ultimately, it was he who wronged Shilan.
If Nian Gengyao continues to be so obedient, he can let bygones be bygones for the past.
The chubby orange cat looked at Su Peisheng and said, "During this time, apart from his occasional encounters with the Imperial Noble Consort, what else has Hongli done?"
Who else have I bumped into?
Su Peisheng bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince just had a chance encounter with the Imperial Noble Consort..."
Later came Consort Jing and Consort Hui.
The chubby orange cat gave a cryptic smile; it seemed his son had quite a few ambitions.
However, he could tolerate these petty schemes, but there were some things he couldn't.
Big Fat Orange didn't even need to investigate to know what Hongli was up to.
However, Shilan didn't take the bait from Hongli.
Hongli then cast his bait towards Ruozhao, who held the highest rank besides Shilan and Ajun.
It seems Ruozhao didn't intend to have another adopted son, so Hongli, as a second choice, went to find Meizhuang.
Big Fat Orange shook his head. Meizhuang wasn't infertile; why would she bother with her?
Hongli was very happy when he learned that he could return to the palace with him.
He couldn't wait to instruct the wet nurse and others to pack their things.
Although he failed to find a good foster mother this time, being able to return to the palace was a good thing for him.
As long as he can return to the palace, he can take his time to plan other matters.
Meanwhile, Consort Yu and her son Hongju were also notified to return to the palace.
But in stark contrast to Hongli's overwhelming joy,
They didn't think returning to the palace was a good thing.
Consort Yu had long known that the former Fujin, now the Empress, was not a virtuous wife and loving mother.
She nearly miscarried shortly after becoming pregnant with Hongzhou.
Later, she devised a plan, risking permanent loss of favor, to hide in the Yuanmingyuan Garden.
Even after arriving at the Old Summer Palace, she remained constantly on edge.
She had a difficult time giving birth to Hongzhou, who was in poor health at birth.
She healed him little by little, but she taught her son from a young age to hide his talents.
In front of outsiders, Hongzhou was always made to act mischievous.
Unlike Hongli, who sought to begin his education at a young age...
Hongzhou is so old, and Consort Yu has only taught him a few simple characters.
Consort Yu held Hongzhou's hand and whispered her instructions:
"My son, after returning to the palace, you must be careful with your words and actions, don't stand out, don't be conspicuous, and don't run around recklessly."
Hongzhou nodded obediently, but his eyes still betrayed his panic.
In fact, Consort Yu's best plan was to hide in the Yuanmingyuan with her son until the new emperor ascended the throne.
I hope my son can become a carefree prince someday.
So for the past month or so, she knew that the Emperor had brought people to the Yuanmingyuan to escape the summer heat.
Consort Yu also didn't take her son out for walks, because she didn't want anyone to notice her and her son.
However, things did not go as planned.
She could control her own son, but she couldn't control Hongli.
Hongli shattered the long-standing peace between the mother and son.
Consort Yu harbored resentment towards Hongli, but after all, he was the child she had watched grow up.
She wouldn't do anything to Hongli because of this, but she would tell Hongzhou to stay away from Hongli in the future.
Consort Yu recalled that their return to the palace was due to the suggestion made by Imperial Noble Consort Nian to the Emperor.
Why did Shilan mention her and her son to the Emperor that year?
Shilan had always been a proud person when she was at the mansion.
But having not seen Consort Yu for several years, she wondered what had become of Shilan.
This time, both mother and son faced unknowns as they entered the palace.
There was also Consort Shu, who was able to safely give birth to a son under the Empress's care.
Consort Yu's head was getting more and more so.
Hongzhou gently tugged at Consort Yu's sleeve and whispered:
"Mother, do we really have to go back to the palace?"
Consort Yu sighed, patted his head, and said:
"My son, this is not up to us."
After thinking for a moment, Consort Yu said, "Let's go together with Mother to Qingliang Palace to express our gratitude to Imperial Noble Consort Nian."
Regardless of Nian Shilan's motives for allowing the mother and son to return to the palace...
They all had to go and express their gratitude.
They, mother and son, could not offend the Imperial Noble Consort before even entering the palace.
The mother and son arrived outside Qingliang Palace with their entourage. Consort Yu took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and then went inside.
Nian Shilan was leaning lazily against the couch.
Upon seeing Consort Yu and her son arrive, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Greetings to the Imperial Noble Consort."
Consort Yu bowed respectfully to Nian Shilan.
Seeing this, Hongzhou quickly followed suit and bowed in a similar manner:
"Hongzhou greets Mother Nian."
This was Nian Shilan's first time meeting Hongzhou; he was, well, a bit chubby-faced.
More likable than that Hongli
Nian Shilan waved her hand casually and said softly:
"No need for formalities, please sit down."
Hearing this, Consort Yu breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Then he reached out and took an exquisite box from Bihe, his personal maid.
Given Consort Yu's current situation, offering such a gift shows great sincerity.
Consort Yu held the box in both hands and took a few steps forward.
Handing it to Nian Shilan, he said:
"Your Majesty, this is a small gift that I have carefully prepared for you."
I hope Your Majesty will accept this.
Nian Shilan winked at Songzhi beside her.
Songzhi understood immediately and quickly stepped forward to take the box from Consort Yu's hands.
Nian Shilan sized up Consort Yu before her.
Consort Yu was of average appearance and had a slightly plump figure.
Nian Shilan said, "Consort Yu is very thoughtful."
Consort Yu said, "This is all I should do. If it weren't for Your Majesty, my son and I would have been stuck in the Yuanmingyuan Garden forever."
Nian Shilan said, "After all, I am in charge of palace affairs. I was unaware of this before."
"I could ignore it, but now that I know, I can no longer let it go unchecked."
Consort Yu's actions have undoubtedly drawn attention to her and her son.
Seeing how confident Nian Shilan is, does that mean she's the one in charge in the palace?
Even the Emperor trusts her like this.
If that's the case, it's a good thing. It's better for the power in the harem to be in Nian Shilan's hands than in the Empress's.
Moreover, Consort Yu also noticed that Shilan's former jealousy towards the Emperor and other concubines seemed to have disappeared.
It's unclear whether she learned to hide her feelings or simply lost interest in the Emperor.
Consort Yu was completely unaware that Nian Shilan had suffered from amnesia.
She knew very little about many things happening in the palace.
Nevertheless, this time the emperor brought so many pregnant women among his concubines.
This made Consort Yu realize that the power in the harem was in the hands of Nian Shilan.
It's much better than when it was in the Empress's hands.
If this situation can continue, that would be a good thing.
Consort Yu said, “Your Majesty’s magnanimity is a blessing to me and my son.”
Hongzhou then said, "Mother Nian is so beautiful."
Nian Shilan recognized the child's sincerity and smiled immediately.
Compared to Hongli's insincere praise, Hongzhou was much more likable.
Therefore, Nian Shilan was naturally happy to give him a friendly look.
Nian Shilan smiled and said that Songzhi went to fetch some crab meat pastries.
He urged Hongzhou to eat: "Fifth Prince, try this."
Upon seeing this, Hongzhou's eyes lit up, but he first turned to look at his mother, Consort Yu.
Only after receiving his mother's nod of permission did he happily accept the food and begin to enjoy it.
Nian Shilan smiled and asked Songzhi to bring over some crab meat pastries for Hongzhou to eat.
Hongzhou's eyes lit up as he looked at Consort Yu. Only after receiving permission did he happily begin to eat.
Nian Shilan looked at Hongzhou's appearance and said:
“Hongzhou is a good child, Consort Yu, you have done a good job in educating him.”