Imperial Consort Lan had another tea session with the Empress Dowager a few days later and this time, the Emperor has taken time off his busy schedule to attend as well.
"Son greets Imperial Mother."
"This lowly Consort greets Empress Dowager."
The Empress Dowager smiled at the sight of both of them before gesturing them to stand up. As they gathered around the table full of snacks and tea, the Empress Dowager turned towards Imperial Consort Lan.
"How is it going with Yu-er?"
Imperial Consort Lan knows that she is asking about their little plan to expose the Eldest Daughter Fei and could not help but smirk as she replied.
"Replying to Empress Dowager, Princess Yu is safe. The bait has been cast and this Consort feels that it would not be long before the fish is hooked."
The Empress Dowager nodded, pleased. She had always felt that this daughter of hers is more soft compared to her other daughter when dealing with matters like this. Her younger daughter seems to be innocent and naive on the outside but is actually extremely cunning and sharp. Once she had caught some ladies that wanted to harm her due to jealousy and she scared them off so badly that they were never seen in any palace banquets ever again. However, Princess Yu does not like to act without enough reason. If it is just pure suspicion, she would not take action.
Now that Imperial Consort Lan has given her enough reason to punish that arrogant little miss, the Empress Dowager is sure that her daughter will not let her off easily.
"It seems like you are having fun," the Emperor glanced at the exchange between his Imperial Consort and his Imperial Mother, amused.
"It feels great to finally have someone smart enough to talk to. Imperial Consort Lan, you must visit my palace more." Empress Dowager grinned.
"It would be my pleasure, Empress Dowager."
"When the curtains are raised, invite me too." The Emperor poked Imperial Consort Lan with an innocent expression and Imperial Consort Lan is reminded of an image of a child asking for candy and laughed before she nodded.
It was not long before the fish was hooked. After Princess Yu was deemed to "not have much longer to live", Young Miss Fei has been visiting even more frequently to take care of Princess Yu and spend more time with her dear friend.
Every time she visits, the Prince Consort and Madame An will somehow know of her visit. Madame An has been keeping a lookout on the situation and felt that if her son's main wife is sick and about to pass away, he will have to remarry to continue the family line. If she were to consider all the available candidates in the capital, Eldest Young Miss Fei would have the highest potential based on her family background and her appearance. Also, she is known to have a great reputation among the commoners. It would not be a loss for the An family to accept her as Princess Yu's replacement.
Indeed, she will just be a replacement.
When the An family married in Princess Yu, their family had raised in the ranks and they were very happy with Princess Yu who was kind towards her husband's family and did not flaunt her status. In the family, she is not Princess Yu but the daughter-in-law and this made everyone in the family love her very much. In Madame Yu's mind, nobody can replace her daughter-in-law but there are no children to continue the family line. If not for this, Madame An would never ask her son to remarry.
It was a dilemma indeed.
Prince Consort An had been staying with his dying wife as much as possible. After he has attended morning court sessions, he would rush back to tend to his wife. His mother had talked to him about it and although he understands where she is coming from, it was hard to swallow.
He glanced at Eldest Young Miss Fei who was standing beside him with a worried expression. He knew that his wife and she are close friends which is why she has been visiting their mansion frequently but he somehow feels that there is something not right with her. Prince Consort An pondered over it for a moment, unable to put a finger into it. Days like this passed and after a few months, a rumor began circulating around the capital.
Princess Yu has passed away.
That was what people were saying on the streets. Eldest Young Miss Fei rushed to the An mansion, hiding her excitement. In the past few days, the An mansion had closed its doors to visitors, even Young Miss Fei could not enter and Prince Consort An's facial expression had not been well when he attended morning court.
"Has she finally died?" Eldest Young Miss Fei's heartbeat was fast as she reached the An mansion.
The guard saw her and frowned, rejecting her entry as ordered but suddenly, a voice called out behind her.
"Let her in, she is the friend of Princess Yu."
The guards saw that it was the dignified Imperial Consort Lan who had a good relationship with the Princess and bowed, allowing both of them to enter.
Eldest Young Miss Fei saluted to the Imperial Consort with a worried expression while internally jealous of her beauty and grace.
"This humble girl pays her respects to Imperial Consort Lan," Eldest Young Miss Fei bowed.
"Eldest Young Miss Fei is a good friend to Princess Yu, this Imperial Consort admires your kind heart." Imperial Consort Lan snorted internally at the little girl before her who thinks her thoughts were hidden when they were so obvious.
"This humble girl thanks Imperial Consort Lan for the compliment," Eldest Young Miss Fei replied.
Before she could excuse herself to see if Princess Yu really is on her deathbed, Imperial Consort Lan stopped her.
"This Imperial Consort is going to pay her respects to Madame An. Since Eldest Young Miss Fei is here as well, you should also pay your respects to the elder."
"Imperial Consort Lan is not going to visit Princess Yu?" Eldest Young Miss Fei widened her eyes at the sudden suggestion thrown out by Imperial Consort Lan. If she remembered correctly, Imperial Consort Lan always visits Princess Yu immediately when she arrives in the past. Why is today different?
"There is no need to visit her anymore," Imperial Consort Lan waved her hands at the little miss's question before heading towards the main hall of the An mansion.
Clearly, her words were an order with no chance of negotiation. Eldest Young Miss Fei followed behind her obediently as she thought to herself.
"What does she mean by there is no need to visit her anymore? Is it because she is dead so there is no need for Imperial Consort Lan to visit her anymore?" Eldest Young Miss Fei muttered to herself as she thought about it hard.
Before she could ask Imperial Consort Lan what she meant, Imperial Consort Lan asked her another question.
"Eldest Young Miss Fei has another younger sister, right?"
"Indeed, this humble girl has a sister born from a concubine named Fei Xue." Eldest Young Miss Fei answered while feeling confused. Why is she suddenly asking about her sister?
"Second Young Miss Fei has already been married if this Imperial Consort remembers correctly. To the Luo family's first son as his first wife," Imperial Consort Lan continued in an indifferent tone as if she was asking just for the sake of talking. Eldest Young Miss Fei could not grasp her intention so she just answered Imperial Consort Lan's questions.
"Indeed, this humble girl's younger sister married out the moment she reached the marriageable age."
"If your younger sister has already married, why is Eldest Young Miss Fei not married?"
Eldest Young Miss Fei stood rooted to the ground in shock at the direct question. It was a very personal question and they are not close enough but the one asking this question is an Imperial Consort. She is just the daughter of a second-ranked official, she cannot refuse to answer.
"That is because- because I pleaded with Father to not marry me off," Eldest Young Miss Fei bit her lips as she tried to answer in a way where her reputation is not thrown into the mud.
"Oh? Why is that?" Imperial Consort Lan glanced at the young miss who stopped walking.
"Because I have someone I like and I wish to marry him only," Eldest Young Miss Fei gave a vague answer but it was the truth. She will never say who she likes but thinking about that person made her blush. It was truly a sight of a maiden in love but it just made Imperial Consort Lan's eyes colder.
"How young and sweet," Imperial Consort Lan commented.
Seeing that the Imperial Consort has no more questions, Eldest Young Miss Fei heaved a sigh of relief as she started walking again. Finally, they reached the main hall and Eldest Young Miss Fei was surprised to see Prince Consort An sitting in the hall as well with a pale expression. There was also an Imperial Doctor in the room and Eldest Young Miss Fei confirmed her suspicions.
Seeing Imperial Consort Lan enter the main hall, Madame An and Prince Consort An was about to bow to her when she waved them off.
"Madame An is an elder, it should be this Imperial Consort that should greet Madame An instead. Prince Consort An can be considered as my brother-in-law, forgo the courtesy." Imperial Consort Lan bowed to Madame An before sitting down.
Eldest Young Miss Fei paid her respects to both Madame An and Prince Consort An before she went to sit down. With all of them being higher ranked than her, she dare not speak without permission.
The Imperial Doctor paid his respects before he went to stand behind Imperial Consort Lan.
"Princess Yu and this Imperial Consort have gotten close in the past few months, seeing her suffering like this makes my heart hurt. However, there are matters to discuss. The Empress Dowager has heard about what happened and wanted to ask what are the An family's plans for the future." Imperial Consort Lan asked the An family in a gentle tone as if she was talking about a delicate topic.
"Plans for the future?" Madame An asked.
"Yes. Although Princess Yu married in, there have not been any children and with the current situation, the An family will not be able to continue your family line. Hence, her Highness the Empress Dowager is asking if the An family has any candidates in mind. If there is none, the Empress Dowager can recommend some good girls."
"The Empress Dowager is willing to allow remarriage?" Madame An stood up in surprise.
"Her Highness is quite regretful about this entire situation. She feels that, as the Imperial Mother of Princess Yu, to not be able to continue the family line for the An family is indirectly due to her child's illness and hence, she feels like she owes the An family an explanation." Imperial Consort Lan explained.
"I refuse to remarry. There is no one that can replace Yu-er," Prince Consort An stood up and declared in a flat tone.
"Qiu-er! Although this is regretful, you are the heir to the An family. You have to think about the family line," Madame An rebuked her son.
"Mother, say no more. This son refuses to remarry," Prince Consort An Qiu was resolute in his decision.
"How about if it is a close friend of Yu-er? Eldest Young Miss Fei is kind and gracious and she is a close friend of Princess Yu. Surely Yu-er will approve if it is for the sake of the An family. You know Yu-er well, surely you know what her answer will be?" Madame An tried to persuade her son.
Prince Consort An's gaze flickered to Young Miss Fei who was blushing hard but his attention was brought to Imperial Consort Lan who coughed with an awkward face.
"I'm afraid that is not possible, Madame An. Young Miss Fei already has someone else in her heart and wishes to marry that person only." Imperial Consort Lan looked at Young Miss Fei with a knowing gaze.
"Is that true?" Madame An widened her eyes at the sudden revelation.
"That is indeed what I said to Imperial Consort Lan before but your Highness, this humble girl did not tell you that the person I have been yearning for is Prince Consort An." Everyone's eyes widened at her words. Madame An's in happiness, the rest in surprise.
"Prince Consort An, Fei Qing has liked you ever since she first saw you. However, since Princess Yu is engaged to you from a young age, this humble girl does not dare to dream. This humble girl was going to remain unmarried till the day I die if I cannot marry for true love but on the recent visits to Princess Yu, she said some words to this humble girl."
"What did Yu-er say?" Prince Consort An frowned.
"Princess Yu is gracious and told this humble girl that if the day comes where she passes, she wants this humble girl to help her to produce an heir for the An family. She says that she is sad that she could not fulfill her duties to the An family and can only trust me to help her accomplish what she could not do." Eldest Young Miss Fei cried as she spoke, her tears dripping down her cheeks as she thought of the last words her friend said to her. And now that friend is dead, she has to fulfill her last wish.
"If Prince Consort An is willing, please allow this humble girl to fulfill my best friend's dying wish." Eldest Young Miss Fei dropped to her knees and begged the Prince Consort.
"Not bad," a regal voice suddenly said behind her, shocking her as she looked up. She saw an incredibly handsome man in a golden robe standing before her, looking extremely dignified. Even before the people in the main hall kneeled and paid their respects, Eldest Young Miss Fei already knew who this person was even if she had never seen him before.
"Consort pays her respects to the Emperor," Imperial Consort Lan went to the Emperor and greeted him.
The Emperor smiled at her as he helped her up. Looking at the dumbfounded An family and the little girl shivering before him, he laughed.
"What a good play my Consort and my younger sister has put up, this Emperor has been very entertained."
Eldest Young Miss Fei could not understand his words. What does he mean by play? But when she saw someone enter from one of the side doors to the main hall, her jaw dropped.
"Greetings, Imperial Brother." Princess Yu, looking like a healthy person, walked in front of the Emperor and saluted before exchanging a knowing look with Imperial Consort Lan.
"Yu-er!" Prince Consort An rushed towards his wife and quickly held her hands delicately as if they were a national treasure that is incredibly fragile.
"Husband," Princess Yu was watching the entire play behind one of the side doors and she was extremely touched by her husband's words. Although her mother-in-law's words were a bit hurtful, she understands where she is coming from. If she was really dying, she would agree with her words and persuade her husband to take in a new wife.
After an affectionate exchange with her husband, she turned to her "friend" who was trembling as she kneeled on the floor.
"Fei Qing, since when did this Princess say all of those?" Princess Yu snorted at her own stupidity. She has been too naive. Her Imperial Mother and Sister were right, she is too softhearted. If she lowers her guard, people like Fei Qing would use her for their own benefits.
"You had malicious intentions and wanted to harm me using poisonous tea leaves. If not for Imperial Consort Lan who found out about them, I am afraid I would have really been on my deathbed." Princess Yu went forward and slapped Eldest Young Miss Fei in anger.
"How smart. If her plan had worked out, Prince Consort An would have married her as his main wife to fulfill his family duties and also to fulfill the dying wish of his beloved wife. Clever but too bad," Imperial Consort Lan smiled at Fei Qing who looked at her in horror as she realized it has been a trap all the while.
Knowing that her fate is sealed, she asked Imperial Consort Lan. "Too bad what?"
"Too bad you met me," Imperial Consort Lan smirked.
It suddenly strikes Fei Qing who Imperial Consort Lan was before she married into the Imperial Harem.
Lan Xuan Yi, the hidden Young Miss of the Lan household. Masters of tea leaves, each member of the family is taught from a young age the properties of tea leaves. It is said that Young Miss Lan is well-versed in medicine as well. She must have noticed those tea leaves having properties that were normally not known to others. She then planned to expose Fei Qing with Princess Yu and just like an idiot, she walked into their trap.
First, they spread a rumor that Princess Yu was very sick so that she would believe that her poison had worked against Princess Yu. She would then visit frequently to impress Madame An and put ideas in her head so that when Princess Yu finally passes, she will be the first candidate as Prince Consort An's new wife.
Then they closed their doors and created rumors that the reason why the An mansion has locked its doors was because Princess Yu has passed. Given such an opportunity, Fei Qing would definitely rush over to confirm it with her own eyes and persuade the An family to take her in as the new Mistress of the An family.
Fei Qing clenched her fists tightly as she thought about it. They fed her arrogance and led her into a trap. Like an idiot, she walked right into it and even sprouted all of those lies in front of the Emperor and Princess Yu. If she had not heard those rumors and was impatient, she would not have proceeded without caution. The plan would not have failed. It is all those bitches' fault.
"My Imperial Consort is smart, how lucky I am to marry her." The Emperor laughed as he watched it finally dawned upon the poor girl who had been played by his consort.
Imperial Consort Lan rolled her eyes at the Emperor who suddenly bragged about her and focused on Princess Yu. Princess Yu caught her gaze and nodded.
"Eldest Young Miss Fei Qing attempted to murder this Princess, have her thrown into prison and await execution in a week." Princess Yu ordered with a harsh gaze at her former friend.
Fei Qing gashed her teeth angrily before she raised her head and glared at Princess Yu. Since she is going to die anyway, why bother status and mannerisms?
"You don't deserve An Qiu! Other than being born with a silver spoon, what other redeeming qualities do you have? I was the first one who fell in love with him before he was even engaged to you! If not for your status, would he have married you? Would I have to resort to such measures?" Fei Qing abandoned all of her reputation, her grace and etiquette taught to her since young and shrieked madly at Princess Yu.
"I am the most stunning young miss in the capital and it can be said that even the Imperial Palace Princesses could not compare to me which is why only the best man is suited for me. I have been looking for the most perfect husband since young and yet, just when I laid my eyes on him, not even a few months later, he is engaged to a trash like you!" After spitting her words out, Fei Qing lunged at Princess Yu.
Imperial Consort Lan narrowed her eyes as she grabbed the medical box from the Imperial Doctor behind her and retrieved four silver needles before shooting them at Fei Qing.
Fei Qing was about to go on a rampage and choke Princess Yu to death when she suddenly felt her limbs go limp. She could no longer control her body as she fell onto the floor in an unsightly heap.
"Princess Yu, do not be so angry. It is not healthy for the baby," Imperial Consort Lan reminded the Princess who nodded her head, grateful for the advice as she took deep breaths to calm down.
The Emperor's eyes widened at the skill Imperial Consort Lan showed, not knowing that she knew martial arts as well. Imperial Consort Lan ignored his gaze as she went forward to Fei Qing.
Fei Qing's eyes were wide with terror and shock. She did not know what happened but she could not feel her limbs. And also, what did she just hear?
Princess Yu is pregnant?
Fei Qing wanted to scream in anguish and kill that bitch and that unborn child but she could not even open her jaw. Imperial Consort Lan bent a little so that Fei Qing could see her and she gave her a vicious smile that made chills crawl down her spine.
"It's really too bad that you met me, isn't it?" Imperial Consort Lan laughed a little at the killing intent in Fei Qing's eyes.
"There is just one thing I wish to correct you." Imperial Consort Lan continued in a low tone.
"Being born with a silver spoon depends on your luck but what you don't know is that luck is also a skill. If you don't have it then suck it up."