The first year of Zhaowu, June.
Once Song Shihuan's coming-of-age ceremony had passed, the officials from the Ministry of Rites once again brought up the matter of selecting consorts for the imperial harem, with a determination that bordered on threatening to dash themselves to death against the palace pillars if Emperor Song Yu refused.
In response, the retired Emperor Yuanyou just smirked, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
"Ah-Huan, you'd better not go to the Zichen Hall these days. Come play at my place instead; it's too vexing over there," Emperor Yuanyou said leisurely, reclining on his lounge chair. "This time, I'm quite curious to see how your father plans to handle those court ministers."
"In my opinion, he should just select a few consorts to enter the palace. That's how an emperor should be."
And then spend every day being led around by the nose by scheming concubines.
That's the burden an emperor ought to bear!
Song Shihuan's mouth twitched. Ever since her grandfather abdicated, his back no longer ached, his legs became nimble, and he spent his days fishing, teasing birds, and occasionally watching her father's troubles for amusement.
Thinking of her father's temperament, Song Shihuan shot a discreet glance at Emperor Yuanyou.
"I'm afraid Father won't let himself be controlled by the court ministers."
"Any emperor must yield to balance the various factions!"
Emperor Yuanyou grew so animated that flecks of spittle flew. "I was like that in my day, and your father will certainly be the same."
A hint of a smile touched Song Shihuan's eyes.
But... her father had once been a genuine, unadulterated playboy, with a temperament even her grandfather couldn't pin down.
Considering this, Song Shihuan propped her head in her hands. If Grandfather was preparing to watch her father's spectacle, then she... would prepare to watch the court ministers' spectacle instead.
...
Zichen Hall.
Song Yu was so furious smoke seemed to be rising from his head.
"These people are kneeling outside my Zichen Hall, blocking my way to see Ah-Huan!"
And every now and then, they would shout a few times, "We beg Your Majesty to issue an edict for the selection of consorts."
What an utterly infuriating bunch.
It drove Song Yu to the brink.
"Your Majesty, this servant will go fetch Her Highness the Princess immediately," Liuxi hurriedly offered. At this moment, Song Shihuan was like a divine savior who could extinguish the fire in Liuxi's mind.
But Liuxi didn't even get to see Song Shihuan.
Seeing Liuxi return empty-handed, Song Yu let out a cold laugh. "What, did the old man stop you?"
"The Grand Emperor said not to bother the Princess with vexing matters."
A series of cold chuckles followed. Liuxi felt that His Majesty had most likely gone mad.
Shen Residence.
Shen Qingping entered the study and addressed Shen Mingwen, who was leisurely practicing calligraphy:
"Father, the people from the Ministry of Rites are making rather excessive trouble this time."
"If no one was backing the Ministry of Rites this time, would they dare to be so bold?" Shen Mingwen sighed. "With the rear palace completely empty, all the noble families are waiting. Even I cannot dissuade them."
Even the most ordinary commoners have wives and children at home. What kind of affair is it for the emperor of a nation to sleep alone in the Zichen Hall every night?
"Father, perhaps you didn't grasp my meaning." Now serving as Prime Minister, Shen Qingping commanded an awe-inspiring presence without needing anger. "My meaning is, if those officials from the Ministry of Rites don't restrain themselves soon, His Majesty will truly begin to discipline them."
"Don't forget, from the very beginning, His Majesty was never what one might call a 'good sort'."
Shen Mingwen felt the urge to cover his son's mouth again.
But his son's official rank was a bit too high now. Shen Mingwen awkwardly withdrew his hand. "How can you speak of His Majesty that way?"
"Based on my understanding of His Majesty, he has already reached his limit of tolerance."
Shen Qingping looked at Shen Mingwen. "If His Majesty truly resorts to countermeasures, you, as the Imperial Tutor, should also be mentally prepared in advance."
With that, Shen Qingping strode away.
These fools at court, if they still think the Emperor will be like the Grand Emperor, they are gravely mistaken.
A scoundrel who feared nothing from childhood—do they truly think a few years of behaving properly means his nature has changed?
...
Song Shihuan and Emperor Yuanyou made a pact not to interfere in this matter.
But Song Shihuan was genuinely worried about Song Yu, so she ordered the small kitchen to send him fire-reducing tea three times a day, each time with a different preparation.
"He's a grown man," Emperor Yuanyou said, his tone dripping with jealousy.
Song Shihuan merely smiled without replying.
Suddenly recalling the time her father was impeached by the officials, she had a premonition that the court ministers' comfortable days were about to end.
Zichen Hall.
Song Yu looked at the fire-reducing tea placed before him. Even before drinking it, his anger began to subside rapidly.
"Your Majesty, the Princess sends the tea three times a day, precisely on schedule. It shows she keeps you in her thoughts."
These words hit right at Song Yu's heart.
The old man might be able to snatch Ah-Huan's person away, but Ah-Huan's heart would always remain with him, her father!
"I know Ah-Huan's feelings/heart's intent. I'm not angry. Liuxi, prepare the meal."
Not only would he eat, he would eat heartily.
Then he would properly contend with these court ministers who seemed to have forgotten who was in charge.
That day, a small table was placed before each of the court ministers kneeling outside the Zichen Hall.
"Esteemed Ministers, His Majesty pities you for kneeling and has specially bestowed this fire-reducing tea upon you."
The ministers, nearly suffering heatstroke, looked up one after another.
Were their ears failing? They actually heard that the Emperor was bestowing tea upon them.
After drinking the tea, the court ministers left the palace, each believing the Emperor had finally realized the importance of selecting consorts and was prepared to agree.
Everyone's steps as they left the palace were light.
After all, kneeling every day was taking a toll on their constitutions.
Upon receiving the news, Emperor Yuanyou stood with his hands on his hips, looking triumphant:
"See! I knew he couldn't hold out for long!"
"Grandfather, it's your turn to place a piece."
Song Shihuan suppressed a smile and, after Emperor Yuanyou made his move, slowly placed another piece.
The smile gradually vanished from Emperor Yuanyou's face, and he began trying to take back his move.
"Ah-Huan, how has your chess skill improved so much lately? I can never win against you anymore!"
It's quite embarrassing to admit.
...
Early the next morning.
The court ministers entered the palace for the morning court session with almost a swagger, especially those who had been bestowed the fire-reducing tea the day before. They all felt certain the matter of selecting consorts could be finalized at today's court session.
The officials took their positions in the court hall as usual, awaiting Song Yu's arrival.
But they waited a full quarter of an hour, and the dragon throne remained empty.
Everyone began whispering among themselves. Some even dared to ask Shen Qingping, who simply kept his eyes closed in meditation, not even sparing a glance in their direction.
See? The Emperor has made his move.
The civil and military officials stood in the court hall like a bunch of fools for half an hour, only to be met by Liuxi:
"Esteemed Ministers, His Majesty is feeling unwell today and will not attend the morning court. If there are urgent matters, please trouble Prime Minister Shen to handle them for His Majesty."
Feeling unwell?
Everyone was stunned. That old man Mei Zhilin has even left the capital for leisure travel. How could His Majesty possibly be unwell?
"Oh, and also, His Majesty says he will not attend tomorrow's morning court either," Liuxi said with a smile.
Don't ask. If you do, the answer is he's feeling unwell.
