Chapter 24: Entering the Palace (3)
That blow from Chu Yuheng had been merciless. His wound had probably split open again.
“I only thought Her Highness the Consort seemed somewhat unhappy, and wondered whether I had offended you somehow.”
The Consort of Jing was taken aback and hastily replied, “Princess Consort of the Idle Prince, you jest. Seeing how deeply the Idle Prince and his consort love each other, I am naturally delighted for you. How could I be unhappy?”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”
Chu Yuchuan smiled and took Yu Qingyan’s hand with easy familiarity. “Your hand is so cold. Are you chilled?”
Yu Qingyan put on a bashful expression, while inwardly rolling her eyes once more. Cold hands meant she was cold? What kind of logic was that?
Chu Yuheng glanced at her. “Then let us be on our way. The Empress Dowager is waiting for you both.”
Yu Qingyan shot Chu Yuchuan a silent look and tugged hard at the hand she wanted to withdraw. Unfortunately, Chu Yuchuan refused to let go.
Wasn’t this act going on long enough?
“Your son pays his respects to Mother.”
“Greetings to the Empress Dowager.”
Yu Qingyan followed Chu Yuchuan in bowing. From the corner of her eye, she saw several men across from the Empress Dowager rising to salute the Emperor.
“Your younger brother pays his respects to His Majesty.”
“All five of you, the Eighth and Ninth Princes included, are here? Mother’s palace is certainly lively today.”
“We had nothing else to do, so we came to visit the Empress Dowager.”
Yu Qingyan lowered her eyes. What a pleasant voice.
“Well, if it isn’t Seventh Brother. His Majesty certainly has a discerning eye—the Seventh Sister-in-law is truly as beautiful as a celestial being.”
Yu Qingyan looked over expressionlessly. She did not know whether this shameless speaker was the Eighth or Ninth Prince, but he had clearly inherited the Chu family’s excellent looks. Somehow, merely looking at him made her dislike him.
Chu Yuchuan also regarded him without expression. “Prince Qi is too kind.”
“Eighth Brother, you put it rather bluntly. If she were not beautiful, how could Third Brother possibly have taken a liking to her?”
Yu Qingyan cast a dark look at the speaker. None of the Emperor’s brothers was unattractive, but the words carried an unmistakable note of insult. It seemed the Idle Prince had never had an easy time of things.
“Ninth Brother is absolutely right. It is only a pity…”
Prince Lie eagerly picked up the thread. “A pity about what?”
“A pity about Seventh Brother’s face…”
“That will do.”
The Empress Dowager spoke lightly from her seat, and the hall immediately fell silent.
“You came all this way to keep me company, so stop teasing the Idle Prince’s consort. Since you are all here, none of you need leave today. Stay and have lunch with me.”
Teasing? Hah. That was truly too much.
Chu Yuchuan rose, and Yu Qingyan rose with him. “Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness. There are still matters awaiting attention at my residence, so we shall not impose for long. We will return another day to pay our respects.”
“Seventh Brother, that will not do. You hardly ever come, and now you are leaving already?”
Yu Qingyan suddenly spoke up. “Prince Qi may not know this, but Madam Rou is unwell today, and His Highness is deeply concerned for her.”
“Tsk. Seventh Sister-in-law, you are truly virtuous.”
Yu Qingyan looked toward the woman seated beside Prince Qi. “Princess Qi is the very model of a virtuous and worthy wife. Compared with her, I, Qingyan, fall far short.”
Princess Qi stared at her, clearly not expecting Yu Qingyan to mention her. “Sister, you flatter me.”
Prince Qi’s expression darkened. At that moment, Chu Yufeng, who had remained silent until then, rose and bowed to the Empress Dowager.
“Your Highness, there are also some household matters awaiting my attention. I shall take my leave with Seventh Brother. I hope Your Highness will not blame me.”
The Empress Dowager was evidently very fond of Prince Jing. “How could I? You may go.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Following behind Chu Yuchuan, Yu Qingyan glanced at Chu Yufeng’s retreating back. Of all the Emperor’s brothers, he was the only one who seemed somewhat agreeable.
“Seventh Brother has won the heart of a beauty, yet I have not had the chance to offer my congratulations.”
Once they had left Eternal Peace Palace, Chu Yufeng turned back and spoke.