Chapter 9

Chapter 9

On Tun’er’s birthday, I held a small banquet in the palace and invited His Majesty, the consorts and concubines of the various palaces, and several princes and princesses.

Only, I had not expected Lady Xue to present Tun’er and me with such a grand gift-one I had wanted for a very long time.

Of His Majesty’s children, aside from the Crown Prince, the only ones old enough to run and jump about were Consort Kang’s two princes. Because Consort Kang’s children had survived safely under my protection back then, in the years since they had grown older, she often brought them to visit, and they were very close to Tun’er as well.

Children, after all, could never sit still for long. Tun’er took his two younger brothers off to play, looking every inch the good elder brother. When the consorts and concubines saw it, they all praised Tun’er for being such a good brother.

“Yi’er is a good elder brother. The Empress has taught him well,” His Majesty said.

“I think so too,” Lady Xue said, agreeing with His Majesty while offering a suggestion. “Only, the First Prince is no longer that young. Should he really continue living here with Her Majesty the Empress? Wasn’t Xian’an Palace already renovated at the beginning of the year?”

I had not expected her to say this so suddenly. My hand tightened around my handkerchief without my noticing, and I waited to hear how His Majesty would respond. It was not only me; the others were likely tense as well.

“Xian’an Palace has been renovated, yes, but I was thinking Yi’er is still young.”

“Your Majesty often says the First Prince is clever, a model for all the princes and princesses.”

As I listened to Lady Xue and His Majesty go back and forth, my heart filled with both anticipation and fear.

In the end, however, His Majesty yielded. “Very well. In a few days, Yi’er will move there. What does the Empress think?”

“I will follow Your Majesty’s wishes.”

A few days later, the edict was issued, naming Tun’er Crown Prince and moving him to Xian’an Palace. I stroked the edict again and again. How wonderful. Crown Prince. Emperor. My child would climb step by step to the very best position. For now, this was only a small step.

As the legitimate eldest son, he could never escape the struggle for succession. Since that was the case, he might as well take the initiative. Otherwise, what would be the point of bearing the title of legitimate eldest son?

“Empress Mother, don’t worry. Your son will work hard,” Tun’er said.

“Empress Mother hopes you will rise step by steady step. Do you understand?”

Tun’er nodded solemnly. I stroked his little head. My good child, do not blame Empress Mother for placing all her hopes on you so early. Only by knowing early can you better lead by example, so others will have no fault to pick at. Empress Mother hopes you will become an eagle soaring through the nine heavens. I cannot protect you forever.