Read Novel Full Chapter 1691: Crown Princess Consort
Chapter 1691: Chapter 1691: Crown Princess Consort
The next day, the Empress issued a decree, inviting the daughter of the Minister of Revenue to the Imperial Palace as a guest.
Yuanyuan looked at the serene young woman before her and found her acceptable.
But she seemed too indifferent, making it highly likely that they would be respectful but distant. Such days were actually not ideal; it would be better for husband and wife to have some feelings for each other.
However, the most satisfying thing was her straightforward gaze. Well, no one is perfect, and as long as Su Xing did not refuse, it was enough.
The abundant rewards were also for others to see; the Royal Family was very pleased with the girl from the Minister of Revenue’s household.
Su Xing was to be wed. Su Wanshan should come back, right? In fact, it would be nice if he returned, as they hadn’t seen each other for years.
Last time he mentioned having kids; he wondered how many there are now and how they’re doing.
Actually, the actions of the Emperor and Empress serve as a direction.
Having met the young woman from the Minister of Revenue’s family and with their special rewards, during this critical time, it should be for choosing a concubine for the Crown Prince.
The next day, Yuanyuan received twenty visiting cards for meetings.
All were refused. The choice is decided by the Emperor. She has no such rights, and besides, Su Xing must be willing.
The Empress refused. This only confirmed their suspicions further.
Everyone outside was eyeing the Minister of Revenue’s family. The family understood as well. They refused all invitations to banquets and turned away anyone who came to see the young woman.
Their every move was watched. Too many families were going crazy.
The girls left for the Emperor were unused, and those intended for the Crown Prince were prepared too, but unexpectedly, it was all quietly done behind the scenes. So, did it mean nothing to them?
At the border, Su Wanshan received the news—his son was to be wed. His eldest son should have married long ago, and it has been delayed until now. He was understanding; it no longer had anything to do with him, so he didn’t mind.
He pondered this matter while confined in his study. The Emperor had notified him to return.
He longed for his children, but considering their identities now, could he return?
Previously, he only had a daughter, and he feared someone might use him. He felt foolish and feared his daughter would be implicated by him. Being sent to the border was fine.
When he learned of his son’s situation years ago, Su Wanshan was utterly shocked. His son was the Crown Prince, and it made things serious.
He dared not return; he entertained the thought of never seeing his children for life.
Now his son was to be wed. Should he return?
That night, seeing his two little ones at home, he thought, they had children here too.
"General, what’s wrong?"
"Nothing."
He had decided to make a trip back alone; he missed his two children too much. Although they didn’t need his worry, he still thought of them.
He told his wife that night, "I’m leaving for the Capital City tomorrow."
"General, be careful."
"Mm, you all are safe here."
"I trust the General." Having left the Capital City for so many years, he never thought of returning, nor did he want to; life here felt free and easy.
Fang Qiongyu knew Su Xing was the Crown Prince. She wasn’t without a stray thought, but he wasn’t Emperor yet. Any other thought was futile.
The next day, Su Wanshan set off with fifty men, not for show but because he was sensitive now. He dared not risk danger or trouble for the two children.
Fang Qiongyu and her daughter watched the two children play.
"Xiao Yu, if that day really comes, we will return gloriously."
"I’m just afraid we’ll not be allowed to return. He didn’t say anything this time, leaving on his own.
If there’s indeed a chance later, I’m afraid he won’t return. Those two might be his Achilles’ heel. But my child’s last name is Su too. There should be an opportunity."
"Xiao Ran is already three, and still hasn’t been given a tutor."
"Mother, I dare not privately hire one. Let’s wait until he returns. No rush—there are many years ahead."
"Mm, although life here is free, the children shouldn’t be delayed because of it."
Fang Qiongyu nodded, "I know what to do."
"Good, as long as you understand."
Who could resist that position?
In less than a month, Su Wanshan arrived in the Capital City.
Returning directly to the residence, he needed to settle down.
He tidied himself up and requested an audience at the palace.
Tan Shaoting regarded Su Wanshan, noticing he hadn’t changed. That was good.
They exchanged only a few simple words before allowing the family to reunite.
Su Wanshan saw his daughter, now a twenty-year-old adult. Though they hadn’t met in years, her demeanor had greatly changed. There was a tranquility in her, bringing calm to those around her.
"Father, is everything well?"
"All is well, don’t worry. You have a younger sister and a younger brother now."
"Why didn’t you bring them back?"
"It would waste time, and I don’t want to give them false hope."
Everyone thought Su Wanshan was a big simpleton—frankly, a bit foolish—but he understood situations clearly.
Yuanyuan nodded, "Father, as long as you know what you’re doing."
"I know. Let them stay with me at the border for life. When I’m gone, they won’t be able to stir up trouble."
"Father, are you planning to never return for life?"
"Yes, never again. This way Su Xing will not face difficulties."
Just then, Su Xing came in. It had been several years since he’d seen his father.
Su Wanshan looked at his son, feeling emotional; truly different now.
"Father."
"Very good, keep it up."
It could be said that Su Xing now seemed a stranger to him; it was to be expected.
His son’s coldness mirrored the Emperor’s; they must see each other often.
Su Wanshan asked nothing, instead sharing tales of life at the border, speaking of the other two children.
The siblings listened intently, understanding their father’s intentions. This was his greatest care for them; not returning for the sake of the other two children.
That night, he stayed at the palace for dinner, no longer needing to worry about anything since the harem had only his daughter.
Su Xing’s grand wedding was lively. Yuanyuan, as the Empress, just needed to wait to be greeted.
The day after Su Xing’s wedding, Su Wanshan met his two children again, then left alone, having no contact with any officials whatsoever.
For those with intentions, what could they do without meeting him?
Six months later, the Crown Princess Consort was pregnant—an overwhelmingly joyous event many had been paying close attention to.
This child was extremely important, a condition for Su Xing’s secure status.
When the child was born, Su Xing’s position grew even more firm.
With the Crown Princess Consort having a son now, many were eager. There were too many wanting to thrust people onto Su Xing.
The Emperor did not speak, Su Xing refused. Many sought meetings with the Crown Princess Consort.
Yuanyuan observed the Crown Princess Consort closely; indeed, she was a smart person, and it became clear why she was chosen.
No one wanted to find women for their own man.
This was good, for truly everything depended on the man; women had very little a say.