Yao'er's illness vanished in two days.
The rejuvenated little fellow began to enjoy biting things, much to the chagrin of his two wet nurses. It was manageable now with just two tiny milk teeth, but the prospect of what it would be like when he grew more was…
There was no other way, so after obtaining Lu Nianfu's approval, Granny Xu began preparing the little one's complementary food.
She also instructed the kitchen to make some firmer pastries, intending to let him gnaw on them for teething.
Situ Yan, unwilling to sulk like a child, obediently returned to court the next day. After the morning session, he accompanied Gu Li to the Hanlin Academy. He spent his mornings diligently practicing calligraphy until his hand felt numb, and his afternoons were spent with a designated person lecturing the Emperor Changwu on classics.
The individuals were chosen by Gu Li, mostly minor officials of the sixth or seventh rank newly admitted to the Hanlin Academy, such as compilers and editors.
When Emperor Changwu grew tired of listening, he would inquire about matters of state. Ostensibly to solicit opinions, these were in fact disguised assessments. Typically, the top three scholars from the imperial examinations were directly admitted to the Hanlin Academy, while those in the second rank had a chance after selection. The rest found their own official positions.
Scholars, who wouldn't aspire to enter the Hanlin Academy and then rise to ministerial ranks?
Those who remained in the Hanlin Academy also held official positions, but their primary task was learning. After three years of tempering, some would leap over the dragon gate and enter government directly. Those deemed unqualified by Emperor Changwu would either be posted to the provinces or remain in the Hanlin Academy.
Generally speaking, those not selected in the first round had limited prospects for future success.
After all, they were being groomed for high-ranking officialdom, so the elimination rate was naturally not low.
Therefore, everyone greatly hoped to be chosen to lecture the Emperor on classics, as more exposure meant a greater chance of staying.
After a few days of study, Situ Yan made little progress in calligraphy but began to grasp some of the nuances of the lectures. His steps toward the Hanlin Academy were finally less heavy.
His resigned acceptance of his fate delighted the Crown Prince and Situ Jue. What use was a man whose literary talent even the Emperor looked down upon, no matter how skilled he was at warfare or investigation?
Governing a nation was not solely about these two abilities. What if an official wrote a memorial, and the emperor himself could not understand it? Wouldn't that be a colossal joke?
The two of them privately mocked him, and the Crown Prince redoubled his efforts to court officials.
Situ Jue, however, found himself in an awkward position, feeling powerful yet unable to act. The Emperor's betrothal of Princess He He to him, in effect, dashed his hopes of ascending the throne. The Emperor was not yet old, and officials, when choosing sides, naturally considered the Emperor's wishes. Thus, they were wary of Situ Jue.
Situ Jue spent several days pondering with his advisors, excluding Jian Shizhao, and decided to start by exploiting officials' weaknesses and wrongdoings. This would require intelligence gathered by De Yi Lou.
Consequently, the plan to make Na Shen Ge his secondary consort was put on the agenda.
Unfortunately, fate did not favor him. At this critical juncture, a major incident occurred in his residence.
His legitimate son, Situ Jing, drowned in a lake while playing in the garden. It was said that only Princess Aisha's personal maid, Duona, was attending him at the time.
Suspicion immediately fell upon Princess Aisha.
The Ning King's heir, Situ Jing, was six years old and was the son of the former queen, Jian Yu Zi. After Jian Yu Zi's death, some secondary consorts had considered raising him, but they were not deemed qualified. Moreover, Situ Jue, having grown up amidst palace intrigues, naturally did not believe other women would treat Situ Jing well.
It was easy to provide for his needs regarding food, clothing, and daily expenses, but what if they subtly harmed him behind his back…
Although he never believed he would only have one son, this was his legitimate eldest son, who was expected to carry on the family line. Furthermore, when the Emperor chose his successor, he would at least consider whether they had heirs. Therefore, Situ Jing had always been under the care of his most loyal wet nurse, and a tutor had also been hired specifically to oversee his studies.
Who would have thought that a child who carried such high hopes would be gone so suddenly?
And he died in his own rear garden.
Situ Jue was enraged. All the servants attending Situ Jing were beaten to death, and Duona was no exception. Simultaneously, rumors spread like wildfire, each pointing a finger at Ning King's consort, Princess Aisha. Situ Jue also suspected her. After all, this woman, relying on her status as a political bride, had never known restraint. If she could deliberately cause Consort Mei to miscarry, why would she fear orchestrating the death of his legitimate son?
Most importantly, the imperial physician had just confirmed she was pregnant.
Besides Situ Jing, this eliminated a stumbling block for the child in her belly.
This time, Situ Jue did not confront her directly but attempted to force her submission through silence. However, Aisha, having lost a maid who had grown up with her, was not in good spirits either. She sneered, "Is Your Highness suspecting this princess?"