The Consort lowered her gaze, still refusing to rise. "Then, Your Majesty's intention is that the current Princess of Chang has not served Chang'er well? Where does Your Majesty find fault with A'yu?"
In truth, Song Chaoyu knew that even if these words were spoken after discussions with the Consort to pressure the Emperor, the Consort likely harbored her own grievances against him.
The Emperor could not articulate any fault with Song Chaoyu.
He even knew that in the capital, who didn't praise Song Chaoyu? At the very least, Princess of Chang, with her background and origins, was already enough to earn everyone's admiration and awe.
The Consort managed a bitter smile and then gently dabbed the tears from her face with a handkerchief. "For years, Chang'er and I have lived cautiously, only seeking a peaceful life. Even if we have concealed matters from Your Majesty, it was out of necessity. Since Chang'er's return to the capital, he has always been forthright with you. Sending those two individuals into the Prince of Chang's mansion is meant to chill Chang'er's heart!"
She pointed at Song Chaoyu. "And A'yu. Although A'yu is not the Princess of Chang you envisioned, she is the Princess of Chang chosen by Chang'er himself. She is the person Chang'er loves. Why must Your Majesty make things so difficult for A'yu?"
She sighed. "Women in this world are already in a difficult position. A'yu has done her best, yet she is still being criticized for this matter. Clearly, Chang'er does not want those two women, yet now everyone outside says it's because Princess of Chang is too jealous. What does Your Majesty want Chang'er to do? What does Your Majesty want A'yu to do? Is it a great offense for Chang'er not to want to marry a secondary consort? Why must Your Majesty force two people he dislikes upon him?"
It seemed only at this moment that the Emperor realized something.
He finally crouched down.
For the first time, he looked at the Consort at eye level with such "humility." "My beloved consort, perhaps... you are right. But I... I did not anticipate Chang'er would react this way. I wanted to give the best to Chang'er. I love Chang'er dearly, and I am filled with guilt. But there are too many things I cannot do to satisfy everyone, do you understand?"
This was the sorrow of the throne, perhaps?
That supreme being was likely the most helpless and troubled person in this world.
Song Chaoyu, at this moment, felt a sense of release, as if she finally understood Mu Changxi's usual composure.
The Consort finally stood up, shaking her head and sighing. "It is as you say. Chang'er is, after all, just the child of Your Majesty and me. The stability of the court and the future do not depend on Chang'er. But I am Your Majesty's consort, and I am Chang'er's mother. All I wish is for Chang'er to live his life well. I want to be a good mother, a good mother who can no longer let Chang'er down!"
Her words finally made the Emperor look at her, then at Song Chaoyu.
"Enough, enough!"
The Emperor finally compromised. "Let the matter of those two secondary consorts be dropped! With Chang'er in this state, his stable awakening is the most important thing."
Without regard for Song Chaoyu's presence, he gently embraced the Consort. "My beloved consort, rest assured. In the future... I will not listen to the gossip from outside. I also hope Chang'er will be well, and that everyone will be well."
At least at this moment, Song Chaoyu felt that the Emperor spoke from his heart.
But he was a ruler, burdened by countless unavoidable matters.
Now that he had agreed to this, Song Chaoyu felt a sense of relief.
She walked into the sleeping chambers and looked at Mu Changxi, who lay motionless on the bed. She sat by his side and gently took his hand.
His palm was cold, a stark contrast to its usual warmth.
But Song Chaoyu knew that everything they had done was worth it!
Mu Changxi, at this time, could not afford to be a "prominent figure."
And Mu Hansu, at this moment, was likely unable to hold back any longer.
As expected, when the news that the Prince of Chang's mansion would not take secondary consorts spread the next morning, it was Mu Hansu's faction in the imperial court who voiced the strongest opposition.
They argued that even if His Highness the Prince of Chang was bedridden, it did not prevent him from taking secondary consorts.
After all, the Empress Dowager and the Empress were in charge in the palace, and with Song Chaoyu overseeing the Prince's mansion, welcoming two secondary consorts would not be difficult.
But this was rejected by the Emperor.
The Emperor's reasoning was that Mu Changxi's health was still poor, and it might affect the future prospects of those two secondary consorts.
Despite the diligent efforts of the imperial physicians, they were unable to rouse Mu Changxi from his slumber in a short period.
The Emperor continued to show concern for Mu Changxi, but everyone in the court felt that from this day forward, Mu Changxi's health would truly preclude him from participating in "court affairs."
Some even lamented that Mu Changxi had not left behind any heirs.
The Prince of Chang's mansion would likely have no successor in the future.
Perhaps it was for this reason that Prince Ning, Mu Hansu's faction, became increasingly active in court.
Even when Song Chaoyu returned to her maiden home, the old madam and concubine Liu held her hands and sighed. "Alas... what is to be done now? The Prince of Chang does not know when he will wake, and what will become of our A'yu?"
However, at the same time, good news also came from Prince Ning's mansion: this month, a happy event was discovered – Princess Ning, Song Yanjiao, was pregnant!
No matter how poor Mu Hansu and Song Yanjiao's relationship was on a daily basis, Song Yanjiao was the legitimate Princess Ning. Her pregnancy was a significant event for the entire Prince Ning's mansion!
Even the Emperor and the Empress were overjoyed, saying they would finally be able to hold a royal grandchild.
In an instant, in the capital, their Prince Ning's mansion became a presence of unparalleled prominence.
On Song Chaoyu's side, by guarding someone who might never wake, the Prince of Chang's mansion gradually became more desolate.
Most people in the capital were opportunistic. Except for those like Hu Xiaoye and a few other households with whom she had good relations and who maintained proper conduct, the Prince of Chang's mansion saw a decline in visitors.
Another month passed, and it was time for the old madam of the Song family's birthday.
The Song family's invitation was delivered to Song Chaoyu, and she could no longer avoid others.
She had barely left the mansion for a month, and the rumors about their Prince of Chang's mansion had lessened.
Now, everyone was discussing Princess Ning's pregnancy.
Although only two months along, it was already rumored that Princess Ning was carrying a male fetus.
This delighted the Emperor immensely, and he heavily rewarded Prince Ning's mansion.
However, Song Chaoyu heard that after Song Yanjiao became pregnant, her temper had worsened.
It was common for her to scold servants in the mansion, and even Mu Hansu's concubines and secondary consorts had to come and pay their respects to her daily.
Yet, under the guise of "pregnancy-induced drowsiness," she made those who came to pay respects stand outside for half the day.
Most people in Prince Ning's mansion dared not speak out against her. Prince Ning, knowing this, tolerated it for the sake of the child in Song Yanjiao's womb.