https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-159-The-Qi-Prince-Consort-s-Doubt/12606868/
Chapter 160: The Tang Manor's Intentions
Chapter 160: The Tang Manor's Intentions
Princess Qi felt that the capital, while vast, could also feel quite small at times.
Familiar faces often crossed her path, and it was usually the same people.
For this reason, she didn't think much of her encounters with the Tang Manor, both today and in the past.
However, today, Lady Tang deliberately prolonged their conversation, and now the princess recalled that on the way back from the estate that day, they had encountered the carriage of Prince Qing, and the Tang Manor's carriage had also been nearby.
At the time, Princess Qi thought she must have been mistaken, but now she believed that she hadn't been.
It was just that her mind had been focused on her conversation with Prince Qing, so she had only glanced at the carriage briefly and hadn't thought much of it.
Now, she was certain it had been the Tang Manor's carriage.
If not for Prince Qing stopping to chat, she might have had to make small talk with Lady Tang.
It was curious how they kept running into each other so frequently, and now Lady Tang was deliberately drawing her into conversation, seemingly trying to forge a closer connection for some future purpose.
This naturally made Princess Qi suspicious.
In the capital, where undercurrents and intrigue abounded, one couldn't help but be cautious and speculative at times.
Princess Qi was just relieved that when she had mentioned her living arrangements to the little monk, she had asked him to obscure the truth a little.
At the time, she hadn't thought much of it; she had just wanted some peace and quiet, and she hadn't wanted to make the little monk lie, which would go against his nature.
So, Princess Qi had told the little monk to say that she would be staying in the 'back courtyard room.'
The little monk had merely relayed her words, so he wasn't really lying to the Buddha.
Now, seeing that the Tang family was also staying in the back courtyard room, Princess Qi furrowed her brows slightly and asked Autumn Auntie about it.
While Autumn Auntie couldn't be considered all-knowing, she always seemed to have her ear to the ground when it came to the latest gossip and happenings in the capital.
It was because of this that Princess Qi, despite her gentle and unassuming nature, rarely found herself at a disadvantage when it came to social interactions and etiquette.
When the princess inquired, Autumn Auntie thought for a moment, then scanned the area to ensure no one else was around before lowering her voice and saying, "I've only heard rumors, so I can't guarantee the truth of it."
Autumn Auntie often heard tidbits of gossip and news from various sources.
She always made it a point to preface her statements with this disclaimer.
She couldn't vouch for the accuracy of the information, but she shared it with the princess as entertainment.
Princess Qi was used to this and nodded, "Go on, Auntie, I'm listening."
Seeing the princess' casual response, Autumn Auntie smiled and said, "I heard that the palace intends to bestow the Tang family's fourth daughter, Tang Youqing, as a concubine to the Crown Prince. However, the Tang family doesn't seem too pleased about it."
As Autumn Auntie spoke, she tilted her chin slightly in the direction of the Tang family's residence.
Her meaning was clear—the 'fourth daughter of that family' referred to Tang Youqing of the Tang Manor.
This kind of information wouldn't be spread around unless it had been decided upon.
At this point, it was likely that only a small circle of people knew about it, and they were sharing the news discreetly.
Princess Qi had never even heard a whisper of this, and even when she chatted with the empress dowager, the topic of the crown prince had come up, but this matter hadn't been mentioned.
It seemed that the empress dowager was in favor of it, the crown prince's attitude was unclear, and the Tang Manor...
Perhaps they weren't too happy about it.
While a concubine of the crown prince would be entered into the royal genealogy and have a higher status than other concubines or commoner wives, her position still wouldn't be as respectable as that of the main wife.
Lady Tang, accompanied by her daughter, had obviously set her sights on the princes of the Qi Kingdom.
Although Tang Youqing was the fourth daughter, she was a legitimate child born of Lady Tang, who was the empress dowager's sister-in-law and held a high and esteemed position.
So, the only one who could catch her eye would have to be their family's eldest son.
If the two families were to become in-laws, the Qi Prince's Manor would be forced onto the Crown Prince's faction's ship.
It has to be said that the Crown Prince is a man of good character and acts with prudence.
Unless there is some misstep, it is generally unlikely that His Majesty would arbitrarily depose him.
Riding the Crown Prince's ship does not pose a high risk.
However, the Princess of Qi is actually quite reluctant!
If her prince were intelligent and diligent in political matters, the Princess of Qi would find it reasonable to strive for more, given the large number of children in the manor.
When the time comes for the princes to be granted their own fiefdoms, there will inevitably be some children who will not attain noble status or official positions.
If the prince has distinguished himself through meritorious service, he could employ some tactics and seek favors at that time.
The problem is...
Their prince does not have an ambitious bone in his body!
In his early years, being His Majesty's younger brother and the youngest son of the Empress Dowager, the Qi Prince had no concerns or worries. All he sought was happiness and pleasure.
Now that he has reached middle age, his desire for pleasure has diminished.
Instead, he has gone crazy seeking female company.
He has not shown the slightest interest in state affairs.
It is precisely because of this that the Princess of Qi has also adopted a laissez-faire attitude.
Their prince simply does not have the capacity for it, so they absolutely cannot board that ship!
Some ships, once boarded, are binding, and there is no getting off.
However, judging from the Tang family's demeanor, it seems that they have indeed set their sights on their eldest son.
The situation is still uncertain, but the Princess of Qi feels it is highly likely, eight or nine out of ten.
She intends to observe further, and if the situation turns unfavorable, she will arrange a betrothal for her eldest son with an unmarried woman first.
Then, they will announce to the public that during her friend's pregnancy, they casually made a childhood betrothal arrangement, and now that they find the match suitable, they will bring the marriage agreement out into the open!
Thinking of this, the Princess of Qi felt much more at ease. She turned her head and whispered to Aunt Autumn, "You and Aunt Xiang, keep a close eye on Sisi. That little rascal from the Tang Manor, Tang Lingheng, is very mischievous. Don't let him bully Sisi."
As hard as it is for Lady Tang to maintain a facade of friendliness, accompanied by her daughter, they cannot truly tear down each other's faces and break all ties.
The thought of Sisi being bullied makes the Princess of Qi both worried and angry.
When can they cast aside these false faces and pretenses? It is truly annoying!
With a frown, the Princess of Qi moved to a corner and sat down, flipping through a Buddhist scripture.
It was not until Sisi woke up that the Tang Manor finally quieted down.
Yes, even during lunchtime, Tang Lingheng caused a ruckus.
He literally climbed onto the roof and chased after two stray cats, shouting incessantly.
The devotees staying in the temple's guest rooms could not rest well that afternoon.
Although the guests complained, they could not stay resentful toward Lady Tang, who knew how to treat people well.
She had prepared some elegant snacks in advance and sent people to deliver them to every courtyard in the temple.
Even the Princess of Qi's quarters received some, and although she pretended to be resting and did not meet them in person, she asked Aunt Autumn to go out and receive the guests on her behalf.
The Princess of Qi listened to the commotion outside while staying indoors. The Tang Manor's maids deliberately lingered a while longer, but Aunt Autumn, always prudent in handling matters, eventually sent them away.
If she had only suspected before, the Tang Manor's actions now further confirmed the Princess of Qi's previous conjecture.
It seems that the Tang family has indeed taken a fancy to their eldest son!
Thinking of this, the Princess of Qi felt a surge of anxiety.
Just as the Princess of Qi was feeling annoyed and unable to focus on the Buddhist scripture, the Tang Manor finally calmed down, and there was no more noise.
Sisi also woke up at this time.
Upon hearing that Sisi was awake, a smile finally appeared on the Princess of Qi's face. "Go and see Sisi first."
Second watch is at 7 p.m.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
