The most dissolute couple in the capital

Meanwhile, in the palace.

The Empress Dowager sat on the phoenix throne, fiddling with a string of sandalwood prayer beads in her hand, her face kind and her spirit vigorous.

The Empress sat at the lower end of the table, her posture upright and as always thoughtful and composed.

The palace maids had just cleared away the tea and refreshments, leaving only two close old nannies standing by the side in the hall.

"Chengjing's wedding is this month." The Empress Dowager put down her prayer beads, her tone tinged with emotion. "This child has been like a monkey since he was little, and in the blink of an eye, he's getting married."

The Empress bowed slightly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, everything at the Imperial Clan Court has been arranged properly, and the Imperial Household Department and the Bureau of Monks' Clothing are also working diligently; there will be no mistakes."

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment: "According to old palace custom, before a prince's wedding, several palace maids should be prepared to teach the groom...something about matters of the heart. Chengjing is not young anymore. Although he is usually quite unruly, it's not good to put the bride in a difficult position. What do you think? Shouldn't we prepare two suitable maids as per custom?"

The Empress put down the handkerchief in her hand but did not answer immediately.

Having been married into the royal family for over twenty years, she knew the Empress Dowager's temperament inside and out. The Empress Dowager's question actually revealed her inner hesitation.

If the Empress Dowager truly considered it a matter of course, she wouldn't have specifically asked her to inquire.

"Mother," the Empress said gently, choosing her words carefully, "I have also thought about this matter. But I have read through the medical records presented by the Imperial Hospital a few days ago and would like to discuss it with you."

The Empress Dowager's fingers tightened slightly: "What's the diagnosis from the pulse diagnosis?"

The Empress sighed: "The Imperial Medical Academy's opinion is that although His Highness Prince Liang has taken great care of himself since his injury, the probability of him having children... while not entirely hopeless, is indeed not high."

The warm room fell silent for a moment.

The Empress Dowager's expression darkened.

This matter is the biggest thorn in her heart. Back then, Chengjing suffered such a serious injury while saving his elder brother. The people from the Imperial Hospital gave a long, hesitant explanation, but in the end, they concluded that it "might have damaged his very foundation." Over the years, she has always held onto hope, thinking that her child is still young and perhaps he can recover in the future.

But now that he's about to get married, things haven't improved.

"Mother," the Empress continued, "Since the matter of offspring is uncertain, it would be unwise to have too many wives and concubines in the inner court. Firstly, the Princess Consort of Liang comes from one of the five noble families and seven prominent clans. His Majesty's bestowal of this marriage upon the Prince of Liang is also an act of kindness. If someone else is arranged before she enters the family, it might make the Cui family look bad."

The Empress Dowager's brows furrowed slightly.

The Empress continued, "Secondly, since His Highness is unlikely to have any children, what will become of the palace maids kept by his side in the future? If they are given official status, the more people in the inner palace, the more gossip will arise; if they are not given official status, sending them away might lead to further rumors. After all, this is the royal family, and we cannot afford such discussions."

These words were perfectly watertight.

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"You're right. Chengjing is a straightforward boy, and if there are more people around, he might not be able to handle it. It could cause trouble and make things worse."

The Empress smiled slightly: "Besides, the Cui family's daughter is quite prudent; I, the Empress Dowager, witnessed her actions at the flower-viewing banquet. With her around, Your Highness will be safe."

The Empress Dowager thought for a moment, then finally waved her hand: "Alright, just send a fire-repelling diagram as usual; there are always some in the palace. Let them figure out what happens on their wedding night themselves."

The Empress responded with a "Yes".

The Empress Dowager suddenly laughed again, a mischievous glint in her eyes: "But speaking of which, you've heard about Chengjing climbing over the wall to peek at that girl last time, haven't you?"

The Empress couldn't help but smile slightly: "Granny He came to report. She said His Highness changed into a servant's clothes and climbed over the back wall."

"That child!" the Empress Dowager scolded, her tone full of amusement. "He's never followed the proper path since he was little. But this is the first time I've seen him so dedicated; he even climbed over a wall."

The Empress said, "It is clear that His Highness is indeed fond of the Cui family's daughter. This marriage is a wise decision by His Majesty."

The Empress Dowager held her prayer beads and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Although the Cui family isn't the most prestigious, the reputation of the Qinghe Cui clan is well-established, and their family traditions are upright. This young lady is also quite decisive. After what happened last time, anyone else would have panicked, but she remained remarkably calm. Chengjing needs someone like her who can keep things under control."

The Empress nodded with a smile.

The Empress Dowager suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, how are things going with His Majesty's discussions about the eldest princess's husband?"

The Empress's smile faded slightly.

"His Majesty is still considering it."

The Empress Dowager glanced at her, but did not ask any further questions. She simply gave a meaningful "hmm".

The atmosphere inside the hall fell silent for a moment.

A few birdsongs drifted in from outside the window, their clear and melodious calls breaking the silence.

The Empress Dowager turned her prayer beads again and said softly, "Chengjing's marriage is settled, and the eldest princess's marriage should also be put on the agenda. They are all my grandchildren, and this old man of mine must see them all get married before I can go to see the late Emperor in peace."

The Empress bowed her head and said, "Long live the Empress Dowager! It's too early to say that."

"Alright, alright, say something nice." The Empress Dowager waved her hand. "Go on, take good care of Chengjing's wedding. Those people in the Imperial Household Department will slack off if you don't keep an eye on things."

The Empress rose, bowed, and withdrew.

As she stepped out of the Cining Palace, the Empress stood on the white marble steps, sunlight illuminating her profile, her expression serene.

The head palace maid, Qinghe, leaned closer and whispered, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager just mentioned the Eldest Princess's marriage..."

The Empress did not turn around, but simply straightened her cuffs.

"What's the rush?" Her voice was very soft, as soft as a feather falling on water. "Her father has his own plans."

Qinghe dared not say another word and silently followed behind.

The Empress stepped down the steps and slowly walked towards the Kunning Palace.