The enormous palace was silent. Only Li Seung-kyung's voice could be heard. It was neither fast nor slow, but powerful.
Li Seung-kyung took all the responsibility as soon as he opened his mouth. Empress Dowager Yang's original intention was to make things difficult for Cheng Yujin. With Li Seung-kyung acting like this, Empress Dowager Yang could not continue. Empress Dowager Yang raised an eyelid and said, "The Crown Prince is quite protective of the Crown Princess. However, since you have entered the gates of the Imperial Family, understanding etiquette and understanding the big picture is the most important. Especially since the Crown Princess is the future Empress. The responsibility of the Empress will be given to you sooner or later. If the Crown Princess does not set an example, the other women in the world will see it and learn. What will happen then? "
Empress Dowager Yang specifically called her out. Cheng Yujin could not continue to sit. She pulled up her sleeves and stood up. Li Seung-kyung sat next to her and also stood up with her.
Cheng Yujin lowered her eyes and listened to the lecture. "The Empress Dowager is right. Er has learned. However, His Majesty is in his prime and Empress is the mother of the world. Er still has many things to learn from the Empress. The Empress Dowager's words really make er fearful. "
Empress Dowager Yang really did not give up sowing discord between them and the Emperor. Now, in front of everyone in the inner palace, the Emperor was present. Empress Dowager Yang said something like "The Crown Princess is the future Empress." Her intentions were hateful.
Cheng Yujin immediately cleared her position. Empress Dowager Yang was disappointed, but did not continue to pursue the matter. Sowing discord was enough. If she said too much, she would be at a disadvantage. She did not succeed this time, but there would be opportunities in the future.
Empress Dowager Yang paused. She suddenly changed the topic and said, "The Crown Princess has already been in the palace for half a year. In this half year, the Eastern Palace has been empty. There is not even one person serving the Crown Prince in the palace. Even though these words are annoying, aijia is the grandmother. If aijia does not act as the villain, who else can? Crown Princess, aijia knows that you do not like to hear these words. However, you are the role model for the women of the world. Jealousy. According to tradition, the Crown Prince should have talented people, servants, and virtuous women. But now, it has been half a year and there is not one. If other women hear this, how will the court educate the world... Crown Princess, isn't that right? "
Cheng Yujin lowered her head. She had long expected this situation, but she didn't expect that this trial would descend in such a situation.
.. a wife was the Empress Dowager Yang. Concubines were as common as drinking water and eating food. Cheng Yujin had seen her father and uncles take concubines since she was young. Even her uncles and cousins were no exception. Taking care of her husband's concubines was like taking care of a housekeeper. It was a skill that a young lady must learn in her life.
Cheng Yujin did not think much of a concubine before. She even felt that there was no difference between a concubine and property. As long as the next heir was in her hands, her husband could go wherever he wanted. What did it have to do with her? If a concubine gave birth to a child, she would raise it. If a concubine could not give birth, she would just throw it in the backyard. It did not cost her money. Cheng Yujin did not care.
Cheng Yujin also found it hard to understand the bosom friends she had seen who were fine before they got married but would get jealous and fight over a concubine after they got married. What was there to fight about? It was just an addition to the family. The husband wanted to play with it. As the Empress Dowager Yang, the only thing she had to pay attention to was not to let the object surpass her.
Every time Cheng Yujin saw Princess Qingfu throw things in anger over Cheng Yuan-hsien's new concubine, she would secretly shake her head. As for those who were disheartened because their husbands took concubines and made themselves look haggard, gloomy, and ugly, they were even more stupid. However, there were many concubines, after all, there were many things to do. Under the same conditions, between Lin Qingyuan, this kind of clean and honest scholar, and Xu Zhixian, this kind of gentle and affectionate young master, Cheng Yujin did not hesitate to choose the former.
She thought she was calm enough. Rationally, she knew that the Crown Prince would take a concubine sooner or later. Rather than others mentioning it, it was better for her to take the initiative and control the candidates within her control. But emotionally, Cheng Yujin felt uncomfortable when she thought about another woman or another group of women moving into the Ciqing Palace that she personally took care of. Li Seung-kyung's words to her would be repeated to other women.
Cheng Yujin secretly pinched herself. She wanted to use the pain to make herself make up her mind. It was not easy for her to get to this point. She could not ruin her many years of work just because of a moment's hesitation.
The ten fingers were connected to the heart. That piercing pain seemed to reach her brain. Cheng Yujin was about to open her mouth to respond when she was suddenly stopped by another person. Li Seung-kyung forcefully separated her hands. He turned around and bowed to Empress Dowager Yang. "The Empress Dowager is right. Grandson, as the Crown Prince, should be the role model of the world. When the country was founded, the laws were set. Princes and concubines were allowed to be chosen once. The maximum number was limited to ten. The Junwang was twenty-five years old and had no legitimate children. He was allowed to take two concubines from among the daughters of good families. When he was thirty years old and had no children, he was allowed to choose four concubines. As for commoners, they had to be over forty years old and had no children. Only then were they allowed to choose a concubine. Grandson may be the Crown Prince, but when a prince breaks the law, he is punished the same as a commoner, and vice versa. Grandson should set himself as an example and be a role model for the commoners. Grandson is not yet forty years old and has no children. How can he take a concubine? "
Empress Yang couldn't help but frown when she heard this. The founding emperor was extremely strict. He hated corrupt officials and extravagance the most. Thus, he set the strict laws of the Qi Dynasty. He even set the number of concubines that princes, junwang, officials, and commoners could take. Today, the Chengping Dynasty had been peaceful for a long time. The founding emperor had passed away many years ago. The strict laws of the beginning were no longer strictly enforced.
The Lin Family had a family rule. Men under forty and without children were not allowed to take concubines. This was actually a law from when the country was founded. However, Lin Qingyuan had become a rare fragrant cake in the capital. It was easy to imagine how well this law was enforced.
How many years had it been? Li Seung-kyung suddenly bringing up the laws of the founding ancestors gave Empress Yang a fright. Even the Ministry of Justice might not be able to recite the founding emperor's calendar, but Li Seung-kyung was able to speak without moving a single word. Furthermore, this was the first time Empress Yang had heard someone use the phrase "when a prince breaks the law, commoners are punished the same."
It was a god-like logic. In theory, a commoner could only take a concubine when he was forty and had no children. However, commoner men did not care about this. Li Seung-kyung had brought it up and even vowed to use the requirements of commoners to restrict himself.
Empress Yang was a bit speechless. However, every word of the other party was the ancestor's law. Empress Yang did not dare to say that the founding emperor was wrong.
Empress Yang could only look to Empress Dowager Yang for help. She hoped that Empress Dowager Yang would come out and break Li Seung-kyung's sophistry. Empress Dowager Yang was also frowning at this moment. Clearly, she also felt that it was very difficult to explain in a few words. It was simply fallacious logic.
Empress Dowager Yang said, "This is not how to use this sentence. You are the Crown Prince. How can you be the same as commoners? I'm afraid that the rules of commoners are not right for you. "
"The Empress Dowager's words are wrong. Since the Empress Dowager said that the Crown Princess was the role model for all women in the world, then her Grandson should be the role model for the common people. If I can't even follow the ancestor's laws, then where is the dignity of the law? If this is spread out and seen by the people of the world, I'm afraid that they will copy me. It will be difficult to convince the masses. If this is the case, how can the common people be educated? "Li Seung-kyung finished speaking and then asked calmly." Empress Dowager, don't you think so? "
These were Empress Dowager Yang's original words just now. Li Seung-kyung changed them a bit and threw them back without changing anything. Empress Dowager Yang was first suppressed by the "ancestor's laws" and then choked by her own original words. She opened her mouth and was speechless, unable to respond.
Empress Dowager Yang could not swallow this and said, "But the imperial family's heirs are important. As the Crown Prince, how can there be no one by your side?"
Li Seung-kyung lowered his head and only said, "I am unfilial."
But he did not say anything about taking a concubine.
Empress Dowager Yang wanted to say more, but the Emperor coughed twice and cut her off, "Alright, the Crown Prince is still young. It has only been a year since zhen found him. The matter of heirs is not urgent. Moreover, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess have only been married for half a year. To talk about heirs now is pushing them too hard. "
The Emperor's words were like gold and jade. Once he spoke, Empress Dowager Yang could not say anything more. Empress Dowager Yang sat on the side with an ugly expression. The Emperor had always been respectful to her aunt and followed her orders. Today, for the Crown Prince, he publicly disregarded her aunt's face?
Empress Dowager Yang looked at the person in the hall. He had the appearance of a dragon and the appearance of a phoenix, in his prime. Anyone who saw him would praise him as a young talent. But this person was Madame Zhong's son.
She could not compare to Madame Zhong. Now, even Madame Zhong's son was above her Jun 'er.
Empress Dowager Yang was so angry that her lips turned white and her fingernails dug into her flesh. Empress Dowager Yang's expression was also ugly. She lowered her eyes and glanced at Li Seung-kyung and Cheng Yujin. Cheng Yujin felt it and obediently lowered her eyes. Empress Dowager Yang finally held back her anger and stiffly said, "Since the Emperor has said so, aijia will not say anything more. The Emperor and the Crown Prince are of one mind. Aijia has been the villain in vain. "
The Emperor did not know how to respond. Without waiting for the Emperor to feel awkward, Li Seung-kyung had already answered, "I don't dare. Grandson is just following the rules of the ancestors. Since the Empress Dowager wants to see the Imperial Family flourish, why not choose a wife for Er Di? Er Di has also reached the age of marriage. Perhaps after Er Di takes a concubine, he will share the worries of the elders before me. "
When these words came out, the entire hall was silent. Li Chengjun was not afraid that the spearhead would suddenly turn to him and unconsciously tensed his body.
Empress Dowager Yang couldn't help but hold her breath and turn to look at Empress Dowager Yang's expression. The Emperor stroked his beard and revealed a thoughtful expression.
Li Seung-kyung continued, "Your Majesty has always regretted that there are not enough people in the palace. When Er Di takes a wife, there will be more people and it will naturally be lively. In I's opinion, Mighty General Dou Da's daughter, Miss Dou, is not bad. Hasn't the Empress Dowager always praised Miss Dou for being filial and considerate? So, why not let Madame Dou marry Er Di? First, it will strengthen the relationship. Second, Madame Dou can also serve the Empress and the Empress Dowager and comfort the Empress Dowager's longing heart. Isn't this killing two birds with one stone? "
If it weren't for the situation, Cheng Yujin would have cheered. Empress Dowager Yang had come with such ferocious momentum that Li Seung-kyung had been able to block her without a single injury. She really didn't expect Li Seung-kyung to be able to counterattack. Cheng Yujin was secretly pleased. Empress Dowager Yang had always been trying to sow discord between the Eastern Palace and the Emperor. Cheng Yujin had really endured for a long time. Now, she finally gave Empress Dowager Yang a taste of her own medicine. It was the Yang Family's turn to be the one who had been instigated.
At this moment, everyone in the hall looked at Empress Dowager Yang and waited for Empress Dowager Yang to make a statement. It had long been rumored that Dou Xiyin was the Crown Princess. Although the Crown Princess was no longer possible, the Dou Family had originally wanted the Second Prince. Now, the Second Prince was still unmarried.
Empress Yang also looked at Empress Dowager Yang. Empress Dowager Yang hesitated for a moment, then said flatly, "There's no rush. Choosing a consort is not a small matter. It's not something that can be decided overnight. Jun 'er is still young. There's no harm in waiting a little longer. "
Although Empress Dowager Yang didn't say it clearly, everyone present wasn't stupid. How could they not understand that "wait a little longer" was a "no"? The Imperial Consort clicked her tongue in her heart. Her pair of beautiful eyes immediately looked at Empress Yang. There was a smile in her eyes that wasn't a smile, a smile that wasn't a smile, a smile that wasn't a smile, a smile that wasn't a smile, a smile that wasn't a smile, a smile that wasn't a smile.
Originally, she thought that it was just an ordinary New Year's banquet. She didn't expect to see so much excitement.
Empress Dowager Yang's face was indeed a little embarrassed. She noticed that many concubines were looking in her direction, so she used all her strength to slap her face, unwilling to let others see a joke.
In the end, the Emperor coughed and said, "This matter will be discussed later. Family reunions are important at family banquets. Sit down and eat first."
Everyone slightly bowed and said in unison, "Yes."
However, no one was in the mood to eat in the second half of the banquet. After returning to Ci Qing Palace, Cheng Yujin immediately bowed to Li Seung-kyung, "Thank you, Your Highness, for today."
Li Seung-kyung reached out to stop Cheng Yujin, "It's nothing. These things should be resolved by me."
Cheng Yujin silently sighed. At that time, she could certainly deal with Empress Dowager Yang's words, but she couldn't be as righteous as Li Seung-kyung. Li Seung-kyung could openly say that he didn't want to take a concubine, but Cheng Yujin couldn't.
As expected, as long as a man didn't want to do this kind of thing, no matter what reason it was, it could be blocked.
Cheng Yujin was deeply moved. Half smiling and half probing, she asked, "Your Highness really doesn't want to take a concubine? The rule of taking a concubine without a son at forty isn't set for Your Highness, and nowadays, common men rarely follow it. Your Highness said it in front of so many people, I'm afraid it will be difficult in the future. "
"If I don't say it in front of everyone, how can I make you feel at ease?" Li Seung-kyung calmly looked at Cheng Yujin, his eyes seeming to be smiling and oppressing, "If I didn't say it at that time, what would you have done?"
Cheng Yujin thought of the nail marks on her hands. If Li Seung-kyung hadn't suddenly stood up, she was going to agree. Etiquette, marriage, and having children, all of these were pressing down on her head. Cheng Yujin couldn't gamble.
Cheng Yujin didn't speak. Li Seung-kyung also sighed. Without waiting for her answer, he leaned over and pulled her hand over. Li Seung-kyung lowered his head and carefully looked at the marks on Cheng Yujin's hand. He sighed almost inaudibly, "Don't do this in the future."
Cheng Yujin nodded. She didn't ask which was not allowed. Was it hurting her hand, or taking a concubine?
But at this moment, Cheng Yujin would rather these were all true. Even if she was deceiving herself, she was willing to believe that at this moment, she was willing to believe that Li Seung-kyung really planned to take a concubine at forty without a son.
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