Refusing to Take a Concubine
Noble Consort Cen couldn't help but sigh, "Another one."
As Xiao Lingyan's health improved, Noble Consort Cen frequently received visits from noble ladies of the first rank, who brought their daughters and granddaughters to pay their respects. Their intention was clear: they wanted to offer their daughters and granddaughters to Prince of Qi as concubines.
Even Zhao Ruxi, Xiao Lingyan's lawfully wedded wife, highly valued by the Emperor, and now a source of pride for both her and Xiao Lingyan, hasn't consummated their marriage yet. How could Noble Consort Cen possibly allow a concubine to enter the household?
She also wanted Zhao Ruxi to give her an exceptionally intelligent eldest grandson.
Therefore, she turned down all the people who came before her with various excuses.
The people who have arrived now are a bit tricky.
It wasn't that Madam Tao was too formidable, but rather that Noble Consort Cen couldn't bear to let Xiao Lingyan give up her husband, Tao Jian, who had just been promoted to Ministry of War.
Tao Jian was originally a general, whose bravery was no less than that of Fu Dayong. He had served in various armies and was a highly respected and capable man.
Because he was seriously injured and his health remained poor after being rescued, he was unable to return to the battlefield. Therefore, the emperor transferred him back to the capital and appointed him to the Ministry of War.
Because of his loyalty to the emperor and his refusal to be courted by the crown prince, he was previously suppressed by the Ministry of War of War, who belonged to the crown prince's faction. After the rebellion ended, the emperor saw that he was quick-witted, resourceful, and very familiar with the situation in various places and with the soldiers, so he promoted him to Ministry of War.
General Tao and Madam Tao's eldest son is currently in the southwest, staying with Grand Princess Shangde's husband. Their youngest daughter is fifteen years old and unmarried. Madam Tao's purpose today is probably this youngest daughter named Tao Tao.
"Please let her in," Noble Consort Cen said, rubbing her temples.
A short while later, a woman in her forties entered with a teenage girl to pay their respects to Noble Consort Cen.
Noble Consort Cen raised her hand, looked at the round-faced, round-eyed little girl, and asked knowingly, "This is...?"
"This is my youngest daughter, Tao Tao," Madam Tao said with a smile.
Tao Tao quickly stepped forward to pay her respects to Noble Consort Cen.
Although she was fifteen years old, Tao Tao still had some baby fat on her face and was a little chubby. When she smiled, her round eyes curved into crescent moons, and she had a small dimple on her face. She looked like a lovable little girl.
Noble Consort Cen had a good first impression of her.
She pulled Tao Tao aside and sincerely praised her for a few moments, then presented her with a gift. Only then did Madam Tao and Tao Tao sit down at her prompting.
Although Madam Tao was a woman Tao Jian married from another place and was not from a prominent family in the capital, she had been in the capital with her husband for three or four years. Apart from her accent still carrying some regional accent, she was no different from a lady from a prominent family in the capital.
Tao Tao came to the capital at the age of eleven. With her mother's careful upbringing and several years in the capital, she became quite well-mannered, which made Noble Consort Cen's impression of her even better.
"... I've been thinking of Your Highness, but I was afraid of disturbing your peace, so I haven't dared to come and bother you. That's why our clansmen brought some local specialties from our hometown, thinking that Your Highness might not have tasted them before, so we brought them for you to try." This is how Madam Tao explained her purpose.
She didn't mention Tao Tao's marriage at all, only inquired about Noble Consort Cen's health and Xiao Lingyan's health, chatted for a few more minutes, and then tactfully took her leave.
After having the young eunuch escort the mother and daughter out, Noble Consort Cen smiled and said to Auntie Yu, "See, that's a smart person. She brought the young lady before me to win my favor. When it comes time to choose a concubine for Little Five, how could I not choose one I like?"
"Unlike those previous girls, who kept praising their daughters' excellence, practically saying they wanted to give them to Little Five as concubines. With a mother like that, no matter how beautiful the daughter is or how virtuous she pretends to be, I can't agree to it."
"That's right," Auntie Yu said with a smile. "Her Majesty is a reasonable and kind mother-in-law. How could she not want the best for her son? Why would she choose a troublemaker for the household, making the backyard of Prince of Qi's Residence's residence a mess every day? Even the Emperor wouldn't allow that."
"Look how capable Consort of the Prince of Qi is now! She can make a farming tool every ten days or half a month. The Emperor has sent many rewards to the Prince of Qi's Residence's residence. If the Prince of Qi takes a concubine and keeps her busy all day, making Consort of the Prince of Qi busy managing the inner courtyard and unable to concentrate on making farming tools, then the Emperor might blame you, Your Highness."
Auntie Yu visited the Prince of Qi's Residence twice and had a very good impression of Zhao Ruxi. On the surface, her words were for the sake of Noble Consort Cen, but in reality, she was speaking up for Zhao Ruxi.
In Auntie Yu's mind, it was inevitable for the prince to take concubines, and she couldn't possibly persuade Noble Consort Cen not to allow Xiao Lingyan concubines. However, she could advise Noble Consort Cen to carefully select two or three well-educated and sensible women to make Zhao Ruxi's life easier.
Sure enough, Noble Consort Cen's expression hardened upon hearing Auntie Yu's words.
"If you hadn't mentioned it, I really wouldn't have thought of that." Noble Consort Cen's initial idea was about to back down.
But after much deliberation, Noble Consort Cen couldn't bear to part with the Tao family.
If her son took Tao Tao, would she still be afraid of the potential threats posed by the Sixth Prince?
The Emperor is in good health, and the Sixth Prince will eventually grow up. So what if Xiao Lingyan? Wasn't the former Crown Prince still killed by the Third Prince?
After pondering for a moment, Noble Consort Cen said, "I haven't seen Little Five in a long time. Tomorrow, have him come to the palace so we can have a good chat."
"As for Madam Tao, if she sends someone to inquire about my thoughts, tell her that I like her daughter very much. However, Prince of Qi is not in good health and has not yet consummated his marriage with his wife. I hope they can consummate their marriage so I can hold my eldest grandson."
Auntie Yu bowed her head and replied, "Yes, Your Highness, this servant understands."
Now that Xiao Lingyan has recovered, he has resumed attending court. The next day, after court, he went directly to Noble Consort Cen's residence.
After exchanging greetings about each other's health, Xiao Lingyan asked, "Mother, what brings you here?"
Noble Consort Cen recounted the story of Madam Tao and Tao Tao.
"Some time ago, many people brought their daughters to our door. I know you and Zhiwei have a good relationship, and you haven't consummated your marriage yet, so naturally I won't send anyone to disturb you two."
"But you know Minister Tao of the Ministry of War, right? He didn't waver when the Crown Prince tried to win him over before, and now it's rare that he's taking the initiative to show goodwill. Moreover, his fourth daughter is beautiful, lively, and adorable. I think after you and Zhiwei consummate your marriage, you can definitely consider it."
"If you think it's a good idea, give your mother a straight answer, and I'll let the Tao family know. That way, Minister Tao won't think we're not accepting his offer and, in a fit of anger, marry off our fourth daughter."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lingyan's smile vanished, replaced by a cold expression.
"When I married Zhiwei, I told you I wouldn't take a concubine. Do you remember that? I still mean it now." He said calmly, "When anyone brings these things up to you, you always refuse on my behalf."