HMAM CH 53 Empress
Lin Xiaosheng's mother died due to rumors.
She was an unfortunate yet fortunate woman. The misfortune lay in her childhood spent adrift in the world of patrons and courtesans, while her fortune came from her extraordinary beauty—something that ordinary women could hardly attain—and a clever head that typical beauties lacked.
Perhaps men do not like overly intelligent women, but in the world of courtesans, this cleverness became her bargaining chip to win favor.
She was beautiful and intelligent, unlike common courtesans; she was educated in etiquette and, more importantly, aware of the nuances of human interactions, catering to high-ranking officials and wealthy men.
To captivate men, a beautiful woman sometimes only needs a glance.
Yet, this very woman harbored an innocence within her, hoping that one day she could marry, bear children, and build a family with a loving husband.
When she married the head of the Lin family from Jiangnan, old Mr. Lin already had a legitimate wife. As a secondary wife, she entered the family amidst much public discussion. However, the Lin family had their means, and eventually, things settled down.
The legitimate Madam Lin had been married for less than three months when her husband took another wife, which was seen almost as a humiliation. In reality, it truly was a disgrace, and she quickly became a laughingstock among the noble families of Jiangnan.
Such humiliation would enrage any noble lady, but the young Madam Lin surprisingly endured. Those who can do such a thing are either extremely weak or very cunning.
Madam Lin was undoubtedly the latter. Raised within the inner chambers, she observed closely how her mother dealt with her sisters-in-law and her father’s concubines. She understood that a man's initial sense of freshness would outweigh everything; no matter how hard she fought, that woman would still enter the family. Perhaps her status would be a bit lower, but what did it matter? Rules are set by people, and this situation might even evoke a sense of guilt in old Mr. Lin towards that woman.
So she endured, remaining the obedient, humble, and bodhisattva-like matriarch of the Lin family, watching as old Mr. Lin shifted from spending night after night in the second wife's room at the start to, two years later, gradually keeping things balanced between her and that woman.
That woman even bore a son, but Madam Lin wasn’t overly concerned. No matter how beautiful or tactful she was, it didn’t change the fact that a child born of such a woman was destined to be unworthy in this world.
So when the child was born, he didn’t even receive a legitimate name in the family genealogy; he was merely named "Xiao Sheng" by old Mr. Lin, symbolizing the joy of spring.
That’s right. The woman's greatest weakness was her background as a courtesan, which, in the eyes of society, meant being thought of as promiscuous and indulgent. Even though two peaceful years had passed, who could guarantee that no troubles would arise in the future?
So, she planned a play, even having her natal family to spread rumors outside; thus the woman's reputation was thoroughly ruined.
The truth has never killed anyone; it is the words of people that do.
Lady Feng, that is, Madam Lin, sat at the head of the banquet table and glanced at her tall and graceful eldest daughter. She smiled and said to the emperor seated at the table, "This subject's wife thanks Your Majesty for inviting us, mother and daughter, to enjoy the spring scenery of the imperial garden."
Jing Ye replied, "Isn't the madam curious about how Xiao Sheng is doing in the palace? By taking advantage of this little spring banquet to relax, you can also meet and chat; it's killing two birds with one stone."
Lady Feng stood and curtsied: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for considering this mother and son."
Jing Ye felt somewhat impatient with the formality of needing to bow or curtsy every time someone spoke; sitting in the court all day was already tiring enough, yet he had to play along. Therefore, he usually refrained from holding banquets without a reason, simply responding with "en" to let them take their seats.
Lady Feng sat down as instructed, glancing at the various colorful floral arrangements prepared for the banquet. She smiled, saying, "It's not that this subject's wife is boasting, but while these flowers are indeed beautiful, the flowers embroidered by our Jiangnan’s finest embroiderers are so lifelike they could attract bees and butterflies, and they certainly won’t pale in comparison."
Jing Ye raised an eyebrow: "Is that true?"
Lady Feng leaned forward and said, "This subject's wife wouldn't dare deceive Your Majesty. If Your Majesty doesn't believe me, Your Majesty can take a look at this subject's daughter's embroidered handkerchief. Although she is still young and inexperienced, she apprenticed under the head of Jiangnan’s Yanxi Pavilion, which should give Your Majesty some idea."
Jing Ye nodded. Lady Feng then signaled her daughter to stand, taking out an embroidered handkerchief from her sleeve and placing it in the tray presented by the eunuch for the emperor.
Jing Ye picked it up to examine it. The design depicted butterflies frolicking among peonies, and at the corner of the handkerchief, a line of small characters embroidered; it was indeed exquisite.
Lady Feng asked, "What does Your Majesty think…?"
Jing Ye looked up and said, "Your household's young lady possesses outstanding skills and beauty. Zhen fears she will outshine the noble ladies of the capital."
Lady Feng rose again, curtsying and smiling: "We wouldn't dare."
Jing Ye found her frequent getting up and sitting down exhausting. He smiled and said, "The spring scenery is lovely. The madam and your daughter should enjoy the flowers and catch up with Xiao Sheng. Zhen has government affairs to attend to, so zhen will take my leave."
Lady Feng and her daughter, along with Lin Xiaosheng, stood and bowed: "Sending off Your Majesty."
Lin Xiaosheng watched Jing Ye’s figure disappear among the peach trees and then lowered his head to play with the cups and dishes. After a long while, he said, "Mother, if you have any instructions, please speak freely."
Lady Feng looked at him. She had maintained her appearance well, resembling the young woman in her early twenties that Lin Xiaosheng remembered, calm and reserved.
"You have now become a confidant of His Majesty; you seem to speak without courtesy."
Lin Xiaosheng replied, "I have always respected Mother; it is not I who has changed, but you."
Lady Feng’s gaze grew cold, and she stepped forward: "I have come to the capital this time to find you."
Lin Xiaosheng asked, "What do you need from me?"
Lady Feng turned to her daughter, reached out to smooth her hair, and smiled: "I want you to bring your younger sister to the position of empress."
Lin Xiaosheng raised his head.
Lady Feng smiled at him, her expression gentle. If one didn’t get close, they would think this was an ordinary mother caring for her son: "In exchange, I will give you the entire Yanxi Pavilion."
Lin Xiaosheng fell silent. Lady Feng patiently waited, and after a while, Lin Xiaosheng gently tossed the cup aside on the table: "I hope Mother will not regret this."
Lady Feng smiled slightly and quietly remarked, "The only regret I have in this life is that I didn’t give your mother another bowl of red flower tea back then."
The next day during the morning court, Jing Ye first discussed the military defenses in the northwest and the recent rise of banditry in Jiangnan with the officials. Once the important matters were settled and he was ready to dismiss the court and return to the palace, someone unexpectedly stepped forward from among the officials: "Your Majesty, this subject has a memorial to present."
Jing Ye had just risen from the dragon throne and had to sit back down again: "Speak."
The official bent down, speaking loudly: "This subject asks that Your Majesty prioritize the matter of appointing an empress and give it more thought!"
Jing Ye: "…"
He sat back, looking at the official keeping his head down and bowing, and smiled: "Fang Qing, what do you mean by this?"
The official responded: "Replying to Your Majesty, this subject believes the appointment of an empress is not merely a trivial matter. As the mother of the nation, the empress must fulfill her responsibilities and oversee the six palaces. Her virtue reflects on the face of the dynasty. Moreover, it would be unbeneficial for Your Majesty not to have an empress for so long."
Jing Ye discreetly rolled his eyes while the officials bowed their heads, thinking to himself about what responsibilities the empress had—washing clothes, cooking, and raising children? Did the empress personally have to do these tasks? And as for raising children…it seemed there was no need for an empress either as Jing Xiao Yun was solely under Gu Hong's care.
Furthermore, as for overseeing the six palaces, there had to be six palaces in the first place! Were there any women in his harem? And summoning a woman into the palace to manage affairs would only create awkward situations with Gu Hong and the others; what about the need for separation of genders?
Regarding the face of the dynasty, well… with the original owner of this body's legacy, the concept of face was long gone.
There was one more crucial issue: he viewed women as mere vases. Even if there was an empress, it would be but a hollow position—there was no need to involve and ruin the girl’s life in such a way.
However, none of these thoughts could be voiced to the officials. While he sat silently, several officials stood to support their colleague's memorial, seemingly indicating that they could not pass this off by being vague.
Jing Ye was left with a headache from their unified voices. Spotting the old Prime Minister Gu standing calmly nearby, half-closed eyes as if he were about to fall asleep, he interrupted: "As you all say, the matter of appointing an empress is of great importance."
He looked at old Prime Minister Gu and smiled: "Gu Qing is a veteran of three reigns. Zhen wonders if you have any advice to share with zhen?"
The old prime minister blinked awake, first looking at the emperor, then casting his gaze towards the officials eagerly watching him, and slowly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, may this subject ask these few gentlemen a couple of questions?"
Jing Ye replied with a smile, "You may ask."
Old Prime Minister Gu turned to the officials who had just presented their throats: "May I ask you all, if His Majesty decides to appoint an empress, who should be appointed?"
Lord Fang found himself momentarily at a loss: "This…"
Another official beside him responded: "Naturally, we should select from the young ladies of various families, giving priority to those who are virtuous, kind, and possess talent."
Old Prime Minister Gu shook his head: "It takes time to truly understand a person's character. Historically, empresses were either the original wives before the emperors ascended the throne or were chosen from among the concubines who were capable of bearing that responsibility. Yet presently, His Majesty has no consorts. I believe that if you do not take time to observe, hastily selecting an empress from the noble ladies may lead to a significant mistake."
Well said. Jing Ye immediately nodded in agreement: "What Prime Minister Gu has said is very true. The matter of appointing an empress requires long-term deliberation. This decision must not be rushed today. Discussion may take place on another occasion. If there are no further matters, the court shall be dismissed."