Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 486 - 477: Entering the Palace

Chapter 486: Chapter 477: Entering the Palace

Consort Shan nodded in relief, her eyes reddened with emotion as she said, "You’re right. When those two were in power, who knows whether Shiyi would’ve survived in the palace or not. Even though I nearly cried my eyes blind, it’s most important that Shiyi is alive, and living happily."

Moved by Consort Shan’s words, Shiyi felt that his mother in the palace loved him as equally as his mother outside. He said, "Mother Consort, I’ll stay with you in the future, making sure you’re always happy. I won’t make you cry anymore, ensuring that your days are always filled with joy and laughter..." Having spent much time with Chen Afu, his words were organically filled with affectionate charm.

Consort Shan listened with great delight. Holding his face, she laughed and said, "Good boy, not only are you filial but also sweet-tongued. Your elders taught you well."

The Crown Prince observed the joyous interaction between his mother and brother. To Shiyi, he said, "Shiyi, you might find the palace a little unfamiliar right now, but you’ll adjust soon. The Emperor has ordered you to accompany Mother Consort in Si Yuan Palace for a few days to alleviate her boredom. You must also pay your respects to Her Majesty at Cining Palace, and then begin your studies in the Imperial Study Room after three days. Li Xuan will also be there so you can get to know him." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "The palace is not like common households; relationships and interests are intricately entwined. Although the current situation is much better than before, you must still be careful in all matters..."

Even though Shiyi grew up among commoners, his previous environment was harsh, constantly forcing him to plan ways to avoid being sold and securing his position as his mother’s son. Even when times improved, he worried about Daddy Chu taking his mother’s attention away and was always calculating how to maintain his mother’s love and improve his status in the Chu family. Therefore, in terms of cunning, he isn’t much more innocent than children raised in the palace, he just lacks some malice and deceit.

Hearing the Crown Prince’s words, Shiyi stood up and respectfully acknowledged his advice. Toward this elder brother, who was about the same age as Daddy Chu, he felt both respect and fear.

By late morning, ten carts of gifts that the Crown Prince and Virtuous Consort bestowed on the Lady Chu and her mother arrived at Yong’an Marquis Manor, containing brocade, ornaments, jewelry, medicinal materials, and more.

The next day, Chu Lingxuan brought five carts of gifts and quickly returned to Dingzhou.

Chen Afu and the four children settled down in Yong’an Marquis Manor. The Third Lady wanted to hand the financial control of the manor to Chen Afu, but she charmingly declined, saying she was nursing and wasn’t familiar with the Capital City. She suggested waiting for another six months until Yu’er was a bit older and she had settled in, to take over.

On the afternoon of the twentieth day of the first month, Virtuous Consort sent Eunuch He to invite Chen Afu and her five children for a gathering in the palace the next day, asking her to bring Qi Qi and Hui Hui along.

Early on the twenty-first, Chen Afu got herself and the four children, Qi Qi, and Hui Hui ready to enter the Imperial Palace.

Chu Hanyan and her two little brothers were thrilled to learn that they were going to meet their elder brother (Shiyi).

Chen Afu emphasized repeatedly that they must address their former brother as His Highness and not as brother anymore. Although Ms. Chu was resistant towards this new title, she agreed nonetheless.

However, the two little brothers ignored the rules, repeatedly shouting, "He’s our brother, not His Highness. He’s our brother, not His Highness."

Chen Afu sternly held their small hands and gave two slaps on their palms, rebuking, "If you dare to make a fuss, not only will your mother and sister ignore you, but you also won’t be allowed to see Yu’er."

The little brothers feared nothing in the world but being barred from seeing their little sister. After hearing this, they reluctantly agreed, mumbling, "Alright, alright."

Chen Afu then took Qi Qi and Hui Hui and told them that they should address Dabao as His Highness, not ’Dabao’. Previously, Xia Yue had taught the two birds to address people as "Madam" and "Your Highness". They learned quickly. However, when they heard they should call Dabao as His Highness, they refused, shouting, "Stinky Dabao, stinky Dabao..."

They were birds, and Chen Afu had no way to discipline them if they didn’t obey.

The carriage arrived at the gate of the palace. After alighting, they took a sedan chair to Si Yuan Palace.

Upon arriving at Si Yuan Palace, Chen Afu and the others dismounted from the sedan chair and were led into the main hall by a eunuch.

The hall was filled with the strong scent of sandalwood. A woman in palace attire sat on the Luohan bed. In her forties, she appeared mild and beautiful, with clear and delicate features. Though her makeup was half-worn, it didn’t lessen her charm. This was Consort Shan.

If she were not dressed in palace attire, she could be easily mistaken for an ordinary woman. In the dozen or so years following the prince’s incident, she had to keep a low profile. After giving birth to Shiyi, her spirit was broken, and even though her son now holds the esteemed position of Crown Prince, she has no desire to draw attention or take pride in this.

With a dominant older brother and a compassionate mother, Shiyi should have had a fairly tolerable life in the palace. Chen Afu thought.

Sitting on the right side of Consort Shan, Shiyi, dressed in a python robe, was already standing in excitement. His mouth opened and closed, yet he couldn’t utter the word, "mother".

Next to him, sat a pretty young girl, who must be Princess Li Cheng.

On the left side, three beautiful women adorned in extravagant royale make-up with gemstone-encrusted hairstyles were seated. They must be the Crown Prince’s consort, Mrs. Zhang, his virtuous spouse, Mrs. Yang, and Mrs. Huang.

On seeing her brother, whom she had not seen for a few days, Ms. Chu’s nostrils flared slightly; she was on the verge of tears, but stayed obediently by her mother’s side. However, Yu and Ming could not control their excitement and tried to rush towards him, with Chen Afu barely holding them back.

Yu called out, "Brother".

Ming corrected him, "No, it’s Prince".

Yu quickly rectified,"Oh, yes, it’s Prince, not Brother".

The innocent banter of the two brothers provoked a few soft chuckles, and even Shiyi was quietly amused.

Chen Afu, along with Chu Hanyan, the two brothers, and their mother who was holding Yu’er, knelt down to pay their respects to Consort Shan, "We salute the Virtuous Consort".

Consort Shan stood up and personally helped Chen Afu to her feet, smiling, "Mrs. Chu, please rise". Then, holding her hand, she said, "You have done well in raising and educating Shiyi, thank you. Also, thank your mother on my behalf".

Chen Afu chuckled modestly, "Prince Shiyi is naturally smart, obedient, and sensible, anyone would like him".

Consort Shan looked at the other children and said with a smile, "These boys and girls are all so handsome and pleasing".

Her maid handed a Jade Ruyi to each of the children.

She then paid her respects to the Crown Prince’s Consort, the Prince’s virtuous spouse, and the virtuous consort in turn. Chen Afu and Ms. Chu bowed in gratitude, while the two brothers folded their hands in salutation.

They, too, expressed their gratitude and complimented Chen Afu and the children before giving them gifts as a token of their first meeting.

Then she turned to Shiyi again.

Seing his mother bowing to him, Shiyi’s eyes welled up, but he kept his emotions in check. He had not been in the Imperial Palace for many days, and what he had seen and heard the most was the proper etiquette one must abide by. He could not allow himself to trouble his mother, sister, and brothers.

As his mother bowed in respect to him, he bowed slightly and whispered, "Mrs. Chu, Mrs. Chu".