The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 322 - A Mess

The Eldest Prince was still young after all. Without the protection of the Empress Dowager, he became more timid and much more well-behaved.

Ning Chen originally wanted to replace all the servants around the Eldest Prince at once, but considering that the child was still young, he feared that if all the attendants were replaced with unfamiliar ones, the prince might not adapt well.

The primary concern was also the Eldest Prince's poor health. If the new attendants didn't take proper care of him and he fell ill, it would only lead to more trouble.

In the end, he decided to put the idea on hold for the time being.

However, even though the familiar attendants were not replaced, after moving to a new residence, the Eldest Prince cried non-stop at night, refusing to sleep. Even the wet nurse couldn't comfort him, and by the middle of the night, he developed a fever.

Ning Chen quickly got up to check on him.

The child's face was flushed from the fever, and there were still tear marks on his cheeks—an utterly pitiful sight.

The imperial physician rushed over, and after examining the prince, said it was caused by fright and was nothing serious.

Even so, Ning Chen couldn't rest easy. He stayed until the Eldest Prince took his medicine and the fever subsided before leaving.

After all this commotion, there was only half an hour left until the morning court session.

He decided to sleep fully dressed on the couch in the outer room for a short while before getting up again.

Meanwhile, the Empress was also keeping a close watch on Jiuchen Palace.

She was so distracted during her morning greetings that she dismissed everyone after asking a few perfunctory questions.

Chuyun, one of the palace maids, brought over a cup of tea.

"Your Majesty, you seemed a little tired today. I've brewed some Tieguanyin tea to help refresh you."

The Empress nodded and took a few sips.

"Among the maids here, you brew the best tea."

Chuyun smiled.

"Your Majesty praises me too much. I'm just glad my tea can relieve your fatigue for the moment. But for more lasting concerns, something else will have to be done."

"Oh? And what long-term matters have I yet to resolve?" The Empress narrowed her eyes, probing the maid in front of her.

Chuyun, unfazed, simply lowered her head respectfully.

"Your Majesty currently has no children. There's a saying among the common folk that adopting another's child can bring a blessing of your own. Now that the eldest prince cannot be kept in Jiuchen Palace forever, this is your chance."

"You think I haven't brought this up with His Majesty? Every time I do, it never works out," the Empress said, frowning in frustration.

She had expected little from a maid who brewed tea, but then Chuyun continued.

"The reason His Majesty hasn't agreed is that he still feels there are other options. He's hesitant to let the Eldest Prince be raised by Your Majesty and become a legitimate heir too easily. After all, Your Majesty is still young and could bear a legitimate heir of your own. But if no one else can take good care of the Eldest Prince, wouldn't that give Your Majesty a chance to try?"

At this, the Empress took her seriously.

"It seems you have a plan. Don't keep me guessing. Tell me."