Bab 18: Consort Xian

Earlier, Consort Xian's Palace...

The maidservants retreated silently once the food and drinks were served. Inside, a beautiful woman in an aqua dress stood gracefully as her other servant helped her to wash her hand. Although the woman was in her early thirty, her skins were as smooth as when she had first entered the palace.

Consort Xian waved her hand, and the servant retreated tacitly. Then, the woman turned to the younger man beside him with her peach blossom eyes. "Why are you not eating? These are all your favorite snacks. You haven't come here for a long time, Zhi Hao, don't tell me that your taste has changed?"

Qin Zhi Hao snapped out of his thought the moment his mother spoke to him. He let out a helpless sigh and reached for the cakes on the plate. "That's not it. I have a few things in my mind."

"Your father assigned you to handle the lantern festival," Consort Xian spoke. Her eyes were examining his expression. "I hope that everything is well. You know how important this festival is for the Emperor."

"You don't have to worry about it. I will manage it properly."

Consort Xian clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "I am your mother, am I not allowed to worry about you?"

Qin Zhi Hao merely smiled at his mother's words and started to eat to avoid talking about matters that he should not speak of. Seeing the way his son was reacting, Consort Xian narrowed her eyes and started to move her chopsticks.

She had called her son over to accompany her to chat, but every time he came over to visit her in the palace, this son would only speak a few words with her. Unlike her foster son, Qin Zhi Chen, Prince Jing was always so sweet and talkative.

Sometimes, she would wonder which of the boys were really her son.

However, seeing the way her son was eating the snacks that she had prepared brought a smile to her face. Consort Xian propped her elbow on the table as he continued to watch him eat.

In her opinion, her son, Zhi Hao resembled the Emperor the most. His face almost looked like a replica of the Emperor when the Emperor was still young. The only feature that this son had taken from her was her peach blossom eyes.

However, regarding his temperament, Consort Xian was unsure of who did he took after. This son was always too serious.

Perhaps, it was because this son had spent his time on the battlefield ever since he was very young. After surviving such a harsh environment and watching too much blood spilled, this son had become a man of a few words.

"Zhi Hao," Consort Xian called.

"Yes?" The man answered absentmindedly.

"When are you planning to settle down?"

His mother's question caused the snack in his mouth to be stuck in his throat. Qin Zhi Hao coughed violently as he tried to ease his throat. His hand grabbed at the teapot on the table and quickly drank half of its contents.

"Would you like me to introduce you to a few ladies?" Consort Xian continued to speak, ignoring the look on her son's face. "I heard from your maternal grandfather that there are a few ladies who are interested in you. If you give me your word, I will speak to the Empress and ask her to help you with this."

"Consort Mother," Qin Zhi Hao spoke helplessly. "I am busy with assisting Emperor Father with the nation's matter. When do I have time to look after a lady."

"Stop giving me excuses," Consort Xian looked at her son angrily. "The sixth prince was only a few months older than you. His princess consort has already given birth to a son. When will you let me hold my grandchildren?"

Qin Zhi Hao was at loss against his mother. If he knew that his mother would raise this matter to him, he would probably find an excuse to avoid coming here alone. He should at least take his brother, Zhi Chen. At least Zhi Chen was smart to divert his mother's attention to another subject.

As if the heavens knew of his difficulties, the shrill voice of the eunuch was heard, announcing the arrival of the Emperor.

Consort Xian narrowed her eyes upon hearing the eunuch's voice. The expression immediately disappeared and was replaced by a bright and warm smile.

The mother and son stood up and stepped forward to greet the man in the yellow robe "Your Majesty."

As the Emperor waved his hand, the mother and son rose and eased up.

"Your Majesty, why are you here?" Consort Xian asked as she walked over to her husband's side.

"I was having a stroll around the garden when I heard that Qin Zhi Hao is here," the Emperor spoke as his gaze glued towards the snacks on the table. "Coincidentally, I have something to discuss with him."

Qin Zhi Hao's gaze turned solemn upon hearing the Emperor's words, meanwhile, Consort Xian heaved a sigh. The two have been married for a long time. It was not hard for Consort Xian to figure out the real reason the Emperor had come to visit.

He wanted to snatch the snacks she had prepared for her beloved son!

"I have made some snacks earlier," Consort Xian spoke. "Since Your Majesty is here, why don't you stay and sample some?"

The Emperor's gaze brightened at her words. "Good."

Consort Xian waved her hand to the servant and instructed them to prepare another portion for the Emperor. Meanwhile, the Emperor took a seat and finally turned to look at his son properly.

"Earlier, what did the two of you were discussing?"

Consort Xian raised her sleeve to cover the smile on her face. "Your Majesty, we were just discussing Zhi Hao's marriage."

"Oh?" The Emperor raised a brow as he turned to his son. "A lady caught your attention? Who is it?"

Qin Zhi Hao cupped his hands. "Emperor Father, this son had just returned from the Northern Border not too long ago. I haven't had the time to meet anyone."

"This is what I'm worried about," Consort Xian spoke. She lifted the teapot at the side and poured some of the tea for her husband. "Your Majesty, Zhi Hao is old enough to choose a consort, but he kept on delaying this matter. Zhi Hao spent most of his time within the army. I am worried that sooner or later, there will be an unnecessary rumor about him."

"What are you worried about?" The Emperor took a sip from his tea and laughed. "There will be a banquet in a few days and young ladies from various families will come and join this festivity. When the time comes, you can choose which lady is suitable for Zhi Hao."

Consort Xian's face brightened at the Emperor's words and her mind whirled to think of ways to introduce her son to those ladies.

At this time, the servants entered the room with a tray of snacks. As soon as the plate reached his side, the Emperor moved his hand and took a bite at the sweet cake. After a while, he turned his attention back at his son. "How was the preparation for the festival? Everything will be as planned, I hope? Zhi Hao, This will be the first task you are in charge of after you returned from the Northern Border." The Emperor glance at his son. "I have high hope for you."

"Your Majesty, this son will not let you down."

The Emperor moved to sample another cake but his movement paused as he thought of a matter. "That's right. Since you are here, I have a matter that I would like you to handle."