Free Web NovelChapter 1277: Chapter 1266: Illegitimate Son
"What do you think of this?" Ye Qiu picked up a pearl hairpin and asked.
"The pearls aren’t smooth enough, but the craftsmanship is quite delicate. Brother, are you buying this for your future sister-in-law?" Ye Jing laughed as she looked at him.
"Why do you say that? Why not say it’s for you?"
"Because I prefer all sorts of gemstones. Brother seldom gives me pearls, but today most of what we’re looking at are pearls."
"You’re quite clever." Saying this, Ye Qiu turned to the shopkeeper, "Do you have anything better?"
"Sir, we do have better pearls, shipped from the South Sea. However, since they’re too precious, we haven’t made them into finished products. If you truly want them, you can place a custom order."
"Show me the pearls first!"
"How did you know that Sister Zhong Yi likes pearls?"
"When Lord Zhong Jian was stationed in Fusheng, they produced sea pearls there. I thought she ought to like them."
Ye Jing continued to laugh, "Future sister-in-law hasn’t even entered the door, yet eldest brother already cares for her so much, aren’t you afraid I’ll get jealous!"
"Would you?" Ye Qiu replied.
"Nope, I’d be genuinely happy if my big brother marries a wise sister-in-law!" Ye Jing earnestly said, "But don’t just give pearls, big brother. Most women love having more jewelry, and as long as it’s beautiful, they’ll generally like it."
"Then wrap up this pearl hairpin, that step shake, and those bracelets!" Ye Qiu said very generously. He didn’t care much about material things as long as those close to him were happy, no matter the cost.
"And this set, it’s for you." He finally pointed to a set of red coral jewelry.
"Thank you, big brother!" Ye Jing smiled beautifully, not refusing the gift.
"After you get back, give this to Prince Kang." In the carriage, Ye Qiu whispered to Ye Jing.
Ye Jing hurriedly tucked it in her sleeve and asked nervously, "What is this?"
"No need to be so tense, it’s a health supplement. Tell him to find an opportunity to give it to Your Majesty. And tell him not to rush into anything. Being the legitimate eldest son, as long as he doesn’t make fundamental mistakes, generally no one can do anything to him. Even if Your Majesty doesn’t favor him, it’s alright, as long as he can bide his time."
"What do you mean?"
"Although I’ve only met Prince Kang twice, he’s straightforward and a bit aloof, right?"
"That’s right."
"Then just tell him to remain as he is. As long as Your Majesty’s lifespan is long enough, if he doesn’t rush, naturally someone else will. When people rush, they easily act impulsively."
"I understand what you mean, big brother. But can Prince Kang trust this medicine?" Ye Jing herself believed it, knowing how miraculous the Medical Poison Holy Scripture was. However, she couldn’t tell Prince Kang about its existence.
"Then ask him to have an Imperial Physician examine the ingredients in this elixir. The Empress hasn’t been favored yet has sat securely in the Eastern Palace for so many years. She must have trusted Imperial Physicians. A check will clarify everything. Maybe they’ll want to eat it themselves, and I’m just worried I won’t have enough!"
"Thank you for all your efforts, big brother." After Ye Jing said this, she hesitated for a moment and then asked about what she recently had been pondering, "Big brother, do you think it’s okay if I have a child now?"
"Have you thought it through?"
"Sometimes I think having a child to amuse myself with isn’t a bad idea. Whether a boy or girl, it’s my child. I won’t be alone in the Prince Wang Mansion, and if I keep not getting pregnant, others might think there’s something wrong with me!"
"Are you really sure?"
"I am sure, brother. I want a child," Ye Jing said very affirmatively.
"Alright then, brother will protect the two of you. Go ahead and do what you want!" Ye Qiu lovingly patted her head, "As long as you like it, brother will do his utmost to help you."
Ye Jing smiled happily, feeling fortunate to have such a brother. As a concubine daughter, she lived in a way many couldn’t even imagine, and her future would only get better.
"Imperial Physician, well? Is there any issue with this medicine?" Inside the splendid palace, the Empress and Prince Kang anxiously watched the Imperial Physician.
"Wonderful!" After tasting, the Imperial Physician widened his eyes, "May I ask who made this medicine, Lady?"
"It was offered by someone below, I didn’t ask, so I called you to see if there’s a problem."
"Not only is there no problem, but the medicinal properties are excellent. Long-term use can nourish the body and prolong life. This elixir is absolutely non-toxic, it’s just that there are two ingredients I couldn’t identify. It’s these two ingredients that are crucial to the elixir. Can you find out who made this offering? I would like to consult them." The Imperial Physician was very excited.
"I’ll have someone look into it and let you know." The Empress knew well who offered it, but since their relationship couldn’t yet be made public, the fewer who knew, the safer it was.
"I’ll ask you this: can this be taken by men, women, and the elderly?"
"Apart from children who don’t need supplements, there’s no issue. But pay attention to the dosage, best taken once every four or five days."
"Indeed, the person who offered it also mentioned to take it once a week."
"Then follow that person’s instructions. Could you give me two more pieces to study?" The elderly Imperial Physician eagerly asked.
Knowing the medicine’s wonderful use, the Empress was a bit reluctant, but she nodded, "I’ll give you one piece, now you may step back."
"Thank you for your grace, Lady." The elderly Imperial Physician was almost devout as he left the palace with the medicine.
"It seems Ye Qiu has some talents besides warfare. Didn’t he give you the formula?" The Empress looked at Prince Kang with satisfaction.
"No, but my concubine said that although the ingredients are not hard to find, the production method is very particular, and two of the ingredients are quite novel. The fewer who know the formula, the better to prevent others from discovering that her brother is collecting these materials."
"What she said makes sense. It’s alright not to have the formula, but you must tell her that her brother needs to steadily supply us with this medicine. Since it prolongs life, you should start taking it too."
"Yes, Empress Mother."
"This Ye Qiu apparently really intends to help you. Remember to treat the Ye Family well. Recently, someone reported to me that the Du Family’s brother has been close to a royal family member supporting Prince An. Find a reason to have the Du Family yield their concubine position, and let the Ye Family take their place. Since her brother is thinking for us, we can’t chill their hearts."
"Why is Empress Mother so confident in Ye Qiu? The Ye Family also has a legitimate daughter as the third brother’s concubine," Prince Kang asked, perplexed.
"What do you know about the darkness in the inner courtyards of these powerful households? The relationships between legitimate daughters and bastards or concubine daughters are never simple. I’ve come to know that every time before the imperial examination, Ye Qiu’s health suffered. Why do you think that is?" The Empress coldly analyzed, "When will you start to understand so I can have peace of mind? Listen to others’ opinions, it’s never a bad thing. Keep a lower profile in future. As Ye Qiu said, with your status as legitimate eldest, not erring and staying healthy are the most crucial things."
