Chapter 202.4

Chapter 202.4

The commotion outside was caused by the relatives from Side Consort Xu’s natal family, more specifically, Count Zhongyi Manor, the in-laws of Xu Zhe who is the eldest son of Duke Xuguo. Ever since Duke Xuguo passed away, the duchess took Xu Yanru back to the manor and brought along another child from a branch family to raise. Life became difficult for the side branch.

Xu Yanru was not like the duchess, and she had always been ruthless. Now that she no longer had her father’s suppression, the affairs of Duke Xuguo Manor were controlled by her and the duchess. Dealing with the side branch was just a minor issue for them.

After causing a disturbance for some time, Xu Yanru became bored and didn’t want to continue fighting with others. She proposed to split the household.

In theory, it was possible to divide the mansion since Duke Xuguo had passed away.

However, this matter had been deliberately forgotten and not mentioned. When it was brought up at this moment, it was like a bolt from the blue for the side branch.

The division of the household had always been unfavourable for illegitimate children. If they lost their connection to the prestigious name of Duke Xuguo Manor, their future would only plummet. People only recognized the ducal title; they didn’t care who Lady Yulan was or who Xu Zhe was.

Yaoniang and Side Consort Xu

No matter how unwilling they were, the household was still split.

The side branch only received a small house, and the amount of money they received was negligible, so they were basically driven out of Duke Xuguo Manor.

Since Duke Xuguo’s death, the days of the side branch had been difficult, but not as difficult as they were now. The hidden conflicts that had not been revealed before surfaced.

Previously, the side branch had a good reputation in Duke Xuguo Manor. As the eldest son, Xu Zhe married the di daughter of Count Zhongyi as his main wife. Now in this predicament, Xu Zhe’s future was uncertain. He was dispirited, and his wife often quarrelled with him, saying that he was useless.

In fact, this matter was related to Yaoniang. With the new emperor’s ascension, the era name being changed, and Yaoniang having entered the palace. According to normal procedures, her elevation to the rank of empress should have been put on the agenda. Emperor Jin’an had not forgotten about this matter and had already proposed it to the Ministry of Rites, but complications arose.

The reason was that Yaoniang was a side consort who had been promoted to the position of the main consort. Her background was humble. Once her elevation to empress was put on the agenda, it was inevitable that some ministers would privately criticize it.

In the common people’s eyes, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate heirs was emphasized, but in the imperial family, especially in the palace, it wasn’t of great importance. The position of the empress should be given to the virtuous. Throughout the dynasties, after the crown prince ascended the throne, if the main consort came from a humble background or lacked virtue, or if the new emperor was eager to win the favour of court officials, he would not promote his main consort to be the new empress but would choose another noble and virtuous lady as empress instead. Such cases were not uncommon.

These days, the court was discussing this matter. Now with the rumours circulating outside that Yaoniang was a jealous woman, this caused many ministers to develop further reservations about her.

The rumours about Yaoniang from before had resurfaced, such as being a femme fatale and seducing the master to become the most favoured woman in the manor. These were the roots of calamity for the country and the people. Although it was fine for her to be a prince’s main consort, once the doors were closed, it became a private matter for Jin Wang’s household. However, now that Jin Wang had become the emperor, family matters were no longer just family matters but national affairs.

Of course, there were also some noble ministers who had their own calculations, but they won’t be mentioned for now.

After listening to Qiao-shi’s words, Yaoniang was astonished and remained silent for a while, unable to close her mouth.

Qiao-shi couldn’t help but say, “Don’t worry too much. I can see that His Majesty values you. He won’t let such a thing happen.”

Yaoniang smiled with a heavy heart and a hint of reluctance. She could only say, “I’m fine. I’m just a little surprised. Why do these ministers focus on such trivial matters in others’ households?”

Qiao-shi sighed, “To be honest, I envy you. His Majesty takes care of everything for you, and you don’t have to worry about anything. There are no in-laws to please, no brothers or sisters-in-law to deal with. You live alone in your own mansion. But now, times have changed, and you need to take it more seriously. In the future, such matters will only increase. If you don’t take them seriously, you will be passively beaten.”

Yaoniang fell into silence. She clearly understood what Qiao-shi meant, and this was precisely the issue she had been avoiding all along.