The Third Prince, Situ Feng, returned to the capital on the last day before the New Year.
He had been reflecting throughout his journey. While he had long suspected that his father favored the Seventh Prince, he never imagined that his father would abdicate. The process had been so swift that he hadn't even had time to return to the capital before the grand ceremony was over.
A new emperor meant a new court. He wondered what the current state of affairs was. However, he believed he had no personal grievances with the new Emperor, and his wife maintained a good relationship with the Empress. He shouldn't be suppressed. But the prospect of his own brother becoming emperor was naturally different from his father. Therefore, Situ Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of unease on his way to the palace.
This unease dissipated the moment he saw the new Emperor's smiling face.
Situ Yan was in a particularly good mood. As soon as Situ Feng finished paying his respects, he bade Li Wang to offer him a seat and tea: "Third Brother, you must be weary from your journey. I have read your memorial and your work has been excellent."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. It is merely my duty," Situ Feng replied. He didn't feel particularly tired. In the past, during disaster relief, there were always shortages of food and medicine, and it would take ages to argue with the court for mere funds. This time, the money and supplies were ample, and without him even having to ask, the resources had arrived.
He only needed to distribute them.
Everywhere he went, he was met with praise, though the loudest acclaim was for Prince Rui.
When the news of Prince Rui's ascension reached the recently rebuilt areas, celebrations were held, with the entire populace rejoicing.
Situ Yan smiled and said, "If everyone in court thought like Third Brother, then the world would truly be at peace. Now, Situ Feng, attend to your decree."
Situ Feng, who had just picked up his hot tea, quickly set it down and knelt again.
Li Wang, holding the imperial edict, read aloud. The gist was that the Third Prince, Situ Feng, had achieved merit in disaster relief and was enfeoffed as the Prince of Jing, with a fiefdom in Fenyang. There were also a string of other rewards, which he read for a long time.
Fenyang was a famous wine-producing region, a prosperous land, and the fiefdom was quite good. However, Situ Feng's heart sank. Granting him a fiefdom so soon after his return to court—was the Emperor trying to send him away?
He struggled inwardly for a moment: "Your Majesty, may I request to depart after the New Year?"
"Depart? Where is Third Brother going?"
"To Fenyang."
"Ah? Third Brother, the court is in need of capable people right now. You cannot simply shirk your responsibilities at a time like this and think only of seeking leisure in your fiefdom."
Situ Feng: ???
Didn't the Emperor's action of granting him a fiefdom imply just that?
As he considered whether to persist, he heard Situ Yan continue: "Besides, it would be a shame for you to go to your fiefdom now. Although Xing Qian hasn't immediately increased grain production, he has compiled the comparative data for this year. According to him, he is confident in increasing grain yields by ten to twenty percent. Third Brother, this grain production increase was initiated by you."
Situ Feng's eyes lit up with excitement: "Really?"
"Would I lie to you about such a matter? That young man is talented, but he is a bit lazy and cannot manage things alone. You, Third Brother, will need to guide him." Situ Yan, fearing Situ Feng might still bring up going to his fiefdom, muttered, "I knew I shouldn't have finalized the fiefdom so early." Without giving Situ Feng another chance to speak, he added, "This dreadful weather, with snow and wind, must have made your journey tiring, Third Brother. The Third Princess Consort must be waiting for you at home. I won't keep you from reuniting with your wife. Remember to come to the palace banquet tomorrow early."
The topic ended too abruptly, leaving Situ Feng a bit bewildered: "Then, may I take my leave?"
"You may go. Li Wang, have someone send the gifts to Third Brother's residence."
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."
Situ Yan waved his hand: "We are brothers, no need for such formalities."
The setting sun dyed the accumulated snow a rosy hue. Madam Ban, dressed in a new brown gown embroidered with gold thread, and adorned for the occasion, was assisted out of the mansion by Qiangwei.
Yan Qing waved goodbye: "Madam, you go ahead. Have a good time."
"Don't worry, I won't embarrass Xi Xi."
"Madam, you think too much. With your current status, who would dare be so disrespectful? As long as you don't actively cause trouble, others can only fawn over you."
Madam Ban smiled at her and then stepped onto the carriage using a small stool.
However, as soon as the carriage door opened, she froze: "Weiyang, what are you doing here?"
Zeng Weiyang had also clearly made an effort to dress up. Her plain cape framed her delicate face, lending her a fragile beauty. She smiled softly at Madam Ban: "Mother, it has been a long time since I've been to the palace. Please take your daughter along to join in the festivities."
Madam Ban's expression was one of disbelief: "Are you mad? The mourning period for the Prince of Ning has not yet passed."
The legitimate Princess Consort of Ning was dutifully staying home to observe the mourning rites. How dare a mere concubine try to show off at a palace banquet? Wasn't that just asking for gossip and criticism?