The characters "Zi Chen" both carry imperial connotations.
The imperial grandson was born in Zichen Hall. Before the late emperor's reign, this was the sovereign's residence. Due to unresolved grievances toward his predecessor, the Youning Emperor had made the Hall of Diligent Governance his living quarters since ascending the throne, transforming Zichen Hall into a venue for receiving foreign envoys or hosting palace banquets.
The Chief Imperial Physician's predicted delivery date for Shen Xihe was not today, though estimating childbirth for women remains notoriously imprecise.
Xiao Junshu's arrival set myriad thoughts stirring in every heart. The Youning Emperor even had his birth chart delivered immediately to the Imperial Observatory. For three days, the astronomers strained over their calculations, yet the results remained persistently obscure—not a sliver of celestial insight could they glean.
"Your Majesty, spare this incompetent subject," the Chief Astronomer trembled as he prostrated before the emperor.
The weary-faced Youning Emperor sat slumped in his dragon-carved throne, supporting his forehead with one hand while massaging his temples with languid fingers. "Why?"
Those serving in the Imperial Observatory were no fools—while abilities varied, none were mediocre. The Chief Astronomer, as its head, possessed genuine talent. Though occasional inaccuracies occurred, this was the first time he had confessed complete blindness to the emperor.
"Your Majesty," the Chief Astronomer weighed his words carefully, not daring to deceive his sovereign, "such phenomena occur either when the imperial grandson's fate fluctuates violently, transforming with each twist of destiny, or..."
His head sank lower, forehead pressed against the cold polished floor in prolonged silence. The emperor's patience thinned: "Or what?"
"Or... or..." Gritting his teeth, the Chief Astronomer forced out, "Or his destiny is too exalted to be scrutinized."
Having spoken, he shut his eyes in despair, certain his life hung by a thread.
The ensuing wait stretched interminably, agony drawn out like a blunt knife slicing flesh. Only the two of them occupied the vast hall as the emperor remained silent.
Youning Emperor gazed beyond the window at the newborn year's snowscape. Under ashen skies, fractured flakes drifted down. Occasional gusts of bitter wind made him cough lightly, his exhausted eyes long stripped of their former brilliance.
When the Chief Astronomer's legs had gone numb with waiting, the emperor finally stirred and waved a dismissive hand. "Withdraw. None shall learn of today's words."
Overwhelmed with relief, the astronomer realized silence would purchase his survival!
The imperial grandson's third-day ablution ceremony brimmed with festivity. Though Shen Xihe did not appear, the Empress Dowager frequently brought Xiao Changhong to visit Xiao Junshu.
Xiao Changhong, merely seven or eight years old, had been the palace's youngest until this new arrival—both younger in age and generation. The boy seemed fascinated by the novelty. Remarkably patient, he appeared to comprehend the babbling infant, their interactions flowing with seamless harmony. When uncle and nephew met, they became so engrossed in conversation they forgot all surrounding people and affairs.
Accompanied by Xiao Changhong and her son, Shen Xihe peacefully completed her postnatal confinement. That the Youning Emperor had taken no action during this period left her with complex emotions.
Unlike the intimate third-day ceremony attended only by inner court ladies, the full-month banquet was personally mandated by the emperor, requiring attendance from all civil and military officials.
The palace had not witnessed such surface-level jubilation in years.As the banquet was joyfully drawing to a close, Shen Xihe, holding Xiao Junshu in her arms, bowed respectfully to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, by your grace and favor, I have been privileged to reside in the Eastern Palace to give birth. Now that I have safely brought the imperial grandson into the world and fulfilled my duty to the Crown Prince, it is no longer appropriate for me to remain in the Eastern Palace. By sentiment, reason, or law, it is improper. I implore Your Majesty to permit me to leave the palace with Junshu."
Whether Shen Xihe truly wished to leave the palace was unknown. But her words were logically sound—given her current status, it was indeed improper for her to remain in the Eastern Palace with her child, as it lacked legitimacy and justification.
A hush fell over the hall. Everyone exchanged glances, but no one spoke.
Shen Xihe stood straight with lowered eyes and a submissive demeanor. After giving birth, she had lost some of her usual aloofness, her features appearing softer, yet the resilience and determination in her bones were unmistakable.
Just as the Youning Emperor was about to speak, his throat suddenly itched, and he broke into a violent coughing fit.
Liu Sanzhi hurriedly handed him a silk handkerchief. The Emperor covered his mouth as the coughing echoed through the hall like drumbeats, unsettling many ministers.
After a long while, the Emperor, his face pale from coughing, finally regained control. He swiftly tucked away the handkerchief, but the vivid red stain on it flashed before many eyes. Accepting the teacup from Liu Sanzhi, the Emperor took a sip and seemed to catch his breath: "Qilang is the legitimate heir. Since our ancestors' time, blurring the lines between legitimate and illegitimate has been the root of disaster for families and the nation. Junshu is Qilang's only bloodline and was born in the Zichen Hall by divine will. Today, I decree that he be established as the Crown Prince's Heir."
His words shocked everyone!
Including Shen Xihe. She had not made this move as a tactical retreat but because she had already arranged everything necessary in the palace. Lingering in the Eastern Palace would inevitably invite criticism, especially from censors. Rather than wait for others to speak up, she had taken the initiative. She never expected the Emperor to publicly enfeoff Xiao Junshu as the Crown Prince's Heir.
With Xiao Junshu as the Crown Prince's Heir, he was still young and naturally could not be separated from his birth mother. It was now reasonable and legitimate for Shen Xihe to reside with him in the Eastern Palace.
"The Imperial Observatory shall select an auspicious date. The Six Bureaus and Twenty-Four Offices shall collaborate with the Imperial Clan Court and the Ministry of Rites to preside over the heir's enthronement ceremony," the Youning Emperor commanded, giving no one time to react.
This was a thunderclap that left everyone's minds blank. Even seasoned strategists like Cui Zheng could not fathom the Emperor's intentions.
Though the Emperor deeply distrusted the Shen family, he had now granted Xiao Junshu legitimacy.
Only the shallow-minded believed the Emperor, nearing his end, had compromised with the formidable Shen Xihe.
Tao Zhuanxian stayed until the end. As the Crown Princess's maternal grandfather, his lingering raised no eyebrows. When everyone had left, he expressed his concern with deep worry: "Youyou, you must be careful."
"Grandfather, do not worry. Youyou knows what she is doing. The Tao family must remain impartial and not get involved," Shen Xihe earnestly advised Tao Zhuanxian.
The outcome was unpredictable. Though she had made thorough preparations, she still had to take precautions. If the Tao family stayed out of it, even if she ultimately failed, the Tao family would inevitably be implicated but could preserve the clan's lives.
"Youyou…"
"Grandfather, you must heed my words, or I will be distracted," Shen Xihe firmly grasped Tao Zhuanxian's hand.
Tao Zhuanxian met her obsidian-deep, unfathomable eyes and reluctantly agreed: "I know how to proceed."With a radiant smile, Shen Xihe supported Tao Zhuanxian and personally escorted him out.
Upon reaching the Eastern Palace entrance, Tao Zhuanxian couldn't resist asking: "His Majesty's actions today are truly unusual. Have you discerned his intentions?"
Having served the Youning Emperor for so many years, he considered himself somewhat familiar with the emperor's ways, yet he couldn't fathom the purpose behind the emperor's actions today.
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