The Command to Pamper the Husband - Chapter 56

Standing in the study, Duke frowned deeply, his face full of melancholy.

Footsteps sounded outside, and Duke looked towards the door.

Madam An, supported by a maid, walked in.

Stepping over the threshold, the maid tactfully withdrew, closing the study door behind her.

Duke sighed deeply. “How are things in the palace?”

Early that morning, Madam An had gone to the palace under the pretext of visiting her daughter to gather information.

Seated in a chair, she poured herself a cup of tea to soothe her throat and said, “Consort Li mentioned that Lin’er hasn’t been to the Capital Guards camp for several days. The Emperor is quite concerned. With the end of the year approaching and tasks piling up at the camp, if Lin’er doesn’t return soon, his position might be taken over by someone from Duke Ning’s household.”

Hearing this, Duke’s eye twitched.

The households of Duked Duke Ning weren’t exactly political enemies, but neither were they particularly close.

However, Duke Ning’s household had never actively opposed Duke’s before.

Why was there movement from Duke Ning’s household so soon after Lin’er claimed to be ill for just a few days?

Madam An, seeing her husband’s suspicion, said, “You needn’t overthink it. Duke Ning’s household requested a favor from the Emperor two months ago to secure a position for their heir. It wasn’t an intentional move against Lin’er.”

Her words eased Duke’s expression slightly.

“The heir of Duke Ning’s household has never shown interest in officialdom. Why would he suddenly request such a favor?”

Madam An shook her head. “Consort Li also probed the Emperor about it, but he didn’t reveal anything. Consort Li didn’t dare to ask too much. You know the Emperor’s temperament.”

Duke sighed.

“And how about the Empress Dowager?” After a moment of silence, Duke asked.

Madam An’s expression changed.

“The Empress Dowager has sent all the palace staff from her chambers to the Ministry of Justice for interrogation.”

Duke was shocked. “So severe?”

Madam An nodded.

“Zhao Fuhai was the Chief Eunuch by the Empress Dowager’s side. His sudden disappearance has understandably enraged her.”

“Have they found anything?”

Madam An shook her head. “You know the Empress Dowager has always disliked our household and, by extension, Consort Li. She never permits Consort Li to pay her respects. Consort Li wouldn’t dare to inquire too much.”

Sipping her tea, Madam An continued, “However, Consort Li mentioned that at dusk yesterday, the Emperor went to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager and was scolded out.”

Duke’s heart skipped a beat.

Seeing his reaction, Madam An asked, “Could this be related to what happened sixteen years ago…”

Duke’s previously grim face turned suddenly sinister. “Do not mention that again.”

Madam An immediately fell silent.

For a moment, the study was silent and stifling.

Recalling the events of sixteen years ago, Madam An felt a chill down her spine.

Pouring another cup of hot tea, she held it to warm her cold fingers.

After a long silence, Madam An said, “Consort Li said we must find Lin’er quickly. If we don’t find him within ten days, his position might be taken. As for Zhao Fuhai, Consort Li suggests we shouldn’t rush. If we appear too anxious, it might arouse the Empress Dowager’s suspicion. After all, our dealings with Zhao Fuhai were private.”

Duke began to speak but stopped himself.

He sighed.

“Maybe I’m overthinking this. You should rest. I’ve sent more people to look for Lin’er.”

Madam An nodded, her face showing concern as she stood to leave.

She paused at the door, turning to look at Duke.

“By the way, Consort Li mentioned that if Xin’er insists on marrying the Fourth Prince, it wouldn’t be a problem.”

Xu Xin was the third legitimate daughter of the An family.

She was bold and arrogant, yet undeniably beautiful.

Last year, during a pilgrimage to Yongchang Temple for blessings, the carriage almost crashed on a slippery snowy road.

Fortunately, the Fourth Prince Shen Yue passed by and saved her.

The An family sent a thank-you gift for his assistance.

Since that day, Xu Xin had been infatuated with Shen Yue, refusing to marry anyone else.

Shen Yue was merely a fallen prince, disfavored by the Emperor.

The An family held a prestigious status!

With Duke’s influence in court, his daughter’s suitor should be the future Emperor.

Duke had three legitimate daughters.

The eldest was already in the palace, as Consort Li.

The second daughter, Xu Wei, though skilled in the arts, wasn’t as stunning as the third.

Originally, Duke planned for the third daughter to marry the Crown Prince, with the An family supporting him to ascend the throne, making her the future Empress.

The second daughter was to marry the Marquis Xiao.

The Marquis held military power and had been a close companion of the Crown Prince since childhood. Although their interaction had been limited in recent years due to the Emperor’s distrust of factions.

These plans had been discussed with Consort Li.

After all, royal marriages required the Emperor’s decree.

Now, why was Consort Li changing her tune…

“What does Consort Li mean by this?”

Madam An said, “Xin’er has been pampered since childhood and cannot endure hardship. If she were to marry the Crown Prince, they might not be a good match. If their marriage turns sour, instead of being an asset, she could become a burden.”

Duke was taken aback.

He hadn’t considered this.

Don’t all men like charming and beautiful women?

All his eighteen Consorts were stunningly beautiful.

Even with their little temperaments, their looks made such things negligible.

Madam An rolled her eyes at her husband, the lecher.

“Xin’er is indeed beautiful, but marrying the Crown Prince as the main wife entails more than just beauty. She must help the Crown Prince win people over and manage the inner household.”

Does he think being the main wife is easy?

Living on looks alone, what kind of good life could she have!

Ignorant men.

Duke, upon hearing his wife, began to think she had a point.

Among the noble households he knew, the main wives were like his wife—reasonably attractive at best.

So…

Xin’er, being so beautiful, could only be a Consort?

“But even if Xin’er and the Crown Prince aren’t well-matched, she shouldn’t marry the Fourth Prince. If we ally with the Fourth Prince, he might develop ambitions, which could trouble the Crown Prince.”

After a pause, Duke continued, “Moreover, the Fourth Prince lacks the Emperor’s favor. If Xin’er marries him and becomes his consort, she will be overshadowed by other consorts. Xin’er couldn’t bear such indignity. I can’t let my daughter suffer like that.”

Duke waved his hand firmly.

This matter was non-negotiable.