The matter of selecting a foster mother for the Seventh Prince was officially brought onto Emperor Chongzhao’s agenda after Consort Yun’s posthumous recognition ceremony concluded.
For days now, Emperor Chongzhao had been poring over background information on various consorts in the harem until his head throbbed with frustration.
By evening, as Head Eunuch Yu entered to light more lamps in Xinuan Pavilion, he spoke softly: “Your Majesty… there has been some progress from the Imperial Hospital.”
Emperor Chongzhao paused mid-motion.
“Speak.”
The matter of someone attempting to harm Xiao Qi through drug overdose had seemed unsolvable after so many days without leads—but now there was news?
Head Eunuch Yu leaned closer and whispered a few words into Emperor Chongzhao’s ear.
—
Crackle.
A faint popping sound came from one of Zichen Palace’s candles as its flame flickered briefly.
Qu Dubian lay sprawled over his desk working on math problems left for him by Zhang Chansi while Ye Xiaoyuan and Wen Xiaochun sat nearby reading and practicing calligraphy.
The math problems were simple enough that Qu Dubian didn’t bother holding his pen properly; one hand propped up his chin while lazily scribbling answers with the other. Despite having atrocious handwriting himself, he still took it upon himself to guide Ye Banban and Wen Xiaochun on proper pen techniques.
Neither Ye Xiaoyuan nor Wen Xiaochun found this strange—in their eyes—everything their little prince did was correct.
Qu Dubian said casually: “Xiaochun—if Tutor Fang assigns more homework in the future—you can do it for me. How about that?”
Wen Xiaochun nodded readily: “Alright. But didn’t Your Highness say practicing calligraphy is beneficial?”
“It’s too tiring! If you write more—I’ll have less work.”
Wen Xiaochun thought about it briefly and agreed: “As you wish.”
Ye Xiaoyuan remarked lightly: “It seems His Highness prefers Deputy Head Zhang’s math problems?”
Qu Dubian yawned. “I suppose so.” Truthfully—it was only because solving these problems earned him favorability points; otherwise—why waste time on such elementary school-level questions?
Since Consort Yun’s recognition ceremony ended—every three days—he’d have Wen Xiaochun deliver completed assignments back to Zhang Chansi at the Astrology Bureau while picking up new ones. Each visit rewarded him with [Favorability +1] notifications from Zhang Chansi.
Currently—the Deputy Head’s total favorability stood at 13 points thanks to this strategy.
By this calculation—if he submitted assignments 47 more times—it would take roughly half a year to max out her favorability score under ideal conditions. But realistically—it wouldn’t be so simple; favorability gains always slowed down over time.
Take Wen Xiaochun for example—his favorability level had plateaued at 50 points—a clear threshold.
Yawning again—Qu Dubian muttered: “Why hasn’t Father come yet?”
Eunuch Bao entered just then with news: “Your Highness—the Emperor will not be staying at Zichen Palace tonight.”
Qu Dubian asked, “Where did he go?”
Eunuch Bao replied, “His Majesty has gone to Xiuxiang Palace. He’s likely staying there for the night.”
Oh…
Qu Dubian blinked.
He had almost forgotten about this. Of course, for the Emperor, it wasn’t realistic to always stay and look after his children—spending time in the harem was the norm.
Xiuxiang Palace… He remembered that it was where Noble Consort Lan resided—the mother of his Sixth Brother.
—
Noble Consort Lan had just finished her bath and scented herself in preparation for Emperor Chongzhao’s arrival.
She greeted him gently with a bow, to which Emperor Chongzhao casually responded with a hum, “Come inside. You’re wearing so little—it’s freezing outside.”
Noble Consort Lan: “……”
She forced a smile back onto her face and turned to enter the hall. She lit incense, poured tea, and placed two small plates of snacks on the table.
“Your Majesty hasn’t visited the harem in quite some time because of the Seventh Prince. This consort has missed you dearly.” Her soft, boneless fingers lightly grasped Emperor Chongzhao’s arm as she whispered, “Your Majesty must be tired. This consort has learned a new massage technique—would you like to try it?”
“Mm, go ahead.”
Emperor Chongzhao picked up his tea and took a sip—it was iced milk tea.
Unconsciously, his mind wandered to his youngest son left alone in Zichen Palace. Before coming here, he had only instructed Eunuch Bao; he wondered if the little rascal would make a fuss when he realized he wouldn’t see him tonight.
The faint scent of incense filled the hall as Noble Consort Lan’s fingers moved to massage Emperor Chongzhao’s shoulders. Her body leaned closer and closer until she was almost draped over him.
Emperor Chongzhao set down his milk tea and said indifferently, “The investigation into the Imperial Hospital’s attempt to harm the Seventh Prince has concluded. It was found that an apprentice physician named Dai didn’t take the Seventh Prince seriously and carelessly prescribed the wrong medicine. Both he and his supervising imperial physician have been imprisoned.”
Noble Consort Lan paused slightly.
“That’s good,” she said quickly. “Catching those servants and punishing them harshly is the right way to defend the Seventh Prince.”
“The Imperial Hospital’s steward, who oversees its finances and affairs, was found to have close ties with this Dai apprentice physician. The two were involved in financial dealings.”
Noble Consort Lan frowned. “Is it corruption and bribery? These people are far too bold.”
Emperor Chongzhao grabbed her hand and fixed her with an assessing gaze. In a measured tone, he said, “The steward of the Imperial Hospital has old ties with your family.”
Noble Consort Lan froze in shock. “This! This consort had no idea. How could someone with such poor character have any connection to my family?” Her eyes reddened as she pulled her hand away in disbelief and sorrowfully exclaimed, “Your Majesty… do you suspect that this consort is behind this?”
She staggered as she knelt down. “This consort would never dare!” After sobbing for a moment, she looked up with tears streaming down her face. “Even if we take ten thousand steps back—if this consort truly wanted to harm the Seventh Prince—why wait until he’s over two years old? Wouldn’t it have been easier when he was just born?”
Emperor Chongzhao gazed at her for a moment before suddenly smiling faintly and extending his hand toward her. “My dear consort, I was only joking with you.”
Noble Consort Lan pouted and turned her head away from him.
It took another coaxing word from Emperor Chongzhao before she reluctantly placed her hand in his palm.
Standing up and wiping her tears away, Noble Consort Lan said softly: “Your Majesty mustn’t scare this consort like that again. With you and our Sixth Son by my side, this consort is already content beyond measure—I would never commit such harmful deeds. I will also remind my father’s family to be more cautious in their associations moving forward.”
“You’re thoughtful,” Emperor Chongzhao replied.
Leaning gently against his shoulder, Noble Consort Lan asked softly: “Will Your Majesty stay tonight?”
“Father is here?” The door to the sleeping quarters creaked open slightly as the Sixth Prince slipped inside.
His eyes lit up upon seeing Emperor Chongzhao but were tinged with apprehension—likely fearing that his father might test him on his studies—so he shuffled forward hesitantly step by step.
The subtle romantic atmosphere dissipated entirely as Noble Consort Lan straightened up abruptly. “Why aren’t you asleep? What are you doing here?”
The Sixth Prince stood before Emperor Chongzhao and tugged at his sleeve with wide eyes full of anticipation. “Father, please stay tonight. Mother really misses you… I miss you too.”
As long as you don’t test me on my studies.
Emperor Chongzhao’s gaze softened as he reached out to pat his son’s head.
Noble Consort Lan felt both touched and satisfied—her son had finally shown some initiative in helping her keep His Majesty by their side.
Glancing at the iced milk tea on the table, Emperor Chongzhao reflected on how much time he had spent with Xiao Qi recently while neglecting his other sons—it was indeed an oversight on his part.
Staying wouldn’t be a bad idea.
However, since he didn’t immediately agree, the Sixth Prince misunderstood and thought he was about to leave.
Panic set in instantly.
Oh no! If Father leaves, Mother will definitely be upset—and if she gets upset—I’ll have to stay up late reciting books again! That can’t happen!
The Sixth Prince slapped his forehead dramatically as inspiration struck him.
“Father! Stay! If you stay—I’ll whistle for you when you use the restroom!” Puffing out his chest proudly, he added: “Seventh Brother can do it—I can do even better!”
He’d been secretly practicing for days now!
“……”
“……”
Emperor Chongzhao’s hand froze mid-pat on his son’s head as his face turned green.
Noble Consort Lan felt suffocated by despair.
Forcing a benevolent smile onto his face while gritting his teeth, Emperor Chongzhao said: “Such filial piety—you truly are an excellent son.”
The Sixth Prince nodded enthusiastically—yes indeed! But before he could bask in pride any longer—a firm grip landed on his shoulder—and suddenly he found himself lifted off the ground as his father pressed him down onto his lap.
With one swift motion—a heavy slap landed on his backside.
“I almost forgot! You were the one who shouted it out loud in the Imperial Garden that day! And now you dare bring it up again?!”
The Sixth Prince froze in shock.
Then came the stinging pain on his bottom—and tears immediately welled up in his eyes before spilling over uncontrollably.
“Waaahhh!!!”
“But Seventh Brother didn’t get spanked!!!”
Emperor Chongzhao laughed angrily at this complaint.
How could they be compared?
Xiao Qi was so fragile that even raising a hand against him might cause some sort of issue—and if something went wrong—who would be kept awake all night dealing with it? Him!
But with someone sturdy like the Sixth Prince around—why bother punishing a delicate child when there was a more durable option available? That would just be asking for trouble!
The Sixth Prince’s wails echoed throughout Xiuxiang Palace that night.
Not long after, Emperor Chongzhao left Xiuxiang Palace in a huff and returned to Zichen Palace.
Noble Consort Lan was both angry and frustrated but still had to calm down her foolish son. After a long while, peace was finally restored to Xiuxiang Palace.
She sat in front of the dressing table in her sleeping quarters, removing her makeup.
As she wiped off her rouge, her expression darkened.
Fortunately, she had been prepared and reacted quickly today, not revealing any obvious flaws. What had started as a whim—taking advantage of the situation to get rid of a prince—had almost turned into a trap that could pull her down from her high position. She had thought that eliminating the Seventh Prince would remove an obstacle for her son, but who could have expected that little brat to rise so quickly?
Her impulsive scheme to frame him had nearly become the very thing that could destroy her.
The matter with the Imperial Hospital must never be traced back to her. The Emperor had once suspected that Consort Yun’s death was orchestrated by someone behind the scenes. Unable to find evidence, he had ultimately believed the Astrology Bureau’s explanation.
If it were discovered that she had used the Imperial Hospital to harm the Seventh Prince, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for the Emperor to connect it to Consort Yun’s death as well.
Taking the blame for something she hadn’t done? That would be an utterly foolish deal.
Noble Consort Lan combed through her hair as the copper mirror reflected her shadowy silhouette.
She absolutely couldn’t afford to fall from grace. If she did, the Fifth Prince’s current efforts to flatter his son would one day turn into her son being trampled underfoot by others.
“Lian Zhu, come in.”
Lian Zhu entered and bowed. “What are your orders, Your Highness?”
“Is Noble Lady Chu on the list of candidates His Majesty is considering for the Seventh Prince’s foster mother?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Lian Zhu replied softly. “This servant has made inquiries and learned from palace attendants in Zichen Palace that His Majesty seems quite fond of Noble Lady Chu. She is currently at the top of the list.”
Noble Consort Lan pondered for a moment before instructing, “Send word to her. Tell her that if she wants to be promoted to Pin rank, she must win over the Seventh Prince. I don’t care what methods she uses. If she succeeds, someone will ensure her imprisoned younger brother is released. Remember—only pass on the message; do not reveal my involvement.”
“Understood, Your Highness.”
—
When Emperor Chongzhao returned to Zichen Palace, the lamps were still lit.
Ye Xiaoyuan was organizing Qu Dubian’s completed math problems when he saw him enter and was startled. “Your Majesty…”
Emperor Chongzhao raised his hand slightly. “Is he asleep?”
Ye Xiaoyuan nodded and then added softly after some thought: “He waited for Your Majesty for quite a while before finally falling asleep.”
Emperor Chongzhao frowned slightly. “Didn’t Eunuch Bao tell him I wouldn’t be coming back?”
“He did,” Ye Xiaoyuan replied, “but His Highness still waited for some time.”
Emperor Chongzhao said nothing more and walked over to the bed. Lifting the curtain slightly, he saw his youngest son sleeping soundly, his cheeks rosy and healthy-looking—much better than when he first arrived at Zichen Palace.
He looked a bit chubbier now too. For some inexplicable reason, Emperor Chongzhao felt a sense of accomplishment—it seems I’m quite good at raising children.
After quietly washing up, he lay down on his bed. The little boy beside him rolled over into his arms and curled up slightly.
Emperor Chongzhao adjusted his blanket.
They didn’t share one blanket anymore; they used to, but this child kept kicking it off at night and even rolling himself up in it. Emperor Chongzhao often woke up freezing because of it. After separating their bedding arrangements, things finally settled down.
By now, Emperor Chongzhao was well-practiced in such caretaking tasks.
Looking at his youngest son snuggling up dependently beside him, he couldn’t help but feel worried. A foster mother had to be chosen eventually—but if this child moved into the harem later on, would he be able to adapt without his Father Emperor around?
Meanwhile, Qu Dubian was leisurely pretending to sleep while reading his wuxia novel e-book in his mind. He finished one 10,000-word chapter and immediately started another 10,000 words.
He kept telling himself: Entertainment options are so limited in ancient times—what’s wrong with indulging in something interesting?
Just one more chapter—the last chapter.
…
Just five more minutes—the last five minutes.
…
I swear I’m not staying up late.
![Who Are You Calling A Canary? [Transmigration]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20250108211651_200_280.jpg "Who Are You Calling A Canary? [Transmigration]")
I think you are MC… lol.