Empress Dowager's support

As they finished the dinner, the maids cleared the table. Princess Jingxi supported Empress Dowager as they took a stroll around the area.

"How's everyone else doing in the Palace?" Empress Dowager asked.

"Everyone's doing good. Father also sends his regard to you." Princess Jingxi said to her.

"How's Rong? Is he doing well?"

Princess Jingxi nodded in response, "Third Prince is also good."

Empress Dowager sighed as she said, "He is 20 years old now. The Emperor has to put all his hopes on Xia Rong."

"The Eldest brother would have been 23 this year." Princess Jingxi said looking ahead.

"He is already gone, let the dead rest in peace. Look forward to the future. I hope you can say good words about Rong to the Emperor. I know their relationship has been tense over the years." Empress Dowager said to her.

"What can I say? It's between Father and Third Brother." Princess Jingxi replied indifferently.

"Your Father listens to you." Empress Dowager said stopping in front of the prayer hall.

"Jingxi, I know you dislike Consort Wang. But Xia Rong is the only Prince in the Palace. You won't want to see some outsider sitting on the throne. Blood is thicker than water, remember that."

"I am going back to rest Grandmother. Let Ji Ran accompany you back."

"No need, Nanny Mu is here for me. You go ahead." Empress said to her.

...

As Xia Jingxi was walking back to her room,

She was reminded of her eldest brother who died when he was 15 years old. Her mother was devastated on hearing the news of the demise of her son. Not only the Eldest Prince, Second Prince also died young. Many concubine born children died and many concubines miscarried leaving Emperor with few living children.

But all three children of Consort Wang survived the Palace life without any difficulty at all. There were no sons to continue the Xia bloodline, other than the Third Prince Xia Rong.

Although he wasn't announced as the Crown Prince, everyone in the court was certain that he will be the future ruler. He has the support of Consort Wang, Prime Minister mansion and Empress Dowager was also on his side as she had no other choice. The only problem was that his relation with the Emperor was not good.

She was absent mindedly walking as she stumbled upon her steps.

"Be careful, Your highness." Ji Ran said holding her.

...

Next Day,

"Where is Brother Jun?" Xia Jingxi asked Ji Ran who was combing her hair.

"Second Master Yue left early in the morning saying that he had something urgent to deal with." Ji Ran answered.

Princess Jingxi nodded and looked at her through the mirror, "Ji Ran, Later go and personally send the medicines and tonics we brought for Grandmother."

"Yes Your Highness."

"What about Third Princess? Where is she?" She inquired.

"Third Princess went to the Prayer hall shortly and then went to Empress Dowager's place." Ji Ran answered.

"Anything else?" Xia Jingxi asked.

Ji Ran put the comb down and bent down to say in low voice, "The two servants following us around sent a message out at night. Our guard got a hold of it. Nothing scheming, just the conversation you had with Empress Dowager."

"Empress Dowager is already by their side. They are still so cautious of everything. Consort Wang does not want her perfect planning to be ruined and anything to slip from her hands." Xia Jingxi thought.

Ji Ran saw her lost in thought and asked, "Your Highness, do you not want Third Prince to ascend the throne."

"I don't care about any of that. All I want is that the people close to me are safe and lead a good life." Xia Jingxi said to her.

...

At the Palace,

Benevolence Hall, the Emperor's Place.

"Consort Wang is here as per Your Majesty's order. " Eunuch Gao reported to the Emperor.

"Let her in." Emperor ordered and put aside the scroll he was holding.

"You wanted to see me Your Majesty." Consort Wang asked the Emperor after gretting him.

"Yes, take a seat Consort Wang." Emoeror said sitting down.

Consort Wang took a seat opposite him.

"What does your majesty want to see me about?" She asked.

"I heard Third Princess went to North Mountain Temple along with First Princess."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Third Princess wanted to visit to pray there for a long time so I asked First Princess to take her along."

Emperor nodded and said, "It's better to travel together. Jingxi has become quieter since she started spending time in the army camp."

"If all your indulgence, Your Majesty. A Princess should learn about the royal rules not swords and shields."

Emperor looked at her with a sharp gaze.

"Don't get me wrong Your Majesty, I'm just concerned First Princess will get injured in the army." Consort Wang said immediately.

Emperor looked out and said, "This thought concerns me too."

"Princess is turning 18 soon. Don't you think it's time to find the right partner for her. In this way, Your Majesty can rest assured that someone is there to take care of her. And maybe, the Princess will also put her mind to something other than the swords."

"What you said is somewhat convincing Consort Wang. But I don't think there's anyone deserving of my Xiao Xi." Emperor replied.

"You can trust me with this responsibility. I'll find the best Princess Jingy deserves." Consort Wang said as she looked down as she smirked.

"There's no hurry take the time and find the right person." Emperor said.

"I will do my best." She replied.

"How's Third Prince's learning going on?" Emperor asked.

"He is doing good. The Grand Mentor praised him about his political knowledge yesterday." Consort Wang said.

"What about other things? Military knowlege? State affairs?" Emperor asked.

"He is trying his best to match Emperor's expectation." Consort Wang replied.

"You can leave now." Emperor ordered.

As Consort Wang exited, She heard the Emperor low voice.

"If only my Liqing was alive today." Emperor sighed.

Consort Wang felt her blood boil on hearing the dead First Prince's name.