Chapter 236 – The Foolish Prince Consort’s Farming Struggles – Meeting the Parents (Part Two) (19)
Prince Qing’s expression stiffened, and he asked in a low voice, “Are you certain?”
Baili Luo tightened his grip on Bai Tang’s hand. “I’m certain.”
For Baili Luo to make such a choice—it was equivalent to giving up the throne. What a pity.
Prince Qing had high hopes for Baili Luo. If he were to become emperor, he would surely be a wise and capable ruler. But now… since the founding of the dynasty, there had never been an emperor who remained devoted to only one person—especially when that person was a man who couldn’t bear royal heirs.
Baili Luo knew exactly what Prince Qing was thinking. He smiled and said, “Fifth Royal Uncle, I may not have the intention to fight for the throne, but that doesn’t mean I will lose.”
Prince Qing frowned, puzzled—until he suddenly heard Baili Bin’s voice from outside the door.
When his gaze met Baili Luo’s, everything clicked into place. That’s right—the Empress’s faction had two legitimate sons: Baili Luo and Baili Bin. If one didn’t succeed, the other still remained. The two were full brothers. Since Baili Luo had married a man, as long as he didn’t take a concubine, the court officials would never approve him as the next emperor. But if Baili Bin ascended to the throne, he would never suspect Baili Luo of harboring ambition.
“Greetings, Fifth Royal Uncle,” Baili Bin said warmly as he entered. “When did you arrive?”
He had a good impression of this friendly uncle.
Sitting beside Baili Luo, he patted his chest confidently. “Royal Brother, I’ve taken care of everything you asked.”
Seizing the opportunity, Bai Tang wriggled out of Baili Luo’s arms. “Since my little brother is back, we’re short on tea. I’ll go fetch some for him.”
Saying that, he darted off like a startled rabbit.
“Ah—” Baili Bin picked up an empty teacup and was about to tell Bai Tang there was no need—he could pour the tea himself—but Bai Tang had already run off.
Bai Tang reached the water bucket and splashed cold water on his face to cool down.
Phew… honestly! How could Ah Luo act like that? It was so improper!
In the past, Baili Luo had been hands-on with everything for the sake of the throne. But now that his goals were set, he had devoted himself to grooming Baili Bin.
Baili Bin found his life growing more and more tragic—he was practically drowning in hardship. Only when the imperial consort was present did his older brother go easier on him. And with Bai Tang being so kind and gentle, not to mention his skill in making pastries—better than those from the imperial kitchen—Baili Bin found himself constantly drawn to him.
But the more excuses he made to help Bai Tang with the hard work of making snacks, the darker his royal brother’s expression became. Naturally, the consequences followed. By the time they returned to the palace, Baili Bin had lost fifteen jin (about 16.5 pounds) compared to when he first left.
After Baili Luo returned to the palace, he was summoned by the Emperor immediately.
Naturally, Baili Bin went straight to his beloved mother for comfort.
When the Empress heard that her eldest son had chosen a man as his imperial consort—and had even made her youngest son work so hard he’d become skin and bones—her heart ached. She hadn’t even met Bai Tang yet, but already didn’t have a favorable impression.
She was determined to see for herself: just who was this person who had bewitched her eldest son so completely—so much that he was even willing to give up the throne—and made her youngest suffer in the process?
When Bai Tang heard he had been summoned by the Empress, he became extremely nervous. It was his first time meeting his future mother-in-law—shouldn’t he bring a gift?
He rummaged through his small pouch space but couldn’t decide what would be appropriate.
Qiu’er suggested, “All women love beauty. Why not gift her a skincare set?”
Xiao A objected, “This is ancient times! Where would modern skincare come from? If you bring something like that out, won’t they think you’re a monster?”
Qiu’er replied, “Then give something for internal use—like Wujibaifeng Pills. The system shop has everything. If you’ve got the points, just go for it.”
Bai Tang: “…Wujibaifeng Pills don’t seem like a great idea either.”
In the end, combining suggestions from both systems, Bai Tang bought a bottle of Hundred Flower Dew from the system mall—something that restored youth and enhanced beauty. He also brought along some handmade pastries.
It’s the thought that counts, Bai Tang thought uncertainly. That should be enough, right?
Before Baili Luo could return, someone from the Empress’s household arrived.
Bai Tang followed the palace matron closely, eyes straight ahead. His gaze remained calm, and he showed no greed or envy for the palace’s splendid architecture.
The matron, one of the Empress’s most trusted attendants who had watched both the Seventh and Ninth Princes grow up, had initially shared the Empress’s indignation. But now, seeing the way this young man carried himself, her opinion of Bai Tang had slightly improved.
Bai Tang was brought before the Empress.
“This humble commoner greets Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness the Ninth Prince.”
He hadn’t expected that even in an ancient world, he’d one day call himself a “humble commoner” and bow to someone in power. The old-fashioned phrasing gave Bai Tang a strange sense of novelty.
“Quick, get up, get up!” Baili Bin called out. If his royal brother found out Bai Tang had knelt to him, he’d probably have his legs broken.
The Empress shot Baili Bin a sideways glance. This child must be traumatized from being bullied, she thought. We’re already back in the palace, and Luo’er isn’t even here—yet he’s still afraid of Bai Tang?
Still, when she heard the boy’s soft, gentle voice, he didn’t sound like someone demanding repayment for a favor.
“Raise your head and let me have a look,” the Empress commanded sternly.
Bai Tang, still kneeling, slowly lifted his head.
The young man had a delicate, almond-shaped face and bright apricot eyes. When he smiled slightly, a tiny dimple appeared on his soft, porcelain-like cheek—he looked as lovely and charming as a piece of crystal osmanthus cake.
The Empress was stunned. He looked too much like Ziyan—far too much.
“Child, who are your parents?” the Empress softened her voice, as if afraid she might scare the boy away.
Baili Bin coughed twice to snap the Empress out of her daze.
He had often caught himself staring blankly at his royal sister-in-law too—only to find it marked the start of a miserable day.
“Mother, Bai Tang is Lady Bai’s child,” Baili Bin added, “Also, shouldn’t you let him stand up now?”
Bai Tang… that’s right—that’s Ziyan’s child. Royal consort? Luo’er’s consort…
The Empress, overcome with emotion, stood up and personally helped Bai Tang to his feet. “Come, child—have a seat.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the young man replied with a polite smile that dazzled everyone present.
“No need to be so formal with ‘Your Majesty.’ You’re family—call me Mother,” the Empress said warmly, patting Bai Tang’s hand affectionately. “You’ve suffered so much, child.”
Back then, Ziyan had entrusted Bai Tang to her care. Not only had she failed to protect him, but he’d been harmed—nearly burned alive at a temple—and then disappeared.
Thank heaven he had survived… and even met Luo’er.
“I heard… you were the one who cured Luo’er’s madness?”
For some reason, whenever Bai Tang heard people describe Ah Luo with words like crazy or mad, he felt deeply uncomfortable. But in front of an elder, he still nodded and explained gently, “Ah Luo wasn’t really mad. He just had a clot of blood at the back of his head. Once the blood dispersed, he got better.”
His words clearly carried a protective tone toward Baili Luo, which only made the Empress smile even more warmly. “In any case, this palace must thank you, Tang Tang. I hope you don’t mind me calling you that.”
As long as no one spoke ill of his husband, Bai Tang was kind and polite to everyone.
After a long conversation, the Empress grew more and more pleased with her future daughter-in-law.
Bai Tang was handsome, well-mannered, humble, and composed—truly the model of a virtuous spouse. The only issue was… his gender. But that was manageable. Once Luo’er took some concubines and sired children, there would be no need to worry about heirs.
When Baili Luo came to see the Empress, he found his mother happily chatting with Bai Tang, hand in hand—while Baili Bin stood off to the side with a miserable look on his face.
The Empress was telling Bai Tang embarrassing stories from when she and Baili Luo were children. A true hero doesn’t boast of past glories—can’t we just let bygones be bygones? Baili Bin thought to himself with a grimace.
When the Empress saw Baili Luo, her emotions, which had only just settled, surged again. Sitting in the main seat, she watched her son—dignified and upright—walk toward her, and she couldn’t hold back her tears.
“Your son greets Mother. I have been unfilial and caused you much worry.”
The Empress wiped her tears and let go of Bai Tang’s hand, now holding Baili Luo’s instead. “As long as you’re back… that’s all that matters.”
What followed was a warm and joyful scene of family reunion.
The Empress hadn’t forgotten about Baili Luo’s intention to marry Bai Tang, and she subtly brought up the topic to test the waters.
Bai Tang immediately tensed up. Here it comes—the mother-in-law’s household rules.
Baili Luo held Bai Tang’s hand, silently giving him strength and reassurance.
“My Ninth Brother and I have gathered conclusive evidence of Prime Minister Li’s embezzlement. We have already presented it to the Emperor. It won’t be long before the unjustly accused Bai family has its name cleared.” He turned to Bai Tang, gazing at him with deep affection. “I want a grand procession to welcome Tang Tang into my home—eight-carried sedan, the full ceremony. One lifetime, one person—no one else.”
“You—” The Empress instinctively wanted to object, but when her gaze met Bai Tang’s pure, innocent eyes, she couldn’t bring herself to utter the words that Baili Luo should marry more than one.
Having lived in the royal family, she knew all too well what it meant to watch smiling concubines greet her every day—every word laced with sarcasm and veiled jabs—while she was expected to swallow her pride and wish them quick pregnancies. That life was a daily torment. Could she really let Ziyan’s child live such a life too?
The Empress relented. “You’re grown. Decide for yourself.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Baili Luo would never give up Bai Tang, but to gain his mother’s support and understanding meant that Tang Tang’s life would be much easier in the future. With one more person to care for him, his path into the palace would be far smoother.
Behind the Fifth Prince stood Prime Minister Li. It had been the Fifth Prince who had sent assassins after Baili Luo, afraid of his return to the palace, and who continued to plot against him. Now he was even framing loyal ministers. With the evidence in hand, it was clear: What exactly was the Li family trying to achieve? Baili Luo wasn’t even dead yet, and they were already so eager to push the Fifth Prince onto the throne?
Prime Minister Li’s political power was at its peak. His sister was none other than Consort Yong, the Emperor’s favored concubine—and the Fifth Prince’s mother.
The Emperor grew more and more certain—the Li family had become too ambitious, too impatient. They were already harming his sons. If most of his princes were already eliminated, would he be the next target?
No emperor could tolerate outsiders coveting his throne. What Prime Minister Li and the Fifth Prince had done had already crossed the line of what he could endure.
At the next morning’s court assembly, without any warning, the Emperor threw down the evidence proving that Prime Minister Li had framed loyal officials and attempted to assassinate two legitimate princes of the central palace, right before the gathered ministers.
Prime Minister Li knelt and cried out his innocence, but the evidence was irrefutable. There was no room for defense.
The ministers who supported Baili Luo and Baili Bin stood up one after another, demanding that Prime Minister Li be severely punished. Even other princes, eager to clear themselves of suspicion for the assassination attempts on Baili Luo, seized the opportunity to attack the Fifth Prince’s faction. Some even presented further proof of Prime Minister Li’s corruption—his years of selling official posts and accepting bribes—information the Emperor himself hadn’t known. After all, eliminating one rival meant gaining a better chance at the throne. And the Fifth Prince, backed by the powerful Prime Minister Li, was no less of a threat than the Empress’s legitimate sons.
Thus, Prime Minister Li was stripped of his title and office. His entire family was exiled to the borderlands to perform hard labor. Consort Yong was demoted and sent to the Cold Palace, and the Fifth Prince was dispatched to guard the imperial tombs, forbidden from leaving for the rest of his life.
The loyal and heroic Bai family was posthumously vindicated, and their noble title was restored.
Seizing the opportunity, Baili Luo asked for Bai Tang’s hand in marriage. The Emperor, who had already discussed this matter with him in advance, was delighted. He chose an auspicious date for a grand and honorable wedding.
Author’s Note:
This world is coming to an end—just one chapter left! There’s a little surprise waiting for you in the next world~