Chapter 153 The Harem Shall Not Interfere in Politics

The Emperor’s health was improving day by day, and he no longer needed to stay in bed all the time.

During these days at the Palace, to avoid passing on any illness to the children, the Emperor hadn’t allowed Wenyue and Mingcheng to visit. Feeling a longing for the two children, the Emperor said to Shu Yuwan, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen the two children I’m feeling better today. Let’s go home together to see the children.”

Upon hearing this, Shu Yuwan smiled. The Emperor caring about the children made her happy, and she replied, “Sure.”

Thinking about the two children, Shu Yuwan suggested, “Wenyue is already five years old, and Mingcheng is almost two. I think it’s time to find a tutor for each of them.”

Wenyue was not the Emperor’s biological child, and over the years, staying by her side in the palace was already a generous gesture from the Emperor. Shu Yuwan believed it was best to inform the Emperor about such matters.

As Wenyue was a girl and older than Mingcheng by more than two years, and since Mingcheng was the Emperor’s eldest legitimate son, the choice of tutors for them would be different.

After a moment of silence, the Emperor said, “Yuwan, I was thinking of bestowing the title of Princess on Wenyue. What do you think?”

Shu Yuwan hesitated and then respectfully declined, “Thank you for your kind offer, but I believe it’s unnecessary. Wenyue is already recorded in the Shu family genealogy under my eldest brother’s name without any achievements. Bestowing the title of princess might attract unnecessary attention and criticism.”

Shu Yuwan was concerned that if Wenyue were made a princess, it could lead to jealousy and potential political alliances through marriage in the future. Despite her lower status in the palace, she could still protect Wenyue from mistreatment.

The Emperor, wanting the Empress to know that he treated her children as his own, respected Shu Yuwan’s decision. He nodded and shifted the topic to finding a tutor for Wenyue, “That’s fine. As for Wenyue’s tutor, it shouldn’t be difficult.In Aunt Changning there is a highly esteemed female teacher who is highly regarded by the aunt.”

Shu Yuwan’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

With such an opportunity, she naturally wanted the best for Wenyue.

Seeing her smile, the Emperor continued, “As for Mingcheng, you don’t need to worry. Minister Song is highly virtuous and talented. I’ve had my eye on him for a while. When Mingcheng turns three, I will invite Minister Song to the palace to educate Mingcheng.”

Shu Yuwan had heard of Minister Song, who came from the prominent Song family in Jiangnan, known far and wide for his knowledge and virtue. He was indeed a suitable choice to be Mingcheng’s tutor.

With tutors arranged for both children, Shu Yuwan then shifted the conversation to state affairs, “Jin Er, you’re feeling better now. I won’t be coming to the Palace in the coming days.”

The Emperor understood Shu Yuwan’s meaning when he heard her words.

He sighed deeply in his heart, feeling that Shu Yuwan was indeed overly cautious. Moreover, these days, with Shu Yuwan helping him handle state affairs in the Palace, the Emperor found dealing with affairs more lively and interesting. Having someone to discuss matters with, and Shu Yuwan often providing unique perspectives and suggestions, made the process more engaging.

The Emperor’s thoughts shifted, “I am indeed feeling better, but these days, I still feel easily fatigued. Yuwan, please continue assisting me for a while longer.”

Observing the Emperor struggling to sit up, showing signs of physical exhaustion, Shu Yuwan replied, “Alright, I will wait until you fully recover.”

Shu Yuwan silently thought that when Doctor Chen arrived later, she needed to inquire about the Emperor’s health. His body required proper care and recuperation after dealing with the poison. The detoxification process was almost complete, but she was concerned it might have depleted his vitality.

Before Doctor Chen arrived, Ah Qing entered to report, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, the Prime Minister, and Wei Guogong are requesting an audience.”

Shu Yuwan looked at the Emperor upon hearing this and asked in surprise, “Why are they coming at this time? Is there an urgent matter?”

Typically, at this time, the Emperor would be bonding with his children or doing something he enjoyed.

“Let them in, and we will find out.”

The Emperor signaled for Ah Qing to bring them in.

Once the two visitors entered, Prime Minister Fu Jude noticed the Empress Dowager sitting at the desk in the Palace with a stack of memorials. Although her expression remained unchanged, he was internally shocked.

It seemed that what Wei Guogong had said was true. During the Emperor’s recent illness, the Empress Dowager was indeed handling state affairs! He immediately spoke, “Your Majesty, historically, the harem should not interfere in politics. You must not set this precedent!”

Wei Guogong promptly bowed and supported the Prime Minister’s statement.

Shu Yuwan’s expression shifted slightly, realizing that the issue was directed at her.