Fated Book 2 : The Crown Prince's Golden Consort

The Crown Prince has only been missing for a few days but the vultures were already out from hiding, most of his supporters were already abandoning ship save for a few. Most were now following the first prince while some were siding with the third prince who had just been released by the Emperor from house arrest. Lu Xiaolian's guards still hasn't found any information on the Crown Prince whereabouts and she was beginning to get worried so much so that she was thinking of going herself.

"Even though the movement on the first prince side has been suspicious we haven't been able to find any evidence of him being aware of his Grace's whereabouts Your highness" Lu Yan reported bowing.

"Then it's safe to assume that he thinks the Crown Prince is truly dead, that is good I will have to trouble you to investigate the first prince involvement with the Crown Prince sopposed dead" She turned her head to admire her gold hair ornaments.

"Yes your highness" He replied and walked out.

"Do you really think we will be able to find the evidence we need, the first prince may have gotten rid of it" Bie liu said arranging her mistress outer garment.

"A smarter person would get rid of the evidence but the first prince though smart is too proud for his own good. He is overly confidence with himself hence will be very sloppy" sh turned around to let them straighten out the back of the palace gown.

"How do I look? she asked admiring herself in the mirror.

"Beautiful my lady" Bie liu said smiling brightly.

* * *

The Empress dowager's palace

"Crown princess and imperial Consort Lu" the Eunuch annouced on their arrival. This was a state banquet hosted by the Empress dowager some the crown princess was permitted to attend. The walked in gracefully and were guided to their seats, They were only seated for a minute when first princess Consort Xu said "Elder sister Mingzhu is here, I really missed you all this while". The crown princess remained silent anyone could tell that she was only trying to annoy the crown princess.

"This first princess Consort is truly meddlesome, she hadn't been married for long but she already trying to over shadow her superior" an old madam by Lu Xiaolian's side said. " Very typical of these low born types, she may have been fortunate to marry as a main wife but that doesn't dispose the fact that she was a Concubine born daughter and not a Concubine of noble birth" the madam next to the old madam replied. Lu Xiaolian pretended to be unaware and continued to sip her tea. "She has been confidence indeed even in getting pregnant this quick as opposed to the crown princess" the first madam continued.

It took all her control to avoid attacking these old Madams even when overhearing their discussion. A long time ago they wouldn't have dare speak about her this way but all that was in the past. She no longer has her father's protection he had already made it known where his loyalty was. Neither did she have the protection of the royal family they had been very displeased with her so much so that they were waiting for an opportunity to replace her. As if her earlier words weren't enough Princess consort Xu facing the Empress dowager said "I will have to plead for her highness to lessen my elder sister's punishment, I will be giving birth soon and would like to have her by my side. Father has also missed her greatly"

"Crown princess Xu is confined for three months in her courtyard to reflect on her actions and will be released after she has properly reflected on her actions" the Empress dowager replied.

"Not that She could be of much help to you, younger sister Xu when it comes to child birth you'd best listen to an experienced woman" The first princess said playfully.

"Elder sister is right, sorry to trouble your highness" Princess consort Xu replied with fake innocence an observant person could tell that their words were only targeted to hurt the crown princess.

"I am very lucky to have such a good younger sister who cares so much about me. Little sister you must remember to pay a visit to your elder sister and keep me company for sometime. I myself has missed you greatly these past six months" The Crown princess said after staying quiet for a while.

"Elder sister is right I haven't been frequently in my visit I will have to remedy that. elder sister can relax and take it easy after all you still have Imperial consort Lu to take charge of everything. She is taking care of everything even where you come short at" Princess consort Xu said smiling.

"since younger sister is getting too heavy why don't I gift you a younger sister to keep you company and take on a few of the responsibilities" Crown princess Xu Mingzhu replied finally shutting her up.

"Mingzhu made a good suggestion the royal family can't have enough heirs. The Princess consort Xu seams to have a loyal maid why don't you gift it to the Prince as a secondary wife, it is after all part of your duty as the main wife" the Empress dowager said from her seat. Leaving everyone shocked.

"Your highness is right but my maid is very dear to my heart and It would be like losing my right hand" Princess Consort Xu replied after a few minutes.

"one would think having someone you trust would be much better, we are however not in a hurry" the Empress dowager said and facing the Imperial noble consort continued

"You will have to look for a much better candidate for this position the royal family doesn't allow just anyone of low birth we aren't a normal family, only young ladies of good breeding and birth on both parents sides" she was led up and coming down from her throne said "I am tired and would like to relax, Biyu come escort grandmother back".

It wasn't difficult to tell that this was her way of dismissing them so as soon as she left, everyone departed one at a time. By the next day the rumor that the Empress dowager wasn't pleased with the first Princess Consort had already been spread wide to all corners of the kingdom such that a secondary wife was conferred to the first prince a few days later and the first Princess Consort put in confinement until her child was delivered.