In the blink of an eye, Qingming Festival is almost here.
Old Madam Tao and Maternal Aunt Tao teamed up, determined to have the Prince Consort take Tao Yuan, the child born of a concubine, to the ancestral hall for tomb sweeping.
The Eldest Princess adamantly disagrees.
"I have at least borne you two daughters!"
"Your Tao Family is beyond unreasonable!"
Tao Prince Consort feels somewhat guilty, but he still refuses to change his stance.
"Princess, I know I’ve wronged you!"
"But that’s my mother’s wish, we can’t disobey her!"
The Eldest Princess is furious.
"Mother, mother, in your eyes, there’s only your mother? What about me? We’ve shared a bed for five or six years, have you ever given me any thought?"
She stares at him with disdain, unwilling to believe that this despicable man is the same handsome gentleman from the past.
"How did you treat me back then? How are you treating me now?"
"In just a few short years, you’ve changed so much!"
Tao Prince Consort feels even more guilty but maintains a firm attitude.
"Forgive me, Princess!"
"I hold the same feelings for the Princess as before; it is the Princess who treats me much differently now!"
"Since the Princess wishes to see me childless, I cannot remain indifferent, can I?"
"Husband and wife are supposed to be one, how can you be so heartless?"
"Does the Princess wish me ill?"
Tao Prince Consort becomes increasingly aggressive.
The Eldest Princess, in a fit of anger, clutches her pounding chest and waves him away.
"You..."
"Just go! Go!"
"You all can go!"
"But I have one condition!"
Tao Prince Consort’s eyes immediately brighten.
"What condition?"
The Eldest Princess glares with a cold gaze.
"Henceforth, you need not bother me, and it’s best if Maternal Aunt Tao doesn’t come either; neither of you are welcome here!"
"I won’t visit my mother for greetings anymore!"
Tao Prince Consort agrees without hesitation.
"You are the Princess; whether you visit or not is up to you!"
"As for Tao Hong, I will speak to her; rest assured, Princess!"
The Eldest Princess closes her eyes in despair, says nothing, and turns to retreat inside.
Tao Prince Consort eagerly leaves.
...
Since that day, Tao Prince Consort truly has not visited her again.
However, Tao Hong feels somewhat dissatisfied.
"Not to bother her? I can’t do that!"
"I’m still waiting for her to divorce the Prince Consort!"
If the Princess is unhappy, she can take the initiative to divorce the Prince Consort.
There are precedents in every dynasty, and it’s not uncommon.
The maid beside her starts offering suggestions.
"If you won’t go yourself, you can send someone!"
"Isn’t Xiao Luo..."
Tao Hong smirks sarcastically.
"That girl Xiao Luo, who she truly sides with is still unknown!"
"Her mistress is the Princess; I’m just a concubine. Would she truly side with me?"
She sips her tea pensively.
"I don’t believe it!"
The maid thinks for a moment and suggests again.
"If it doesn’t work, we can send some troublemakers over?"
Tao Hong shakes her head.
"Do you think anyone around the Princess is easy to deal with?"
"My tricks are mere child’s play in their eyes! Better not to cause myself trouble!"
"Let’s wait and see!"
"Once I have a few more children, once she’s completely fallen from favor, we’ll see if she divorces or not!"
In the meantime, causing her some minor inconveniences and grievances isn’t bad either!
There’s plenty of time ahead, what’s the rush?
"Master is wise!"
...
In the palace.
Consort Zheng deliberated over leaving the palace for a long time and finally made up her mind.
That day she went to Duanning Palace to seek permission from the Empress.
Xia Ruqing was a bit surprised.
"Have you thought it over? Really want to go out?"
Consort Zheng smiled.
"I’ve decided!"
"I’ve been in the palace for years, and I’ve never gone out alone!"
"This time, I’m going to take the opportunity to visit and also to see the Eldest Princess at the Tao Residence!"
Xia Ruqing understood her intentions and nodded.
"Alright then!"
"Are you going incognito or...?"
Consort Zheng hesitated for a moment.
"Incognito. After all, I’m alone; drawing too much attention wouldn’t be good!"
By rights, Palace Consorts aren’t supposed to leave the palace. If she were to go alone, it must be kept secret.
"Okay!"
"The duration shouldn’t be too long; three days would be the limit, as per the rules!"
Consort Zheng hastily thanked her.
"Thank you, Empress!"
Xia Ruqing smiled.
"No need for thanks!"
After leaving Duanning Palace, Consort Zheng finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hong Yun, get ready, we’ll leave tomorrow!"
Hong Yun nodded.
"Madam, if we’re going out for three days, where will we stay?"
Consort Zheng thought for a moment.
"Let’s stay at the traveling palace; I don’t quite trust other places!"
"Later, go and inform the Empress; she’ll agree!"
"Understood!"
Hong Yun answered.
There are several traveling palaces in the capital city. They aren’t very big, but are watched over regularly, with everything ready for occupancy upon arrival.