The next day, Wei Ji indeed brought things back home during his day off. Chu Shaoling also had Wang Muhan pack many items for him to send to Fuyi as congratulatory gifts.

Old Madam Wei hadn't seen Wei Ji for many days. She held her young grandson's hand and talked for a good while. Wei Ji sat with Old Madam Wei for a bit and asked, "Has Big Brother come back recently?"

Old Madam Wei smiled, "Unfortunately, your big brother just came back yesterday. He sat at home for less than two hours before leaving again. You brothers now treat home like a government office, only checking in briefly each time, as if ghosts were chasing you." Despite the complaints, Old Madam Wei couldn't hide the gratification in her eyes.

Wei Ji lowered his head and smiled, saying, "I really can't get away. I go to the army in the morning and return to the Qin Prince Manor in the afternoon. There's so much to do."

"I know." Old Madam Wei straightened Wei Ji's clothes and said with a smile, "Your big brother mentioned it when he came back yesterday. He said you've also taken on a post in the army, apparently under Great General Zhang Lifeng? That's very suitable."

Wei Ji nodded, "Was Big Brother happy to hear the good news?"

Old Madam Wei smiled, "You know his personality. No matter how happy he is inside, he always looks the same on the surface. At such a young age, he's even more steady than your father. But yesterday when he came back, he did stay a bit longer than usual. He even instructed the kitchen there to carefully prepare the princess's meals and snacks, so I imagine he's delighted in his heart."

Thinking of Wei Zhan's usual demeanor, Wei Ji also smiled and said, "Over the past year, I've received some things from the palace. I brought them all back. There are items for you, Mother, as well as for the princess. Old Madam, please help me send them over later. They're not particularly valuable things. I'm sure the princess lacks nothing, but consider it a token of my regard."

Fuyi and Wei Zhan now both lived in a four-courtyard residence on the east side of the Wei Manor. That area was originally someone else's home, complete with pavilions, terraces, kitchens, and sewing rooms. It was separated from Old Madam's quarters by a covered walkway.  

Old Madam Wei nodded and said with a smile, "It's the thought that counts. The princess isn't one to make a fuss. Before, she used to come see us morning and evening. Now that she's with child, your madam and I no longer let her walk around like that. I'll take the things over to her in the evening. I see the prince also sent gifts for the princess? The prince is always thinking of her."

Wei Ji nodded, "Back when they were in the palace, His Highness treated the princess more affectionately than others."

As the two were talking, Madam Jiang arrived. Wei Ji quickly stood up to pay his respects. Madam Jiang smiled, "I just heard you came back. Are you resting at home today?"

Wei Ji looked troubled, "At the prince's manor..."

"He has important duties. Why are you making things difficult for him?" Old Madam Wei smiled, "I know you miss your child. Who doesn't? But work must come first in the end."

Old Madam Wei truly didn't understand what Madam Jiang was thinking. She clearly knew Wei Ji had important responsibilities now, yet she was always trying to find ways to make him stay. What was the point of that?

Old Madam Wei saw things clearly. Regardless of her sons' posts, her two grandsons' prospects, or Wei Zhan being able to marry the princess, it all relied on Chu Shaoling's favor. The Wei family's title had already disappeared by the time it was passed to Wei Ming, and they were on the verge of decline. Fortunately, an esteemed personage had taken notice and lent a helping hand. They should be grateful, not constantly trying to hold back the younger generation.

Madam Jiang understood Old Madam Wei's meaning. She had worries she couldn't express. She could only lower her head and agree, "This daughter-in-law was muddleheaded."

The three chatted a while longer about household matters and had lunch together. Madam Jiang kept pulling Wei Ji aside, looking like she wanted to say something but stopping herself. Old Madam Wei could tell Madam Jiang had something to discuss. Although she was displeased, she understood a mother's loving heart. After the meal, she excused herself to nap, allowing the mother and son to have a private talk. Madam Jiang jumped at the chance and quickly took Wei Ji to her own courtyard.

"What did you want to tell me, Madam?" Wei Ji asked, still unaware, smiling, "Do you have any instructions for me?"

Seeing Wei Ji's oblivious face, Madam Jiang sighed inwardly. How could she not understand Old Madam's concerns? The Wei family's current glory all stemmed from Chu Shaoling's patronage. If they offended Chu Shaoling, that man could make them rise as high or fall as low as he pleased. Madam Jiang herself was now treated with more respect than usual when socializing with the titled ladies in the capital. She understood it all, but understanding was one thing. Whenever she thought of her youngest son's situation, she couldn't help but worry.

Yesterday, when Wei Zhan returned, Madam Jiang had been chatting with Fuyi. After Wei Zhan arrived, the three of them talked for a while. In front of Madam Jiang, Fuyi asked Wei Zhan if he should take a concubine.

Fuyi had a plan. By asking in front of Madam Jiang, if Wei Zhan agreed, it would make her appear virtuous, giving her a good reputation. If Wei Zhan refused, that would be fine too. Then Madam Jiang and Old Madam Wei wouldn't try to place women in Wei Zhan's room in the future, since Wei Zhan had already stated his position in front of them. It was killing two birds with one stone.

Hearing Fuyi's words, Wei Zhan indeed said he didn't want a concubine. He solemnly stated, "I'm too busy with military affairs to get away these days. How could I waste some girl's time? It's not like I'm anxious for an heir. The princess is already with child, so there's no need to mention taking a concubine again."

Fuyi was relieved to hear this. She gazed at Wei Zhan, her eyes growing even more tender. But upon hearing these words, Madam Jiang's thoughts turned elsewhere.

Wei Ji's situation had always been a worry for Madam Jiang. After the previous lesson, she didn't dare say too much. But after experiencing yesterday's events in Wei Zhan's room, Madam Jiang's thoughts turned to Wei Ji. Chu Shaoling kept a close eye on Wei Ji, so Madam Jiang didn't dare consider arranging a marriage for him. But could she find a couple of maidservants for Wei Ji's room?

The sons of noble families usually had one or two girls in their rooms. But both Wei Zhan and Wei Ji had entered the army at the age of twelve or thirteen. Placing girls in their rooms would have been a waste, so Madam Jiang hadn't arranged it. Who would have known that this incident with Wei Ji would suddenly occur? Now, deliberately placing someone in his room would seem too obvious.

Madam Jiang held Wei Ji's hand, hesitating for a long time before slowly saying, "Now that your big brother is married and you're not young anymore either..."

Wei Ji hadn't expected Madam Jiang to suddenly bring this up. He thought for a moment and said, "I still have a few older brothers who aren't married yet. How could it be my turn?"

"Mm, there's no rush for that." Madam Jiang paused and said, "But we could give you a couple of maids first. You're so grown up now, it's not good to have no one in your room."

Wei Ji quickly declined, "I have many duties these days and I'm busy from morning to night. I don't have time to waste some girl's youth."

Madam Jiang laughed in exasperation and said, "You brothers really are the same, even the way you talk! How is this delaying anyone? They serve outside normally anyway, being your room attendants just means they'll have an easier time, plenty of maids would love that."

Wei Ji forced a smile, "Madam, it wasn't easy for me to come back this time, it's really not necessary."

Madam Jiang was worried about Chu Shaoling's side. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "You're still young and don't understand. If you don't believe me, go ask the Prince, he'll definitely say the same."

Wei Ji didn't catch Madam Jiang's meaning and laughed carefreely, "Madam doesn't know, but the Prince doesn't have anyone by his side either."

Hearing this, Madam Jiang felt another layer of frustration in her heart.

The mother and son chatted a bit more before people outside started urging Wei Ji to leave. He spoke with Madam Jiang a little longer before departing.

Now, Chu Shaoling didn't allow Wei Ji to ride horses on the streets. On good days he would take a carriage, on bad days a sedan chair. Today he was in a carriage, which was quite spacious with a small couch and table inside. The table held a set of porcelain tea ware with a pot of good tea kept warm. Wei Ji drank a few sips and sat on the couch fiddling with a soft pillow. The carriage swayed gently and before long, Wei Ji was nodding off hugging the pillow, not having slept at noon and feeling a bit drowsy.

Wei Ji didn't know, but just as his carriage turned the corner, Wang Muhan entered the Wei Manor, following right on his heels.

Wang Muhan brought some tonics and politely greeted Madam Jiang, "This morning Master Wei left in a hurry and didn't bring these items for Old Madam Wei and Madam. The Prince just noticed and had our family send them over right away."

Old Madam Wei quickly said, "The Prince is too considerate, we don't deserve it."

Seeing the boxes of bird's nests, ginseng, poria and other items, Madam Jiang's heart sank. How could Wei Ji possibly obtain these tribute items?!

Wang Muhan seemed to read Madam Jiang's thoughts and gave her a subtle glance, smiling, "What's there to not deserve? Master Wei now has great favor with the Prince, these things are just ordinary."

Madam Jiang forced a smile. Wang Muhan continued, "Speaking of which, it's no easy feat for Master Wei to gain the Prince's high regard. So many people are jealous. It's truly rare that Master Wei can serve personally. It's just that Master Wei is indeed a bit young. Our family sometimes tells others, outsiders may see the glory, but Old Madam and Madam must worry in their hearts."

Old Madam Wei was simple-minded and couldn't hear the underlying meaning. She quickly said, "Not at all, it's his good fortune to be able to serve the Prince. He's young, it's the time for him to gain experience, what's a bit of hardship to fear!"

Wang Muhan smiled, "Exactly! Well said. Master Wei should be wholeheartedly serving the Prince right now, how could he let miscellaneous matters delay him? Madam must feel the same way, right?"

Madam Jiang turned pale. Old Madam Wei couldn't tell, but she could - Chu Shaoling had sent Wang Muhan to warn her. Just a short while ago in the afternoon, she had mentioned concubines to Wei Ji, how did Chu Shaoling find out so quickly?!

Madam Jiang felt a slight relief in her heart, fortunately she hadn't acted on her own and had hinted for Wei Ji to ask Chu Shaoling. Now it seemed Chu Shaoling didn't agree and took this chance to reprimand her.

Madam Jiang's heart was in turmoil. She forced a smile, nodded and said, "Of course."

Having achieved his goal, Wang Muhan exchanged a few more polite words before leaving.

Wei Ji dozed off in the carriage and arrived at the Qin Prince Manor. After signing in with the guards on duty, he went to the rear sleeping hall to find Chu Shaoling. Inside, Wang Muhan had already arrived early and was attending to Chu Shaoling as he read documents.

"Did you say everything that needed to be said?" Chu Shaoling casually flipped through the documents. "Did Madam Jiang understand?"

Wang Muhan bowed and said, "Madam Jiang is very intelligent and understood. Actually, Your Highness, Madam Jiang didn't have any other intentions, she just has a mother's heart and was afraid Master Wei would suffer grievances."

Chu Shaoling tossed the documents aside and stood up, "Of course I know that, otherwise I wouldn't have been so lenient."

As the two were talking, Wei Ji entered the sleeping hall and paid his respects in the outer room, "Your Highness, your servant has returned."

"You're back and still not coming in!" Chu Shaoling laughed, "Out of the palace and still so formal, like a little old scholar at such a young age."

Wei Ji smiled faintly, got up and entered the inner room. Seeing Wang Muhan wearing the silver python patterned robes for going out, he asked suspiciously, "Eunuch Wang went out today?"

Chu Shaoling glanced at Wang Muhan, who quickly said, "No, no, haha, Prince Li was taking a concubine today. The Prince had this old servant send a gift over."

Wei Ji didn't suspect anything, just muttering in his heart, why is everyone taking concubines? Chu Shaoling smiled, "What did your family do today? Tell me." As he spoke, he took Wei Ji's hand and walked inside. Wang Muhan quickly withdrew.

The two spent some intimate time together on the couch in the inner room and chatted for a while. Chu Shaoling gently rubbed Wei Ji's back and slowly said, "The day after tomorrow is the Shangsi Festival on the third day of the third month. The Empress Dowager already sent someone to tell me today to accompany her to the Tanghe Palace. Tell Zhang Lifeng in advance, you'll go with me then."

Wei Ji nodded and asked, "What's the Shangsi Festival celebration at the temporary palace for? Can't the rituals be done in the palace?"

Chu Shaoling chuckled lightly, "The Emperor and Empress Dowager are in high spirits this year, so let's just go. Spring arrives early there, the flowers are in full bloom now, you can go see them."

Wei Ji smiled and nodded.

"Why the sudden trip to the temporary palace?" Consort Li dismissed all the palace servants and asked anxiously, "I originally planned to arrange it in the palace, but the Empress Dowager suddenly insisted on going to the Tanghe Palace, what do we do now? Find another opportunity?"

Chu Shaoruan was silent for a long while before saying, "No need, the third day of the third month it is then. Since it's at the temporary palace, we'll arrange it there. It'll be convenient with so many people around then."

Consort Li hesitated for a moment before saying, "Forget it, a chosen date is not as good as a coincidental one. The third day of the third month it is."