Chapter 570 - The Shrine
Bai Yaling woke up but did not find the Crown Princess in the chamber. "Princess is awake," Court Lady Xu humbly said and helped her in sitting up.
"Where is the Crown Princess?" Bai Yaling asked.
"Her Highness left early in the morning, Princess Bai," Court Lady Xu replied. Two maidservants came forward to take Bai Yaling to the bathhouse.
After freshening up and getting ready into a plain peach-colored Hanfu Dress, she went for morning greetings to the Emperor and the Empress. Han Wenji asked her why she took such a step.
"Forgive me, Your Royal Majesty." Bai Yaling was guilty of taking such a horrendous step.
"Yongzheng was my second son and his loss has badly affected me. However, as the Emperor, I could not change the rules of punishment for my own son. Even my hands trembled while writing such a decision for my own son," Han Wenji said and looked at his hands.
Consort Ju Fen looked at Bai Yaling. "Princess Bai, do not harm yourself. The wrong things my son did should not affect your life. Live a life full of chastity and try to divert your attention in the other works. I have talked with His Majesty regarding special widow chastity classes for you. The Head Court Lady will give you the classes regarding that," Ju Fen affirmed.
Ying Lili had no idea that such a thing also existed. "Widow chastity classes?" She muttered, grabbing the attention of rests in the hall. "Why shall Sister Bai take that class?" She questioned them. Sheng Li glanced at her unable to get what was going on in Ying Lili's head.
"Does the Crown Princess want to argue over this too?" Ju Fen asked angrily.
"First Consort, I am a little curious about this. That's why I asked. I have no intention to argue," Ying Lili replied and lowered her eyes.
"Crown Princess, a widow is taught to remain chaste and live a life full of dignity. Royal Family nobles are supposed to show this chastity until their last breath," Ju Fen explained to the Crown Princess.
"How could a woman be taught such things who recently lost her husband? Isn't this illogical? Instead of giving enough time to a woman, we are going to give her classes just because she has turned into a widow. I am afraid, but this is a ridiculous way for a widow to live. Your Majesty, I want you to think from a woman's perspective. Princess Bai must be given enough time to get over this grief loss," Ying Lili urged.
"The Crown Princess always tries to dissociate herself from the teachings of our forefathers. Also, she has no right to intervene in this matter. I am the Mother-in-law of Princess Bai Yaling. After her husband, I have the right to decide what is good for her. Crown Prince shall tell his wife not to teach wrong things to my daughter-in-law," Consort Ju Fen said furiously.
Liao Jun leaned closer to Rong Zemin and whispered, "Why does the Crown Princess have a problem with everything?"
"She is right though," Rong Zemin answered. Liao Jun twitched her lips and looked at the Crown Princess.
"The Crown Princess is not wrong, so I won't correct her. I also feel that Princess Bai Yaling shall be given enough time to recover this loss," affirmed Sheng Li. He stood for Ying Lili in front of everyone and supported her views.
"Everyone be quiet," Han Wenji said and looked at Bai Yaling, who seemed lost in her own thoughts. "Consort Ju, let's arrange for such classes later. Princess Bai indeed needs time," Han Wenji announced his decision.
"Princess Bai," Han Wenji called her name, bringing her out of her deep thoughts.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Does Princess Bai has any wish? I will fulfill her wish," Han Wenji stated.
"There is no wish that I want to fulfill, Your Majesty," Bai Yaling replied. Ying Lili got teary-eyed upon hearing her answer. She curled her fingers.
"Princess Bai shall visit the famous Buddhist Shrine in Luoyang," Han Wenji suggested to her. Bai Yaling lifted her eyes and agreed to that.
"Crown Prince, send one of the Generals and a few soldiers for Princess Bai Yaling's safety. Today is the weather is nice, so it would be great if Princess Bai goes to the Shrine today," Han Wenji advised her.
"I will go, Your Majesty. It will calm my mind. Thank you, Your Majesty, for allowing me to go out," Bai Yaling said. Ying Lili wanted to go out with her but then sending Bai Yaling alone would be great as she would contemplate more about herself.
"You all shall leave," Han Wenji told them. They all bowed and walked out of the hall. Ying Lili stopped Bai Yaling and asked her about the breakfast. "Does Sister Bai want to have breakfast with me?" Ying Lili asked. Bai Yaling looked at Sheng Li, who was looking at Ying Lili.
"I do not want the Crown Princess to trouble herself," Bai Yaling said.
Lei Wanxi came towards her and said, "Sister Bai, you shall have your breakfast with Sister Lili. This way I will get time with Brother Sheng. In front of Sister Lili, he forgets his younger Brother." Lei Wanxi looked at Ying Lili and winked at her.
"Don't say that, Wanxi. When did I forget you?" Sheng Li annoyingly asked and walked away.
"Sister Lili, Sister Bai, I shall chase my elder Brother. Enjoy your breakfast. Sister Lili, I will take care of Brother Sheng's breakfast," Lei Wanxi said and ran behind Sheng Li. Ying Lili smiled and then told Bai Yaling to come with her.
"Crown Princess, the Crown Prince wanted to have breakfast with you. I do not want you to--"
Ying Lili did not let her complete those words and said, "Sister Bai, the Crown Prince wants me to have breakfast with you. Come with me. Then, you need to go out too." Ying Lili stated and stepped forward.. Bai Yaling followed her while their servants followed them.