The Third Generation

It was like the happy news in the Fan manor had grown wings and immediately flew out over the high garden walls of the various noble manors. It flew past the cautious gazes of the waiters in various teahouses and became something everyone knew. This was both the hot topic of conversation amongst the nobility and most cheerful thing after a meal for the common people.

Naturally, this news flew into the palace. It completely ignored the boundaries of the mighty palace walls and entered the ears of the Emperor and empress dowager. According to Eunuch Yao, who had quietly let it slip, in the instant that the Qing Emperor had heard this news, he had stoked his beard and looked very pleased. That night, he made another trip to the little tower. After the empress dowager heard about this news, she had rushed to the back of Hanguang Temple to worship. Her fingers moved endlessly over the prayer beads, and her face was full of smiles.