Chongwen Emperor felt a bit awkward. "At first, I did believe him, because he appeared so very sincere."
"Does Your Majesty believe Li An is your flesh and blood?" Consort An asked, her expression remarkably calm.
"He presented the token I gave his mother back then. I recognize that token," Chongwen Emperor said.
"Your Majesty recognizes the token, but have you considered that the token might have fallen into someone else's hands?" Consort An inquired.
Yes, everything Li An had recounted was his own telling of what his mother had said before she passed. He described his mother's appearance from memory. All of this could have been known by those around them; it was not a secret at all. Moreover, if someone with ulterior motives overheard the dying woman's instructions to her son, it would be incredibly easy for them to substitute one for another.
"It is not that your concubine harbors malicious thoughts, wishing to sow discord between Your Majesty and the Minister of Justice. Rather, royal bloodlines must not be confused, and Your Majesty ought to proceed with caution," Consort An stated.
"A'le, you are right. I was too hasty," Chongwen Emperor said with a solemn expression. "I will properly verify this matter."
At this moment, Chongwen Emperor intensely wished that Li An was an imposter, having no relation to him. If that were the case, he wouldn't have to agonize over how to treat Li An. At the very least, he couldn't allow him to disrupt the court of Da Feng. Of course, there was still a lingering unease. If Li An was not related to him, wouldn't that prove that his true son was no longer alive?
"Perhaps your concubine is merely overthinking things?" Consort An said, seeing a flicker of reluctance in Chongwen Emperor's eyes.
Chongwen Emperor gave a wry smile. "A'le, you do not know. If he truly is my son, I would also be in a difficult position. If he were to live a quiet and law-abiding life, everything would be fine. But he..."
Chongwen Emperor did not conceal anything from Consort An. He told her about Li An's actions in private.
Consort An's expression turned serious. "If my elder brother and nephew have done anything improper, Your Majesty, please do not hesitate. Deal with them as you see fit. As for other matters, they concern state affairs, and your concubine should not comment."
"A'le, rest assured. Nothing irreversible has happened yet," Chongwen Emperor said. "If you can persuade them, I can pretend that nothing has occurred."
Consort An pondered for a moment and then nodded. "May your concubine request a favor from Your Majesty, to return home for a visit?"
By rights, no one except the Empress had such an honor.
However, the affection between Chongwen Emperor and Consort An was unusual, and coupled with his own fault in this matter, Chongwen Emperor agreed without hesitation.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Consort An curtsied.
"Would you like me to accompany you?" Chongwen Emperor asked.
"Your Majesty is busy with state affairs and need not trouble yourself with such minor matters," Consort An replied. "I will have A'nian escort me then."
"I will have Jixiang open the private treasury to prepare some gifts for you to take back," Chongwen Emperor said.
"Your Majesty, please do not be so ostentatious. A provincial visit is already an immense honor, and your concubine does not wish to be overly flashy," Consort An said.
"How is that flashy? How about this, all those of Consort rank and above may also visit their families. As for the timing, let the Empress arrange it," Chongwen Emperor mused. He thought that the four consorts all came from established noble families, and he wanted to take this opportunity to see if they were currently aligned with him or their own clans.
"That would be for the best," Consort An said with a smile. If everyone could visit their families, she wouldn't be the most conspicuous, and it would save her a lot of trouble. Otherwise, she would have to spend effort dealing with them.