Chapter 6 Greetings

"Huanbi, Huanbi! What are you thinking about?"

Liu Zhu reached out and waved it in front of Huan Bi's face. "Why are you holding this hairpin?"

"N-nothing."

Huanbi snapped out of her daze and, for some reason, felt uneasy looking at the jade hairpin in her hand. She hurriedly and carefully put it on, asking Liuzhu to watch over it for her. "How is it? Is it done?"

"It's done, it's done." Liu Zhu thought she was just being vain and nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, it won't fall off."

"That's good." Huanbi smiled, changing the subject, "Where is my mistress?"

It wasn't that she had any other intentions; everyone has a love of beauty, regardless of age or status, and she didn't have any romantic thoughts. She simply didn't want to reveal that she was mesmerized by the Fourth Prince.

Moreover, she also had her own selfish motives and was not very willing to share with Liu Zhu the fact that there was such an amazing Fourth Prince in the garden.

"His Majesty summoned you to accompany him, and Aunt Jinxi went with you."

"Oh, okay, I see." Getting back to the main topic, Huanbi quickly regained her composure, but couldn't help frowning. "Is Your Highness really planning to tell the Emperor to bring Consort An here?"

Even when she encountered a "beauty," it did not affect Huanbi's aversion to An Lingrong.

...

Yongzheng didn't mention it, but as a son, not paying respects to his imperial father was a mistake. Even if the empress had sent someone to hint at avoiding him beforehand, a hint is a hint, and it can't be made public.

They understood that this would prevent them from causing trouble for the Empress, but if there were any unpleasant rumors circulating, the Empress would not stand up to explain for them.

Therefore, Hongli still came to the Hall of Diligent Governance to pay his respects together with Hongzhou.

Of course, even Hongzhou knew that the two of them were just there to make a show of themselves, and that Yongzheng would not actually summon them. Therefore, the two of them were quite relaxed. Before coming, they had planned to simply kowtow at the entrance to show everyone their "filial piety."

However, you should still ask, even if it's just to show your interest.

As the elder brother, Hongli was naturally the first to step forward. He nodded slightly to Su Peisheng at the entrance of the Hall of Diligent Governance, his smile open and humble: "Eunuch Su, my fifth brother and I have come to pay our respects to Father Emperor. I wonder if Father Emperor has the time?"

When Su Peisheng saw the young man in front of him, he was momentarily stunned. Was the Fourth Prince really this handsome?

"Please wait a moment, Your Highnesses, while I go in and ask for instructions." Compared to his previous avoidance, Su Peisheng's tone was much gentler at this moment.

"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Su."

"You're too kind, Fourth Prince."

Su Peisheng smiled in response, and it wasn't until he reached Yongzheng's desk that he realized, "Is he being so kind today?"

"What is it?"

Yongzheng did hear the noise outside the door, but his expression remained indifferent.

Since he was already there, Su Peisheng gritted his teeth, bowed, and reported, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince have come to pay their respects. Would you like to see them?"

Yongzheng glanced at Su Peisheng with slight surprise. This didn't sound like him at all. Could it be that he had accepted money? The thought flashed through his mind, but he didn't have time to ask him right now.

Upon hearing the words "Fourth Prince," Yongzheng couldn't help but recall the humiliation of being plotted against by the Eighth and Ninth Princes. He didn't want to acknowledge this son.

As for the Fifth Prince Hongzhou, how much affection could he possibly have for his son who was raised outside the family since birth?

Setting down the memorial in his hand, Yongzheng frowned. "Tell them to go back. They don't need to come to pay their respects anymore."

"yes."

Su Peisheng accepted the order, but Yongzheng keenly noticed the hint of regret in his words. Watching his back, Yongzheng pursed his lips. How much benefit had this old man received?

"His Majesty has received your filial piety, but His Majesty is currently busy with state affairs and has no time to meet with you. You two should go back first."

Su Peisheng phrased it tactfully, and Hongli and Hongzhou exchanged a glance. As expected, neither of them was too disappointed; as previously agreed, they knelt before the door.

"In that case, let us two pay our respects to Father Emperor at the door."

Su Peisheng was too late to stop them, and it was not an easy thing to do anyway. The two men kowtowed three times with a loud thud, and then shouted in unison, "Fourth Prince Hongli (Fifth Prince Hongzhou) greets Father Emperor, may Father Emperor be blessed with ten thousand years of happiness and peace!"

That was real force. Su Peisheng couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache when he saw the red marks on Hongli's forehead. Seeing that the emperor in the hall had no reaction, he could only helplessly help the two of them up.

"You two princes are very kind."

"As sons and daughters, we are simply doing what we should do."

Hongli smiled gently, but Su Peisheng could see a hint of disappointment and sadness in his smile. Thinking of the emperor's attitude towards him and the palace servants in the garden who treated people differently based on their status, he had a sudden impulse and took out a purse full of silver from his sleeve and stuffed it into Hongli's hand.

“Eunuch Su…” Hongli looked up at him in surprise.

Realizing what he had done, Su Peisheng's face twitched. He tried to remain calm and said, "His Majesty is busy with affairs and has no time to meet with the two princes. To avoid any disturbances by the servants in the garden, please keep this money. It may come in handy someday."

No, what am I saying? What am I doing? Giving silver to the prince? Is that something I should be doing?

Su Peisheng appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly he was lamenting a thousand times, regretting that he had lost his composure.

"Thank you, Eunuch Su."

Hongli's eyes were filled with gratitude and emotion. He bowed respectfully to Su Peisheng, stuffed the purse he had given him into his sleeve, glanced at him one last time, and then pulled Hongzhou away.

Watching the two figures leave, Su Peisheng couldn't help but sigh. It wasn't that he regretted it, but he was happy that he had been able to help the Fourth Prince and that the Fourth Prince was so grateful for his help.

It's a pity that such an outstanding prince was not favored by the emperor.

"Su Peisheng, get in here."

Suddenly, Yongzheng's cold shout came from inside the hall. Su Peisheng's heart skipped a beat, and he knew something was wrong. He quickly bowed and humbly walked in.

"Your Majesty, this servant is here."

"Who told you this? Or did you receive some kind of bribe?"

Yongzheng looked coldly at Su Peisheng, who was kneeling on the ground. This servant, who had served him for decades, had always prioritized his opinions. Knowing Su Peisheng's attitude towards Hongli, Yongzheng had always avoided him whenever possible.

Everything seemed out of place today, inevitably arousing Yongzheng's suspicion. Could it be that Su Peisheng had harbored ulterior motives? But that didn't make sense. Or had those two neglected princes given him some significant favor? Was there someone else behind it all?

Upon hearing this, Su Peisheng, who was kneeling on the ground, broke out in a cold sweat. He was both terrified and somewhat embarrassed. How should he put it? Could he be called a person with extremely high standards who only cares about appearances? Or could he be said to have received no benefits and instead spent a lot of money?

Who would believe it if the Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Household were to subsidize an unfavored prince? They'd probably all think he'd gone mad.

A thought flashed through his mind, and Su Peisheng had a bold idea. He knelt on the ground, his respectful demeanor tinged with hesitation and timidity. "Your Majesty, this servant is guilty! I was truly stunned when I suddenly saw the Fourth Prince's appearance today..."