The colorful umbrella surface and sturdy ribs are not only beautiful and strong, but the first and third layers are also decorated with signatures of thousands of people, and the middle layer is even painted with a map of Zhongzhou, using two colors to mark the general appearance of the old and new cities.

Emperor Hui returned to his throne, and the umbrella of ten thousand people was carried away. Emperor Hui was in an extremely good mood.

With his territory expanded and the people's support, Emperor Hui felt that his life was complete at this moment, except for the fact that the Wei family was still loitering around and annoying him.

After presenting the treasures, the noble ladies performed their talents.

Jin Ge went to the side hall to see the Crown Prince and said to the Empress, "That servant Shi Xiu is becoming more and more outrageous. I told him to go back to the manor to get medicine for His Highness, but instead, he fell asleep as soon as he got back to the Crown Prince's manor."

The crown prince had taken his medicine and returned to the main hall.

His expression was indeed no longer so anxious or hysterical; he seemed to have returned to his former gentle and refined demeanor, but something just felt off.

He watched the noble ladies perform, occasionally shouting "Bravo!" excitedly, startling everyone.

The Empress summoned the noble ladies who had finished their performances to come forward and receive the rewards that had been prepared in advance.

After bestowing the rewards, the Empress looked at the women of the Liu family and asked, "I've heard that Miss Liu is very talented. Why didn't you show any of your talents today?"

Madam Liu stood up and respectfully bowed to the Emperor and Empress, saying, "The Fourth Miss is engaged to Qin Lang, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and they are preparing for the wedding at the mansion."

"Qin Lang, Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud? When did this happen? How come I haven't heard of it?" The Empress was greatly surprised.

"Your Majesty, the Fourth Miss is the youngest daughter in the family. The Grand Secretary has always disliked making a fuss, so only the families of both sides know about it."

"When was the engagement? Has the betrothal been finalized?" The Empress was furious. The Crown Princess she had chosen right under her nose had just run away.

"Both sides have been discussing marriage for a long time, but the Fourth Miss is too young, and I am reluctant to part with her. I would like to keep the engagement going for a little longer. We just completed the betrothal a few days ago."

The Empress immediately understood. The betrothal had been arranged just a few days ago. This was because the news of her choosing a wife for the Crown Prince had leaked out, and the Liu family had hastily found a son-in-law to marry.

Qin Lang, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud, was the top-ranked candidate in the second class of the previous examination. Now holding the rank of fourth-grade official, he is young, promising, and has a bright future. It is understandable that Grand Secretary Liu likes him.

The Empress was feeling incredibly frustrated. Her ideal candidate was Liu Yiyi. Although Liu Yiyi was fourteen years younger than the Crown Prince, any young lady who remained unmarried until the age of sixteen without a betrothal must have either a problem in her family or a problem with the girl herself.

Liu Yiyi meets all the criteria for the Crown Princess, it's such a pity now!

The Empress had to suppress her anger and offer a few words of congratulations to Lady Liu before Lady Liu returned to her seat with unease.

Then the Empress smiled and looked at the Duke of Ying's residence, asking, "Miss Li didn't come today?"

The Duchess of England immediately bowed and replied, "My sister suddenly developed a high fever and a cold last night, and her body was covered in red rashes. I was afraid of passing on my illness to everyone, so I didn't come."

The Empress nodded and then looked at the group of women from the Xie family.

"Miss Xie, I saw you dance very well just now. Come closer and let me see."

The Xie family has good genes; everyone in the family is very tall. Xie Tingting, who is just approaching fourteen, still has a childish face, but she is already taller than Xu Shi.

She stood confidently before the Empress, causing Old Madam Xie to frown.

"Miss Xie, your name is Xie Tingting, right?"

"Your Majesty, my name is Xie Tingting."

"You've grown so much in the blink of an eye," the Empress said, looking at Madam Xu with a smile. "Madam Xie, you have a wonderful daughter."

After dismissing Xie Tingting, the Empress looked at Emperor Hui and said with a smile, "I think Miss Xie is outstanding in appearance, dignified and well-mannered. The Crown Prince is still lacking a concubine, and Miss Xie is quite suitable. What does Your Majesty think?"

Emperor Hui's expression was unpleasant, but with so many ministers present, he still asked, "Minister Xie, are your three daughters betrothed yet?"

Xie Anfeng immediately stood up and said respectfully, "Thanks to Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress's favor, the three daughters have already been betrothed."

The Empress was truly furious. She was now 100% certain that the list of candidates to be chosen for the Crown Prince's consorts had been leaked.

The one who leaked the list was none other than His Majesty the Emperor!

She only showed that list to the Duke of Cheng'en, the Crown Prince, and His Majesty. Those two couldn't possibly leak it; only His Majesty would tell his ministers to stay away and arrange an emergency marriage.

She was also angry, and asked Xie Anfeng, "Lord Xie, may I ask which family's young master is arranging the marriage for the Third Miss?"

"The second son of Prefect Liu of Yingzhou." There's no need to hide this; it can be found out with a simple investigation.

Have you made the decision?

"The deal will be finalized after the New Year. Lord Liu, Madam Liu, and Young Master Liu have already arrived in the capital."

"So it's not settled yet." The Empress said with a desperate laugh, "I've also taken a liking to the Third Miss and wish to arrange a marriage for the Crown Prince. I wonder if I'll be able to achieve my goal?"

Xie Anfeng is now in a very difficult situation.

Strictly speaking, Xie Tingting is not engaged yet. Rejecting the Empress would be a public falling out. The Xie family is not afraid, but Prefect Liu is not!

The Empress or the Duke of Cheng'en could find a fault in Liu Jigao and have the Liu family wiped out.

Xie Anfeng was suddenly stuck.

Madam Xie stood up and said to the Empress, "Your Majesty, it was my idea to arrange a marriage for the Third Miss. The Third Miss is of ordinary appearance, and I fear that she would disgrace the royal family if she were to become a royal wife."

After the Empress swallowed the weight, she said, "I like the Third Miss very much. She is quiet and gentle, and has outstanding talent. If Lord Xie agrees, I will arrange for the Crown Prince to marry her."

Before Madam Xie could answer, the Empress directly asked Madam Xu and Xie Tingting, "What do you and the Third Miss think?"

Madam Xu immediately bowed and replied with trepidation, "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree."

Xie Tingting immediately bowed, appearing dignified like a lady from a prominent family, and earnestly replied, "This humble woman will obey Your Majesty's decree and my parents' orders."

The Empress laughed heartily and looked at His Majesty, saying, "It's settled then. Xie Tingting, the daughter of Lord Xie, shall be the Crown Prince's concubine."

Xie Anfeng, Madam Xie, Madam Xu, and Xie Tingting expressed their gratitude.

Xie Zhaozhao remained expressionless, calmly observing everything.

When Xie Tingting got up and returned to her seat, she looked at Xie Zhaozhao, a smile playing on her lips, and blinked.

Xie Zhaozhao, the thirty years of fortune on the east bank have ended, and the thirty years of fortune on the west bank have just begun!

Is your mother superior to my mother?

You're superior to my sister?

How about I, the princess, take the lead over you?

Isn't that the rule?

Let's check your rules later, shall we?

Kneeling on the palace path to observe the rules is a good option; there are many people, and it's well-ventilated.

It's alright if you can't kneel properly, then slap me until I'm satisfied!