"Mother, where did Father go?" The Crown Prince's eldest son, Hongxi, looked up at his concubine, Li Jiashi, and asked.

"Xi'er, how many times have I told you? You must not be distracted when you are writing. Finish writing this piece of paper properly. I'm going to go see your younger brother." Li Jia said calmly, then stood up and turned to go see the Second Prince Hongxi.

Hongxi withdrew his gaze from Li Jiashi with disappointment and continued to write. The little eunuch Bao'er, who was serving him, quickly laid out the Xuan paper for him.

The moment Li Jia turned around, her calm expression instantly turned into one of deep sorrow. Having been favored by the Crown Prince, Li Jia had not seen him for a long time.

The palace maid Liusu, who was following behind her, asked cautiously, "Consort, the Second Prince's room is not this way." She noticed that Li Jia was not walking in the direction of Hongxi, so she brought it up.

Li Jia glanced at Liu Su beside her and said, "This princess is going to see the Crown Princess. Go and bring me that ruby ​​and gold headdress. It's been a long time since I paid my respects to the Crown Princess. It's time to go."

Liu Su was startled, but immediately curtsied and turned to walk quickly toward Li Jia's room.

Lady Li, accompanied by the eunuch Liu Kuan and the maid Yu Shu, stood in the small rockery garden of Yuqing Palace, admiring the red carp in the artificial pond.

Liu Su had always been respected by Li Jia, but even she had just been given a disdainful look by Li Jia, so the two of them dared not speak carelessly.

"Has the Crown Prince visited you recently?" The Crown Prince's voice suddenly came from the other side of the artificial hill.

"No, I haven't seen the Crown Prince for many days either," said another princess, Tang, with a hint of resentment.

“Yesterday, I went to pay my respects to the Crown Princess, and judging from the situation, the Crown Prince hasn’t visited for many days either,” Lin said.

"Sigh, what's the use of asking her? You might as well ask Consort Li. That one is the true mistress of Yuqing Palace!" Tang's words were tinged with jealousy. The Consort Li she was referring to was none other than Consort Li Jia, who was watching the red carp by the artificial hill behind them.

"Yes, that one gave birth to the Crown Prince's eldest and second sons in one go. No one can compare to her. In comparison, the Crown Princess has only given birth to a daughter so far. If the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, the Crown Princess will have even less appetite." Madam Lin said sharply, since she was talking about others, not themselves, and her words were full of sarcasm and ridicule.

"Shh, keep your voice down. This is something only you and I sisters should talk about. You mustn't let anyone else hear it," Tang said in a low voice.

“I know. You know what? I heard a rumor about our Crown Prince. Do you want to know?” Madam Lin also lowered her voice and said.

"Shh, those rumors are just rumors, don't take them seriously." Mrs. Tang looked around, afraid of being overheard.

"Sigh, I also hope it's not true, but sister, you should go out for a walk. Our Yuqing Palace has become a laughing stock for others," Lin said indignantly.

"If you're afraid of being laughed at, then behave yourself and stop gossiping behind people's backs. Otherwise, even if the Crown Princess doesn't blame you, I, the Consort, will punish you for spreading rumors!" Li Jia walked over from the artificial hill, her flowerpot-soled shoes on.

"I was speaking nonsense, please forgive me, Consort!" Tang quickly curtsied, and Lin also quickly knelt down to pay her respects.