Chapter 235 Enjoying the company of grandchildren

"Your Majesty, you mean..." Yunxiang began, but his unfinished meaning was already quite clear.

With no one else in the room, Yinzhen spoke frankly.

"I think it would be better to take this opportunity and have Hongzhao take over this matter. He has always done an excellent job by my side over the years."

Upon hearing this, Yunxiang stood up and took a half-step forward in a daze. His elder brother's words were without the slightest hesitation, and his serious demeanor was just like every time they discussed state affairs before.

Yinzhen turned his head to look at his younger brother, who was making quite a commotion. Even at such close range, he had to squint to see his face clearly. He blinked his dry eyes and tried to sit up straight, propping himself up on the edge of the bed with his elbows.

Yunxiang went forward to help him sit down, adjusted the soft pillow behind him, and sat down in the spot where Hongzhao had been. He lowered his eyes and thought for a moment before asking in a different way, "Does Your Majesty want to take this opportunity to recuperate? Very well, Hongzhao will not disappoint Your Majesty."

But Yinzhen shook his head – “I know my own body. It can’t be healed in a day or two. The imperial physicians always say it’s due to mental and physical strain. I’ve been away from official duties for more than half a month now, but I haven’t seen much improvement.”

He sighed softly as he spoke. To have emerged victorious from the struggle for the throne and ascended to this position, he must have had grand ambitions. Now, only thirteen years later, it's hard to say how he feels about letting go.

Fortunately, his children have grown up enough to take over his responsibilities.

"I think it would be best to have the Crown Prince oversee the country for now. After all, this is the first time Hongzhao has taken over the reins entirely on his own. I can still offer some guidance while I'm here, so things won't get chaotic." Yinzhen looked at his thirteenth brother and told him all his thoughts.

The fact that he was able to bring this up today shows that he had been planning this in his mind for more than just a day or two.

“Hongzhao is clever, so it shouldn’t take much effort. When his child is born, bring him to me. I will then pass the throne to the Crown Prince and become the Retired Emperor, enjoying the pleasures of having a grandchild.” Yinzhen said, a relieved smile on his face as if he had already seen the chubby baby.

He then waved his hand and chuckled lightly, "When the time comes, leave those trivial and tedious political affairs to Hongzhao! I have a good eye on that child, and perhaps I can even raise another one as handsome and dashing as Hongzhao."

Yunxiang smiled slightly at his brother's laughter, but his gaze towards his elder brother always carried a hint of heartache. He sat up straight and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will also help Hongzhao and will not let him suffer any losses."

"Hmm." Yinzhen nodded with satisfaction and patted the hand of his beloved younger brother. "I know."

The two of them had already finalized the matter in a coordinated manner, while Hongzhao was still oblivious and heading towards the East Palace.

Hongzhao did not attend court today and left early. He went straight to Fucha Yingjun's courtyard in Yuqing Palace. As soon as he stepped outside, he noticed that there were more people in the courtyard than usual.

Hongzhao paused, and Xiao Dezi, understanding the situation, stepped forward to take a look. The people in this courtyard were all servants. The Crown Prince might not recognize them, but he certainly did. "My lord, these people are all from the side of the concubine and the two princesses. They must be here today to serve tea to the Crown Princess."

Serving tea... I think there is such a saying.

Hongzhao thought for a moment, then ignored the palace servants who were paying their respects on both sides and walked into the room. Although he did not ask anyone to announce his arrival, the sounds of greetings from outside still reached the room.

As soon as he entered the door, Fucha hurried to greet him—"Why are you back at this hour, Your Highness? Have you had breakfast? How is Father?"

The people behind them turned around and bowed in unison: "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince! Long live the Crown Prince!"

Hongzhao gently supported her waist without asking her to bow, and after carefully examining her fairly good complexion, he felt relieved. "I've already had breakfast at Father's place. Father was worried about you being pregnant and staying alone, so he asked me to come back and check on you."

Fucha Yingjun lowered her head and smiled faintly, gently touching her belly—"What could possibly be wrong with me here that would make it worth the trouble of coming all this way back?"

As she spoke, she took two steps forward with Hongzhao and made way for him—"But now that you're back, it's a good day to meet your three younger sisters, since they're all here."

Hongzhao looked behind her as she pointed, but since everyone was kneeling, he couldn't see anything. Only one figure in an orange qipao was not so well-behaved; she quietly raised her head, and a pair of pretty and charming eyes met Hongzhao's.

He chuckled softly, watching the head shrink back as if frightened like a hamster, then pulled Fucha Yingjun to the seat above, waving his hand and saying, "No need for formalities, please get up."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

After the two were seated at the head of the table, Hongzhao finally had a chance to take a closer look at the "mahjong partners" who had only been in the mansion for a day.

He was familiar with Shushen. She was wearing a qipao made of mica-colored fabric, which looked very elegant. Fortunately, the fabric was brocade satin with subtle embroidery, so even though it was simple, it was not impolite.

She stood there quietly with her hands folded, and when the Crown Prince looked over, she simply pursed her lips and gave a faint smile.

"Shushen, you already knew the Crown Princess before, so there's no need for you to be so reserved here. The Crown Princess and I both know your personality. If there's anything inconvenient, just say so. There's no need to make yourself feel uncomfortable." Hongzhao couldn't have come for nothing, so naturally he had to say a few words.

Shushen nodded slightly – “The Crown Princess also gave the same instructions and sent a lot of things to replenish our supplies. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are of one mind and one heart, and Shushen is naturally very grateful. There is nothing that I am not used to.”

Hongzhao nodded, then turned to look at the two unfamiliar faces on his right, one in front of the other.

The one in the orange dress who was peeking earlier must be Lady Gao. Her personality is written all over her face, and she seems like an easy person to understand.

The one in the blue dress further away must be Su Luyun. In fact, upon closer inspection, she has a dignified and elegant appearance. If we were to compare looks, she is slightly better than Gao Shi. But it's hard to tell whether it's the color of her clothes and accessories that's wrong, or whether it's her introverted and reserved personality.

Her beauty was too subtle; the first thing that caught the eye was her obviously doughy nature. Her pretty face, on the other hand, just didn't show.

"You've all learned the rules for entering the palace, so I won't give you any more instructions. I'll just say this: live your lives well in this palace, and I certainly won't mistreat anyone. If you don't want to live well, then there's somewhere else for you to go."

Hongzhao deliberately put on a stern face and said this, then raised his chin at Xiaodezi.

Since learning that the Crown Prince had returned to the palace, Jinxi brought the rewards she had prepared in advance and finally managed to deliver them to Xiao Dezi after a great rush.

The principle of "give a man a shot and you a treat" is timeless.

"The Crown Princess and I have already prepared rewards for you. The Crown Princess gave hers yesterday, so I will give you more today."

Three trays were placed around the three people. The item on Gao Xiyue's side was obviously larger, and the outline of a musical instrument could be vaguely seen.

She was the most lively of them all, and her curiosity was already starting to get the better of her. Seeing that neither the Crown Prince nor the Crown Princess stopped her, she directly lifted the red cloth covering the instrument, revealing a beautiful pipa neatly placed on a tray. Its value was immediately apparent at a glance.

Seeing that she had already opened it, Hongzhao stopped keeping her in suspense—"The Crown Princess told me that you are skilled at playing the pipa, and it just so happens that I have one in my storeroom. It can be said that this talented horse has finally met its discerning owner."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Gao Xiyue happily picked up the pipa to examine it, but she knew to keep quiet and didn't pluck it to make any noise in the hall.

"Shushen has the 'Lady Guo's Spring Outing' painting, which I obtained from my father. You've always liked this; take it and enjoy it."

When it came to Su Luyun's turn, Hongzhao really didn't know what she liked in her youth. Even when Fucha Yingjun sent people to inquire, they didn't get any results. But seeing her like this today, Hongzhao still felt that he hadn't made the wrong choice.

"Green Jasmine has prepared clothes and fox furs for all four seasons, all made of silk satin and brocade, with bright colors that suit your age perfectly."

Seeing that everyone had happily accepted the gifts, Hongzhao explained the result of his discussion with Yingjun.

"I have paid my respects today. From now on, follow the rule of visiting on the first and fifteenth of each month. If there is nothing else, come twice a month. Do not disturb the Crown Princess's pregnancy."