Chapter 81 Family Banquet at Taiye Pond

Hongzhao's words, comparing himself to the Third Prince, echoed Hongshi's. Although somewhat childish, it was definitely a safe and even commendable answer in front of the Emperor. Therefore, seeing that his father's expression was not good, but his hands were still firmly supporting him, Hongzhao felt no worry whatsoever.

As usual, he put his arm around his father's neck and rested his head on his broad shoulders. The scent of ambergris had accompanied him through countless sweet dreams. Hongzhao closed his eyes.

The Qing Dynasty prince's daily routine was truly bizarre. Now, before noon and before even having eaten, he felt like he could barely keep his eyes open. Perhaps it was the comforting feeling of being nestled in his father's arms, with the warm sun shining down, that made him fall soundly asleep in his gently swaying embrace.

Yinzhen, oblivious to everything, continued walking forward without uttering a word. He intended to make the boy in his arms, who dared to say anything, worry for a while, rather than always having to listen to him with trepidation.

While he was thinking, he didn't notice the familiar figures in front of him at all.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Hearing the noise, Yinzhen stopped and looked closely. The sunlight was a bit dazzling, so he squinted. "Why did the Tenth Prince Consort come to the palace today? Consort Wan also came out."

The Tenth Princess Consort's gaze lingered on the Fifth Prince in the Emperor's arms for a moment before she bowed and smiled politely, saying, "Today, I went to the palace to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. On my way back, I happened to run into Consort Wan. Since we had met once before, we exchanged a few words."

With outsiders present, Zhen Huan couldn't act as she always did. She forced a smile and echoed, "The sun is shining brightly today, and it's so warm. I came out for a stroll and happened to run into the Fujin."

Yinzhen didn't say anything, just nodded. Seeing that the Tenth Prince's wife's gaze was fixed on him, he also looked down at Hongzhao, who hadn't uttered a sound since the beginning, and quickly looked down at him as well.

This child is usually very well-mannered, so why is he so quiet and silent today? Could it be that he was really frightened just now?

He tilted his head and hunched his neck to look at the face of the child in his arms. He was facing Hongzhao's peaceful sleeping face. Perhaps because someone had spoken earlier, he was not sleeping as soundly as before. His little hands were tightly clutching the dragon robe on his shoulders.

Yinzhen was silent for a moment, then burst out laughing.

The child was upset and worried that he might have cried secretly. This was the first time in his life that he had thrown a little tantrum. But he was relieved and fell asleep peacefully.

Hmm... his carefree attitude is just like his mother's.

Seeing the Emperor laughing as he looked at the child in his arms, everyone curiously leaned forward to look. It was the Tenth Prince's wife who reacted first, lowering her voice and laughing as she said, "Everyone says that Prince Rui is the Emperor's favorite, and seeing him today, it is indeed true. Indeed, looking at this adorable child, who wouldn't like him?"

Zhen Huan quietly watched Hongzhao sleeping soundly in the Emperor's arms. Her eyes seemed to hold envy, as well as some other indescribable emotions. Having just lost her child, she couldn't help but feel saddened by the sight.

Actually, if Hongzhao hadn't been there, the Emperor had intended to take the opportunity to say a few words to Consort Wan. But now that the Tenth Prince Consort had said that, he felt even more pleased, thinking to himself, "I knew my eldest son was better than all of yours; no one could dislike him."

He reached out to protect Hongzhao's head, as if afraid that the warm summer breeze would make him catch a cold, and said softly in a low voice, "Then Consort Wan should accompany the Tenth Prince's wife for a stroll. Take care of yourself. I will take You'er back first."

"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty."

The princess rose and slowly turned to look at the emperor's back and the small head peeking out from his shoulder.

Both parents love their sons. The Emperor carried his beloved son as they walked along the palace road, while she could only visit her Qingcheng and Hongxuan once a month. She only had these two children. Her eyes were filled with sadness, and she secretly resolved to give Prince Dun a good talking-to when she returned, and not to oppose the Emperor again for the sake of her children.

——

Hongzhao was unaware that his sleeping posture had been completely exposed to everyone. When he finally came to his senses, he was already in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

It's not a side hall, but the main hall.

He reached out to rub his eyes, but Su Peisheng, who had been standing guard beside him, stopped him.

"Brother is awake, let's wipe your face first."

Hongzhao turned his head in confusion, looking at the already dark sky outside, and met his father's smiling eyes through the bright candlelight inside the room.

"Yesterday I reminded myself to keep my word and be a gentleman, and not to forget our appointment for riding and archery today, but someone fell asleep first and broke their promise."

Yinzhen sat on the edge of the couch, holding a memorial in his hand, and looked at the child on the bed whose eyes were still dazed. Su Peisheng looked at the father and son with an even deeper smile.

Hongzhao gave him a mischievous smile and said, "Father loves his son and let him sleep a little longer. It's just Father's love for his youngest son. It doesn't count as my breaking my promise. Let's set another time and invite Uncle Thirteen to come and take a look."

The Emperor didn't take it as a child's joke, and seriously considered it—"The Empress just sent someone to say that a banquet will be held at Taiye Pond in half a month. Since it's a family banquet, please invite the Empress Dowager to come as well, and also invite the Thirteenth Prince. Concubines with children can bring their children along. I can take this opportunity to see how good your archery skills are."

"Good! Mother is so bored in Yongshou Palace these days, she'll naturally be happy to hear the news."

Yinzhen glanced at the sky outside and saw that it was time for dinner. He turned to Su Peisheng with a smile and gestured in Hongzhao's direction, "Help the Fifth Prince change his clothes. Since he's feeling bored, let's go see your mother."

"Yes." Whenever Prince Hongzhao was by his side, the Emperor was in an exceptionally good mood, and as the chief eunuch by the Emperor's side, he was naturally happy as well.

“Hongjin should be playing with the Empress Dowager. Have someone bring Hongjin back to Yongshou Palace so our family can have a meal together.”