Chapter 553: A Small Punishment, a Big Warning

"From the looks of it, Jinnian is going to win."

"Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. We can't tell who will win until the very end. This game of chess hasn't even come to an end yet. How can Your Majesty know that I will lose?" Chu Yunzhao was immediately dissatisfied when he heard this and retorted.

"If you don't believe me, why don't you just watch us here?"

"Since you said so, how can I not watch it?" Chu Shengrui was amused by Chu Yunzhao's appearance and his expression softened a lot. He even moved closer and said with a smile, "How about this, whoever wins the chess game later, I will reward you with a wish. How about it?"

"Your Majesty, your words are as good as gold. You are not allowed to go back on your word." Chu Yunzhao said hurriedly.

"I am the Son of Heaven. How can I go back on my word?" Chu Shengrui said with a smile.

"In that case, I will respectfully obey your command." Chu Yunzhao pulled Chu Jinnian back to sit beside the chessboard, "It's your turn now."

Chu Jinnian held the white piece and thought for a long time before making the move.

This move was quite strange. Chu Yunzhao thought about it for a moment before making the move.

Chu Shengrui watched the two people fighting fiercely on the chessboard, nodded slightly, and smiled approvingly.

Concubine Hui personally brought tea over and handed it to Chu Shengrui, then sat next to him. "The two children are just having fun here, but the emperor insisted on letting them compete with each other."

"Why is the Emperor here at this hour?"

At this time, Chu Shengrui usually reviewed memorials in the palace.

"Because I was upset about the matter between the Queen and Yunhe, and couldn't bear to read the memorials, I went out for a walk." Chu Shengrui sighed.

Concubine Hui's eyes flickered, and the smile on her face faded a little, "Your Majesty, don't be too angry, or you will get yourself hurt by anger."

"After all, although the Empress is the Empress, she is still a mother-in-law. There are few mothers-in-law who don't hope for a grandchild. The eldest prince has been married for many years but has no children. Now that Liang is pregnant, and it's a boy, it's reasonable for the Empress to value her."

"The Empress is the head of the palace and the mother of the country. If the Emperor punishes her for too long, it will inevitably lead to excessive discussion. Since the eldest prince has already accepted the punishment, I dare to ask the Emperor to waive the Empress's house arrest."

"If there is no punishment, it will be difficult to calm down the anger." Chu Shengrui glanced at Concubine Hui and said.

"Since the emperor feels that punishment is necessary, why not just fine him for two months of monthly salary? This will convince the public." Concubine Hui smiled and said, "It can be considered a small punishment but a big warning."

Chu Shengrui's mind suddenly moved. He held Concubine Hui's hand and laughed, "You are trying so hard to beg for mercy. Do you really think I can't see what you are thinking?"

Concubine Hui pouted, somewhat dissatisfied, "Your Majesty is the highest authority, how can it be so strange that he can understand the thoughts of a little girl like me? Your Majesty has known for so many years that I am the one who wants to be lazy and idle the most, so I will naturally avoid this kind of thing if I can."

When Chu Shengrui saw Concubine Hui's appearance, she looked just as cute and lovely as when he first met her. He felt more and more fond of her and sighed.

This Imperial Concubine Hui obviously had the ability to be a housekeeper, but she did not have any intention of usurping power. Most of the time she avoided suspicion everywhere, and no one could find any fault with her.

The same was true of Chu Yunzhao, who was teaching him. He was diligent and serious in his work and study on weekdays, but in front of him, he could be innocent and lively like a son, allowing him to enjoy the family happiness of a normal father. The Seventh Princess was even more intelligent, cute, dignified and generous.

It can be said that everything is good.

Chu Shengrui even sometimes thought that if he could get married a few years later, perhaps he would be able to live in harmony with Concubine Hui and treat each other as equals.

It’s a pity that we didn’t have this fate at that time, so this is all we can do now.

"I know, I know. How could I not know about this?" Chu Shengrui retracted his wandering thoughts and said with a smile, "Since you proposed this, then I will do it."

"It's just that I just made a statement. If I take it back now, it would seem too fickle. It would be better to confine him for half a month and deduct his salary for two months."

"Your Majesty is wise. There is nothing wrong with this move." Concubine Hui smiled with her eyebrows curved. "Your Majesty, please drink your tea quickly. If you continue talking, the tea will get cold."

"Okay." Chu Shengrui smiled and lowered his head to take a sip of tea.

Concubine Hui's eyes flashed, and a mocking smile crossed her lips.

The Queen was under house arrest, and only she, the Imperial Concubine, could bear the power to manage the six palaces. Not only would she become the target of public criticism, but the Queen's house arrest would have to be lifted sooner or later. When the Queen's house arrest was lifted, she would be full of hatred and would definitely find some loopholes in these matters to suppress her prestige.

It can be said that this is a completely difficult and thankless task, and she doesn't want to do it.

What's more, one does not know how expensive firewood and rice are until he is in charge of the household. When one is not in that position, one can pretend not to know many things. But when one is actually in charge, one has to think about and do many things practically, which will naturally put one in many difficult situations. One may even have to advise the emperor and argue with the empress dowager. Rather than being caught between many parties and being disliked by others, it is better to be a noble concubine and not worry about everything, and just be bright and beautiful.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

This is true even for the emperor. Faced with someone who nags at him all day long about trivial matters, Chu Shengrui, who reviews memorials and deals with the troublesome affairs of state all day long, will only become more and more annoyed, and naturally prefers to be with someone who has a romantic relationship with him.

Therefore, in order to ensure that you continue to be favored, sometimes, not touching those rights is actually an excellent choice.

As the two were talking, the chess game between Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian was gradually coming to an end.

And the result was that Chu Yunzhao won.

"The Fourth Prince is an expert at chess. I am in awe of him." Chu Jinnian bowed and said with a smile.

“No, no, it’s just a trial run.” Chu Yunzhao waved his hand nonchalantly, then walked over to Chu Shengrui with a grin, “Father, I won. As for what you just promised…”

"Just tell me what your wish is. I will definitely fulfill it." Seeing that his son won the chess game from Chu Jinnian, Chu Shengrui smiled and waved his hand, looking quite generous.

"Then I will speak directly."

Chu Yunzhao said, "Your Majesty, you know that I have reached the age to marry, but I have been dragging my feet and refusing to marry because I am attracted to Miss Luo..."

"Why are you bringing this up?" Concubine Hui interrupted Chu Yunzhao. "Although Miss Luo has good looks, family background, and temperament, and is a good match for you, it was said before that you and Miss Luo are not compatible. If you force the marriage, it will only cause unrest in both families."

(End of this chapter)