The Crown Prince is the Empress's legitimate son. He is twenty years old this year. He is well-read and learned. He was famous in the capital for his talent from a young age. If you disregard his status as the Crown Prince, he is also a renowned scholar. In addition, he is handsome and tall like a bamboo, which makes him very eye-catching.
Qiao Lian'er didn't usually interact much with Chu Yaoce, but she noticed that he seemed to be waiting for her here on purpose.
He then performed a greeting: "Greetings, Your Highness, may Your Highness live a thousand years."
Chu Yaoce looked at the woman in front of him who still had her hair styled like a young girl. Qiao Lian'er was a legend in the capital, and even more unbelievable to him.
He was exceptionally talented and became famous at a young age, always full of pride. However, Qiao Lian'er had already made military achievements at the age of twelve and was now a princess. She was a girl from a rural family, unlike him who had the best conditions for upbringing from birth, yet had reached this point so quickly.
This is truly a chosen one, a genius of unparalleled talent. Even the most remote and harshest environments cannot stop her from shining.
Chu Yaoce returned the greeting and said, "I am waiting for the princess here, and I have no other intentions."
"It's just to express my gratitude to the princess."
"Thank you?" Qiao Lian'er didn't understand.
“Thank you, Princess, for sharing so many of my father’s worries and bringing him joy. My father has always been a serious man, but since you entered the palace, he has smiled more and is more relaxed. For the past six months to a year, he has not had any health problems, which is unprecedented.” Chu Yaoce’s words came from the bottom of his heart.
Qiao Lian'er said, "As a subject of the Emperor, this is my duty, Your Highness. Please don't stand on ceremony."
After saying this, he took his leave.
This matter quickly reached the emperor's ears.
"Did the Crown Prince send any valuable gifts to the Princess, or give any hints or instructions?"
"Your Majesty, no."
"It seems that Ce'er is genuinely happy for me," the emperor nodded.
He was close to Qiao Lian'er, even more so than to the princesses he had fathered, but he didn't want anyone to target Qiao Lian'er or try to take advantage of her in front of him, as that would only tarnish their pure relationship as ruler and subject.
Chu Yaoce had just stepped into the East Palace, and the thoughtful look on his face had not yet faded, when he heard a shrill voice from the side.
"Oh, Second Prince, I never thought that as the Crown Prince, you would need to fawn over a little girl. You really will stop at nothing to get someone to help you flatter and please Father."
Chu Yaoce frowned and turned to look, where Chu Yaozhao's mocking face came into view.
Chu Yaozhao was the eldest son of the emperor, born to the most favored Consort Han. He always believed that he was the most qualified person to compete with the crown prince for the throne, and even though the crown prince had been established and the heir apparent had been determined, his determination remained strong.
Compared to Chu Yaoce, who was well-read and possessed excellent strategies, Chu Yaozhao was more focused on understanding and manipulating people's hearts.
"Your Majesty, please be careful with your words. I am only grateful to that girl for making Father happy. As her son, I cannot remain indifferent to the filial piety that others can fulfill that I cannot."
"Second brother, you always put on a high-sounding facade. Do you think I don't know you? On the surface, you're a gentleman, but you know your own intentions better than anyone else."
Chu Yaoce remained calm and composed, only smiling faintly: "If my elder brother can understand me, it means he can also sympathize with me. We are brothers, and together we will help our father solve his problems."
The other party was like a slippery fish, difficult to grasp, and slipped away before it could even touch you.
Chu Yaozhao choked, all his sarcasm stuck in his throat.
"I need to read now. If you have nothing else to say, Your Majesty, please leave." Chu Yaoce once again gave him the order to leave in a lukewarm manner.
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