"Mother, don't worry. When the city fell, I sent Ning's son with Hao'er to leave first. He protected Hao'er all the way and he was not injured."
Even if he suffers a little, it will be good for him in the future.
Although her son said that, the Imperial Noble Consort's heart was still in turmoil.
She treasured a fake in the palace like a precious gem, while her own grandson suffered all sorts of misfortune outside the palace.
Although her son said that the Ning family boy would protect her, she knew very well that the Ning family boy was only a teenager, just a young boy.
The two children traveled thousands of miles together, only to find that someone had already replaced them in the palace when they arrived in the capital. How painful that must have been for them.
Those who dare to send people to impersonate them would probably kill them if they were discovered.
The Imperial Noble Consort felt extremely distressed whenever she thought about these things.
He pressed Tantai Haoze for details about his experiences outside the palace, until the Third Prince mentioned that the boy had been saved by someone despite his misfortune.
Later, she even obtained a method for cultivating immortality, and the Imperial Noble Consort's complexion finally improved.
But the thought that his grandson would be going with his imperial uncle in the future, and that he might never see him again, made him sad.
The Third Prince comforted her helplessly, "Mother, we should think positively. Father has been asking for this path for decades without success. Now that Hao'er has been favored by the immortals, it is his good fortune."
Hearing her say that, the Imperial Noble Consort could say nothing more.
Thinking of the Third Prince, she sighed.
“My son, the capital is not peaceful now. Although my son and I have no ambitions, as long as we are involved, we will inevitably be plotted against.”
What are your thoughts on this?
Although the Imperial Noble Consort hoped that he would stay away from trouble, she was not an tyrannical person.
She still wanted to hear what her son had to say.
The Third Prince had clearly already considered this matter.
When the Imperial Noble Consort said this, he directly expressed his thoughts.
“Mother, actually, I have long thought about asking to be granted a fiefdom. Before, I was worried about Haoze and thought I would leave when he was older.”
But now, I'm afraid even if I wanted to leave, I wouldn't be able to.
Why is that?
As a member of the imperial family, the Imperial Noble Consort was not allowed to interfere in state affairs according to regulations. Although she was intelligent, there were still some things she did not understand.
When the Imperial Noble Consort asked about it, the Third Prince told her about the current situation in the court.
“Mother, the Crown Prince has harbored rebellious intentions and acts ruthlessly. I fear that Father Emperor has already considered deposing the Crown Prince.”
It won't be so easy for us princes to leave the capital.
"If we don't tell, Father won't agree, and even the Crown Prince's faction won't let us reach our fiefdoms alive."
Although the Imperial Noble Consort was not knowledgeable about court affairs, she still had these kinds of understandings.
She knew that now was indeed not the right time to request an official seal.
However, he was even more worried about the Third Prince.
After all, the Crown Prince holds the position of the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and apart from the Crown Prince, only the Third Prince has the most noble birth.
Her child was kind and honest from a young age, never fighting or grabbing, yet he was still seen as a thorn in the Crown Prince's side. Now, he's probably become a thorn in his flesh, and he can't help but want to get rid of him.
"well……"
The Imperial Noble Consort sighed softly.
She had originally planned that once the Third Prince was granted the title of King, she would leave the palace and go with him to his fiefdom to live out her remaining years in peace.
Later, let the princess have more children, so that she can enjoy her grandchildren like an ordinary old lady.
Now it seems that her wish will probably never be fulfilled.
She could almost foresee that if His Majesty really intended to depose the Crown Prince, the Third Prince would be the most suitable candidate for the position.
And it is precisely for this reason that the Crown Prince probably wishes he could get rid of him as soon as possible.
The Imperial Noble Consort gave her son a deep look.
"Be extra careful these days, and try to avoid going out too much."
The Third Prince knew that his mother was worried about him, so he smiled and comforted her.
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll be fine with Young Master Ning by my side. He's also been taught immortal techniques by the immortals, so ordinary people can't get close to me."
The Third Prince then called out to the outside.
"Ning Yi".
Upon hearing this, Ning Yi appeared from outside, each step exuding an aura of unassailable authority.
The Imperial Noble Consort was about to rise and pay her respects when she saw Ning Yi had already clasped his hands in greeting.
"Ning Yi greets the Imperial Noble Consort."
Although Ning Yi has begun cultivating immortality, he still has the deep-rooted awe of the royal family that comes from his mortal background.
The Imperial Noble Consort quickly rose to return the greeting.
"No, no, Young Master Ning is now an immortal, how could I dare to accept the courtesy of an immortal?"
Ning Yi wasn't good with words, and he didn't know how to respond to her.
They could only turn to the Third Prince for help.
Seeing how polite the two were, the Third Prince smiled and said to the Imperial Noble Consort.
“Mother, Young Master Ning has already been accepted as a disciple by the Imperial Uncle, so he’s practically family now. Let’s not stand on ceremony.”
Then he said to Ning Yi, "There are no outsiders here, young master, please have a seat."
As she spoke, she got up and personally poured him a cup of tea.
Ning Yi sat down beside the Third Prince. Knowing that the person opposite him was the grandmother of Tantai Haoze, with whom he had depended on each other for several months and whom he had long regarded as his own younger brother, Ning Yi felt a sense of respect.
"Imperial Consort, you need not worry about the safety of the Third Prince. Prince Xiaoyao will take care of them."
The Crown Prince and the youngest son of the Prince of Zhenguo's Mansion have a very close relationship, and the Princess Consort also shows some favor to the Third Prince's family.
When the Imperial Noble Consort heard him mention Lin Jiujiu, she couldn't help but recall everything that had happened in the Imperial Garden not long ago, and she recounted the events to the Third Prince.
They even emphasized it.
"My son, prepare a generous gift and visit the Prince's residence later to apologize to the young prince on my behalf."
The Third Prince smiled when he heard this.
"Mother, don't worry. Haoze was raised by the Princess's side before. The Princess knows his temperament better than anyone. She will not hold a grudge against him because of a fake."
The Imperial Noble Consort was relieved to hear this.
The Third Prince has been in the Imperial Noble Consort's palace for quite some time, and according to the rules, he should leave now.
The Third Prince and Ning Yi rose to take their leave.
The Imperial Noble Consort personally escorted the two out of the palace.
Then, she watched as the two people walking side by side gradually disappeared from sight.
The Imperial Noble Consort couldn't help but sigh inwardly; this was truly the work of a celestial being.
Little did he know, Ning Yi had simply put the concealment talisman that Lin Jiujiu had given him back on his body.
Not long after the two left, the emperor's men arrived at the concubine's palace and invited her to accompany the emperor to a palace banquet.
Because the Crown Prince has committed many offenses recently, his mother has also been implicated.
This banquet was originally supposed to be with the Empress by the side of the Emperor Chu, but she was deliberately left out.
After encountering the fake Crown Prince in the Imperial Garden and causing some conflict, Lin Jiujiu and her companions lost interest in exploring the garden any further.
Fearing to offend the important person, Fu Lai simply led him to a side hall of Ganlin Palace, where the banquet was being held, to rest.
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