Lu Jinshu said to Ling Xihe, "State affairs are of paramount importance. Your mother is always concerned with matters of state and family. Xihe, unless you have something of life or death at stake, you must not go to the Imperial Study to disturb your mother. Do you understand?"
Ling Xihe nodded obediently, then turned and ran towards the door. "I understand. I won't disturb the Queen Mother. I'm going back to Changxin Palace now to pick peach petals with my second father."
Lu Jinshu's face showed a rare look of anxiety, "It's still snowing outside, you should put on a thick cloak before going out..." Before he finished speaking, Ling Xihe had already disappeared without a trace.
Jiufu, holding a thick coat for children, chased after the door. "Don't worry, my lady, I'll go find the princess right away. I won't let her catch a cold."
Lu Jinshu couldn't help but sigh. Girls were always so naughty. If he had given birth to a son, he would surely be much more quiet and he wouldn't have to worry about him so much.
When Lu Jinshu and Ling Xihe were talking, Yan Yuyang kept his head down and looked at his toes, standing there very quietly.
He Huaichen seemed to have finally come back to his senses, and murmured in shock, "How can peach blossoms bloom when it's snowing so heavily outside?"
When Ling Shumo planted peach trees in winter for Shangguan Xu, He Huaichen's sister He Huiyuan was still a local official, so he didn't know about the story that was spread in the Eastern Palace at that time.
If someone else asked such a question, Lu Jinshu might just make a few perfunctory remarks, but considering that the Chisha Empire might go to war with the Qilan Empire in the near future, Ling Shumo would definitely make use of the mighty General He Huiyuan.
Lu Jinshu treated He Huaichen with extraordinary patience. "Shangguan Guiyi loves peach blossoms the most. In order to make him happy, His Majesty ordered the people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs to cultivate peach trees that bloom in winter."
He Huaichen's eyes unconsciously revealed an envious look, "Master Guiyi is so blessed by His Majesty, it is really enviable."
Lu Jinshu smiled and said, "I think Mr. He is a lucky man. I believe he will soon be favored by His Majesty. You don't have to envy others so much."
He Huaichen couldn't help but feel happy, "I hope things will turn out just as the Queen said."
Lu Jinshu chatted with the two people for a few more words and then sent them back.
Jiufu said, "That Beauty Yan doesn't look arrogant or impatient, and seems to be a very calm person. As for General He's brother, he shows his joy so easily. Even if he has a good family background, it would be difficult for him to survive in the harem."
Lu Jinshu flipped open the account book in his hand while recalling He Huaichen's words and actions. "Even I wouldn't dare say I can see through a person at a glance. It's not uncommon for a young man from a prominent family to disguise his character. Let's observe him for a few more days."
When His Majesty sends General He to the battlefield, even if He Huaichen isn't favored every night, he'll spend most of his time in the harem with him. If he becomes arrogant because of his favor, then it's almost certain he's a fool."
Jiufu's thoughts turned to Yan Yuyang again. "In my opinion, that Mr. He is nothing. It's Concubine Yan who is the master's biggest worry. Back then, Mei Rongze (Jiang He) only looked a little like that man, and yet he was already praised to the skies by His Majesty. This Concubine Yan and that man's voice are simply ripped from each other. Once he gains the favor, who knows how much trouble he will stir up in the harem."
Lu Jinshu merely smiled, not as worried as Jiufu had imagined. His Majesty's willingness to accept Yan Yuyang was a signal to those below him. With Yan Yuyang as an example, more people resembling Pei Jiusheng would be sent to the palace. But whether they resembled the voice, the appearance, or the personality, they were all fakes. One such fake was a novelty; if there were too many, His Majesty wouldn't even bother to look at them.
Unless the dead Pei Jiusheng could crawl out of the coffin again, Lu Jinshu would not be afraid of anyone.
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