Prince Ning couldn't wait to leave the hall and left with his men.
Pei snorted in disdain and said to Liu Zhao, "Boss, take your wife to the palace. Remember to come back early in the evening so that the whole family can have dinner together."
Liu Zhao responded expressionlessly, "Son, I understand. Mother, you should also think more positively."
Pei was furious. "I'm worried that your father will be drained of his body by the little demon and die early."
"Don't worry, mother. Father knows how to take care of his body. He will definitely live a long life." Liu Yi came close to Pei and whispered something, which made Pei laugh.
Gu Jiu looked at it and saw a picture of a loving mother and a filial son, but Liu Zhao had nothing to do with it.
Liu Zhao acted as if he was not a person and did not care at all. He said to Gu Jiu, "Let's go."
Gu Jiu nodded and followed Liu Zhao out of the hall.
Liu Yi watched the two of them leave, lowered his eyes and smiled.
Gu Jiu got on the carriage directly at the second gate and set off for the palace.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they left the palace, Liu Zhao also got into the carriage.
Gu Jiu was irritated and coughed several times. She pointed at Liu Zhao and asked, "Why aren't you riding a horse?"
Liu Zhao said as a matter of course: "I am too tired today, so I won't ride for now."
Gu Jiu's cheeks flushed slightly, and she couldn't help but think of last night.
Liu Zhao stared at Gu Jiu with a deep gaze and asked, "Are you blushing?"
Gu Jiu flatly denied it, "Nonsense, I won't blush."
oh!
People who don't blush will have red ears.
Liu Zhao smiled knowingly and did not expose Gu Jiu.
They soon arrived at the palace gate. After verifying their identities, the two of them entered the palace in a carriage.
Gu Jiu lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked outside, then asked curiously, "Why did you enter the palace from the Jinguan Gate?" Isn't that an extra detour?
Liu Zhao said calmly, "There are few people here. As the year draws to a close, the Mingde Gate is bustling with people coming in and out."
Gu Jiu was skeptical.
The carriage stopped at the second palace gate.
Liu Zhaoxian got off the carriage and stretched out his hand to Gu Jiu.
Without any hesitation, Gu Jiu placed his hand in Liu Zhao's warm and dry big hand.
Liu Zhao exerted force and Gu Jiu was almost carried down by him.
Gu Jiu's cheeks were flushed. As soon as he landed, he quickly distanced himself from Liu Zhao and straightened his collar to avoid being disrespectful.
Liu Zhao said with a cold expression, "We will go to Xingqing Palace to pay our respects first, and then to Changchun Palace to pay our respects."
"I'll listen to you."
At this moment, Gu Jiu looked humble and submissive, just like a virtuous young wife.
Liu Zhao's eyebrows moved, and he really wanted to know how many faces Gu Jiu had.
Looking at Gu Jiu's current state, who could have imagined that she dared to kick him off the bed last night.
In Liu Zhao's mind, being kicked off the bed by his wife was a great humiliation.
He is a man, he is generous, and he doesn't care about Gu Jiu.
He said, "Let's go. We can't keep the Emperor waiting for too long."
Gu Jiu nodded and followed Liu Zhao to Xingqing Palace.
Attendant Shen came out to greet them. "Greetings, Master, Madam. His Majesty is currently speaking with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Crown Princess. Why don't you two wait in the side hall?"
Liu Zhao wasn't surprised to hear that the Crown Prince was in the main hall, but he was surprised to hear that the Crown Princess was also there.
He asked, "Why is the Crown Princess in there?"
Attendant Shen smiled and said, "Sir, don't you know? The Crown Prince is seriously ill, and the Crown Princess is worried, so she specially accompanied the Crown Prince to see the Emperor."
It can still be operated this way.
Could it be that the Crown Princess was worried that the Crown Prince would never return and be killed by the Emperor, so she wanted to accompany the Crown Prince to meet the Emperor?
Liu Zhao nodded, "I understand. Thank you, Attendant Shen."
"You are too polite, sir. Would you and your wife like to wait in the side hall, or..."
"Let's go to the side hall." Liu Zhao glanced at Gu Jiu.
He didn't care, but Gu Jiu was afraid of the cold. So he decided to wait in the side hall, where it was warmer.
"Sir, Madam, please come this way."
The two followed Minister Shen to the side hall, which was indeed as warm as spring.
The palace servants served tea and snacks and then left.
Gu Jiu didn't dare drink tea or eat snacks. She wasn't worried about someone tampering with Xingqing Palace, but she was worried about drinking too much and needing to go to the toilet.
You must be careful with your words and actions in the palace.
Even though Gu Jiu was very curious about the reason why the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were summoned at this time, she restrained her curiosity and did not mention a word.
Liu Zhao stood by the window, looking outside with a serious expression.
Inside the hall, the prince knelt on the ground, his face flushed and looking sickly.
There were memorials scattered on the ground, all of which impeached the Eastern Palace and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Emperor Kaiyao pointed at the Crown Prince and angrily cursed, "Look at you, you don't even look like a ruler. You can't even manage the Eastern Palace properly, and you've been impeached by so many people. What else can you do? You're useless!"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was trembling all over, his expression was agitated, and he opened his mouth several times but couldn't utter a word.
The Crown Princess also knelt on the ground, "I beg Your Majesty to consider the Crown Prince's serious illness and be understanding. These things were done by the subordinates without the Crown Prince's knowledge, and were not instructed by him. Please understand."
Emperor Kaiyao was enraged. "Do you think I don't know? If these things were instigated by the Crown Prince, I would have deposed him long ago. Why would I bother to persuade him so earnestly, calling him over again and again, and reminding him again and again? He can't even manage a small Eastern Palace, and he's even deceived by his subordinates. What else can he be but a good-for-nothing?"
The Crown Princess's face turned pale. "Father is right. The Crown Prince has been seriously ill recently and has neglected his subordinates. I never thought someone would take advantage of the opportunity to do something unethical behind the Crown Prince's back. This matter..."
“That’s enough!”
Emperor Kaiyao angrily scolded the Crown Princess, "Don't whitewash the situation for the Crown Prince. Are these things just happening recently? The Eastern Palace has always been poorly managed. You are useless and foolish! In the past, the Queen protected you, but now that she's gone, your true colors are revealed. How could I have given birth to such an incompetent son like you? You've completely disgraced me."
"Your son, your son..."
After holding it in for a long time, the prince finally made a sound.
"I acknowledge my guilt."
There was only one sentence of confession, without any excuse.
The Crown Princess was extremely anxious and supported the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, are you okay?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince gasped for breath, "It's alright. Father, I acknowledge my guilt."
"Shut up!"
Emperor Kaiyao raised his foot and kicked the prince directly in the chest in front of the Crown Princess.
The prince was kicked to the ground.
The Crown Princess was anxious and shouted, "Your Highness? Your Highness, are you okay?"
The prince felt chest pain and looked distressed, but he insisted, "It's okay."
Emperor Kaiyao pointed at the Crown Prince and cursed, "I have long reminded you that a ruler must not be soft-hearted. When blood must be shed, it must be shed. Did you listen to a single word I said?"
"Your son is stupid and guilty."
The prince dragged his sick body and knelt obediently.
"Shut up, you're always so stupid, knowing your sins but refusing to repent. Why did I give birth to a useless piece of shit like you?"
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince lowered his head, sweating profusely, feeling cold and trembling all over, and his heart ached more and more.
"Father, please spare the Crown Prince. He is seriously ill and cannot bear such harsh criticism from you, Father."
The Crown Princess burst into tears.
Emperor Kaiyao chuckled twice, "He can't bear it? What did he do earlier? I ask you, what did he do earlier?"
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has realized his mistake. He will change, he really will." The Crown Princess kowtowed repeatedly, one after another, making a 'dong dong dong' sound, and her forehead was broken.
Emperor Kaiyao had a stern face and was naturally majestic. "Get out, all of you, get out. I get angry just by looking at you. Get out, get out now."
The Crown Princess was as if she had been pardoned. She supported the unsteady Crown Prince and staggered out of the hall.
As the prince walked out of the hall, he was blown by the cold wind and his whole body convulsed, and he fell to the ground.
"Your Highness, Your Highness..."
The Crown Princess was horrified.
The palace servant hurriedly helped the prince up, "Your Highness has fainted."
"Your Highness, I hope nothing happens to you." The Crown Princess cried bitterly.
Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu heard the noise and came out from the side hall.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was unconscious, his face was pale, and it seemed that he was seriously ill.
Gu Jiu took a closer look and had some guesses about the Crown Prince's condition, but he didn't dare to say a word.
The palace servants hurriedly carried His Royal Highness the Crown Prince away.
The Crown Princess wiped her tears, feeling sad and upset, and chased after him.
Emperor Kaiyao listened to the noise outside the door and asked, "What's going on?"
Chen Dachang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is unconscious and the imperial physician is being summoned."
Emperor Kaiyao frowned, greatly dissatisfied. "I just scolded him a few words, and he dared to play coma with me. Does he really think I dare not deal with him?"
Chen Dachang said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been seriously ill recently. I never expected him to be so weak. It's truly worrying."
Emperor Kaiyao snorted coldly, the prince was not fit to be a king, not only was he incompetent, but his body was also not in good condition.
He suddenly asked, "Who's outside?"
"Your Majesty, Young Master Zhao and his wife have come to see you."
The muscles on Emperor Kaiyao's face relaxed instantly, and his expression softened.
"Send them in."
"As you wish."
Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu were invited into the hall.
"Your grandson pays homage to your royal grandfather and wishes him good health."
"Your Majesty, your granddaughter-in-law, wishes you good health."
"Get up."
Emperor Kaiyao was no longer angry at this time.
It is said that grandparents are closer than grandchildren, and this is fully reflected in Emperor Kaiyao.
Emperor Kaiyao wished he could kick his sons, whether they were the crown prince or other princes, to death.
But he is very kind to his many grandchildren.
For example, Emperor Kaiyao had completely different attitudes towards the Crown Prince and the Emperor's eldest grandson, father and son.
Emperor Kaiyao treated the prince coldly and ruthlessly, like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.
He treated the emperor's eldest grandson with kindness and compassion, like a loving old man.
The prince even said privately, "I wish I could be the emperor's grandson."
This shows how much the prince envies the emperor's eldest grandson.
Emperor Kaiyao asked casually, "Is your father back?"
Liu Zhao bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, my father returned home the day before yesterday."
Emperor Kaiyao sneered, "He's finally back. Tell him to come and see me tomorrow morning."
"Grandfather Emperor, please calm down." Liu Zhao advised softly.
Emperor Kaiyao frowned, "Don't even think about saying anything good about your father. Do you know what ridiculous things he did in the imperial mausoleum?"
Liu Zhao lowered his head and said calmly, "I know a little bit."
Emperor Kaiyao was furious and started cursing, "You're worse than pigs and dogs. You returned to the capital and didn't even come to the palace to pay your respects. Tell him that if I don't see him tomorrow morning, I'll have the Jinwu Guards peel off his skin."
Liu Zhao agreed, "My grandson will definitely convey my grandfather's words to my father truthfully."
Emperor Kaiyao immediately lost interest and waved his hand, "Go away. Um, Gu Jiu."
Emperor Kaiyao thought about it before remembering Gu Jiu's name.
Gu Jiu bowed and asked, "My granddaughter-in-law is here! What instructions does Your Majesty have?"
Emperor Kaiyao said casually, "Take good care of Zhao'er."
"Granddaughter-in-law obeys your order."
Gu Jiu followed Liu Zhao out of the hall. He didn't expect that the audience with the emperor would end so easily.
Liu Zhao seemed to know what Gu Jiu was thinking. He moved closer and whispered, "Grandfather is angry and doesn't want to talk to us anymore."
Gu Jiu understood.
Emperor Kaiyao didn't want to lose his temper with his grandson, but he was still fuming inside. He simply dismissed them with a few words to avoid venting his anger on his grandson and his wife.
Gu Jiu asked quietly, "Did father really do something ridiculous when he was in the imperial mausoleum?"
Liu Zhao said lightly, "Is it absurd to blaspheme our ancestors?"
Gu Jiu was speechless. Was Prince Ning courting death? How dare he blaspheme his ancestors?
Liu Zhao suddenly grasped Gu Jiu's hand and said, "Don't worry. Grandfather Royal values the people and agriculture above all else. As long as Father doesn't do anything to bully the people and harm the farmers, everything will be fine."
Gu Jiu suddenly realized, "Could it be that the East Palace is bullying the people and destroying the farmers?"
Liu Zhao smiled and said, "About the same."
Gu Jiu whispered, "Everyone says that His Royal Highness is kind and benevolent. Why is this happening?"
Liu Zhao said casually, "If you don't manage your subordinates strictly, it's inevitable that some people will become daring and do whatever they want in the name of the Eastern Palace."
No wonder Emperor Kaiyao is so dissatisfied with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Your Highness the Crown Prince is a king, but he cannot control his subjects. This is unqualified.
Gu Jiu followed Liu Zhao to Changchun Palace.
The Concubine Shu had been waiting for them for a long time.
"Grandson pays his respects to grandmother."
"Granddaughter-in-law pays homage to the Empress."
"No need to be polite, please take a seat."
The Empress Shufei had an indifferent expression, showing no sign of joy.
She glanced at Gu Jiu calmly, then asked Liu Zhao, "Did you go to Xingqing Palace?"
Liu Zhao bowed slightly and said, "I have already paid my respects to the Emperor."
Concubine Shu held the cup lid and fiddled with the tea leaves. "I heard that early this morning, His Majesty summoned the Crown Prince and gave him a severe scolding. He was so frightened that he fainted. Is this true?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has indeed fainted."
Consort Shu scoffed, "That's all he's capable of. It was a waste of Empress Cui Ruizhen's decades of planning for him, only to find he's a hopeless loser."
Liu Zhao remained silent, disdainful of slandering the prince in front of others.
Concubine Shu was in a better mood, and the most obvious change was that there was more smile on her face.
She then asked, "I heard that the Crown Princess also went to Xingqing Palace?"
Liu Zhao nodded, "Exactly."
Concubine Shu sneered, "This woman is more cunning than the Crown Prince. But how can she support the Crown Prince when even Empress Cui Ruizhen couldn't? In my opinion, the Crown Prince doesn't have much time left."
Liu Zhao frowned.
Concubine Shu glanced at him and asked, "Are you dissatisfied with me?"
Liu Zhao bowed and said, "Grandson, I dare not."
Concubine Shu snorted coldly, "I know what you are thinking. This is Changchun Palace, no one dares to spread what I say. If you don't do this, I don't deserve to sit on the main seat of Changchun Palace."
Liu Zhao said, "Grandson understands."
Concubine Shu hummed, "I'm glad you understand. Stop getting angry with your fourth brother all day long. Focus more on your duties and think more about how to help your father. Liu Yi is your brother, and you know the principle of fighting a tiger with your brothers. Your fourth brother is a good person, and you have a prejudice against him, so you keep finding fault with him."
Liu Zhao raised his head and looked at Consort Shu. "Grandmother, have you heard any gossip?"
Concubine Shu smiled and said, "How could this palace listen to gossip? How could this palace not know the situation between you two brothers? You are the eldest brother, so you should give him some ground."
Liu Zhao laughed, "Grandmother really cares deeply about my fourth brother."
Concubine Shu was dissatisfied. "When you were little, I cared deeply for you. At first, I wanted to marry Qin'er to you, but you were not happy. Later, I proposed to marry Pei Yun to you, but you still disagreed. In the end, you chose Gu Jiu. I always took care of you, but it was you who didn't cherish the opportunity. How can you blame me?"
"My grandson dare not feel any resentment, and he has never felt any resentment. Xiaojiu is a very good person, and I am very satisfied with this marriage." Liu Zhao said in a resounding voice.
Concubine Shu glanced at Gu Jiu and said, "That's good, but it's a pity that my family is weak and can't help you. I just hope that the Gu family won't drag you down and implicate your father."
Gu Jiu bowed and said, "The Gu family dare not drag you back, let alone implicate your father."
"Shut up, I didn't ask you to speak."
Without any reason, Concubine Shu directly scolded Gu Jiu.
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