However, Li Chenjiao didn't take it too seriously. Today was the eldest prince's first birthday, and the main wife in the main courtyard had indeed put in a lot of effort.
At least in the main courtyard, the Fujin (principal wife) took great care in receiving the several primary Fujin.
Besides, I imagine there are other things going on outside.
Otherwise, the Fourth Prince wouldn't have left the manor so early today. Today is a day off, so it should be a day when the Fourth Prince has some free time.
If it weren't for something happening outside, the Fourth Prince wouldn't have left the mansion so early in the morning.
Moreover, the two pots of green chrysanthemums delivered to Li Chenjiao and the Fujin today were really inappropriate.
Even if it's something presented from outside, you always have to think twice before accepting it, especially if it's a rare item.
How could someone as cautious as the Fourth Prince casually accept gifts from outsiders? Isn't he afraid that His Majesty will find out?
Li Chenjiao couldn't understand it. The reason she was thinking about these things now was because everything the Fourth Master did determined the survival of the mansion. Li Chenjiao understood the principle that the upper and lower levels were one.
She pressed her temples; despite having thought about so much, her mind remained relatively calm.
Fine, I'll just trust Fourth Master.
In the main courtyard, even the Fujin herself was somewhat surprised that the Fourth Prince would come to the main courtyard today. She subconsciously straightened her clothes and went to greet him.
After the Fourth Prince said "No need for formalities," he took his seat. The Princess Consort smiled and sat down on the other side, then gently raised her hand to signal the maid to serve tea.
"Bring some hangover tea. Fourth Master must have had a long day."
As he walked from the front yard, the smell of alcohol on Fourth Master had dissipated somewhat.
The Fourth Prince said, "You've gone to so much trouble, Madam," and waited for the maid to serve him the hangover tea before speaking.
"Today is the first birthday of the eldest prince, and the princess consort has put in a lot of effort."
When the Fourth Prince said "thank you for your trouble" twice today, the Princess Consort realized that his expression wasn't just a polite remark, and her smile widened even further.
"You flatter me, sir. These are all my duties. But sir, you've been busy with social engagements today. Why don't you take a bath and rest early?"
The wife's words were very considerate.
The Fourth Prince waved his hand: "No rush. There is something else I need to discuss with my wife."
The princess paused, and after a long while, tentatively asked, "Is it because of those two pots of green chrysanthemums?"
As she spoke, the Fujin glanced out the window, but the sky was too dark to see clearly.
The Fourth Prince hummed in agreement: "I have received a few pots of green chrysanthemums. Nian Xialing didn't come for his son. Princess Consort, please inform her that this is not the time to deal with the Nian family."
The phrase "I got a few pots of green chrysanthemums here" has many implications.
The Fourth Prince received a few pots of green chrysanthemums, so perhaps the princes elsewhere received some other rare items.
However, the Fujin was still somewhat confused after hearing what the Fourth Prince said.
She didn't quite understand the first and second sentences.
However, seeing the Fourth Prince's expression, the Princess Consort couldn't bring herself to ask, so she could only wait until tomorrow to send someone back to ask her father.
As night deepened, the Princess Consort had indeed been quite exhausted from dealing with the Third and Eighth Princess Consorts and others. After bathing in the clean room, the two slept in the same bed.
Peace and tranquility prevailed.
Although the Fujin was somewhat disappointed, seeing the Fourth Prince sitting opposite her and talking about things today reminded her of when she had just entered the manor after her wedding.
Such memories brought some comfort to the Fujin's heart.
However, the Fourth Prince had a hard time sleeping tonight, as many things outside were on his mind.
At the age of 18, on June 15th, he and Guo Xiu, the Governor-General of Huguang, jointly submitted a memorial suggesting that the seven prefectures of Huguang levy taxes in silver based on land tax, which was approved by the Ministry.
Taxes were levied on land tax.
This actually coincides with what the Fourth Prince has always thought.
The green chrysanthemums that Nian Xialing sent were not meant to curry favor, but rather as a way to open the door.
That memorial was presented to the Emperor, but there has been no response to this day, which has only emboldened those in the court who oppose it.
How could those scholars who failed the imperial examinations this autumn so easily submit a joint petition to the Emperor?
Did he really not intend to use this to warn Nian Xialing about Nian Gengyao?
Anything involving taxes inevitably involves financial power, which means there's someone behind it who can't stand Nian Xiali.
It's just a pity about Lords Li and Jiang.
Fourth Master's gaze was deep and somber.
The fact that the Fourth Prince accepted the green chrysanthemums sent by Nian Xialing meant that he agreed with Nian Xialing's proposal.
This is not about forming cliques, so the Fourth Prince is not worried about arousing the Emperor's suspicion.
After all, the entire court is currently advocating against Guo Xiu and Nian Xialing's proposals. If the Fourth Prince accepts the gifts sent by Nian Xialing, what kind of factionalism is that?
Nian Gengyao is still reflecting on his actions in the Shuntian Prefecture prison, while the entire court is criticizing Guo Xiu for having impure intentions.
There's really nothing to worry about with Fourth Master.
Moreover, the Fourth Prince was well aware of this as well.
The eldest brother, Prince Zhi, did not accept the gifts sent by Nian Xialing, but the third brother, whose influence was not as far-reaching, also accepted the gifts sent by Nian Xialing.
The fifth brother, always cautious, also refused to accept it.
Old Seven, that taciturn fellow, accepted it as soon as he heard that Old Seven had accepted it.
As for the princes who came after him, Nian Xialing didn't send any of them over at all.
But the most important thing here is that the Crown Prince didn't accept it.
Whether the Crown Prince accepted it or not, the Fourth Prince only found out later.
This is really—a complete mess.
Fourth Master sighed inwardly, and after a long while, he finally closed his eyes.
The next morning, Fourth Master returned to the front yard first.
Before they even reached the front yard, they saw Fulu, that clueless fool, go to Fourth Master to deliver a message.
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