The principal wife of the emperor was always visited by noblewomen and imperial relatives, most of whom were from the Ulanara clan, her maternal clan, or related by marriage. In addition, the Uya clan of the palace would also send people to pay their respects.
After all, His Majesty is wary of princes and ministers forming close relationships, so anyone who wants to establish a connection with the Fourth Prince has to think twice.
The Fourth Prince has never interacted much with his ministers. The Uya clan has no important officials in the court. The Fourth Prince's adoptive mother, the late Empress Xiaoyiren, was from the Tongjia clan, which was very prominent. However, the Fourth Prince has always been indifferent to Longkodo.
As the primary wife of the Fourth Prince, the Fujin naturally followed the example set by her superiors, carefully examining every invitation that came in from outside.
The figure behind the screen today, no matter what, at least did not pose a conflict of interest to the Fourth Master.
With the New Year approaching, such visits are quite reasonable.
Li Chenjiao just felt that something was off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
If the Princess Consort is truly interested, why is there any need to rush? Inviting people to the residence is rather inappropriate. If she really wants to, why not wait until the New Year when everyone's families come to the palace?
Li Chenjiao didn't even consider that the pale yellow figure to be from the Ulanara clan, the maternal family of the Fujin (principal wife), as she knew very little about the Ulanara clan.
Li Chenjiao was lost in thought for a while. When she left the main courtyard, she ran into Bai Jiashi. Bai Jiashi gave her a graceful bow but did not approach her, keeping a certain distance.
"I hadn't heard the concubine speak earlier, so I assumed she wasn't feeling well. It's quite inconvenient that she's come here so abruptly."
Li Chenjiao didn't respond to that question. She smiled, her expression still quite gentle: "What's wrong?"
Bai Jia did not step forward, but sighed first: "Considering that today is the fifteenth, and Princess Niohuru has only just been released from confinement, we still have to wait a while. No wonder everyone is so quiet today. I have said too much, so I will take my leave now."
After saying this inexplicable thing, Bai Jia quickly bowed and withdrew.
In the short time it took to talk, she didn't even look up, but Bai Jia was very good at timing.
Li Chenjiao frowned, raised her hand, and gestured for Qiu Hu to help her walk towards the east courtyard.
Qiu Hu said in a low voice, "Why is this Bai Jia Gege talking so confusedly today? Doesn't everyone know that today is the fifteenth?"
Yes, today is the fifteenth.
Li Chenjiao blinked, then suddenly thought of something.
She had initially thought that the figure she had glimpsed behind the screen in the main courtyard today was someone the Fujin had arranged to come and see them, to get acquainted with the people in the mansion...
So, the Fujin's idea was to let the Fourth Prince meet that girl?
Thinking of this, Li Chenjiao couldn't help but let out a soft hiss.
Qiu Hu, who was still talking, immediately stopped and looked at her master anxiously when she saw this: "What's wrong, Master? Are you feeling unwell?"
The green bamboo that was walking in front also stopped.
Li Chenjiao waved her hand: "It's nothing, I just suddenly thought of something."
Qiu Hu was still a little worried: "It's getting colder, let's hurry back. Your Highness didn't eat much for breakfast, so I had the kitchen's Green Plum make some white fungus and lily bulb soup. Would Your Highness like to have some when we get back?"
Li Chenjiao absentmindedly hummed in agreement.
The thought that had just popped into my head was still lingering.
Today is the fifteenth, and just now in the main courtyard, the crowd was not very lively, and no one even mentioned that Niohuru had been released from confinement.
Today is the fifteenth. According to ancestral rules, Fourth Master should rest in the main courtyard. Even if he doesn't rest in the main courtyard, the worst he can do is rest in the front courtyard.
For the Fujin (wife of the emperor), it was a 50/50 chance.
But if the Princess Consort really had such a plan, it would be like provoking the Fourth Prince.
What the Fourth Prince hates most is making decisions for him without his permission, and also scheming against him.
Otherwise, why is Bai Jia Shi still disliked by the Fourth Prince? Isn't it because Bai Jia Shi schemed against the Fourth Prince when he was drunk?
If the Princess Consort really makes such an arrangement, then she will be breaking both of these taboos.
I wonder which family's daughter the Princess Consort arranged for her to be so willing to part with her?
Isn't there a Liu family member right now?
With Lady Liu preceding her, it's truly inconceivable that the Fujin (wife of the Fujin) would still harbor such thoughts.
Li Chenjiao couldn't understand it, and she could only find out when Xiao Luzi returned from the gatehouse.
However, from her perspective, it always felt like the Fujin made a mistake, or at least it wasn't a wise or worthwhile move.
After returning to the East Courtyard, Li Chenjiao still drank a bowl of white fungus and lily soup. The maids knew her recent appetite preferences, so the soup was made refreshing and still warm.
After finishing the bowl, Li Chenjiao put it down, satisfied: "Is there any more?"
Qiu Hu nodded quickly: "Yes, I've made a lot of green plum tea. I'll bring you another bowl right away."
Li Chenjiao nodded, and as the others turned away, she added, "This soup is comforting, and I can't drink the rest. You can share it, and the nannies shouldn't forget."
If Li Chenjiao made anything extra in her small kitchen, the leftovers would naturally be distributed to the maids.
As the weather grew colder, Li Chenjiao was always waited on by the maids.
Speaking of the small kitchen, Li Chenjiao remembered that not long after Fourth Master returned, he had mentioned to her the matter of finding a cook.
When Qiu Hu returned with a bowl of white fungus and lily soup, Li Chenjiao mentioned that they should tidy up the small kitchen.
Nowadays, the small kitchen in Li Chenjiao's house is also run by the maids in turns, and they occasionally make some soups and stews to satisfy their cravings.
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