At this moment, Baoqin led a group of palace maids up carrying all sorts of pastries, so many that they couldn't all be placed on the table. Smiling, she introduced them to Hongzhou: "Fifth Prince, oh... no, now you should call me Fifth Prince. This is a special almond cake from the palace, and this is osmanthus cake, mung bean cake, flower cake, and small peach shortbread, and..."
Before Baoqin could finish her introduction, Hongzhou picked one up and put it in his mouth, puffing out his cheeks and mumbling incoherently, "Alright, alright, no need for introductions, I'll know as soon as I taste it..."
His comical appearance caused everyone to burst into laughter...
Hongzhou finally returned to his previous appearance.
Lanqin pulled Hongzhou aside and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief: "You've already been granted the title of Beizi, yet you still don't have any manners. Learn from your brother and be more composed in everything you do..." After saying that, she picked up a pastry and handed it to Hongli. Hongli accepted it with both hands, thanked her, and then ate it.
Hongzhou continued with a grin, "By the way, Your Majesty, Wuxiha has been granted the title of Princess Gulun, and Bechuk has been granted the title of Princess Duoluo. The eldest princess, who has already married, has been granted the title of Princess Qingping, and the second princess has been granted the title of Princess Yong'an. Father Emperor has truly taken care of everyone this time; everyone has been granted a title."
Lanqin thought it over carefully and found that they were indeed good names. The Fourth Prince was thoughtful. In this way, there would be no one in the harem to complain about unfairness. Looking at Hongzhou and Hongli, Lanqin smiled with satisfaction. The afternoon sun shone lazily on Changchun Palace. Lanqin hoped that this harmonious scene would never change.
It was a foregone conclusion that Ushiha and Bechuk would be granted titles. The Fourth Prince bestowed such prestigious titles upon them, naturally so that they could marry well in the future. As for the titles "Qingping" and "Yong'an" bestowed upon the First and Second Princesses, they naturally symbolized the eternal peace and stability of the Qing Dynasty.
Meanwhile, Consort De finally fell ill. The imperial physician stayed by her side at Yonghe Palace for several days without leaving her side, but her condition still did not improve.
The Fourth Prince asked Consort De what illness she was suffering from, and the imperial physician shook his head helplessly: "The Empress Dowager's illness is of the heart. Long-term depression and melancholy have caused stagnation of qi and blood, resulting in insufficient qi and blood in the heart, which has led to her being bedridden. The medicine can only keep her spirits up; it treats the symptoms but not the root cause..."
The Fourth Prince arrived at Yonghe Palace, stood outside the palace gate for a long time but did not step inside. He instructed the imperial physician to take good care of him and then returned home dejectedly.
The next day, Lanqin took the fine ginseng and deer antler bestowed upon her by the Fourth Prince to visit Consort De early in the morning. Unfortunately, she heard the voices of the Empress and Consort Nian as soon as she entered. Just as she was about to turn around and avoid them until the Empress and Consort Nian left, she heard Consort Nian's affected voice calling out to Lanqin: "Since Consort Xi has already arrived, why are you leaving without coming in?"
Lanqin frowned, and with no other choice, turned around, smiled, and bowed: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Empress and the Noble Consort..."
The Empress glanced sideways, then pretended to have heard and continued fiddling with her teacup. Consort Nian chuckled, "Oh, Your Highness, the Consort Xi, greets you..."
Lanqin got up and found a place to sit down. Consort De was still in the inner room. The palace maids had already informed her, so the three of them had to sit outside and wait.
This was the first time the three of them had gathered together since Lanqin entered the palace, and the atmosphere was slightly awkward.
The Empress was jealous that Lanqin had obtained the power to manage the harem that rightfully belonged to her, while Consort Nian was jealous that Lanqin had gained the Fourth Prince's favor after entering the palace. Each harboring their own thoughts, the three exchanged uneasy glances. However, they were currently in Consort De's palace, and they had to maintain a semblance of harmony.
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