Upon hearing this, the Seventeenth Prince was stunned. The Thirteenth Prince quickly pulled him out to greet him. Just as they stepped out of the hall, they saw the Fourth Prince enter with Lanqin.
Some people seemed still incredulous, rubbing their eyes and scrutinizing him closely. Perhaps they were used to seeing the Fourth Prince in his dragon robes and didn't recognize him in casual clothes. The Seventeenth Prince excitedly strode forward, clasped his hands, and knelt down to pay his respects.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Although everyone in the mansion knelt down and shouted "Long live the Emperor!", the Fourth Prince helped the Seventeenth Prince up and said with a smile, "No need for formalities. I am just on an incognito visit this time, so there is no need for such formalities... Everyone, please get up!"
Seventeenth Prince was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes, and he was at a loss for what to do, being supported by Fourth Prince. Fortunately, Thirteenth Prince reminded him from the side, "Seventeenth Prince, Fourth Brother is here, aren't you going to invite him in for tea?" Seventeenth Prince was startled and hurriedly welcomed Fourth Prince into the hall.
The room was filled with imperial relatives and nobles, who were somewhat surprised by the Fourth Prince's sudden visit. The Seventeenth Prince himself was also extremely excited. The Fourth Prince smiled and said, "I have long wanted to visit your residence. You are about to get married, so I took this opportunity to come and see you..." The Seventeenth Prince was flattered.
The Fourth Prince laughed and said, "This time I came empty-handed, but my congratulatory gift is yet to come!"
Seventeen blushed and hurriedly explained, "His Majesty has already bestowed many gifts upon me, there is really no need to send any more congratulatory gifts!"
Fourth Master looked at Seventeenth Master with a smile in his eyes and said, "You deserved all of that before! You made great contributions in the siege of the White Lotus Sect, and you should be rewarded accordingly!"
Thirteenth Prince stood up and deliberately said with dissatisfaction, "Isn't the Emperor being too biased? I and Seventeenth Prince fought together to suppress the White Lotus Sect. I saw that the Emperor rewarded Seventeenth Prince with two estates, but only gave me a few paintings and calligraphy..." Thirteenth Prince emphasized the two estates. Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, all the relatives present sighed.
Fifth Master and Seventh Master, in particular, were secretly a little jealous. They never expected that this inconspicuous little brother would be appreciated by the Emperor and that the Emperor would personally come to the mansion to congratulate him.
Thirteenth Prince's words made Fourth Prince burst into laughter, and the others could only laugh along. Fourth Prince patted Seventeenth Prince on the shoulder and said, "Although Seventeenth Prince is young, what I value most is his sincere heart and unwavering loyalty to me!" He then pointed at Thirteenth Prince and said, "I have already promised you that I will bestow upon you anything you desire!"
The Fourth Prince's words of sincerity and unwavering loyalty made the other members of the clan feel ashamed. They could only watch helplessly as the Fourth Prince praised the Seventeenth Prince. Although they were unwilling, they were powerless to do anything about it.
After chatting and laughing for a while, Lanqin took the initiative to ask the Fourth Prince for leave so that she could go and see Consort Shu. The Fourth Prince agreed and, led by the maids, went to Consort Shu's residence.
When Lanqin arrived, Consort Shu was chatting happily with several women. Upon hearing of Lanqin's arrival, they all rose to greet her. The other wives felt a pang of sadness, thinking that if Lanqin could come, the Fourth Prince must have arrived as well. Their expressions varied with a mix of emotions. The Thirteenth Prince's wife happily stepped forward to pay her respects. Lanqin took the Thirteenth Prince's wife's hand and gestured for everyone to rise.
At this moment, Consort Shu was helped down the steps and was about to bow to Lanqin when Lanqin, unable to bear it, quickly helped her up and said respectfully, "Consort Shu, you may rise. Today is the joyous occasion of the Seventeenth Prince's Mansion. I am merely accompanying the Emperor to offer my congratulations. How have you been lately, Consort Shu?"
Upon hearing that the Emperor had arrived, some of the women began to whisper and murmur amongst themselves. When Consort Shu heard that the Emperor had come in person, she excitedly clasped her hands together…
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