Those present felt somewhat displeased upon hearing the Emperor's words. Although Consort Xian had no children, the Emperor had arranged for her to live in Yikun Palace. Furthermore, the Emperor had bestowed upon her a box of pearls because of the princes' affairs, a treatment that was almost on par with that of the Empress.
When Consort An heard that the riding and archery class was opened because of Consort Xian, she gave Consort Xian a grateful look. Consort An noticed that Yongzhang also really liked the riding and archery class, so she was naturally happy as well.
However, Mingyu didn't think that way. When Hongli's words reached Mingyu's ears, they took on a different meaning.
Consort Xian suggested to the Emperor that he offer riding and archery lessons to the princes, which would only encourage Yonglian to play around.
Why did she bring this up in front of the Emperor? What was her purpose?
Mingyu glanced at Xueying without revealing her feelings, but she was very unhappy.
Seeing the satisfied look on Hongli's face, Consort Gao felt even more jealous of Consort Xian. However, she was not foolish enough to show her dissatisfaction with Consort Xian in front of the emperor. So she suppressed her jealousy and forced a smile, "Consort Xian is truly considerate and thoughtful. I am ashamed of myself."
Even with Consort Gao's smile, Consort Jia and the others present were not without discernment and naturally sensed the underlying sourness in her words.
Although they were also very unhappy, they dared not stand up for Consort Xian at this moment. After all, the Emperor's favor towards Consort Xian was evident, and no one would dare to contradict the Emperor at this time.
Therefore, they just smiled and no one responded to Consort Gao's words.
However, upon hearing Consort Gao's words, Hongli glanced at Consort Xian, who at that moment also looked up and their eyes met. The two smiled at each other.
Mingyu, who was standing nearby, naturally saw this. She picked up the fine wine on the table, drank it all in one gulp, and then took a deep breath. "Your Majesty, this newly arrived concubine, Lady Fucha, plays the pipa very well. Why don't we let her perform a piece?"
Seeing Hongli's affection for Xueying, Mingyu became even more determined to promote a new talent. Her cousin, Lady Fucha, was the most suitable candidate, so Mingyu intentionally let Lady Fucha "show her face" in front of Hongli.
Upon hearing Mingyu's words, Hongli naturally agreed, "Granted."
Then, Lady Fucha, Chu Ying, came out and played a piece called "Moon Hook". Lady Fucha was specially selected by Mingyu to enter the palace, so her abilities must be excellent. Therefore, her pipa playing was also very good, and everyone's eyes were focused on her flying fingers.
As soon as the music ended, Hongli exclaimed, "Excellent! Bring wine!"
"Thank you for the Emperor's gift." Lady Fucha quickly curtsied to express her gratitude.
"You..." Hongli was about to continue speaking when he was interrupted by a cry. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw the little prince crying in Consort Jia's arms.
Hearing Yongcheng crying, Hongli felt a pang of heartache and quickly asked, "Why is the little prince crying?"
While coaxing Yongcheng in her arms, Consort Jia looked up at Hongli and said, "I think Yongcheng wants Father to hold him."
Upon hearing Consort Jia's words, Hongli ignored Lady Fucha standing in front of him, got up and walked to Consort Jia's side to hug the Fourth Prince, saying, "Don't cry, Father will hug you."
Hearing Hongli's unusually gentle tone, Mingyu was startled and thought to herself: It seems that the Emperor really likes this Fourth Prince.
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