Li Wei also stood up and said, "That's right! The strength of just a few people is far from enough. If even ordinary people stand up to support the Emperor, then the Emperor's implementation of new policies will only be in accordance with the will of the people. In the court, with the supporters led by Lord Fucha united, they will be powerless..."
The Thirteenth Prince excitedly asked the Fourth Prince, "Brother, you had already thought of this, why did you only say it now?"
Just then, Su Peisheng brought out fresh tea. The Fourth Prince picked up his teacup, and the refreshing aroma of mint instantly soothed his mind and spirit. Setting down the teacup, the Fourth Prince smiled and said, "It was Lanqin who suggested that I broaden the channels for feedback. The more people who know, the easier it will be to implement. She also suggested making an suggestion box so that people can easily submit their suggestions. It should be placed at the entrance of the county government office, and those who submit suggestions can remain anonymous to avoid retaliation..."
Following the Fourth Prince's plan, the Thirteenth Prince and Li Wei immediately took action. As expected, the entire court was discussing this new policy. However, the Fourth Prince remained silent, accepting all opinions without reservation, receiving memorials but offering no replies.
Before long, midsummer arrived, and the Fourth Prince set the date for Biechuke's marriage on the Golden Banquet Festival. Lanqin specially sent Biechuke back to the palace and instructed her to learn the etiquette of a bride from the governess.
The Yuanmingyuan Garden was already sparsely populated and empty. Before, when the weather was nice, Lanqin could fish and admire flowers when she was bored, but now she could only stay cooped up in her room. With Bechuk away, Lanqin had nothing to do all day, and the Fourth Prince was busy with his new policies and hadn't visited her in a long time. Lanqin didn't even have anyone to talk to or chat with in the Yuanmingyuan Garden.
The Fourth Prince felt sorry for Lanqin and secretly sent someone to fetch Wuxiha and take him to the Yuanmingyuan. Since his marriage, Wuxiha had rarely seen Lanqin, and when he occasionally came to the palace, it was only for short visits and he couldn't stay long. This time, with Lanqin moving to the Yuanmingyuan, Wuxiha wanted to visit her several times, but Lanqin stopped him, fearing that it would be used as gossip to implicate him. Now, the Fourth Prince decided to send Wuxiha to the Yuanmingyuan to keep Lanqin company.
One day, Lanqin was really bored, so she had all sorts of fruits prepared and some ice brought in, declaring that she wanted to invite the palace maids and servants to try some of the fresh produce. Everyone was wondering what Lanqin was up to, and they all curiously gathered around Lanqin's residence.
Lanqin crushed the fruit into juice and set it aside. Then, she used a tool to break the ice into small pieces and put them into a pretty bowl. She poured various fruit juices over it, and finally sprinkled nuts and powdered sugar on top of the crushed ice. A delicious and refreshing bowl of shaved ice was ready.
The maids took a bite and exclaimed how delicious it was. Everyone crowded around, clamoring for Lanqin to make more.
Just then, Ushiha, supported by her maid, slowly walked over. Seeing Lanqin surrounded by everyone, she laughed and called out loudly, "Mother, Mother..."
Lanqin tiptoed through the crowd of heads and saw Wuxiha. Excitedly, she came down and grabbed Wuxiha's hand, unable to believe her eyes: "How did you get here?"
Ushiha smiled and said, "Mother, Father Emperor specially sent me to stay at the Yuanmingyuan for a while to keep you company and relieve your boredom..."
Upon seeing Ushiha arrive, the maids and palace servants all bowed and greeted her: "Greetings, Princess..."
Ushiha knew where Lanqin was, and that the palace servants and maids weren't very proper, so he smiled and nodded. Lanqin then gestured for everyone to leave.
Lanqin then realized, and smiled shyly, "Your imperial father is so thoughtful. I was just thinking of a way to bring you here, so Chuke wouldn't have to go to the palace to learn etiquette. Your mother is really bored all alone in the Yuanmingyuan..."
Ushiha's actions were different from usual; his walking and sitting postures were no longer as flamboyant as before.
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