The Imperial Concubine focused all her energy on the children.
On Jia Yue's side, Bao Chun started talking about Hong Zhao's first birthday celebration.
"Your Majesty, it seems our Sixth Prince's first birthday celebration will be held at the Yuanmingyuan. I wonder what the Emperor and Empress have in mind?"
Whether or not the celebration was grand was related to Emperor Yinzhen's affection for his son Hongzhao, so Baochun naturally felt that the bigger the celebration, the better.
Jia Yue, however, took it all in stride.
Given Yinzhen's affection for Hongzhao, it certainly wouldn't be too shabby, after all, he was the first son after he became emperor.
"When I pay my respects tomorrow, I will ask Her Majesty the Empress!"
Actually, this matter had to be handled by the Empress.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The next day, when he went to pay his respects to the Empress, the Empress brought up the topic of Hongzhao's first birthday celebration without Jia Yue bringing it up herself.
The Empress looked at Jia Yue: "I remember that the Sixth Prince's first birthday is coming soon!"
Jia Yue spoke up: "Yes! Your Majesty is kind and compassionate. Thank you for remembering Hongzhao."
"I will discuss with the Emperor later about where to hold the Sixth Prince's first birthday celebration. Does Consort Jing have any ideas?"
"With Your Majesty the Empress here, I will follow the Emperor's and Your Majesty's arrangements."
Jia Yue's obedience pleased the Empress. In fact, to some extent, the Empress quite liked concubines like Jia Yue, who didn't cause trouble and dared to stand up to Consort Qi.
Of course, she would be even more lovable if she didn't have children.
Although the Empress would not harm the children of concubines other than Consort Qi, they were not her own children, so she could not like them.
The Empress nodded: "The Sixth Prince is a well-behaved and clever child, and I like him very much. I will certainly not let you and your son suffer."
Jia Yue smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you."
After leaving the natural painting, Jia Yue left quickly, afraid of encountering someone on the way.
Back at Bitong Academy, Jiayue had someone bring Hongzhao over.
Hongzhao has already started speaking, but he can't say much.
They were all saying things like, "Father," "Mother," "Let's eat," and so on.
Hongzhao can already walk, but he's not very steady on his feet.
"Mother~"
Hearing her son's sweet, innocent voice, Jia Yue's heart melted.
Jia Yue smiled and said, "My precious darling, let me hug you."
Hongzhao reached out his hand, his dark, grape-like eyes looking at Jiayue: "Hug~"
The mother and son played for a while before Jia Yue let him play a jigsaw puzzle on the tatami mat.
Bao Chun, who was standing nearby, spoke up: "Your Majesty, this servant has already prepared the items for the first birthday celebration. When would you like to let the Sixth Prince start practicing?"
Jia Yue's gaze was fixed on Hong Zhao, and she said, "Let's do it in the evening!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Hongzhao was engrossed in playing by himself, while Jiayue took out a book. The mother and son then spent time reading and playing.
This was the scene that greeted Yinzhen when he entered. He stopped Baochun and the others from paying their respects and stared blankly for a while before finally asking, "What book are you reading?"
Jia Yue was startled, but when she looked up, the surprise on her face instantly turned into delight. She hurriedly stood up and said, "Why is Your Majesty here? Where are Bao Chun and the others? They didn't even remind me, so I wouldn't be impolite."
With that, Jia Yue curtsied to Yinzhen: "Greetings, Your Majesty..."
Yinzhen helped her up and pulled her to sit on the couch: "It was I who told them not to make a sound, so it's not their fault."
As Yinzhen spoke, he picked up a book from the table, glanced at the cover, and read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".
Yinzhen had heard of such books, but had never read them.
"I never imagined that my beloved concubine would also enjoy reading historical novels?"
"It's not that I particularly enjoy reading historical novels; it's just a way to pass the time. Books that are too profound are difficult to understand, while historical novels are easy to understand and suitable for me."
Yinzhen nodded: "That's true. Which character in this Romance of the Three Kingdoms do you like, my dear consort?"
Jia Yue thought for a moment and said, "Zhuge Liang!"
Honestly, Zhuge Liang was probably a minister favored by emperors throughout history. He was capable, virtuous, and the best choice to entrust his son to someone on his deathbed. He was a loyal, capable, and virtuous minister, excelling in both civil and military affairs.
Upon hearing this, Yinzhen smiled and said, "The Prime Minister's character and abilities are indeed worthy of emulation."
Recently, Yinzhen has been busy rectifying official corruption. Although the mess left by Kangxi is not as bad as it was in history, it still makes Yinzhen, who cannot tolerate any wrongdoing, feel increasingly apprehensive.
He truly wished that all his ministers were as loyal and capable as Zhuge Liang.
But some things are destined to go against our wishes.
Competence and loyalty are difficult to have both to some extent. Generally speaking, the more capable a person is, the less likely they are to be loyal.
This is what makes Zhuge Liang so remarkable.
Thinking of this, Yinzhen couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Governing the country was a long and arduous task.
Of course, he also harbored some resentment. In his later years, Emperor Kangxi did indeed act somewhat inhumanely.
Jia Yue: "Let's not talk about the Prime Minister anymore. Why did Your Majesty suddenly come to my humble abode?"
"What, you don't welcome me here, my beloved consort?"
"Your Majesty, I was just a little surprised because I'm used to Your Majesty being so busy with state affairs during the day. Your Majesty, you mustn't wrong me."
Yinzhen smiled and explained, "The Empress told me about Hongzhao's first birthday celebration. Since you are Hongzhao's mother, I wanted to come and ask for your opinion."
Of course, the main reason for coming at this time was to see Hongzhao. Although the Consort's child had been born, Yinzhen was still afraid and wanted to see a healthy child.
Hongzhao undoubtedly met his expectations for his child; he was lively and clever, and although he was still young, his intelligence was clearly visible.
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