Zhao Shu then deliberately gave Consort Hao a smug look, as if to say, "Look, you think you're so favored, but you're nothing in front of me!"
Consort Hao nearly spat out a mouthful of blood; her chest ached terribly. For years, she had struggled desperately in the palace, every word, every action—was it not for vying for the emperor's favor? Was it not to win this old man's affection? Yet, it all paled in comparison to Zhao Shu's few words! Why?!
Zhao Shu ignored her and had Chu Chun bring the box over. She put everything in the box and personally and respectfully handed it to Emperor Mingde. Emperor Mingde, seeing her mysterious manner, also became serious.
However, when he opened the box Zhao Shu handed him and saw the not-so-exquisite design drawings and some annotations and ideas inside, he was greatly shocked. If he felt that the birthday gift from Physician Peng was unsurpassable, then Zhao Shu's birthday gift was one that would be impossible to surpass for the next few years. It could even be said to be the best birthday gift he had received since ascending the throne.
When everyone saw that his smile had disappeared and his face had darkened, they immediately began to gloat, especially Lin Xiuxue, Consort Hao, and others. Consort Hao even chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, the princess is still young and may not understand things. Please be patient."
The people sitting below were all waiting for Emperor Mingde's reaction. Lin Xiuxue and the others had secretly prayed to the Bodhisattva to make Emperor Mingde punish Zhao Shu severely, make her lose face, and preferably kick her out.
However, some people had great confidence in Zhao Shu, such as Prince Yong. He could tell from his daughter's eyes that this was definitely a great gift. He knew this from the last time at the waterside pavilion. He also had great confidence in Emperor Mingde and believed that he would not be angry.
The Empress Dowager sat quietly, ignoring the Crown Prince's plea for help. At this moment, the Crown Prince was very worried for Zhao Shu. It wasn't that he lacked confidence in Zhao Shu, but rather that he had returned to the capital earlier than Zhao Shu and knew that Emperor Mingde's temper was sometimes unpredictable.
Inside the hall, many people were seated. Zhao Shu glanced around and saw Huo Baichuan shaking his head at her, clearly disapproving of her stirring up trouble here.
However, Wei Tingsi across from him cast an encouraging look, as if to say, "You're great, you're dazzling."
His gaze swept across the room, taking note of everyone's reactions.
After a long while, Emperor Mingde finally said, "Good, Ah Jun is indeed clever. I am pleased. Ah Jun, tell me what favor you wish to receive." He closed the box and refused to let anyone see it.
Emperor Mingde surprised everyone once again. Just moments ago, his smile had vanished, but now he was saying he was happy. However, even while saying he was happy, there was still no smile on his face.
The foolish do not understand, but there are many wise men in the hall. Their eyes are all on the box in Emperor Mingde's hand. What is it?
Zhao Shucai didn't care what others thought. She happily thanked the emperor and then said, "Uncle, if you are happy, why don't you smile?"
Emperor Mingde was indeed pleased, but another hidden worry arose in his heart. He didn't know who to ask to handle this matter. He considered all the officials of the second rank and above, but could not find a suitable person.
Hearing Zhao Shu's words, he chuckled, "You..." He couldn't find the words to describe Zhao Shu's persistent nature.
“Your Majesty smiled. Now, Ah Jun, you may state your request. Your Majesty must not refuse. A king’s word is law.” She said solemnly.
Emperor Mingde nodded with a smile, "Tell me, otherwise I would have to rescind my order."
"No." She quickly waved her hand, then her eyes flickered, and she became extremely lively and cute, as if she was considering how to say it, which also whetted everyone's appetite. "Uncle, you know that A-Jun is very busy right now."
Emperor Mingde nodded, showing great tolerance and indulgence, "Yes."
"Then A-Jun had no time to manage her fiefdom. A-Jun wanted to follow Father's example and return the fiefdom to the court. A-Jun is really, really busy. Royal Uncle, please do me a favor and help A-Jun, okay? You must agree. A king's word is law. If you don't agree, A-Jun will not like you as her uncle in the future." At her age, she was a little embarrassed to act coquettishly in front of so many people.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Mingde was once again deeply moved. If Zhao Shu was previously a niece he liked, then now she had been elevated to the level of his favorite daughter, since he had no other daughter he truly loved.
The princes and the others, like Emperor Mingde, were shocked. They had not expected that this princess would have such courage. So many princesses and noblewomen had used every means to obtain fiefdoms, but this one actually wanted to return her fiefdom.
He truly has the same style as his father.
When everyone recalled the time when Prince Yong retreated to his fiefdom, they all felt a chill run down their spines, sensing that chaos was brewing. The same feeling persisted at this moment. While admiring Zhao Shu's decisiveness, they also sensed that something was amiss.
Those who are sensitive to the situation are already calculating in their minds how many people in the family should step down and how many should stay in order to preserve the family's strength.
The main forces of each party are thinking about what benefits they can gain from this matter, how to take the opportunity to bring down the opposing party, and so on.
Zhao Bi subtly winked at Consort Hao, who chuckled and said, “Your Majesty, since the Princess is too busy to manage her fiefdom, why not bestow it upon another princess? The princesses are eager to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”
Zhao Shu had to give her a thumbs up; she really knew how to talk. Emperor Mingde couldn't possibly accept the fiefdom without refusing, and Zhao Shu would definitely insist on returning it. So, by speaking up now, she both won the princesses' favor and disgusted Zhao Shu.
However, she overlooked one point: Emperor Mingde did want to reclaim the fiefdom, but even if she knew this, she still had to say it.
So whatever you do, never try to steal someone else's thunder.
After saying that, she looked at Zhao Shu provocatively.
We're in a dilemma.
However, Zhao Shu was not so easily defeated.
She smiled faintly, “Your Highness is right. When I was in Guanzhou, I met a woman from a poor family. She had many brothers and sisters, and her family was really poor. She was the fifth child, and she wore the clothes that her older sisters could no longer wear. Her sisters loved her and would keep the clothes for her even when they were too short or too small. When I heard about this woman’s family, I was moved. I have no brothers and sisters from the same parents, only cousins. I really don’t have time to worry about the fiefdom right now, and many of my cousins don’t have fiefdoms either. Uncle, please grant A-Jun’s fiefdom to my cousins.”
After she finished speaking, Consort Hao's face turned pale and then flushed.
The princesses and noblewomen blushed and lowered their heads in embarrassment. Just now they felt that Consort Hao was speaking up for them, but now she was mocking them for eating the leftovers that others didn't want and ridiculing them for not having any fiefdoms. It was simply too much!
Although Zhao Shu's fiefdom is large, it seems small if it is divided up. If she were to take it, she would surely become a laughing stock.
Zhao Shu's gaze swept over the princesses and noblewomen who longed for fiefdoms, finally settling on Consort Hao. She sneered; it was perfectly normal for a younger sister to wear her older sister's clothes, but in the eyes of these noble ladies, it was a disgrace and a humiliation.
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