What does this show? It shows that Lady Su, a guest official in the Ministry of Revenue, holds a firm place in the Emperor's heart!
Perhaps she will also have a place in the imperial court in the future!
The banquet was a joyous occasion for all, and no one dared to tamper with the newly restored Marquis's mansion's housewarming celebration.
Madam Su was very sensible. After the guests had all left and she had helped her aunt to rest well, she took Xiao Youran back to the county princess's mansion.
Even though Madam Yun had reserved a courtyard for her in the Marquis's mansion, she resolutely refused to accept it.
Zhou was in a heavy mood.
...
The next day, Madam Zhou and Old Madam Yun, dressed in their official robes, took Xiao Youran to the palace to express their gratitude.
Originally, Madam Su was against Xiao Youran entering the palace, but the Eldest Princess sent someone to say that Yueyue was also in the palace, so Madam Su had no choice but to let Xiao Youran go.
At the same time, Ye An also sent someone to invite Su Shi, saying that he wanted Su Keqing to steadily guide the Ministry of Revenue in the next investment plan of the Tingmu Department.
Unable to refuse, Lady Su put on her court robes and entered the palace with them.
So Xiao Youran was very happy, feeling that she had another chance to go to the Ministry of Revenue and look down on those officials.
However, upon arriving at the palace gate, Yueyue pulled Xiao Youran into their carriage.
After entering the palace, Madam Su went to the Ministry of Revenue alone, while Old Madam Yun and Madam Zhou followed the Eldest Princess, along with the two girls, to the Imperial Concubine's palace.
With the eldest princess leading the way, no one from the empress's palace came out to block the way this time.
The group successfully paid their respects to Consort Zhou and expressed their deepest gratitude.
Consort Zhou said some comforting words, then turned the topic to the two girls, "The princess and the little county princess are so close, like sisters since childhood, which reminds me of when we were young..."
The eldest princess chuckled, "Isn't that right? We've been as close as sisters since childhood, which is why we have such a good relationship as sisters-in-law. It's just a pity that Yueyue doesn't have an older brother; her only younger brother is not even a year old yet, and the age gap is really too big."
Xiao Youran's face darkened immediately upon hearing this.
Yueyue's eyes widened. "Mother, I have brothers! I have three cousins in the palace, and there's also my cousin Yuanbai. They're all my brothers!"
Xiao Youran's face darkened even more.
The eldest princess laughed heartily, looking at Old Madam Yun and Madam Zhou, "It's fortunate that Xiaoyou Ran's mother wasn't here, otherwise Su Yiren would probably be furious with me!"
Consort Zhou also smiled and said, "I met her last time. She is a truly intelligent and remarkable woman."
Little Youran puffed out her little chest, "Whatever Mother knows, I know too!"
Consort Zhou smiled broadly, "Yes, yes, Little Fu Bao is quite remarkable!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Xiao Youran took Yueyue's hand and said, "Yueyue, didn't you say there were beautiful winter plum blossoms in the Imperial Concubine's palace? Take me to see them!"
She no longer wanted to listen to the adults chat, because they always ended up talking about her marriage. It was so annoying!
Yueyue was naturally delighted and immediately pulled her to the Imperial Garden next door.
At this moment, both of them saw several figures walking not far ahead. Among them was a boy of about twelve or thirteen years old, dressed in bright yellow, with a tall and handsome figure and striking features.
Yueyue, holding Xiaoyouran's hand, bowed to the man from afar, saying, "Crown Prince, brother."
It turns out to be His Highness the Crown Prince.
Xiao Youran immediately thought of how this crown prince had stolen many of Wen Yuanbai's credits, and her eyes showed great disdain.
The young man merely nodded coldly in their direction, intending to walk directly to another place, but when he received Xiao Youran's gaze, his face was full of doubt.
So he walked over, followed closely by several eunuchs.
"Cousin Yueyue, who is this...?"
Yueyue introduced with a beaming smile, "This is Xiao Youran, my sworn sister."
"You're the adopted daughter that the Princess Consort took in?" The Crown Prince looked at Xiao Youran and noticed that there was still a hint of disdain in her eyes.
Xiao Youran nodded, "Yes."
"Do you have a problem with me?" The boy's tone was somewhat cold.
Xiao Youran looked up at him and said, "Your Highness, what makes you say such a thing? I have just met Your Highness, how could I possibly have any opinions?"
“Your eyes betray you.” The boy was very certain. “You must have something on your mind. I forgive you for your innocence. Tell me the truth.”
For some reason, Xiao Youran suddenly felt that the boy's tone sounded a lot like someone else's.
"What, you dare not speak?" The young man became even more arrogant. "I have already said that you are innocent. Speak freely."
Xiao Youran suddenly felt a surge of pride. For so long, no one in the court had questioned the Crown Prince's act of stealing credit, which was simply too much. So she said, "Your Highness, please forgive me, but I will speak boldly. As the sage said, a gentleman is upright and honest. If Your Highness wants to achieve merit, you should do it yourself. Why steal credit from others?"
The boy was clearly taken aback, then realized what he meant and burst into laughter, "You little girl, are you trying to defend that brat Yuan Bai?"
Seeing that he wasn't angry, Xiao Youran grew a little bolder. "Is that not allowed? He's my senior brother! He's been wronged, can't I speak up for him?"
The boy laughed even louder, "Yes! Hahaha—I'll send someone to reward him right away!"
After the young man finished speaking and was about to leave, he suddenly turned back. "Are you that little county princess? What do you like? I'll give you as a reward, shall I?"
Xiao Youran quickly waved her hand, "I cannot accept this without merit. I thank Your Highness."
"Who said it was worthless? I'm actually quite looking forward to the grain seeds you offered to Yuan Bai that are said to yield a thousand catties per mu."
Xiao Youran immediately raised her head, "If it succeeds, you can't take the credit for it!"
"Hahaha—" the boy laughed loudly, then turned and left.
Yueyue stared in disbelief, and it took her a long time to come to her senses. "You Ran, you..."
Xiao Youran asked, "What's wrong?"
"This is the first time I've seen my brother, the Crown Prince, smile... How... did you do that?"
Xiao Youran: ? ? ?
What did I do? Who am I? Why am I here?
...
After leaving the palace, Xiao Youran went straight to the Xuan Prince's residence, found Wen Yuanbai, and tugged at her senior brother's sleeve, asking, "Senior brother, what kind of person is His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Wen Yuanbai chuckled and pinched her round face. "What kind of person do you think he is?"
"He's so scary!" Xiao Youran shivered.
Wen Yuanbai's face stiffened. "Terrible?"
Xiao Youran nodded frantically, "Yes, it's so scary. Youran is so frightened!"
Wen Yuanbai tried hard to recall what he had said when he saw this little girl in the palace an hour ago, his face full of confusion. "How is he scary? You saw him?"
I clearly didn't do anything strange. And after I left, I even had two large boxes of pastries sent to my mother's palace by palace servants.
Xiao Youran patted her chest and said, "Today when I went to the palace, Yueyue dragged me to play in the Imperial Garden. We ran into His Highness the Crown Prince, and he could tell at a glance that I didn't like him."
Wen Yuanbai remained silent: ...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com