Shu Chengfeng knew that some women from outside the family were coming to visit, but he didn't care. He was going to have to see them anyway.
Yun Ji said that the Imperial Concubine had permitted the Murong family to pay their respects to Consort Ke.
Shu Chengfeng nodded: "When you come to pay your respects, let Mr. Murong come to see me."
Just as they were settled, someone outside announced, "His Majesty and all the princes have come to pay their respects."
"Please."
Before long, the eldest prince, the second prince, the third prince, the fourth prince, the fifth prince, and the sixth prince all entered.
From tallest to shortest, they were all very pretty children with beautiful eyes and eyebrows.
At first glance, the fifth and sixth princes looked rather thin, especially the fifth prince, whose scar on his head was quite grotesque. Although it had healed, the scar would probably not fade much in the future.
Seeing him like that, the eldest prince also glanced at him: "Father, Fifth Brother's wound is much better. A few days ago, it was more serious. I asked the imperial physician during the New Year, and he said that as long as the medicine is applied properly, it will gradually become lighter. When he grows up, he may not be able to see it at all."
"Mm," Shu Chengfeng replied.
The fifth prince scratched his head: "Father, I've applied the medicine."
Shu Chengfeng nodded: "You brothers care for each other very well."
The second prince said, "I'm not very bright and don't understand much else, but I can talk to my younger siblings. Although my fourth sister is a girl, my seventh sister is still too young to play with us. Why don't we have her join us?"
"Okay, let's settle on this. The second child is all grown up now and knows how to care for his younger siblings. That's good," Shu Chengfeng said.
"Second Brother is just not good with words, but he's actually good to us all," the Third Prince said with a smile.
The fourth prince and the sixth prince did not speak. The sixth prince was still young and just followed along foolishly.
The fourth prince smiled.
Looking at the children, Shu Chengfeng felt both gratified and somewhat sentimental.
He hoped his brothers would get along well, but... he also knew it was impossible.
All I can say is that I hope they can at least maintain a facade of harmony.
Shu Chengfeng would never impose his own experiences on the children.
At least, he wouldn't hint at which of the children would become the crown prince.
They were made to kill each other before they even grew up.
However, now that the court is demanding the establishment of a crown prince, it's impossible for the princes not to have their own thoughts on the matter.
Shu Chengfeng suppressed his thoughts and asked a few more questions about the child.
"If needed, you can speak to your mother, Consort Chen. You are all tired today, so go back and rest. Tomorrow, you will accompany me to Qinshan Academy," said Shu Chengfeng.
The children agreed and left.
The Third Prince smiled and asked, "Second Brother, you seem to be in good spirits lately. Is there some good news?"
The second prince shook his head: "If we're talking about a happy occasion, does going out count? After all, this is the first time I've ever traveled this far."
“Of course it counts, me too.” The eldest prince patted his shoulder with a smile: “Second brother is happy, and I am happy too, but I’m not as happy as third brother. Third brother’s maternal family is here. This is like meeting relatives.”
The eldest prince and the third prince exchanged witty remarks, while the second prince simply smiled.
The third prince, the fourth, fifth, and sixth, could only watch, since they were still young.
After the princes had all gone back to their respective homes.
The eldest prince stopped smiling and said, "Look at the third prince, he's in great spirits."
"Please don't mind. Over the years, His Majesty hasn't paid much attention to Consort Ke. But since she's here, it wouldn't be right not to bring her along. You are the eldest son of the Emperor, so even if something happens, it should go to you first," the eunuch said with a smile.
The eldest prince sighed, "If it's about being more favored than my mother, then there's nothing to say. Among these princes, besides the sixth prince, who else is there?" None of the five princes above had a mother who was favored.
"His Highness the Sixth Prince is not feeling well, so there's nothing for him to do. As for the matter of the Consort, that's another story. At least Consort Ning has been with His Majesty since early morning, so it's different," Cong Ting said.
The eldest prince nodded: "By the way, before I left the palace the other day, I heard that Consort Chen had someone take care of Jin Shi?"
"That's true, but she's in charge of palace affairs, so it's understandable that she might take care of things a little," Cong Ting said.
“If we treat them according to the rules, there’s nothing to say. But if…” The eldest prince didn’t finish his sentence.
"This servant doesn't think so. Even if she wanted to choose someone, how could she choose the Second Prince? The day the Second Prince was possessed, wasn't she the one who went to the Hall of Joyful Longevity with His Majesty? Perhaps she did something to curry favor with His Majesty. Otherwise, why would she suddenly release Lady Jin?"
"You mean, she's just putting on an act?" the eldest prince asked.
“Yes, that’s not surprising. Women in the harem all have to put on an act in front of His Majesty, right?” Cong Ting said.
The eldest prince nodded, and after a long pause said, "Alright, that's fine too. Let's be careful not to offend her. She has a terrible temper. Hmph, who knows what will become of someone like that? After Consort Zhen, surely there won't be another one like her?"
"Yes, I will be careful. Anyway, she has only given birth to the princess, and with her body, it's unlikely she can have another child. You can rest assured. As for the future, you don't need to worry at all. In any case, your future is bright."
About two hours later, Yan Nangui heard these words at his residence.
Honestly, she didn't intentionally send someone to eavesdrop.
Instead, it was the servants from the Crown Prince's side who came to curry favor...
How many of the people serving in this palace are truly loyal? Isn't this just a matter of currying favor with the powerful?
"Get up." Yan Nangui waved his hand, and the kneeling old woman stood up.
"I'm at a loss for words when you tell me all this. I appreciate your kindness, but you're serving His Highness the First Prince, so you shouldn't be acting this way. It puts me in a very difficult position," Yan Nangui sighed.
The old woman was so frightened that she knelt down: "This servant is devoted to Your Highness..."
"Alright, I won't say anything to you. How about this, I'll reward you with a hundred taels of silver and give you some good things. You can go out and retire. Anyway, you won't receive the emperor's entourage even once every few years in this palace. What do you think?" Yan Nangui asked.
The old woman was overjoyed, not expecting this to happen: "Thank you, Your Highness!"
So the geese flew south and sent the person away immediately.
Soon after, the eldest prince arrived.
He didn't want to come, but he had no choice. He's from his area...
Although he wasn't brought from the palace, he was still assigned to him.
"Your son requests an audience with Consort Chen," the eldest prince said respectfully.
"Please come in, Your Highness. Our Lady knew you were coming and specially prepared tea," Shuanzi said with a smile.
It's impossible for a ten-year-old prince not to feel guilty in front of Consort Chen.
But for such a young age, he has quite a bit of courage.
As soon as Yan Nan returned, he hurriedly paid his respects, behaving with perfect decorum: "Greetings, Consort Chen."
“I know why you’ve come. That old woman… is a bit gossipy. You’re not short of people, but you’re one short, and I haven’t specially made a replacement for you.”
"Yes, but what did that old woman say? My son just arrived and didn't give her any tasks..." the eldest prince asked nervously.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
