The next day, a long line formed outside the palace gates again. Most families had forgotten the tragic death of the imperial concubine a few years prior and were eager to find a way to attract the Crown Prince. However, several families who had received invitations reported that their daughters were ill and unable to go, and now they were among those preparing to enter the palace to apologize to Empress Jing'an.
The Emperor was moved to Fengyang Palace last night, and now he only attends court once every three to five days, so he's not worried about the court goingssip. However, if the Emperor doesn't wake up for another day, the various princes might start to stir up trouble.
As early as a few years ago, Empress Jing'an had often mentioned the disadvantages of prioritizing civil officials over military officials. The atmosphere that previously prioritized civil officials had gradually changed over the years, and now civil and military officials were evenly matched in the court.
Sheng Shu and Yu Jiaxing were to investigate the two kings of the largest fiefdoms. Unsurprisingly, both men were dishonest, their crimes punishable by death. This matter couldn't be left to the Crown Prince. The Emperor had originally intended to punish the two after the New Year, but now he was unconscious.
The evidence in the Crown Prince's hands could only be left aside for now, but he had also made preparations, urgently summoning General Gan back to the capital and setting up a 20,000-man army camp ten miles outside the capital. Add to that the city's defense camp and the Imperial Palace Guards, and even if someone wanted to take advantage of the Emperor's coma, the chances of success were slim.
After the Crown Prince had lunch at Fengyang Palace, the two royal mothers and son went to the Plum Garden together.
The previous snow hadn't melted yet, and from afar I could see patches of red plum blossoms amidst the white snow, dotted with faint white and green ones. Once inside the park, I saw young women admiring the plum blossoms everywhere, and the scenery seemed even more beautiful.
When everyone heard the eunuch's announcement, they all knelt and saluted. In such cold weather, kneeling was unacceptable. Empress Jing'an immediately sent a message: "Don't be so polite. Today we are here to enjoy the scenery."
Afterwards, she went to the Xiangxue Pavilion in the Plum Garden alone, leaving the Crown Prince alone. Everyone bowed and respectfully sent Queen Jing'an off, saying, "Your servants, we respectfully send Her Majesty off."
The prince also smiled gently and said, "Girls, please swim slowly. Liuyun Pavilion has prepared food for you all to enjoy."
The women all bowed and thanked him, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Looking at the crowd of at least forty or fifty women before him, the prince wore a gentle smile, but he felt a bit unsure of what to do. Most of the women stood up and continued admiring the plum blossoms as before, or chatting with acquaintances.
A few approached the prince, and one of them, a woman in yellow, staggered and almost fell into the prince's arms. The prince quickly stepped aside, and the palace maid behind him caught the woman.
"Hahahaha..." After a while, the whole plum garden was filled with laughter.
The woman in yellow who was caught by the palace maid nestled in her arms, blushing and not daring to look up.
The prince turned and walked to the side, intending to take a tour of the Plum Garden before returning to accompany his mother. Besides, if he were to visit the second floor of Xiangyun Pavilion, he'd be able to see all of these women's actions from upstairs. Since his mother was so anxious for him to choose the Crown Princess, perhaps...
There were frequent incidents along the way, with people slipping on the snow and their clothes getting caught on plum tree branches. The prince walked by without even glancing. He only breathed a sigh of relief when he entered Xiangyun Pavilion. He then went up to the second floor, bowed to Queen Jing'an, and sat down.
Empress Jing'an sat there, watching everything unfold. Looking at the Crown Prince's expressionless face, she frowned slightly and said, "Xiao Ba, your father often said that a ruler should remain calm even in the face of adversity. But you're choosing a wife now. If you keep your expression impassive, women won't feel close to you."
The prince nodded helplessly and said, "Mother, I understand."
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