Upon hearing this, Qian Shengyan knew that it was prepared for her.
The concubines present were all from respectable backgrounds and could at least read a few words. But what about her? Others might be fooled by the Emperor's promotion of them to Manchu banners, but for someone of Yinzhi and Nian Gengyao's status, a thorough investigation would be possible.
A palace maid from another palace, who could also compose poetry?
Moreover, Qian Shengyan was certain that she didn't know whether others would have to compose poems, but the two imperial concubines present today would definitely be coaxed and forced to compose poems by a prince and a general.
Yinzhen, seated at the head of the table, gripped his wine cup tightly. He instantly understood everything Qian Shengyan could think of, and what enraged him most was that Nian Gengyao had actually colluded with Yinsi…
What does Yinzhi want to do? Or... what does Nian Gengyao want to do?
At this moment, all his previous hesitations disappeared, and Yinzhen quickly figured out one thing.
Nian Gengyao cannot be allowed to live.
He tapped his wine glass lightly with his fingers, still struggling with the choice of military commander. Besides... Qinghai had just been pacified, and it would be best to wait until everything was settled.
Yinzhen closed his eyes, feeling once again the helplessness of being bound. Now, he understood more and more about his late father's actions during his reign—sitting on this throne, others saw supreme imperial power, but only those who truly felt it understood what balance meant.
The so-called strategy of maintaining balance exists in the imperial court, in the harem, and even more so in the relationships between children...
Yinzhen put down his wine cup with a loud "bang," a sound that, though not loud, struck everyone as a thunderclap.
This general is incredibly audacious...
Who are imperial concubines? They are people who please the emperor. How could they be driven by ministers and do things in public?
Although composing poetry can be considered elegant, it's ultimately inappropriate unless requested by the Emperor...
Immediately, some upright officials wanted to stand up and object, but were held back by their colleagues. Nian Gengyao's power in the court was at its zenith; he hadn't even made such an unreasonable demand before, and the Emperor hadn't said anything. Why were you making such a fuss…
While everyone else remained silent, Hongshi was the first to stand up.
He bowed to Yinzhen with his hands clasped, somewhat embarrassed, but still mustered his courage and said, "Your subject thinks that it would be better if we brothers presented our birthday poems to Father Emperor."
"Very well then." Yinzhen was quite satisfied with Hongshi at this moment, and his tone became much gentler. "Then you can start first, after all, you are the elder brother."
Hongshi didn't refuse. He even took the opportunity to give Shanxiu a smile that seemed to be asking for a reward, and then, with one hand behind his back, slowly recited a birthday poem that was not bad.
Seeing that even the Emperor nodded in praise, the other officials were not to be outdone and praised the Third Prince in turn.
And Qian Shengyan...
Qian Shengyan almost burst out laughing.
Without even looking, she could sense that Shan Xiu, sitting next to her, was first surprised, then helpless, and finally a little sweetly reproachful. To hide these emotions, she even picked up her wine glass and took a sip.
Clearly, Hongshi hadn't considered that Nian Gengyao and Shan Xiu had discussed this matter, and might even have made some preparations. Perhaps in his own eyes, this was still an act of protecting Shan Xiu.
Imperial concubines were women confined to their quarters; how could they possibly appear in public, let alone compose poetry?
With this kind of thinking, Hongshi easily interrupted Nian Gengyao and Yinzhi's plans, but without ruining his image as someone who was at odds with Nian Gengyao, thus winning Yinzhen's favor.
As Yinzhen grew increasingly pleased with the Third Prince, Ulanara became even more enthusiastic. Even the poem that Hongshi wrote, which was not particularly good, sounded like good news to her. Seeing the officials praising the Third Prince, Ulanara couldn't help but smile.
After Hongshi was praised, it was Hongli's turn to compose a poem. He did not yield either, and his birthday poem praised the beautiful landscape. Compared to Hongshi's poem, which only focused on his father's birthday, it was more magnificent and grand.
Yinzhen nodded in praise, and the officials showered him with compliments, but Ulanara's smile became strained.
Qian Shengyan concealed her expression and took a sip of tea, thinking to herself that Hongli was really cunning.
Next, Hongzhou's poems were neither particularly good nor bad, merely mediocre, but Yinzhen praised them. Then came Fuhui, who, being young, recited a poem for a birthday celebration. However, before Yinzhen could praise him, Nian Gengyao laughed and said, "The Sixth Prince is indeed exceptionally intelligent, much like the late Emperor!"
...The scene became somewhat awkward for a moment, but Prince Lian, Yinzhi, said with a smile, "Your Majesty is truly blessed, each of you is an outstanding individual."
Yinzhen chuckled, but his gaze shifted to Qian Shengyan. He glanced at her first, then looked at Hongshan sitting behind her.
Because Hongshan was not yet two years old and still needed to be fed, he did not sit in the row of princes, but only sat with his birth mother.
He called out in a gentle tone, "Hongxi".
Qian Shengyan also turned around and said, "Hongshan, your elder brothers have all written poems to congratulate your father on his birthday. Do you have anything to say to your father?"
"Yes!" Hongshan was not intimidated at all. He stood up, ran to the middle of the field, knelt down and kowtowed to Yinzhen, then raised his little head and said loudly, "May Father Emperor live a long and healthy life, may the country prosper, and may everything go smoothly!"
"Hahahaha!" Yinzhen laughed loudly, and the ministers also smiled.
Children's innocent cuteness is always the most touching, but when so many people laughed, Hong-Xuan was dumbfounded.
He turned his head and looked at Qian Shengyan with a somewhat aggrieved expression, while Qian Shengyan could only helplessly facepalm.
She told Hongshan that after he finished talking to his father, the emperor would wake him up and give him something delicious. Hongshan had been looking forward to it for a long time.
Things didn't go as Qian Shengyan had predicted. The little boy, kneeling on the spot, looked a bit aggrieved, but he still mustered his spirits and kowtowed again. However, seeing that Yinzhen still didn't tell him to get up, he started to act spoiled: "Father Emperor~"
After saying that, she put her little hand to her lips and gave him a quick kiss, then raised her hand and blew a kiss to Yinzhen.
There was a two-second silence, followed by a burst of laughter.
If the laughter just now was out of consideration for the Emperor, this time, he was genuinely amused.
Qian Shengyan wished she could disappear on the spot. Why did this child use the same tricks she used to coax him, especially in front of so many people?
Yinzhen was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and beckoned, "Hongshan, come here to Father Emperor."
Hongshan jumped three feet high and ran over happily. In his mind, this meant he was going to get something delicious!
To everyone's surprise, Yinzhen held him on his lap but didn't give him any food. Instead, he rattled off a long string of words that little Hongshan couldn't understand. But he was always well-behaved, and after waiting patiently for a while, he still didn't get any treats, so he felt a little aggrieved.
However, he soon noticed the wine cup in front of Yinzhen. The cup was exquisitely crafted, with red gemstones inlaid on its golden rim. Curious, Hongshan reached out and touched it, then, seeing that Yinzhen didn't seem to care, quietly leaned over and took a sip.
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