"But your father likes such a flattering dog. Look, this flattering dog is about to be on an equal footing with you." Concubine Zhao glared at Zhong Mingzheng, "If his title is better than yours, then you are not even as good as a dog, right?"
Zhong Mingzheng frowned even more when he heard this: "Mother, if the second son's title is really better than mine, what should I do?"
"I don't think so. After all, your father still has to consider the reputation of our Zhao family," Concubine Zhao pondered, sighing softly. "Your fourth brother's acne has healed. Take your fourth brother to pay respects to your father more often when you have time."
Zhong Mingzheng was not happy: "I have to attend court meetings every day, how can I have time to play with my fourth brother?"
"Stupid!" Concubine Zhao raised her eyebrows. She slapped Zhong Mingwei hard. "You yourself don't please the emperor, so why don't you take advantage of your fourth brother?!"
The fourth prince, Zhong Mingrong, is only eight years old this year. He is lively and cute. He is very much loved by His Majesty.
"Yes, yes, yes. My son was confused. It was my son who was confused for a moment!" Zhong Mingzheng was busy smiling and apologizing. He poured tea for Concubine Zhao and apologized, "Thank you, mother, for thinking about me. Please have some tea!"
Cining Palace.
When Bi Qiao came in, Empress Dowager Xu was reciting scriptures in the side hall. Bi Qiao walked over quietly and whispered something in the Empress Dowager's ear. The Empress Dowager slowly opened her eyes and raised her hand to Bi Qiao. Bi Qiao hurriedly helped the Empress Dowager up from the futon and slowly returned to the bedroom.
"Did His Majesty really say in public that he would confer the title of king on the Second and Third Princes together?" The Queen Mother walked slowly to the couch, sat down, and asked Bi Qiao.
"Yes, I said it in front of Concubine Zhao and Concubine Shu. So many people in Baohua Temple heard it, so it must be correct," Bi Qiao said, pouring a cup of Lu'an tea for the Queen Mother and bringing it over. "You have been chanting for so long, have a sip of tea to moisten your throat."
"Well," the Queen Mother took a sip of tea and gently closed the lid of the tea cup while speaking slowly, "The Second Prince and the Third Prince are not young anymore. The Second Prince is 25 this year, and the Third Prince is 22. They have been attending court for so many years, so it is only right that they be crowned as kings. However, it is rare to crown two princes as kings at the same time, and these two princes are not the same age, which is quite rare."
"That's right. I was also surprised when I heard it," Bi Qiao also said. After a pause, Bi Qiao looked at the Queen Mother cautiously and said, "And the Emperor probably wants to give the two princes the same status. I think it doesn't seem appropriate. The Zhao family must be more prestigious than the Cui family..."
"What's wrong with that?" The Queen Mother pursed her lips and sighed softly. "The Third Prince was born to Consort Zhao, who was the Vice Queen. He is of noble status, and the Zhao family behind him is also prominent enough. But the Second Prince also has his own unique qualities. Now that Ming Wei has left the court, the Second Prince has become the eldest son of the Emperor. The eldest son is respected, so it is reasonable for His Majesty to value him."
Seeing her expression, Bi Qiao also felt a little disappointed. She whispered, "Whoever he is, how can he compare to the eldest prince? Our Xu family is not comparable to these small families..."
"Bi Qiao," the Queen Mother frowned slightly, put down the teacup in her hand, and said in a deep voice, "Don't say anything you shouldn't say."
"Yes, yes, I know I was wrong, and I won't dare to do it again." Bi Qiao bowed hurriedly.
"Get up." The Queen Mother glanced at her, then she closed her eyes and rested while fingering her Buddhist beads.
Bi Qiao lightly lit a burner of sandalwood and placed it on the small table. Just as she was about to walk out, she heard the Queen Mother calling her again.
"Is everything safe in Ningguta?" the Queen Mother asked slowly.
"Yes," Bi Qiao turned around and said to the Queen Mother, "Since His Majesty ordered the beheading of all the Yu Tangchun in the palace, everyone in the former and harems is smart and understands His Majesty's intention. They have gradually withdrawn their spies from Ningguta."
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