Whether others would be envious or feel a little jealous, Xu Miaoqing didn't care at all right now; she was more enjoying her current status and glory.
While enjoying these accolades, Xu Miaoqing naturally also needs to shoulder the responsibilities and obligations that come with this identity. Fortunately, she's doing quite well so far; for example, Shuangquan came over and served food to Xu Miaoqing's three sisters-in-law.
Such a gift of food was a matter of decorum for the officials. Everyone understood that if it weren't for Xu Miaoqing's status, only the eldest sister-in-law among her three sisters-in-law would be qualified to enter the palace to offer birthday greetings, let alone be given food as a gift.
"Mother!" Amidst the envious glances of the other noblewomen, little Zhu ran over happily, "Great-grandfather gave me the jade pendant, but I won't give it to Father!"
The jade pendant in young Zhu's hand, though not of the finest quality, attracted many with its design. But Guo Xing's wife, the Marquis of Wuding, envied its significance. It was said that the pendant was commissioned by the late Empress when Emperor Zhu had just secured his throne.
The arrival of Little Zhu made the banquet in the harem even more lively. Everyone knew Little Zhu's true identity. If this child grew up smoothly, he would surely be the next emperor.
If the daughters or granddaughters in the family are of suitable age, perhaps they could try to win them over. Given the current emperor and the characteristics of the former crown prince, the empress will inevitably be chosen from among the noble families, and the daughters of civil officials can only become concubines.
At Old Zhu's birthday banquet, Little Zhu was just a minor supporting character. Many people wouldn't care about a two-year-old kid playing around; they only cared about his status and the seemingly different treatment he received.
As the absolute protagonist, Old Zhu was in a good mood, and he had to drink the congratulatory wine from his children and grandchildren. For some important civil and military officials, Old Zhu would also give them a little lip-moistening.
As for the Crown Prince, who was being observed in secret by many at this time, he appeared to be just a happy junior. He was drinking with his second and fifth uncles, chatting and laughing with his sixth and eleventh uncles, or engaging in lively conversation with Zhu Yunwen and his cousins.
Many civil and military officials are envious, because it seems the Crown Prince is consciously avoiding contact with them, a deliberate attempt to avoid suspicion. It's as if he wasn't the Crown Prince who previously instructed his subordinates to impeach the Minister of Personnel and sent people to instigate the relocation of the capital.
These are indeed things that are best left unsaid, even though everyone is aware of them. However, since the Crown Prince is intentionally avoiding suspicion, these people can't just keep shamelessly trying to get close to him.
This is something Zhu Xiong Ying thinks is quite good. If someone of his status wanted to cheat, most people really couldn't do anything about it. This isn't just a referee playing the game; it's making decisions while the game is on, with absolutely no fairness to speak of.
Of course, in such a feudal era, Zhu Xiong Ying, the imperial grandson, didn't really support fairness. It was meaningless to him; those things were nothing more than a joke.
After the lively banquet ended, Zhu Xiong Ying followed Old Zhu back to the Qianqing Palace. They were both well aware that something truly important was about to happen, and they were also well aware that the coming period would be exceptionally busy, with no time to spare.
Somewhat drunk, Old Zhu patted Zhu Xiong Ying heavily on the shoulder and said, "Ying'er, the imperial decree will be issued in a couple of days, so you should start preparing. Let's hurry up and get things done as soon as possible."
Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said to Old Zhu, "Why don't you think about it some more, Grandfather? Anyway, the matter of moving the capital has already been agreed upon. There will be no resistance to moving the capital after I ascend the throne. In any case, I will stay in Yingtian Prefecture, so there is no need for you to abdicate."
"We've already said we'll step down!" Old Zhu said seriously to Zhu Xiong Ying. "We're not young anymore, but we're not senile! Our descendants will have to step down when they reach seventy. We've set the rules for them, so let's see who dares to surpass us!"
That makes sense. Old Zhu, our ancestor, set the rules, and his descendants really can't easily overstep them in certain matters. Otherwise, there would definitely be a huge argument!
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