Yang Mengchen blinked as well.
People around gasped again, many of them privately considering the need to foster good relations with Princess Chen in the future. Even if they couldn’t gain material benefits, it would be good to share in Princess Chen’s good fortune. Hadn’t they seen how those close to Princess Chen always seemed contented and happy?
Prince Duan and Prince Jing were so angry they felt like spitting blood: What was the Emperor implying? Did he want to link Prince Chen with Shao Mingyi? They would never agree to that!
Aside from those who swore unyielding loyalty to Prince Duan and Prince Jing, as well as to Long Yisi, some courtiers who had previously sided with them were now considering whether it was too late to switch allegiance to Prince Chen.
"Ah Jiu, let’s go home." Ignoring the public setting, Long Xuanmo strode forward with a smile, wrapping his arm around Yang Mengchen’s waist as they departed.
Watching the pair, who seemed like celestial beings in love, everyone envied them and had to admit that only Princess Chen was worthy of Prince Chen!
Qi Qiuxin glared fiercely at Yang Mengchen’s retreating figure, her teeth biting into her lips, her eyes flashing with deep-seated jealousy and bitterness.
And Su Manru’s gaze was filled with dim sorrow, her heart full of loss and acidity.
With a quick look around, Song Bochao hurried toward Yang Chengbin, declaring his intention to stay at the Yang Mansion. On the other hand, Old Hai also attached himself to Yang Chengyou. The brothers understood the intention of both men and did not point it out, nodding in agreement.
Grand Prince, Prince Ning, and Prince Kang and others surged forward, all running off to the Yang Mansion to freeload. Yang Mengchen had said she was going back to see her nephew and have dinner.
The Emperor was well aware that these people were heading over to make a fuss over Jiujiu. Actually, he wanted to go along, too, but he had already received two paintings, and at least for the short term, it didn’t seem proper to ask Jiujiu for more, so he returned to the palace with the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Yang Mengchen’s victory brought joy to some and sorrow to others. Those who were close to her had bet on her winning, but others had not placed their bets on her. With the odds being one to twenty, they had lost a great deal.
The courtiers who supported Prince Chen had bought some out of courtesy, but now they were both pleased and regretful. If only they had known, they would have invested all their wealth.
Prince Duan and Prince Jing were full of envy, jealousy, and hatred. They had lost all their silver, and what was worse, those six pieces of calligraphy had earned Prince Chen almost a million taels of silver. Princess Chen truly had some clever tricks up her sleeve.
Regardless, betting on the next day’s musical instrument performance, singing and dancing, and the game of strategy began anew.
Most people thought that since Old Hai and Mr. Song had a deep connection with Princess Chen, perhaps she had received their guidance in today’s competition. It was unlikely that they could guide Princess Chen in music, dance, or strategic games, since they were not skilled in those areas, and Princess Chen probably hadn’t learned them either. Moreover, Princess Yashuang of Nanping’s dance was renowned for its extraordinary beauty, so they were convinced Princess Chen wouldn’t win. This led many to place their bets on Princess Yashuang and Princess Feilan. Nevertheless, the odds for Princess Chen had been lowered to one to sixteen. frёewebηovel.cѳm
Those who supported Prince Chen clenched their teeth and decided to throw everything they had into betting on Princess Chen winning.
Cining Palace.
The Emperor was so excited he was speaking incoherently, "Empress Mother, Empress Mother..." Not only had he obtained two exquisite paintings today, but he had also won a fortune from his two million taels bet.
Seeing the Emperor, who had always been composed and dignified but now laughing like a child, the Empress Dowager shook her head amusedly. It was fortunate that only the three of them were in the sleeping chamber; otherwise, it would have been detrimental to the dignity of the Emperor.
The Empress, having seen the Emperor this way for the second time, sat beside him, her mouth curving into a smile.
It took a while for the Emperor to calm his excitement. He eagerly asked the Empress Dowager, "Mother, shall we bet on Jiujiu winning again tomorrow?"
"What do you think, my son?" the Empress Dowager replied with a slight hint of irritation, casting a glance at the Emperor.
The Emperor chuckled, then immediately ordered Sun Chuanmao to place another bet on Jiujiu winning.
Sun Chuanmao left with a bounce in his step. He had followed the Emperor’s lead and bet one hundred thousand taels yesterday, which had multiplied twentyfold in no time, leaving him giddy with joy.
Palace attendants who had originally supported Princess Chen and placed their bets on her were now all grinning from ear to ear.
"Son, bring me those two paintings to have a good look," the Empress Dowager felt somewhat off-balance; last year for her birthday, Jiujiu hadn’t sent her any paintings or calligraphy, but this year she had presented them to the Emperor in advance. No, this year’s birthday had to be different; she definitely wanted Jiujiu to gift her several more works.
The Empress, harboring similar thoughts, looked eagerly at the Emperor. She had been so shocked earlier that she hadn’t taken a good look at them.
With the command from the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, reluctant as he was, had to take out the paintings for his mother and wife to admire. The three were not skilled in painting, but they had a strong appreciation for art; they came together to discuss the subtleties of the works enthusiastically.
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