Chapter 435 The Crown Prince's Birthday Banquet
The Inspection Department's official documents were issued quickly and casually.
It was practically just an official document.
Officials who did not meet the requirements were notified to come to Beijing for reassessment.
Some officials who received the assessment notice calmly packed their bags and headed to Beijing.
I was a little scared and didn't know what to do.
Some began to utilize their connections in the capital.
Regardless of the type, people's hearts are restless.
The Prince of Zhenbei's mansion is now bustling with visitors.
Even though Qin Jinzhi was busy every day and traveled to many places, she rarely returned to the Prince's Mansion.
But visitors kept coming in waves.
Before long, it was the Crown Prince's birthday.
A banquet was held in the palace, and all the officials came to offer their congratulations, but the happiest person was not the crown prince.
It was Consort Shen.
As the officials took their seats, a palace attendant announced from outside the hall, "The Third Prince has arrived!"
Upon hearing this, Consort Shen immediately looked at her son.
All the officials looked at the Third Prince.
If we were to say who among the royal family is the most handsome and dashing.
We should also mention the third prince born to Consort Shen.
He was as handsome as Pan An and had an imposing presence.
She combines all the best qualities of His Majesty and Consort Shen.
Apart from the crown prince born to the empress, there were no other princes in the court.
Only the Third Prince was personally instructed by His Majesty.
This is also the origin of Consort Shen's exclusive favor.
After the third prince came of age, he entered the Ministry of War and became its Vice Minister.
The prince's intervention in the Six Ministries is an immense favor.
Not only that, the Third Prince also went on inspection tours of ironworks in various places on behalf of His Majesty.
Iron and salt are two crucial components.
Even when the Shen clan was destroyed, the Third Prince was not affected in any way.
Now that I'm back in Beijing, I wonder if things will change there.
The Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince have not yet arrived.
The people in the hall were exchanging pleasantries.
After entering the hall, the third prince gestured to the officials who greeted him.
He then went to his seat and calmly drank his tea.
When Qin Jinzhi and Cui Ying entered the main hall.
Many daughters of officials gathered around.
In Beijing today, Rongxiuzhuang leads the trend among women.
At every palace banquet, Qin Jinzhi and Cui Ying would wear the latest dresses from Rongxiuzhuang.
Ever since Qin Jinzhi subdued Shengchi and returned to the capital in great victory.
After the young woman from the capital showered Qin Jinzhi with a shower of purses.
It became fashionable among the young women to send gifts to Qin Jinzhi.
The Chidori clan repeatedly explained that the commander would not accept anything.
But the area in front of the Chidori Temple is still filled with the fragrance of melons and fruits every day, and gifts are scattered everywhere.
Left with no other choice, Chidori-shi established a special company called Chitō-shi to record and register gifts daily.
The flower-viewing banquet held by Cui Ying after she became the head of the Cui family was packed to capacity.
With Cui Ying mediating, the young women in the capital's affection for Qin Jinzhi increased dramatically.
As a result, some daughters of high-ranking officials now dare to come and talk to Qin Jinzhi.
The crowd chattered excitedly, and even the officials found it strange.
Just six months ago, Qin Jinzhi was someone everyone in Beijing avoided like the plague.
The popularity she enjoys now is unbelievable.
At that moment, a man walked up from behind the group of women.
Upon seeing this, someone immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Third Prince."
Upon hearing this, everyone bowed in greeting.
The Third Prince smiled and nodded before walking toward Qin Jinzhi.
It's obvious that he had something to say to Qin Jinzhi.
The group wisely left.
The third prince also had a very exquisite brocade box in his hand.
"It was Jinzhi's birthday a while ago, but the Third Imperial Uncle was not in the capital. This is a belated birthday gift for you."
The third prince opened the brocade box, inside which was a complete set of jewelry.
Most importantly, all the jewelry was inlaid with mermaid tears.
The Third Prince smiled and looked at Qin Jinzhi, "I heard that Father bestowed upon you that stunningly beautiful crown, and this set of jewelry would be even better to match it."
Qin Jinzhi smiled as she looked at the jewelry set. "I admire Third Imperial Uncle's magnanimity. Feiyan, accept it."
Because of this stunningly beautiful headdress, Consort Shen lost face at the palace banquet.
The downfall of the Shen family stemmed from this.
Now, the Third Prince is giving her matching jewelry without batting an eye.
Whether it's forbearance or provocation, it's enough to prove that this person is not simple.
Feiyan, who was standing to the side, took the brocade box.
At this moment, a message was sent from outside the hall.
"The Crown Prince has arrived!"
The officials looked over.
The Crown Prince was accompanied by two concubines and Consort Shen, with two young people, a man and a woman, following behind.
As soon as the Crown Prince entered the palace, he saw the Third Prince handing the brocade box to Fei Yan.
He walked back to his seat with an unchanged expression.
The Third Prince seemed to have come specifically to deliver a birthday gift.
He handed the brocade box to Feiyan and then turned to leave.
He then walked up to the Crown Prince and said, "Brother, happy birthday."
The Crown Prince looked at the Third Prince and said, “Third Brother, you have rendered meritorious service in inspecting ironworks across the country for Father Emperor. Upon your return to the capital, Father Emperor will surely reward you handsomely.”
The Third Prince smiled and said, "It is my duty to share the Emperor's burdens; how could I ask for a reward?"
The Crown Prince laughed upon hearing this and placed his hand on the Third Prince's shoulder.
“Third brother, your second brother also said the same thing. You are probably out of the loop and not well informed. He was accused of treason and has already been executed by Father. It would be best if you didn’t say such things, it’s bad luck.”
The Third Prince remained unfazed, a faint smile still on his face.
“What Your Majesty says is absolutely right.”
He looked at the people behind the Crown Prince as if pondering, and said, "Your Majesty, I was indeed out of touch with the people while I was away. These gentlemen..."
The Crown Prince removed his hand from the Third Prince's shoulder.
"Third brother, one cannot always be impatient. You will know when my birthday banquet begins."
The Third Prince smiled and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will follow your teachings."
The Crown Prince looked at the respectful Third Prince and said, "Third Brother is not young anymore. In a few days, I will discuss this with Father and Mother. You have made meritorious contributions in inspecting the iron, and you should be granted the title of King and rewarded handsomely."
The Third Prince shook his head. "Your Majesty, I am not very ambitious. I just like the climate of the capital. Once I return to the capital, I will not leave again."
Having been away from the capital for several years and unable to be by my father's and mother's side, I should naturally do my best to fulfill my filial duties.
The Crown Prince nodded. "Third Brother's filial piety is truly touching. However, this year's harvest is not good, and the food in the capital is tough. I don't know if Third Brother can get used to it."
The Third Prince smiled and said, "Your subject is a rough man and can eat anything."
The Crown Prince laughed heartily, “With your meritorious service in inspecting iron, Father and Mother will certainly not let you eat those mundane things. Don’t worry, your elder brother will definitely discuss your achievements with Father and Mother.”
The third prince bowed and said, "Then I thank Your Majesty."
The Crown Prince led the people from the Eastern Palace to their seats.
The third prince also returned to his seat.
Feiyan stood behind Qin Jinzhi, looking at the brocade box in her hand.
She said in a very low but indignant voice, "Princess! Unsolicited kindness is either a lie or a theft!"
Feiyan pointed at the brocade box, "Steal it!"
Qin Jinzhi smiled and placed the pastries on the table into her hands.
"That's a good phrase."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com