Cining Palace
The Cining Palace is solemn and dignified today. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor sit at the top, while the Empress and Consort De sit at the bottom.
The eldest prince, Cao Qiang, the fourth prince, and Guan Yingying knelt below.
The Queen Mother pointed at her grandson below her and said sternly:
"How dare you cause such a scandal in the capital? It's your father's 1000th birthday, and envoys from all over the world have gathered here. To stir up such a scandal is to bring disgrace to our imperial family."
The Emperor's face was gloomy as water, and he snorted coldly: "The Queen Mother is absolutely right. The two of you are acting like this, which is truly unbecoming."
The eldest prince lowered his head, sweat dripping down his forehead, and stammered, "Grandmother, Father, I was confused for a moment." Cao Qiang also sobbed, "I am at a loss as to what to do. I hope the Empress Dowager and the Emperor will punish me."
The Fourth Prince's face was filled with grievance as he said loudly, "Grandmother, Father, I have not considered this properly."
Guan Yingying also nodded: "I am stupid."
Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother's eyes narrowed slightly, and she said slowly, "Let's just leave it at that! She's just a concubine, so let's just change her!"
The Fourth Prince was extremely reluctant. Cao Jiao was the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery. Her father had a hundred thousand soldiers stationed at Donglin Pass, making him a crucial force in the fight for the throne. But now, she had become the eldest prince's. Guan Yingying was of no help at all, and the situation was already lost.
The Queen shook her head slightly at the Fourth Prince, telling him not to anger the Emperor at this moment. The Fourth Prince clenched his fists, lowered his head and said nothing. If his mother had not stated that she would marry him a concubine of respected status, he would never have swallowed his anger in silence.
The Queen bowed and said softly, "Your Majesty is wise. This is an appropriate approach. However, if this matter were to become public, it would ultimately damage the reputation of the royal family. We must find a way to salvage it."
Concubine De rolled her eyes and said with a smile, "Why not let the two princes show their faces more often in front of the envoys from various countries, showcasing the elegance of our royal family and letting them know that our royal children are all outstanding."
The emperor nodded and said, "What Defei said makes sense. First Prince, Fourth Prince, you must behave well at the next banquet." The First Prince and the Fourth Prince kowtowed and accepted the order.
Although Cao Qiang and Guan Yingying were dissatisfied, they dared not say anything. At this time, the Queen Mother said, "Cao Qiang, Guan Yingying, since you have made a mistake, go to the Buddhist temple and meditate for a month and reflect on your mistakes." The two could only agree tearfully.
The Empress and her son, along with Consort De and her son, emerged from the Cining Palace. The Empress's expression was gloomy, and she spoke to the Fourth Prince in a low voice, "Don't act impulsively again. I will find a good opportunity to arrange a good marriage for you, and help you take a step forward on your path to succession."
Although the Fourth Prince was filled with resentment, he could only grit his teeth and say, "Don't worry, mother. I've made a note of this."
Concubine De was beaming with pride. She took the eldest prince's hand and whispered, "You have the support of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery this time, so you must seize the opportunity. Perform well at the banquet and impress the emperor."
The eldest prince raised his lips and said confidently, "Don't worry, mother. I will not let you down."
The eldest prince returned to the prince's mansion in high spirits.
The Emperor and Eunuch Guo stood outside the Pilgrimage Hall, gazing at the eldest prince's arrogant back. The Emperor said in a deep voice:
"Do you think this was done by Consort De and the First Prince? They were just after the military power of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery." Eunuch Guo bowed and said with an apologetic smile:
"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, this is indeed possible. Consort De has always hoped that the eldest prince would inherit the throne. The military power of the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery is in his hands. If he could use it for his own benefit, it would be of great benefit to the eldest prince."
The emperor snorted coldly, "This Concubine De has a very clever plan. However, I will not be easily fooled by her."
Eunuch Guo observed the emperor's expression and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty is wise. How should we respond next?" The emperor's eyes were deep:
"Let's see how the eldest prince performs at the banquet. If he truly possesses ability, I will give him a chance. If he merely abuses the power of the Loyal and Brave Marquisate to bully others, I will not tolerate it."
Eunuch Guo nodded hurriedly, but his expression slightly restrained. As the emperor grew older, his suspicion grew deeper and deeper. It seemed that he felt that all the princes were eyeing his throne, so he could only follow the emperor's wishes.
At the same time, the queen was also planning in her own palace. She called her confidants and whispered to each other how to turn the situation around for the fourth prince.
When the eldest prince returned to his mansion, he discussed with Cao Qiang how to make a splash at the banquet. Cao Qiang was very clever and gave him many good ideas.
Cao Qiang and Guan Yingying will be in seclusion in the Buddhist temple tomorrow. The thought of this makes Cao Qiang feel irritated. Who could be so vicious as to make her and Guan Yingying switch bridal sedans? Don't let her catch them!
Imperial College
Jin Linlin led her two younger brothers to the gate of the Imperial College. Cong Chunxue took the luggage prepared for them from her hands.
"The Imperial College is the top educational institution in our country. You must study hard, especially current affairs. The policy essay will definitely be tested on current affairs. There are many children from aristocratic families in the Imperial College, and they may look down on merchants. You must be aware of this."
Jin Si and Jin took the luggage from their sister: "Sister, we know it was like this when we were in Jiangnan. Those people looked down on students from merchant families. Don't worry, we know it well." Jin Si said with a little frustration.
Jin Linlin gave each of the two business cards given by the emperor one:
"Now that you've entered the Imperial College, don't be aggressive or belligerent. Learn more and read more. These six months will pass in a flash, and then it will be the Spring Examination. The Imperial College is just a transition, so don't ruin your life because of a momentary impulse. Your brother-in-law is in the Jinyiwei, so go to him if you have any problems."
Jins and Jinke carefully kept the business cards close to their bodies, said goodbye to Jin Linlin, and entered the Imperial College.
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