Just like last time, Yun Yishu finished all the snacks on the table and left Fu Shuang Palace, making sure to close the door behind her.
He moved very quietly, wolfing down his food, but carefully picking up and putting down the plate, so the nanny who was sleeping with him in the bedchamber did not hear anything unusual.
[Third Brother, how did you train like that? Your movements are so light and graceful.]
Watching Yun Yishu leave the bedchamber, Jin Jinzhi put Yun Duoduo back on the bed, covered her with a small blanket, gently patted her shoulder, and watched her close her eyes before walking out of the bedchamber to find Xiao Jinyu on the roof.
When Xiao Jinyu saw him come out, he jumped down from the roof.
"Jinzhi, was that the Third Prince just now?" Xiao Jinyu, holding a bow and arrow, looked at Jin Jinzhi with a puzzled and uncertain expression.
When he saw the Third Prince go in, he wanted to stop him, but he noticed that the Third Prince's expression was a little strange, and Jin Jinzhi made a stop gesture, so he didn't go any further and didn't try to stop the Third Prince.
“Yes, the assassins who came in last time, on that foggy day, were also the Third Prince when you went to the back mountain to capture them.” Jin Jinzhi nodded.
"This matter?" Xiao Jinyu hesitated, wondering whether he should report this to His Majesty. After all, it was not unusual for a prince to enter and leave the little princess's bedchamber late at night.
Moreover, he felt that the Third Prince's actions were somewhat sneaky.
“There’s no need to tell His Majesty. Since the little princess is alright and the Third Prince has no other purpose in coming, let’s observe for now to avoid any unnecessary trouble.” Jin Jinzhi saw through Xiao Jinyu’s thoughts. He looked at the sky and said, “I’ll keep watch outside for the rest of the night. You should go and get some sleep.”
Xiao Jinyu nodded, leaped into the air, and disappeared into the vast night.
...
Inside Yong'an Palace, Consort Rong was watching her son, Yun Yichun, write.
Yun Yichun is Yun Beiye's fifth son. Yun Beiye's sons' names are arranged according to the order of seniority (伯仲叔季) and the seasons (春夏秋冬), making a total of eight sons. If there were one more, he wouldn't know what to name him.
"Chun'er, write these words down. After you've finished writing them, show them to your father. He'll probably be willing to see you then."
"Yes, Mother, I understand." Yun Yichun nodded, a hint of confusion and resentment flashing in his eyes.
For a child, the love of their father and mother is everything.
In their world, they are especially sensitive to love, care, and favoritism. Children who are extremely lacking in love have an obsessive desire for affection and affirmation.
[I've been working so hard, but why can't my father see it?]
He resented that they cared so much about that useless little princess of Fu Shuang Palace.
Ultimately, she's just a little girl; what future can she possibly have?
[If we're talking about contributing to Nanyang, he'll be able to lead troops in battle and bring glory to Nanyang through his literary skills. But that girl from Fu Shuang Palace will only be a princess sent for a political marriage; she can just marry into a neighboring country.]
How could such a girl compare to him? Why does Father Emperor dote on the little princess so much?
"Your Majesty, Consort Yu has arrived," a palace maid announced as she entered.
"Oh? Let her in."
Consort Rong curled her lips into a smile and raised an eyebrow. [I didn't expect her to come looking for me so quickly; it's faster than I anticipated.]
"Chun'er, go back to your palace and read some books. Your mother will come over to help you practice calligraphy later." Consort Rong lovingly patted Yun Yichun's head and said gently.
"Yes, Mother." Yun Yichun rose, bowed, and left the front hall with the calligraphy and books in her hands.
It was very hot inside the room, so Consort Rong asked the palace maids to bring some ice from the bedroom to the front hall.
Yu Meiren walked in, took off her hood, and bowed respectfully. "Sister Rongpin, I apologize for disturbing you so late at night."
"Get up quickly, there's no need for such formalities." Consort Rong helped Consort Yu to sit down on the chair next to her.
“Sister, what are you saying? We are both from the harem, so we are sisters. There’s no need to be so polite.”
"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and prepare tea and snacks!"
Consort Rong smiled and took Yu Meiren's hand, instructing her head maid, Caiyue, to prepare tea and snacks.
"Thank you, sister."
"It was just a simple instruction, there's no need to thank me."
“Sister, this is an ice-type jade bracelet, a specialty of my hometown. I brought it especially for you, and I hope you won’t find it too shabby.” Yu Meiren took out an exquisite wooden box, which was inlaid with round and lustrous pearls.
"Oh dear, you've come all this way, no need to be so polite," Consort Rong said with a smile.
"If I remember correctly, your hometown is near Quanzhou. The jade bracelets from that area must be of excellent quality." Consort Rong opened the pear wood box, glanced at the jade bracelet inside, and indeed it was of superior quality.
"Last time at Changqiu Palace, I saw that you were very attentive to the little princess's first birthday banquet. Consort De also greatly appreciated you. How have you been lately? Are you very busy?" Consort Rong took a sip of tea and spoke politely.
"How can you say I'm busy? My sister is idle in the palace all day long."
"Besides, sister, I'm just following orders." Yu Meiren smiled awkwardly.
Why did she suddenly ask about the little princess's first birthday celebration? That day at Changqiu Palace, she didn't seem particularly interested in it.
Isn't she even a little bit curious about why I came here?
"Sister's palace is so comfortable, unlike my own bedchamber, which is as hot as an oven." Yu Meiren tidied her hair behind her ear.
"Oh dear, I am also blessed by Chun'er. As you know, every prince has his share of ice. If it weren't for Chun'er, I would probably be sweating profusely right now!" After saying that, Consort Rong covered her mouth with a handkerchief and smiled.
Why is this woman being so polite? Get to the point, she needs to accompany Chun'er to her calligraphy practice!
I don't know if she'll help me.
[By ruining Consort De's first birthday banquet, His Majesty will surely punish her severely, and then it's hard to guarantee that he won't take his anger out on the Third Prince.]
Of the eight princes, only one can become the Crown Prince. The opportunity has arrived; we must eliminate as many as possible.
“Sister is right.” Yu Meiren nodded.
Consort Rong waited for Consort Yu to get to the point. She knew Consort Yu had come to ask her for a favor, but she would never bring up the child first if Consort Yu didn't speak.
"I really envy you, sister, having the Fifth Prince by your side," Yu Meiren continued.
“Yes, His Majesty is very busy with state affairs, and the harem is so quiet. If there were no child, he would really be lonely in the palace.” Consort Rong nodded in agreement.
"Hey, where's the Fifth Prince?"
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