Chapter 93 Xiaoyaoxian
Zhu Yuhuan held one sword across his body and the other behind his back, bowing and saying, "Huanhuan congratulates the Emperor on his longevity, the harmony of the two yin and yang, the submission of all the barbarians, and the tributes of all nations."
Seeing her dressed like this, Empress Dowager Zhang was amused and said, "You're so creative! Dressing up as a fairy and dancing with a sword." She looked Zhu Yuhuan up and down and said, "I've never seen such a fairy lady who is so talented in both literature and martial arts. She seems so free and easy."
Zhu Yuhuan chuckled and said, "In ancient times, people dressed up in colorful clothes to entertain their parents, which was a sign of filial piety. Although Huanhuan is not yet seventy years old, I am willing to show off my ugliness to make Daddy laugh. Moreover, this divine robe dancing with a sword symbolizes the peace of our Ming Dynasty. As long as Daddy gives the order, I can raise my sword and shock the world."
Although she didn't say it explicitly, Zhu Zhanji knew it all too well. His daughter was making up for the sword dance she hadn't performed when she was still in the Eastern Palace. Furthermore, Zhu Yuhuan's words touched upon his heart, and Zhu Zhanji was naturally delighted. He said, "Excellent! That's well said! Although our Ming Dynasty is currently recuperating, if any barbarians dare to invade, we can still defeat them and bring them to their knees."
There are both pros and cons to an emperor not engaging in war. Naturally, most of his subjects do not want to fight, but some people think that the abandonment of Jiaozhi in the southwest and the change of the northern expedition to border patrols are because the current emperor is afraid of war. Zhu Zhanji heard about this, but he could not argue with others in person, so he just turned a blind eye.
Now that Zhu Yuhuan had said this, it just happened to prove the saying "loyalty and filial piety are the foundation of the great way". It also provided a reason for Zhu Zhanji to summon Liu Yuanran of the Zhengyi School to the palace for fasting and offering sacrifices. Zhu Zhanji was naturally in a good mood, and with a wave of his hand he gave out all kinds of rewards.
If Zhu Yuhuan was a court official, Zhu Zhanji would have wanted to promote her to be a close minister to the emperor. In addition to Yang Rong, he should have had a few more ministers around him who understood the emperor's heart.
After expressing his gratitude, Zhu Yuhuan returned to his seat to the right of Hu Shanxiang and sat down to eat his meal.
Seeing that everyone around them was busy drinking and not paying attention to them, Hu Shanxiang whispered, "You're attracting too much attention. The Queen Mother is always looking at you."
Empress Dowager Zhang was extremely scheming. If Zhu Yuhuan offended her, he would be unable to move forward in the future. Hu Shanxiang naturally did not want her daughter to lose Empress Dowager Zhang's favor.
Zhu Yuhuan replied with a smile, "It's just a trick, and it's also to please Daddy, so why would Grandma mind?"
Who said the emperor was the one who loved having it all, but couldn't say it out loud? As a caring little cotton-padded jacket, how could Zhu Yuhuan not stand on the side of her biological father? In addition, she also wanted to take this opportunity to get closer to that Liu Yuanran Liu Zhenren.
First, it would give her a glimpse into Zhu Zhanji's situation, even if he was tight-lipped. Second, Zhu Yuhuan would eventually get married, and it would be great if this man who could summon wind and thunder could say a few good words for her.
Hu Shanxiang had no choice but to try her best to soften her stance and say a few good words for Zhu Yuhuan in front of Empress Dowager Zhang.
Seeing that she was a little depressed, Zhu Yuhuan pulled Hu Shanxiang's arm and shook it, saying coquettishly, "Mom, do you think my clothes look good today?"
Hu Shanxiang couldn't help but praise it, "It's beautiful, exactly like the painting. Your fabric is also beautiful, soft and comfortable to the touch."
Zhu Yuhuan then chuckled and said, "That's good. Imitation Lu silk is cheap and beautiful. I plan to sell it in my shop in Beijing later."
Although the imperial farm failed to fully develop the water-powered loom, the cost of spinning yarn decreased, and the cost of cloth naturally followed suit. In addition, for the skillful women in Nancheng, weaving cloth and flowers was not a difficult task. It would be a waste not to do such a business, so Zhu Yuhuan thought of using the palace banquet to "advertise" it.
Who says Royal is the best brand? She is also a little famous, so what's the big deal about being a "spokesperson"?
Hu Shanxiang knew she had some ideas in mind. She tapped her forehead and said, "You...never do anything in vain. You always have your own plans."
Zhu Yuhuan leaned against his mother, looking contented, and said, "What's wrong with that?"
Seeing her snuggling up to her like this, Hu Shanxiang thought about her daughter getting better and better. She felt a mixture of sadness and emotion in her heart. She whispered, "Mother really doesn't know how else she can help you..."
Zhu Yuhuan naturally heard it and said, "Just live the way you like, mother. Tongtong, I, and the people in the charity hall all like your true self."
Hu Shanxiang held back her sobs and said nothing more.
Zhu Youtong didn't understand what was going on. He just moved closer to Zhu Yuhuan and whispered, "Sister, can you dance with a sword in a long skirt? I'm really afraid you'll fall."
Zhu Yuhuan pinched her cheek and said, "Diligence can make up for lack of talent."
What a joke! She practices ten times a day, and has practiced hundreds of times since the Chinese New Year. If she fails in public, her life will be in vain.
The two sisters were chatting when Zhu Yuhuan suddenly felt someone pulling at her skirt. She turned around and saw Zhu Qizhen standing behind her. He was holding onto the colorful ribbons and pendants hanging on Zhu Yuhuan's belt and refused to let go, looking very curious.
His nanny, Lin, looked embarrassed and whispered, "It was because the prince thought your clothes looked nice, that's why..."
Zhu Yuhuan didn't mind. She stood up and walked over to Zhu Qizhen, holding him in her arms, saying, "Brother Zhen, come sit down with me and have dinner. I'll feed you." She picked up a piece of cake with her chopsticks and, without asking the waiter to taste it, she tasted it herself first and then gave Zhu Qizhen a small piece. Seeing his eyes light up, she smiled and asked, "Brother Zhen, is it delicious?"
When Concubine Sun saw Zhu Yuhuan holding Zhu Qizhen, her eyes widened and her heart almost jumped out of her throat. She couldn't help but look back and forth between Empress Dowager Zhang and Zhu Yuhuan.
Empress Dowager Zhang was calm and even cheerful. She didn't even glance at Concubine Sun, as if she was just enjoying the heartwarming scene of harmony between the sister and brother.
Zhu Qizhen was now over a year old and could speak some simple words. He immediately said, "Okay, sister! Sister! Okay!"
Zhu Yuhuan touched his little bald head and said with a smile, "Eat less. Sister has asked the doctor. Children will easily get indigestion if they eat too much sweet food."
Zhu Qizhen was not shy, hugging Zhu Yuhuan tightly and refusing to let go, saying, "Eat! Sister, it smells delicious!"
Everyone burst into laughter upon seeing this, and Concubine He Hui even laughed, saying, "The Crown Prince was born blessed. To be held in the arms of the fairy-like Highness is just like the boy in the painting."
Her words were pleasant to the ears, and everyone agreed with her. Zhu Zhanji was very satisfied and praised Concubine Hui repeatedly.
Only Zhu Youtong muttered, "There's a wet nurse next to him, why does he need his sister to hold him..." There was a hint of sourness in his words.
Zhu Yuhuan patted Zhu Qizhen on the back and looked at Zhu Qiuyu not far away. She saw that he was also looking at her eagerly, as if he didn't understand why the people around him were laughing, so she winked at him.
Wu Miaosu noticed Zhu Yuhuan's little eyes, and seeing that Zhu Qiyu next to him was a little envious, she couldn't help but chuckle.
Zhu Qiyu met Zhu Yuhuan's gaze and immediately crawled back into his wet nurse's arms, but he couldn't help but secretly look at Zhu Yuhuan.
Zhu Zhanji, who was sitting above, naturally saw this scene and could not help but say with relief: "Yu'er is sensible and knows how to give way to his brother. The virtuous concubine has taught the second prince very well."
Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Zhang looked at Zhu Yuhuan and said, "We are all brothers and sisters. What is there to fight over?"
Zhu Yuhuan smiled after hearing this and agreed, "Grandma and Daddy are right. I'm the older sister and Zhen'er is the older brother. How could we compete with our younger brothers and sisters?"
The others did not understand the hidden meaning of these three people, but just agreed and felt the warm affection between the royal brothers and sisters.
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