The wind at the Altar of Heaven was noisy, the Empress Dowager's expression was solemn, while Hua Liuli was... feeling cold.
She supported the Empress Dowager and walked to Emperor Changlong's side. Emperor Changlong supported the Empress Dowager when Hua Liuli bowed to the two of them. This was her first time seeing Emperor Changlong, a handsome uncle. The corners of the Crown Prince's eyes and eyebrows bore some resemblance to him.
Emperor Changlong noticed the little girl beside the Empress Dowager. Her big eyes showed no timidity and were agile and bright, but her posture seemed a bit weak.
This little girl was so good, lovely, and cute. With the Crown Prince's careless personality, he should be matched with such a girl who knows how to be gentle and caring. He had originally thought that the Eldest Prince had always been interested in military arts and would be more accustomed to the Hua family's girl if she married him. Unexpectedly, Consort Xian and the Eldest Prince themselves were unwilling.
He was somewhat angry at first, but such matters depended on mutual willingness. If he forced the Eldest Prince into this marriage and the Eldest Prince treated the girl poorly, it would harm her.
The Hua family had only produced such a daughter for three generations and he would be ashamed to face the court in the future.
Emperor Changlong nodded amiably at Hua Liuli before continuing to support the Empress Dowager and walk forward.
Hua Liuli took three steps back and turned around before walking away. The entire open space fell into a profound silence. She felt many gazes on her, but when she looked up, all she saw were the respectful court officials and noblewomen.
The people in the capital were truly remarkable. Their gazes were as flexible as the archers in the military camp, if not more formidable.
She turned her head and saw the Crown Prince, dressed in ceremonial attire, preparing to ascend the Altar of Heaven. She stopped in her tracks and took a step to the side.
When the Crown Prince passed by her, his footsteps paused briefly, and he handed her a palm-sized object.
Warmth flowed through her limbs as she held the delicate and exquisite hand warmer. Hua Liuli, whose hands had been chilled by the cold wind in the morning, covered the hand warmer and looked at the Crown Prince's figure.
Ah, at this moment, the Crown Prince's figure appeared exceptionally tall and majestic.
After descending the steps, a Ministry of Rites official led her to join the noblewomen. Although she was young, her noble title was high, so she stood in a prominent position. When she saw the person standing on her right side was Jiamin Junzhu, her smile became even brighter, "Junzhu, we are truly fated."
Jiamin Junzhu: "..."
No, I don't want to see you.
With the hand warmer, her cold hands gradually warmed up. Seeing the expression "Don't come near me" on Jiamin Junzhu's face, Hua Liuli didn't get angry either. She leisurely held the hand warmer and waited for the ceremony to begin.
As the sky gradually brightened, Emperor Changlong recited a sacrificial text and also had the Crown Prince recite one.
Hua Liuli thought this was a normal procedure, but she noticed that the expressions of the noblewomen around her became somewhat shocked when the Crown Prince went to recite the sacrificial text, especially Jiamin Junzhu, whose face showed both surprise and unwillingness.
"Kneel!"
"Dong!" The sound of the chimes spread throughout the entire open space, enveloping Hua Liuli in solemnity. She tucked the hand warmer into her sleeve and respectfully knelt down.
They offered sacrifices to the heavens, praying for the peace and prosperity of the people, as well as favorable weather.
"Kneel again."
After performing the Three Kowtows and Nine Prostrations ceremony, there were still many more procedures to follow. As she listened to the chanting of scriptures by the monks and Taoists, Hua Liuli opened the brocade pouch at her waist and secretly ate a piece of milk candy.
She didn't know how the Eastern Palace's chefs made it, but this milk candy was sweet and fragrant without being greasy. After it entered her mouth, the fragrance of milk and fruit surrounded her lips and teeth, improving her mood.
The Crown Prince was probably worried that she would get tired of just eating milk candy, so he also prepared a portion of dried meat for her. She occasionally ate a piece and felt that this tedious occasion was not so difficult to endure.
When she picked up another piece of milk candy, she noticed that Jiamin Junzhu was secretly watching her. After hesitating for a moment, she took out five pieces from the brocade pouch, thought for a moment, threw back two pieces, and then handed them to Jiamin Junzhu, "Want some?"
"I don't..." Jiamin Junzhu began to say.
Upon hearing the "don't, Hua Liuli immediately retracted her hand.
Jiamin Junzhu: "..."
She knew this wretched person wouldn't be so generous.
Hua Liuli stood among the crowd and noticed many interesting things. A certain princess in the front row maintained a dignified posture, and when she secretly ate something hidden in her sleeve, she appeared more composed than the others.
The princess on her left pretended to cough lightly, but she was actually stuffing something into her mouth.
She even caught a faint scent of tea behind her but couldn't figure out its source.
People in the capital were truly extraordinary. They frequently attended important gatherings and had developed such rich experiences in discreetly eating to avoid going hungry.
After reflecting on this, she thought that the Crown Prince was truly kind-hearted and handsome. If it weren't for him, she would have been a pitiful soul starving in the cold wind.
As time passed, Jiamin Junzhu stared at Hua Liuli -- who was occasionally sneaking a bite -- and felt her hunger intensify. Unfortunately, she wanted to leave a good impression in front of Consort Xian, so she couldn't resort to sneaking food and hadn't prepared anything to eat.
Knowing that she was hungry and yet seeing Hua Liuli eat so happily, it was unbearable!
As noon approached, the celestial ritual finally reached its last step. The scriptures recited by the monks and Taoists, as well as the sacrificial texts written by the princes and court officials, were all to be burned as offerings to the heavens.
Hua Liuli watched as the blue smoke slowly rose into the sky. She touched the empty sachet in her hand and realized that if the ceremony didn't end soon, she would run out of snacks.
When she bowed again, Hua Liuli swayed slightly, showing signs of exhaustion.
Fortunately, a young Junzhu standing beside her supported her.
"Thank you," Hua Liuli smiled gratefully at the young Junzhu.
"No need to be polite," the young Junzhu, with a round face, smiled warmly.
After the ceremonial offering to the heavens concluded, Hua Liuli prepared to leave with the noble ladies, but she was called back by a court lady beside the empress dowager.
"Anning, don't bother," Jiamin Junzhu glanced at the round-faced Junzhu, "She's just an outsider's daughter. Even if she's titled as a Junzhu, how can she compare to us legitimate imperial relatives?"
"Furthermore," Jiamin Junzhu sneered, "Considering Hua Liuli's status, can you afford to associate yourself with her?"
Anning Junzhu's eyelids twitched as she withdrew her gaze from Hua Liuli's departing figure.
When Hua Liuli approached them with the court lady, the Crown Prince noticed that the two sachets at her waist were empty, and he chuckled lightly. Ying Wang, standing beside him, thought bitterly: So what if the Emperor asked him to recite the sacrificial texts? There was nothing to show off.
"Yuansu," Emperor Changlong turned to the Crown Prince and said, "Come with me."
Seeing the Emperor and the Crown Prince get on the sedan chair, Ying Wang almost rolled his eyes, but when he saw Hua Liuli approaching, he quickly retracted his gaze.
After all, she was a woman who almost became his Wangfei. Appearance still mattered.
"I greet Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Crown Prince, and all the princes and princesses," Hua Liuli bowed to everyone. Her gaze swept over the crowd and landed on the Fourth Prince, whom she had never had a chance to meet.
It was rumored that the birth mother of the Fourth Prince had a relatively low status, but what was more legendary was that he had an uncle who had achieved the top-ranked scholar position and was highly trusted by the Emperor.
The Fourth Prince's appearance didn't dazzle as much as the Crown Prince's, but he could still be described as handsome, with remarkable elegance. However, he seemed somewhat silent and difficult to get along with, displaying a cold and indifferent demeanor.
"Come," the Empress Dowager held Hua Liuli's hand. As she felt warmth in Hua Liuli's she felt relieved, "Come, accompany this Grieving One back to the palace."
The Crown Prince came forward to support the Empress Dowager, "Imperial Grandmother, be careful on the steps."
"Alright, alright," the Empress Dowager liked her grandson's closeness and said to the Crown Prince, "You've been through a lot today, you must be tired. Go back and rest well."
"Imperial Grandmother, even if I'm tired, I wouldn't dare to say it in front of you," the Crown Prince sighed, "I still have some face to maintain."
The Empress Dowager was amused by her grandson, "Look at you, you have no shame or scruples."
Hua Liuli smiled, realizing that she had previously thought that the imperial family followed rules and regulations in every aspect. However, after living in Shoukang Palace for a while, she discovered that the imperial family members were also human beings who shared intimate jokes in private.
"Little Hua, why are you smiling?" the Crown Prince noticed Hua Liuli's smile.
Hua Liuli innocently shook her head, "Your Royal Highness, this humble servant couldn't help but feel happy thinking about the prosperous year ahead for Great Jin."
The Crown Prince stared at Hua Liuli; Hua Liuli stared back with wide eyes.
"Your Majesty, look at the Crown Prince," Consort Xian approached Emperor Changlong and smiled, "He looks genuinely happy."
Emperor Changlong nodded with satisfaction. "Yuansu's mother passed away early, so he has always been close to the Empress Dowager."
Consort Xian thought, is that what he noticed?
Had the Emperor not seen the intimacy between the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli? Did he never suspect that these two had a secret relationship?
Consort Xian wanted to grab Emperor Changlong and shake him vigorously, then point at the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli and ask him to arrange their marriage to get rid of these two troublemakers.
She couldn't believe that if the Crown Prince married Hua Liuli, Emperor Changlong would still trust him without any reservations.
"Yes, not only is the Crown Prince happy, but Fushou Junzhu also gets along well with the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince," Consort Xian thought she could bravely salvage this topic.
"Yes," Emperor Changlong smiled, "Liuli is a good child with pure and kind nature. She gets along very well with the Empress Dowager, who treats her like a granddaughter."
Consort Xian thought, there's definitely something wrong with this man's judgment.
"By the way," Emperor Changlong's smile disappeared, "Until the poisoning incident in Lincui Palace is fully investigated, don't get too close to Fushou Junzhu. She has a weak constitution and can't handle any shocks."
Consort Xian remained silent.
"Hmm?" Seeing Consort Xian's silence, Emperor Changlong furrowed his brow slightly and turned to look at her.
"Your Majesty is right. Chenqie is also concerned about Fushou Junzhu's health," Consort Xian expressed gratitude, "But Chenqie is deeply moved that Your Majesty believes that Chenqie is not responsible for the poisoning."
"Zhen knows you wouldn't do such a thing," Emperor Changlong's expression was indifferent. With Consort Xian's intellect, she wouldn't be able to obtain Sanxi San, a forbidden medicine in the palace. He was well aware of that.
After the Empress Dowager left, Ying Wang stepped forward to support Consort Xian, "Mother."
When the mother and son arrived at their sedans, Consort Xian couldn't contain her excitement and said, "My son, we still have a chance."
Ying Wang, seeing his mother's joyful expression, asked in a low voice, "What did Father Emperor say to you just now?"
"The Emperor never doubted that your Mother Consort poisoned Hua Liuli, which means he has always trusted us," Consort Xian patted her son's arm, "My son, you have to work harder."
"Mother, I understand," Ying Wang thought to himself that he was different from the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince's mother passed away early and he doesn't even have any influential maternal relatives to rely on.
But he was different from the Crown Prince.
He still had many opportunities.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Crown Prince: Yes, you are different from me. I'm not stupid, but you are.
The wind at the Altar of Heaven was noisy, the Empress Dowager's expression was solemn, while Hua Liuli was... feeling cold.
She supported the Empress Dowager and walked to Emperor Changlong's side. Emperor Changlong supported the Empress Dowager when Hua Liuli bowed to the two of them. This was her first time seeing Emperor Changlong, a handsome uncle. The corners of the Crown Prince's eyes and eyebrows bore some resemblance to him.
Emperor Changlong noticed the little girl beside the Empress Dowager. Her big eyes showed no timidity and were agile and bright, but her posture seemed a bit weak.
This little girl was so good, lovely, and cute. With the Crown Prince's careless personality, he should be matched with such a girl who knows how to be gentle and caring. He had originally thought that the Eldest Prince had always been interested in military arts and would be more accustomed to the Hua family's girl if she married him. Unexpectedly, Consort Xian and the Eldest Prince themselves were unwilling.
He was somewhat angry at first, but such matters depended on mutual willingness. If he forced the Eldest Prince into this marriage and the Eldest Prince treated the girl poorly, it would harm her.
The Hua family had only produced such a daughter for three generations and he would be ashamed to face the court in the future.
Emperor Changlong nodded amiably at Hua Liuli before continuing to support the Empress Dowager and walk forward.
Hua Liuli took three steps back and turned around before walking away. The entire open space fell into a profound silence. She felt many gazes on her, but when she looked up, all she saw were the respectful court officials and noblewomen.
The people in the capital were truly remarkable. Their gazes were as flexible as the archers in the military camp, if not more formidable.
She turned her head and saw the Crown Prince, dressed in ceremonial attire, preparing to ascend the Altar of Heaven. She stopped in her tracks and took a step to the side.
When the Crown Prince passed by her, his footsteps paused briefly, and he handed her a palm-sized object.
Warmth flowed through her limbs as she held the delicate and exquisite hand warmer. Hua Liuli, whose hands had been chilled by the cold wind in the morning, covered the hand warmer and looked at the Crown Prince's figure.
Ah, at this moment, the Crown Prince's figure appeared exceptionally tall and majestic.
After descending the steps, a Ministry of Rites official led her to join the noblewomen. Although she was young, her noble title was high, so she stood in a prominent position. When she saw the person standing on her right side was Jiamin Junzhu, her smile became even brighter, "Junzhu, we are truly fated."
Jiamin Junzhu: "..."
No, I don't want to see you.
With the hand warmer, her cold hands gradually warmed up. Seeing the expression "Don't come near me" on Jiamin Junzhu's face, Hua Liuli didn't get angry either. She leisurely held the hand warmer and waited for the ceremony to begin.
As the sky gradually brightened, Emperor Changlong recited a sacrificial text and also had the Crown Prince recite one.
Hua Liuli thought this was a normal procedure, but she noticed that the expressions of the noblewomen around her became somewhat shocked when the Crown Prince went to recite the sacrificial text, especially Jiamin Junzhu, whose face showed both surprise and unwillingness.
"Kneel!"
"Dong!" The sound of the chimes spread throughout the entire open space, enveloping Hua Liuli in solemnity. She tucked the hand warmer into her sleeve and respectfully knelt down.
They offered sacrifices to the heavens, praying for the peace and prosperity of the people, as well as favorable weather.
"Kneel again."
After performing the Three Kowtows and Nine Prostrations ceremony, there were still many more procedures to follow. As she listened to the chanting of scriptures by the monks and Taoists, Hua Liuli opened the brocade pouch at her waist and secretly ate a piece of milk candy.
She didn't know how the Eastern Palace's chefs made it, but this milk candy was sweet and fragrant without being greasy. After it entered her mouth, the fragrance of milk and fruit surrounded her lips and teeth, improving her mood.
The Crown Prince was probably worried that she would get tired of just eating milk candy, so he also prepared a portion of dried meat for her. She occasionally ate a piece and felt that this tedious occasion was not so difficult to endure.
When she picked up another piece of milk candy, she noticed that Jiamin Junzhu was secretly watching her. After hesitating for a moment, she took out five pieces from the brocade pouch, thought for a moment, threw back two pieces, and then handed them to Jiamin Junzhu, "Want some?"
"I don't..." Jiamin Junzhu began to say.
Upon hearing the "don't, Hua Liuli immediately retracted her hand.
Jiamin Junzhu: "..."
She knew this wretched person wouldn't be so generous.
Hua Liuli stood among the crowd and noticed many interesting things. A certain princess in the front row maintained a dignified posture, and when she secretly ate something hidden in her sleeve, she appeared more composed than the others.
The princess on her left pretended to cough lightly, but she was actually stuffing something into her mouth.
She even caught a faint scent of tea behind her but couldn't figure out its source.
People in the capital were truly extraordinary. They frequently attended important gatherings and had developed such rich experiences in discreetly eating to avoid going hungry.
After reflecting on this, she thought that the Crown Prince was truly kind-hearted and handsome. If it weren't for him, she would have been a pitiful soul starving in the cold wind.
As time passed, Jiamin Junzhu stared at Hua Liuli -- who was occasionally sneaking a bite -- and felt her hunger intensify. Unfortunately, she wanted to leave a good impression in front of Consort Xian, so she couldn't resort to sneaking food and hadn't prepared anything to eat.
Knowing that she was hungry and yet seeing Hua Liuli eat so happily, it was unbearable!
As noon approached, the celestial ritual finally reached its last step. The scriptures recited by the monks and Taoists, as well as the sacrificial texts written by the princes and court officials, were all to be burned as offerings to the heavens.
Hua Liuli watched as the blue smoke slowly rose into the sky. She touched the empty sachet in her hand and realized that if the ceremony didn't end soon, she would run out of snacks.
When she bowed again, Hua Liuli swayed slightly, showing signs of exhaustion.
Fortunately, a young Junzhu standing beside her supported her.
"Thank you," Hua Liuli smiled gratefully at the young Junzhu.
"No need to be polite," the young Junzhu, with a round face, smiled warmly.
After the ceremonial offering to the heavens concluded, Hua Liuli prepared to leave with the noble ladies, but she was called back by a court lady beside the empress dowager.
"Anning, don't bother," Jiamin Junzhu glanced at the round-faced Junzhu, "She's just an outsider's daughter. Even if she's titled as a Junzhu, how can she compare to us legitimate imperial relatives?"
"Furthermore," Jiamin Junzhu sneered, "Considering Hua Liuli's status, can you afford to associate yourself with her?"
Anning Junzhu's eyelids twitched as she withdrew her gaze from Hua Liuli's departing figure.
When Hua Liuli approached them with the court lady, the Crown Prince noticed that the two sachets at her waist were empty, and he chuckled lightly. Ying Wang, standing beside him, thought bitterly: So what if the Emperor asked him to recite the sacrificial texts? There was nothing to show off.
"Yuansu," Emperor Changlong turned to the Crown Prince and said, "Come with me."
Seeing the Emperor and the Crown Prince get on the sedan chair, Ying Wang almost rolled his eyes, but when he saw Hua Liuli approaching, he quickly retracted his gaze.
After all, she was a woman who almost became his Wangfei. Appearance still mattered.
"I greet Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Crown Prince, and all the princes and princesses," Hua Liuli bowed to everyone. Her gaze swept over the crowd and landed on the Fourth Prince, whom she had never had a chance to meet.
It was rumored that the birth mother of the Fourth Prince had a relatively low status, but what was more legendary was that he had an uncle who had achieved the top-ranked scholar position and was highly trusted by the Emperor.
The Fourth Prince's appearance didn't dazzle as much as the Crown Prince's, but he could still be described as handsome, with remarkable elegance. However, he seemed somewhat silent and difficult to get along with, displaying a cold and indifferent demeanor.
"Come," the Empress Dowager held Hua Liuli's hand. As she felt warmth in Hua Liuli's she felt relieved, "Come, accompany this Grieving One back to the palace."
The Crown Prince came forward to support the Empress Dowager, "Imperial Grandmother, be careful on the steps."
"Alright, alright," the Empress Dowager liked her grandson's closeness and said to the Crown Prince, "You've been through a lot today, you must be tired. Go back and rest well."
"Imperial Grandmother, even if I'm tired, I wouldn't dare to say it in front of you," the Crown Prince sighed, "I still have some face to maintain."
The Empress Dowager was amused by her grandson, "Look at you, you have no shame or scruples."
Hua Liuli smiled, realizing that she had previously thought that the imperial family followed rules and regulations in every aspect. However, after living in Shoukang Palace for a while, she discovered that the imperial family members were also human beings who shared intimate jokes in private.
"Little Hua, why are you smiling?" the Crown Prince noticed Hua Liuli's smile.
Hua Liuli innocently shook her head, "Your Royal Highness, this humble servant couldn't help but feel happy thinking about the prosperous year ahead for Great Jin."
The Crown Prince stared at Hua Liuli; Hua Liuli stared back with wide eyes.
"Your Majesty, look at the Crown Prince," Consort Xian approached Emperor Changlong and smiled, "He looks genuinely happy."
Emperor Changlong nodded with satisfaction. "Yuansu's mother passed away early, so he has always been close to the Empress Dowager."
Consort Xian thought, is that what he noticed?
Had the Emperor not seen the intimacy between the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli? Did he never suspect that these two had a secret relationship?
Consort Xian wanted to grab Emperor Changlong and shake him vigorously, then point at the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli and ask him to arrange their marriage to get rid of these two troublemakers.
She couldn't believe that if the Crown Prince married Hua Liuli, Emperor Changlong would still trust him without any reservations.
"Yes, not only is the Crown Prince happy, but Fushou Junzhu also gets along well with the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince," Consort Xian thought she could bravely salvage this topic.
"Yes," Emperor Changlong smiled, "Liuli is a good child with pure and kind nature. She gets along very well with the Empress Dowager, who treats her like a granddaughter."
Consort Xian thought, there's definitely something wrong with this man's judgment.
"By the way," Emperor Changlong's smile disappeared, "Until the poisoning incident in Lincui Palace is fully investigated, don't get too close to Fushou Junzhu. She has a weak constitution and can't handle any shocks."
Consort Xian remained silent.
"Hmm?" Seeing Consort Xian's silence, Emperor Changlong furrowed his brow slightly and turned to look at her.
"Your Majesty is right. Chenqie is also concerned about Fushou Junzhu's health," Consort Xian expressed gratitude, "But Chenqie is deeply moved that Your Majesty believes that Chenqie is not responsible for the poisoning."
"Zhen knows you wouldn't do such a thing," Emperor Changlong's expression was indifferent. With Consort Xian's intellect, she wouldn't be able to obtain Sanxi San, a forbidden medicine in the palace. He was well aware of that.
After the Empress Dowager left, Ying Wang stepped forward to support Consort Xian, "Mother."
When the mother and son arrived at their sedans, Consort Xian couldn't contain her excitement and said, "My son, we still have a chance."
Ying Wang, seeing his mother's joyful expression, asked in a low voice, "What did Father Emperor say to you just now?"
"The Emperor never doubted that your Mother Consort poisoned Hua Liuli, which means he has always trusted us," Consort Xian patted her son's arm, "My son, you have to work harder."
"Mother, I understand," Ying Wang thought to himself that he was different from the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince's mother passed away early and he doesn't even have any influential maternal relatives to rely on.
But he was different from the Crown Prince.
He still had many opportunities.
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Crown Prince: Yes, you are different from me. I'm not stupid, but you are.
