Officials in the capital have noticed that the low-key Ying Wang, who had been quiet for half a month, has become active again in recent days. Not only did he present auspicious signs to the Emperor, but he also had musicians compose a song praising the Emperor. It is said that every time Ying Wang listens to this song, he covers his face with tears, deeply moved by the Emperor's great achievements, wisdom, and virtue.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Changlong sighed and rewarded Ying Wang with some gifts while gently reminding him not to have the musicians sing this song again.
"What does Father Emperor mean by this?" Ying Wang looked at the gifts placed in the room, pondering, "Does Father Emperor think the song wasn't good enough?"
It seemed that he should have the musicians rearrange it.
After the grand ceremony ended, Hua Liuli was kept by the Empress Dowager for a few more days before being reluctantly released. Several large boxes were filled with clothes and jewelry, yet the Empress Dowager still felt that there were a few more sets of beautiful clothes missing.
Aware that the Empress Dowager genuinely cared for her, Hua Liuli also developed a sense of attachment. She stayed by the Empress Dowager's side, keeping her company and making her happy.
"Let's calculate the days. Your parents will soon return to the capital," the Empress Dowager glanced at the sky and said, "It's close to noon. Have your lunch before leaving."
Lowering her head to look at the Empress Dowager's hand gently holding hers, Hua Liuli nodded, "Alright."
"You grew up on the border, and as soon as you returned to the capital, you were brought into the palace by me. Perhaps there are many things that you still don't understand," the Empress Dowager sighed, "This is the most prosperous and complex place in Great Jin. Don't easily trust anyone, but also don't abandon your true self for others."
"Your Majesty," Hua Liuli's heart trembled slightly. She hadn't expected the Empress Dowager to go so far for her.
"This Grieving One is not saying this to make you timid or afraid, but to tell you that you are a Junzhu personally bestowed by the Emperor, your father is a great general, and your mother is a heroic woman. You don't need to change for anyone," the Empress Dowager solemnly patted Hua Liuli's hand, "You are still young, and a person's life is long."
Hua Liuli's eyes turned slightly red, and she nodded earnestly, "Empress Dowager, I will remember."
"Come, let's have lunch together," the Empress Dowager smiled gently.
After having their meal, even if the Empress Dowager was reluctant, she could only arrange for palace maids to escort Hua Liuli out of the palace.
With the absence of the younger generation, Shoukang Palace suddenly became quiet. The Empress Dowager lay on the phoenix bed, unable to sleep at all. Her personal attendant asked softly, "Empress Dowager, are you feeling tired?"
"This Grieving One is worried about that girl," the Empress Dowager had the attendant help her sit up, "The people in the capital are not as simple as those on the border."
"Empress Dowager, you treated Fushou Junzhu exceptionally well," the female attendant gathered the curtains and assisted the Empress Dowager to sit by the window.
"That child has beautiful eyes," the Empress Dowager smiled, "and a sincere heart."
"What does that mean?" the attendant took the opportunity to ask a few more questions, sensing the Empress Dowager's interest.
"Every time she goes out with this Grieving One, her arms are always in a protective position around me," the Empress Dowager, who entered the palace at the age of fifteen and had now passed her prime, had experienced many things and encountered many people. She believed she could understand people's intentions to some extent.
"It seems that the assassination incident in the palace made her believe that danger is everywhere and that an assassin could emerge at any moment," the Empress Dowager chuckled, "Her delicate arms and legs make me worry."
"Empress Dowager, you have a discerning eye. Nubi didn't notice anything," the attendant said with some regret in her tone.
"That's because you haven't seen Liuli's mother. When Liuli's mother protected this Grieving One back then, she had the same posture," the Empress Dowager smiled, "When this Grieving One asked her why, she said that this posture is the easiest way to detect enemies and also the best way to shield me."
At this point, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but laugh, "At my age, there is no shortage of people who deliberately try to please me, but children like her, who are sincere but do not express it, are rare."
The attendant couldn't help but express a hint of regret in her voice, "It's a pity that Junzhu is physically weak; otherwise, she could become a heroic woman like the general's wife."
"Each generation has its own blessings. Who says that children must live the same way as their parents?" the Empress Dowager had a broad-minded view, "Not everything can be forced."
The attendant gently massaged the Empress Dowager's legs, "Empress Dowager, you're right. Nubi just feels sorry for Junzhu's health."
The Empress Dowager nodded and sighed, "Indeed, she has poor health and is a picky eater. When her parents return to the capital, this Grieving One will have them take good care of her."
The attendant thought to herself that even after spending fifteen years with her parents on the border, Junzhu had not changed her ways. It seemed unlikely that she would change in this lifetime.
Not long after the carriage came out of Shoukang Palace, Hua Liuli heard someone calling for her.
"Fushou Junzhu, please wait."
Hua Liuli lifted the curtain and saw a woman dressed in light palace attire being supported by palace maids, smiling at her.
"Greetings to Your Highness, Consort Shu," Hua Liuli got off the carriage and greeted Consort Shu. Consort Shu was the birth mother of the Fifth Prince and was said to come from a scholarly family. It's no wonder she raised the Fifth Prince to be such a refined gentleman.
"Junzhu, there's no need for formalities," Consort Shu extended her hand to help Hua Liuli up, saying, "Are you leaving the palace?"
Consort Shu glanced at the several carriages behind her, knowing that they were filled with rewards from the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince for her. She took out a precious box from the hands of a palace maid and said, "Bengong had planned to visit Shoukang Palace to see you, however, you're leaving the palace today. Bengong heard that you are physically weak and sensitive to cold; this warming jade has a nourishing effect. If you don't mind, please accept it."
"How could this humble servant accept such a gracious gift..." Hua Liuli hesitated.
"It's beneficial for you, so it's not just an ordinary jade. If it stays with Bengong, it's just a useless stone. It's most useful if you like it," Consort Shu spoke gently. Every word and action she made was comforting.
Finally, Hua Liuli accepted the warming jade. After bidding farewell to Consort Shu, she encountered the birth mothers of the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince, Consort Xian and Consort Rong respectively, along the way, and each of them presented her with a generous gift.
"If the birth mother of the Fourth Prince, Consort Lin, also comes, then I'll be really something today," Hua Liuli placed the three gift boxes together and sighed.
"People in the palace have complicated thoughts," Yaun Yi, her maid, placed the gift boxes under the cushion of the carriage and handed a bag of dried meat to Hua Liuli.
Since the Crown Prince discovered that Hua Liuli liked to eat this kind of dried meat, he had the palace servants send it to her every day. This bag was from yesterday.
Hua Liuli chuckled. These women of the imperial harem were not easy. Although they didn't particularly like her, they still acted as if she were their own daughter and took an effort to prepare gifts for her.
"Fushou Junzhu, please wait."
The mistress and servant exchanged glances. Hua Liuli handed the dried meat back to Yuan Yi and cleaned her hands, "She's finally here."
She lifted the curtain and looked outside. Surprisingly, the carriage had already arrived at the palace gate. The Crown Prince was riding a snow-white steed, looking at her with a smile.
"Your Royal Highness?" Hua Liuli didn't expect the person who came to be the Crown Prince instead of Consort Lin. She got off the carriage and waited as the Crown Prince slowly approached on his horse. Unable to help herself, she cast a few more glances at the horse—it was so beautiful.
"Do you like it?" the Crown Prince asked.
Hua Liuli nodded slightly.
The Crown Prince dismounted and placed the reins in Hua Liuli's fair palm, "If you like it, it's yours."
"Ah?" Hua Liuli was stunned. Was it really that casual?
"What's wrong?" The Crown Prince saw Hua Liuli staring at him blankly. "Is there something wrong with Benwang today?"
"Your Royal Highness, you are still as handsome as ever today," Hua Liuli shook her head, reached out, and touched the horse's head. Seeing that the horse didn't resist her touch, she couldn't help but smile, "This horse is a divine steed. I don't have many opportunities to ride horses due to my poor health. It would be wasted if it stayed with me."
"A good horse matches a gentleman," Hua Liuli looked into the clear eyes of the horse, and there was a smile in the corners of her eyes, "I really like it, but it would be more useful if it stayed with Your Royal Highness."
The Crown Prince looked at the smile in Hua Liuli's eyes and remained silent for a moment. "Benwang understands. Benwang will keep this horse for you. After you recover from your illness in the spring, Benwang will send it to you."
Hua Liuli returned the reins to the Crown Prince, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness."
"After returning home, don't be picky with your food. Children should eat well to grow tall," The Crown Prince asked a eunuch to hand a long box to the palace maid who was accompanying Hua Liuli back home, "In ten days, it will be New Year's Eve, and the palace will hold a banquet. Eat something to fill your stomach before you come."
Hua Liuli: "..."
"Those things may look good, but they don't taste that great," The Crown Prince really wanted to pat Hua Liuli's head but stopped himself, realizing that he wasn't her biological brother, so he withdrew his hand. "Alright, go back early. Benwang should return to the palace as well."
"Your Royal Highness, take care," Hua Liuli waved her hand with a smile.
The Crown Prince mounted his horse, leaned down, and said to Hua Liuli, "By the way, Benwang didn't properly thank you for saving my life. Thank you, Junzhu."
Hua Liuli remembered that the Crown Prince was referring to the assassination attempt in the Eastern Palace. She covered her chest and paled, "I can't bear Your Royal Highness's gratitude. It was just a coincidence, not my accomplishment."
"The coincidence happened to you, so it's your accomplishment," The Crown Prince smiled, "Otherwise, why didn't others encounter it?"
"Your Royal Highness, you forgot that you also saved me," Hua Liuli looked up at the Crown Prince on the horse's back, "In Lincui Palace that day, if it weren't for Your Royal Highness sending someone to deliver gifts, I would have died from drinking from the poisoned cup."
The Crown Prince saw a clear figure in Hua Liuli's eyes—that figure was himself.
He couldn't hold back anymore and lightly tapped her head with his index finger, "Go back and take care on the way."
After saying that, he urged his horse forward, and the horse trotted into the palace gate.
Hua Liuli returned to the carriage and opened the large box the Crown Prince had given her. After seeing what's inside, she instantly revealed a smiling expression.
Inside were various delicious snacks neatly divided into compartments, each compartment filled to the brim, emitting an enticing aroma.
"Yuan Yi, I think amongst all the princes, the Crown Prince is the most handsome," Hua Liuli put aside the note that said "Do not overeat, eat on time", and tasted each snack in every compartment. With narrowed eyes, she sighed, "Especially today, he looks exceptionally handsome, incomparable to anyone else, peerless in the world."
Yuan Yi laughed. "Are you praising the Crown Prince? Or are you praising the only prince who is willing to send you delicious food?"
"No, am I such a shallow person?" Hua Liuli shook her head.
She was praising the Crown Prince who dismounted and handed her the reins.
He looked so good!
Krish728
Author's Note:
Yuan Yi: Yes, you are.
Ying Wang: Today, Benwang is still the one most favored by Father Emperor~
Officials in the capital have noticed that the low-key Ying Wang, who had been quiet for half a month, has become active again in recent days. Not only did he present auspicious signs to the Emperor, but he also had musicians compose a song praising the Emperor. It is said that every time Ying Wang listens to this song, he covers his face with tears, deeply moved by the Emperor's great achievements, wisdom, and virtue.
Upon hearing this, Emperor Changlong sighed and rewarded Ying Wang with some gifts while gently reminding him not to have the musicians sing this song again.
"What does Father Emperor mean by this?" Ying Wang looked at the gifts placed in the room, pondering, "Does Father Emperor think the song wasn't good enough?"
It seemed that he should have the musicians rearrange it.
After the grand ceremony ended, Hua Liuli was kept by the Empress Dowager for a few more days before being reluctantly released. Several large boxes were filled with clothes and jewelry, yet the Empress Dowager still felt that there were a few more sets of beautiful clothes missing.
Aware that the Empress Dowager genuinely cared for her, Hua Liuli also developed a sense of attachment. She stayed by the Empress Dowager's side, keeping her company and making her happy.
"Let's calculate the days. Your parents will soon return to the capital," the Empress Dowager glanced at the sky and said, "It's close to noon. Have your lunch before leaving."
Lowering her head to look at the Empress Dowager's hand gently holding hers, Hua Liuli nodded, "Alright."
"You grew up on the border, and as soon as you returned to the capital, you were brought into the palace by me. Perhaps there are many things that you still don't understand," the Empress Dowager sighed, "This is the most prosperous and complex place in Great Jin. Don't easily trust anyone, but also don't abandon your true self for others."
"Your Majesty," Hua Liuli's heart trembled slightly. She hadn't expected the Empress Dowager to go so far for her.
"This Grieving One is not saying this to make you timid or afraid, but to tell you that you are a Junzhu personally bestowed by the Emperor, your father is a great general, and your mother is a heroic woman. You don't need to change for anyone," the Empress Dowager solemnly patted Hua Liuli's hand, "You are still young, and a person's life is long."
Hua Liuli's eyes turned slightly red, and she nodded earnestly, "Empress Dowager, I will remember."
"Come, let's have lunch together," the Empress Dowager smiled gently.
After having their meal, even if the Empress Dowager was reluctant, she could only arrange for palace maids to escort Hua Liuli out of the palace.
With the absence of the younger generation, Shoukang Palace suddenly became quiet. The Empress Dowager lay on the phoenix bed, unable to sleep at all. Her personal attendant asked softly, "Empress Dowager, are you feeling tired?"
"This Grieving One is worried about that girl," the Empress Dowager had the attendant help her sit up, "The people in the capital are not as simple as those on the border."
"Empress Dowager, you treated Fushou Junzhu exceptionally well," the female attendant gathered the curtains and assisted the Empress Dowager to sit by the window.
"That child has beautiful eyes," the Empress Dowager smiled, "and a sincere heart."
"What does that mean?" the attendant took the opportunity to ask a few more questions, sensing the Empress Dowager's interest.
"Every time she goes out with this Grieving One, her arms are always in a protective position around me," the Empress Dowager, who entered the palace at the age of fifteen and had now passed her prime, had experienced many things and encountered many people. She believed she could understand people's intentions to some extent.
"It seems that the assassination incident in the palace made her believe that danger is everywhere and that an assassin could emerge at any moment," the Empress Dowager chuckled, "Her delicate arms and legs make me worry."
"Empress Dowager, you have a discerning eye. Nubi didn't notice anything," the attendant said with some regret in her tone.
"That's because you haven't seen Liuli's mother. When Liuli's mother protected this Grieving One back then, she had the same posture," the Empress Dowager smiled, "When this Grieving One asked her why, she said that this posture is the easiest way to detect enemies and also the best way to shield me."
At this point, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but laugh, "At my age, there is no shortage of people who deliberately try to please me, but children like her, who are sincere but do not express it, are rare."
The attendant couldn't help but express a hint of regret in her voice, "It's a pity that Junzhu is physically weak; otherwise, she could become a heroic woman like the general's wife."
"Each generation has its own blessings. Who says that children must live the same way as their parents?" the Empress Dowager had a broad-minded view, "Not everything can be forced."
The attendant gently massaged the Empress Dowager's legs, "Empress Dowager, you're right. Nubi just feels sorry for Junzhu's health."
The Empress Dowager nodded and sighed, "Indeed, she has poor health and is a picky eater. When her parents return to the capital, this Grieving One will have them take good care of her."
The attendant thought to herself that even after spending fifteen years with her parents on the border, Junzhu had not changed her ways. It seemed unlikely that she would change in this lifetime.
Not long after the carriage came out of Shoukang Palace, Hua Liuli heard someone calling for her.
"Fushou Junzhu, please wait."
Hua Liuli lifted the curtain and saw a woman dressed in light palace attire being supported by palace maids, smiling at her.
"Greetings to Your Highness, Consort Shu," Hua Liuli got off the carriage and greeted Consort Shu. Consort Shu was the birth mother of the Fifth Prince and was said to come from a scholarly family. It's no wonder she raised the Fifth Prince to be such a refined gentleman.
"Junzhu, there's no need for formalities," Consort Shu extended her hand to help Hua Liuli up, saying, "Are you leaving the palace?"
Consort Shu glanced at the several carriages behind her, knowing that they were filled with rewards from the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince for her. She took out a precious box from the hands of a palace maid and said, "Bengong had planned to visit Shoukang Palace to see you, however, you're leaving the palace today. Bengong heard that you are physically weak and sensitive to cold; this warming jade has a nourishing effect. If you don't mind, please accept it."
"How could this humble servant accept such a gracious gift..." Hua Liuli hesitated.
"It's beneficial for you, so it's not just an ordinary jade. If it stays with Bengong, it's just a useless stone. It's most useful if you like it," Consort Shu spoke gently. Every word and action she made was comforting.
Finally, Hua Liuli accepted the warming jade. After bidding farewell to Consort Shu, she encountered the birth mothers of the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince, Consort Xian and Consort Rong respectively, along the way, and each of them presented her with a generous gift.
"If the birth mother of the Fourth Prince, Consort Lin, also comes, then I'll be really something today," Hua Liuli placed the three gift boxes together and sighed.
"People in the palace have complicated thoughts," Yaun Yi, her maid, placed the gift boxes under the cushion of the carriage and handed a bag of dried meat to Hua Liuli.
Since the Crown Prince discovered that Hua Liuli liked to eat this kind of dried meat, he had the palace servants send it to her every day. This bag was from yesterday.
Hua Liuli chuckled. These women of the imperial harem were not easy. Although they didn't particularly like her, they still acted as if she were their own daughter and took an effort to prepare gifts for her.
"Fushou Junzhu, please wait."
The mistress and servant exchanged glances. Hua Liuli handed the dried meat back to Yuan Yi and cleaned her hands, "She's finally here."
She lifted the curtain and looked outside. Surprisingly, the carriage had already arrived at the palace gate. The Crown Prince was riding a snow-white steed, looking at her with a smile.
"Your Royal Highness?" Hua Liuli didn't expect the person who came to be the Crown Prince instead of Consort Lin. She got off the carriage and waited as the Crown Prince slowly approached on his horse. Unable to help herself, she cast a few more glances at the horse—it was so beautiful.
"Do you like it?" the Crown Prince asked.
Hua Liuli nodded slightly.
The Crown Prince dismounted and placed the reins in Hua Liuli's fair palm, "If you like it, it's yours."
"Ah?" Hua Liuli was stunned. Was it really that casual?
"What's wrong?" The Crown Prince saw Hua Liuli staring at him blankly. "Is there something wrong with Benwang today?"
"Your Royal Highness, you are still as handsome as ever today," Hua Liuli shook her head, reached out, and touched the horse's head. Seeing that the horse didn't resist her touch, she couldn't help but smile, "This horse is a divine steed. I don't have many opportunities to ride horses due to my poor health. It would be wasted if it stayed with me."
"A good horse matches a gentleman," Hua Liuli looked into the clear eyes of the horse, and there was a smile in the corners of her eyes, "I really like it, but it would be more useful if it stayed with Your Royal Highness."
The Crown Prince looked at the smile in Hua Liuli's eyes and remained silent for a moment. "Benwang understands. Benwang will keep this horse for you. After you recover from your illness in the spring, Benwang will send it to you."
Hua Liuli returned the reins to the Crown Prince, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness."
"After returning home, don't be picky with your food. Children should eat well to grow tall," The Crown Prince asked a eunuch to hand a long box to the palace maid who was accompanying Hua Liuli back home, "In ten days, it will be New Year's Eve, and the palace will hold a banquet. Eat something to fill your stomach before you come."
Hua Liuli: "..."
"Those things may look good, but they don't taste that great," The Crown Prince really wanted to pat Hua Liuli's head but stopped himself, realizing that he wasn't her biological brother, so he withdrew his hand. "Alright, go back early. Benwang should return to the palace as well."
"Your Royal Highness, take care," Hua Liuli waved her hand with a smile.
The Crown Prince mounted his horse, leaned down, and said to Hua Liuli, "By the way, Benwang didn't properly thank you for saving my life. Thank you, Junzhu."
Hua Liuli remembered that the Crown Prince was referring to the assassination attempt in the Eastern Palace. She covered her chest and paled, "I can't bear Your Royal Highness's gratitude. It was just a coincidence, not my accomplishment."
"The coincidence happened to you, so it's your accomplishment," The Crown Prince smiled, "Otherwise, why didn't others encounter it?"
"Your Royal Highness, you forgot that you also saved me," Hua Liuli looked up at the Crown Prince on the horse's back, "In Lincui Palace that day, if it weren't for Your Royal Highness sending someone to deliver gifts, I would have died from drinking from the poisoned cup."
The Crown Prince saw a clear figure in Hua Liuli's eyes—that figure was himself.
He couldn't hold back anymore and lightly tapped her head with his index finger, "Go back and take care on the way."
After saying that, he urged his horse forward, and the horse trotted into the palace gate.
Hua Liuli returned to the carriage and opened the large box the Crown Prince had given her. After seeing what's inside, she instantly revealed a smiling expression.
Inside were various delicious snacks neatly divided into compartments, each compartment filled to the brim, emitting an enticing aroma.
"Yuan Yi, I think amongst all the princes, the Crown Prince is the most handsome," Hua Liuli put aside the note that said "Do not overeat, eat on time", and tasted each snack in every compartment. With narrowed eyes, she sighed, "Especially today, he looks exceptionally handsome, incomparable to anyone else, peerless in the world."
Yuan Yi laughed. "Are you praising the Crown Prince? Or are you praising the only prince who is willing to send you delicious food?"
"No, am I such a shallow person?" Hua Liuli shook her head.
She was praising the Crown Prince who dismounted and handed her the reins.
He looked so good!
Krish728
Author's Note:
Yuan Yi: Yes, you are.
Ying Wang: Today, Benwang is still the one most favored by Father Emperor~
