The Fifth Prince showed great respect to the Crown Prince, so much so that one couldn't tell there was any emotion between them as brothers.
Watching the two princes, Hua Liuli felt that she shouldn't be standing with them but rather mingling among the crowd. She tidied up the stray hair on her earlobe and silently took a step back.
The people in the capital loved spreading rumors, and she was afraid that tomorrow morning the most lively gossip in the capital would be "Crown Prince and Fifth Prince publicly competing for General Hua's only daughter". When her father and mother returned to the capital, she and her third brother would definitely be scolded.
Just at that moment, fireworks burst into the sky, and the entire palace was filled with brilliant fireworks, so beautiful that one could forget what night it was.
Hua Liuli unconsciously looked up at the sky, unwilling to divert her gaze.
The Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince were already accustomed to such magnificent scenes, so they didn't find these fireworks particularly amusing. However, seeing the little girl obediently looking up, they also glanced at the sky a few more times.
The magnificent fireworks exploded and quickly vanished. The craftsmen who created the fireworks put a lot of effort into developing new patterns every year, but how many of the people sitting here could truly appreciate them?
Hua Liuli held a hand warmer and looked up at the blooming and extinguishing fireworks, her gaze filled with earnestness. It wasn't until the fireworks ended that she reluctantly withdrew her gaze, turned her head, and saw that the Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince were still standing in their original positions, "The fireworks in the palace are really beautiful."
"Is it lively on the border on New Year's Eve?" the Crown Prince looked at the young girl's dark and clear eyes with a hint of pity in his heart. She was born into a wealthy family but had been living in a harsh and cold place since birth because her parents were generals protecting the borders. Even though she was pampered by her family, her life was not as comfortable as living in the capital.
"It's very lively," Hua Liuli nodded, "Everyone gathers together to sing, dance, eat meat, and chat. The soldiers and the civilians celebrate together."
The soldiers in the army couldn't drink alcohol, but the people on the border sympathized with the hardships of the soldiers. Every New Year, they would find ways to give food and drinks to the soldiers. Afraid that the soldiers would refuse, they often dropped the items and ran away.
The military had strict rules, the soldiers couldn't disturb the civilians or damage their farmland. They couldn't take things from the civilians either. But on New Year's Eve, if a young girl wanted to give something to her soldier sweetheart, the officers would turn a blind eye and pretend not to know anything.
Her father had told her that those who guarded Qinghan Prefecture were not only the soldiers but also the people of Qinghan Prefecture.
Before coming to the capital, she knew the significance of her and her third brother coming to the capital ahead of time.
It represented the Hua family's trust and loyalty to the imperial family.
The Hua family must not fall. If they were to fall, it wouldn't just affect them, but also countless generals, soldiers, and even innocent civilians on the border.
She glanced at the Crown Prince and continued talking about the scenery of the border, the people, and the soldiers guarding the city gates.
"The roasted meat in the army is very fragrant..." Hua Liuli's eyelids trembled slightly, "Unfortunately, my family always forbids me from eating too much. I can only sit by my father's side and watch the soldiers frolic."
"There's a commander who is very skilled. He can mend two pairs of pants within 10 minutes. Later, there was a sewing competition in the army, but he wasn't allowed to participate," Hua Liuli's eyes curved with a smile, "With him around, no one else can take the top spot."
The court would send officials to inspect the border every year. Qinghan Prefecture was a strategic location for Great Jin, with a harsh climate and inconvenient transportation, making it the most difficult place. Although the Crown Prince had never been there, he had read the reports written by the inspecting officials after they returned, so he had a general understanding of the situation in Qinghan Prefecture.
He thought Hua Liuli would complain about the various difficulties in Qinghan Prefecture, but unexpectedly, she talked about the lively and beautiful memories of the place.
Looking at the smiling and nostalgic young girl, the Crown Prince's eyes softened. He withdrew his gaze from Hua Liuli and said, "Once the Jinpo Kingdom's affairs are settled, the court will gradually relax the conditions for trade between Qinghan Prefecture and the neighboring small countries. The lives of the local people will get better and better."
Hua Liuli widened her eyes, understanding what this meant. She couldn't help but squint with a smile, "Thank you, His Majesty and Your Royal Highness!"
"It's because the Great General decisively defeated the Jinpo Kingdom and captured their second prince alive, forcing them to cede cities and territories, signing a surrender letter, and bringing peace and stability to Qinghan Prefecture. Only then did the court dare to open this trade route," the Crown Prince felt that smiles were contagious. Seeing Hua Liuli's radiant smile, his own mouth couldn't help but lift up, "It is Father Emperor and Benwang who should thank your Hua family."
The entire Hua family guarded Qinghan Prefecture. If Qinghan Prefecture were to be lost, not a single member of the Hua family would survive.
Hua Liuli recalled her father's words once again.
"His Majesty is willing to have our entire family here, without keeping the women and children of the Hua family in the capital as hostages, simply because he has never doubted the loyalty of the Hua family. His Majesty treats us with sincerity, so the Hua family should repay it with hot-blooded loyalty."
"Your Royal Highness is exaggerating," Hua Liuli said, "Even if there were ten Hua families, we wouldn't be able to defeat the menacing Jinpo Kingdom without His Majesty's support."
"Crown Prince, Junzhu," Consort Xian approached the two of them and smiled, "Why are you two staying here alone when it's so lively around?"
Alone? Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow. Did Consort Xian not consider the Fifth Prince as a person? She turned her head to look at the place where the Fifth Prince had been standing just now. Where was he?
Why was the Fifth Prince so practical? After listening to her exhaustively flattering him, he just silently walked away? Praising a painting that resembles a mass of ink for mountains, lines for water, and tangled lines for clouds—how much it betrays conscience, how difficult it is. Does he know?
Seeing that Hua Liuli remained silent, Consort Xian continued, "Young people should talk more when they're together," This little girl from the Hua family could captivate any man in the capital, as long as she didn't get close to her son. Then she would be like a fairy descending from heaven.
"Consort Xian," the Crown Prince turned his head and looked at Consort Xian, "Do you feel that you are getting old and need to interact more with young people?"
Consort Xian: "..."
"That's good then," the Crown Prince smiled with relief. "Benwang once heard an old physician say that people with a youthful mindset age slowly."
Consort Xian finally understood what the Crown Prince meant. As someone who prided herself on her beauty, she detested the word "old". She looked at the Crown Prince -- who wore a concerned expression -- and could barely maintain a gentle smile on her face.
"Consort Xian?" the Crown Prince stepped forward, effectively shielding Hua Liuli behind him, "Did Benwang say something wrong?"
"Your Royal Highness is correct," Consort Xian shifted all her attention to the Crown Prince. She no longer cared about Hua Liuli, "I will remember."
Once my son seizes the position of Crown Prince, I will make you cry and call me mother!
"That's good then," the Crown Prince had no intention of leaving Hua Liuli alone with the consorts of the palace. He had a eunuch bring her a new hand warmer, "The palace banquet is about to end. Benwang will take you to find your elder brother."
Hua Liuli silently glanced back at the distorted smile on Consort Xian and quickly averted her gaze.
She could sense the dislike and rejection from Consort Xian towards her, but when she saw the Crown Prince defending her made her feel... so happy!
The Crown Prince truly lived up to being the Emperor's most beloved son. Even his skill in dealing with annoying people was impeccable.
"Young Miss, what's wrong with you?" Not far away from Consort Xian, a young lady who was originally walking towards them stopped in her tracks.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, seemingly displeased with the scene she had just witnessed.
"Courtesy begets life, disrespect leads to failure," the young lady looked at the Crown Prince's departing figure with a somewhat melancholic expression, "Although Consort Xian is the Eldest Prince's birth mother, as the heir to the throne, the Crown Prince should still treat her with respect."
"But I feel that Consort Xian's words just now were..." the young lady's maid hesitated.
"As a gentleman, how can one be displeased by a few words from an elder, especially when he is the Crown Prince of a country?" the young lady turned around and walked in the direction she came from.
She sat down next to a woman and calmly spoke as she watched the lively dancing crowd in the distance, "Mother, the Crown Prince lacks the demeanor of a gentleman. I... am not suitable for him."
"What?" The woman's face slightly changed as she looked at her daughter. After a long pause, she said, "Xiuying, there are no true gentlemen in this world."
"But he is the Crown Prince," Du Xiuying shook her head slightly, "Others in this world can be imperfect, but the heir to the throne cannot."
The woman looked at her daughter in a daze, seemingly unable to understand why she had such thoughts, "Xiuying, I regret it."
"Mother?" Du Xiuying looked at her in confusion.
"I should not have let your grandfather and grandmother educate you," The woman looked at her helplessly, "One day, you will understand."
She was not of the opinion that her daughter should marry the Crown Prince. She was only worried about her daughter's perspective on life.
If a person is bound by strict rules of propriety and has no sense of self, they are nothing more than a perfect walking corpse.
"Mother, I am fine this way," Du Xiuying shook her head, "A true gentleman should be upright and virtuous, but the Crown Prince is not my righteous partner."
"Alright," Madam Du sighed and didn't try to persuade her further. She knew she couldn't. Her father-in-law was a senior official that has served two imperial reigns. He was also an Imperial Tutor. Though he had retired, he still held considerable prestige.
A few days ago, the Emperor specially summoned her father-in-law, expressing his intention for a marriage between the Du family and the Crown Prince.
It was well known that the Du family, both men and women, were knowledgeable, scholarly, and well-versed in etiquette, making them a prestigious family with a century-long heritage. The Emperor considering the idea of the Du family's daughter as the Crown Princess did not come as a complete surprise.
But her father-in-law was not too fond of the current Crown Prince. And now, her daughter…
The marriage between the Du family and the imperial family was not going to happen. However, the Emperor had not explicitly stated that the Du family's daughter would become an imperial daughter-in-law, so they couldn't even refuse.
As the palace banquet ended, the once bustling palace returned to tranquility. The Crown Prince strode into the Chenyang Palace and bowed to the Emperor. After he made the bow, he couldn't help but yawn, "Father Emperor summoned Erchen at this hour to give Erchen a New Year's red envelope?"
"You're already grown up, yet you still want to ask Zhen for a New Year's red envelope?" the Emperor said, "Zhen has something to tell you."
The Crown Prince sat down on the chair and took a sip of hot soup. He relaxed as if he were in his own palace.
"Zhen intends to have the granddaughter of Imperial Tutor Du become your Crown Princess. What do you think?" In matters of their children's marriages, Emperor Changlong did not make decisions unilaterally. After he had a preliminary idea, he would ask his children for their thoughts.
"Imperial Tutor Du?" the Crown Prince placed the hot soup back on the table as he looked at Emperor Changlong in disbelief, "Father Emperor, are you serious?"
"Du Songwen, that man, is indeed a bit stubborn, but maybe his granddaughter is different from him?" Memories of the past stirred up some unresolved issues in Emperor Changlong's heart. The Crown Prince was raised by him personally, and he believed his son was perfect in every way. Yet Du Songwen didn't share the same view. He incessantly criticized the Crown Prince's every action, going so far as to scrutinize even what he ate.
Ministers with personalities like Du Songwen had the best luck in encountering wise emperors in their lifetime. However, no matter how wise an emperor's heart was, there was always a little notebook of grudges inside.
The Crown Prince shook his head in refusal, "Father Emperor, Erchen is the son Father Emperor can't bring himself to scold. If the Du family's granddaughter becomes the Crown Princess, won't that old man from the Du family criticize Erchen every day?"
"You are Zhen's beloved child, accomplished in both literature and martial arts, with a kind and virtuous heart. Who can criticize you?" The thought of Du Songwen possibly interfering in the upbringing of his own child instantly displeased Emperor Changlong.
No matter how flawed his son was, only he had the right to scold him.
Besides, the Crown Prince was doing well. He studied literature at the age of three, martial arts at four, and he was handsome, loyal, brave, filial, and virtuous. Among the young people in the court, who could compare to the Crown Prince?
Even if there were occasional minor issues, they were inconsequential. After all, no one is perfect.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Emperor Changlong, the Zealous Protector of his Son: Zhen is not pointing out anyone, but Zhen feels that among everyone here, there is no one who can compare to the Crown Prince.
The Fifth Prince showed great respect to the Crown Prince, so much so that one couldn't tell there was any emotion between them as brothers.
Watching the two princes, Hua Liuli felt that she shouldn't be standing with them but rather mingling among the crowd. She tidied up the stray hair on her earlobe and silently took a step back.
The people in the capital loved spreading rumors, and she was afraid that tomorrow morning the most lively gossip in the capital would be "Crown Prince and Fifth Prince publicly competing for General Hua's only daughter". When her father and mother returned to the capital, she and her third brother would definitely be scolded.
Just at that moment, fireworks burst into the sky, and the entire palace was filled with brilliant fireworks, so beautiful that one could forget what night it was.
Hua Liuli unconsciously looked up at the sky, unwilling to divert her gaze.
The Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince were already accustomed to such magnificent scenes, so they didn't find these fireworks particularly amusing. However, seeing the little girl obediently looking up, they also glanced at the sky a few more times.
The magnificent fireworks exploded and quickly vanished. The craftsmen who created the fireworks put a lot of effort into developing new patterns every year, but how many of the people sitting here could truly appreciate them?
Hua Liuli held a hand warmer and looked up at the blooming and extinguishing fireworks, her gaze filled with earnestness. It wasn't until the fireworks ended that she reluctantly withdrew her gaze, turned her head, and saw that the Crown Prince and the Fifth Prince were still standing in their original positions, "The fireworks in the palace are really beautiful."
"Is it lively on the border on New Year's Eve?" the Crown Prince looked at the young girl's dark and clear eyes with a hint of pity in his heart. She was born into a wealthy family but had been living in a harsh and cold place since birth because her parents were generals protecting the borders. Even though she was pampered by her family, her life was not as comfortable as living in the capital.
"It's very lively," Hua Liuli nodded, "Everyone gathers together to sing, dance, eat meat, and chat. The soldiers and the civilians celebrate together."
The soldiers in the army couldn't drink alcohol, but the people on the border sympathized with the hardships of the soldiers. Every New Year, they would find ways to give food and drinks to the soldiers. Afraid that the soldiers would refuse, they often dropped the items and ran away.
The military had strict rules, the soldiers couldn't disturb the civilians or damage their farmland. They couldn't take things from the civilians either. But on New Year's Eve, if a young girl wanted to give something to her soldier sweetheart, the officers would turn a blind eye and pretend not to know anything.
Her father had told her that those who guarded Qinghan Prefecture were not only the soldiers but also the people of Qinghan Prefecture.
Before coming to the capital, she knew the significance of her and her third brother coming to the capital ahead of time.
It represented the Hua family's trust and loyalty to the imperial family.
The Hua family must not fall. If they were to fall, it wouldn't just affect them, but also countless generals, soldiers, and even innocent civilians on the border.
She glanced at the Crown Prince and continued talking about the scenery of the border, the people, and the soldiers guarding the city gates.
"The roasted meat in the army is very fragrant..." Hua Liuli's eyelids trembled slightly, "Unfortunately, my family always forbids me from eating too much. I can only sit by my father's side and watch the soldiers frolic."
"There's a commander who is very skilled. He can mend two pairs of pants within 10 minutes. Later, there was a sewing competition in the army, but he wasn't allowed to participate," Hua Liuli's eyes curved with a smile, "With him around, no one else can take the top spot."
The court would send officials to inspect the border every year. Qinghan Prefecture was a strategic location for Great Jin, with a harsh climate and inconvenient transportation, making it the most difficult place. Although the Crown Prince had never been there, he had read the reports written by the inspecting officials after they returned, so he had a general understanding of the situation in Qinghan Prefecture.
He thought Hua Liuli would complain about the various difficulties in Qinghan Prefecture, but unexpectedly, she talked about the lively and beautiful memories of the place.
Looking at the smiling and nostalgic young girl, the Crown Prince's eyes softened. He withdrew his gaze from Hua Liuli and said, "Once the Jinpo Kingdom's affairs are settled, the court will gradually relax the conditions for trade between Qinghan Prefecture and the neighboring small countries. The lives of the local people will get better and better."
Hua Liuli widened her eyes, understanding what this meant. She couldn't help but squint with a smile, "Thank you, His Majesty and Your Royal Highness!"
"It's because the Great General decisively defeated the Jinpo Kingdom and captured their second prince alive, forcing them to cede cities and territories, signing a surrender letter, and bringing peace and stability to Qinghan Prefecture. Only then did the court dare to open this trade route," the Crown Prince felt that smiles were contagious. Seeing Hua Liuli's radiant smile, his own mouth couldn't help but lift up, "It is Father Emperor and Benwang who should thank your Hua family."
The entire Hua family guarded Qinghan Prefecture. If Qinghan Prefecture were to be lost, not a single member of the Hua family would survive.
Hua Liuli recalled her father's words once again.
"His Majesty is willing to have our entire family here, without keeping the women and children of the Hua family in the capital as hostages, simply because he has never doubted the loyalty of the Hua family. His Majesty treats us with sincerity, so the Hua family should repay it with hot-blooded loyalty."
"Your Royal Highness is exaggerating," Hua Liuli said, "Even if there were ten Hua families, we wouldn't be able to defeat the menacing Jinpo Kingdom without His Majesty's support."
"Crown Prince, Junzhu," Consort Xian approached the two of them and smiled, "Why are you two staying here alone when it's so lively around?"
Alone? Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow. Did Consort Xian not consider the Fifth Prince as a person? She turned her head to look at the place where the Fifth Prince had been standing just now. Where was he?
Why was the Fifth Prince so practical? After listening to her exhaustively flattering him, he just silently walked away? Praising a painting that resembles a mass of ink for mountains, lines for water, and tangled lines for clouds—how much it betrays conscience, how difficult it is. Does he know?
Seeing that Hua Liuli remained silent, Consort Xian continued, "Young people should talk more when they're together," This little girl from the Hua family could captivate any man in the capital, as long as she didn't get close to her son. Then she would be like a fairy descending from heaven.
"Consort Xian," the Crown Prince turned his head and looked at Consort Xian, "Do you feel that you are getting old and need to interact more with young people?"
Consort Xian: "..."
"That's good then," the Crown Prince smiled with relief. "Benwang once heard an old physician say that people with a youthful mindset age slowly."
Consort Xian finally understood what the Crown Prince meant. As someone who prided herself on her beauty, she detested the word "old". She looked at the Crown Prince -- who wore a concerned expression -- and could barely maintain a gentle smile on her face.
"Consort Xian?" the Crown Prince stepped forward, effectively shielding Hua Liuli behind him, "Did Benwang say something wrong?"
"Your Royal Highness is correct," Consort Xian shifted all her attention to the Crown Prince. She no longer cared about Hua Liuli, "I will remember."
Once my son seizes the position of Crown Prince, I will make you cry and call me mother!
"That's good then," the Crown Prince had no intention of leaving Hua Liuli alone with the consorts of the palace. He had a eunuch bring her a new hand warmer, "The palace banquet is about to end. Benwang will take you to find your elder brother."
Hua Liuli silently glanced back at the distorted smile on Consort Xian and quickly averted her gaze.
She could sense the dislike and rejection from Consort Xian towards her, but when she saw the Crown Prince defending her made her feel... so happy!
The Crown Prince truly lived up to being the Emperor's most beloved son. Even his skill in dealing with annoying people was impeccable.
"Young Miss, what's wrong with you?" Not far away from Consort Xian, a young lady who was originally walking towards them stopped in her tracks.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, seemingly displeased with the scene she had just witnessed.
"Courtesy begets life, disrespect leads to failure," the young lady looked at the Crown Prince's departing figure with a somewhat melancholic expression, "Although Consort Xian is the Eldest Prince's birth mother, as the heir to the throne, the Crown Prince should still treat her with respect."
"But I feel that Consort Xian's words just now were..." the young lady's maid hesitated.
"As a gentleman, how can one be displeased by a few words from an elder, especially when he is the Crown Prince of a country?" the young lady turned around and walked in the direction she came from.
She sat down next to a woman and calmly spoke as she watched the lively dancing crowd in the distance, "Mother, the Crown Prince lacks the demeanor of a gentleman. I... am not suitable for him."
"What?" The woman's face slightly changed as she looked at her daughter. After a long pause, she said, "Xiuying, there are no true gentlemen in this world."
"But he is the Crown Prince," Du Xiuying shook her head slightly, "Others in this world can be imperfect, but the heir to the throne cannot."
The woman looked at her daughter in a daze, seemingly unable to understand why she had such thoughts, "Xiuying, I regret it."
"Mother?" Du Xiuying looked at her in confusion.
"I should not have let your grandfather and grandmother educate you," The woman looked at her helplessly, "One day, you will understand."
She was not of the opinion that her daughter should marry the Crown Prince. She was only worried about her daughter's perspective on life.
If a person is bound by strict rules of propriety and has no sense of self, they are nothing more than a perfect walking corpse.
"Mother, I am fine this way," Du Xiuying shook her head, "A true gentleman should be upright and virtuous, but the Crown Prince is not my righteous partner."
"Alright," Madam Du sighed and didn't try to persuade her further. She knew she couldn't. Her father-in-law was a senior official that has served two imperial reigns. He was also an Imperial Tutor. Though he had retired, he still held considerable prestige.
A few days ago, the Emperor specially summoned her father-in-law, expressing his intention for a marriage between the Du family and the Crown Prince.
It was well known that the Du family, both men and women, were knowledgeable, scholarly, and well-versed in etiquette, making them a prestigious family with a century-long heritage. The Emperor considering the idea of the Du family's daughter as the Crown Princess did not come as a complete surprise.
But her father-in-law was not too fond of the current Crown Prince. And now, her daughter…
The marriage between the Du family and the imperial family was not going to happen. However, the Emperor had not explicitly stated that the Du family's daughter would become an imperial daughter-in-law, so they couldn't even refuse.
As the palace banquet ended, the once bustling palace returned to tranquility. The Crown Prince strode into the Chenyang Palace and bowed to the Emperor. After he made the bow, he couldn't help but yawn, "Father Emperor summoned Erchen at this hour to give Erchen a New Year's red envelope?"
"You're already grown up, yet you still want to ask Zhen for a New Year's red envelope?" the Emperor said, "Zhen has something to tell you."
The Crown Prince sat down on the chair and took a sip of hot soup. He relaxed as if he were in his own palace.
"Zhen intends to have the granddaughter of Imperial Tutor Du become your Crown Princess. What do you think?" In matters of their children's marriages, Emperor Changlong did not make decisions unilaterally. After he had a preliminary idea, he would ask his children for their thoughts.
"Imperial Tutor Du?" the Crown Prince placed the hot soup back on the table as he looked at Emperor Changlong in disbelief, "Father Emperor, are you serious?"
"Du Songwen, that man, is indeed a bit stubborn, but maybe his granddaughter is different from him?" Memories of the past stirred up some unresolved issues in Emperor Changlong's heart. The Crown Prince was raised by him personally, and he believed his son was perfect in every way. Yet Du Songwen didn't share the same view. He incessantly criticized the Crown Prince's every action, going so far as to scrutinize even what he ate.
Ministers with personalities like Du Songwen had the best luck in encountering wise emperors in their lifetime. However, no matter how wise an emperor's heart was, there was always a little notebook of grudges inside.
The Crown Prince shook his head in refusal, "Father Emperor, Erchen is the son Father Emperor can't bring himself to scold. If the Du family's granddaughter becomes the Crown Princess, won't that old man from the Du family criticize Erchen every day?"
"You are Zhen's beloved child, accomplished in both literature and martial arts, with a kind and virtuous heart. Who can criticize you?" The thought of Du Songwen possibly interfering in the upbringing of his own child instantly displeased Emperor Changlong.
No matter how flawed his son was, only he had the right to scold him.
Besides, the Crown Prince was doing well. He studied literature at the age of three, martial arts at four, and he was handsome, loyal, brave, filial, and virtuous. Among the young people in the court, who could compare to the Crown Prince?
Even if there were occasional minor issues, they were inconsequential. After all, no one is perfect.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Emperor Changlong, the Zealous Protector of his Son: Zhen is not pointing out anyone, but Zhen feels that among everyone here, there is no one who can compare to the Crown Prince.
