"Zhen remembers someone once saying to me that he only treats the young girl from the Hua family like a sister; there is no way an older brother would have romantic feelings for his sister. That would be no different from a beast!" Emperor Changlong looked at his son, who had a smile on his face, and couldn't help but criticize him, "And now, you've taken that little girl out and don't even want to come back home. Tell Zhen, what are you up to?"
"Father Emperor, in such unexpected circumstances, it is beyond the control of Erchen," the Crown Prince bowed to Emperor Changlong and smiled shamelessly, "Didn't Erchen tell you some time ago that Erchen is a beast? There's a popular saying among the common people that if a man's words can be trusted, even a pig can climb a tree."
"At that time, did you already have such thoughts?" Emperor Changlong interrupted the Crown Prince and frowned, "Yuansu, you should know that she almost became your Eldest Brother's Wangfei. If it weren't for the unwillingness of Consort Xian, they might have already set the wedding date."
"Father Emperor, Eldest Brother has already chosen the daughter of the Lin family for marriage, his affairs have nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu anymore," the Crown Prince sat in his chair and showed no intention of leaving until the matter was resolved, "Father Emperor, Erchen has grown up all this time, it's not easy for Erchen to admire a girl. If Father Emperor doesn't support Erchen, Erchen won't have anyone to help me come up with ideas."
"You have used this argument countless times in front of me, it's no longer fresh," Emperor Changlong disdainfully said, "She is the daughter of the Great General, not a woman selected from the common folk to fill the harem. Your liking for her serves no purpose. Zhen can't force her to marry you. If Zhen really did that, wouldn't it chill the heart of my meritorious subject?"
"Erchen understands," the Crown Prince had long anticipated that Emperor Changlong would make such arguments. He smiled and said, "As long as Father Emperor doesn't oppose Erchen's admiration for Fushou Junzhu, it's good."
Emperor Changlong remained silent for two seconds, then picked up a book from the table and threw it at the Crown Prince, "Zhen knew you, this stinking brat, were digging pits for Zhen in a roundabout way. You're usually so lazy when it comes to reading memorials, but you have all sorts of tricky ideas in these matters."
"Marriage is not a trivial matter, Erchen naturally has to put in more effort," the Crown Prince dodged the book thrown by Emperor Changlong and picked it up. He walked in front of Emperor Changlong and bowed, "Please fulfill Erchen's wish."
"Ah," Emperor Changlong took the book from the Crown Prince's hand, "Yuansu, let Zhen tell you, before that girl from the Hua family entered the capital, Zhen didn't know her health was so weak. You are the Crown Prince and the future emperor of Great Jin. It's not beneficial for you to marry a weak Crown Princess."
"Father Emperor, there is no Empress in the imperial harem, yet Father Emperor has been living peacefully all these years. What does it matter if Erchen marries a slightly weak Crown Princess?" the Crown Prince paused, "Although Fushou Junzhu's health is weak, she can gradually recover with proper care. There will be a day when she gets better."
"But what if you change your mind and have other women in the harem while she remains physically weak?" Emperor Changlong looked at the Crown Prince seriously, "At that time, the harem will become her tomb. You, at that time, won't recall your current mindset and patience."
"You said earlier that if a man's words can be trusted, even a pig can climb a tree. Zhen believes that your current feelings are sincere, but what about tomorrow, the day after tomorrow?"
"There are so many tomorrows. Can you guarantee that you will never change?"
"You are Zhen's most beloved son; Yingting and Mingyue are the most trusted generals of Zhen. They have never distanced themselves from Zhen because of rumors and have done a lot for Zhen. After Zhen ascended the throne, the two of them guarded the border for Zhen, possessing vast wealth but no time to enjoy it," Emperor Changlong sat down on the imperial chair, "The way Yingting treats his daughter is how Zhen treats you. If you mistreat her in the future, how can Zhen face them?"
Precisely because he considered this point that he intended to let his eldest son, who is straightforward, seek marriage with the girl from the Hua family. This way, not only would Hua Liuli have a status, but she wouldn't be bound by the harem.
Unfortunately, his eldest son and Consort Xian did not want this marriage. He didn't want the little girl from the Hua family to have a mother-in-law who would be dissatisfied with her in every aspect. So this matter had to be treated as if it never happened.
"Many men are naturally amorous and lustful. Yuansu, it's not that Zhen doesn't trust you, but Zhen doesn't trust men in general," Emperor Changlong had an expression on his face that said, "We're all men, you understand". He then continued with deep meaning, "Zhen won't stop you, but Zhen won't speak well of you in front of Yingting."
"By the way," with a deep love for his son, Emperor Changlong added, "Pursuing the person you like is not something to rush, especially do not offend your mother-in-law. You must be careful of your words and actions in front of Wei Mingyue. If you accidentally anger her and she wants to take action against you..." Emperor Changlong thought seriously, "Remember to run faster, don't argue with her."
"What does Father Emperor mean?" the Crown Prince didn't quite understand the meaning behind Emperor Changlong's words.
"Zhen said it like that. Just remember it," Emperor Changlong raised his teacup slightly, "Zhen is very busy and doesn't have the leisure to talk to you about these matters. Go back and rest early. Remember to attend the morning court on time tomorrow."
Being driven out of the Chengyang Palace by his own father, the Crown Prince showed no signs of annoyance on his face. As long as his father didn't oppose his plan to marry Liuli, it was enough.
As for his father's other concerns, only the future could prove them.
Any intense and touching vows were useless. Only time and actions were qualified to judge.
"The Crown Prince returned to the palace so late, yet His Majesty didn't punish him. Instead, he kept him in Chenyang Palace and talked for a long time," Consort Xian complained, feeling unhappy, "How can a man spoil a child without any bottom line?"
Most of the Crown Prince's flaws were indulged by His Majesty.
A doting father spoils his son.
If he wants to spoil, let him spoil. Anyway, he is not her own child. She hoped the Crown Prince would be arrogant all the time, causing trouble everywhere, and making the ministers of the court resentful. Then even if His Majesty didn't want to depose Ji Yuansu from the Crown Prince position, he wouldn't be able to stop it from happening.
"Your Highness," a close palace maid reminded Consort Xian in a low voice, "Young Lady Lin has arrived."
"Let her in," Consort Xian said. She wasn't very satisfied with Lin Wan, but because she was even more dissatisfied with Hua Liuli, and Lin Wan's father held considerable prestige among the civil officials, she could reluctantly tolerate Lin Wan.
More importantly, she wanted to use Lin Wan's identity to win over Consort Lin and the Fourth Prince, secretly gaining their support for her own son. Therefore, letting her son marry Lin Wan was more in line with the current interests.
After Lin Wan entered, Consort Xian warmly greeted her and handed her prepared silk, satin, rouge, and powder. Then she smiled and asked the palace maid to take Lin Wan to the side hall to rest.
"Your Highness, the Second Princess sent someone to convey a message; She said that because Young Lady Lin only brought one maid when she went out today for the Flower Festival, the Second Princess sent her own palace maids to accompany Young Lady Lin, and then... they discovered something," the palace maid spoke hesitantly.
Consort Xian had a bad premonition, "Speak."
"Today, when Young Lady Lin was enjoying the scenery, she happened to meet Ying Wang. But Ying Wang treated Miss Lin coldly, it seems he was very dissatisfied with her," the palace maid recounted the events, "At noon, the Crown Prince, Fushou Junzhu, Young Lady Lin, and Ying Wang had lunch together. After the meal, Fushou Junzhu went to enjoy the flowers. Miss Lin followed her. They had a few words, but the two palace maids couldn't hear clearly what Young Lady Lin said. However, the Crown Prince reproached her with an unpleasant expression, Young Lady Lin was scared and knelt down to apologize..."
"Why did she go and provoke Hua Liuli?" Consort Xian's temper flared up before hearing the complete story, "The first time she came to see Bengong, Bengong told her that Hua Liuli is in poor health. She should keep her distance and never provoke her. Why did she go and find trouble on her own?"
That Hua Liuli is so malicious. She even caused trouble for her family members. How can anyone dare to approach her?
"Perhaps... Perhaps Young Lady Lin just returned to the capital not long ago and hasn't had much interaction with Fushou Junzhu, so she doesn't know the seriousness of the situation," the palace maid thought to herself that the most serious part of this incident should be Young Lady Lin kneeling down to apologize to the Crown Prince.
"We are not some small country like Yinshan. It's not necessary for women to kneel down on every occasion. As Bengong's son's future legal wife, how can she casually kneel in front of others?" Consort Xian frowned, "Lin Wan has a good reputation. Even when facing bandits, she remains calm. How can she be someone who easily kneels? Could there be some misunderstanding?"
Great Jin is not a place where people have to kneel at every turn. Even in front of His Majesty, not every meeting requires kneeling.
"You are right, Your Highness. Perhaps there is indeed some misunderstanding," The palace maid hurriedly said, "Nubi has seen that Young Lady Lin conducts herself with grace and has a gentle temperament. In the future, when she becomes Ying Wang's wife, they should be able to get along harmoniously."
"Bengong hopes so," Consort Xian felt somewhat uneasy as a mother. How could she not see that her son doesn't like Lin Wan? But as a mother, she also doesn't want her son to like a woman like Hua Liuli.
"Ah," Consort Xian sighed. It's not easy being a mother.
In the Hua family, the four family members sat around the table.
Hua Liuli scooped beef meatballs into Hua Changkong's bowl, "Third brother, eat this. If you eat it, everything will go smoothly, and you'll surely make it to the top of the list."
"Come, have some pumpkin soup. The color is auspicious, I wish you success in the imperial examination," Hua Yingtian scooped a large spoonful of pumpkin soup into Hua Changkong's bowl.
Seeing that his mother was also preparing to serve him, Hua Changkong quickly covered his bowl, "Mother, please don't follow Father and Little Sister's superstitions. It's not good."
Wei Mingyue reluctantly put down her chopsticks, "The list will be posted tomorrow. Are you nervous?"
"Not really," Hua Changkong thought for a moment, "I have confidence in myself."
"Well, that's good." Wei Mingyue nodded, "You are my son. Your intelligence shouldn't be lacking."
"Mother, you are the smartest woman in all of Great Jin. If I have half of your intelligence, I'm sure I can pass the examination," Hua Liuli flattered with a smile, "Come, taste the flavor of this dish."
"Liuli, I heard you went out to play today?" Wei Mingyue put down her chopsticks and looked at Hua Liuli.
"Didn't you see me come back?" Hua Liuli felt a little guilty.
"You came back when it was almost dark. That's quite early. I thought you would wait until midnight to return," Wei Mingyue looked at her with a smile that was not quite a smile, "You didn't even eat your dinner properly. Did you eat outside and get full?"
"Just ate a little bit more than usual," Hua Liuli extended her hand and gestured a short distance, "Mother, it's not entirely my fault. It's just that there was an irresistible beauty and the food was so delicious that I couldn't help but stay a bit longer."
"With whom?" Hua Yingtian asked angrily, "Whose family lets their son accompany a girl until it gets dark?"
"The... the Crown Prince," Hua Liuli looked around, avoiding eye contact with Hua Yingtian, "It was really incidental. Next time, I will definitely come back earlier."
"So, it's the Crown Prince..." Hua Yingtian fell silent for a moment, bowed his head, and continued eating, deciding to give up discussing the other family's upbringing.
"I remember you saying that you have no romantic feelings for the Crown Prince."
"I don't have romantic feelings, but I can still appreciate him," Hua Liuli grabbed Wei Mingyue's arm and shook it, "Mother, I feel sorry for the Crown Prince."
"Oh?" Wei Mingyue was unaware that the Crown Prince could be considered pitiful.
So Hua Liuli told her family a story about a "devoted man and a devoted woman, lost in life and death, where the man's love for the woman made him suffer night after night".
"Did the Crown Prince tell you this?" Wei Mingyue had heard many rumors about the Crown Prince, but no one mentioned that he had a woman whom he loved more than life.
"No, it's not that. This matter seems very painful for the Crown Prince, so he doesn't want to mention it. It's something I figured out," Hua Liuli confidently said, "Having seen so much separation and parting at the border, I can easily understand the Crown Prince's thoughts."
Hua Yingtian and Hua Changkong were both stunned. So the Crown Prince is such a devoted person?
"I heard him imply that he wants to follow the deceased. How can I not worry?" Hua Liuli sighed, "The Crown Prince has a special status. If something happens to him, it will be troublesome. Today, I went to great lengths to make him happy. I can't just stand by and watch him feel hopeless."
"If that's the case, and the Crown Prince is willing to associate with you, then it doesn't hurt to guide him a little," Wei Mingyue sighed, "But most importantly, protect yourself."
A mother knows her daughter best. If the Crown Prince wasn't good-looking, Hua Liuli wouldn't have had such patience.
"I have another speculation. Perhaps the person the Crown Prince likes is a fragile and sickly girl. He is willing to be close to me because I resemble that girl in some ways," Hua Liuli couldn't help but sigh, "It's truly pitiful. When you lose the one you love, it feels like their presence lingers everywhere."
"Liuli," Wei Mingyue stared at her daughter for a moment, "If you ever read any more nonsense storybooks, I will make you copy a hundred books."
Hua Liuli: "..."
Weren't they talking about the Crown Prince's sad love story? How did it suddenly turn into a trivial matter of whether she reads storybooks or not?
"Tomorrow, the Empress Dowager wants to bring me into the palace to stay for a few days. Do you want me to go or not?" Under a strong desire for self-preservation, Hua Liuli found a suitable topic to discuss.
"Do you want to go?" Hua Yingtian asked.
"The Empress Dowager is humorous and treats me very well. Every time I go to see her, she doesn't want me to leave. I think she wants me to accompany her," Hua Liuli said with a smile. Hua Liuli's grandmother passed away early, so the Empress Dowager was like a shadow of a grandmother in her heart.
"Some people outside say that the Crown Prince is getting close to you to take advantage of our family," Hua Yingtian said, "What do you think?"
"Good or bad, I can judge for myself. I won't believe rumors from others," Hua Liuli smiled at Hua Yingtian, "Father, I've decided to stay in the palace for a few days."
"Alright," Hua Yingtian also smiled, "You are the daughter of Hua Yingtian and Wei Mingyue. While you should act with prudence, you shouldn't be overly cautious. Tonight, let the maidservants pack your luggage. You can enjoy yourself in the palace, we'll take care of everything outside."
"Thank you, Father," Hua Liuli rushed into Wei Mingyue's arms and rubbed against her, "Thank you, Mother."
Wei Mingyue embraced her daughter and sighed helplessly, "You're fifteen years old, but you still act like a five or six-year-old child."
Hua Changkong, who silently ate his meal, thought to himself: Isn't it all because of your indulgence?
Before dawn, the Empress Dowager woke up.
"Is the side hall tidied up? Liuli is weak, so there must be no dust in the room."
"Please rest assured, Empress Dowager. Everything in the side hall has been properly tidied up."
"And the clothes and jewelry must not be missing," The Empress Dowager commanded the palace maids and eunuchs in a bustling manner, "This Grieving One heard that Consort Xian has also invited the daughter of the Lin family into the palace?"
"The daughter of the Lin family entered the palace last night."
"They are both daughters of renowned officials. This Grieving One can't let Liuli be outshone by Young Lady Lin," The Empress Dowager worried Hua Liuli would be treated unfairly if they ever come across each other in the palance, since Lin Wan is the future Ying Wangfei. She called a close female attendant to her side, "From now on, whenever Liuli leaves the Shoukang Palace, you must accompany her. Don't let her suffer."
"Empress Dowager can rest assured. Everyone in the palace knows that Your Majesty favors Fushou Junzhu. Who would dare to disrespect her in front of Your Majesty?" the female attendant smiled and said, "This old servant will take good care of Junzhu and ensure that she doesn't suffer the slightest grievance."
"This Grieving One trusts you to handle things," the Empress Dowager said, "This Grieving One is just afraid that some people's minds would suddenly become muddleheaded and they do something foolish. If that happens, Liuli will be hurt. How could this Grieving One not feel heartache?"
"It's because of your thoughtful consideration, Empress Dowager," The female attendant glanced at the sky outside, "Today is the day of the Spring Examination results. Junzhu and Third Young Master Hua have a deep bond. They might enter the palace later."
"It's good for children to have affection and loyalty. Later, when you go to pick her up from the Hua Family Estate, don't rush them," the Empress Dowager said after thinking for a moment, "Prepare the gifts. If Third Young Master Hua passes the examination, it will be a congratulatory gift. If he fails for the time being, there will be other opportunities in the future. Consider it as a consolation from this Grieving One. We shouldn't let others mock him because of this."
"Why didn't this old servant think of these things?" the female attendant bowed to the Empress Dowager, "This old servant will go and give the instructions to prepare the gifts."
"Go quickly, don't delay the important matters," the Empress Dowager let the female attendant leave with a smile on her face.
Thinking that Hua Liuli would accompany her in the palace, she felt both happy and disappointed. She would stay for a few days and then leave the palace again. How wonderful would it be if she could live in the palace all the time?
Before dawn, the area around the bulletin board was already crowded with people. Especially since the families with status and positions in the capital sent out nimble, strong, and literate servants to guard the bulletin board.
At this time, the servants from different households didn't care about their relationships with each other and firmly held their positions near the bulletin board.
In the midst of the crowd pushing and shoving, suddenly two servants in gray clothes squeezed into the crowd and easily pushed aside the people blocking their way and occupied the central position.
"Excuse me, which high-ranking official's estate are you both from?" asked the servant from the Yao Family Estate, who could only stand sideways as he was being squeezed and almost couldn't catch his breath. He looked at the two servants with extraordinary strength and thought of getting closer to them.
If he didn't get close at this time, he would be squeezed out by others.
The two servants in gray clothes exchanged a glance. One of them smiled and said, "We serve in the Hua Family Estate."
The Hua Family Estate?!
The family that had defeated the Jinpo Kingdom until they cried for mercy?
The servant who had puffed up his chest instantly deflated, "So it turns out you are the brothers from the Great General's estate. I apologize for my impoliteness."
No wonder they pushed others away like pushing cotton. So they were from the Great General's estate?
It always seemed that anything done by people from the Hua family was not surprising.
After all, they were a powerful military family.
There was a teahouse next to the bulletin board, and by this time, it was already filled with scholars and some family members who cared about the examination results.
Yao Wenyin got up early, spent a considerable amount of money to secure a private room with a great view, and then called the sisters to cheer her on.
"Sister Yao, don't be nervous. With your brother's talent, he will surely pass the examination," Tian Shan poured a cup of cool tea for Yao Wenyin, "Come, drink some water and calm down."
"I still have confidence in my brother," Yao Wenyin picked up the tea and took a sip, "But that's not what I'm looking forward to."
"What do you want then?" Yao Jiamin slumped on the table, too sleepy to keep her eyes open.
"Do you know that Hua Liuli's brother also took part in the Spring Examination this time?"
When Yao Jiamin heard the name "Hua Liuli", half of her drowsiness disappeared, "What does that have to do with you?"
"I just want Hua Liuli to understand that my brother's talent is much stronger than her brother's," Yao Wenyin clenched her fist, "I brought you here today to witness the moment of her humiliation."
Tian Shan hesitated for a moment, her face showing reluctance, "Sister Yao, according to the storybooks..."
"Don't talk about storybook laws. I won't listen, I won't listen," Yao Wenyin covered her ears and stared at Jia Min. "Jiamin, is your cousin more talented, or is Hua Liuli's brother more talented?"
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Reason told her that her cousin was definitely more talented, but her mouth refused to speak.
Life is precious, she really didn't want to lose it.
"The list is posted!"
A shout from outside saved Yao Jiamin from her helpless struggle.
Upstairs, as people occasionally sang out the rankings, Yao Wenyin was so nervous that she almost scratched the carved wooden table.
"Lin Sen, from Yongzhou, ranked seventh..."
"Yao Songbai, from the capital, ranked fifth!"
"He made it, he made it!"
The three of them jumped up happily, "Fifth place in the Spring Examination!"
"Sister Yao, your brother is amazing!"
"Yes, let's go. I'll go with you to congratulate Uncle and Aunt as well as Cousin!" Yao Jiamin was also overjoyed and stood up, ready to go downstairs.
"Hua Changkong is which family's young master?! He actually became the top scorer in this examination!"
The three of them instantly froze. Their eyes met in the air, speechless and overwhelmed with emotions.
Silence and sorrow lingered around them for a long time.
"Zhen remembers someone once saying to me that he only treats the young girl from the Hua family like a sister; there is no way an older brother would have romantic feelings for his sister. That would be no different from a beast!" Emperor Changlong looked at his son, who had a smile on his face, and couldn't help but criticize him, "And now, you've taken that little girl out and don't even want to come back home. Tell Zhen, what are you up to?"
"Father Emperor, in such unexpected circumstances, it is beyond the control of Erchen," the Crown Prince bowed to Emperor Changlong and smiled shamelessly, "Didn't Erchen tell you some time ago that Erchen is a beast? There's a popular saying among the common people that if a man's words can be trusted, even a pig can climb a tree."
"At that time, did you already have such thoughts?" Emperor Changlong interrupted the Crown Prince and frowned, "Yuansu, you should know that she almost became your Eldest Brother's Wangfei. If it weren't for the unwillingness of Consort Xian, they might have already set the wedding date."
"Father Emperor, Eldest Brother has already chosen the daughter of the Lin family for marriage, his affairs have nothing to do with Fushou Junzhu anymore," the Crown Prince sat in his chair and showed no intention of leaving until the matter was resolved, "Father Emperor, Erchen has grown up all this time, it's not easy for Erchen to admire a girl. If Father Emperor doesn't support Erchen, Erchen won't have anyone to help me come up with ideas."
"You have used this argument countless times in front of me, it's no longer fresh," Emperor Changlong disdainfully said, "She is the daughter of the Great General, not a woman selected from the common folk to fill the harem. Your liking for her serves no purpose. Zhen can't force her to marry you. If Zhen really did that, wouldn't it chill the heart of my meritorious subject?"
"Erchen understands," the Crown Prince had long anticipated that Emperor Changlong would make such arguments. He smiled and said, "As long as Father Emperor doesn't oppose Erchen's admiration for Fushou Junzhu, it's good."
Emperor Changlong remained silent for two seconds, then picked up a book from the table and threw it at the Crown Prince, "Zhen knew you, this stinking brat, were digging pits for Zhen in a roundabout way. You're usually so lazy when it comes to reading memorials, but you have all sorts of tricky ideas in these matters."
"Marriage is not a trivial matter, Erchen naturally has to put in more effort," the Crown Prince dodged the book thrown by Emperor Changlong and picked it up. He walked in front of Emperor Changlong and bowed, "Please fulfill Erchen's wish."
"Ah," Emperor Changlong took the book from the Crown Prince's hand, "Yuansu, let Zhen tell you, before that girl from the Hua family entered the capital, Zhen didn't know her health was so weak. You are the Crown Prince and the future emperor of Great Jin. It's not beneficial for you to marry a weak Crown Princess."
"Father Emperor, there is no Empress in the imperial harem, yet Father Emperor has been living peacefully all these years. What does it matter if Erchen marries a slightly weak Crown Princess?" the Crown Prince paused, "Although Fushou Junzhu's health is weak, she can gradually recover with proper care. There will be a day when she gets better."
"But what if you change your mind and have other women in the harem while she remains physically weak?" Emperor Changlong looked at the Crown Prince seriously, "At that time, the harem will become her tomb. You, at that time, won't recall your current mindset and patience."
"You said earlier that if a man's words can be trusted, even a pig can climb a tree. Zhen believes that your current feelings are sincere, but what about tomorrow, the day after tomorrow?"
"There are so many tomorrows. Can you guarantee that you will never change?"
"You are Zhen's most beloved son; Yingting and Mingyue are the most trusted generals of Zhen. They have never distanced themselves from Zhen because of rumors and have done a lot for Zhen. After Zhen ascended the throne, the two of them guarded the border for Zhen, possessing vast wealth but no time to enjoy it," Emperor Changlong sat down on the imperial chair, "The way Yingting treats his daughter is how Zhen treats you. If you mistreat her in the future, how can Zhen face them?"
Precisely because he considered this point that he intended to let his eldest son, who is straightforward, seek marriage with the girl from the Hua family. This way, not only would Hua Liuli have a status, but she wouldn't be bound by the harem.
Unfortunately, his eldest son and Consort Xian did not want this marriage. He didn't want the little girl from the Hua family to have a mother-in-law who would be dissatisfied with her in every aspect. So this matter had to be treated as if it never happened.
"Many men are naturally amorous and lustful. Yuansu, it's not that Zhen doesn't trust you, but Zhen doesn't trust men in general," Emperor Changlong had an expression on his face that said, "We're all men, you understand". He then continued with deep meaning, "Zhen won't stop you, but Zhen won't speak well of you in front of Yingting."
"By the way," with a deep love for his son, Emperor Changlong added, "Pursuing the person you like is not something to rush, especially do not offend your mother-in-law. You must be careful of your words and actions in front of Wei Mingyue. If you accidentally anger her and she wants to take action against you..." Emperor Changlong thought seriously, "Remember to run faster, don't argue with her."
"What does Father Emperor mean?" the Crown Prince didn't quite understand the meaning behind Emperor Changlong's words.
"Zhen said it like that. Just remember it," Emperor Changlong raised his teacup slightly, "Zhen is very busy and doesn't have the leisure to talk to you about these matters. Go back and rest early. Remember to attend the morning court on time tomorrow."
Being driven out of the Chengyang Palace by his own father, the Crown Prince showed no signs of annoyance on his face. As long as his father didn't oppose his plan to marry Liuli, it was enough.
As for his father's other concerns, only the future could prove them.
Any intense and touching vows were useless. Only time and actions were qualified to judge.
"The Crown Prince returned to the palace so late, yet His Majesty didn't punish him. Instead, he kept him in Chenyang Palace and talked for a long time," Consort Xian complained, feeling unhappy, "How can a man spoil a child without any bottom line?"
Most of the Crown Prince's flaws were indulged by His Majesty.
A doting father spoils his son.
If he wants to spoil, let him spoil. Anyway, he is not her own child. She hoped the Crown Prince would be arrogant all the time, causing trouble everywhere, and making the ministers of the court resentful. Then even if His Majesty didn't want to depose Ji Yuansu from the Crown Prince position, he wouldn't be able to stop it from happening.
"Your Highness," a close palace maid reminded Consort Xian in a low voice, "Young Lady Lin has arrived."
"Let her in," Consort Xian said. She wasn't very satisfied with Lin Wan, but because she was even more dissatisfied with Hua Liuli, and Lin Wan's father held considerable prestige among the civil officials, she could reluctantly tolerate Lin Wan.
More importantly, she wanted to use Lin Wan's identity to win over Consort Lin and the Fourth Prince, secretly gaining their support for her own son. Therefore, letting her son marry Lin Wan was more in line with the current interests.
After Lin Wan entered, Consort Xian warmly greeted her and handed her prepared silk, satin, rouge, and powder. Then she smiled and asked the palace maid to take Lin Wan to the side hall to rest.
"Your Highness, the Second Princess sent someone to convey a message; She said that because Young Lady Lin only brought one maid when she went out today for the Flower Festival, the Second Princess sent her own palace maids to accompany Young Lady Lin, and then... they discovered something," the palace maid spoke hesitantly.
Consort Xian had a bad premonition, "Speak."
"Today, when Young Lady Lin was enjoying the scenery, she happened to meet Ying Wang. But Ying Wang treated Miss Lin coldly, it seems he was very dissatisfied with her," the palace maid recounted the events, "At noon, the Crown Prince, Fushou Junzhu, Young Lady Lin, and Ying Wang had lunch together. After the meal, Fushou Junzhu went to enjoy the flowers. Miss Lin followed her. They had a few words, but the two palace maids couldn't hear clearly what Young Lady Lin said. However, the Crown Prince reproached her with an unpleasant expression, Young Lady Lin was scared and knelt down to apologize..."
"Why did she go and provoke Hua Liuli?" Consort Xian's temper flared up before hearing the complete story, "The first time she came to see Bengong, Bengong told her that Hua Liuli is in poor health. She should keep her distance and never provoke her. Why did she go and find trouble on her own?"
That Hua Liuli is so malicious. She even caused trouble for her family members. How can anyone dare to approach her?
"Perhaps... Perhaps Young Lady Lin just returned to the capital not long ago and hasn't had much interaction with Fushou Junzhu, so she doesn't know the seriousness of the situation," the palace maid thought to herself that the most serious part of this incident should be Young Lady Lin kneeling down to apologize to the Crown Prince.
"We are not some small country like Yinshan. It's not necessary for women to kneel down on every occasion. As Bengong's son's future legal wife, how can she casually kneel in front of others?" Consort Xian frowned, "Lin Wan has a good reputation. Even when facing bandits, she remains calm. How can she be someone who easily kneels? Could there be some misunderstanding?"
Great Jin is not a place where people have to kneel at every turn. Even in front of His Majesty, not every meeting requires kneeling.
"You are right, Your Highness. Perhaps there is indeed some misunderstanding," The palace maid hurriedly said, "Nubi has seen that Young Lady Lin conducts herself with grace and has a gentle temperament. In the future, when she becomes Ying Wang's wife, they should be able to get along harmoniously."
"Bengong hopes so," Consort Xian felt somewhat uneasy as a mother. How could she not see that her son doesn't like Lin Wan? But as a mother, she also doesn't want her son to like a woman like Hua Liuli.
"Ah," Consort Xian sighed. It's not easy being a mother.
In the Hua family, the four family members sat around the table.
Hua Liuli scooped beef meatballs into Hua Changkong's bowl, "Third brother, eat this. If you eat it, everything will go smoothly, and you'll surely make it to the top of the list."
"Come, have some pumpkin soup. The color is auspicious, I wish you success in the imperial examination," Hua Yingtian scooped a large spoonful of pumpkin soup into Hua Changkong's bowl.
Seeing that his mother was also preparing to serve him, Hua Changkong quickly covered his bowl, "Mother, please don't follow Father and Little Sister's superstitions. It's not good."
Wei Mingyue reluctantly put down her chopsticks, "The list will be posted tomorrow. Are you nervous?"
"Not really," Hua Changkong thought for a moment, "I have confidence in myself."
"Well, that's good." Wei Mingyue nodded, "You are my son. Your intelligence shouldn't be lacking."
"Mother, you are the smartest woman in all of Great Jin. If I have half of your intelligence, I'm sure I can pass the examination," Hua Liuli flattered with a smile, "Come, taste the flavor of this dish."
"Liuli, I heard you went out to play today?" Wei Mingyue put down her chopsticks and looked at Hua Liuli.
"Didn't you see me come back?" Hua Liuli felt a little guilty.
"You came back when it was almost dark. That's quite early. I thought you would wait until midnight to return," Wei Mingyue looked at her with a smile that was not quite a smile, "You didn't even eat your dinner properly. Did you eat outside and get full?"
"Just ate a little bit more than usual," Hua Liuli extended her hand and gestured a short distance, "Mother, it's not entirely my fault. It's just that there was an irresistible beauty and the food was so delicious that I couldn't help but stay a bit longer."
"With whom?" Hua Yingtian asked angrily, "Whose family lets their son accompany a girl until it gets dark?"
"The... the Crown Prince," Hua Liuli looked around, avoiding eye contact with Hua Yingtian, "It was really incidental. Next time, I will definitely come back earlier."
"So, it's the Crown Prince..." Hua Yingtian fell silent for a moment, bowed his head, and continued eating, deciding to give up discussing the other family's upbringing.
"I remember you saying that you have no romantic feelings for the Crown Prince."
"I don't have romantic feelings, but I can still appreciate him," Hua Liuli grabbed Wei Mingyue's arm and shook it, "Mother, I feel sorry for the Crown Prince."
"Oh?" Wei Mingyue was unaware that the Crown Prince could be considered pitiful.
So Hua Liuli told her family a story about a "devoted man and a devoted woman, lost in life and death, where the man's love for the woman made him suffer night after night".
"Did the Crown Prince tell you this?" Wei Mingyue had heard many rumors about the Crown Prince, but no one mentioned that he had a woman whom he loved more than life.
"No, it's not that. This matter seems very painful for the Crown Prince, so he doesn't want to mention it. It's something I figured out," Hua Liuli confidently said, "Having seen so much separation and parting at the border, I can easily understand the Crown Prince's thoughts."
Hua Yingtian and Hua Changkong were both stunned. So the Crown Prince is such a devoted person?
"I heard him imply that he wants to follow the deceased. How can I not worry?" Hua Liuli sighed, "The Crown Prince has a special status. If something happens to him, it will be troublesome. Today, I went to great lengths to make him happy. I can't just stand by and watch him feel hopeless."
"If that's the case, and the Crown Prince is willing to associate with you, then it doesn't hurt to guide him a little," Wei Mingyue sighed, "But most importantly, protect yourself."
A mother knows her daughter best. If the Crown Prince wasn't good-looking, Hua Liuli wouldn't have had such patience.
"I have another speculation. Perhaps the person the Crown Prince likes is a fragile and sickly girl. He is willing to be close to me because I resemble that girl in some ways," Hua Liuli couldn't help but sigh, "It's truly pitiful. When you lose the one you love, it feels like their presence lingers everywhere."
"Liuli," Wei Mingyue stared at her daughter for a moment, "If you ever read any more nonsense storybooks, I will make you copy a hundred books."
Hua Liuli: "..."
Weren't they talking about the Crown Prince's sad love story? How did it suddenly turn into a trivial matter of whether she reads storybooks or not?
"Tomorrow, the Empress Dowager wants to bring me into the palace to stay for a few days. Do you want me to go or not?" Under a strong desire for self-preservation, Hua Liuli found a suitable topic to discuss.
"Do you want to go?" Hua Yingtian asked.
"The Empress Dowager is humorous and treats me very well. Every time I go to see her, she doesn't want me to leave. I think she wants me to accompany her," Hua Liuli said with a smile. Hua Liuli's grandmother passed away early, so the Empress Dowager was like a shadow of a grandmother in her heart.
"Some people outside say that the Crown Prince is getting close to you to take advantage of our family," Hua Yingtian said, "What do you think?"
"Good or bad, I can judge for myself. I won't believe rumors from others," Hua Liuli smiled at Hua Yingtian, "Father, I've decided to stay in the palace for a few days."
"Alright," Hua Yingtian also smiled, "You are the daughter of Hua Yingtian and Wei Mingyue. While you should act with prudence, you shouldn't be overly cautious. Tonight, let the maidservants pack your luggage. You can enjoy yourself in the palace, we'll take care of everything outside."
"Thank you, Father," Hua Liuli rushed into Wei Mingyue's arms and rubbed against her, "Thank you, Mother."
Wei Mingyue embraced her daughter and sighed helplessly, "You're fifteen years old, but you still act like a five or six-year-old child."
Hua Changkong, who silently ate his meal, thought to himself: Isn't it all because of your indulgence?
Before dawn, the Empress Dowager woke up.
"Is the side hall tidied up? Liuli is weak, so there must be no dust in the room."
"Please rest assured, Empress Dowager. Everything in the side hall has been properly tidied up."
"And the clothes and jewelry must not be missing," The Empress Dowager commanded the palace maids and eunuchs in a bustling manner, "This Grieving One heard that Consort Xian has also invited the daughter of the Lin family into the palace?"
"The daughter of the Lin family entered the palace last night."
"They are both daughters of renowned officials. This Grieving One can't let Liuli be outshone by Young Lady Lin," The Empress Dowager worried Hua Liuli would be treated unfairly if they ever come across each other in the palance, since Lin Wan is the future Ying Wangfei. She called a close female attendant to her side, "From now on, whenever Liuli leaves the Shoukang Palace, you must accompany her. Don't let her suffer."
"Empress Dowager can rest assured. Everyone in the palace knows that Your Majesty favors Fushou Junzhu. Who would dare to disrespect her in front of Your Majesty?" the female attendant smiled and said, "This old servant will take good care of Junzhu and ensure that she doesn't suffer the slightest grievance."
"This Grieving One trusts you to handle things," the Empress Dowager said, "This Grieving One is just afraid that some people's minds would suddenly become muddleheaded and they do something foolish. If that happens, Liuli will be hurt. How could this Grieving One not feel heartache?"
"It's because of your thoughtful consideration, Empress Dowager," The female attendant glanced at the sky outside, "Today is the day of the Spring Examination results. Junzhu and Third Young Master Hua have a deep bond. They might enter the palace later."
"It's good for children to have affection and loyalty. Later, when you go to pick her up from the Hua Family Estate, don't rush them," the Empress Dowager said after thinking for a moment, "Prepare the gifts. If Third Young Master Hua passes the examination, it will be a congratulatory gift. If he fails for the time being, there will be other opportunities in the future. Consider it as a consolation from this Grieving One. We shouldn't let others mock him because of this."
"Why didn't this old servant think of these things?" the female attendant bowed to the Empress Dowager, "This old servant will go and give the instructions to prepare the gifts."
"Go quickly, don't delay the important matters," the Empress Dowager let the female attendant leave with a smile on her face.
Thinking that Hua Liuli would accompany her in the palace, she felt both happy and disappointed. She would stay for a few days and then leave the palace again. How wonderful would it be if she could live in the palace all the time?
Before dawn, the area around the bulletin board was already crowded with people. Especially since the families with status and positions in the capital sent out nimble, strong, and literate servants to guard the bulletin board.
At this time, the servants from different households didn't care about their relationships with each other and firmly held their positions near the bulletin board.
In the midst of the crowd pushing and shoving, suddenly two servants in gray clothes squeezed into the crowd and easily pushed aside the people blocking their way and occupied the central position.
"Excuse me, which high-ranking official's estate are you both from?" asked the servant from the Yao Family Estate, who could only stand sideways as he was being squeezed and almost couldn't catch his breath. He looked at the two servants with extraordinary strength and thought of getting closer to them.
If he didn't get close at this time, he would be squeezed out by others.
The two servants in gray clothes exchanged a glance. One of them smiled and said, "We serve in the Hua Family Estate."
The Hua Family Estate?!
The family that had defeated the Jinpo Kingdom until they cried for mercy?
The servant who had puffed up his chest instantly deflated, "So it turns out you are the brothers from the Great General's estate. I apologize for my impoliteness."
No wonder they pushed others away like pushing cotton. So they were from the Great General's estate?
It always seemed that anything done by people from the Hua family was not surprising.
After all, they were a powerful military family.
There was a teahouse next to the bulletin board, and by this time, it was already filled with scholars and some family members who cared about the examination results.
Yao Wenyin got up early, spent a considerable amount of money to secure a private room with a great view, and then called the sisters to cheer her on.
"Sister Yao, don't be nervous. With your brother's talent, he will surely pass the examination," Tian Shan poured a cup of cool tea for Yao Wenyin, "Come, drink some water and calm down."
"I still have confidence in my brother," Yao Wenyin picked up the tea and took a sip, "But that's not what I'm looking forward to."
"What do you want then?" Yao Jiamin slumped on the table, too sleepy to keep her eyes open.
"Do you know that Hua Liuli's brother also took part in the Spring Examination this time?"
When Yao Jiamin heard the name "Hua Liuli", half of her drowsiness disappeared, "What does that have to do with you?"
"I just want Hua Liuli to understand that my brother's talent is much stronger than her brother's," Yao Wenyin clenched her fist, "I brought you here today to witness the moment of her humiliation."
Tian Shan hesitated for a moment, her face showing reluctance, "Sister Yao, according to the storybooks..."
"Don't talk about storybook laws. I won't listen, I won't listen," Yao Wenyin covered her ears and stared at Jia Min. "Jiamin, is your cousin more talented, or is Hua Liuli's brother more talented?"
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Reason told her that her cousin was definitely more talented, but her mouth refused to speak.
Life is precious, she really didn't want to lose it.
"The list is posted!"
A shout from outside saved Yao Jiamin from her helpless struggle.
Upstairs, as people occasionally sang out the rankings, Yao Wenyin was so nervous that she almost scratched the carved wooden table.
"Lin Sen, from Yongzhou, ranked seventh..."
"Yao Songbai, from the capital, ranked fifth!"
"He made it, he made it!"
The three of them jumped up happily, "Fifth place in the Spring Examination!"
"Sister Yao, your brother is amazing!"
"Yes, let's go. I'll go with you to congratulate Uncle and Aunt as well as Cousin!" Yao Jiamin was also overjoyed and stood up, ready to go downstairs.
"Hua Changkong is which family's young master?! He actually became the top scorer in this examination!"
The three of them instantly froze. Their eyes met in the air, speechless and overwhelmed with emotions.
Silence and sorrow lingered around them for a long time.
