“Your Highness has grown taller again.”
Qin momo is not only someone from Empress Yan’s family, but she’s also Sui Heng’s nanny. She treats this Crown Prince, Sui Heng, as if he were her own son.
Qin momo’s eyes eagerly turned to the young gentleman, who came out immediately after Sui Heng.
In the twilight, the Young Master’s gentle and discreet, garnished like jade, is more dazzling and eye-catching than the lights of the palace city. When he stood quietly, he actually had a noble and inviolable temperament.
Qin momo dared not be impolite and quickly lowered her head. She personally led the way, she led Sui Heng and Jiang Yun to the Palace, where the palace banquet was held.
The palace was filled with laughter and conversation, with the Empress Dowager sitting at the top, Empress Yan sitting on one side, and other children of Emperor Sui sitting on both sides.
Except for the second, third, and fourth princes, the other princes and princesses present were all young and had been very afraid of the Crown Prince Sui Heng since childhood. When they saw Sui Heng come in, they obediently stood up and saluted.
Sui Heng and Jiang Yun met Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Empress Dowager was dressed in splendid attire, with five or six bracelets of various styles on her hands and a bridle on her forehead. She had a kind face, like an ordinary, wealthy old lady. She looked up and down at Jiang Yun and became increasingly satisfied as she looked up and down. Finally, she reached out and lovingly took Jiang Yun’s hand.
“Everywhere is good, just too clean and a bit slim.”
Jiang Yun is actually very uncomfortable with physical contact with strangers. At this moment, being held by the Empress Dowager, an old lady, he cannot directly pull out his hand and can only endure it, due to the strict etiquette he had practiced since childhood. He allowed the other person to gently touch the back of his hand like an elderly person.
The Empress Dowager’s scorching hot gaze fell on Jiang Yun’s long, slender eyelashes, elegant demeanor, and jade-like white, clear skin. She thought to herself, As expected, a good environment produces excellent people; this could only be nurtured by the mountains and waters of Jiangnan.
Finally, Sui Heng reached out and pulled the person over, saying, “He’s new. You’ll scare him if you’re always so enthusiastic, Imperial Grandmother.”
The Empress Dowager knew that this grandson was a wild and untamed wolf. In the past, she just knew that he protected his food tightly, she did not expect that he would also protect a person this tightly. She couldn’t even touch him a few more times.
Empress Dowager personally took off a jade ring from her hand and gave it to Jiang Yun.
Empress Yan couldn’t help but say, “This is Empress Mother’s beloved item, it shouldn’t be given to anyone so casually.”
Empress Dowager waved her hand arrogantly and said, “What beloved and not beloved? Even the most beloved treasure is not as important as people.”
Empress Yan knew that the Empress Dowager was showing off again, so she naturally refused to admit defeat. She immediately asked Qin Momo to take out a Jade Ruyi that she had already prepared.
Emperor Sui arrived late.
He sat on the left side of Empress Dowager and was criticized by her for being too slow.
Emperor Sui smiled and apologized, saying that he would take her around the palace when he had time, and only then could he make Empress Dowager happy.
Jiang Yun sat at the bottom of the table and saw that the royals of the Sui Empire got along without too many rules and etiquette constraints, just like ordinary people’s homes in general, it made him feel somewhat novel.
And he can also roughly understand why Sui Heng had such a temperament.
After all, Emperor Sui was the ruler of a country, and his dignity and aura were not to be offended. When he finally turned his gaze to Jiang Yun, Jiang Yun still felt a hint of pressure.
A foolish person cannot be the master of Jiangbei.
A Guozhu like the Chen Kingdom’s Guozhu is just a strange thing in the world.
Over the years, the national strength of the Sui Empire has been thriving, and the loyal surrender of the Jiangbei states is inseparable from the outstanding political skills and governance ability of this monarch. This is also the only person in Jiang Yun’s mind who has the ability and qualifications to compete with his father, Emperor Jiang.
Emperor Sui paused and asked, “Are you… from the Kingdom of Wei?”
Jiang Yun stood up and answered yes.
He remained elegant throughout his journey. Emperor Sui’s gaze froze once again, as if he wanted to ask about more things. Sui Heng stood up and forcefully intervened. “Erchen has asked what should be asked, this is Erchen’s person, so Emperor Father doesn’t need to worry.”
This statement can be described as absurd and impolite.
Jiang Yun couldn’t help but glance at him.
He felt that this Crown Prince was more powerful than the Heavenly King.
Emperor Sui did not ask any more questions, he only gave his son a warning and ordered the banquet to be held.
Sui Heng held Jiang Yun’s hand and got him to sit down, saying, “There’s no need to be formal. Gu’s got you covered. Just make yourself at home. Whoever dares to bully you, Gu will help you fight back.”
The second and third princes on the side instinctively shrank their heads when they heard these words.
Not long after the meal was served, the palace attendant reported from outside, “Your Majesty, Lan Guifei1Noble Consort.Niangniang2Niangniang is like My Lady, it was an honorific way for low-ranking people to address the consort.is requesting an audience.”
Empress Yan was the first to sink her face and frown, asking Qin momo, “Who let her come over?”
Qin momo shook her head, indicating that she didn’t know.
But it’s not surprising either. This Lan Guifei has always had a dog-like nose. She follows His Majesty wherever he goes, and there’s no need to guess, she’s heading towards Emperor Sui.
Empress Yan is another member of the Yan family, a tiger daughter of the General’s family. She has a straightforward personality and a hot temper. If it weren’t for the presence of Emperor Sui and Empress Dowager, she would have wanted to immediately order the palace attendants to drive her away.
But Lan Guifei has always been good at pleasing Empress Dowager.
“Aijia3Aijia means I, it’s used by the empress dowager.knows that wherever there is a lively place, she must be indispensable.”
As Empress Yan frowned, the Empress Dowager had already said, “Let her in quickly.”
A beautifully dressed woman in red quickly entered the hall and greeted the three people above with a smile. Behind her, a momo was still holding a newly born baby boy in her arms.
Empress Dowager immediately said, “Hurry up and give Zhang Er to Aijia hug.”
The momo quickly bent her knees and bowed, carefully handing the baby boy into the Empress Dowager’s embrace.
The baby boy is too young, his face is still wrinkled, and his eyes are as black as grapes. He is already able to stare at people. Empress Dowager extended her fingers and teased, “Zhang Er is good, Zhang Er is obedient. Zhang Er is the first Xiao Junwang4County King.in our Great Sui. Quickly call out great grandmother and let Aijia hear.”
Lan Guifei covered her lips and smiled. “He hasn’t even grown his teeth. Empress Mother is really making things difficult for him.”
Empress Dowager disapproved and said, “What do you know? Our Zhang Er is so clever.”
Empress Yan rolled her eyes silently on one side.
Lan Guifei did not come from a high family background, and her beauty was only considered average. Over the years, she stood out among the rest of the harem. She rose to the position of Noble Consort step by step, not by her talent, nor was it because of her beauty, but because of her ability to give birth.
Emperor Sui had many children, almost half of whom were attributed to Lan Guifei.
However, Empress Yan, who accompanied Emperor Sui to the battlefield when she was young, suffered fundamental injuries. After giving birth to a legitimate son, Sui Heng, nothing came out again.
Lan Guifei’s tummy is competitive, in order to extend the offspring, Emperor Sui increasingly stays at Lan Guifei’s place.
Although her son is very competitive, as the Empress, she had to guard an empty house alone because she couldn’t bear children. She watched her husband and another woman sow their offspring one by one, so how could Empress Yan remain calm without any resentment?
As an Empress, she cannot directly express her dissatisfaction on her face.
Otherwise, she would be judged as failing to see the larger issue and not having consideration for the country.
At first, Empress Yan sarcastically mocked Lan Guifei, but gradually became numb and too lazy to pay her any further attention. Her son’s position was as stable as a mountain. If she loved to give birth, she could give birth to as many children as she liked, it was not her who suffered anyway.
When Lan Guifei finally couldn’t give birth and before Empress Yan could catch her breath, a new problem arose—the issue of their next generation’s offspring.
Among the four grown-up Princes, the second and third Princes were all born to Lan Guifei. In this era, the age of marriage was generally younger, so both of them had already married and had several concubines.
The two carried on the strengths of their mother, Lan Guifei—they were just as fertile.
After the Second Prince’s consort gave birth to a lovely baby girl named Yu Xue last year, last month, one of the Third Prince’s concubines once again quietly did a big thing and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Emperor Sui was so happy that he immediately made an offering to heaven and earth, as well as his ancestors. He gave the baby, who was born less than two hours ago, the title of Junwang with 10,000 households, far exceeding the standard of a prince. He also rewarded him with countless gold and silver treasures.
Emperor Sui personally named his precious grandson “Zhang,” meaning “Ru Gui Ru Zhang5Ru Gui Ru Zhang is a Chinese word that metaphorically refers to a person’s elegant temperament or imposing appearance..”
Lan Guifei was proud of her spring, showing off her palm-sized baby wherever she went.
Empress Yan felt upset when she saw her.
Listening to Empress Dowager praise the unconscious baby’s intelligence, agility, and how graceful he is one after another, she thought to herself, What can you tell from such an ugly mass whose features haven’t even grown yet?
Lan Guifei deliberately smiled and asked, “Hearsay, His Highness has brought back a beautiful young gentleman. Come to think of it, the day of making a consort isn’t far off, is it? When Xiao Taisun6Great grandson, the Crown Prince’s son.is born, Zhang Er will have a companion.”
Empress Yan let out a “heh” in her heart.
With a cold and proud expression, “When will the Crown Prince takes a consort, His Majesty will worry about it. It’s not your turn as a harem woman to talk too much.”
Lan Guifei curtly closed her mouth and continued to go and tease Sui Zhang.
It’s like a seeding machine over there. One crop after another, while she can’t even see a single seed on her son’s side, which naturally made Empress Yan anxious.
It is indeed very dangerous for a Crown Prince to have no offspring after excluding other important or unimportant factors.
So Empress Yan tried every means to force marriage and urge people to enter Mei Yuan, where Sui Heng often lived. However, Sui Heng was always in the army, fighting on the battlefield in the south and north. He doesn’t even get back to the city once a year, so she can’t even control it.
After the banquet, Empress Yan specially called Sui Heng over.
She got straight to the point: “No matter who you like in the palace, the position of Crown Princess must be that of a daughter of the Yan family.”
Sui Heng frowned.
Empress Yan said, “I know your heart is still tied, and you don’t like Yan Bing. However, as the Crown Prince, you need the support of civil subordinates, and Yan Bing is the best choice.”
Sui Heng lowered his face directly and said, “According to national laws, the harem is not allowed to participate in politics.”
Empress Yan: “……”
Empress Yan glared at him. “You dare threatening me with this?”
Sui Heng said, “Erchen is just telling the truth. If Empress Mother meddles in national affairs again, beware that Erchen will directly go to Emperor Father.”
“……”
What kind of bastard has she given birth to?
Empress Yan held back, “So what kind of Crown Princess do you really want? If you really have a favorite noble lady, it’s not impossible to consider.”
Sui Heng said, “Erchen has that one is enough.”
“Which one?”
“Didn’t Empress Mother saw him today?”
“……”
Empress Yan couldn’t help but say, “No matter how good he is, can he give birth to a child for you?”
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows leisurely and said, “Can.”
Empress Yan was completely unable to do anything with him.
“I’m not going to talk to you. Tell me the truth. Do you still have Yan Qi in your heart? It’s fine for you to make him the Crown Princess. The side consort must be decided by Bengong7Ben Gong means I, it’s used by the Empress..”
Sui Heng lowered his eyes directly this time.
“Who is gossiping in front of the Empress Mother?”
Empress Yan ignored him and directly said, “I’ll give you three choices: either appoint the Yan family daughter as the Crown Princess, or appoint Yan Qi and choose another noble daughter as a side concubine. Alternatively, you can just scram back to your Qinglang Battalion and don’t wander in front of me.”
“……”
Sui Heng nodded, “Erchen will scram now.”
“……”
Empress Yan pulled him back and angrily said, “What exactly are you thinking? No matter how bad Yan Bing is, he is also one of our Yan family. In the future, when you ascend to the throne as an emperor, he will do his best to assist you. Although civil subordinates cannot wield swords or sticks, but their mouths are sometimes much more powerful than blades. Your Emperor Father was also a prince with outstanding military achievements in the past, and wasn’t it through the help of civil subordinates that he successfully ascended to the throne? You don’t like the Yan family, are you trying to win over that Jimo Qingyu who scolds you all day?”
“.…..” Sui Heng directly said, “Is Empress Mother luring me into forming cliques for personal gain?”
“Think whatever you want, the Spring Banquet is coming soon. Do you want to take the same loss you took three years ago? How can you win the competition without the help of those famous scholars and talents in the Yan family? Do you want to lose face again? I warn you, you are not the same as you were three years ago, and the Yan family is also no longer the same as the Yan family three years ago. In recent years, there have been many Yan family members and old officials throughout the court. Some people want to win them over and you don’t like them. Don’t think that just by fighting wars, your throne will be so solid that no one will dare to touch it. You’ve seen how that Lan Xinru has become high and mighty in front of Bengong already!”
Sui Heng raised his eyebrows, “Does Empress Mother mean that Lao Er and Lao San also want to become the Crown Prince?”
“Is that the key point? You are the only son Bengong has, but not your Emperor Father! Apart from pulling in the civil officials’ power, the most important thing for you now is to have an heir.”
“Yan Bing intends to reconcile with you now, but you turn a blind eye to it. When he turns to support other princes, I’ll see what you will do!”
Sui Heng: “Has Empress Mother finished speaking?”
Empress Yan: “What?”
“If finished, Erchen will leave. Erchen’s noble concubine is still waiting for Erchen.”
“……”
Empress Yan was furious that she almost spit out a mouthful of old blood.
“Niangniang.” Qin momo helped her on time and said, “His Highness is an understanding person. When he figures it out, he will naturally accept Prime Minister Yan’s kindness. If you push him hard like this, he will resist.”
Empress Yan shook her head and took a deep breath. “I understand this scoundrel’s personality. He’s not at all angry with Bengong, he just doesn’t like the Yan family.”
Qin momo said, “But His Highness has always been strong, and this year’s Spring Banquet will be attended by not only the northern countries but also the southern countries. His Highness doesn’t want to repeat the same mistake and cause the same thing as three years ago, does he?”
“You mean, he’s just being tough-talking?”
“This servant dares not speak out.”
After calming down, Empress Yan frowned. “What’s going on between him and that Yan Qi? They used to be so good together, but why did they suddenly become enemies?”
Qin momo said, “His Highness must be blaming Young Master Yan Qi for what happened three years ago. But this old friendship is so precious that it can’t be cut off so easily. This servant heard that Young Master Yan Qi traveled a thousand miles and got himself infected with the cold as well when he heard that His Highness was in danger in the capital city of Chen this time. His Highness didn’t say it, but how could His Highness not understand it in his heart? In my humble opinion, the medicine of the heart needs to be cured by the heart. This year’s Spring Banquet is an excellent opportunity for His Highness to untie his heart knot.
Sui Heng didn’t care about what Empress Yan said.
As an ambitious heir, he has his own ideas and persistence on how to move forward and balance the power of military and civil officials in the court.
Sui Heng was in a hurry to leave the palace. On one hand, he couldn’t bear Empress Yan’s nagging, and on the other hand, it was because at this hour, he was afraid that the Qin Gu Xiang in his little lover’s body was likely about to strike again.
It was indeed dark when he entered the carriage. Jiang Yun bites his lips and lies on the couch, his back covered in damp sweat and even his clothes soaked.
“Sorry, Gu is late.”
He carefully held the person in his arms.
Jiang Yun clenched his fingers around the sleeves, and his forehead was covered in sweat, giving his skin a fair and transparent texture.
“It’s fine.”
Jiang Yun lay on his shoulder, his hair damp at the end. In order to stay awake, he casually asked, “What is the Empress looking for you for?”
The beauty’s skin is as delicate as porcelain, looking pitiful, making one unable to resist the urge to bully him.
Sui Heng chuckled lightly and said, “Naturally, it is related to you.”
Jiang Yun frowned.
Related to him?
Jiang Yun thought of the big white eyes rolled out by Empress Yan when Lan Guifei came out to show off her baby in swaddling clothes. Thinking of Sui Heng as the heir apparent and the only legitimate son of Empress Yan, having no offspring was indeed a dangerous thing.
Empress Yan didn’t say anything on the surface, but in her heart, she couldn’t tolerate her son’s special tendencies.
Could it be that she wants to get rid of him?
He calmly asked, “What does it have to do with me?”
“You have bewitched Gu; naturally, it is related to you.”
Sui Heng’s tone was cheerful, and he said, “Empress Mother said, ‘You must give birth to a litter of cubs for Gu within this year.'”
“……”
Jiang Yun finally realized that this person was deliberately teasing him again.
He immediately opened his mouth and bit him hard on the shoulder.
Sui Heng tsked, “You are becoming more and more proficient in biting Gu now. You are like an enemy. Don’t beg Gu to spare you later.”
Jiang Yun’s ears were hot, and he took another bite.
When they arrived at the private courtyard, Ji An personally led the palace attendants to greet them at the door. He saw the carriage door open and Sui Heng strode down, holding the thin and jade-like young gentleman in his arms.
The young gentleman was unconscious, with only a snow-white wrist hanging outside. Under the night, it was as white as a ghostly blip.
Ji An quickly lowered his head and asked the palace attendants to quickly prepare hot water while quickly following suit and waiting for Sui Heng’s orders. Sui Heng carried the person directly onto the bed and said, “Bring Gu a cup of hot tea.”
“Yes.”
Ji An quickly served tea.
Sui Heng dipped his fingertips into the tea and applied a little bit to the corners of his little lover’s soft lips, which were covered with dark red blood and dry skin. He wiped them clean with a handkerchief and watched as the water slowly seeped in. He said, “It’s fine with Gu inside, you all go outside.”
Ji An took the order and bowed down.
Sui Heng slowly rubbed the corner of his lower lip with a broken mark and a torn piece of skin, feeling a bit regretful. It’s his fault for bullying him too hard and letting him biting himself again.
The next day, Jiang Yun slept until sunrise.
Sui Heng had already gone to the morning court, and Ji An remained punctual and respectfully, standing at the corridor to serve.
“Today, His Highness specially asked the kitchen to make congee with minced fish for the Young Master.”
In Jiangbei, fish are rare during this season, and there are fewer fresh fish. A serving of congee with minced fish is naturally more precious, as it is made from a rare species of fish that has no fishy odor and fewer thorns.
Jiang Yun picked up a spoon and tasted the soft minced fish entering his mouth. It was very delicious and different from the unbearable taste he had imagined. Without realizing it, he finished a small bowl.
Ji An quickly asked, “Does the Young Master want this old servant to serve another bowl?”
Jiang Yun shook his head and said there was no need.
As Fan Zhou said, he is not accustomed to exposing any preferences, including dietary preferences, to people. Even if he occasionally tastes food that suits his taste, he will not exceed three bites on a daily basis. Eating such a bowl of congee is the limit.
But Ji An was still very happy.
Because he could see that their Highness pampered the young gentleman just like a precious baby, watching his every meal and drink personally, it indicated his level of attention.
Being able to make the young gentleman eat a delicious bowl of food is probably more pleasing to His Highness than doing other laborious things. In terms of observing words and expressions, although Gao Gong is also good, Ji An’s confidence is far superior to his.
Moreover, Jiang Yun is beautiful and elegant, like a crane, with a kind temper. He did not rely on His Highness’s indulgence and being harsh to the servants. Ji An was very pleased that His Highness could find such a young gentleman.
Fan Qi stood limping in the corridor, obviously seeing things very differently from Ji An.
He’d been standing there all day and all night, hungry and wounded in the buttocks, his front chest almost pressing against his spine. However, due to dissatisfaction with the timing, His Highness did not kindly ask him to sit down or go back to rest even during morning court.
Isn’t it all because of that little vixen?
Seeing Jiang Yun sitting in the pavilion, drinking congee gracefully, Fan Qi thought it was very unfair because he had to stand in the corridor and suffer hunger.
After finally standing for hours, Fan Qi let out a hiss and moved his already stiff hands and feet, limping towards the outside of the mansion. A carriage rolled over just in time.
Although the appearance is low-profile, the decoration is exquisite and elaborate, and the driving horse is snow-white and sturdy, so it looks like it is for nobles.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the private courtyard, and the servant opened the carriage door. A young man in a crimson official uniform emerged from inside.
Fan Qi was overjoyed and approached to respectfully call out, “Young Master Yan Qi.”
Yan Qi looked at his strange standing posture and pale face, “Deputy General Fan has been punished again?”
Fan Qi’s face turned red. “Young Master, don’t laugh at me. I must have offended the Tai Sui8Tai Sui is the name of a legendary god.lately. I can’t even squeeze my teeth with a sip of cold water. Are you here specifically to visit His Highness? His Highness, he—”
“I know, His Highness must’ve gone to the morning court at this hour.”
Yan Qi answered warmly.
“I’m here to send the Spring Banquet invitation to His Highness.”
The Spring Banquet has always been organized by Right Prime Minister Yan Bing, and as the eldest grandson of the Yan family, Yan Qi is naturally the capable assistant of his grandfather, Yan Bing. But Yan Qi’s reputation is well-known, he has a noble status, and he holds a position in the court. If it were an ordinary and prestigious person, it is obvious that he cannot personally come to deliver invitations.
Fan Qi hurriedly said, “His Highness will not come back until later. The Young Master should wait in the mansion.”
Yan Qi shook his head and took out a beautifully crafted invitation from his pocket, saying, “I have something else to attend to, so I won’t go in. Since I have encountered Deputy General Fan, I’ll just ask you to take care of it and hand it over to His Highness.”
Fan Qi took it with both hands.
Seeing Yan Qi put down the carriage curtain and prepare to leave, Fan Qi remembered what he had discussed with Shi Fang yesterday and asked, “This Spring Banquet, the Young Master will definitely be with His Highness, right?”
Yan Qi did not give a direct answer but said, “As long as His Highness needs it, I am naturally willing to serve and will not hesitate.”
After a pause, he asked, “His Highness… has been worrying about the Spring Banquet lately?”
“Probably yes”
Fan Qi is not familiar with the specific situation, but from Shi Fang’s words, it seems that the problem His Highness is facing should be very difficult.
Yan Qi didn’t say anything more, he smiled slightly, bid farewell to Fan Qi, and then left.
