0p0 Chapter 694 The Crown Princess's Jealousy!
Chapter 694 The Crown Princess's Jealousy!
The Empress smiled and said, "Yes, young people are wonderful. Look at that young couple; I think they are a perfect match."
Mu Xin Nuan blushed, feeling quite embarrassed by her mother-in-law's words.
"Fourth Prince, Ah Nuan, it's rare for you to come back. You're not allowed to leave at noon today. Stay and sit with me and your father. Especially your father, it's been a long time since anyone told him a joke."
Duanmu Chuze nodded, "Yes, Mother."
"Someone, go and prepare the Hexuan Pavilion in Kunning Palace for Princess Chang Le and her son to rest in later."
"Yes, ma'am."
The Crown Princess always had a smile on her face, but she was somewhat shocked when she heard that He Xuan was to be prepared and given to Mu Xin Nuan and her son separately.
After all, what kind of place is Kunning Palace?
Those who can rest here are, of course, all nobles and imperial relatives. But even so, it's just that they're allowed to rest in a side hall. Now, they've actually heard that the Empress is going to prepare He Xuan just for Mu Xin Nuan's use, which shows that she has truly gained the Empress's favor.
"Fourth sister-in-law, look how much Mother Empress favors you! When I was pregnant with Chen'er, Mother Empress didn't care this much."
The Empress laughed and scolded her, "How old are you? Why are you arguing with Anuan about this? Aren't you afraid she'll laugh at you? As the eldest sister-in-law, how come you don't act like one at all?"
The Crown Princess turned around and curtsied, "Yes, Mother, your daughter-in-law knows she was wrong."
The slightly comical act drew a light laugh from the Empress, and the atmosphere in the hall remained relatively harmonious.
Now that the Crown Princess has arrived, she should naturally stay for lunch.
Not only her, but even the Crown Prince had to be invited.
The Empress ordered preparations to be made, then took Duanmu Chuze's hand and looked him up and down, looking him up and down with some heartache. "You've gotten darker and thinner. My child, of all four sons I've given birth to, you're the one who gives me the least peace of mind."
"Mother, I haven't caused any trouble, so why am I making you worry?" Duanmu Chuze was displeased; he hadn't done anything wrong.
"You still said that!"
The Empress glared at him. "Back then, when you left the capital for the border, you and your father had it all planned out, but I, your mother, was kept in the dark. Tell me, you were gone for three years. Do you think your mother wasn't worried?"
"Mother, those are all things of the past, why do you still remember them?"
"Of course I remember! In these past three years, every single day I've been thinking about whether you're sick or injured. You little ungrateful thing, you have no idea how hard it is to be a mother!"
A guilty smile flashed across Duanmu Chuze's face. "Mother, loyalty and filial piety have always been mutually exclusive. Your son did this to relieve Father's worries and for the prosperity of our Great Yong Kingdom. You wouldn't want our eldest brother to face border troubles after he ascends the throne, would you?"
The Crown Princess heard this and thought it was a sign that Duanmu Chuze was expressing his loyalty to the Crown Prince, but Mu Xin Nuan quickly said, "Aze, don't talk nonsense."
The Empress's expression also changed slightly. This was the palace, and the Emperor was still alive. How could she say such a thing?
This is a big no-no!
Duanmu Chuze chuckled dismissively, "Mother, that's what I meant anyway. As for this time, it was Father who ordered me to leave the capital. If you want to blame someone, blame Father."
Just then, a laughing voice came from outside the door, "What's the matter that you're blaming me for?"
"See the Emperor."
"Alright, we're all family, get up."
The Emperor sat down and glared at Duanmu Chuze. "Hmph! I knew it! The moment you came back, you little rascal, you were bound to try and sow discord between me and your mother. You unfilial son!"
Duanmu Chuze, like a child, smiled innocently, "What nonsense! Mother, did I stir up trouble?"
The Empress smiled too; with her fourth son around, she found that she was always in a good mood.
It was truly unexpected that even the usually serious emperor could behave like this.
"Your Majesty, is the Crown Prince still in the Imperial Study?"
"Yes, they're over there helping me with state affairs. My youngest son has returned, and my grandson has also returned, so naturally I had to come and see them first. Let the Crown Prince handle these troublesome matters."
The Crown Princess was pleased.
This shows that the Emperor values the Crown Prince highly. At least, he trusts him quite a bit when it comes to political affairs.
"Come here, where is my beloved grandson? Come here and let me hold him."
Aunt Fang didn't dare to delay and quickly took Xiao Zonghua away.
The Emperor took Xiao Zonghua, and his gaze naturally fell on Aunt Fang. He was slightly taken aback. "You? You are Fang Yuan?"
"Your Majesty, it is indeed me." As Aunt Fang spoke, she knelt down, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Get up quickly, it's been so many years. Ever since the Fourth Prince was poisoned, I sent you to take care of him and never transferred you back. I never thought that we would meet again after so many years."
"This servant thanks Your Majesty for your concern."
The Empress also knew that when Fang Yuan served the Emperor, she served him sincerely and had no intention of climbing into his bed. Because of this, she held a special place in the Emperor's heart.
"Get up and talk first."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, Fang Yuan is now a servant of Princess Chang Le. Everyone in the mansion calls her Aunt Fang. In fact, she has helped A Nuan quite a bit."
The Emperor nodded, then glanced at the Empress. "Not bad. It's truly remarkable that Fang Yuan has taken such good care of the Fourth Prince."
"Your Majesty, all of this is my good fortune."
"Fang Yuan, now that you've entered the palace, why don't you tell me if there's anything you haven't yet fulfilled? I'll make the decision for you."
The Crown Princess was taken aback. How could a mere maidservant have the Emperor speak up for her personally?
He carefully observed the Empress again and noticed that her expression remained gentle. Upon closer inspection, he could see a hint of gratitude in her eyes. Could it be that this Aunt Fang had some unknown secret?
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I have no wish. If I had to say, it would simply be to stay by the young prince's side and watch him grow up."
"Very well! I grant your permission."
As the Emperor spoke, he suddenly burst into laughter several times. "Indeed, today I have seen the old man from many years ago again. Good! I heard that you have always been by the Princess's side and have been her capable assistant. Therefore, I will bestow upon you a reward."
Everyone was stunned. Mu Xin Nuan was also quite surprised. She quickly looked at the emperor, who was high above her, and couldn't imagine what kind of reward he would give.