Chapter

Chapter

The Sixth Prince showed no particular reaction, as if he hadn't heard anything.

He glanced at the Crown Prince, surrounded by others, then at their smiling father sitting in the highest seat.

His emotions were rather complicated.

On the fourth day of the lunar month, He Jiningli arrived at Yuxi Palace and slept until well past noon the following day, making up for his lack of sleep these few days.

Now that he didn't have to attend court, it felt exceptionally comfortable – such occasions were rare even once a year.

"After this year's trip north, you'll come with me," He Jiningli said after finishing his late breakfast.

Yun Li was about to decline when He Jiningli frowned. "You're still saying no? Is it really that troublesome to bring you along now?"

Yun Li...

"Off with you, off with you! I'm not afraid that if you send the prince out this year, you'll take his mother along, making it seem like I'm overly favored, am I? We might invite criticism from outsiders then."

The Empress is still around.

"Hmm, you're afraid of that?" He Jingenli asked.

"What could I possibly fear? But I worry about Little Nine. Forget it, I'll go. Age really does shrink one's perspective." Yun Li was speaking about herself.

Nonetheless, she had been quite daring in her life. One couldn't be reckless just because they were brave.

Especially when there were people one cared about. One might be able to risk it all for themselves, but they couldn't involve others.

That's why after becoming a mother, Yun Li thought more about her child.

"You think too much. Little Nine has a functioning brain," He Jingenli said.

"Then teach him more. He has some wit, but he's still far from being a qualified crown prince," Yun Li replied.

"Of course, I'll instruct him well. Don't worry," He Jingenli assured her with full confidence in his eyes.

"Yes, I've heard that you comforted Concubine Jiang on the first day of the lunar new year? You like Princess Shiyi?" He Jinli asked abruptly.

Yun Li looked at him, not saying a word, just gazing at him.

It made He Jinli frown. "What did I say wrong this time?"

"No. But I feel that Your Majesty's next words will be wrong," Yun Li replied, looking up at him.

He Jinli was speechless...

"You woman," he chuckled. "You know what I was going to say?"

"Hmm, after accompanying you for twenty years, I think I understand you to some extent," Yun Li said.

He Jinli shook his head. "I only meant to say that if you like Princess Shiyi, you can take her in. She's still young, and she'll grow attached to you eventually."

"Tsk, as expected," Yun Li shook her head.

"It's just a princess. If you raise her, it doesn't mean Concubine Jiang can't see her. Wouldn't it be good for her?" He Jinli argued.

"Oh, I raise a child, and everyone knows I'm not their birth parent. They're always longing for their biological mother, yet I pour my heart and soul into it. What do I gain from this?" Yun Li gave He Jinli a withering look.

He Jinli frowned, sensing that Yun Li's words held hidden meanings.

"Honestly, if you really want one, why don't I give birth myself?" Yun Li huffed.

"Stop talking!" He Jinli frowned, impatiently saying, "Don't let me hear you say that again in the future."

Yun Li chuckled and sat on his lap. "Are you angry?"

With a cold and grim expression, He Jinli wrapped his arm around her waist. "I'm curious, what would you have done if you had given birth to a princess?"

Yun Li smiled. "A princess isn't good? A princess would be much less troublesome; no one would harm me."

"If you had given birth to a princess, would you have been allowed just one?" He Jinli retorted angrily.

Yun Li fell silent. Alright, he was an emperor from ancient times. Talks of gender equality were meaningless here.

"Alright, alright. It's late for breakfast. When will we have lunch?" Yun Li asked.

Hekinli pinched her waist. "Go eat your words."

Yun Li responded, "Then His Majesty has quite a unique taste."

Hekinli, now annoyed, was about to toss her aside. Yun Li quickly wrapped her arms around his neck. "Don't throw me. How old am I? An old, fragile body; another fall and I'll be ruined."

Hekinli huffed. "A few tumbles would sober you up."

Yun Li chuckled softly. "So you're repulsed by me? It's the year for the imperial selection, shall I find you a few obedient ones?"

Hekinli frowned. "No need. I'm afraid the candidates you choose would give me a heart attack."

"Tsks, then you do it yourself," Yun Li harrumphed.

Hekinli didn't bother responding to her.

"Focus on selecting someone suitable for the Crown Prince. What do you think of the families I've been eyeing?" Hekinli became serious.

"They all seem quite good. There's also Miss Song; was she chosen by the Lady Concubine for the Sixth Prince?" Yun Li asked.

"I wasn't aware of that," said He Jinli nonchalantly. "I already have someone in mind for the Sixth Prince's main wife. If she's willing, she can take the position of a concubine."

Yun Li nodded, guessing that this was probably what Concubine Shu intended as well, which was why a lady from a secondary branch of the family had been sent.

"As I see it, Lady Cao is a suitable choice. I mentioned her to Empress Dowager previously. After we've made our selection, we'll keep her in the palace to groom her. There's no rush for the wedding ceremony. It won't happen anytime soon," Yun Li commented.

"Mm, you decide on that," He Jinli replied.

"Let's first pick a few lower-ranking concubines for him. Send two as Zhaotong and Fengyi. Then, carefully select two more as Liangyuan. There's no need for a Liangdi for now; we can discuss it in a few years," He Jinli suggested.

He was also reminded of Qi Qingluan from those days, lest he ends up competing with the Crown Princess.

"Give it to him gradually. He's still too young, and his mind isn't focused on domestic affairs," Yun Li said.

"Hmm, let's choose someone younger then," He Jinli said. "He is the Crown Prince, not an ordinary prince. We can't deny him this. Otherwise, it won't sound good when people talk about it."

Yun Li sighed and reluctantly agreed.

Indeed, she had her own thoughts, but her child belonged to this era.

Indeed, one couldn't always yield to her every whim.

After the New Year festivities, an imperial edict was issued on Lantern Festival, conferring titles upon Princes Fifth and Sixth.

It was understandable for Prince Fifth, as he had been serving in court for over a year.

But Prince Sixth, who hadn't even married or taken up his official duties, was also granted a title.

It was as if the emperor was clearly saying, "I've given you a title, so don't entertain any other ideas."

The Fifth Prince gave him the character "Xun," which straightforwardly advised him to abide by rules and conventions.

The Sixth Prince offered "Qi," a commendable character indeed.

As the Sixth Prince expressed his gratitude, he bowed his head low, nearly biting through his lower lip with anxiety.

When the gathering dispersed, all the princes were rather inebriated.

The Sixth Prince was supported back to the Guanglong Palace.

The Sixth Prince inherited his mother's tranquil and serene appearance, which, when combined with his own features, gave him a particularly pleasing scholarly air.

At that moment, he furrowed his brows, his expression extremely unpleasant.

His father had actually been so hasty that he granted him a title right after the New Year.

It was as if he couldn't wait any longer.

His father had seemingly treated him well enough before. Why did things change so drastically once the crown prince was decided?

He couldn't fathom it—was all that previous affection fake?

"Your Highness, it's late. It's time for bed. You'll need to pay your respects to Concubine Shu tomorrow morning," the eunuch urged.

The Sixth Prince gave him a cool glance and waved him away.

The attendants dared not utter another word, and could only lower their heads and retreat.

Prince Sixth… Qi Wang took a deep breath, urging himself to remain calm.

There's nothing wrong with having a title; at least it allows one to attend court.

There's no need to wait impatiently for the grand wedding ceremony.