Long Live the Empress

At the next morning court session, Yan Liyuan announced the news that the Song couple committed suicide out of fear of punishment. The second prince and his party all showed joy on their faces, thinking that they had finally escaped this disaster.

The second prince stepped out and knelt, "Father, Song Xinghuai is guilty of a heinous crime, and his death is not a pity. But the people have been complaining due to the heavy rains for days, especially since Hechang County has lost its magistrate. I am afraid that the people will riot... Please send another official to Hechang County to take charge of the situation..."

Fan Changyue and the Second Prince's party also knelt down, "I will review the matter!"

The old emperor understood that his second son had a big appetite. "What do you think, my Lord?"

Yan Liyuan was in a high position of power and was deeply trusted by the old emperor, so he did not have to stand when attending court.

Yan Liyuan sat down at the emperor's side and looked at Fan Changyue. "Do you have a candidate for Minister Fan?"

"I think the most suitable person is the assistant to the magistrate of Hechang."

Yan Liyuan took a deep look at Fan Changyue who was kneeling on the ground, and then looked at the old emperor, "I think since Minister Fan recommended him, this person must have something extraordinary!"

The old emperor nodded, "Okay! Then let him take office immediately!"

Although the appointment was made, the Second Prince was not happy. His father did not agree to his proposal on the spot, but waited for the Ninth Prince to nod before issuing the imperial decree.

The prince did not say much about this matter. He just stood by and watched to see how his father would deal with the second prince. He had never thought that the emperor would be so partial to the second prince and let Song Xinghuai bear all the blame.

Although the emperor has many concubines, he only has four sons: the crown prince is the queen's legitimate son, so the emperor has high hopes for him; the second prince is the son of concubine Shu, and his grandfather is in charge of the finances of Wei State, and he is the crown prince's most powerful competitor; the third prince is unruly, never participates in political affairs, and only thinks about eating, drinking and having fun every day; the fourth prince's biological mother has the lowest status, only a concubine, and her mother's family is not worth mentioning.

The Second Prince has always been the person the Crown Prince is most wary of. Now that the old emperor has acted like this, the Crown Prince can't help feeling a little uneasy, so he went to Fengqi Palace after leaving the court.

The queen was fiddling with a blooming peony. The peony was so bright and beautiful that even the water droplets on the petals were as clear as crystal.

The prince told the queen everything, and she sneered. "Your Highness, don't you think that the emperor protects the second prince because he values ​​him?"

The prince helped the queen turn the peony flower in a different direction. "Isn't it?"

The queen stroked the blooming peony and said, "You are all the emperor's sons. How could he abandon you so easily? Besides, the emperor cares about his reputation the most. He will not let the historian leave a stain of corruption in the history books."

The prince suddenly understood, "I understand!"

The queen picked up the scissors and cut the most beautiful peony flower to the ground. "This flower has stolen the limelight. I'd better find a chance to cut it off..."

The prince looked at the petals scattered on the ground, and a plan came to his mind...

......................................................

Prime Minister's Mansion

Recently, Yue Hanwen would always greet the old lady in a hurry after leaving court, and then go to the backyard to see Su Hongfu.

Although Yue Jinghong was under house arrest, Zhenzhu was able to come and go freely. When Yue Jinghong heard the news from Zhenzhu, she thought that the Second Prince was under the protection of the old emperor this time, and the Crown Prince, as the legitimate son of the Emperor, must be dissatisfied and needed comfort at this time, so Yue Jinghong had someone secretly deliver a letter to the Crown Prince and asked him to meet.

When the prince saw the letter, he laughed uncontrollably. It was just as he wished. He replied immediately and made an appointment to meet at Jingxin Tea House at 3:00 p.m. on the evening of the 14th of the lunar month.

Yue Jinghong hadn't seen the prince for a long time. As soon as she received the prince's reply, she asked Zhenzhu to pick out clothes and makeup for her.

Every afternoon, Yue Hanwen would paint in Su Hongfu's courtyard, so Yue Jinghong took advantage of that opportunity and slipped out through the side door with Zhenzhu.

When Yue Jinghong arrived at Jingxin Tea House, the prince was already waiting in the No. 1 box.

I haven't seen the prince for a long time. He is still as gentle as jade, and even his posture of drinking tea reveals a sense of nobility.

The prince saw Yue Jinghong standing at the door for a long time without moving, so he stood up and held Yue Jinghong's soft little hand. "I haven't seen you for a few days, Jinghong, don't you recognize me?"

This joke made Yue Jinghong blush. "Your servant greets the prince~"

The prince smiled and put his arm around Yue Jinghong's shoulders to help her stand up. Looking at Yue Jinghong's beautiful face, his hand unconsciously stroked it, "Why has Jinghong become a little thinner? Is it possible that Prime Minister Yue is still blaming you for the list issue?"

Speaking of this, Yue Jinghong felt a little sad, "It's all my fault that I'm not in good health. I've disappointed the Crown Prince and my father..."