Spring Drunk Chang'an

Xiao Chuo is not young anymore, she is already twenty-two years old this year. Other members of the royal family have children who are already old enough to help with cooking at her age.

Prince Xiao Xun of Yan, who was five years younger than him, was bestowed by the imperial decree of Emperor Yingwu, awarded by Concubine Qu, found by himself, or obtained through flattery... There were more than a dozen or twenty women in the mansion, including the main wife, concubines, and concubines.

While he was surrounded by beautiful women, he also won over a considerable number of "wives' party" for him.

For example, Xuchang is his cheap "great uncle".

The circle of officials and nobles in the capital is not big, but not small either. These women are included in the network, and if you count them up, you can go up three, five, or even seven generations.

Almost every family has some relatives involved.

Using women for marriage is the most basic and convenient way.

"Your mother wants to betroth the eldest daughter of Duke Cheng'en, the one named Chinian. I remember that a few years ago, she came to the palace to tend to your mother's illness. She is a considerate and well-groomed girl with an extraordinary appearance. She is a suitable match for you!"

"Your fate is noble, and the Imperial Master has determined that you should not marry early. Ah Xun is five years younger than you, and he's already the father of two children. You can't delay any longer."

"Twenty-two years old, two years into adulthood, it's definitely not considered an early marriage."

Emperor Yingwu sighed.

As if to say, "I still value you. I hope you can get married and have children soon to stabilize the country."

"Father, the border is the most important thing. Let's talk about my marriage after the Hu people withdraw their troops." Xiao Chuo's brows moved slightly, and her bright almond eyes flashed in her mind.

He clenched his fists tightly and said calmly.

"The Crown Prince's marriage is also a matter of great importance to the nation... Never mind, you and your mother are both stubborn. You two should discuss it and then tell me!"

When Empress Song was mentioned, Emperor Yingwu's face darkened, revealing a look of almost disgust. He waved his hand impatiently and tiredly, "Forget it, I'm tired, Crown Prince, you choose to withdraw."

"Father, the border issue is serious and concerns the three states. The matter of Xuchang needs to be dealt with as soon as possible!" Xiao Chuo bowed and reminded.

"I understand!" Emperor Yingwu frowned and waved his hand, "Go."

"Yes!"

Xiao Chuo stepped back in response, and when she walked out of the hall, she looked back at the old emperor.

father...

Did you know this in advance?

Knowing Xu Chang's intention to frame my grandfather, and to eliminate the Cheng'en Mansion and remove his support, was my father planning to sit back and watch the fight unfold, or was he seeking balance? Or perhaps, was he simply going to eliminate him and support Xiao Xun?

Ha ha.

Pity!

If five years ago, when he was still weak and inexperienced, his father had this idea, he might not have been able to resist, but now... let alone Liu Chang'an's appearance, which allowed him to detect Liu Xiu's betrayal and Xu Chang's mischief in advance, even if he was plotted against, brought down to earth, and his position as crown prince was abolished, he still had the strength to turn things around.

A hint of sarcasm appeared between Xiao Chuo's eyebrows, and she turned around and left the hall silently.

In the dragon throne, Emperor Yingwu looked at his eldest son's background. His old and turbid eyes suddenly burst into sadness. He murmured in a sad voice, saying to himself: "I have done something wrong!"

"This is retribution!!"

-

After leaving the Yangxin Palace, Xiao Chuo went into the harem and prepared to go to Fengning Palace to meet Queen Song. When she passed by the Imperial Garden, she saw a large group of people coming towards her.

Two eunuchs led the way, four palace maids fanned the way, and two teams of guards stood on both sides, surrounding a man wearing cloud boots, a dragon robe, and a jade crown on his head.

He looked to be seventeen or eighteen years old, with deep eyes and a high nose bridge. At first glance, he had a very good-looking appearance. However, his pointed chin and high cheekbones added a bit of meanness to his appearance. The pupils in his eyes were slightly smaller than those of ordinary people, and the whites of his eyes were too distinct, giving him a sinister look.

After looking at it for a few more times, I felt a chill on my back for some reason.

This person is none other than Concubine Qu's son, Prince of Yan Xiao Xun.

As he was walked forward by the crowd, he bumped into Xiao Chuo face to face.

"Brother Crown Prince, what a coincidence! Why are you here at this time?" He smiled and seemed enthusiastic. However, his naturally harsh appearance added a bit of deliberateness to his enthusiasm.

"I have come to pay my respects to the Queen Mother."

Xiao Chuo stopped and looked indifferent.

"The border is in crisis, and Lord Cheng'en is fighting against the barbarians. He's so old, yet he's still engaging in combat. Mother is inevitably worried, and it's only right that the Crown Prince comes to accompany him!"

Upon hearing this, the Prince of Yan immediately put on a guilty look and sighed, "I'm ashamed to say this. My mother is so kind to me, and I've received her kindness. I should be with her right now. Even if I can't relieve her worries, at least I can entertain her with my colorful clothes and make her smile. This is my filial piety."

"But unfortunately, the Heavenly Mother naturally prefers quietness. I went to see her several times, but she never gave me the chance. Fortunately, the Crown Prince is here to enjoy her company, and I feel a little more at ease!"

His words were so sincere that he didn't seem like a bastard's prince at all. His filial piety even surpassed that of the crown prince.

What's more, Queen Song is very unkind.

The Queen is the mother of the world. Logically, all the concubines in the palace are the children of Queen Song. She should treat them equally. Prince Yan is so filial, and he has requested for mercy many times, but the Queen has no mercy on him. She doesn't even give him the basis of "filial piety".

This is unkind.

Moreover, even as a bastard, he could understand Duke Cheng'en's efforts to defend the border against the enemy, and the Empress's poor mood, repeatedly expressing her concern. But it was the Crown Prince who needed his reminders...

It also shows the prince's unfilial nature.

In a few words of cordial concern, he revealed the "implied meaning" of Queen Song and the Crown Prince, and also praised himself indirectly.

Xiao Chuo was very accustomed to the Prince of Yan's hypocritical, affectation, and his scheming style. Without even raising an eyebrow, he said calmly, "I know you're filial, but the Queen Mother is unwell, so she's afraid to pass the throne to you. This is also the Queen Mother's thoughtfulness. As a son, you should be grateful and appreciate it!"

Who wouldn't feel disgusted by someone?

Xiao Chuo seemed to be explaining, but in fact she was "knocking".

The Prince of Yan was slightly startled, then his face softened with worry. "Ah, I'm grateful to Mother. This is what I do three times a day. However, I heard from my brother, the Crown Prince, that Mother's illness is truly serious. I'm really worried about you, the Crown Prince!"

"You are the lord of the Eastern Palace. The court and my father cannot do without you!"

"What if I get sick?"

Doesn't that mean that Queen Song is neglecting state affairs, indirectly proving that she is unworthy of being the queen mother?

"As a son, this is what I should do. I think if Concubine Qu was sick, I would do the same!" Xiao Chuo said in a calm voice.

Since ancient times, the country has been governed by "filial piety".

A filial son never makes mistakes.

Anyone who dares to say that "filial son" is wrong has a problem with his thinking.

"Indeed, Prince, your kindness and filial piety are a role model for me!"

King Yan laughed heartily, with annoyance and surprise in his eyes.

The Crown Prince...when did his temper change? Someone so cold, aloof, and moody, actually had the patience to argue with him?

It was never like this in the past. If you said a few more words, you would lose face.