No two programs were the same throughout the afternoon, and each one was novel and exciting, showing that the organizers had put a lot of effort into it.

Even when the emperor was in power, he directly took a dancer into the harem.

However, few people were shocked by this behavior.

It's something that happens every few years; these beautiful young women are only novel for a few months after entering the palace before disappearing without a trace.

None of those who could remain in the harem without a powerful family background.

Even a low-ranking concubine wouldn't think that a dancer entering the palace could pose any threat to her.

After the performances here end, the evening becomes the time for revelry.

Behind the garden is a mountain where freshly hunted game is brought up. Roasted venison and fragrant wild boar paired with brewed flower wine make for a truly delightful experience.

At this point, the distinction between ruler and subject becomes less clear. People gather in several circles to discuss and agree on topics, and then share a drink.

Prince Shen and Luo Qingran were naturally in the innermost circle.

The emperor, his concubines, and all the princes gathered together for what felt like a real family banquet.

This group of the most distinguished people in the world, who also share the closest blood ties, only speak together like a family at this time.

"We should be careful, this is the second son's first legitimate son." The emperor suddenly looked at Princess Ling's belly and said, seemingly after hearing what the imperial concubine next to him said.

The Imperial Concubine's gaze was filled with affection. "Yes, it's been six months already. We should take good care of ourselves."

"Princess Ling is pregnant, and the Second Prince needs servants by his side. Please arrange that later," the Emperor said, probably in a good mood.

Completely ignoring the fact that Princess Ling's face suddenly turned pale after he spoke, the Imperial Concubine agreed, and Prince Ling also expressed his gratitude.

The Emperor's gaze swept around the room before landing on Prince Shen. "Fifth Prince has been married for quite some time now. It's time for some good news. When he conceives and gives birth, I will give him a good name."

His words caused a moment of silence among the crowd, with all eyes turning to Prince Shen and Luo Qingran.

Luo Qingran was initially delighted, but quickly suppressed it, her expression changing repeatedly.

Prince Shen, on the other hand, was completely open and honest, as if he hadn't noticed those gazes. "Thank you, Father Emperor."

"Thank you, Father Emperor." Luo Qingran followed suit and expressed her gratitude.

The emperor bestows a name, even on a child whose birth date is unknown.

Who could not sense the favoritism shown towards King Shen?

Considering that Prince Shen is currently residing in Chunhui Garden, it seems to suggest that some things will soon be settled, forcing people to make choices.

Those present were lost in thought.

"They are all the same children, so don't favor one over the other. Send the fifth prince to be served by someone else as well, but don't send the same person as last time," the emperor said.

The Imperial Concubine's smile faltered for a moment, and she responded softly.

Feeling the gazes of the other concubines, the Imperial Concubine straightened her back even more.

She was the only one in the palace with two sons, both of whom had established their own residences, and both were capable people, unlike the third prince, who was a spoiled brat.

With just these two sons, her position as Imperial Concubine has been secure for years, and no one has been able to surpass her.

"The seventh prince should be married by now..." The emperor's attention finally turned to the other princes, and he showed concern for almost every one of them.

At such times, the emperor seemed like a truly loving father, concerned about the well-being of each of his sons.

Perhaps because they ate venison, everyone was in high spirits tonight, but the party didn't last very late and ended early.

Luo Qingran returned this time with Prince Shen.

Upon arriving at Chunhui Garden, Luo Qingran, for the first time ever, grabbed Prince Shen's robe and asked, "Your Highness... will you come to my room tonight?"

After Luo Qingran finished speaking, she looked at Prince Shen with hope in her eyes.

For Luo Qingran, today is a good time.

The emperor openly expressed his desire for them to have a child soon and even asked them to name the child. There was also the added benefit of venison and deer blood.

Deer blood is a highly nourishing food, and all the princes at the banquet today drank some.

Besides, they've been married for so long, and although Prince Shen's health is weak, it's already at the best level he can recover from, so it won't affect anything.

Luo Qingran felt that Prince Shen had no reason to refuse.

Prince Shen and Luo Qingran were already walking at the front, so when they stopped, Xie Qingyu and the others behind them naturally stopped as well.

Upon hearing Luo Qingran's invitation, Xie Qingyu immediately looked at Prince Shen, who was being pulled to the side by his clothes.

Sensing the presence of that gaze, a smile appeared in King Shen's eyes, but his actions seemed somewhat ruthless.

Prince Shen reached out and took Luo Qingran's hand away, then brushed the corner of his robe.

"I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint the princess."

Luo Qingran looked at her empty palm, seemingly unable to process being rejected so easily.

Perhaps it's because Prince Shen is usually too easy to talk to, always acting as if he can say whatever he wants and let her make the decisions.

Luo Qingran was somewhat incredulous at being rejected.

Seeing that the Prince of Shen had no intention of explaining, he simply looked at her calmly.

She immediately realized something; yes, even after drinking the deer blood, he hadn't seemed excited tonight.

Then I thought back to the medicine that the Imperial Concubine had given me.

Luo Qingran immediately lost the will to ask further questions, and even regretted her actions just now. She was too hasty. No wonder Prince Shen had not shown any intention of consummating the marriage for so long. He must have really been hurt.

Luo Qingran now only regrets that she did not bring the remaining medicine given by the Imperial Concubine when she came this time.

It might work.

The changes in Luo Qingran's facial expressions made it easy for others to understand what she was thinking.

Even Xie Qingyu, seeing her expression, couldn't help but glance at Prince Shen. The injury a year ago was real, but Xie Qingyu never knew where it was. Could it really be down there...?

Xie Qingyu's gaze involuntarily drifted towards that direction.

The moment Prince Shen noticed her gaze, his expression froze. He then turned around and said, "It's getting dark. Your Highness should go back to the backyard and rest early."

After Prince Shen finished speaking, he left, and Xie Qingyu and the others immediately followed. Luo Qingran could only return with her maid.

This time, however, Luo Qingran walked slowly, secretly thinking of a way to solve the problem.

Xie Qingyu, who was following behind Prince Shen, was also making plans.

The male lead is never incapable.

She was fairly certain of this.

But I don't know if it's feasible now.

Xie Qingyu followed Prince Shen back to his room with these thoughts in mind. Seeing Xie Qingyu still lost in thought after entering the room, Prince Shen stopped and turned around, waiting for the distracted person following behind to bump into his arms.

Seeing Xie Qingyu bump into him, he covered his forehead.

Prince Shen's gaze was deep, and his voice was somewhat hoarse with a hint of displeasure, "What are you thinking about?"

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like