Demoted from wife to concubine? Reborn, the mistress of a noble family plots another high-status mar

Chapter 1178

"Qinghe, you'd better do your best today."

"If you get first place, I'll give you a reward."

Princess Qinghe, however, showed little interest. Her dislike for Zhang Chuhuan was undisguised, yet she had no choice but to tolerate it.

I hadn't seen her for more than three months, and it was obvious to the naked eye that she had grown taller, but she didn't look well.

He looked somewhat sallow and tired.

She hadn't rested well and often stayed up late, resulting in dark circles under her eyes. She looked sickly and lacked any of the vitality of a young girl.

Then look at Chang Le, who walks out from the artificial hill, with dappled sunlight filtering through the bamboo forest behind her. Chang Le is dressed in an orange dress, with small flowers adorning her double buns, and her eyes are curved as if they hold the stars.

Her skirt fluttered, her ribbons trailed, and she walked joyfully, her nimble steps seeming to dance with nature. Her radiant smile was full of innocence and youthful vigor.

"Mother."

Behind her followed four little princes, about five or six years old. They were dressed in brocade robes and wore jade crowns. They all supported the little princess, their steps were still immature but full of earnestness.

With proper demeanor, they arrived at the Imperial Garden, bowed in unison, and said in clear voices, "Greetings to the Empress Dowager."

"Greetings to the Empress Dowager." A clear voice echoed in the hall, innocent and lovely.

The Empress Dowager was naturally pleased to see her grandson. "The princes have all grown taller and stronger in just a few months. They're a bit dark-skinned, though. Do they go out to play often?"

"Reporting to Grandmother, we often go out of the palace to ride horses and shoot arrows. Sometimes we go to the military camp with Father, and sometimes we go to the mountains to gather herbs with Master." The eldest prince stepped forward and answered earnestly with a touch of childish voice.

The princes lived very comfortable lives.

I exercised in the capital, so I'm in great shape.

Horse riding, archery, and martial arts practice were all real and hands-on.

Although they are only five or six years old, they are already taller than children of the same age.

In the past, princes were raised with a certain degree of pampering.

Because their mothers loved them and they had fewer opportunities to leave the palace, they weren't as good-looking as the current princes.

The Empress Dowager was satisfied with the matter, but still felt that it was not good for Yunxi Yue to let the child play too much. "The Emperor's discipline is strict, and although it is hard work, he can relax occasionally, but he should not be too playful."

He did not directly reprimand Yun Xiyue.

It's because the princes and princesses are there.

She scolded Yun Xiyue, and the children will hold a grudge and won't want to be close to her, their grandmother.

"My grandson understands."

He behaved very well in the palace because he had made a prior agreement with the Empress Dowager.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

Just then, Murong Yu arrived with several ministers.

He wore a golden crown, a black robe embroidered with golden dragons, and a flowing yellow overcoat. A gentle breeze stirred, causing the hem of his robe and ribbons to flutter. Beside him were Zhou Yan, Song Huaijin, Pei Shang, Pei Heng, and others.

His cold and stern face exuded the majesty and composure of an emperor. His appearance instilled a sense of awe in the atmosphere, as if he controlled the fate of the world.

Everyone stood up and saluted.

The Empress Dowager was pleased to see her two nephews accompanying the Emperor, and the Emperor was finally beginning to value the Pei family.

"Get up, everyone!" Murong Yu walked over and sat down next to Yun Xiyue, then hugged his daughter. His serious expression softened into a gentle and kind one. "Changle, are you ready for today? Are you confident you can win?"

Chang Le smiled and said, "Father, Mother and Master both said that participation is the most important thing, and one should just keep a calm mind. If you care about winning or losing, you have already lost."

Murong Yu was immediately delighted. "Well said. This test was on the Six Arts of a Gentleman. It doesn't matter if you didn't do well. Just try harder next time."

Then he asked Princess Qinghe a couple of questions, "Qinghe, what's wrong with you lately? Have you been sleeping poorly?"

Qinghe almost burst into tears, "Uncle..."

"Qinghe has been studying very hard lately," Prince Rui said.