Chapter 47

Ever since the emperor heard Tao Sheng play that time, he had liked it very much and had recently summoned her several times to perform.

Although Tao Sheng always modestly claimed she wasn’t very skilled and that her specialty lay elsewhere, whether it was superstition or true, the emperor felt much lighter every time he listened to her music. 

For a man of his age, the most important thing is his health. If he feels good, he will be energetic and naturally happy. 

Now that he was the greatest emperor in the world, he wouldn’t hold back if he liked something. To feel better, he would summon Tao Sheng to play the zither from time to time. 

On this day, Tao Sheng had just been summoned by the emperor to the Xuanzheng Hall when she met the Crown Prince, who had come to pay his respects. 

After witnessing many foolish actions by the prince, the emperor was somewhat disappointed with his son and no longer had the good impression he once held. However, he still loved his obedient and fragile grandson from the bottom of his heart. 

When the Crown Prince entered the Xuanzheng Hall, he was delighted to see Tao Sheng there. 

He had also heard from his mother recently that the emperor enjoyed Lady Luo’s zither playing and had been inviting her to play in the Xuanzheng Hall. He didn’t expect to come in today and find her there by chance. 

Ever since he heard Miss Luo play in the East Palace last time, the Crown Prince had been unable to forget the song. 

Later, he mentioned this to his mother several times and wanted to invite Miss Luo to play the zither again.

But his mother said that these things were related to the political situation and asked him not to mention them again, so as not to embarrass his father.

The Crown Prince also heard that Lord Luo’s cousin had joined the King of Chu’s camp. Although he felt somewhat sad, he respected his parents’ decision and never mentioned the matter in front of them again.

Today, I unexpectedly had good luck. I met Miss Luo at my grandfather’s place. It seems that Miss Luo is here to perform, so I can listen to the sound of the zither.

After the Crown Prince saluted the Emperor, he stood aside according to the rules and did not take any further action.

The Emperor glanced at the Crown Prince and could tell he wanted to stay, probably wishing to listen to Tao Sheng’s music, so he asked Gao Zhen to give him a seat.

Tao Sheng felt somewhat nervous when playing the zither for the Emperor several times before. After all, she was performing for the most important person in the world, whose words could decide life and death, so it was natural for her to feel a little anxious.

Later, Tao Sheng noticed that the Emperor was easygoing and not harsh on his subordinates. After playing in the Xuan Zheng Hall many times, she became more relaxed. Surprisingly, the songs she randomly selected later were more to the Emperor’s taste and more popular with him than the carefully chosen songs before.

It was a blessing in disguise.

Tao Sheng lowered her head and played the zither seriously. The Crown Prince listened in fascination, and even the Emperor couldn’t help but glance at his grandson a few more times.

Tao Sheng played just two songs today and ended the performance as usual.

The Emperor kindly said to the Crown Prince, “You still have homework today, so I won’t keep you here. When you have free time another day, come to my place, and I will leave some delicious snacks for you.”

The Crown Prince replied “yes” with satisfaction, and then left as per etiquette.

After the Crown Prince left, the Emperor ordered someone to replace Tao Sheng’s tea with a new one and then asked the young woman he had promoted, “Lord Luo, what do you think of my grandson?”

Tao Sheng replied, “The Crown Prince is of noble birth and has been taught by you and the Crown Princess since childhood. His mother is from a family known for poetry and etiquette, a well-known virtuous and gentle person in the capital. With such elders guiding him, the Crown Prince is naturally not bad and is an excellent child.”

The Emperor smiled and said, “I have done everything I can for this child. I just hope he can do better.”

Tao Sheng understood the Emperor’s hidden meaning.

Now, she has been transferred to the Ministry of Rites to help and often goes in and out of the palace, meeting many people she had never encountered before, gaining a deeper understanding of the current situation.

The Crown Prince has only one legitimate son, and the Crown Princess loves him very much. The Crown Prince even selected the best famous scholars in the court to teach him, so his education is quite luxurious.

However, even the best resources are only external conditions.

The Crown Prince has always been in poor health. He has not had any children in the two years since his marriage and is somewhat weak in character, unable to control the people around him and his cousins. This has always been a concern for both the Crown Prince and the Emperor.

That is why the Emperor said this today.

It must be said that the Crown Prince’s situation is indeed not good. Almost all his luck in the first half of his life was used up just being a prince. After that, his luck went downhill. Even the originally honest and kind-hearted Crown Prince has become a demerit in this position because of his lack of courage.

_