Chapter 358

“In a few days, tell me about the layout here of the Eldest Prince, and compile all the information about the Second and Third Princes into a book.”

“Also, carefully inquire about the whereabouts of the Third Prince’s concubine.”

Shen Yuanbai ordered methodically.

Speaking of this Third Prince’s concubine, Yin Zhu also had something to say.

“Your Highness, this concubine of the Third Prince is a princess married from the Yong Dynasty. At that time, this servant was particularly concerned about her.”

“However, after observing her for a while, the behavior of this concubine of the Third Prince was quite peculiar, with a unique style of doing things, which made this servant somewhat puzzled.”

“But the Third Prince treasures her dearly. At least in these days, he has been inseparable from this concubine of the Third Prince.”

“A few days ago, at the betrothal banquet, the Third Prince even declared to the world that he wants to be with this concubine for life, which… is a very heavy commitment.”

“For life with one person?”

Shen Yuanbai repeated softly, a scene suddenly flashed in his mind, but he couldn’t quite grasp it.

He furrowed his brows and knew that as long as it concerned Meng Guxue, perhaps there was some fate involved for him.

“Yin Zhu, go and investigate everything I just mentioned, within these few days.”

Yin Zhu nodded, understanding that this was His Highness’s way of issuing an eviction order to her.

“Yes, this servant will take her leave. Your Highness, please rest well.”

Shen Yuanbai nodded slightly. As Yin Zhu turned to leave, he suddenly said,

“Yin Zhu, from now on, don’t call me ‘Your Highness’ anymore. Just call me ‘Young Master.'”

Yin Zhu was slightly stunned, then nodded gently. “Yes, Young Master.”

Yin Zhu left quietly. As she turned and closed the door behind her, she glanced back at Shen Yuanbai sitting on the bed, gazing absently at the envelope on the brocade cover.

Once the door was completely closed, Yin Zhu turned and looked outside. The moon tonight was unusually bright, casting a layer of white frost on the bluestone slabs.

She walked out from the shadow of the eaves, looking at the moon for a while.

“Princess, can you see this? His Highness is already so reliable at such a young age. It makes me feel very relieved.”

“If only you could see such a His Highness, that would be great…”

———-

Secretly, Nanli Country has already begun to stir, while the Yong Dynasty welcomes a new era of prosperity!

On the eighth day of June, the highly anticipated coronation ceremony of the new emperor finally arrived!

Early in the morning, Emperor Shen Yuanzhan personally offered prayers to Heaven, Earth, and the Ancestral Temples. He then donned a bright yellow ceremonial robe and proceeded to the Taihe Hall.

At this moment, civil and military officials, imperial guards, palace servants, and court ladies had long been waiting outside the hall.

There was an official with a whip, holding a long whip adorned with yellow silk, its tip coated with wax, awaiting orders.

As the new emperor approached the throne, the official with the whip swung it fiercely on the ground, making a loud sound.

Upon hearing the sound, all civil and military officials immediately stood solemnly, knowing that the new emperor had arrived!

When the new emperor sat on the throne of Taihe Hall, a second whip sounded. A eunuch shouted loudly, “Kneel!”

Civil and military officials knelt down one after another, bowing their heads to the ground, performing the ritual of three kneels and nine kowtows.

Next, under the witness of the court officials, the imperial seal was stamped on the edict of ascension, announcing the formal ascension of the new emperor!

At this point, the third whip sounded, and thus the ceremony was completed. The officials began to leave the scene one after another.

On the way out of the palace, the most eye-catching figure was undoubtedly the Qiao family.

Qiao Zhongguo still held firmly to his position as a censor, while his eldest son, Qiao Tianjing, became the most prestigious courtier by the side of the new emperor.

As for the second son, Qiao Diyi, it was said that he had been taking the first place in the military exams year after year!

The new emperor had spoken; in the upcoming martial arts examination, as long as the second son of the Qiao family could take the top spot, the emperor himself would appoint him as the Commander of the Jinwu Guards!

With this, the entire Qiao family, father and two sons, all served in the court, enjoying great prestige.

Qiao Zhongguo seemed not to notice the scrutiny of others, smiling amiably as he bid farewell to his colleagues, then took his eldest son onto the carriage.

Tonight, there would be a banquet at the Huaye Xianghui Building. There would be time to socialize with everyone.

At the Qiao Mansion,

Mrs. Qiao and Han Yaxian were chatting. Qiao Jiaojiao was also joining in the fun.

Mrs. Qiao’s face was full of smiles, and at this moment, she spoke of another joyful event.

“Ning’er’s wedding date has been set, the same day as your marriage to our eldest son last year, on the tenth of September.”

“When the time comes and you’re showing, it won’t be convenient for you to go and send off the bride.”

Upon hearing these words, Han Yaxian also felt a tinge of regret. Back then, Ning’er had helped her send off the bride, putting in her utmost effort to make everything splendid.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Jiaojiao immediately smiled and said, “It’s okay, when the time comes, Sister-in-law can watch the ceremony with Mother!”

“Jiaojiao and Second Sister from the Xiao family will go to send off Anning’s cousin!”

Just as Jiaojiao said this, Qiao Zhongguo, who had just entered the door, happened to overhear and chuckled. “Jiaojiao, you’re already old enough to send off brides?”

“Dad, you’re back!”

Upon hearing her father’s voice, Qiao Jiaojiao’s eyes lit up. She slid off the bed and ran to Qiao Zhongguo, pitter-pattering all the way.

Qiao Zhongguo grinned and lifted Qiao Jiaojiao up.

“Dad! Was it lively? Was the coronation ceremony fun? Crown Prince… no, now he’s become Emperor Brother! Is Emperor Brother very handsome?”

Facing Qiao Jiaojiao’s rapid-fire questions, Qiao Zhongguo patiently answered each one, then smiled and said,

“Don’t worry, Jiaojiao, you’ll naturally see His Majesty at tonight’s palace banquet.”

That evening at the palace banquet, Han Yaxian couldn’t attend due to her pregnancy, and Qiao Tianjing had already sent an excuse early.

Qiao Diyi had been reassigned to patrol duties, so only Qiao Zhongguo and Mrs. Qiao accompanied Qiao Jiaojiao to the banquet.

As they reached the palace gate, Xiao Xi personally came to welcome Jiaojiao.

“Presenting to Prince Ling.”

The people of the Western Zhou Dynasty saw Xiao Xi and respectfully bowed.

Qiao Jiaojiao was momentarily stunned.

Prince Ling?

This is so unfamiliar…

Xiao Xi still smiled warmly. He approached Qiao Zhongguo and lowered his voice,

“Master, my mother misses Sister Qiao very much. Can I take Sister Qiao to the palace to play first?”

Upon hearing that she would meet the Empress Dowager, Qiao Jiaojiao immediately nodded happily.

Seeing this, Mrs. Qiao smiled and let Qiao Jiaojiao down.

Xiao Xi immediately took Qiao Jiaojiao’s hand seriously and assured, “Master Mother, rest assured, Xiao Xi will take good care of Jiaojiao.”

“Sister Qiao, I’ll carry you on my back!”

Seeing him bend down, Qiao Jiaojiao didn’t hesitate. She climbed onto Xiao Xi’s back with a few quick movements and waved at her parents.

The Prince Xi strode away with steady steps. The two small figures gradually disappeared under the brilliant colored lanterns, followed hastily by several eunuchs.

Mrs. Qiao smiled with curved eyes. “That child Xiao Xi really adores Jiaojiao.”

Qiao Zhongguo snorted lightly at her words. “Is it because the Empress Dowager really misses Jiaojiao, or does he just eagerly want to come?”

Mrs. Qiao couldn’t help but cover her mouth and smile secretly. “Husband, they are still just children.”

Qiao Zhongguo muttered, “Children can’t be careless.”

“Well, don’t you think the lanterns in the palace tonight are beautiful?”

As Mrs. Qiao spoke, she walked ahead, and Qiao Zhongguo immediately followed.

He looked out, where the colored lights twinkled and the music played softly, truly a beautiful scene.

He thought for a moment, then used the wide sleeve to grasp Mrs. Qiao’s hand.

Mrs. Qiao was startled, trying to pull her hand back in panic. “You, you, you… what are you doing?”

Qiao Zhongguo smirked, “My dear, the lanterns I made for you back then were much prettier than the ones here now.”

Mrs. Qiao: “…”

“You mean the lantern that almost burned down our courtyard?”

Qiao Zhongguo: “…”

“The details don’t matter, what matters is the intention.”

Mrs. Qiao: “I heard that because of this incident, my father chased you for two streets?”

Qiao Zhongguo: “…”

“Who’s the chatterbox?”

Mrs. Qiao: “…”

“Well, it seems there’s some truth to it.”