Tianliangyuan

Chapter 432 She's a lucky star, not a match.

Princess Leyang also admired Xu Zhaozhao, but then again, how many people are like Xu Zhaozhao?

When Xu Zhaozhao was granted the title of County Princess and given a large fief, the problem was that those in the know understood that His Majesty was using Xu Zhaozhao to settle a thousand households.

It's more accurate to say that in the early stages, the Princess of Anle was the one who devised ways to provide a livelihood for these people, rather than saying that these people were supported by these thousand households.

Later, the fiefdom increased, but His Majesty did not expand the territory, so is there any need to ask?

Now that's good, she's become a princess and her fief has expanded. But the problem is, Xu Zhaozhao has now adapted to how to seek benefits for herself and her people, and she doesn't dare to rely on the imperial court at all.

If we're talking about who's the most capable and wisest, it has to be His Majesty the Emperor.

At the same time, the atmosphere at the Queen's place was rather strange.

Qu Shiji sat to the side, slowly sipping his tea, showing no sign of annoyance whatsoever, but the Empress was furious.

"Brother, you still have the mind to drink tea?"

Qu Shiji raised an eyebrow: "This tea has a sweet and mellow flavor, why not drink it?"

Empress Qu glared angrily: "You! Brother, don't you realize we didn't gain anything this time?"

Qu Shiji was startled: "Your Majesty, please don't talk nonsense. The young prince is healthy, isn't that more beneficial than any other advantage?"

Empress Qu snorted heavily: "Now that His Majesty has regained his vigor, he may give birth to many more princes in the future. In the past, when the princes were weak, His Majesty could still show them some pity. Now that they have recovered their health, why would His Majesty still care about them?"

What’s the point!

Qu Shiji frowned, his expression very serious: "Your Majesty, you are mistaken, and terribly wrong. Please do not say such things again. The young prince is a son of the dragon, and naturally, the healthier he is, the better. As for other matters, we can plan them out slowly. If your words were to reach the young prince's ears, wouldn't he become estranged from you?"

"It's all Xu Zhaozhao's fault! If it weren't for her, this wouldn't have happened!"

"Your Majesty, be careful what you say!"

Qu Shiji stood up abruptly. If he didn't stop the Empress, he wasn't sure what else she would say.

"The fact that Princess Anle is a lucky star has probably left a mark on His Majesty's mind, and he firmly believes it. The same melon only has such a miraculous effect when it passes through her hands, while both you and Grand Tutor Jiang tried it back then, and it had no effect whatsoever. You did not eat that melon, so you do not know that mysterious feeling."

Qu Shiji now only laments that he only received one piece back then, which was too little. Otherwise, perhaps he could have become young again.

Look at His Majesty, now with a full head of black hair and full of vigor, I heard that his strength from back then has returned.

Tsk, indeed only a monarch can enjoy such heaven-defying blessings!

"So what? If she had known better, she would have offered herself to me back then."

This is where Empress Qu's real inner conflict lies.

Later, Xu Zhaozhao cut melons for the young prince, and then distributed melons to the ministers. She ate a few pieces herself. Why didn't she think of offering two more pieces to the esteemed empress?

The problem is, this really can't be blamed on Xu Zhaozhao.

After all, Xu Zhaozhao was just a noblewoman. She had to obey the Emperor's orders in everything she did there. How could she dare to make her own decisions?

Therefore, it was a bit excessive for the Empress to vent her resentment on Xu Zhaozhao.

Even Qu Shiji couldn't stand it anymore.

"Your Majesty, as the mother of the nation, you should be magnanimous and benevolent. Princess Anle has indeed rendered a great service this time, and His Majesty's reward is not excessive. Just considering the young prince's good health, she deserves a reward. As for the position of crown prince, you need not be overly anxious. Although His Majesty has not explicitly stated it, we can all see that His Majesty values ​​etiquette and the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. This has existed since ancient times, how can it be ignored?"

"Brother, you're just trying to fool me. If His Majesty truly thinks that way, why has he been so reluctant to make Jin'er the Crown Prince?"

"I've already told you not to rush! Besides, His Majesty is currently in a great mood and has just received auspicious omens, so why do you insist on going against His Majesty's wishes?"

Seeing that he had finally persuaded the Empress to stop talking, Qu Shiji reminded her again, "You should think about what to bestow upon the Duke of Huguo's mansion."

"what?"

"Last time you bestowed that unique peacock cloak upon Xu Zhaozhao, did you think she couldn't see through your intentions? You originally wanted to push her into the limelight and make her the target of everyone's criticism, but unfortunately, how long has it been? She has been promoted to a county princess. As the empress, if you don't reward her, wouldn't that be questioning His Majesty's decision? This will only make people think that you and the emperor are at odds, and it won't benefit Prince An at all!"

These words left Empress Qu speechless.

Yes, we gave away a precious peacock cloak last time, so what will we reward you with this time?

It's definitely not acceptable to give nothing in return.

How could I have been so foolish as to bestow a peacock cloak upon myself?

Now things are really messed up. This time, the reward can't be worse than the last one, but if the reward is too much, she'll be upset.

This put the Empress in a difficult position.

Qu Shiji was quick-witted; this was his own sister, what else could he do?

"Last time, Her Majesty granted four vacancies for female officials. This time, according to the system for princesses, at least two more should be added."

Having received this reminder, Empress Qu understood.

In fact, there are differences between princesses.

The number of female officials around a princess is actually related to whether she is favored and whether her bloodline is pure.

For example, if two princesses are born of the principal wife and one of a concubine, then they are not the same.

For example, among princesses born to princes, the quality of their children's treatment depends on factors such as whether the prince is trusted by His Majesty and whether the prince and His Majesty are close by blood.

To put it bluntly, everything was given to us by His Majesty.

If His Majesty believes you deserve these things, then you will receive them regardless of whether it exceeds the prescribed limits.

But if His Majesty deems you unworthy to enjoy these things, then no matter how pure your bloodline or how noble your status, it will be of no use.

In fact, the princess had more than just female officials by her side.

However, Empress Qu dared not interfere with the guards' affairs, so she could only bring up the female officials.

Seeing that the Empress had taken his words to heart, Qu Shiji then said in a gentler tone, "Your Majesty, Princess Anle is a lucky star, as we have both witnessed. Not to mention His Majesty, even you should regard her as a close junior, not a rival!"

Empress Qu had been fighting in the harem for so many years, how could she not understand this principle?

It was only because of a moment of anger that he spoke recklessly and made a wrong move.

Fortunately, it's not too late to salvage the situation.

At least she was certain that Xu Zhaozhao and the Jiang family were mortal enemies. As for the Zhongwang faction, she would have to wait and see.

The Empress wasn't stupid; she couldn't possibly just give out two positions for female officials. So she sent people to select some valuable items and deliver them to the Duke of Huguo's residence as soon as possible.

Neither of them noticed that behind a screen, the door of a cabinet swayed slightly, and a small hand reached out from inside...