Chapter 819 - 752: Bitter Millet and Sorghum

Chapter 819: Chapter 752: Bitter Millet and Sorghum

Lu Qianxue was both amused and annoyed; she realized that ever since getting married, Huangfu Yi’s intelligence seemed to plummet whenever she was present.

Huangfu Jingchen also laughed and said, "Father, there’s no need to rush!"

"Why not rush?" Prince Cheng glanced at him and shook his head, "The girl is so nice; how can we not settle it early? You foolish boy, you think mutual affection is enough; you also have to integrate all the forces that can be integrated. You know she’s the cherished jewel of the Haotian Village Chief; why haven’t you sent a message earlier asking us to propose?"

Huangfu Jingchen: "..."

He could only advise, "Father, it didn’t matter in previous years when you didn’t come, but this time Grandfather has summoned you and Uncle Wang to the Capital City. If you’re not there tomorrow, that would be disobeying an imperial edict!"

"Am I afraid?" Prince Cheng snorted.

If he was afraid of disobedience, he would never have married Qianxue and lived a lonely life.

Huangfu Jingchen smiled helplessly, "It’s not about fear; your relationship with the uncles is not close. If you don’t show up, it gives them an opportunity to slander you. Even though we aren’t afraid, what if Grandfather, influenced by one of the uncles, imposes taxes on Yunzhou? Wouldn’t it be the people of Yunzhou who suffer? Father surely doesn’t want the people under his governance to endure hardship, right?"

Prince Cheng was rendered speechless.

Huangfu Jingchen continued to smile, "Father’s concern for my lifelong affairs is clear to all as a son; however, the Haotian Village Chief is a spirited hero of Jianghu and won’t create extra trouble over a day or two!"

The implication is that Haotian Village won’t create problems, but the Capital City might.

The Imperial Family lacks familial love; if Prince Cheng isn’t present tomorrow, those few will definitely kick him while he’s down. The Cheng family is not afraid, but Prince Cheng worries his people might be implicated.

Even if he can retaliate later, the hardships and losses the people endure?

Lu Qianxue also laughed and said, "Jingchen is right; without an edict in previous years, we not appearing was understandable, but now that we’re in the Capital City not showing up, don’t you know your father’s temperament?"

Prince Cheng sighed, "Yes, yes, you all make good points. Is it that I’m just eager to meet the family? Alright, once tomorrow is over, we’ll go to Jinzhou!"

Huangfu Jingchen made a bow and said, "Thank you, Father and Mother!"

Prince Cheng laughed heartily, "The cheeky boy is actually being courteous!"

Huangfu Jingchen, with a serious expression, said earnestly, "It’s necessary; this concerns my lifelong affairs. For Father and Mother to run around on my behalf, the courtesy cannot be omitted!"

Lu Qianxue lifted him up and patted his shoulder, "No need for such formalities between father and son. We need to enter the palace early tomorrow; go and rest first!" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

The next morning, the Capital City became bustling.

The Ministry of Rites had already arranged for the Imperial City to be brightly decorated early on; each business shop was exceptionally lively. Carriages and horses headed to the palace one after another, pedestrians crowded the roads, teahouses and taverns opened early, thriving in business.

The entire Imperial City was a scene of bustling activity.

In Ganquan Hall, the Emperor hosted a banquet here.

In the spacious hall, two rows of tables and chairs were laid out. At this banquet, it was a small palace banquet.

The real grand banquet would be held in Yong’an Hall in the evening when, in addition to the important ministers and nobles of the court, emissaries from various countries would also come to congratulate.

At this time, the Empress sat beside the Emperor, Prince Liang on the lower left, and Prince Lu on the lower right. Each prince’s princess sat according to their prince, whether graceful, serene, elegant, or dignified. The brightly smiling Concubine Cheng seated with Prince Cheng looked different from the refined nobles of the Capital City; they sat straight-backed, spirited!

The Crown Prince was absent; besides Prince Zhuang, who had already been demoted to Second Class Prince, seated at Prince Li’s lower end, the princes were seated according to age.

The princely heirs were seated further back, followed by princes, with the imperial family and nobles behind them.

The birthday gifts they prepared were now being presented one by one.

Prince Liang’s gift was a White Jade Buddha Statue, standing half the height of a person, carved from an entire piece of jade, with superior jade quality and exquisite craftsmanship.

Of course, with Prince Liang’s ability, he couldn’t find such a gift; the gift was prepared by Huangfu Yuxuan.

Prince Lu’s gift was a Blessing and Longevity Screen, with a hundred different characters for longevity, embroidered with various techniques using gold and silver threads, both thoughtful and precious!

Prince Xin’s gift was a three-foot-high coral, vividly colored with twisted and curved branches, extremely rare.

Prince Li also gave careful thought and presented a piece of Shoushan Stone, uniquely shaped and naturally formed, as if crafted by supernatural forces.