Chapter 820 - 752: Bitter Millet_2

Chapter 820: Chapter 752: Bitter Millet_2

Among the gifts from the princes, Prince Cheng’s birthday present seemed somewhat simple. It was an unassuming box that he sent.

Everyone was curious about what was inside the box, and the Emperor was also intrigued. So, he opened it in front of everyone.

Inside the box was a container of millet, which was covered in dust.

Upon seeing this gift, everyone was stunned. What kind of gift was this?

It would have been better not to send anything at all!

The Emperor also looked over, and there was a slight hint of displeasure in his eyes.

This son, twenty-two years ago, was the war general he admired and favored. Whenever he led troops to battle, he was invincible. The Dragon Nest tribe, a formidable force that had plagued the Nanxia border for over a hundred years and was a thorn in the side since the time of the founding Emperor, was eliminated by him, achieving victory against overwhelming odds!

But ever since he fell for that woman from the Jianghu, he became rebellious and obstinate, behaving erratically, much to everyone’s dismay.

Look at this, on his birthday, his sons and grandsons all offered meticulously chosen and unique gifts. What is this nonsense he sent?

Prince Zhuang immediately laughed: "Fifth Imperial Brother, did you just grab something from the roadside and send it as a gift to Father Emperor?"

Barefacedly instigating trouble with bad intentions.

Especially when he saw Father Emperor subtly frown at these words, Prince Zhuang knew this struck a chord with him, so he added fuel to the fire: "For so many years, during Father Emperor’s birthday, you never show up or put thought into a gift. Now you’re here, but even less heartfelt!"

Prince Liang was drinking, and today’s wine was better than usual. He felt stifled due to his son’s pressure, and although Prince Cheng was not favored by Father Emperor, Prince Zhuang had fought for the Crown Prince position, scheming against him and causing him to stumble. He disliked Prince Zhuang even more and was happy to watch the drama.

Prince Lu sighed deeply: "Yunzhou is cold and barren, the land is impoverished. Perhaps it was hard to find a suitable gift in a short time. Please don’t blame Fifth Imperial Brother, Father Emperor!"

Prince Xin raised an eyebrow, saying: "Fifth Imperial Brother has always been independent and unconventional, and this gift is extraordinary indeed!"

Prince Li’s eyes darted as he said: "Father Emperor, Fifth Imperial Brother must have deep meaning, why not hear him out?"

As the youngest of the princes, he always stayed in the Capital City and believed he was the most favored by the Emperor, better able to anticipate Father Emperor’s intentions. This time, Father Emperor summoned all the brothers for his birthday, clearly intending to decide on the Crown Prince.

Originally, feeling the position was already in the bag, Prince Li now sensed something was amiss.

If that were the case, why didn’t he call all the Vassal Kings back to the Capital when Prince Zhuang was made Crown Prince?

Such a decision now isn’t just to put the finishing touch, is it?

Over the years, since Father Emperor kept him in the Capital, the brothers were overtly warm but secretly scheming against him. He suddenly sensed that Father Emperor might have someone else in mind.

Or perhaps, Father Emperor is still undecided!

Regardless of who Father Emperor appoints, it certainly wouldn’t involve Fifth Imperial Brother.

If that’s the case, why not show goodwill to Fifth Imperial Brother? Maybe he could draw him to his side.

Prince Cheng didn’t take to heart the previous mocking provocations from Prince Lu and others, nor did he react to Prince Li’s extending of olive branches.

However, the Emperor, having heard Prince Li’s suggestion, transferred his dispassionate gaze and said calmly: "Old Fifth, why don’t you explain what this means?"

Prince Cheng offered a bow and said: "Father Emperor, this box contains bitter sorgo millet produced in my vassal land in Yunzhou!"

The Emperor glanced again, confirming it was indeed not rice, as it was rounder than rice. He looked at Prince Cheng and said: "So?"

Prince Cheng replied: "My vassal land is located on the southwest border of Yunzhou, a realm of harsh mountains and rivers, where rice doesn’t grow, and the soil is bitter and alkaline. The people endure tough lives. I’ve spent over twenty years improving the soil and managed to grow bitter sorgo millet. Although it’s not as good as rice to eat, it can fill one’s belly. Moreover, if we can grow sorgo millet now, perhaps we can cultivate rice in the future."

Upon hearing this, Prince Liang couldn’t help but let out a scoff, speaking boldly: "Old Fifth, why are you lamenting your poverty on Father Emperor’s birthday? Are you hoping for a reward of rice and flour from Father Emperor?"

After saying this, he felt quite triumphant. Don’t think he didn’t know that every brother wanted to overthrow him from the Crown Prince seat. Although only the Third Brother had succeeded, the rest weren’t much better.

Just like his son, Huangfu Yuxuan!

Afterward, he felt he had finally shown the awe befitting the Eldest Prince, his eyes carrying a hint of pride. However, this pride quickly vanished when he met Huangfu Yuxuan’s cold gaze.