Delighted, Yu Jin exclaimed, “Thank you, Father Emperor! Thank you, Mother Consort!”
Seeing him excitedly perform a grand bow, Emperor Jingming curved his lips and kicked lightly, saying, “Useless!”
He then glanced at Consort Xian.
Consort Xian forced a smile and said, “For such a significant matter, don’t let any news leak before the official decree is issued.”
“Your son understands,” replied Yu Jin.
“Go on, get out,” Emperor Jingming waved his hand dismissively.
Seeing Yu Jin walking away in a daze, Emperor Jingming shook his head and smiled at Consort Xian, “Look how happy the Seventh Prince is. This boy is truly simple-minded, unable to contain his excitement at all.”
“Your Majesty is right,” Consort Xian said through gritted teeth for the third time.
“Well then, once we’ve decided on the candidate for the Princess Consort of Shu, I’ll issue the decree together. My beloved, please take care of the subsequent arrangements,” Emperor Jingming instructed before walking out with his hands behind his back.
Pan Hai stepped forward to lift the brocade curtain blocking the wind.
The early spring air was still chilly, carrying the scent of plum blossoms.
Emperor Jingming looked up at the gloomy sky, feeling somewhat melancholic.
Staying in this vast palace for too long was indeed boring. If Miss Jiang became his daughter-in-law, wouldn’t he be able to see her perform magic tricks from time to time?
In the carriage, Jiang Si suddenly sneezed.
“Miss, have you caught a cold?” Amian asked worriedly, quickly offering a handkerchief to Jiang Si.
Jiang Si took the handkerchief and wiped her nose, waving her hand dismissively, “I haven’t caught a cold. No need to make a fuss.”
Why would she sneeze out of nowhere? She had a feeling someone was plotting something about her.
Amian leaned in with a mysterious look, “Miss, how was it in the palace?”
The imperial palace was unlike any other place. Maids like Amian didn’t even have the qualifications to enter, and could only wait at the edge of the inner city.
Amian had been holding back until they left the palace, and finally couldn’t resist asking.
“It was fine,” Jiang Si replied with a smile.
“Miss, what does ‘fine’ mean?” Amian pressed.
Jiang Si smiled sweetly, “It means just that. Fine.”
She hadn’t embarrassed herself, nor had she suffered any losses. Moreover, she received many beautiful plum blossoms from Yu Qi. Of course, it was fine.
As for whether she could become the Princess Consort of Yan, it wasn’t for her to decide, nor was there any need to worry about it.
“Did you receive plum blossoms from the princes?” Amian asked, covering her face.
She had heard that at today’s flower appreciation banquet, whichever prince favored a lady would gift her a plum blossom branch.
Their miss was so beautiful, surely getting two plum blossoms wouldn’t be difficult? After all, the two princes weren’t blind.
Hmph, it made her angry just thinking about it. At the time, those noble ladies’ maids had even mocked why their miss was invited. What a bunch of fools with no discernment.
Jiang Si smiled and said, “I did.”
“How many, how many?” Amian’s eyes sparkled.
Jiang Si didn’t feel like teasing the little maid and simply smiled, “Six.”
“What?” Amian blinked.
Jiang Si closed her eyes and said no more.
Amian shook Jiang Si’s arm vigorously, “Miss, really six? Did this servant hear wrong?”
“Mm, it’s six,” Jiang Si opened her eyes helplessly.
Amian cupped her face and squealed, “Miss is so amazing!”
It was all thanks to her miss’s excellence. When she got the chance to see those little minxes again, she would brag mercilessly and show them not to look down on people!
Calming down, Amian pinched her cheek, “But there are only two princes. How did Miss receive six plum blossoms?”
“Prince Yan gave me all of his flowers.”
“Miss is truly incredible!” Amian’s eyes shone with admiration.
Old Madam Feng had sent someone to keep watch at the main gate early on. As soon as they saw the Earl’s carriage return, they immediately ran to report at Cishin Hall.
“Old Madam, Fourth Miss has returned!”
Old Madam Feng stood up abruptly, “Invite Fourth Miss to Cishin Hall!”
As the servant was about to leave, Old Madam Feng called them back, “Has the Eldest Master returned?”
“The Eldest Master hasn’t returned yet.”
Old Madam Feng finally relaxed.
Thinking of Jiang Ancheng gave her a headache.
Fortunately, the eldest son had been out these past two days since Fourth Miss received the invitation. Otherwise, it would have been quite troublesome.
After so many years as mother and son, Old Madam Feng understood her eldest son’s temperament quite well. She knew that for matters others would consider honorable, her eldest son would avoid them at all costs.