Seeing Emperor Yongye’s fury, the father and son of the Mu Family dared not speak.
Both of them cursed Princess Yong’an and Dugu Wu in their hearts.
"Father Emperor, there seems to be something fishy about this. How could fertile land suddenly fail to produce crops? Why not let your son handle this matter?"
Dongfang Cheng stepped forward and spoke.
Emperor Yongye looked at Dongfang Cheng.
Dongfang Cheng had made some foolish mistakes a few days ago, and the Emperor had yet to cool off. If it weren’t for Princess Consort Mu and the Empress pleading on his behalf, he would still be under house arrest.
"Your son wishes to share the concerns of Father Emperor and Great Chu."
Dongfang Cheng’s expression was earnest.
"If you can resolve this issue, you will be credited with a merit."
Emperor Yongye waved his hand and assigned the task of farming to the Eldest Prince.
After the morning court, the officials dispersed.
Dongfang Qi called over Dongfang Li.
"Seventh, don’t you think Eldest Brother has been acting a bit strange lately?"
Dongfang Qi said, puzzled.
Eldest Brother was famously lazy; why would he volunteer for the dirty and tiring work of farming?
"It’s less about Eldest Brother being strange and more about Father Emperor being odd. Lately, he’s been much kinder to Eldest Brother, even showing some favoritism. Despite the disgraceful incident that brought shame to the Royal Family, Eldest Brother was released from confinement after just a few days."
Among the brothers, he got along least with Eldest Brother, while Third Brother, Dongfang Qi, didn’t care much for the position of Crown Prince and actually got along quite well with Dongfang Li.
"Father Emperor always favored you the most."
Dongfang Qi mentioned what shouldn’t have been mentioned, causing Dongfang Li’s face to darken.
Lately, his luck had been really bad. Feng Ruoyan’s child was gone, and Father Emperor had been indifferent to him.
He could only hope that Eldest Brother would return without any achievements, otherwise, his position in Father Emperor’s heart might become even more secure.
A few days later, by the lotus pond in the imperial garden.
The pink Xiahe lotuses were emitting waves of fragrance, and in the heat of the high summer, laughter from the Empress Dowager floated through the air.
"Eldest Brother has finally become promising, I heard he has made a significant contribution this time."
The Empress, sitting beside the Empress Dowager, laughed softly.
"That child, he used to be impulsive, but as he’s grown older, he’s learned to alleviate his father’s worries. I am quite relieved as well; it makes up for the Queen Mother."
Noble Princess Consort Xiao, sitting aside, a hint of disdain flashed across her delicate face.
Everyone knew that the Eldest Prince was born to an Empress’ palace maid, whom the Emperor doted on.
The palace maid died during childbirth.
Rumors were that the palace maid had too little fortune and the Empress, being generous and kind-hearted, adopted the Eldest Prince.
She didn’t buy it one bit.
The Empress was almost too perfect: she did not vie for affection or become jealous, and even raised other women’s children. Was that proper behavior for a woman?
If Noble Princess Consort Xiao’s own palace maid dared to seduce the Emperor, she would make sure to kill her—even if it meant taking two lives.
"Why hasn’t Princess Consort Shun come yet? She said she would bring Xiao Li over to see me today."
Empress Dowager’s eyes held anticipation, occasionally glancing towards the corridor.
Both the Empress and Noble Princess Consort Xiao stiffened.
Ever since Feng Bailing married Dugu Wu, the Empress Dowager, having seen Feng Bailing’s daughter, had grown very fond of Feng Xiaoli.
This fondness far surpassed that for the two Imperial Grandsons.
In truth, the Empress Dowager also liked Dugu Xiaojin, but Xiaojin had a cold personality and was too rigid, unlike Feng Xiaoli who was sweet-talking and knew how to cater to others’ desires, always managing to amuse the Empress Dowager.
Princess Consort Shun was not previously well-received, but seeing the Empress Dowager’s fondness for Feng Xiaoli, she would bring Feng Xiaoli and Dongfang Chun to the palace from time to time, hoping to bask in some of the glory.
Just as they were speaking, Princess Consort Shun, sweaty and flustered, arrived with Dongfang Chun.