Chapter 370: The Crown Prince

The banquet left the court officials frustrated; there are eleven princes in total, the emperor has taken down several, and the rest are either useless or suppressed by the emperor and dare not appear.

The Crown Princess is so outstanding, yet the emperor even declared that the Crown Prince may have only this one woman; how will they live?

In past years the Fu King's consort would perform a trick for everyone; this year the emperor didn't even bring it up.

It used to be curiosity; now, knowing the mother‑in‑law's status, does the emperor dare? Not only does the Emperor not dare, the Empress also doesn't bring it up. This year, with Princess Tianshui's showcase, the thirtieth banquet passed just like that.

Many were dissatisfied, but what could be done? All the assassins sent out died. Although the Fu King's family has no military authority, they give off a particularly mysterious vibe; without knowing the true details, no one dares to act rashly any more.

A single sentence from the Emperor kept the court officials awake all night.

How did the eleven gain power? A crippled prince actually recovered, suddenly became the Crown Prince, and turned into the definite heir, with no possibility of alteration.

It was a true New Year's Eve ordeal; the next morning, everyone had panda‑eyes.

Some people's excitement made them fall ill, but Jixiang Yuan was bustling, happily celebrating the year.

Since last year, they haven't gone to other families to pay New Year's visits; they all go to her house to do so.

We saw Yang Laoda and his group dart to the roof, and while out of sight, they continued escorting along the way.

Xiyu gave these three people names: Spring Breeze, Flower Grace, Flowing Water.

From the twelfth month to the second day of the second month, not a single day of rest for two months; the beggars and poor commoners of Jingcheng truly enjoyed great fortune.

The notices have been sent to every household, and the Song Family naturally received one as well. A notice permits only one main family to bring two people, which really spoiled the Song Family's enthusiasm.

From the courtyard gate to the Keting, fresh flowers filled the space, all red Peonies. Qiao Mai originally wanted to display roses, which symbolize love, but after thinking, this place doesn't recognize that flower, so she kept the Peonies.

Love a person, no matter what she looks like, you will love.

Seeing they were still dexterous, she brought them home and gave them to Xiyu to take care of.

Qiao Mai had the household servants set up three textual gates; only by passing them could one marry Ling'er.

But ever since witnessing Ling'er's talents, the Crown Prince became even more enthusiastic, which made Qiao Mai a bit worried.

She should smile; Dizi's princess, the Crown Prince's bride— in the eyes of the world, these two marriages are the best, what could she still be dissatisfied with?

The auspicious moment was approaching; the Crown Prince, dressed in festive attire, arrived at Jixiang Yuan with a grand procession.

This wedding dress, from the fabric to the embroidered threads and the various gemstones inlaid on it, were all the best that Qiao Mai selected on the Platform.

Especially the two Ferghana Horses at the rear, two luxurious carriages, and a flaming lion, which stunned and frightened the common folk.

One notice allowed three people; even so, the number was still considerable. The Emperor sent all the palace chefs over, and as for the palace consorts, they were left to begrudgingly cook for themselves.

For this marriage of Ling'er, Jin Mama, Yuehong, and Yuexia will accompany her; with these elders caring for her, Qiao Mai feels very reassured.

These words almost made Ling'er cry; Chuan lifted Ling'er and placed her onto the wedding sedan chair.

As long as you are willing to learn, whatever you want Qiao Mai will give; with such good treatment, if you still don't study properly, that would be foolish.

From then on, Yuexian Pavilion had four young maidservants; they not only study music, chess, calligraphy and painting daily, but also practice martial arts.

As the first day of the third month approached, Taizi Fu was fully prepared; the Emperor dispatched half of the Golden Dragon Guard to protect the Crown Prince, ensuring no problems at this critical moment.

These three little girls were about eight or nine years old; a girl as a beggar truly suffers, constantly facing the risk of being abused by men.

If she has talent, he will love her more; what if she lacks those talents?

Qiao Mai watched them leave Jixiang Yuan, then, hands behind her back, walked into the courtyard and said, "Yang Laoda, Mouse Laoda, Heizi, you will escort the young master throughout."

When a young lady is about to marry, an ordinary family's mother would usually wipe tears, but Qiao Mai didn't; her face smiled like a flower.

Qiao Mai then said boldly, "Go, be a good Crown Princess; if you are mistreated, return to your natal home—this will always be your home! Mother will always be your support!"

The two elderly gentlemen of the Song Family were already old; after much thought, they gave up this chance. The First Branch's couple had to go, because they are the Crown Prince's maternal grandparents; the rest could only bring one person.

Given their current status, apart from the Emperor, no one has the authority to send them to pay New Year's visits.

The Imperial Household Commissioner, along with the Ministry of Rites officials, performed their duties, arranging everything; today all ingredients were top‑grade, each strictly inspected before entering the back kitchen.

The only one close to the Crown Prince was the First Branch's eldest son, who is the Crown Prince's maternal uncle; everyone else lacked the qualification to go.

Yuan Jiaqi reminded her that she should marry and raise children in the future, so that the Crown Prince may soon extend his lineage.

Their whole family of dozens wanted to go; what to do, bring two people, who to bring? Who would be appropriate?

Who the Fu King's consort is, all four of them know; to stay by her side, these few are giving it their all.

Qiao Mai rarely had them serve; unless guests arrived, they generally weren't employed.

The whole house was dazzlingly bright from the wedding dress; few came to escort the bride, only those few close families.

Jin Mama, with several Embroidery Ladies, spent nearly a year rushing the completion; when placed on Ling'er's dress, it was simply too dazzling.

At the same time, Qiao Mai also took in three maidservants, all selected from beggars.

Qiao Mai had been secretly observing the Crown Prince; previously he and Ling'er always acted out of affection but within propriety, seeming like a relationship of mutual respect.

They were not only satiated, but also, because they drank this porridge daily, all their hidden ailments improved.

The porridge distribution was still ongoing; Qiao Mai often went to check.

The Crown Prince was already exceptionally talented, needing no moment to breach three gates; he smoothly entered the mansion, and after meeting Ling'er, the two together went to the front hall to kowtow to their parents.

In Jixiang Yuan, Ling'er was early on groomed by a group of girls, putting on the most beautiful wedding dress.

The Emperor and Empress personally presided over the wedding; it was a grand affair, with over ten thousand troops mobilized, the whole ceremony lavish yet low‑key.

The old lady, Madam Wang, Mu Junzhu, County Lady Xiao, Jia Mei, Ruxin, and others were in her room, each grinning happily.

Red flowers, red carpet, red double‑happiness characters, red lanterns, red candles, red ribbons— everywhere was especially festive.

The Emperor dismissed court business for a day, and together with the Empress, went early to Taizi Fu to take the front line.

Only these three could go; if they didn't, no one else could.

The dowries behind the wedding sedan chair gradually emerged from Jixiang Yuan; each lifted dowry, just the bridal chest alone, left the common folk speechless.

When children find a home, they should be blessed, be happy for them; this is a joyous occasion, why cry?

Qiao Mai doesn't ask much of the four of them, but each must master at least one skill; otherwise, they should not stay by her side.

In the Keting, Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi sat at the head, while the old masters sat lower.

Enough; as long as Ling'er likes it, that's fine. Look at her gaze at the Crown Prince—filled entirely with love; and his look at her, may it be for a lifetime, not just a moment.

The bridal dowry has been continuously carried to Taizi Fu since morning, and only finished in the afternoon; a hundred li of red bridal attire wouldn't be an overstatement.

The dowry doesn't even need to be sun‑dried; a single lion is already a priceless treasure.

Believe that with it present, not even those petty ruffians, let alone foreign enemies, will think twice before acting.

This dowry is richer than the state treasury; the Emperor, before all the ministers, appointed Flame as the nation's Guardian Beast.

After the ministers beheld Flame, their restless hearts all settled down.

(End of chapter)