==Chapter 149==

No matter how unwilling Jiu Niang is, on the second day after receiving the holy decree, she will enter the palace to thank her.

Xiao Mumu is now full moon, and Emperor Chengyuan, who is the emperor's grandfather, gave him a name, and he always has to carry the child into the palace to Emperor Chengyuan to see.

Early the next morning, the king of Chu and his wife put on the regulatory crown clothes and took their son into the palace.

I went to the Zichen Hall first with the point of the next dynasty, and I happened to meet King Zhao and King Cheng outside the palace who also entered the palace to thank him.

King Zhao and Princess Zhao were also dressed in regular crown clothes, and King Cheng and his wife were also dressed in the same way, each with a five or six-year-old boy by his side, who seemed to be the two imperial grandsons Mu Fan and Mu Hong, who had just been named yesterday.

King Zhao's face was full of red light, and he was in a good mood at first glance, and greeted Chu Wang Jiuniang with a smile: "The fifth brother and the fifth brother and sister are also here to thank you?" ”

King Chu nodded to him indifferently, and then nodded to King Cheng and his wife, as a courtesy, and everyone knew that he was indifferent by nature, so they didn't question it much. But Jiu Niang looked cold between her eyebrows, just hugged her son, and said: "It is inconvenient for the concubine to hold the child, so I will not give the two imperial brothers and sisters-in-law a gift." ”

King Zhao smiled contemptuously, everyone outside said that this princess of Chu was arrogant, but now it seems that not only that, but she is still a person with no city government and upbringing, and I don't know what the king of Chu, who has always been pure-hearted and has few desires, values her. King Zhao has always looked down on women for his own use, and naturally he didn't put the 'little family' Jiuniang in his eyes at this time.

Unlike King Zhao, King Cheng's scheming is much deeper, and Xiao Jiuniang is a member of the Xiao family after all, and he also learned from the mouth of the Duke of Anguo that this Xiao Jiuniang is not simple, so King Cheng's eyes at Jiuniang have a faint hint of deep meaning, but they are too deep to see.

As for Princess Zhao and Princess Cheng, the two of them also understood that the Chu Wangfu lost a big face yesterday, or because of their own mansion, Jiu Niang's cold face is understandable. The two smiled back, but there was an extra hint of embarrassment in that smile.

The chamberlain had already been informed of their entry, but no one had been called in. After standing for about a quarter of an hour, Ruan Ronghai walked out of it.

"I'm afraid that a few highnesses are in a hurry, Your Majesty has just come down to the court, and there are some government affairs to discuss with Lord Zuo, and as soon as this matter is done, I ordered the slave maid to invite a few highnesses to go in."

"Don't be in a hurry, I'm tired of Mr. Ruan." Cheng Wang arched his hand.

After that, a few people followed Ruan Ronghai into the Zichen Palace, and after seeing Emperor Chengyuan, they kowtowed to him and thanked him, Emperor Chengyuan looked very cold, and he didn't even bother to say a word, and after the routine was over, he waved his hand to let the group retreat. It is not surprising that Emperor Chengyuan would have this reaction, but it would be surprising if he didn't have this reaction.

Out of the palace gate of the Zichen Palace, a few people went to the Heluan Palace, since they had seen Emperor Chengyuan, Queen Xiao's side was also indispensable.

In the Luan Palace, Empress Xiao and Concubine Liu Guifei are there.

And when they had bowed, they were given a seat at the head.

Empress Xiao and Concubine Liu Guifei looked very happy, each pulled their grandson to ask for warmth, and talked to their son and daughter-in-law about the situation when they went to face the saint, but they left Jiuniang and King Chu on the side behind.

King Chu's eyes flashed, and he said: "Queen Mother, Erchen and Jiuniang still need to go to the East Palace, so they will leave first." ”

The picture of Yiran Hele was broken, and Queen Xiao's face froze, and she held a smirk: "Ting'er still wants to go to the East Palace?" ”

King Chu nodded: "I have already made an appointment with the imperial brother and will hold Sheng'er to the imperial brother to see." ”

Hearing this, Empress Xiao couldn't stop her, so she could only watch the King of Chu and his wife leave.

Out of the Heluan Palace, Jiuniang smiled.

"Why are they so boring, it's not too tiring to take out this kind of old trick and sing a big show."

King Chu glanced at her lightly, but smiled silently.

Empress Xiao and Liu Guifei thought that the King of Chu and his wife would hinder their face and tolerate them to continue to perform the play, in fact, to put it bluntly, they wanted to scare the King of Chu and his wife, but unfortunately the King of Chu did not accept the invitation, the stage has been set up, but it is a pity that the spectators do not cheer, and the taste of grievance must be very uncomfortable.

In the Heluan Palace, since the King of Chu and his wife are gone, Liu Guifei naturally has no idea of continuing to stay here, and returns to the Chunhe Hall with her son, daughter-in-law and grandson.

Empress Xiao was angry, Fang Cai's kind and kind face suddenly changed her face, she withdrew her hand holding Mu Hong with disgust, and saw Mu Hongse shrink for a moment, she couldn't help but say to King Cheng: "Why is this kid so timid, you haven't taught him well?" ”

King Cheng made a look, and a palace person pulled Mu Hong aside, and he said: "Hong'er rarely goes out, and his courage is indeed a little small." ”

Empress Xiao snorted and looked at Princess Cheng: "Since you are the mother concubine, you have the responsibility of raising your concubine, this child will be taught to you in the palace, and next time you bring it into the palace, don't look so cowering and cowardly." ”

Princess Cheng pursed her lower lip slightly, "Yes, Queen Mother." ”

Mu Hong, who was leaning on the side of the palace man, had injuries and doubts in his eyes, why did his grandmother, who was so amiable, turn her face so quickly, was it because he was disobedient?

*

As soon as Chu Wang Jiuniang arrived at the gate of the East Palace, he was greeted by an attendant.

"I have seen His Royal Highness the King of Chu and the princess, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said early in the morning that you two were coming over today, so I ordered the slaves and maids to wait here."

The King of Chu and his people were led to the Haoran Palace.

In the Haoran Palace, the prince was already waiting there, and there was another person, Ruan Ling'er.

Seeing Ruan Ling'er, Jiu Niang was slightly stunned, she probably thought that she might see the prince and the princess when she came to the East Palace, but she never expected that it would be Ruan Ling'er who accompanied the prince.

Seeing this, Jiu Niang knew that Ruan Ling'er's status in the East Palace now would not be comparable to the past.

After meeting the prince, she smiled at Ruan Ling'er, and Ruan Ling'er also smiled at Jiu Niang with excitement.

The crown prince beckoned, "Bring the little emperor and grandson to Lone to see, and Lone will see if he looks like the fifth brother or the fifth brother and sister." ”

The king of Chu was in a wheelchair and was inconvenient. Jiuniang is a brother-in-law, naturally it is not good to get too close to the prince, Jiuniang originally wanted Xiaocui to take the child over to the prince, but she was afraid of committing a taboo, and the prince's side is not just a random person who can approach.

At this time, Ruan Ling'er came over, Jiu Niang hesitated slightly, then took her son from Xiao Cui's arms and handed it over to Ruan Ling'er.

This is Ruan Ling'er's first time holding a child, she is a little unfamiliar, seeing that Xiao Mumu struggled a little uncomfortably, looking like she wanted to cry, Jiu Niang hurriedly whispered to her how to hold the child.

Finally found the right position, Ruan Ling'er finally blushed and breathed a sigh of relief, smiled gratefully at Jiu Niang, and looked at the little person who was looking at her with her eyes open in her arms, and her heart almost didn't melt.

"Your Highness, look." She brought the child to the prince and let the prince see, "The concubine thinks that the little emperor and grandson look like the princess of Chu, what a handsome milk doll, and when she grows up, she must be a handsome son." ”

The prince looked down and looked at the baby in swaddling clothes, with a white and tender little face, big eyes with baby blue, a slightly upturned nose, and a small mouth. I don't cry or make trouble, I just look at myself with ignorant eyes...... Such a milk doll, presumably a person will turn his heart into a puddle of water when he sees it......

He couldn't help but stretch out his finger and touch Mu Mu's little face, Xiao Mumu seemed to be very happy, grinning with a small mouth, and the prince suddenly smiled, his eyebrows and eyes were full of love and doting that could not be concealed.

Futai on the side felt sour in his heart, and almost didn't shed tears.

"The little emperor and grandson are really good-looking, Princess Chu has worked hard, and the fifth brother is really a blessing."

After looking at the child for a while, the prince raised his head. Ruan Linger returned the child to Jiuniang, and when she let go, she looked a little reluctant.

King Chu said: "If it weren't for the royal brother's protection......"

The prince shook his hand indifferently and said with a smile: "Don't say it's the blessing of loneliness, so as not to damage the blessing of the child." He also felt a little depressed about this, so he diverted the topic: "Gu Zao said that when the child is born, Gu Zi will prepare a big gift." Futai, don't forget to give things to His Royal Highness the King of Chu later. ”

"Yes."

After a few more words, the king of Chu and his wife took their leave. It was Futai who sent them out of the East Palace, and at the same time there was a big gift prepared by the prince. The two big sandalwood boxes, I don't know what they contained, let the four chamberlains carry them, looking very ostentatious.

After sending the King of Chu and his wife away, Haoran Hall suddenly became deserted.

Seeing Ruan Ling'er's thoughtful look, the prince sighed and patted her hand: "It's the lonely ...... wronged you."

Ruan Ling'er came back to her senses, hurriedly held the prince's hand, and said in a low voice: "The concubine is not wronged, she is really not wronged." It's that the concubine herself has no ability, and she hasn't moved until now......"

*

Back at the Chu Palace, Jiu Niang asked people to move the two boxes that were transported back from the East Palace, wanting to see what was inside.

When the box was opened, there were a lot of things inside, and it was also very miscellaneous. There were children's clothes, rattles, wooden horses, and bows and arrows......

Yishui is full of things used by children to play, these things are extremely exquisitely made, and they are not owned by ordinary people at first glance. Although it looks like someone has used it, it still looks brand new.

Jiuniang was a little stunned, but King Chu's eyes were a little complicated, "These are probably the things that the imperial brother used when he was a child......"

Mama Yu, who was in charge of sorting out these things, nodded, picked up a small red cloak embroidered with Fushou patterns, and said, "If the slave is not mistaken, this was sewn by Empress Xiaoxianhui herself back then." Empress Xiaoxianhui has been looking forward to it for many years, and then she is looking forward to His Royal Highness the Prince, obviously not in good health, but also forced to make a lot of useful objects for His Royal Highness the Prince. ”

Jiu Niang was even more stunned, not to mention that this seemingly inconspicuous little cloak had such an amazing history. I didn't expect Mama Yu to also have a background, since she knew this kind of secret, she must have been waiting by the side of Empress Xiaoxianhui in the Qiandi back then.

Mama Yu's next remarks confirmed Jiu Niang's guess: "The slave maid did wait in the Wei Palace, but she was just an inconspicuous rough maid. His Majesty remembered the old days, so he brought all the slaves and maids in the palace into the palace. Although the slave maid has no ability and no backer, she has been in the palace for many years by virtue of the name of the old man in the palace, during which she has been a female official of the six bureaus, and she has also served the lady in the palace, and was later sent to serve the fifth highness. ”

"Brother Huang also has a heart, let's keep these things, pick up the ones that can be used, and give them to Sheng'er." King Chu said.

Jiuniang nodded, and did not shirk the feeling that her son had to use other people's old things because she had wronged her, and ordered people to collect these two boxes of things. Objects such as clothes were picked out and washed and exposed to the sun, and when the time came, they were taken out for his son's use.

Jiuniang didn't know what King Chu said at first, 'The imperial brother also has a heart', and it has a deep meaning. It wasn't until the day of Emperor Chengyuan's longevity that he understood the true meaning.

*

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it enters July.

This year is the 55th birthday of Emperor Chengyuan, although it is not a whole birthday, but the palace is also going to hold a feast to celebrate his birthday.

Emperor Chengyuan didn't like this kind of occasion, so he decided not to do it much, and only summoned a few high-ranking ministers, clan nobles, as well as harem concubines, princes, princesses, princesses, concubines, horses, etc., and some people who were close to him celebrated.

Even so, the scene was very lively.

Everyone presented birthday gifts and congratulatory messages, no matter how cold and solemn Emperor Chengyuan usually was, he showed a little smile today.

Whenever this is the case, Emperor Chengyuan never hesitates to give face to the prince, so when several princes give birthday gifts, although the birthday gifts offered by the prince are not as rare and rare as King Cheng, King Zhao and others, Emperor Chengyuan frequently praises. The king of Chu has always adhered to the golden mean, and the birthday gift he gave was not so outstanding, but he was definitely able to handle it.

As the emperor's grandson, he is naturally indispensable today.

First of all, Mu Fan, the emperor of Zhao Wangfu, walked out, a small person, only five or six years old, but the etiquette was not bad, after kneeling down and kowtowing, he said a few simple congratulatory words. Although there is restraint between words and deeds, no one present said anything, all of them praise the emperor's grandson Mu Fan's intelligence, and he can see that he will be able to become a great weapon in the future at a young age.

Emperor Chengyuan also made a loving appearance and said: "Reward." ”

After that, Mu Hong, the emperor's grandson of the Chengwang Mansion, also knelt down and kowtowed, and said a few simple congratulatory words, but compared to Mu Fan of the Zhao Palace, it can be seen that it is much worse. This kid was a little timid, and the congratulatory message was also stumbling. Emperor Chengyuan was supposed to deal with it, but at this time, he saw that the child below was timid and cowardly, not at all like the heir of the Mu family, and then thinking about his background and some other things behind it, he was even more disgusted, and his eyebrows couldn't help but show a little impatience.

Queen Xiao hurriedly spoke out to relieve the siege, and another group of people joined in the fun, but they also coped with the scene.

There are only three emperors and grandsons, and after these two people, only Mu Sheng, who is still in infancy, is left.

Jiuniang, as her own mother, walked out with her son in her arms and bowed: "Daughter-in-law Dai Sheng'er wishes my father and the emperor blessings such as the East China Sea, longevity than Nanshan, the sun and the moon are bright, and longevity is boundless." ”

Mu Mu wore a big red shirt and pants today, which were embroidered with gold thread to give birth to the boy, because the weather was hot, he also wore such a body, and there was also a big red belly pocket inside, the red of a water, which looked very festive. Coupled with the milk doll's chubby little face, big eyes, and pink and tender skin, it is even more attractive.

He held a handle in his hand, the top end is a toy with the shape of a longevity peach, heard A-Niang talking to people, and said a few words in his mouth, while oh, while shaking the toy in his hand, it seems that he is also congratulating Emperor Yuan on his birthday.

Although Emperor Chengyuan didn't want to see him, he couldn't help but look at it twice, but when he looked at it, his eyes were a little wrong.

The prince spoke up at this time, and his voice was full of laughter: "It's a painful milk doll, Futai, bring the little emperor and grandson to show Gu." Lonely hasn't seen Sheng'er for many days, and it seems that he has eaten fat again. ”

Futai sighed, then walked down the steps and came to Jiu Niang. Jiu Niang did not hesitate, and handed the child to Futai.

What does the baby who is only more than three months know, although she was given to someone else by her mother, she was a little confused for a while, but in the end, Xiao Mumu was also obedient and did not cry.

Fu Tai handed Xiao Mumu to the prince, and the prince had some difficulty holding him, but he still hugged him. Emperor Chengyuan's gaze turned, his expression was a little hesitant, and he seemed to be a little excited.

Emperor Chengyuan's strange appearance naturally fell in the eyes of everyone, and everyone was a little surprised, but Empress Xiao's eyes flashed, and a fierce color slipped in her eyes. There is also Liu Guifei, who still looks smiling, but there is a dignified look in her eyes.

"Father, you see, isn't it cute?"

The crown prince's seat was very close to Emperor Chengyuan's dragon seat, and he picked up Xiao Mumu with his hand and leaned in front of Emperor Chengyuan to show him. Emperor Chengyuan's gaze fell on Xiao Mumu, and at the same time on the arms that were thin and trembling slightly under the prince's clothes. His heart couldn't help but tremble, and he raised his hand to help his son borrow strength, so as not to embarrass his son. Who knew that the prince took advantage of the situation and stuffed Xiao Mumu into his arms, and Emperor Chengyuan could only hold Xiao Mumu in his arms stiffly.

The prince teasingly scratched Xiao Mumu's face, and said softly: "What is Sheng'er holding in his hand, is it for the emperor's grandfather?" ”

What can a baby who is only a few months understand, and adults can't understand what they say, but if the little baby can't understand it, it doesn't mean that adults can't understand it.

The prince is making a face for the little prince and grandson of the Chu Palace, and he can make it look like this, no wonder everyone says that the relationship between the prince and the king of Chu is not ordinary, and it is no wonder that there are so many princesses, and the princess of Chu can give birth to a child.

Although everyone doesn't say some things, it's not that they can't understand it, especially most of the people present today are people who are close to Emperor Chengyuan, and several ministers and nobles have also been with Emperor Chengyuan for decades, so they naturally know some private things in the palace.

Emperor Chengyuan lowered his head to look at the baby in his arms, not so much to look at the baby, but to look at the clothes worn by the baby. He vaguely seemed to see that many years ago, the prince was also wearing this dress, although it was not as heavy and healthy as the baby in his arms, but it was also white and tender, which was very lovely......

This is made by Hui'er herself, she is obviously not in good health, and he has also said a few times that these clothes are made by others, but she always doesn't listen, and does a lot of ...... behind his back

After that, she was gone, leaving only Yuanzhang and a box full of small clothes that she had sewn for Yuanzhang......

Emperor Chengyuan suddenly felt that his eyes that had been dry for a long time were hot, and at the same time, his thighs were hot, and Jiu Niang, who had been paying attention here, hurriedly sighed, and the prince laughed and took Xiao Mumu out of Emperor Chengyuan's arms.

"We are all birthday gifts, Sheng'er's birthday gift is unique, give the emperor's grandfather a bubble of boy urine."

The people below laughed playfully, and several old ministers said that the boy's urine is a good thing, and they all said that they don't hold their grandsons, which grandfather has not been drenched in children's urine.

"Good, good, reward." Emperor Chengyuan said with a strange expression, took out something from his arms, and stuffed it into Xiao Mumu's clothes.

This look is different from the things that Fang just gave to Mu Fan and Mu Hong, the things that were given to Mu Fan Mu Hong were prepared in advance, and they were placed in a tray for the attendant to deliver to the two children. And the things that were given to Xiao Mumu were taken out of Emperor Chengyuan's arms, and the objects taken out of Emperor Chengyuan's arms, can there be anything bad?

For a while, the eyes of Zhao Wang, Chengwang and others were all on the milk baby, and they wished that their eyes would see through to see what it was.

If you say that the only person who can see what is on the spot, except for the prince, it is Queen Xiao. The crown prince smiled silently, but Empress Xiao's face was stiff and her eyes were shocked.

Emperor Chengyuan left to change clothes, and Xiao Mumu was also handed back to Jiuniang.

The feast continued, but after such an experience, many people's minds were not here.

When the feast was over, the people dispersed.

On the carriage out of the palace, seeing the jade pendant in Jiu Niang's hand, King Chu's expression was a little complicated.

"This is a piece of jade pendant that my father has always carried with him in the early years, it is said that it was given by the first emperor when he was young, but I didn't expect it to be given to Sheng'er today."

The texture of the jade pendant is the best mutton fat white jade, only the size of a baby's palm, the carving is very exquisite, and there are bats, Ganoderma lucidum and small beasts carved on it, which means to prolong the life of blessings.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince really has the heart to do so for Sheng'er."

Jiu Niang thought about the prince's body, thought of the East Palace, which had not moved so far, and those East Palace concubines, and couldn't help but sigh.

*

In the Heluan Palace, the ground was a mess, all of which were smashed by Empress Xiao in anger.

"What's so good about that little bunny? Unexpectedly, the crown prince did this for him, and even those things were given away, and your father, the emperor, was coaxed by the prince, and even gave away the 'Liuyun Wanfupei' given by the first emperor back then......"

In this period of time, King Cheng has learned some things from Queen Xiao, including the clothes worn by the milk baby today, and the things that Emperor Chengyuan rewarded. Not to mention that Queen Xiao was angry, King Cheng was also quite frustrated and angry, but it was more of an uncertain panic.

"Queen Mother, what do you say about the crown prince, even if he has a good relationship with the fifth emperor brother, he will not give away all those things."

On the same day, the king and his wife came out of the East Palace and brought two large boxes of things, and King Cheng also knew about it. He thought it was just an ordinary thing for some children, but he never thought that there would be such a background.

"What idea could he have? It's not that you can't give birth to yourself, and you covet others. "Queen Xiao, who was extremely angry, spoke very viciously.

King Cheng always felt that it was not so simple, but the prince and the king of Chu, one was a short-lived ghost and the other was a cripple, what can the two of them do together? With the prince's current body, as long as he can't give birth to a son, he will have no chance to take the throne, is it the idea of the prince to fight?

King Cheng was suddenly excited and told this idea to Queen Xiao.

When Empress Xiao heard this, it was like a basin of cold water poured from beginning to end, and she hesitated a little and said: "The prince is not useless, it shouldn't be like this, right?" ”

King Cheng wrinkled his brows and sneered: "It's hard to say, whether it is used in China or not and whether it can be born are two different things, he can't give birth to it himself, it's hard to guarantee that he won't do anything else." ”

"No, no, your father doesn't like his children and grandchildren, he only sees that slut and that son of a slut. Without that slut's blood, he is nothing in his eyes, he can't agree, if he does, he still needs to toss so many things? ”

"It's hard to say, this time is not the other time. Don't forget, as long as the prince likes it, it is fragrant in the eyes of his father, maybe let him coax it, and his father will get his wish. That child is so young, he was raised by the adoptive past, and he will definitely have feelings for how long he will be raised. The crown prince won't live long, and his father is also old, isn't his father holding the king of Chu just for his future plans? Now it's okay, although his son has passed on to the crown prince, and it is his own bloodline, is he not determined to assist him wholeheartedly? ”

The more King Cheng thought about it, the more he felt that this was the case, and he paced back and forth in the hall irritably. When Empress Xiao heard her son say this, her face was also full of solemnity.

"So what do you say you should do?"

King Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Erchen asked people to reveal this news to the other side, and it is more appropriate to join forces at this time." ”

That side naturally refers to King Zhao.