XH 27
"Long Zhu greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress." The Third prince paid his respects. As for the ladies that had surrounded him earlier, they got the hint from the Emperor and quickly returned to their seats. "This son apologizes for greeting the mother concubines first before Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
Everyone could see the Emperor's dark expression but the Third prince continues talking as if he did not see it. "Today's gathering is to talk about Second Imperial brother's marriage, but Long Zhu did not see him around."
Long Lian, who was standing beside the Third Prince, immediately stepped forward to do the greetings in an adorable voice, "Long Lian greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
Seeing his Third son not willing to explain about his new maid and for his only daughter to help divert his attention from Long Zhu, the Emperor decided to leave it for now and to interrogate him after the gathering ended, privately.
To act like this towards the Emperor, only the Second prince and Third prince dared to do so. Not only he was not scolded, but the Emperor also did not seem to mind it much. On the other hand, if his other children or concubines acted that way, the Emperor will not hesitate to dish out punishment.
Concubine He had experienced it personally when she had complained about the Third prince destroyed her favorite pond to the Emperor. She was immediately sent to the cold palace to reflect on her own behavior. But being the Emperor's favorite, she was released after three days and gifted her many health products.
The Emperor waved the Third Prince and Long Lian to their assigned seats before switching his anger to the new target. "Where is Long Shan?"
Xiao Hua and An Wan stood a distance away behind the Third prince's seat, just like the other maids that served different masters.
A pure looking female dressed in a bright colored dress stood up from her seat that was assigned for the Emperor's concubines.
"Your Majesty, the Second prince is still handling some task that needs his immediate attention after his return from the battlefield. He had not stopped working since his return, just to free his time to attend this banquet. Please forgive his lateness." Her voice gave off a sweet and refreshing feeling, leading the spectators to have the great impression of her being innocent and pure.
"For the Second prince to work hard just after the rough battle, that's a strong dedication. But Concubine He, what is so important that Second Prince chooses to be later than the Emperor that have more work than a prince? Is the Second prince's steward not reliable and caused trouble for him?" The Empress' voiced out her concern, but her desire to embarrass the other concubine was known to everyone.
Everyone had their eyes on the Emperor, Empress and Concubine He, and so they missed the satisfied glee that was visible on the Third prince's eyes.
Do you love my present, Second Imperial brother? (￢‿￢ )
"This prince heard that Second Imperial brother had encountered some problem in his manor. That might be why Second Imperial Brother would dare to be late." Long Qian, the eldest prince, would never miss this great opportunity to throw some mud at the Second Prince.
Long Qian, being the eldest son and the crown prince, was the one that looked the most alike to the Emperor among his brothers. Both possessed large physique, sharply slanted eyes, and high cheekbones. Unfortunately for the eldest prince, the Emperor love seeing beautiful things the most, and naturally that affected his attitude towards his eldest son.
The Emperor was especially fond of his beautiful looking children, especially the outrageously beautiful Third prince. Outwardly, he gave everyone the impression he favored his Second son, both handsome and capable, was his favorite, as it was rather shameful if word spread out that he favored a son that only know how to maintain his beauty! Despite so, everyone has the opinion that the Empress' position was secured because of her beautiful looking daughter and son. Added with her own beautiful appearance, the Emperor would not mistreat her unless she seeks death herself.
"What news?" The Emperor asked with a frown.
"It's just a small problem in the Second Prince's manor. The Second prince will arrive soon to explain it to the Emperor and will receive his punishment for being late," Concubine He said, not giving the crown prince the chance to answer.
"A servant that dared to assassinate Second Imperial Brother's new love is a small problem indeed." the Third prince nodded in agreement to Concubine He with a bright smile. "Fortunately, it seems that Second Imperial Brother's beauty is not injured, else it would hurt his heart."
Concubine He's smile froze as her body tensed. If today's gathering was not because of her son, she would not have attended and give that snake the opportunity to bite her!
"Oh? That's indeed a small problem," The Emperor nodded. "Long Shan will be punished for not able to handle the small problem in time."
"How about this, Father Emperor?" The Third Prince happily voiced out his suggestion. "Give the Second Imperial Brother a light punishment of a hundred beatings. With this, no one would dare to say Father Emperor being a wicked father-in-law for not showing concern towards Second Imperial Brother's new love."
Concubine He resisted the urge to vomit blood. What small problem? That snake makes it sound like a small problem and even suggest her son receive a hundred beatings! And what's with that 'new love' word?! That word would make the listeners assume their relationship being impure!
"What do you think, Concubine He? Will this be fair for the Second Prince?" The Empress asked in a concerned tone, as if afraid that Concubine He would disagree with the punishment.
That pair of mother and son snakes! If she disagrees with the punishment, the Emperor might hand out a more severe punishment!
Concubine He has no choice but to smile sweetly and nodded. "This concubine listens to Emperor's decision."
She had originally wanted her son to arrive and set his own punishment himself, but who would have thought that snake would suggest the punishment before her son could arrive!
Concubine He did not know when she had offended the Third prince to have him destroy her favorite fish pond that reminded her of her childhood. She believed that the Emperor was crazy about her with how he kept on showering with the endless doting and gifts, so she decided to complain until he seeks justice for her.
Who would have known that her plan backfired and the Emperor seeks justice for his son instead!
"Then it's decided!" The Emperor looked satisfied as he rubbed his beard.
"The Grand Tutor and Lady Ping Shui arrive!" The guard suddenly announced and a tall, slender aged man entered with a young lady in a bright purple dress with white lilies embroidered on it.
"Ping Pong greets Emperor and Empress!"
"Ping Shui greets Emperor and Empress!"
Xiao Hua feels dejected for not able to see the newcomers' appearance clearly. She loves how firm and steady their voices were, with no trace of fear or nervousness.
"Grand Tutor and his talented granddaughter! What brings you to visit Us?" The Emperor asked warmly.
The Emperor respected the Grand Tutor, for he was the one that taught him and his elder brother. Even the previous Emperor viewed the Grand Tutor in a favorable light. Unfortunately, the Grand Tutor was too old to continue teaching and decided to retire after teaching the current crown prince.
To the royal family, they owed Grand Tutor a huge debt for teaching them to be a wise individual. That was why the Emperor decided to have Lady Ping Shui marry his most outstanding son, the Second Prince, Long Shan.
The Emperor had always thought his second son was an indifferent person that has zero interest in females, but who would have thought Long Shan would one day returned with a beautiful lady and announced he will only marry her. Long Shan even wished to break off the engagement with Lady Ping Shui to remain as 'one person man' for the unknown beauty!
"This gathering is held because of this humble one's granddaughter's marriage. It would be understandable for my granddaughter to be present when her engagement is going to be discussed, isn't it?" Grand Tutor laughed but his words seem to be demanding the Emperor to agree for them to stay!
"We understand," The Emperor agreed. After all, this was a mess caused by his Second son so he should explain to the Grand Tutor personally as well! Long Shan was one of his children that had never caused him to worry as he hardly caused trouble.
The Emperor secretly sighed. It was only because of his good record and achievements that he was more lenient to Long Shan!
The servants were quick and efficient to provide extra table and chairs for the Grand Tutor and his granddaughter.
"The Second Prince arrives!" The guard announced. A handsome man dressed in white walked in with a beautiful lady dressed in red. Their movement complements each other as if they were a couple for many years already. Their hands were entwined, showing their intimacy and was not shy of it.
Grand Tutor frowned at their shameless display of affection in front of him. As for Lady Ping Shui, her face was calm as she carefully refilled her grandfather's cup. It was as if the newly arrived couple had nothing to do with her.
"The second son greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
"Liu Chu Chu greets Emperor and Empress."
One was strong with a clear voice, giving people a good impression of a reliable gentleman.
Another was tender and soothing voice, carrying the bearing of a gentle, noble lady.
"Father Emperor, this son is unfilial for making you wait."
"It's good that you know. Guards! Give the Second Prince a hundred beatings!"
Behind his indifferent façade, the Second prince was actually shocked! He thought he would be able to use his old tricks and decide his own punishment, but why did the Emperor suddenly decided his punishment so quickly?