the sun had just risen for a short time on this sweltering summer day, the ground was already hot enough to burn your feet.Though the cicadas chirped with little vigor, the teahouse remained bustling...The second prince was previously frail and resided in the Noble Consort's Palace, so he wasn't involved in any gossip.
Now that the prince has returned, he is of marriageable age and will be choosing a bride.
The little girl living in the palace was indeed prone to misunderstandings.
Actually, given his thoughts, he would be more than willing to keep the little girl as his daughter-in-law.
But the Li family's status was still too low for the little girl to become a crown princess.
After all, the Crown Princess is meant to help the Crown Prince consolidate his power and swiftly take control of the court.
The Li family doesn't have the ability or the idea for this.
If she were to become a noble concubine in the future, it would be somewhat of a hardship.
Li's family certainly wouldn't be willing!
To tell the truth, this girl leaving the palace might be the best solution for now.
"Jia Yin," the Emperor said, twirling a golden fruit in his hand as if casually, "You were also raised by Imperial Uncle. Now that the Third Princess is getting married and the Crown Prince is starting to choose his wife..."
"And what about you Do you have any thoughts, or have your eyes fallen on anyone's son"
"You tell your Imperial Uncle, and if it is suitable, your Imperial Uncle will certainly make the arrangements for you."
The Third Princess' eyes lit up, and the Crown Prince also raised his head to look over.
If she were an ordinary girl, she would surely be blushing right now.
But Jia Yin was silent. After thinking for a moment, she said earnestly, "Uncle Huang, as you know, our family has a rule that we absolutely do not take concubines."
Therefore, in the future, my husband must only have me as his wife. We need to appreciate and truly love each other before we can get married.
"The rest... his status and background don't matter, as long as he is a good person and has a comfortable life. He doesn't even need to achieve fame or fortune."
"This way, there are no worries. We can go for a walk and see the beautiful mountains and rivers of our country, and see different parts of the world. When we're tired, we can go home, accompany our elders, and teach our children. Life may be simple, but it is also happy."
The Third Princess was used to Jia Yin speaking like that, so she wasn't too surprised.
The prince lowered his head, making it impossible to see his expression.
But the emperor laughed, “You child, you are so lacking in ambition! Is this life too simple for you Have you never thought about your future husband being granted a marquis title or becoming a minister”
"Imperial Uncle said I was wrong," Jia Yin chuckled, shaking her head. Her eyes sparkled brighter than the stars in the night sky.
"Uncle Emperor diligently governs, devoting himself tirelessly to state affairs. My stepfather, my father, and even my brothers are all bravely fighting on the battlefield, defending our home and country. All for what"
"Isn't that all you want, for me to live a happy and carefree life just like millions of other people If I succeed, then it will be a truly joyous occasion, proving that all the hard work my uncle, father, and stepfather have put in has not been in vain!"
"Haha!" The Emperor laughed heartily, raising his hand to ruffle the girl's hair. "You really have grown up, this little one, but your sharp tongue hasn't changed a bit! Everything you say makes sense!"
Jiayin also laughed brightly, "You don't know, I just occasionally hear people talking and secretly learn from them."
That day, I was among the white clouds, hearing a sour scholar advise a wealthy young master not to be extravagant and wasteful, and to buy fewer snacks.
The wealthy son said, his ancestors had suffered for three generations, working hard and saving a fortune, all to ensure their children and grandchildren lived comfortably, with food and clothing readily available.
"If they still insist on living frugally, even having a snack requires restraint, then what's the meaning of their ancestors' hard work and struggle!"
"I think that makes a lot of sense, so I used it."
The Third Princess was also overjoyed and hugged Jia Yin who was beaming with pride.
"Well said, then I shall continue to be arrogant and domineering! Otherwise, wouldn't that disappoint my father Emperor and my elder brother who have been supporting me"
Now, both the Emperor and the Crown Prince started laughing.
The Emperor helplessly shook his head and smiled, "I regret it now, I wonder if it's too late Did allowing Jiayin to enter the palace bring you up or drag you down It's really a matter of debate."
"Haha, too late! Jiayin has been in the palace for so long, and Father only just remembered that I've been corrupted." The Third Princess shook her phoenix hairpin, making a tinkling sound, her face full of joy and flamboyance.
The Emperor saw this and smiled again...
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the Emperor led the Crown Prince away.
Suiling and Shuicun, Caicun tidied up the aftermath, and the third princess took Jia Yin for a walk in the courtyard.
At this moment, the eunuchs and palace maids were all busy, with no one around them.
The third princess leaned close to Jia Yin's ear and whispered, "Jia Yin, I know you left the palace to avoid suspicion. You don't want to marry my older brother, the crown prince."
To Jia Yin's surprise, the young lady suddenly became intelligent.
She also giggled softly and asked, "You actually figured it out"
"Hmph!" The Third Princess lightly pinched Jia Yin's arm and said reproachfully, "I may not be as smart as you, but I'm not stupid either. You don't like the Crown Prince, and you don't like the palace, so leaving the palace to avoid suspicion is the best decision right now."
After she finished speaking, she sighed again and added, "There's no good end for women in this palace. Look at my mother, look at the Noble Consort, even that dead hag..."
Jia Yin patted her hand, at this time, there was nothing to say, only silent comfort.
The two of them walked slowly, circle after circle...
No matter what others said, Shui Ling and Shui Yun were probably the two happiest people when it came to going home.
They almost ran back to the side hall non-stop and started packing their belongings.
Clothing and accessories, everyday small objects, writing implements, paper, ink, and inkstones, even small screens like the kangs are all cleaned meticulously.
The Third Princess couldn't bear to part with Jia Yin and followed her for a walk. After strolling for a bit, she came back to sit with Jia Yin for a while.
Upon seeing this, her face instantly turned pale.
"You two little girls are being too much! Your princess won't be staying out of the palace forever. Even when you come to visit me occasionally for a short stay or just for a midday nap, you'll need this place. Are you cleaning it up so your princess has to sleep on the floor"
Suiling and Shuoyun giggled mischievously, saying nothing, but their hands never stopped.
Although the palace is luxurious and extravagant, it's considered the best in the world.
Home is where the heart is.
At the mere thought of going home, surrounded by familiar and comfortable faces, they couldn't help but feel excited. They wouldn't have to worry about breaking any rules or behaving cautiously.
If possible, they certainly didn't want the princess to come back to the palace.
Jia Yin couldn't bring himself to speak, for fear that the Third Princess would fly into a rage.
So, she pulled the Third Princess onto the couch and then opened her treasure chest.
The treasure chest wasn't filled with jewels and ornaments, but rather some intricate little things that the craftsmen from Zhengjiazhuang had made for her over the past few years.
For example, a small boat that can run on its own when put in water, or a small fan that can rotate quickly by pulling a rope.
The Third Princess, who was naturally a bit mischievous and playful, was immediately delighted by all of this.
Finally, Jiayin divided the three items among them, and she happily held them as she returned to the main hall.
Shuiling and Shuoyun also finished packing their things. They chattered excitedly about how they would go home tomorrow, then fell asleep in the guest room.
After washing her face and brushing her teeth, Jia Yin thought for a moment and then closed the window.
Mu Xu has been especially busy these days, and today was particularly hectic. He definitely won't be up for talking tonight.
But Jia Yin was not discouraged; she still had important matters to attend to.
Hearing the outside quiet down, she stepped into the space and then gathered two "henchmen" to assign tasks.
Plans never change as fast as circumstances.
She originally planned to stay in the palace until the northern campaign ended, acting as her family's ears and eyes to gather the most up-to-date information.
But when the eldest prince returned to the palace, he immediately declared himself crown prince and chose a crown princess.
No matter how she measured it, she couldn't continue living there.orry about me, I'm fine. Before my wedding day, please ask her to come to the palace to add makeup, we can have a good reunion then."Shui Ling quickly and respectfully agreed, but the bracelet was too...