Too high to reach

Chapter 202 Self-Consolation

"You two look exactly alike, just different colors."

"Xiangxiang, your flower bag and butterfly shirt match so well. It's like a bunch of butterflies landing on a flower..."

There weren't many little girls, but they touched their purses and commented in childlike voices, their tone full of envy.

Not only was Qianqian bursting with vanity, but even Xiangxiang was smiling.

The atmosphere at the scene immediately became lively.

Only Li Shaofeng was ridiculed by the boys, and he pouted, looking quite sad.

So many attempts to test the waters had all been successful, and Mo Yi was quite satisfied. She wanted to stop while she was ahead, otherwise, if the Emperor came in and happened to be in a bad mood, he might get angry.

Just as she was thinking this, the Crown Princess whispered in her ear, "Seventh Sister-in-law, the Emperor and Empress will be coming out soon, please put this away..."

Mo Yi once again sensed that the Crown Princess was both dignified and meticulous.

"Yes. Sister-in-law... I brought two extra. Please give them to the young princesses to take back when we leave."

The Crown Princess smiled, her eyes crinkling, "You're so thoughtful..."

Consort Zhang of the Crown Prince's residence is prettier than the Crown Princess and dresses more flamboyantly. She comes from a good family, and her two sons are very lively. At this moment, she's playing around with a few boys.

She surpasses the Crown Princess in every aspect.

Seeing the two of them whispering to each other, he gave them an undisguised sidelong glance and let out a cold snort.

Mo Yi is quite concerned about the affairs of the Crown Prince's residence. From the perspective of Consort Zhang... he favors his concubine over his wife.

Last time, Princess Qi's bag was quite a favorite of her beloved. After returning home, Prince Yong'an wanted to find her some more novel items. He had several renowned embroiderers send over their finest pieces, but after looking for a long time, he still couldn't find the strange bag Princess Qi had carried…

At this moment, Prince Yong'an lingered beside Li Jing, chatted for a few words, and then asked casually, "What, is your princess planning to open a shop?"

"She likes these things, so she used her dowry to set up a shop next to Qizhenlou. I heard it's going to open after the New Year..." Li Jing said casually, then realized with a sigh that she was actually helping her business.

"I must get some benefits..." he thought, a wicked smile spreading across his face...

"Oh? I'll go check it out when it opens..." Prince Yong'an glanced at Consort Dong, then at the fifteenth prince. A smile played on his lips; he didn't hesitate to spend money on his beloved.

Mo Yi turned her head and saw Consort Liang sitting in the corner, smiling at her.

"Your Highness, Consort Liang..." She quickly went over to pay her respects, "I haven't had a chance to congratulate you on your happy occasion yet!"

Consort Liang had just been conferred her title, and today she was dressed more splendidly than usual.

"Speaking of which, it's all thanks to you two!" Consort Liang smiled, and seeing that no one was around, she whispered to Mo Yi, "Fourteenth Prince told me about Miss Yunqing when he came back, and I was so happy! To be honest, Miss Yunqing... I didn't even dare to dream about her. Luckily you brought it up..."

Pulling Mo Yi to sit beside her, she said, "You don't know, since I was made a concubine, the Fourteenth Prince has become much more popular than before, with many people coming to inquire about me. When the Emperor summoned me to receive the imperial decree, I was preoccupied with the Fourteenth Prince's marriage. But the Emperor is busy with state affairs and in poor health. He didn't mention it, and I didn't dare. I heard... that the Empress already has a list. Luckily, you spoke up in time. If this matter is written down, I'll have no regrets..."

"When do you plan to speak to the Emperor? Don't let the Empress bring it up first."

Consort Liang said confidently, "Since the Zhao family has agreed, and with the Dowager Empress as a powerful figure, the Emperor will have to give them some face... You don't know, the Emperor has been coughing since late autumn, and I heard he hasn't been sleeping well at night. I also heard that Consort Dong is making a fuss with the Emperor because of the Crown Prince's matter."

"...Isn't she afraid of offending the Emperor?"

"That's just her personality. The Emperor treats her like a child and never gets angry with her..."

Mo Yi looked at the beautiful woman sitting there, who was stunning from every angle. "Maybe it's because she's good-looking?"

"Yes, the Emperor likes good-looking people. The former Consort Dong was even more beautiful!"

Mo Yi looked at Consort Liang... Actually, Consort Liang was also very beautiful, but her demeanor... was more like that of a girl from a modest family, not so dazzling.

"The formal investiture only resulted in an imperial edict and a pile of rewards. There were plenty of things, but not much gold or silver. Little Fourteenth, you still won't become wealthy!" Consort Liang said, then laughed to herself.

That smile is even more beautiful; it's just a pity that Little Fourteen didn't inherit her beauty...

"Once Fourteenth Brother gets a job, things will be fine!" Mo Yi smiled as well.

Since Consort Liang didn't mention this matter, she probably doesn't know about it yet.

At this moment, the Emperor, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager arrived.

Everyone stood up and bowed.

The Emperor sat down and immediately coughed a few times; his voice was hoarse and heavy… he seemed quite ill. Mo Yi glanced at Li Jing with concern. “Sit down, everyone!” the Emperor said calmly. He didn’t look well to begin with, and seemed rather unhappy, not like someone celebrating the New Year.

Perhaps it was because he was angered by the prince yesterday... Mo Yi chuckled to himself.

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "This year, Heaven has blessed our dynasty with favorable weather and abundant harvests, and the country is peaceful and prosperous. Tonight, everyone will stay up with His Majesty to welcome the New Year. We hope for an even more prosperous year to come. Your Majesty, your sons are all grown up now! They can help with chores. You should let them do more and get more exercise. As for yourself, taking good care of your health is the most important thing."

"Yes, Mother. Don't worry!"

The Emperor glanced around at everyone: "This year, the world is at peace, and everything has gone smoothly. You have all worked very diligently. I hope that next year, you will guard against arrogance and impetuosity, continue your efforts, and do more for the court and the people in a down-to-earth manner!"

Everyone responded.

The Empress also said a few words: "I hope that next year, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor will both be in good health. I hope that all of you will achieve success in your studies and produce many more offspring for the royal family!" After saying that, she gave a special look to the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess blushed slightly, and her hands clenched tightly inside her sleeves…

The Emperor felt a pang of sadness when he saw Li Jing in the crowd. Then he saw Li Chang, who was clinging to him…

"Your Majesty, it's time to put the Fourteenth Prince's marriage on the agenda."

The Emperor smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, I have already made arrangements for these matters."

She glanced at Consort Liang and said, "So what if you've been promoted? The Emperor ignores you, and your son's marriage is still in my hands!"
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager quickly added, "Little Fourteenth, what kind do you want? Tell your grandmother! Your grandmother will definitely find you a good one!"

Li Chang blushed deeply and chuckled foolishly.

The Emperor glared at him, then looked at Consort Liang, and finally said, "Consort Liang, if you have any thoughts, you can also mention them to the Empress Dowager and the Empress."

Consort Liang said somewhat shyly, "Your Majesty..."

The Empress immediately became alert, and the Emperor had already asked, "What?"

"Your Majesty, the Old Madam Zhao said that she has an idea regarding the Fourteenth Prince's marriage, and she will need to consult with Your Majesty later..."

This was a tactful way of putting it, while also saving face for the emperor.

Because the matriarch of the Zhao family was the emperor's grandmother-in-law, a position that was unique in the world.

The Emperor, who prided himself on his benevolence and filial piety, would certainly listen to her words. "Is that so... Little Fourteenth, you certainly have quite the influence!"

Li Chang chuckled, "Those who can arrange my marriage are all important figures; I certainly have a lot of influence!"

"You chatterbox... Have you taken a fancy to any girl? Has the old lady said anything?"

Li Jing answered for Li Chang, "Father, you have met the Zhao family's daughter, Zhao Yunqing."

The Empress's teacup trembled, spilling some tea onto her hand.

The crown prince thought about it for a moment, but didn't agree.

The Emperor did indeed have some recollection of her. "I still remember the chubby girl who wielded a wooden red-tasseled spear... How come she's reached marriageable age already?" He was somewhat moved.

"Very well, I will certainly heed the old lady's words!"

"Thank you, Father Emperor!" Li Chang bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Your Majesty..." Consort Liang was so excited that she knelt down before the Emperor.

Upon seeing this, Li Chang quickly knelt beside his mother and bowed again.

"Alright, alright! Get up quickly!"

The Emperor looked at Consort Liang. This woman had been in the palace for so many years, always quiet and obedient. She had never complained about not being promoted for so long.

The task given to Xiao Sisi... consider it a reward for her!

Thinking about it this way makes me feel a little better...

I have something to do today, so I'll just post one chapter now. Heading out.

Depending on the time it takes to complete the task, it may be late or just one chapter.

Sorry.