x payments were meager.The court is short of food now, and they know it.But to blame oneself for filling the huge hole in the imperial treasury, no one would be willing.Originally, I was thinking that...Jia Yin didn't insist, she took Shui Ling and Shui Yun back to the side hall to wash and change her clothes.

Shui Ling whispered, "Princess, shouldn't you try to persuade the princess She seems very unhappy, her brows are furrowed."

"No need," Jia Yin shook her head, "People have to grow up eventually. It's better to see the situation clearly sooner and become more cautious and steady, causing less trouble. It's much better than getting hurt and only then realizing."

Water Cloud nodded in agreement, "The princess is right. The princess has already lived a very comfortable life since birth, with wealth and status. If she was born into a peasant family, she would have to worry about feeding herself from the moment she was born. At this age, if she could marry well or avoid being sold into slavery, it would be considered lucky."

Shui Ling blinked her eyes a few times and actually smiled, “In that case, we're quite lucky. Even though we're maids, we're serving the County Lord. We always eat and drink well, and we won't be scolded or beaten even if we make mistakes.”

Last time I went home, my mother said that I was dressed with elegance and increasingly resembled a noblewoman. She told me to serve the county princess well!

Jia Yin and Shui Yun both laughed upon hearing this, this young lady is truly content and happy.

After a few words, Jia Yin instructed, "There's still a bowl of ice cream in the kitchen. You guys go eat it. Don't eat too much, or you might get a stomachache."

"Yes, Lady," Shui Ling and Shui Yun replied in unison, then retreated.

Jia Yin took out a bowl of peach-flavored ice cream from the space and put it on the table.

As expected, in a moment Mu Xu had climbed in.

He casually picked up a spoon and took a big spoonful of ice cream into his mouth. He let out a long sigh and smiled, “I’m melting! I’ve been dreaming about this bite!”

Jia Yin glanced at him, picked up her makeup box, tidied up the small accessories, and smiled, "There are many mosquitoes on the tree, it's good that you weren't eaten."

"Hee hee," Mu Xu laughed nervously, "You found out I lost my balance for a moment and almost fell."

Jia Yin was curious and asked, "I remember my stepfather said that two bodyguards were arranged beside me. Besides you, where is the other one"

Mu Xu waved his hand dismissively. "I haven't been in the palace long, I already sent them away."

Jia Yin guessed that he was afraid people would find out about him climbing through the window in the middle of the night, so she smiled and didn't ask any further questions.

Instead, Mu Xu said, "If I have nothing to do later, I'll go to the Earl's Mansion. Do you have anything you want me to tell your lord"

"Yes," Jia Yin hurriedly replied, "The Emperor is coming tonight and wants the Third Princess to marry sooner. I'm afraid there will be changes in court these few days. Let Uncle Two prepare himself, and prioritize stability above all else."

Mu Xu nodded and smiled, "I found some things, and I also guess that there will be movement at court. We both thought of going together, does this count as a tacit understanding!"

Jia Yin's ears were a little flushed, and she grumbled, "Who said we have a mind link! Hurry up and eat, after we finish eating, we'll leave the palace. I want to go to sleep early."

Mu Xu smiled with a sly grin, finishing the ice cream in three or two bites, then pulled out a small thing from his pocket and placed it on the table.

"Today I was walking down the street and saw this, thought you would like it, so I bought it for you to play with."

Then, perhaps afraid that Jiayin would not accept his words, he jumped out the window and left.

Jia Yin stepped forward, picked it up and took a look. It turned out to be a small raindrop stone the size of a child's fist. What was rare was its clear pattern.

Countless lines formed the black mountains, the deep green grasslands, and on the grassland there was a simple sketch of a small horse running hard...

Jiayin couldn't help but laugh. Mu Xu must have known she was a horse person and bought this to please her.

Wait a minute!

Jia Yin's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and she remembered something else.

Before, Lu Ge also wanted to give her a pair of jade horses, which she passed on to the third princess.

Could it be…

The lights in the side hall remained on for a long time that night.

The second day was the grand court meeting, where officials of rank five and above in the new capital had to attend.

Since the beginning of spring, there has been very little rain, resulting in a severe drought near Xindu. Crop reduction is already a known outcome.

But how to ensure a continuous supply is the top priority today.

An official said that they would organize the common people to dig canals and divert river water for irrigation.

Some officials suggested digging wells to combat the drought, while others proposed praying for rain through rituals.

In short, everyone expressed their opinions freely, and the court was as noisy as a vegetable market.

Liu Zhiheng couldn't help but chime in on the matter, being involved as he was. He played both sides carefully, offending no one.

As for Li Laoer and Mr. Wen, the two of them were lowering their heads to count the tiles.

Of course, their ears were wide open, letting everything in one ear and out the other. Even with the utmost respect given to this court, they did their best.

Half an hour later, perhaps tired from the clamor, all sides of the "battle" finally calmed down, restoring the court to silence.

At this time, Dazong, who was over seventy years old with white hair, walked out trembling and knelt down, saying loudly, "Your Majesty, the old minister has something to report."

"Uncle Emperor, please rise. Let's talk things through calmly." The Emperor quickly raised his hand, motioning for Yi the steward to help the man up, then offered him a seat.

Da Zong was laughing heartily, quite satisfied. He sat down calmly and confidently.

In this imperial court, only he could sit and speak with the Emperor. This was undoubtedly a matter of pride.

With this confidence, he spoke with a few less reservations.

"Your Majesty, although you are in good health, Tianwu needs a stable and proper succession. Shouldn't we establish a Crown Prince sooner rather than later"

"If the Crown Prince were to follow your guidance, with you teaching him by his side and making him as wise and valiant as yourself, then Heaven's martial prowess would last for millennia, ensuring an eternal reign of prosperity and peace."

No one expected Zongzheng to say such things, everyone was astonished.

Even the officials who were secretly napping widened their eyes, stealthily watching the emperor on his throne, afraid of missing any subtle change in his expression.

The Emperor first frowned slightly, then relaxed his expression and let out a soft sigh as he replied, "Uncle Emperor is right, I have also been considering this matter recently. But since it concerns the succession of Tianwu, we still need to be more cautious."

The crowd was utterly captivated, especially those officials who had already extended olive branches to the second prince and imperial consort. They couldn't help but feel a surge of anger and wished they could grab the emperor and shout at him.

What are you waiting for You only have one son. Why don't you make the second prince crown prince Do you plan on having more children!

Then the Emperor turned to several of his trusted ministers and asked, "What do you all think"

All six ministers were always by the emperor's side, deeply understanding the saying "serving a monarch is like walking with a tiger". At this moment, they all responded in unison, "Your Majesty is wise, we will obey your arrangements."

A hint of satisfaction flashed in the emperor's eyes. He addressed the court officials once more, "As for this matter, esteemed ministers, how do you think about it You may submit your thoughts to me in writing. We shall discuss it further at the next grand assembly!"

Having said that, he got up.

General Yi promptly shouted, "Retreat from court!"

Everyone quickly knelt down to see him off, and then they lined up and walked out.

The enthronement of a crown prince, this was a momentous occasion. Before even stepping out of the palace gates, people couldn't help but discuss it among themselves.

An official who loved flowers and frequently went about with Li Laoer cautiously approached Li Laoer and asked, "Master Li, what do you think of this matter"

Today I'm uploading two chapters. ~~ded. Not even a fly can get out."The emperor fell silent for a moment before rising to his feet.Yi Zongtang hurried to follow, with the little eunuchs carrying lanterns in front and behind him, like a...