hem seemed more relaxed than everyone else, which was touching to see.Several young men from the village walked at the front, occasionally using their sickles to clear away weeds and tree branches and...The Minister of Rites was indignant and muttered under his breath, “Hmph, old fool! You’re afraid to come out, so you don’t even let us speak”

Several of his student officials gathered around and tried to persuade him.

"Your Majesty need not be upset. The Emperor is certainly going to establish an heir, it's just a matter of when." 。" Yeah, that's right. 。We too are doing this for the Heavenly Martial legacy. Even if we're impatient, we can rest assured that our hearts are pure. 。The rest of the officials looked on silently and then quietly went out. 。The whole uproar about the succession of the crown prince, it just ended like that. 。With the matter having been presented to the emperor, it's certain that he will accept it. I've already daydreamed about my promotion and riches. 。Those without a discount, were anxious and conflicted. Sometimes regretful, sometimes telling themselves to go with the flow. They even found their meals unappetizing because of their distress. 。In contrast, in the imperial study, the emperor rubbed his aching temples, took a sip of strong tea, and then picked up the list on his desk. 。The list was three pages long. The names on the first page were all marked in red. These were families and officials who had started fawning over the Noble Consort and the Second Prince early on, fully aligning themselves with them. 。The second page is a recent follower, commonly known as a fence-sitter, who has joined the second prince's side. 。The third page only lists seven or eight court officials by name. They were indeed loyal and, considering Emperor Taizong’s well-being, felt that establishing a prince early would be beneficial... 。And he only offered a bribe, without ever privately meeting with the Empress or the second prince, to secure benefits for himself and his family. 。The Emperor carefully read it over and added a few more sentences before saying, "Come here, send this list to Xilong Pavilion." 。Yi Zongguan stood not far from the desk, but he lowered his head, as if he hadn't heard anything. 。At this moment, a gray-clad old eunuch suddenly emerged from the corner of the room. He stepped forward, took the list with both hands, performed a respectful bow, and then retreated to the corner, disappearing without a sound. 。The Emperor finished the tea in his hand, pondered for a moment, then called out to Yi, the head steward, "My mouth tastes bland, and my heart is restless." 。Go to Zhi Lan Palace and see what those two maids baked today. Bring me a box back. 。" Yes, Your Majesty " 。"This old slave will go right away! Who knows, the princess and the young mistress might be enjoying jade melon, and this old slave could still get to sample some!" Yi the Head Steward replied with a smile, his mouth watering so badly it made even the Emperor chuckle. 。"Alright, go to Zhilan Palace for a good meal. That way you won't keep thinking about those jade gourds of mine every day." 。"

Yi Zong smiled and retreated a few steps, going out the door. As soon as he was outside, his face changed. He took two little eunuchs with him and quickly went to Zilan Palace." 。In the Zilan Palace, several young maids were watering flowers. They used small wooden water pots to sprinkle out a stream of water droplets, falling on the green leaves and flower petals. The air was filled with a faint scent of soil, making even this hot noon seem a few degrees cooler. 。Under the eaves, there were two rocking chairs set up. The third princess and Jia Yin each occupied one, chatting and sending grapes with ice cubes into their mouths, enjoying themselves immensely. 。Caixun and Shui Ling sat on small stools, sharing colorful threads, planning to braid a few strands. 。The thread used was leftover from wrapping the zongzi earlier, making good use of everything. 。Before the Dragon Boat Festival, Jiayin went back to Suijin Beach specially, bringing a lot of zongzi packed by women from the village and distributing them to villagers in several villages. 。As for the zongzi gift boxes from different families, they all come from Baiyun Guan, which is very convenient. 。While in the palace, Jiayin had only brought Shuiyun and a few dozen ordinary zongzi to show festive spirit. 。Yesterday at noon, the third princess saw the rice cakes in the bowl and suddenly remembered wanting to eat zongzi. Especially she wanted those with red bean paste and egg yolk filling. 。These two crafts are more complex, Jia Yin was lazy and didn't prepare at all this year. 。

In recent days, Jia Yin has also been a bit restless. Besides missing Mu Xu who is far away, the emperor's poisoning is like a sword hanging over her head, she doesn't know when it will fall.

Under the sword, everyone is vulnerable, and no one dares to say they will not be hurt. 。Although grandma and my mother were sent to Quanzhou, and almost all my brothers are no longer in Xindu. 。But Uncle Er, Uncle San, Brother Jiahuan, Brother Maoci, even Mr. Wen, and even the Liu family and the Jia family, are all relatives. She wouldn't bear to see any of them hurt. 。This anxiety made it hard for her to eat or sleep well. 。Like birds aware of an impending storm, powerless to fight back and nowhere to hide...At this moment, the three princes are eating zongzi, which is a good thing after all. When they're busy, they don't have time to think too much. 。So, last night I soaked the glutinous rice and prepared the ingredients. This morning, Jia Yin took Shui Yun and skillfully wrapped over a hundred zongzi. They were tied with different colored threads to differentiate the fillings. 。At this moment, a fragrant smell was wafting from the kitchen. 。At this very moment, Yi Zongguan stepped across the threshold of Zhi Lan Palace. 。He couldn't help but chuckle, "It's good timing! I wonder what the princess and the noblewoman are concocting again. This old servant is in for a treat!"The third princess and Jiayin both stood up and invited him to sit with them under the eaves. 。The third princess missed her father dearly and inquired about his daily routine and meals with great care. 。Yi Zongguan answered all her questions, which put the third princess at ease. 。At this time, Shui Ling ran to the kitchen and brought out several cooked zongzi. 。Everyone washed their hands and ate zongzi together. 。General Yi smiled and held a salted egg yolk, eating it mouthful by mouthful with satisfaction. 。Jia Yin was also about to peel another one for him, but he waved his hand and smiled, “Old servant is getting old, I dare not eat too much, if I can't digest it, I’ll be in trouble.” 。Thank you, princess! One of these delicious zongzi is enough. 。Having said that, he glanced around to make sure no one was present. Shui Ling and Cai Yun were both trustworthy, so he said, "Your Majesty's appetite is not good today, so I've been sent to check on you. If the Princess and the Miss have baked any delicious snacks, please bring a box back to Your Majesty." 。Who would have thought, the county princess packed zongzi 。Then let the old slave have a few more, so that the old slave can complete the task, shall we”

Of course, Jia Yin immediately agreed, and the Third Princess was also overjoyed, personally helping her father pack zongzi.

While taking this break, Yi the Steward again chatted with Jia Yin, saying, “Princess, I heard that you and the Princess played cards until very late last night The palace eunuchs and maidservants all yearn to be assigned to Zhi Lan Palace. They say that Zhi Lan Palace has good food, a kind mistress and master, and a lively atmosphere.” 。But staying up late is bad for your skin, so you should go to bed earlier tonight. 。"

Jia Yin's pupils shrank, and the next moment she was smiling back, "Alright, Head Butler," 。We were also idle last night, so we played for a while. 。Tonight, I'm definitely going to lock up and go to bed early. 。“ "Young Mistress is clever,” General Yi chuckled and nodded. 。Jia Yin forced down the pounding in her chest and called Shui Ling over to fetch a jade gourd. 。"Manager, while the jade melon quenches thirst, it is cold and should not be eaten too much." 。"Oh, thank you for the gift from the princess." 。"The old slave has taken note!" Manager Yi said happily, thanking him. After sitting for a while, he took his things and left. 。The Third Princess was a little excited and exclaimed, "We only sent a few zongzi. What if Father doesn't like them Why don't we go to Baiyun Guan outside the palace and pick up some ready-made snacks" Jia Yin quickly stopped her, "Don't even think about it! Look at how big the sun is! If we go out now, by the time we come back, we'll be as black as charcoal. It will take years to recover!" 。When you want to get married, just go out as a black-faced bride! Today's two updates are here ~~ well as settle accounts with the miscellaneous laborers from each village.The craftsmen were still on strike, but the miscellaneous workers from each village were overjoyed. Whenever they had a break...