"The palace has too many rules, and Jinrong is naturally innocent and unrestrained. It's normal for her not to want to come back. Besides, you and Auntie both misjudged the situation this time, causing Jinrong to be upset. It's fine for her to stay with us for a while longer. Moreover, you've entrusted so many matters to me. When I can't accompany Zhenzhen, Jinrong can at least keep her company and talk." Gu Sinian said unhurriedly, showing no awareness that Jinrong was a princess, as if she were his own close sister.
Emperor Chongwen liked Gu Sinian's attitude of treating them like family.
"Yes, yes, it's our fault." Emperor Chongwen sighed. "The Yan family has always had good family traditions. Who knew there would be an anomaly like Yan Liulang?"
"When a dragon gives birth to nine sons, each is different," Gu Sinian replied.
"Let's not talk about that troublesome fellow. Tell me, among the scions of noble families, which one is worthy of Jinrong?" Emperor Chongwen asked.
"Jinrong is not old yet, and she's a royal princess. What's the rush? Besides, Jinrong has just gone through this unpleasant affair. Do you think she has any intention of choosing a consort now? Let's take our time!" Gu Sinian said. "Moreover, matters of marriage are destined. You can't rush them!"
"Yes, what you say makes sense." Emperor Chongwen pondered and agreed. "Then, as you say, we'll take our time."
"Do you have anything else? If not, I'll take my leave from the palace." Da Feng Novel Network
Emperor Chongwen glared. "If there's nothing else, can't you just chat with me for a while? I rarely get to relax. Can't you let me relax a bit longer?"
"Alright, what should we talk about? You tell me," Gu Sinian said earnestly.
Emperor Chongwen chuckled. What was he thinking? Asking Gu Sinian to keep him company? Before he got married, he could barely utter a word. If you asked him something, he would only answer with 'yes' or 'no'. After marriage, he spoke more, but he was definitely not a skilled conversationalist.
Of course, he didn't know what he was like in front of Qi Zhenzhen.
"Alright, alright, you can go now." Emperor Chongwen waved his hand.
Gu Sinian bowed and retreated.
Emperor Chongwen sat alone for a while, then called for Sixi. "Go to Prince Qin's mansion and summon that troublesome fellow, Prince Qin."
Emperor Chongwen truly didn't want to get involved, but he had to. Setting aside their roles as sovereign and subject, they were also relatives. If he truly didn't intervene, others would see them as abusing their relationship with him. If Lu Heng misunderstood, it would be troublesome.
Prince Qin arrived at the imperial study shortly after. He looked bewildered, not knowing why Emperor Chongwen had summoned him. After all, he held no official position and rarely interacted with Emperor Chongwen except for palace banquets. The fact that Sixi had been specifically sent to his mansion to summon him had never happened before.
"Uncle, please sit," Emperor Chongwen granted Prince Qin a seat.
"Yes," Prince Qin sat down obediently.
"Nephew would like to ask you, how has nephew treated you and Prince Qin's mansion?" Emperor Chongwen asked.
"Naturally, it has been extremely good." Prince Qin replied, confused. Even if it weren't good, he wouldn't dare to say so in front of Emperor Chongwen. Currently, their mansion only held the title, not real power. With just one misstep, the title could be lost. This was also why he hoped his grandson would enter officialdom. If he could enter officialdom, the Emperor, out of kinship, would surely favor him. Only then would Prince Qin's mansion have a future.
"Nephew has thought about it, and indeed, there is nothing nephew has done to wrong Prince Qin's mansion, so—" Emperor Chongwen's "so" made Prince Qin's heart race.
So what? Prince Qin desperately tried to recall if he had offended Emperor Chongwen in any way.