The daughter of the emperor returned to Beijing and got into trouble with the abstinent prince.

Chapter 22 The undercurrent is surging
Jun Heng felt regretful every time he thought about it.

Yun Xiuyi, the eldest son of the Yun family, was among the military officers and was the commander of the imperial guards. If the second son, Yun Chengyi, had entered the civil service, he would have had a place among the civil officials and would not have been inferior to his eldest brother.

It's such a pity for such a talented young man.

"Thanks to your presence, the trade on the border of the Eastern Jin Dynasty has been getting better and better over the years. It is my blessing to have you like me."

Everyone has his own aspirations, and Jun Heng is not a pedantic person. After Yun Chengyi went into business, he not only became the richest man in the capital, but also had a great reputation among the four countries. He also made many contributions to the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, thank you for the compliment. It is because our country, the East Jin, is rich and powerful that we can attract neighboring countries to do business here. Your Majesty is wise and has opened up trade, which has given me this opportunity."

Jun Heng smiled and said, "Give the Yun family a thousand taels of gold, ten East China Sea pearls, and twenty rolls of Su silk."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward. I am deeply grateful."

At this time, Yun Han and Yun Chengyi knelt in front of the emperor to thank him for his grace. As the first reward on New Year's Eve, the Yun family won the emperor's favor.

"Prime Minister Yun, your two sons are both so capable. It seems that the Yun family has successors."

Jun Heng raised his glass to Yun Han who had returned to his seat.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

Yun Han stood up, took the imperial wine brought by the eunuch, and drank it all in one gulp.

"I heard that Prime Minister Yun has a daughter. Why didn't I see her today?"

The news of Duke Jiang's mansion seeking a bride has spread throughout the capital, and even the imperial palace has heard of it.

Yun Han raised his eyes and looked at the wife of Duke Jiang who was sitting opposite him, then bowed his head and said to Jun Heng:
"Your Majesty, my daughter grew up in Tianqing Gate and is not used to the climate in Beijing. She has fallen ill and cannot go out, fearing that her condition will worsen."

Even if Yun Qianyi didn't pretend to be sick, the Yun family and the Jiang family would find an excuse.

The situation in the capital is complicated now. Although Crown Prince Jun Yanci is deeply favored by the emperor, he is ill. In particular, the palace has heard that the diagnosis of the Imperial Hospital says that he may not survive this year.

Jun Heng, however, insisted on his own opinion and said bluntly that he would only pass the throne to Queen Shen's son and that no one else would be the crown prince.

Although the second prince Jun Chengxuan is mediocre, Concubine Hui has a noble status and is Jun Heng's confidant, so she is very favored in the harem.

The third prince, Jun Jinhuan, is the Prince of the Seven Pearls. His uncle is the left prime minister. He has a high reputation in the court and is deeply loved by the people.

As the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's Mansion and the legitimate granddaughter of Duke Jiang, Yun Qianyi would be dragged into these disputes if she was not careful.

As a civil servant, Yun Han paid the most attention to his reputation as an honest official. Duke Jiang, who held military power, had to be more careful about his words and deeds.

Jun Heng also gave many rare and nourishing medicinal herbs, and did not notice that his beloved son beside him had no appetite and kept touching the ring on his left ring finger with his right hand.

The little fox who was eating hotpot and drinking with me last night is feeling unwell today?

The reason why Jun Yanci came in so late was that he was waiting for Yun Qianyi.

He was always careful, so he had noticed that Yun Qianyi didn't like the rules of kneeling. He thought that bringing her in himself could save a lot of trouble.

But when he saw Yun Xiuyi's wife Wen Jingxian had already taken the table, he was sure that Yun Qianyi had not come. Otherwise, he would definitely follow Wen Jingxian.

What is she doing now on New Year's Eve?

Suddenly, Concubine Chun spoke:
"Girls really need to take good care of themselves. Jin Huan, tomorrow you should pick some of the best bird's nests and ganoderma from your mother's palace and personally deliver them to the Yun residence. By the way, you can also visit your aunt Jiang's daughter on behalf of your mother."

"Thank you for your concern, Concubine Chun, but my fourth sister's illness is easily contagious, so she is not suitable for seeing outsiders. I will take her back." Yun Chengyi stood up in time and politely declined Concubine Chun's offer.

Having said this, Concubine Chun had no choice but to give up.

At this point, Jun Heng remembered that Concubine Chun was a good friend of Jiang Shiyi, the legitimate daughter of Duke Jiang. She had met him in the back garden when she accompanied her to the palace to pay respects to Queen Shen.

Jun Yanci glanced at Concubine Chun who seemed a little disappointed, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly, revealing a barely visible hint of sarcasm.

"Father, I have to go back home to take my medicine. I'm sorry I can't stay with you to celebrate the New Year."

When Jun Heng saw him stand up, he quickly stood up as well and helped him put on the black fox cloak himself. He reminded him not to catch a cold and was very attentive, with eyes full of concern.

Only in front of him did he put away his imperial aura and look like just a kind father.

Just as Jun Yanci walked out of the imperial city gate, a large black shadow crashed into the carriage.

"Hey, Your Highness~"

It was Xuan Qi. He looked at Jun Yanci with tears in his eyes, like a young wife who had suffered a great injustice. He rubbed his forehead which had hit the car board, and then began to complain.

After hearing what Xuan Qi said, those peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly.

-

After the banquet, inside Yanning Palace.

Although Concubine Hui is over 40 years old, she has been well maintained and her eyebrows and eyes are full of charm. Not only is her appearance the most beautiful among all the beauties in the harem, but her personality is also as gentle as water, and she can often comfort Jun Heng.

"Your Majesty, Chengxuan made you angry today. I apologize to you on his behalf."

Jun Heng sat on the soft couch and reached out to help Concubine Hui, who was kneeling in front of him, to stand up.

"My beloved concubine, why do you have to do this? I know what kind of personality that child has."

Concubine Hui stood up and sat beside Jun Heng. She raised her hand to massage his shoulders and said slowly:
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Xuan'er has been straightforward since he was young. He just heard some rumors in the court and was anxious to speak out for the sake of his fourth brother's reputation. As an elder brother, he actually cares about His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, but he expressed it in the wrong way, causing Your Majesty to misunderstand."

The so-called rumors have never stopped since Jun Yanci became the crown prince at the age of twelve. They simply say that Jun Yanci is moody, tyrannical and cruel, and his methods are bloody.

"Those civil servants just have nothing to do and love to gossip. You don't need to take it to heart."

"Your Majesty is right. I know that Your Majesty cares the most about His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, but people's words are scary."

Having said that, Concubine Hui eased up the force of her hands and looked at Jun Heng who was thinking with his eyes closed.

In fact, he knew very well that the Third Prince Jun Jinhuan must have been behind the scenes fanning the flames. Concubine Chun was from the Gu family. Back then, the Gu family only had the eldest son who was a small Shaoqing, but after his sister entered the palace, he gradually sat on the position of Left Prime Minister.

It was after realizing the Gu family's ambition that Jun Heng gradually neglected Concubine Chun. Even though he conferred the title of Prince Qizhu on Jun Jinhuan, he was not allowed to have any contact with the military power.

On the contrary, it was Jun Chengxuan, who had mediocre qualifications, who made Jun Heng feel more at ease.

"I plan to entrust the protection of Chengxuan during this spring hunt. You must make sure Chengxuan performs well."

"Yes, I will definitely tell him well and not let His Majesty down."

Concubine Hui was overjoyed and knelt down to express her gratitude, with a dark gleam in her eyes.

(End of this chapter)