The prince is more stable

Chapter 336: Clan Palace Banquet
Giving Zheng Chunhe a gold ingot was just a casual act by Zhao Xiaoqian. He didn't ask him for anything, but just wanted to establish a good relationship with Zheng Chunhe and make more good friends in daily life. This is also a kind of social etiquette.

Zhao Xiaoqian did not expect that Zheng Chunhe would reveal such confidential information to him after receiving the benefit.

If it weren't for Zheng Chunhe, how could the whispers in the Queen Mother's bedroom have reached Zhao Xiaoqian's ears?

So, sometimes unintentional acts of kindness can really bring unexpected rewards.

What was strange about Zhao Xiaoqian was that he had very little contact with Zhao Ji. The last time they met, they had a drink in a brothel and never saw each other again.

So what did I do to offend Zhao Ji that made him speak ill of me in front of the Queen Mother?

"Eunuch Zheng, the Prince of Suining said bad things about me in front of the Queen Mother. I wonder what he said?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked curiously.

Zheng Chunhe hesitated for a moment and whispered, "He said that the Duke of the County is becoming arrogant and relying on the emperor's favor. His words and deeds are becoming increasingly domineering. If this continues, it will probably fuel his ambitions..."

"He also said that the Duke has repeatedly favored the old party in the court. The brothers Su Shi and Su Zhe were both saved by the Duke. Now is the time to implement new policies, and the Duke's inclinations are very dangerous."

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed.

Sometimes the source of hatred between people is completely inexplicable, just like when you are walking on the street and glance at someone casually, a stranger runs up to you and asks "What are you looking at?", and then you hit him on the head with a brick, and the feud is formed.

Now all the relatives were lining up to enter the palace. Zhao Xiaoqian could only suppress his doubts in his heart and smiled kindly at Zheng Chunhe.

"Thank you, Eunuch Zheng. I'll remember this favor."

Zheng Chunhe was beaming with joy. Being able to make Duke Zhao owe him a favor, Zheng Chunhe had gained quite a lot tonight.

Leaning close to Zhao Xiaoqian's ear, Zheng Chunhe whispered, "Don't worry, my lord. I am loyal to you. If there is any news from the harem, I will help you keep an eye out."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled knowingly, "Eunuch Zheng has lived in the palace for many years. It seems that it is time for him to build up some property. Wait a few days and I will buy you a house in Bianjing. When Eunuch Zheng retires in the future, he will have a place to stay."

Zheng Chunhe was overjoyed. He tried hard to control his ecstasy, keep his expression calm, and hurriedly thanked Zhao Xiaoqian.

The two looked at each other and smiled, saying nothing.

Starting tonight, Zheng Chunhe is completely tied to Zhao Xiaoqian's boat.

The palace banquet was held in the Daqing Hall. After the clan members entered the hall, they sat in their seats according to their seniority and rank.

Zheng Chunhe took Zhao Xiaoqian alone to a side seat next to the main seat in the hall. This position was very conspicuous, as it was equivalent to sitting next to Zhao Xu.

Zhao Xiaoqian was a little embarrassed. He sat down in his seat with his head held high, not caring about the jealous looks from his relatives.

As soon as he sat down, a young man in gorgeous clothes came over and bowed to Zhao Xiaoqian.

"Your younger brother, Zhao Ji, greets Brother Zi'an."

Zhao Xiaoqian narrowed his eyes, then stood up and returned the greeting: "Brother Ji, long time no see."

The two of them were like good friends who had met again after a long separation, holding each other's arms and smiling.

Zhao Xiaoqian originally had an average impression of Zhao Ji, neither liking nor disliking him. After all, history had changed. This prodigal son might not be able to become emperor, and even if he did, history would unlikely to follow its original trajectory.

However, when entering the palace tonight, some words revealed to him by Zheng Chunhe made Zhao Xiaoqian wary of Zhao Ji.

This damn prodigal son is a complete mess as an emperor, but he is very cunning and says one thing to your face and another behind your back.

If he spoke ill of himself in front of the Queen Mother, would she tell Zhao Xu about it? If he thought deeply about it, would he also speak ill of himself in front of Zhao Xu if he had the chance in the future?
"Brother Ji, I haven't seen you for a long time. What have you been busy with recently?" Zhao Xiaoqian greeted with a smile on his face.

Zhao Ji also had a bright smile on his face and said, "I have never been very ambitious, so I can only make up for my shortcomings with hard work. Lately, I have been studying hard in the palace, and I have also been painting and calligraphy to entertain myself. I have also asked someone to get some rare stones from Taihu Lake in the south of the Yangtze River to please me."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded. He was indeed the infamous prodigal emperor. He was now pursuing his wasteful hobby and was not afraid that the heroes of Liangshan would rob his treasure of flowers and stones.

The two chatted and laughed, each of them smiling brightly and warmly. The scene of brotherly love and respect was so touching that it moved people to tears. At this time, Zheng Chunhe stood outside the palace gate and shouted loudly, "The Queen Mother and the Emperor have arrived."

Only then did Zhao Xiaoqian and Zhao Ji stop chatting, return to their seats, stand up and salute respectfully towards the palace gate.

Two rows of palace maids entered, and then the empress dowager slowly walked into the hall surrounded by the crowd. Behind her, Zhao Xu lagged behind by a shoulder and respectfully followed the empress dowager in.

The Empress Dowager's surname was Xiang. Her great-grandfather was Xiang Minzhong, the prime minister during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong. She was the empress dowager of Emperor Shenzong. After the death of Emperor Shenzong, she was made the Empress Dowager.

Unfortunately, Empress Dowager Xiang only gave birth to one son and one daughter for Emperor Shenzong, both of whom died young. The current emperor, Zhao Xu, was not born to Empress Dowager Xiang, but in terms of status, Zhao Xu still had to respect her as "Mother".

Only the Queen Mother and Zhao Xu entered the palace. The protagonist, Concubine Liu, did not show up. This was understandable. After all, she had just become pregnant with the dragon seed, so she had to be cautious in everything and it was not appropriate for her to appear in such an occasion.

After all the clan members paid their respects, they waited for the Queen Mother and Zhao Xu to take their seats before they sat down.

Next, the Queen Mother and Zhao Xu chatted with the clan members about family matters, such as the prince of this family and the duke of that family, asking about their studies, age, marriage, and all kinds of family matters.

Zhao Xiaoqian was arranged to sit next to Zhao Xu, probably at Zhao Xu's instruction.

While the empress dowager was chatting with the clan members, Zhao Xu turned his head and grinned at Zhao Xiaoqian.

Zhao Xiaoqian was suddenly stunned.

A strange smile, what do you mean?
"Zi'an, I've gone ahead. Concubine Liu is pregnant. Haha, I'm worthy of being you. I'm really awesome." Zhao Xu was in a very good mood at this time, his face flushed and he smiled smugly.

Zhao Xiaoqian twitched his lips and said, "I congratulate the emperor. The royal family has an heir, and the country has an heir. This is a cause for celebration for the whole world."

Zhao Xu laughed again and suddenly said, "I know Zi'an has married and taken concubines..."

Zhao Xiaoqian lowered his head and said, "Yes, I got married last year, and later took in a concubine."

Zhao Xu sighed complacently and said, "He has a wife and concubines. I wonder if Zi'an's wives are doing anything?"

Zhao Xiaoqian's cheek twitched. Zhao Xu's expression now really deserved a slap.

I knew tonight's banquet wouldn't be good. It hasn't even started yet, and you're already showing off. What's it to you whether my wife is pregnant or not? Do you have a throne for my son to inherit?

"My wives and concubines are not pregnant yet. I am ashamed." Zhao Xiaoqian said gritting his teeth.

Zhao Xu was furious at his lack of fighting spirit and patted his shoulder vigorously: "Zi'an, you must work hard and learn from me. Only by working hard can you reap good results. You will live up to the family tradition and be worthy of our ancestors..."

"...Your Majesty, it's time to serve the meal. I'm so hungry!" Zhao Xiaoqian said gritting his teeth.

"No rush, let's chat for a while." Zhao Xu was still not satisfied and obviously hadn't shown off enough.

Zhao Xiaoqian pointed at Zhao Ji on the other side and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you have a chat with Brother Ji? He is just like me, he hasn't laid a single egg."

Zhao Xu glanced at Zhao Ji and shook his head: "He's too young. There's no point showing off in front of him. I'd rather chat with Zi'an..."

Zhao Xiaoqian: “…………”

It's more fulfilling to show off in front of me, right?

A strange female voice suddenly came.

"Zi'an, it's been a while. The last time I saw you was two years ago when we were offering sacrifices to our ancestors in the Taimiao. During that time last year, you were ordered to fight against Xixia. So, it's been two years since I last saw you."

Zhao Xiaoqian turned his head and saw Empress Dowager Xiang looking at him with a smile.

Zhao Xiaoqian hurriedly stood up and saluted: "Your servant Zhao Xiaoqian pays homage to the Queen Mother and wishes her the best of luck."

(End of this chapter)