The struggle for the throne among nine princes—I really don't want to be the crown prince.

Chapter 51 An Unexpected Joy

After throwing off his apricot-yellow robe, Shen Ye felt relaxed and at ease.

He felt that if there were a system at this moment, he might even hear the notification "Time as crown prince increased by one".

Accompanied by Zhou Bao, Shen Ye soon arrived at Chunhui Hall.

As the residence of the Empress Dowager, this place was not only built to be solemn and grand, but also exuded an air of nobility.

Such a grand construction naturally demonstrates that Emperor Qianxi was a filial son.

Although the Empress Dowager was not Emperor Qianxi's biological mother, Emperor Qianxi, whose biological mother had passed away, was extremely filial to this stepmother.

Of course, his filial piety should also be recognized.

Why did Emperor Qianxi cultivate the image of a filial son? Besides wanting to become a great emperor throughout history, he also hoped that his sons would set an example for him.

However, the final result was a huge uproar!
While secretly criticizing Emperor Qianxi, Shen Ye had someone inform him.

Soon, the fifth prince, Yunqi, came out.

The chubby Yunqi is still handsome, and he also gives off an air of nobility.

This prince, raised by the Empress Dowager, did not need to vie for the throne, but he lived a carefree and comfortable life.

She was someone Shen Ye envied.

He even felt that being transmigrated into this body would definitely be much happier than being the unlucky crown prince!

"Your subject pays respects to the Crown Prince." Yunqi was clearly taken aback when he saw Shen Ye dressed in princely robes.

The fixed impression he had formed in his mind was that the Crown Prince would not go out unless he was wearing an apricot-yellow robe.

When the Crown Prince travels, those who don't know better might mistake him for the Qianxi Emperor from a distance!
But now, this crown prince is surprisingly not wearing an apricot-yellow robe, which is quite unassuming.

Oh, it seems he wasn't wearing it a while ago either.

However, no matter how the Crown Prince dressed, Yunqi would not allow herself to be impolite.

After all, he wasn't vying for the throne, so he wouldn't offend the crown prince.

When Shen Ye saw Yunqi bow, he immediately helped him up and said, "Fifth brother, we are all brothers, why are you being so formal?"

Although Yunqi, who was being supported, did not kneel down, he spoke with utmost solemnity: "Your Highness, etiquette must not be disregarded!"

"This courtesy is enough to keep in your heart."

"It's too formal for us brothers to greet each other like this on ordinary days."

At this point, Shen Ye continued, "How is Grandmother's health?"

Although Yunqi was surprised by the Crown Prince's gentle and welcoming demeanor, she remained calm and composed on the surface, just as always.

"When the Empress Dowager came to Changchun Garden, she felt very comfortable staying there."

"The Empress Dowager just mentioned that you used the funds from the disaster victims to build Wanfu Garden to pray for her well-being, and she was very happy about it."

At this point, Yunqi turned to Shen Ye and said, "Your Highness, the Wanfu Garden you built is truly admirable."

"Not only did it provide a way for those disaster victims to survive, but it also did not cost the national treasury a single penny."

Even the princes and ministers were full of praise.

"Although they spent money, they got a house, so they didn't lose out!"

Yunqi's words weren't just flattery of Shen Ye. Although he hadn't been to the Court of State Ceremonial much these past few days, he was still aware of the news there.

The Crown Prince of the Court of State Ceremonial granted five half-price slots.

It was said to be a reward for ministers who were respectful and diligent in their duties and served the king.

This statement sparked open and covert infighting among many people in the Court of State Ceremonial.

This caused the officials in charge of the Court of State Ceremonial Affairs a great deal of trouble.

While they didn't care about the house, their underlings did, and even more so about their reputation. Moreover, with the release of these spots, numerous rumors began to circulate.

They said this was a favor bestowed upon the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers' offices, and that from now on, all the officials from these ministries would live here, so the property prices here would definitely rise, and the Shuntian Prefecture would also give special consideration to this place...

Various rumors stirred the interest of wealthy merchants in the city.

It's not easy for them to curry favor with the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers on a regular basis. If they could take the opportunity to become neighbors, wouldn't it be easier to say many things that are usually difficult to say?

As a result, a house that originally cost 100 taels of silver at normal prices, or 50 taels at half price, is now being offered 200 taels of silver to buy.

As Shen Ye listened to Yunqi's words, he felt even more that his brother was smart.

He still valued his brothers who had no ambition to seize the throne.

After all, while they might not necessarily follow him, they wouldn't attack him, the crown prince.

So Shen Ye smiled and patted Yunqi on the shoulder, saying, "Fifth Brother, you flatter me too much. I only took on the title; everything else was handled by the staff."

"I'm staying at Changchun Garden tonight too. I'll call the boss and the others over for a few drinks tonight."

Although Yunqi was reluctant to have too much contact with the Crown Prince, he knew that he absolutely could not refuse the Crown Prince's invitation, especially since the First Prince had also been invited. So he smiled and said, "Alright, I will certainly keep you company."

As they were talking, they entered the main room of Chunhui Hall.

The Empress Dowager was chatting with two elderly concubines when she saw Shen Ye enter. She stopped talking and asked after Shen Ye bowed, "Your Highness, are the disaster victims who repaired Wanfu Garden able to have enough to eat now?"

The Empress Dowager basically did not participate in matters of the court.

But this time, Shen Ye used the pretext of praying for her, and she agreed to it, so when she saw Shen Ye, she couldn't help but ask about it.

Shen Ye solemnly said, "Your subject has come here today to report this matter to Your Majesty."

"The construction of Wanfu Garden has now recruited more than 8,600 young and strong people affected by the disaster. Not only can they be fed, but they are also given fifty coins every day."

"My grandson has given the order that this money be distributed on time every day."

"With these fifty coins, they can buy some food for their family members who came with them, so they won't have to live on porridge."

"Now, all the disaster victims in Shuntian Prefecture are thinking of your kindness!"

The Empress Dowager is old and no longer gets involved in anything.

However, the Empress Dowager was very willing to do good deeds and accumulate blessings.

She put her hands together and said, "May Buddha bless us. If people can have enough to eat during this year of great disaster, then that is a great merit."

"If Your Highness doesn't have enough money, you can come to me."

"I still have some silver on hand."

Although he didn't know how sincere the Empress Dowager was, Shen Ye couldn't use her money. He smiled and said, "Grandmother, I have enough money here."

"When the princes and ministers heard that they were praying for the Empress Dowager's birthday, they all wanted to donate money."

"Grandson knows that Grandmother has always disliked bothering others, so he declined their kindness."

"The funds needed for the construction of Wanfuyuan have been prepared."

“After the disaster victims finished building Wanfu Garden, each of them was able to take three or four taels of silver home.”

At this point, he continued, "When I was observing the government in Daxing County, I picked up some trinkets. I've already asked Zhou Bao to give them to you, Granny Li. Grandmother, please take a look and see what you like. I'll buy some more later."

Looking at the polite Crown Prince, the Empress Dowager felt an even stronger unease.

She felt that she couldn't quite understand the crown prince in front of her.

However, she felt that without the arrogant crown prince of the past, he was easier to accept.

So after Shen Ye took his leave, she said to the Fifth Prince, "Your Highness is benevolent and filial. You may get closer to him in the future."

Hey everyone, a new week is about to begin, I really need all your support!
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(End of this chapter)