Huangming

Chapter 399 The Emperor's Favor with Consort Liang Leads to the Birth of a Dragon's Offspring

The night is dark.

The candlelight in the East Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace was still on, casting a flickering glow on the memorials on the table.

Emperor Zhu Youxiao of the Ming Dynasty put down the wolf-hair brush in his hand and gently rubbed his throbbing temples with his knuckles.

Having dealt with most of the day's political affairs, from the report on the withdrawal of troops from Liaodong to the tax reform regulations in Jiangnan, and even having to consider the unrest of She Chongming in the southwest, he could finally take a breather.

Tick ​​tick tick~
Only the sound of the water clock remained inside the hall, accompanied by the occasional night breeze passing by the window, creating an exceptionally tranquil atmosphere.

"Your Majesty, it is late."

Wei Chao walked in quietly, carrying a vermilion lacquered tray with more than a dozen ivory plaques neatly arranged on it. Each plaque was engraved with the title and surname of a concubine, and the edges were decorated with fine gold.

He gently placed the lacquer tray on the table, bowed his head, and spoke in a very low voice.

"Shall we choose a concubine today?"

Zhu Youxiao's gaze fell on the red plate.

There are quite a few brands on the plate.

Empress Zhang Yan's nameplate with the character "Zhang" is on the far left, next to Consort Liang Wang Wanbai's nameplate with the character "Wang". Following her are Consort Cheng Li Shuzhen, Consort Chun Duan Xiurong, Noble Consort Zhao Qingyue, Beauty Yu Peizhen, Consort Zhe Zhe, Hailanzhu, and Consort Xiaoyi Zhang Yun'er.
The signs were lined up one by one, and they had almost filled the red plate.

Of course, not all the concubines on this red plate can be chosen by the emperor.

Zhang Yan and Zhao Qingyue are both pregnant, and the Imperial Hospital has repeatedly instructed them to rest, so naturally, they cannot change their status.

Yu Peizhen is too restless and has been pestering him for new and interesting things lately. Today, he just wants some peace and quiet.

Zhe Zhe and Hai Lan Zhu were sent by the Khorchin, and they've really grown tired of playing with them these days.

Zhang Yun'er was too young and still looked somewhat timid...

So, there are only a few people left to choose from.

However, even with limited choices, it was still better than the Qing Dynasty emperors' harem.

Zhu Youxiao recalled the Qing Dynasty palace records he had read in his previous life. Many concubines in the harem had bound feet and plain or even ugly appearances, all under the guise of "abstaining from extravagance and debauchery and consolidating the foundation of the country."

He shook his head inwardly.

"If you become emperor and can't even get close to the best women in the land, what's the point of sitting on the dragon throne?"

Zhu Youxiao did not want such "restraint." The women in his harem were all outstanding women selected from various places. Some were gentle, some were aloof, and some were lively. Each had her own merits. This was the kind of atmosphere an emperor's harem should have.

Thinking of this, Zhu Youxiao looked at the plaque on the red plate.

The fingertip glided lightly across the plaque, finally stopping on Consort Liang's "King" plaque.

Zhu Youxiao picked up the plaque, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Let's go to Consort Liang's place tonight."

Wei Chao quickly replied, "This servant will go and convey the imperial decree, instructing Consort Liang to prepare to receive the Emperor at Yongning Palace."

As he spoke, he bowed and stepped back.

No need to rush.

Zhu Youxiao called him back, his gaze falling on the night outside the window, but his thoughts drifted to Yongning Palace.

Consort Liang, Wang Wanbai, was from Daxing County, Shuntian Prefecture. Her father, Wang Xueyuan, was originally a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. This year, because his daughter was made a consort, he was promoted to a vice commander. They were considered a noble family of moderate importance in the capital.

This Consort Liang was tall and slender. When she wore palace attire, she always exuded a cold and aloof aura that kept people at a distance. Even her speech carried a sense of detachment. The palace maids and eunuchs privately called her "the cold beauty".

But only Zhu Youxiao knew that this aloofness was just a facade.

Whenever he went to Yongning Palace, after she shed her palace attire, this "cold beauty" would let down all her guard on the bed, becoming a completely different person from her aloofness during the day.

This contrast is like a fine wine, crisp and refreshing at first taste, but with a lingering warmth upon closer tasting, which made Zhu Youxiao particularly fond of it.

Thinking of this, Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but lick his lower lip.

The fatigue from days of official duties seemed to be washed away at this moment.

Having a woman who can switch freely between aloofness and gentleness by your side can relieve a lot of worries.

"Have the Imperial Kitchen prepare some warm lotus seed soup to take to Yongning Palace later."

Zhu Youxiao gave the instructions, his tone becoming more relaxed.

"Consort Liang has been saying lately that she can't sleep well at night, and lotus seed soup can calm her nerves."

"The slaves obey the order."

Wei Chao bowed and agreed, secretly making a mental note of it.

His Majesty treats Consort Liang differently indeed.

Since the card has already been chosen.

Wei Chao immediately ordered a eunuch to announce loudly: "Prepare the carriage for Yongning Palace!"

The eunuch's clear voice pierced the stillness of the night in the Qianqing Palace, and the guards and eunuchs waiting outside the palace immediately sprang into action.

Zhu Youxiao boarded the imperial carriage and headed towards Yongning Palace.

Yongning Palace was originally the residence of the late emperor's concubine, and its regulations were already high. After Wang Wanbai was selected and promoted to the rank of Consort Liang, she was placed here.

The vermilion palace walls were bathed in the warm light of the palace lanterns, and the beasts on the eaves gleamed with a dark golden luster in the night. The faint scent of sandalwood wafted from the palace, making it all the more serene and elegant.

It does match Consort Liang's aloof temperament to some extent.

As soon as the imperial carriage stopped in front of the palace gate, Consort Liang, Wang Wanbai, was seen kneeling below the steps with her palace maids.

She wore a moon-white palace dress embroidered with magnolia flowers, the hem of which trailed on the bluestone slabs. She only had a single mutton-fat jade hairpin in her hair, exuding nobility in her simplicity. Even her kneeling posture was exceptionally upright.

Zhu Youxiao lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down, quickly stepping forward to help her up. He smiled gently and said:
"Get up, everyone. It's cold at night, don't catch a cold."

Zhu Youxiao touched the back of her slightly cool hand with his palm, then took it in his hand and led her toward the bedchamber.

Wang Wanbai paused slightly as he held her hand, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she obediently followed.

The bedchamber was warm and cozy.

Just as Consort Liang, Wang Wanbai, was about to speak, she saw the Emperor turn to look at her, his gaze fixed on her with a hint of heat.

Wang Wanbai was already tall, a head taller than most women. Even in palace attire, her slender frame was still evident. Unlike most of the petite women in the palace, she possessed a more heroic air.

Looking at her under the lamplight, her eyebrows and eyes held a cool and aloof air, yet her lips were moist and red from kneeling in welcome, making her even more captivating in the contrast.

The fatigue from days of government affairs dissipated at this moment, leaving only a bit of restlessness, and the thought of "driving a big cart" in his mind became clearer.

"Your Majesty, shall I pour some tea for you to warm yourself up?"

Wang Wanbai withdrew her hand, intending to pick up the teacup on the table, her voice soft and gentle.

"The Imperial Kitchen has also prepared jujube paste cakes from Daxing. I had them made them according to my family's recipe. Would Your Majesty like to try some?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhu Youxiao stepped forward and picked her up in his arms.

Wang Wanbai exclaimed in surprise, her slender hands instinctively wrapping around his neck. Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, even the tips of her ears turned pink. Her aloof demeanor vanished, replaced by the shy charm of a young girl.

"Your Majesty~"

She called out softly, her voice trembling slightly.

"Eat these later."

Zhu Youxiao looked down at her, his eyes full of laughter, his tone slightly teasing.

"Now, I'd like to 'eat' you first."

As he spoke, he carried her toward the canopy bed in the inner hall.

The palace lanterns swayed gently in the wind, and the light and shadows flowed on the curtains.

The curtains were half-drawn, and the sandalwood incense carried a touch of warmth. Soft murmurs and low laughter intertwined, creating an alluring atmosphere in the quiet of the night.

Half an hour later, the sounds inside the tent gradually subsided, leaving only the two people's shallow breathing.

Zhu Youxiao leaned against the headboard, and Wang Wanbai nestled beside him. Both of them had a light sheen of sweat on their foreheads and their cheeks were flushed.

Zhu Youxiao gently brushed her sweat-dampened temples with his fingers, tucking the stray strands behind her ears with a tender gesture.

Wang Wanbai buried her face in his shoulder, her fingers gently clutching his clothes, her breathing gradually becoming steady.

"Go wash up!"

Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "A bath for two."

Wang Wanbai's pretty face flushed slightly, but she still responded in a soft voice, "Mmm~"

Since taking control of the harem, the previous rules of the harem have become difficult to enforce on him as emperor.

otherwise
The idea of ​​bathing with imperial concubines would undoubtedly be opposed by many.

The harem is now a united front; what he does within it is unknown to his ministers.

after all
Once an official from outside the palace learns about what's going on in the inner palace, the inner palace will conduct a thorough investigation. Once someone who betrays the palace is found, there's only one word for them: death!
After Zhu Youxiao resolved the concerns of the eunuchs and palace maids and purged the inner palace several times, there were very few people willing to pass on messages to officials outside the palace.

After a while.

Side hall.

Zhu Youxiao and Wang Wanbai were immersed in the water side by side, the warm spring water washing over their shoulders and relieving their fatigue.

A few fresh petals floated on the water, swaying gently with their movements. Wang Wanbai leaned against Zhu Youxiao's chest, her cheeks still flushed, her eyes full of tenderness.

Zhu Youxiao originally only wanted to wash away the sweat, but the moment their skin touched, warmth and affection spread again.

Zhu Youxiao lowered his head and kissed her lips, his palm stroking her smooth back. The warmth of the hot spring water intertwined with their body heat, and another tender moment unfolded in the steam.

Water splashed gently, and soft moans and panting blended with the sound of the water until the two were exhausted again. Then they embraced and leaned against the edge of the pool, letting the warm water envelop their bodies.

After everything calmed down.

The palace servants had already prepared clean towels and winter clothes.

The velvet pajamas, trimmed with snow-white fox fur, are warm and soft to the touch.

With the gentle assistance of the palace maids, Zhu Youxiao and Wang Wanbai dried themselves off, changed into their pajamas, and returned to their bedchamber side by side.

The lotus seed soup on the table was still steaming, and the palace maid thoughtfully added some rock sugar.

Wang Wanbai sat beside Zhu Youxiao, holding a white porcelain bowl in her hands, sipping lotus seed soup.

The pleasure they had just shared filled her eyes with tears, her cheeks flushed a natural pink, and even the tips of her fingers holding the bowl had a faint blush.

She would occasionally glance at Zhu Youxiao, her eyes full of smiles. Her usual aloofness had long since vanished, leaving only the tenderness that came with being pampered.

As Zhu Youxiao ate, he watched her like this, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Indeed, to win a woman's heart, it's not enough to just show her affection on a daily basis; the conquest and tenderness in bed are also key to bringing two hearts closer.

Just at this tender moment, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

Wei Chao didn't even bother to announce his arrival at the palace gates; he rushed in, his face a mixture of panic and elation, his voice trembling.

"Your Majesty! Great news! Consort Zhao is about to give birth!"

"what?"

Zhu Youxiao dropped the porcelain spoon into the bowl with a clatter and stood up abruptly.

The momentary ease vanished instantly, leaving only a mixture of surprise and worry in my heart.

Zhao Qingyue's pregnancy was never very stable. Although the Imperial Hospital treated her every day, the risk of premature birth always existed. Now that she was about to give birth, how could he not be anxious?
"Quickly! Prepare the carriage for Kunning Palace!"

As soon as Zhu Youxiao finished speaking, he strode out of the hall.

Because Zhao Qingyue was pregnant, she moved into Kunning Palace three months ago to make it easier for Empress Zhang Yan to take care of her. She must be giving birth in Kunning Palace now.

"Prepare the carriage for Kunning Palace!"

The eunuch's voice, urgently and loudly conveying the imperial decree, rang out on the palace road.

Zhu Youxiao quickly boarded the imperial carriage and urged the guards, "Faster! Faster!" The carriage wheels rolled rapidly on the bluestone slabs, speeding towards the Kunning Palace.

Wang Wanbai stood at the palace gate, watching Zhu Youxiao's imperial carriage depart into the distance. The smile on her face gradually faded, replaced by deep envy.

She raised her hand and gently stroked her lower abdomen, whispering, "You must be strong... and come to your mother's side as soon as possible."

Flowers don't bloom for a hundred days, and youth never returns.

She can still hold her own in the palace now because of her looks and the Emperor's favor, but if new concubines keep coming, she will eventually grow old and lose her beauty, and without any children to rely on, she will end up lonely.

"A mother's status rises with her son's"—these four words were the most solid support for women in the imperial harem.

The lotus seed soup inside the palace was still steaming, but Wang Wanbai had no appetite for it. She just stared in the direction of Kunning Palace, silently praying that Zhao Qingyue would have a safe delivery and hoping that she would soon conceive a dragon child.

now.

Outside the greenhouse of Kunning Palace.

Empress Zhang Yan was dressed in a loose apricot-colored palace dress. Her five or six-month pregnancy was already quite obvious. She held onto the arm of a palace maid with one hand and gently protected her lower abdomen with the other. Her gaze was fixed on the vermilion curtain of the greenhouse, and her brows were furrowed.

Inside the curtain, Zhao Qingyue's painful screams came intermittently, each sound like a needle piercing Zhang Yan's heart.

She slightly tightened her grip on the palace maid's hand and murmured softly:
"Sister Zhao, you must hold on... This is His Majesty's first child, you must be safe and sound."

She was not only worried about Zhao Qingyue's safety, but also clearly understood the significance of this first dragon descendant to the harem and to His Majesty.

If the baby is born successfully, it will not only alleviate His Majesty's worries about the harem, but also bring stability to the continuation of the Ming Dynasty's bloodline, putting the court and the people at ease.

Just as Zhang Yan was feeling uneasy, a eunuch's loud announcement suddenly came from the end of the palace path:
"His Majesty has arrived!"

The sound pierced the night, carrying a rapid echo.

Zhang Yan quickly straightened her palace attire and was about to curtsy when Zhu Youxiao strode in.

"No need to be polite!"

He grabbed Zhang Yan's arm, his voice urgent, his breathing heavy.

"How is it inside? Is Consort Zhao... alright?"

This is his first bloodline since he came into this world. Ever since Zhao Qingyue was diagnosed with pregnancy, he has been constantly worried about her. Now that she is about to give birth, his heart is in his throat.

Zhu Youxiao held Zhang Yan's hand, his hand trembling almost imperceptibly.

Zhang Yan sensed her husband's nervousness and quickly reassured him:

"Your Majesty, please do not worry. Your Majesty, I have already selected three midwives from among the common people who are of good character and have delivered babies more than a hundred times. There are also female physicians from the Imperial Hospital on duty, and even two wet nurses have been prepared. All of them have been carefully vetted."

She paused, then added, "I have already given instructions regarding the precautions Your Majesty mentioned for childbirth."

Those folk remedies involving "divine talismans and water" are forbidden. The temperature in the warm room is kept constant, and the female physician checks the mother's pulse frequently. Even the previous palace rule that "no crying during childbirth" has been abolished.

She remembered that Zhu Youxiao once told her that it was normal for a woman to cry out in pain during childbirth, and that forcibly enduring it would only harm her body. He also said that the old saying that "crying out is unlucky" was just outdated.

Therefore, she specifically instructed the midwives that if Zhao Qingyue was in severe pain, they should let her cry out, without being bound by the empty pretense of "feminine virtue."

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's tense shoulders finally relaxed a little. He reached out and grasped Zhang Yan's hand, the warmth from her fingertips reassuring him considerably.
"The Empress is indeed very thoughtful. However, you yourself are also pregnant, and with so many people here, it's unsettling; you can't stay here for long."

He turned to his personal maid and gave her instructions.

"Quickly help the Empress back to her inner palace to rest, and prepare more heaters so that she doesn't get cold."

The palace maid quickly agreed and stepped forward to help Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan wanted to stay a little longer, looking into Zhu Youxiao's eyes with a hint of worry: "But here..."

"I'm keeping an eye on things here, so don't worry."

Zhu Youxiao gave her a gentle smile and patted the back of her hand lightly.

"Your well-being is more important than anything else. I will inform you as soon as Consort Zhao gives birth to her child."

Seeing the determination in his eyes, Zhang Yan finally nodded and, supported by a palace maid, returned to the inner palace, turning back every few steps.

soon.

Outside the greenhouse, only Zhu Youxiao and a few eunuchs and palace maids remained on duty. The air fell into an anxious silence once again, with only Zhao Qingyue's cries of pain coming from inside the curtain from time to time, tugging at everyone's hearts.

Zhu Youxiao paced back and forth on the velvet carpet, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the curtains of the greenhouse.

When a eunuch tried to offer him hot tea, he waved his hand, his mind entirely focused on Zhao Qingyue inside.

After an unknown amount of time, a completely different howl suddenly came from inside the greenhouse.

The sound was no longer one of suppressed pain, but rather carried a clear sense of relief. Then, a loud baby's cry, "Wah!" broke the silence!
Zhu Youxiao suddenly stopped in his tracks, his whole body trembling, and he almost rushed to the door of the greenhouse.

The midwife lifted the curtain from the inside, and a midwife dressed in blue cloth, holding a swaddled baby, knelt down with a joyful expression and loudly reported:

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations! Consort Zhao has given birth to a princess! Mother and daughter are safe and sound!"

The baby in the swaddling clothes was still crying, its loud voice brimming with vitality.

Zhu Youxiao's hands trembled as he carefully took the swaddling clothes from the midwife. Looking at the wrinkled little face inside, his eyes welled up with tears.

This is his child, a princess of the Ming Dynasty, and the first bloodline to continue on this land!
Zhu Youxiao carefully cradled the swaddled baby in his hands, his fingertips gently stroking the infant's wrinkled cheeks.

The little one's skin was as thin as a cicada's wing, with the warmth unique to newborns. Even his tiny fingers were curled into pink little fists, and occasionally he would unconsciously move them, gently scratching his palm, which made his heart soften suddenly.

The tension that had been building up due to anxiety instantly relaxed, and an unprecedented sense of connection spread through my veins, causing my eyes to involuntarily well up with tears.

He looked down at the still somewhat ugly face. Although the eyebrows and eyes had not yet fully developed, he could clearly see some familiar features.

These are his own flesh and blood!
"Your Majesty, the Empress is still waiting for you."

The wet nurse gently reminded him, pulling his thoughts back to the greenhouse.

Zhu Youxiao nodded and slowly walked towards the inner bed.

Zhao Qingyue leaned against the soft, plush pillow, her long black hair sticking to her pale cheeks with sweat, and beads of sweat still dripping from the stray hairs on her forehead. Her once bright eyes now looked somewhat dim.

She gazed at the swaddled baby in Zhu Youxiao's arms, her lips moved, her voice hoarse with the urge to give birth and filled with guilt:

"Your Majesty... I am incompetent and have failed to give birth to a prince, which has disappointed you."

As she finished speaking, she turned her head away, avoiding Zhu Youxiao's gaze.

In this harem, the idea of ​​a mother gaining status through her son was already ingrained in her bones. Although she was favored, she was also afraid that her status as a "princess" would cause her to lose the emperor's favor.

"Silly words."

Zhu Youxiao put down the swaddling clothes, sat on the edge of the couch, and gently wiped the sweat from her cheeks.

He saw the disappointment in her eyes, smiled, and spoke in a gentle yet firm tone:

"What's wrong with the princess? She is my eldest princess, the first imperial descendant of the Ming Dynasty. I should cherish and pamper her."

His gaze fell on the sleeping baby in the swaddling clothes, his eyes filled with warmth.

"I have named her 'Huiying.' 'Hui' means beautiful and virtuous, and 'ying' refers to a woman who is intelligent and outstanding. Our daughter should not only be pampered, but also have some spirit. She will surely become a blessed girl in the future."

Zhao Qingyue suddenly looked up, the dimness in her eyes gradually fading, replaced by an unbelievable joy:

"Your Majesty...you don't blame me?"

"What's your fault?"

Zhu Youxiao squeezed her hand, his tone slightly teasing.

"Is it your fault for giving me such a lovely princess?"

Seeing tears welling up in Zhao Qingyue's eyes, he said softly:

"You've just gone through so much suffering, and the fact that you and your baby are safe and sound is the greatest achievement."

"This time we had a princess, next time we'll have a prince, making a perfect family, wouldn't that be even more complete?"

These words were like a reassuring pill, putting Zhao Qingyue's mind at ease completely.

She gazed at Zhu Youxiao's gentle features, then at the infant in the swaddling clothes breathing evenly. A relieved smile finally appeared on her tired face, and tears slid down her cheeks, carrying a sweet feeling.

Sleepiness washed over her like a tide, and she gently clutched Zhu Youxiao's sleeve, her voice barely audible:

"Your Majesty... I wish to sleep for a while..."

"Sleep now, I'll be watching over you."

Zhu Youxiao tucked her in, watched as she closed her eyes and her breathing gradually became steady, before quietly getting up.

He turned to look at the midwife and female official kneeling on the ground, his tone regaining the composure of an emperor.

"During Consort Zhao's postpartum period, she must be carefully cared for. Her daily herbal medicine should be kept at the right temperature, and her wounds should be cleaned with warm water, not cold water."

The diet should be light and nourishing, avoiding raw, cold, and greasy foods; prepare two extra heaters at night to keep the Empress and Princess warm. If anything goes wrong, you will all lose your heads!

"This servant obeys! I would never dare to be negligent in the slightest!"

The midwives and female officials quickly kowtowed.

Seeing them covered in sweat, Zhu Youxiao smiled and said:

"You have all done a good job on this mission and will be rewarded."

He turned to look at Wei Chao, who was waiting to the side.

“Wei Daban, give each midwife fifty taels of silver and two bolts of brocade, and each of the female officials thirty taels and a bolt of plain satin.”

"The slaves obey the orders!"

Wei Chao readily agreed, took out the reward from the brocade box he carried with him, and distributed it to everyone.

The midwives and female officials accepted the rewards and kowtowed repeatedly, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

After finishing with the matters concerning the heated room, Zhu Youxiao glanced at the sleeping Zhao Qingyue and the infant before turning around and leaving the heated room. His steps were much lighter than when he came, and he headed straight for the Kunning Palace's sleeping quarters.

now.

Inside the sleeping quarters of Kunning Palace.

Zhang Yan was sitting on a soft couch by the window, holding a book in her hands, but she kept looking out the window, clearly still worried about Zhao Qingyue.

Hearing footsteps, Zhang Yan looked up abruptly and, seeing it was Zhu Youxiao, quickly stood up: "Your Majesty, Sister Qingyue, she..."

"Mother and child are safe and sound. It's a princess, and I will name her Huiying."

Zhu Youxiao stepped forward, gently took her hand, felt the slight coolness of her palm, and then put her hand into his sleeve to warm it.

"You don't need to worry. Consort Zhao is already asleep, and the arrangements for her postpartum care have been made."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan's tense shoulders completely relaxed, a genuine smile appeared on her face, and she gently stroked her pregnant belly.
"It's good that she's safe and sound. The princess is also very good. In the future, our children will have an older sister to keep them company."

Seeing how worried Zhang Yan was about Zhao Qingyue, Zhu Youxiao did not forget her contribution.

"You deserve the most credit for the stability of this harem."

Zhu Youxiao gazed at her dignified features and spoke sincerely.

“From selecting midwives and abolishing outdated customs to taking care of Consort Zhao’s daily life, everything was thought out in a comprehensive manner.”

You had to take care of your pregnancy while also managing the trivial affairs of the harem, yet you never made the slightest mistake.

With you here, the inner palace is safe and secure, allowing me to focus on the war and tax reforms in the outer court.

In the previous Tianqi Dynasty, many princes and princesses died young, and the harem was in constant turmoil due to the machinations of Madam Ke and Wei Zhongxian.

The fact that mother and child are safe and sound, and the harem is harmonious is not only due to Zhang Yan's early efforts to rectify the harem and eliminate treacherous officials, but also to her consideration for the overall situation and her meticulous management.

Zhang Yan blushed slightly at the emperor's praise and leaned gently on his shoulder: "Your Majesty is too kind. I was just doing my duty. As long as Your Majesty has fewer worries and the Ming Dynasty is at peace, I will be content."

Zhu Youxiao stroked Zhang Yan's hair, but his thoughts wandered.

With Zhao Qingyue giving birth to a dragon's offspring, the harem will gradually become more lively.

The education of princes and princesses also needs to be put on the agenda.

(End of this chapter)