frightfiction Chapter 654 Catch the week
Chapter 654 Catch the week
If it weren't for Concubine Xian, she would probably be taken to the Ministry of Punishment and subjected to severe torture like Zi'er.
He might even be charged with the crime of murdering the third prince, and end up in an irreparable situation!
Doukou silently kept this kindness in her heart.
There was a flash of surprise in Concubine Dun's eyes.
Although she didn't know what the purpose of Concubine Xian was, it was undeniable that she was cleared of suspicion because of Concubine Xian's testimony.
Concubine Dun bowed to Shen Zhinian and said, "Thank you, Concubine Xianfei, for your righteous words. I am very grateful to you!"
Shen Zhinian said calmly, "I am only telling you what I know, hoping to find the real murderer who murdered the Third Prince. Don't be polite, Concubine Dun."
If someone else testified, people would definitely not believe it and would even suspect that the other person was an accomplice of Concubine Dun.
But everyone in the palace knew that Concubine Xian and the concubines of Duke Dingguo's mansion were enemies.
Even the Empress Dowager's own niece, Liu, was demoted to a court lady because she hired someone to assassinate her.
The Empress Xianfei is willing to stand up and tell the truth, which shows how broad-minded she is!
This proves that she really cares about the third prince.
Although Nangong Xuanyu didn't say anything, the look in his eyes when he looked at Shen Zhinian was gentle enough that he himself didn't even notice.
He knew that even in the treacherous harem, Nian Nian had developed many ways to protect herself. Her heart was no longer as pure as glass as it was at the beginning. But her kind nature had never changed.
Princess Yun'an snorted in her heart. She didn't expect that Concubine Xian would step out to stir up trouble.
Even so, it cannot change the fact that she dislikes Concubine Xian.
The eyes of another person in the crowd became increasingly dark.
Unexpectedly, the plan was going smoothly at this point, but was disrupted by the virtuous concubine!
Zi'er has been dragged away for interrogation. After this episode, the third prince's first birthday ceremony will still continue.
The blessing ceremony began, and the official in charge of this matter from the Imperial Observatory stepped forward with a serious face.
In the center of the courtyard of the Yiku Palace, there is a solemn altar, on which are placed offerings such as grains, fruits, and silk.
The Imperial Observatory unfolded the blessing speech he had prepared in advance and read it solemnly.
At the end, he said: "...May the gods of heaven and earth, and our ancestors, protect the Third Prince and grant him a smooth life, happiness, longevity and health!"
The third prince was held by the nurse and stood beside him. His eyes were a little dull. He opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue, and saliva flowed from his lips again...
It's normal for babies in swaddling clothes to drool, but the third prince is already one year old and still drools...
Everyone subconsciously looked at Nangong Xuanyu.
Your Majesty will not be displeased with the Third Prince because of this, right?
Little did he know...if the Third Prince was a normal child, as the emperor's eldest son, Nangong Xuanyu would indeed be unhappy to see him like this.
They would also think that even when the Third Prince grows up, his talent would probably be mediocre.
But he had already known from Jiang Wange that the third prince was a child of the Tang family.
At this moment, the emperor just felt sad...
If Concubine Dun can raise the Third Prince well, he will also promise her a life of wealth and glory for her dedication in taking care of the Third Prince. Otherwise...
The eldest princess was held by Nanny Yuan and stood aside, following the officials of the Imperial Observatory, wishing her third brother a healthy growth!
The third prince was once raised by his mother, and they lived together in Yongshou Palace for a long time.
The eldest princess would visit her third brother and talk to him almost every day. Of all her brothers and sisters, she was closest to her third brother!
Although the third prince's mother is now Empress Dun, she still likes him very much.
It's just... thinking back to the good old days, and looking at the present, she no longer lives in Yongshou Palace, and can't even see her mother...
The eldest princess couldn't help but feel sad and had an urge to cry.
But she also understood that today was her third brother's first birthday party, and she couldn't spoil the mood.
While no one was looking, the eldest princess lowered her head and quietly wiped away the tears from her eyes.
This action could be hidden from others, but not from Nanny Yuan.
The former eldest princess was the apple of His Majesty’s eye and the happiest girl in the entire palace.
But now, she cries at the slightest provocation, which makes people feel heartbroken.
But Nanny Yuan could only sigh in her heart.
She had accompanied the Empress Dowager and spent so many years in the harem, and she had long understood that the closer a concubine was to an imperial heir, the more she would compete for favor.
Because mothers are honored by their sons, and sons are honored by their mothers. Once mothers fall out of favor, their children's status will also plummet...
For example, the eldest princess.
Although His Majesty's attitude towards her has not changed, and the Queen Mother treats her as the apple of her eye, with a mother like that, she is no longer the same as before...
Unless the eldest princess can come to her senses and recognize a concubine with a clean background and high status as her mother.
Finally, the prayers reached the final stage, and officials from the Imperial Observatory performed rituals such as burning incense and sweeping the ground.
Next comes the core part of today - the Zhou Dynasty celebration.
A wide red carpet was laid in front of the incense table.
Like in the folk customs, abacus, four treasures of the study, weapons, seals, and various treasures are placed on the red carpet, representing different ambitions.
The third prince was held by his wet nurse and placed on the red carpet to see what he would eventually grab.
Everyone watched this scene curiously.
The royal family members discussed with smiles on their faces.
Princess Qingyang winked at Princess Yun'an and said playfully, "Third sister, I heard that if you grab a pen during the one-year-old ceremony, it means you will be smart and have excellent literary talent in the future."
"Catching the seal means you will have power when you grow up."
"What do you think the Third Prince will catch?"
Princess Yun'an looked down on Concubine Xian's coquettish appearance, and she disliked Concubine Dun's flattery and her promotion by currying favor with Empress Dowager Liu.
However, the child was innocent, and she did not take her dislike for Concubine Dun out to the Third Prince.
Hearing Princess Qingyang's words, Princess Yun'an said, "Who knows?"
"But given Concubine Dun's personality, she probably hopes that he will get the seal the most."
After all, Concubine Dun raised the third prince just to climb up the social ladder.
Princess Wenshu had a hint of worry in her eyes and whispered, "If this is the case, the Third Prince will definitely become the target of public criticism..."
The three eldest princesses have already experienced how fierce the fight for the throne is.
Of their brothers, only the Emperor and the King of Jin survived...
But Concubine Dun was worried about something else...
A normal one-year-old child can already crawl.
During the time she raised the third prince, she found that his development lagged behind that of children of the same age in all aspects.
The Third Prince could crawl, but he staggered from side to side...
Can he really complete the Zhuazhou ceremony successfully?
If not, wouldn't it be a huge disgrace today...
The wound on the back of Concubine Dun's hand has been bandaged and applied with medicine.
She thought for a moment, walked to the other side of the red carpet, squatted down, clapped her hands to the Third Prince, and said with a smile: "A Jing, come to mother."