Tianliangyuan

Chapter 468 I Don't Care

After Xu Zhaozhao went to the palace to express her gratitude, she had to prepare for the full-month celebration of her two children.

Although it was called a full moon celebration, it was actually delayed until more than forty days before it started.

The day before the full moon celebration, Emperor Yong'an issued an edict appointing Prince An, Li Jin, as Crown Prince.

However, the investiture ceremony was scheduled by the Ministry of Rites for more than a month later.

The full moon celebration for Xie Jingyan and Xie Jingsi, the two little babies, was naturally to be a grand affair.

All the prominent nobles and dignitaries in the capital vied to come and offer their congratulations.

Of course, there are also families that don't get along with the Xie and Xu families, such as the Jiang family.

However, no matter how much they disagreed in court, these private social engagements were still essential.

Even if you don't go in person, you still receive a gift.

Xu Zhaozhao gave birth only a month and a half ago, but her figure has already fully recovered.

When she appeared before everyone, everyone was amazed.

Anyone who has given birth knows that a woman's figure changes, and she may also develop blemishes on her face, lose hair, or even have loose, sagging skin on her arms.

However, none of these qualities can be seen in Xu Zhaozhao.

Xu Zhaozhao had only a light layer of makeup on her face, and when her slender hands were revealed, who would have thought that she had just given birth?

Xu Zhaozhao is wearing new clothes today, but the size hasn't changed.

This was originally made during her pregnancy. At the time, Peony specifically asked for permission. It was Xu Zhaozhao who wanted this size, and it fits her perfectly now.

"Hey, Zhaozhao, you haven't changed at all!"

After Xu Zhaozhao became pregnant, she rarely went out, especially after her belly grew bigger, she didn't even leave the Jinxiu Garden anymore.

Now, when some friends and relatives see her, they are naturally surprised.

Why is this exactly the same as before?

Xu Zhaozhao never showed her face at the front; the only ones who could see her were the noble ladies and wives who were invited in later.

Before the banquet even began, a decree was announced.

Everyone rushed to the front yard.

"His Majesty has a reward for you!"

Emperor Yong'an prepared quite a few gifts for the two little children, including fine silks, satins, gold and silver treasures. If you didn't know better, you would think that this was a dowry for some girl!

As everyone watched as loads of things were carried in, the empty courtyard was quickly filled with them, which showed just how high Princess Anle's status was in His Majesty's heart!

At this moment, who would dare to underestimate Xu Zhaozhao?

Of course, most of them originally didn't dare to underestimate Xu Zhaozhao, but there were always some who were envious and jealous.

For example, some members of the royal family, who consider themselves of noble status and of royal blood, tend to look down on people with different surnames.

Xu Zhaozhao, who is not of the same surname, was not only granted the title of Princess by His Majesty, but it was a real title. Now, all kinds of rewards are being sent to her. He really treats her like his own daughter!

The people in the palace haven't left yet, so no matter how resentful these royal relatives and noblewomen feel, they can only endure it.

These are the rules!

Some of the people who came to offer their congratulations appeared to be dressed in fine clothes and of royal status, but in reality, they had long since fallen on hard times.

Some members of the royal family, after inheriting the title, were reduced to dukes, but it was just an empty title with no real, good jobs. Their ancestral property was also sold off to cover expenses, etc. In short, those members of the royal family who were not valued lived a life that was not as good as those who were truly valued.

After Xu Zhaozhao and Xie Zheng expressed their gratitude together, they personally saw the chief eunuch off.

Upon reaching the gate, the head eunuch turned around and said, "Please wait a moment, Your Highness. His Majesty has given us some instructions. Since the young prince likes you and these two children, he will stay with you for a few more days. The young prince has been in poor health in recent years, so he rarely leaves the palace. His Majesty's intention is to let him see the scenery outside, so that he won't always be confined by the rules of the palace and lose his vitality."

"Please go back and tell His Majesty that I, Xu Zhaozhao, will take good care of the young prince. And since he calls me 'elder sister,' I should naturally act like one."

"Very well, this old servant will take his leave."

Xu Zhaozhao turned around and met Xie Zheng's questioning gaze.

"If you can't figure it out, don't think about it anymore. Things will work themselves out!"

Both the Xie and Xu families are preparing for weddings this year. The Xie family is mainly focused on the wedding of Xie Chan and Zheng Tuo, while Xie Qiao will have to wait a while longer.

There is nothing we can do about it.

If the other side is observing a mourning period, there's nothing anyone can do about it.

Since having two children, Xu Zhaozhao has rarely paid attention to outside affairs.

Xu Zhuzi and Song Qing were the people who frequented Jinxiu Garden the most. Occasionally, Gao Da Kui would bring Chang Sheng or Gao Chang Xin back to pay their respects and kowtow.

The young prince stayed at the Duke of Huguo's mansion, initially only for two or three days before returning to the palace, and then coming back to stay again after a while.

After several attempts, the young prince simply requested permission to stay there.

Xu Zhaozhao arranged for him to stay at Jinxiu Garden. The young prince occupied a courtyard by himself. He only brought one eunuch and one nanny with him when he left the palace. The rest of the servants were from the Duke of Huguo's mansion.

Xu Zhaozhao noticed that the young prince's attitude towards the nanny was not very good, and was clearly not as good as that of the eunuch.

"Ah Li, take a rest for a while, come and have something to eat."

Li Guang lives here not just for fun, but also to study.

His Majesty felt sorry for him, as he had been bedridden for so many years and had nothing to do except read. Therefore, His Majesty thought that he should go out for walks more often, and it would be best if he could learn to ride horses and shoot arrows, so as to improve his health.

But since we're living here, we can't just practice martial arts; we still need to study for at least two hours a day.

After Li Guang returned to the palace, the palace tutors would come to examine him.

"Sister, what kind of porridge is this? It tastes so good! I've never had it before."

"This is made with milk. You haven't had it before because I came up with this method. The ingredients in it are good for your health. They can replenish your blood and energy and help you grow taller."

"Thank you sister!"

Xu Zhaozhao smiled and watched him finish eating before asking, "I'm planning to go to Baiguoyuan to escape the summer heat in a few days. What are your plans?"

Li Guang's eyes lit up: "The Hundred Fruit Garden? I've wanted to go for ages! I heard they have lots and lots of fruit trees and flowers there, and lots of cranes too, is that true?"

Xu Zhaozhao nodded: "It's true. You want to go too?"

"Of course I want to!" Li Guang nodded vigorously, wishing he could go right now.

"You must first ask His Majesty for permission before you can go. And you must also remember to report to the Empress."

When Li Guang heard her mention the word "Empress," his eyes dimmed slightly.

"There's no need to report to Mother. She's only thinking about my elder brother, the Crown Prince, and my eldest grandson right now. She doesn't care about me."

Xu Zhaozhao raised her hand and gently tapped his forehead: "You're talking nonsense again! The Empress is just busy, not that she can't take care of you. You must be careful, and remember not to say such things again in the future, otherwise if someone with ulterior motives hears it, they will surely impeach you!"