Chapter 441: Chapter 428: Eating until Full and Bloated

“What does Fourth Prince think the Empress has in mind, extending her reach and meddling in Fourth Prince’s affairs?” Chu Jinnian did not refute Chu Yunzhao’s words but instead posed a retaliatory question.

What else could it be?

She’s simply bored!

Chu Yunzhao rolled his eyes, wanting to rant.

However, it was indeed rude to voice such a phrase. Without saying anything, Chu Yunzhao suddenly had a revelation.

Yes, she’s idle.

Then he might as well get her busy.

Concubine Liang just entered the palace but due to her being newly married, she has been very cautious. If this continues, wouldn’t it overinflate the Empress’s ego?

He should quickly ignite some drama in the backyard, forcing the Empress and the First Prince to be preoccupied with their own affairs.

Understanding this, Chu Yunzhao’s rage was instantly swept away. Jubilant, he instructed the maids on the side to prepare some snacks and wine.

Jing Zhao had already brought Liang Xuelin along.

Liang Xuelin, whose face was slightly flushed from a few glasses of wine, was even more thrilled upon hearing the invitation from Fourth Prince and Prince Qi, “Greetings to Fourth Prince and Prince Qi.”

“Young Master Liang, please, no need for such formalities.” Chu Yunzhao waved dismissively. “Please, take a seat.”

“My thanks, Fourth Prince.” Liang Xuelin had no qualms about it and sat opposite Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian. “May I ask what Fourth Prince and Prince Qi wish to discuss?”

“We’ve heard about Young Master Liang’s exceptional learning. Today, as it happens, we saw you at the Empress’s banquet and thought of inviting you over for a casual drink.” Chu Yunzhao said with a smile.

A more profound smile spread across Liang Xuelin’s face.

He had never before experienced the benefits of an ascension to greatness, but now he was truly feeling it.

Ever since his sister became the side concubine of the First Prince, those people who once looked down on him accumulated around him, always fondly calling him “Young Master Liang”. The flattering had not yet ceased. Now, he had also won the favor of the Fourth Prince and Prince Qi.

Though the Fourth Prince was likely not in line to inherit the throne, he was still the son of the much-favored Concubine Hui and a prince particularly favored by the emperor. Needless to say, Prince Qi is the eldest son of the emperor’s brother, loved by the Empress, and also greatly accomplished in court, hence highly sought after.

Chu Jinnian, who had always been called an iceman, always acted with restraint towards everyone, whether they came around to try to please him. It was unheard of for him to actively make friends with others.

Yet today, such an unthinkably honorable event took place and it was Liang Xuelin who was chosen.

Liang Xuelin was feeling quite pleased with himself. “Grateful for the esteem shown by Fourth Prince and Prince Qi. I am unworthy and will toast to Fourth Prince and Prince Qi first.”

Saying these, he lifted the cup in front of him and drained it.

Chu Yunzhao let out a faint smile and also drained his own cup.

“I have often heard in the palace that First Prince and Concubine Liang are a match made in heaven, with perfect astrology. Concubine Liang is truly a prosperous wife, and I believe she will have a limitless future.”

Chu Yunzhao raised his eyebrows and uttered with a smile.

As expected, he is changing the subject.

Liang Xuelin straightened his back and said with a bow and a smile: “Fourth Prince flatters us. My sister by all means is a naive woman. Fortunately, the Empress and First Prince do not find it unbearable. That’s why she got the favor of the First Prince. That’s my sister’s fortune.”

Chu Yunzhao laughed and responded, “The First Prince is always known as a man of honor and decency–the very person who understands the rules. Recently, I have heard that Concubine Liang is doing very well, much to the First Prince’s delight. I assume, because of his love for his wife, the First Prince must also favor Young Master Liang. ”

“Master Liang will definitely rise high soon and achieve a great deal in court. I congratulate Master Liang in advance.”

After hearing this, Liang Xuelin’s face turned pale, especially when he saw the almost non-existent smile at the corner of Chu Yunzhao’s mouth, he was visibly embarrassed.

He held no official position.

He had been living a somewhat easy life, taking advantage of his father’s position in court. However, his father couldn’t secure a post for him.

After his sister became the side concubine of the First Prince, he had thought that he, too, could raise his eyebrows and be proud like others. But every attempt to visit the First Prince, with hopes of advancing his career, got rejected.

Clearly, the First Prince didn’t think much of him, his brother-in-law, and had no intention of helping.

That left Liang Xuelin feeling frustrated and rather embarrassed.

Having Chu Yunzhao bring up the matter made it more difficult for him to save face, and his smile became awkward. “Fourth Prince greatly overvalues me. I am undeserving and cannot bear such a heavy responsibility.”

“Master Liang, why belittle yourself when you are in such a favorable position?”

Chu Yunzhao faintly smiled as if he didn’t care, “Even if you were to take several steps back, as long as Concubine Liang is there, Master Liang, your grand blueprint is simply a matter of time.”

“By the way, Jinnian, how’s that cat the Empress gifted you?”

Chu Jinnian answered languidly, “I’ve just been keeping it at home. You know very well that I’ve always been indifferent to such things. I only let the servants take good care of it and feed it well.”

“Such a valuable Persian cat, and you can bear to treat it this way?” Chu Yunzhao laughed, “But I guess so, after all it’s a gift from the Empress. Regardless of whether you like it or not, keeping it at home is enough.”

“It sounds cruel, but that’s the reality. Even if you don’t like the gifts from the Empress, you can’t neglect them. Even if that cat knocks over your jade vase at home, you can’t do anything and must still treat it well. This is indeed a great privilege for the cat.”

Chu Jinnian didn’t respond, but he didn’t contradict either. He took a sip of wine in front of him and nodded lightly after a long while.

Chu Yunzhao smiled again, turning to Liang Xuelin, “I’m sorry for leaving you out of our conversation, Young Master Liang. My mistake. I shall drink as punishment.”

“On the Contrary. I shall toast to Fourth Prince.” Liang Xuelin hurriedly lifted his cup and respectfully toasted Chu Yunzhao.

After a while of casual conversation,

A maid walked in hurriedly, bowed to Chu Yunzhao and Chu Jinnian: “Greetings to Fourth Prince and Prince Qi. The Empress asks me to taKE Prince Qi to her for some conversation. ”

“Acknowledged.” Chu Jinnian put down his cup and looked at Chu Yunzhao in front of him.

Before Chu Yunzhao could respond, Liang Xuelin promptly stood up. “I shall not bother Fourth Prince and Prince Qi any longer and take my leave first.”

“Safe travels, Young Master Liang.”

Chu Yunzhao got up and, together with Chu Jinnian, followed the messenger maid to meet the Empress.

“The Empress summoned you for something; why do you insist on dragging me along?” asked Chu Yunzhao with a furrowed brow.

“Precisely because I suspect that the Empress must have some errands for me, I thought it best to bring you along.”