Chapter 1372: Princess Consort Did Not Hear Any Words
Chapter 1372: Princess Consort Did Not Hear Any Words
Chapter 1372: Princess Consort Did Not Hear Any Words
Editor: Henyee Translations
“But…”
“Princess Consort, that is the case!”
“…Yes, Crown Prince, I understand.”
“As long as you understand!”
The Crown Prince had no intention of prolonging his stay. After reminding Shao Yunduan not to forget about the New Year’s gift, he returned to his study.
Princess Consort breathed a sigh of relief, her hand resting on her chest. Her inner turmoil persisted, and she couldn’t find peace.
“Auntie, do you know why the Crown Prince is getting involved in such matters?” she inquired. It struck her that the Crown Prince’s remarks might have been motivated by concern for Qiao Xuan’s feelings.
Yet, the Crown Prince and Qiao Xuan had no apparent connection, so why would he care about matters in the backyard?
Auntie Fu offered a gentle smile. “Lord Shao is unique, and the Crown Prince has a particular regard for him. He must have his reasons for saying what he did, so perhaps it’s best to spare yourself the trouble.”
Hearing these words, Princess Consort found solace and replied with a smile, “You’re right.”
She sighed, reflecting on her actions. “Why am I doing this? It’s all for the Crown Prince! Lord Shao is the Crown Prince’s right-hand man and Minister Old Yun’s confidant. Lord Shao hails from the countryside and may not be well-versed in the ways of the nobility. There are no elders here to guide him, and Ms. Qiao isn’t a native of this province. I’m just concerned!”
“What if Ms. Qiao becomes upset? Lord Shao would be so embarrassed!”
Auntie Fu struggled to find the right words. She had repeatedly assured Princess Consort that Madame Shao was exceedingly polite. She had patiently taught her etiquette and decorum on multiple occasions, and Madame Shao had proven to be a diligent learner, attentively seeking guidance and asking numerous questions.
Madame Shao was the daughter of a concubine and hadn’t experienced much of the world. She lacked reliable elders to guide her, but she was far from being a troublesome woman. She certainly wouldn’t resort to causing public scenes.
However, it seemed that Princess Consort paid little heed to this fact.
Auntie Fu couldn’t fathom why Princess Consort seemed so insistent but knew that pressing further would only annoy her.
With a gracious smile, Auntie Fu offered, “Lord Shao is no pushover. I believe he can handle Ms. Qiao.”
Princess Consort had little choice but to adopt a more optimistic outlook. She smiled and said, “I hope so! If that’s the case, it’ll be a testament to his abilities. I shouldn’t worry too much.”
When the Crown Prince mentioned the New Year gift for the Shao Family, Princess Consort inspected the presents closely.
Among them were pairs of brocade pastry gift boxes, mushrooms (including pine mushrooms and silver ear mushrooms), sea cucumbers, abalones, shrimps, dried delicacies, and other rare seafood gift boxes. There were also six pairs of palace flowers, inner pouches, two jars of tea leaves, two jars of top-notch pear blossom wine, and lengths of brocade. They had selected the finest superior-class items and used elaborate gift boxes.
Coincidentally, the Crown Prince’s attendants had delivered the gift boxes from the Fourth Prince, prompting Princess Consort to arrange them neatly.
Curiosity piqued, she pointed to two individuals and instructed them to open the boxes. One box contained a green jade carving with flower motifs and a peony stove, while the other held a five-colored hollow cloud phoenix bottle.
All were tribute-quality items and exquisitely crafted, each worth at least 20,000 to 30,000 taels of silver in the market.
Impressed, Princess Consort remarked with a smile, “The Fourth Prince is truly generous!”