Chapter 188.3
But Xiaobao had nothing to do with it. He focused all his attention on dealing with Emperor Hongjing.
Why not? Brothers should help each other. Thats what the books say, and thats what my father says.
Emperor Hongjing laughed. I didnt realize that your father would teach you this kind of reasoning.
But upon second thought, old fifth had indeed always been like this. He seemed cold on the outside but he was actually warm-hearted. From childhood to adulthood, old fifth had helped old sixth and old seventh many times. However, old fifth wasnt good at expressing himself so even now, there was still a gap between old fifth and the others.
At this moment, Yan Geer, who was being led down to change his clothes, arrived. Emperor Hongjing patted Xiaobaos shoulder. Alright, dont bother your Grandfather Emperor anymore. Go home quickly so that your mother wont worry. Grandfather Emperor still has some memorials to read, and they need to be read as soon as possible.
Okay. Xiaobao is leaving. Grandfather Emperor, dont read for too long. My mother always says that things should be done a little at a time and meals should be eaten one bite at a time. Theres no need to rush, and rushing wont help.
Your mother has a lot of common sense. Emperor Hongjing had heard a lot from Xiaobaos mouth. It was through Xiaobao that he knew that Yaoniang was a gentle and kind woman with high moral character. Otherwise, he wouldnt have agreed so readily when Jin Wang asked to promote her to a consort. In other words, his impression of her was quite high.
My mother is a good mother.
Xiaobao bowed and then withdrew with Yan Geer.
Li Dequan walked in from outside and stood by Emperor Hongjings side.
Now, Xiaobao had become famous outside. It was said that he was the best among the imperial grandsons, even surpassing the crown princes heir back in the day. It was also said that the eunuchs in the palace were blind to have provoked Qing Wang Manor for no reason.
Qing Wang and Jin Wang were on good terms, and the eldest sons of Qing Wang Manor and Jin Wang Manor were also on good terms. Now that the eldest son of Jin Wangs family served His Majesty every day and was greatly favoured by him, it was obvious the Ministry of Internal Affairs was seeking trouble for themselves.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs went three days without getting anything done, but they managed to settle the overdue payments owed to Qing Wang Manor. It was even Lu Hai, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who personally delivered everything to their door. As soon as this news spread, it caused quite a stir outside, with everyone expressing various forms of surprise, astonishment, and envy. However, behind closed doors, people whispered that the eunuchs in the palace had finally stumbled due to the eldest son of Jin Wang Manor.
Praising someone was one thing, but excessively praising them could lead to their downfall.
Especially now, everyone knew what was going on. It was obvious that Xiaobao was being pushed into the limelight to be made the scapegoat.
Upon hearing this news, Xiao Jirou hurried to Jin Wang Manor, not only to express her gratitude but also to apologize. She was well aware of Jin Wang Manors way of doing things, and this kind of rumour circulating outside would undoubtedly harm Jin Wang Manor and Xiaobao.
I originally planned to bring Yan Geer with me to apologize to Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law. Although he is young, he is also sensible. Now, his father is not here and Im really not good at scolding this child. Fifth Sister-in-law, no matter what, its our fault. If we really caused trouble for Fifth Brothers matter and harmed Xiaobao, my heart would never be at ease.
Its also because Im not capable enough as a mother that I couldnt handle this matter. Instead, I made the children worry and anxious. The two little ones even dealt with this matter behind our backs without discussing it first with the adults
Yaoniang had a hard time digesting Xiao Jirous words. When she looked up, she saw her crying. This was rare, as Xiao Jirou was usually a strong-willed person who rarely showed any weakness in front of others. This showed that she was truly worried.
Dont cry, its not Yan Geers fault, and its not your fault either. Although I go out less, I also know that this matter must have been deliberately stirred up by someone with ulterior motives. Dont think too much about it. Since the incident has already happened, we can only face it head-on. Your Fifth Brother will be back soon. With him here, nothing will go wrong.