CHAPTER 1553: CHAPTER 1553: PEACE OF MIND

Zhulan first met the Fourth Prince. The Fourth Prince had some resemblance to the Crown Prince, being young and of short stature, with a tubby figure. Although he had a bit of a lively temperament, he was a prince, thus his manners were impeccable.

Zhulan exchanged a few words with the Fourth Prince and then asked someone to escort the Fourth Prince to her younger son’s courtyard.

Upon reaching the courtyard, the Fourth Prince relaxed his expression. Before entering the room, he announced, "Chang Xhong, this prince has arrived."

Chang Xhong hurriedly put on his shoes, and as the Fourth Prince entered, he greeted, "Greetings to the Fourth Prince."

The Fourth Prince waved his hand, "My mother said we are relatives, so formalities between you and me are unnecessary."

Chang Xhong chuckled without responding as the Zhou family and the royal family were relatives only by a distant connection, so he truly considered it naive.

The Fourth Prince scanned the room, his eyes filled with curiosity, "You have many peculiar things here. I haven’t seen this ship model on the market; where did you buy it?"

Thinking that these eyes were particularly discerning, Chang Xhong replied, "My second brother was stationed abroad for several years, and he bought this overseas. Allegedly, it was captured from a pirate ship."

The entire piece was carved from an ivory tusk, which he found exceptionally rare.

The Fourth Prince was very fond of it too but forcibly diverted his gaze. This was not his grandmother’s home; he rarely visited his grandmother’s place, where a mere glance could bring him anything. Here, at the Marquis Zhou’s residence, his mother had repeatedly instructed him to foster good relations with the Zhou family for the Crown Prince and also so he could live freely as a prince in the future, so he restrained himself.

Chang Xhong pretended not to see the Fourth Prince’s reluctant expression as he thought to himself, "Who isn’t a precious babe?" "Fourth Prince, please have a seat."

The Fourth Prince looked at the table on the small heated bed, "You have many kinds of fruit here."

Chang Xhong started to show off his brother, "My second brother is quite willing to spend silver; most of these were bought from foreign merchants by him. My mother prepared them especially upon knowing Your Highness was coming."

Suggesting they were not often eaten, as they were saved for special guests.

Despite the Fourth Prince’s lively nature, he was quite perceptive, showing jealousy, "Your second brother is truly generous."

Unlike his own brother, who, despite being a Crown Prince, was so stingy with him!

"Your Highness, please try some."

The Fourth Prince didn’t hold back. After the eunuch tasted the fruit, he ate readily. Even though he was a legitimate son, his portions were limited; the fruits of winter were expensive, and with the palace being frugal, his ration was reduced, and he couldn’t bring himself to eat his mother’s share. It had been a long time since he had eaten fruit so freely.

Seeing the Fourth Prince enjoying the fruit, Chang Xhong refrained from touching the fruit further, instead eating nuts, contemplating how sometimes the Fourth Prince’s life was less comfortable than his own. As the youngest son at home, adored by his elder brothers, he never lacked good food.

In the main courtyard, Zhulan was talking with Mrs. Tao. Mrs. Tao said, "We’ve eaten much from the Hou Residence this year. Haven’t we, Wong Wei obtained a lot of venison and freshly arrived in the capital yesterday? I personally brought over a deer, perfect for winter nourishment. Don’t hold back; if it’s finished, I will send more."

Zhulan replied, "Rest assured, I won’t be polite. However, did Wong Wei mention when he will return?"

"He did. He’s preparing to set off back already. He said that the tasks they’re responsible for have halted. I’m not exactly sure of the specifics, but it’s good that Wong Wei is returning. Yu Lu is pregnant, so it’s just right that he spends more time with her."

Zhulan felt stirred, sensing some disturbance at the Dongbei border; halting the construction project was prudent, as it’s better to withdraw now than face danger later.

Zhulan thought of her granddaughter, "I heard from my eldest daughter-in-law that Yu Lu has gained quite a bit of weight recently?"

"Indeed, she’s put on some rounds. The child isn’t restless; my family’s old lady said it’ll be a well-behaved girl."

Zhulan raised an eyebrow, "You also think it’s a girl?"

Mrs. Tao, deep down, hoped for a boy but couldn’t express it, chuckled, "Both girls and boys are cherished here, and we Wang family could use a legitimate daughter!"

Zhulan smiled, implying differently from what the elderly and Mrs. Tao said, "We’ll know once the baby is born."

Mrs. Tao said, "Our entire family treasures Yu Lu; since Yu Lu’s pregnancy, my daughter-in-law has been sending good things to the capital every month. If she weren’t indispensable over there, she would have been eager to come to accompany Yu Lu personally."

Zhulan, "..."

Better not. Her coming back would surely lead to more conflicts.

Mrs. Tao didn’t sit long before leaving, taking some fresh vegetables along. Mrs. Tao was unwilling to part with her great-grandson; being a generation apart, coupled with the Wang family’s thin offspring, Yu Lu’s eldest son was adored.

With the venison obtained, and due to the Fourth Prince’s visit, the kitchen was instructed to prepare some venison. As venison was too nourishing, not much was prepared; more vegetables were prepared instead.

In the afternoon, Zhou Shuren returned, and Zhulan said with a smile, "If it hadn’t been for someone sent from the palace to urge him, the Fourth Prince wouldn’t have planned to leave."

Zhou Shuren replied, "The Fourth Prince stayed too long this time; next time, it won’t be as easy for him to come."

Zhulan laughed, "I just realized that this Fourth Prince is also quite the foodie. Everything in our home seems excellent to him."

"The Emperor leads by example, and the palace exercises frugality. The princes’ portions have been reduced; the Fourth Prince, eating heartily at our home, would naturally be reluctant to leave."

Zhulan sighed, "In the future, should this Fourth Prince be able to leave the palace, he would certainly seek out Chang Xhong."

Zhou Shuren chuckled, "Our son is aware and won’t suffer losses."

"I just fear the Emperor matchmaking for Chang Xhong."

Zhou Shuren pondered for a moment, "That shouldn’t happen; Chang Xhong was named by the Retired Emperor, which is significant enough."

Zhulan’s expression lightened, "That’s good then."

The next day, in Pinggang, Chang Yi, who was an official in charge of receiving ambassadors, discovered upon reaching Pinggang that there would be a display of military might. Observing the Navy ahead, he exclaimed twice in surprise; the Navy’s actions were indeed substantial.

Ministry of Rites officials accompanied the various ambassadors to the viewing platform. Upon an order, the cannons were fired, with prepared old fishing boats in the firing range, sinking soon after.

Chang Yi’s eyes widened; taking the telescope from the guard’s hand, he raised a brow, wondering if the range had increased?

Quickly understanding, the cannons were improved with enhanced range, greater power, and more precision.

Chang Yi observed the Ministry of Rites officials’ excitement and pride, signifying the strength of the Imperial court.

Ambassadors from various countries turned pale, their faces stiffened, hidden agendas thwarted. Purposefully done, and infuriatingly, not a single piece of information had been relayed by the spy.

If Zhou Shuren were present, he might grin knowingly, as the cannons weren’t the most advanced, obviously withholding some power.

The journey back to the capital was quiet, and ambassadors were uneasy, fearing their mission wouldn’t proceed smoothly.

Chang Yi felt at ease, sipping tea in the carriage with an extremely relaxed demeanor. Initially anticipating dealing with probing ambassadors, the intimidation quelled them into silence.

Back in the capital at the Zhou Residence, Zhulan worriedly looked at Jiang Ping, "Your wounds have only partially healed and aren’t fully recovered yet. Can’t you wait until you’re completely healed before leaving?"

Jiang Ping felt guilty but had to leave, "Grandmother, the Imperial court needs intelligence from both countries, and I’m worried about Jiang An."

If not for fleeing back and losing too much weight, fearing exposure upon return, he wouldn’t have come home even injured. Now that he has mostly recovered, it’s time to set out again.

Zhulan felt distressed; she could not bear any harm coming to either grandson but had no choice, only able to advise, "Take plenty of medicine with you, pay attention to safety, and be cautious in everything. Everyone at home is waiting for your return."

Jiang Ping felt emotional, ultimately choosing nation over family.