Chapter 247: Do You Dare to Accept It?

The news that the Emperor punished the Fifth Prince on a rainy night made the atmosphere in the court even more complicated. The Crown Prince was grounded. The Fourth Prince and the Third Prince kept a low profile and didn’t dare to say anything. The Fifth Prince was moved to Xianyang Palace, which was almost equivalent to being thrown into the cold palace. The Sixth Prince and the other princes after him were too young to achieve anything. In this way, the only one who could be said to have real influence was the Second Prince.

After realizing this point, many officials secretly threw an olive branch at the Second Prince. However, contrary to everyone’s expectations, the Second Prince ignored all the officials’ goodwills and only stayed quietly in his own mansion all day long.

Just as everyone was confused, the trial of the Jiangnan salt administration corruption case was hastily concluded. Twenty-one officials, big and small, including the Governor of Jiangnan, were all convicted and punished. Some were beheaded, some were exiled to desolate places, and others received heavy strokes that almost crippled them. After that, Baili Qingcang immediately issued a decree to the people.

According to the decree, anyone with concrete evidence could jointly submit a complaint to report on corrupt officials. Across the country, governments of various levels would set up a direct report department. Once the commoners submitted a complaint, the department must immediately report the matter to the capital. If someone concealed the fact and failed to report it, he would be directly beheaded after confirmation. If the contents of a report were verified to be true, the reporter would be heavily rewarded. If the contents of the report were false, the reporter would be clubbed or exiled.

This policy made the people applaud with joy. As a result, a positive and productive atmosphere appeared in the court, leading to political integrity.

Chu Junyi held a cup of tea and looked at Shen Ninghua, who was dressed in plain clothes, with a smile on his lips. “Ninghua, His Majesty quickly dealt with the matter of Jiangnan salt administration. I’m afraid the Crown Prince’s grounding will also be lifted.”

Shen Ninghua nodded. “Yes. We wanted to retaliate against the Empress by suppressing the Crown Prince, but it seemed that the effect would be greatly reduced.”

“Although it didn’t meet our expectations, it’s close. The Crown Prince doted on his side concubine and even allowed her to privately use the furniture made by her family in the backyard to harm other concubines who were pregnant with the Crown Prince’s children. Although His Majesty did not deal with her openly, he secretly arranged people to drug the side concubine. In less than two days, the position of side concubine would be taken by someone else. Moreover, after this incident, the Empress’ spies in the Internal Affairs Department were cleaned up once again and she completely lost control of the Internal Affairs Department. Well, the result is not bad.”

Shen Ninghua smiled and nodded. “That’s right. It’s better not to be too eager for quick results.”

“Yes, and we also got some surprises, didn’t we? Now that a large number of officials in Jiangnan have been dismissed, there are a lot of vacancies to be filled.” There was plenty of room for them to maneuver.

As the two of them were talking, Hong Ling quickly walked in. “Miss, there’s news from the Palace that the Crown Prince’s grounding has been lifted. The Emperor also asked him to receive the envoys from the Great Yue Kingdom.”

“I see.”

Shen Ninghua and Chu Junyi exchanged glances and smiled at each other. This was within their expectations. But no matter how well the cracks were repaired, the relationship between the Crown Prince and His Majesty would not be restored to its original state.

Ten days later, Bu Jinglan brought a large number of envoys to the capital. The Crown Prince personally led people to welcome them. He exhibited a gentle attitude and a moderate degree of etiquette, which restored his damaged image to a great extent.

Although Bu Jinglan reportedly came here for the memorial of Old Lady Xiao who had just passed away, after all, he was a prince, and a welcome banquet must be held for him in his capacity as a state guest.

Upon seeing Bu Jinglan again, Shen Ninghua could only feel the hairs on her body stand up bit by bit. Compared to the last time she saw him, he was much gloomier and colder. There was a faint smile on his lips all the time, and his narrow and long eyes looked gentle like water. However, if examined carefully, there were horrifying ruthlessness and bloodiness in them.

Shen Ninghua was exceptionally sensitive to human auras. The moment Bu Jinglan’s gaze fell on her, she couldn’t help but frown.

Baili Qingcang was unhappy with the Empress because of the Crown Prince. Although she appeared at the banquet together with him, she smiled silently at the side and did not have the slightest intention to speak.

Baili Qingcang’s attitude was much colder than last time, and he didn’t talk much, allowing the Crown Prince complete freedom to display his ability to entertain the envoys.

Baili Jinyi carefully organized his words, afraid that he would irritate Baili Qingcang again. “Sixth Prince of the Great Yue Kingdom and distinguished envoys, welcome to Da’an. I will drink a cup first to welcome you all.”

Bu Jinglan raised his wine cup and spun it slightly. The translucent jade-colored cup kept spinning on his fingertips. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

After drinking a cup of wine, Bu Jinglan turned to look at Shen Ninghua and said, “When I was in the Great Yue Kingdom, I heard the news of Princess Zhaohua’s wedding. Unfortunately, because of the long journey, I only sent a congratulatory gift and did not personally come to congratulate you. How about me taking this opportunity to toast to you?”

Shen Ninghua’s face was cold and her beautiful eyes didn’t carry a smile. “Thank you, Your Highness. But I’m expecting now and cannot drink alcohol. I’ll use this cup of tea to toast you instead.” Without waiting for Bu Jinglan to agree, she picked up a cup of tea and gently touched it with her lips.

Bu Jinglan chuckled softly. His cold gaze swept across Shen Ninghua’s belly, and his eyes were filled with a strong sense of interest. “Expecting? Then there is more to congratulate on.”

A cold look flashed in Chu Junyi’s eyes as he raised his cup and looked at Bu Jinglan. “Your Highness, it was your birthday some time ago, and we should have sent a gift. However, I heard that there was an epidemic in the Great Yue Kingdom, so I couldn’t go. What a pity! Allow me to toast you on behalf of Her Highness.”

At that time, tens of thousands of people died from the epidemic in the Great Yue Kingdom, and countless cattle and sheep died on the grasslands. This was supposed to be a time of national mourning, but someone reported that the Sixth Prince was drinking and hosting a banquet in his mansion. The Emperor of the Great Yue Kingdom was furious and called Bu Jinglan into the Palace to reprimand him. Naturally, no celebration was held for his birthday.

This matter could be said to be Bu Jinglan’s sore point. Chu Junyi definitely would not miss the chance to bring it up and mock him.

Bu Jinglan’s expression did not change. He raised his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. “Thank you, Lord Chu. I brought a lot of medicinal ingredients and nourishing materials with me this time. The most precious of them is the Iceberg Snow Lotus. It is very nourishing for pregnant women. I want to take this opportunity to give it to Princess Zhaohua.”

Shen Ninghua declined. “Your Highness, I do not dare to accept such a precious medicinal ingredient. I appreciate your kindness though.”

“Hmm? How is that possible? Someone, take out the Iceberg Snow Lotus and present it to Her Highness.”

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No one could tell whether Baili Qingcang was happy or angry, but Zhao Huiying’s expression darkened. Iceberg Snow Lotus was very rare. It was rumored that it can prevent the skin from aging and even restore it to the state of youth and vitality possessed by an 18-year-old girl. Bu Jinglan was actually offering such a good medicinal ingredient to Shen Ninghua. What was he implying? Was Shen Ninghua nobler than all the women present in his eyes?

Two pretty maids appeared wearing breast-length white dresses with white satin hanging on their bodies and lotus-shaped flowers made from white gauze at their necklines. They looked refreshing and immortal.

The two of them held a two-foot-long square white jade box as they walked to Shen Ninghua. They slowly knelt on the ground with their snow-white dresses sprinkled on the ground, which appeared as white as lotus flowers.

Many officials were dumbstruck by this scene. The beautiful women and the fluttering dresses, as well as the precious treasures in their hands, all these made them excited almost beyond their control.

The lid of the jade box was opened and a burst of cold mist spread out first. Only after the mist subsided bit by bit did the people beside Shen Ninghua see what was inside the jade box.

“Heavens, is this Iceberg Snow Lotus?”

“No, this isn’t an ordinary Iceberg Snow Lotus. This is twin lotus flowers on one stalk!”

Iceberg Snow Lotus was already very rare, and twins could be said to be unparalleled.

Bu Jinglan smiled carelessly as he stared at Shen Ninghua with a sinister gaze, as if he was a depraved devil holding a black sickle. “Princess Zhaohua, this is just a little gift to show my respect to you. Please accept it.”

Shen Ninghua’s lips curled into a faint smile. She looked at the jade box with a calm expression as if she was looking at an extremely ordinary object. “Your Highness, what do you mean?”

“Just a gift to Your Highness. No other meaning.”

Shen Ninghua suddenly sneered. “A straightforward person does not resort to insinuations. You are too boring by doing so.”

Bu Jinglan suddenly raised his eyes, and a smile flashed across his eyes. “Haha, what a Princess Zhaohua! You found it. It’s boring, really boring.”

Everyone was confused as to what kind of riddle these two were playing and why they didn’t understand a single word.

Bu Jinglan smiled faintly. He stood up and walked to the front of the two women. He took out a golden fan from his waist and pressed it against the jade box containing the snow lotus to push the box onto the table in front of Shen Ninghua. A faint cracking sound could be heard. Then, the entire table was covered with a layer of blue ice crystals.

“Ah, the table is frozen.”

“Heavens, if someone touches it with hands, he or she will probably be frozen into an ice sculpture.”

“Sixth Prince, what intentions are you harboring?”

Bu Jinglan raised his head to look at the official who had criticized him. “Why is this lord so excited? Iceberg Snow Lotus is exceptionally fragile. After being picked up, it must be stored in a box made of profound ice jade. Extreme coldness is its unavoidable characteristic. What’s so strange about it? Why did you suspect my intentions?”

Could people blame others for not reminding them of their ignorance?

Such unceremonious words made the official who had just spoken suddenly blush with anger. He angrily sat down and gnashed his teeth.

Bu Jinglan turned his head to look at Shen Ninghua, and his eyes lit up with joy. “Princess Zhaohua, this snow lotus can only be best utilized by you. Please accept it.”

Shen Ninghua looked at Bu Jinglan calmly and after a long while, she smiled and said, “Since your country has sent the most precious thing to Da’an, there is no reason to refuse. I will accept this gift on behalf of Father Emperor.”

As she spoke, she reached out her hand trying to pick up the box. This action caused the surrounding people to exclaim.

“Your Highness, don’t move it. You’ll be frozen.”

“Heavens…”

Shen Ninghua ignored the shouts around her. But the moment her fingers were about to touch the box, Chu Junyi stepped forward to stop her.

“Ninghua, you’re expecting. You shouldn’t lift heavy objects. I’ll do it.” With that, he reached out and picked up the box.

“Ah.”

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