The group ate their meals with differing thoughts, occasionally glancing at the Emperor at the head seat. Seeing the Prince gently and affectionately feeding Daomang, their eyes flickered continuously with intrigue.
Across from the Second Prince and his consort sat Daohua and Xiao Yeyang.
Watching Xiao Yeyang skillfully pick out the dishes Yan Yiyi disliked and place more of her favorite foods before her, his natural gestures clearly showed he did such things often.
The Second Prince’s consort’s expression shifted slightly, and she couldn’t help but glance at the Second Prince beside her.
In the past, the Second Prince had treated her that well too, but ever since her elder sister-in-law offended the Emperor during her last visit, the Second Prince had become distant and cold, no longer as considerate and attentive as before.
Thinking of her humility and submissiveness in recent days, the Second Prince’s consort felt aggrieved. It was her sister-in-law who offended the Emperor, not her, yet the Second Prince blamed her for everything.
"I want to eat lion’s head meatballs."
Upon hearing Daomang’s crisp voice, the Second Prince’s consort unconsciously looked toward the head seat.
Seeing the Emperor smiling warmly as he fed the little girl, even forgetting to eat his own meal, a sudden idea formed in her mind.
The Second Prince was currently competing with the Crown Prince and others for the position of heir. The differences between them in other aspects weren’t significant, but now the competition centered on the Emperor’s favor.
If she could help the Second Prince win over the Emperor’s affection, his anger toward her might dissipate, wouldn’t it?
As the meal neared its end, Noble Consort An and others, seeing the Emperor doting on Daomang, began a wave of exaggerated compliments for the little girl.
Listening to the words below, Daohua couldn’t help but feel relieved. Thankfully, once the Emperor’s birthday celebration ended, they would return to Xiliang. If her twins were flattered like this every day, she feared it would ruin them.
However, before her sense of relief fully materialized, the Second Prince’s consort smiled and opened her mouth.
"Since Father Emperor is so fond of Daomang, why not keep her in the palace and raise her here?"
At those words, the entire hall became silent.
Daohua and Xiao Yeyang cast simultaneous sharp, cold glances toward the Second Prince and his consort.
The Second Prince’s expression changed instantly. In the current uncertain political climate, even the Crown Prince hadn’t sought to provoke the Residence of the Prince of Ping. Yet now his consort blurted out such a reckless suggestion without consulting him beforehand, infuriating him.
The proposal to keep Daomang in the palace might indeed please the Emperor, but handled poorly, it would irreparably offend the Residence of the Prince of Ping.
If this was such an obvious move, why had no one mentioned it until now?
He was well-acquainted with Xiao Yeyang’s capabilities. Though Xiao had spent years stationed in Xiliang, his prior role as Deputy Commander of the Jinling Guard was a testament to his prowess. If they opposed him, there was no guarantee that they’d emerge victorious.
The Crown Prince, Noble Consort An, and others from opposing factions watched the unfolding drama between the Second Prince’s faction and the Residence of the Prince of Ping with visible amusement on their faces.
The Emperor, upon hearing the Second Prince’s consort’s suggestion, showed a visible flicker of interest as he lowered his gaze to smile at Daomang.
The little girl not only closely resembled her late mother but also possessed a lively and innocent personality, easily winning his affection. Even when she babbled about mundane things, it helped him relax during moments otherwise consumed by responsibility. Spending these days together had made him somewhat reluctant to part with her.
Keeping her around for companionship didn’t sound like a bad idea!
Seeing the Emperor’s clear interest, the Second Prince ignored the icy stares from Xiao Yeyang and Daohua, stiffened his courage, and spoke to the Emperor:
"Father Emperor works tirelessly over kingdom affairs without pause, and I often feel deep guilt over it each time I see you. It pains me to not be able to share some of your burdens."
"Unfortunately, I am lacking in competence and cannot assist you effectively. Now, finding someone who can make you happy is a rare blessing. I sincerely hope that Father Emperor can experience joy every single day."
As the Emperor’s inclination grew increasingly evident, Daohua’s fists tightened. Her child was her own to raise. Even if Daomang had the Emperor’s affection in the palace, she didn’t see it as fortunate.
Having children separated from their parents at such a young age would make them insecure as they grew older, particularly in an environment as treacherous as the palace. Although the Emperor cherished Daomang, he couldn’t be by her side at all times. A child left unsupervised here could develop psychological issues.
Seeing the calculating glances of those eyeing Daomang, Daohua felt sheer hatred toward these people.
To achieve their objectives, they wouldn’t even spare a three-year-old child.
Still, Daohua didn’t feel particularly anxious. As Xiao Yeyang looked ready to stand up, she pressed him down to stop him.
Her master was still waiting for the twins’ return in Xiliang, and she refused to believe that the Emperor would insist on keeping Daomang in the palace if she brought up her master. There was absolutely no need to argue here and risk offending the Emperor.
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