Chapter 33

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Translator: Anne

Editor: Miqi

Proofreader: Ani

The empress was the biological mother of Prince Xian. Who didn’t know the intention behind her words? At this time, Prince Xian bowed and said, “This son is willing to share father’s and second brother’s worries.”

The emperor glanced at him and said, “It is tough for you to be this caring.”

Qiao Mei’s heart suddenly stirred, but she saw the crown prince was smiling, “Jinghao thanks elder brother for the trouble.”

Qiao Mei was secretly worried, this meant that the crown prince’s power would be diminished, she didn’t understand why the crown prince hadn’t refused. The crown prince held her hand gently, she realized that the crown prince had a sense of propriety, only then could she relax her anxiousness.

At this time, several young men dressed in fancy clothes rose from their seats and said, “This son would also like to share father’s and second brother’s worries.”

It was Prince Xia, Prince Ning and several other princes.

The empress’ expression changed slightly, the crown prince smiled and said, “It is rare that all brothers are as mindful. As soon as the Concubine Selection Contest for eighth brother ends, why don’t we arrange this together with father?”

The emperor looked quite pleased with his sons and nodded.

Prince Xian looked at the empress and motioned for her to not be impatient.

The important officials present in the hall had all their factions and supported different princes, but no one dared to speak out. Everyone knew that the emperor’s mind was unpredictable, and he hated factions the most. They were also very careful in court. Besides, it wasn’t proper to talk more about the affairs of the princes at this crucial moment when Prince Rui was about to get married!

The empress also understood this, so she didn’t dare to say anything else. On the other side, Eunuch Mo said, “Emperor, it is time.”

The emperor hummed faintly, “Have all the candidates arrived?”

Eunuch Mo replied, “Reporting to the emperor, after this old slave counted, this slave concluded that all candidates have arrived.”

“Very well, then assign each to one of the eight rooms.”

When they heard this all the candidates became nervous.

It was rumored that no one, excluding the emperor and Eunuch Mo knew the test questions.

Unlike what Qiao Rong thought, all the ministers had thought that the emperor’s decree had a reason.

Prince Rui’s mother, Imperial Concubine Chang was beautiful. When she was alive she received the most favor from the emperor and was well-known and well-dressed. Prince Rui was exceptionally intelligent in his early childhood and was extremely favored by the emperor. Unfortunately, after Imperial Concubine Chang’s death, Prince Rui developed a fever. After he had recovered from his illness his temperament had changed and his intelligence was damaged.

Concubine Chang was the descendant of a distinguished general. She not only had extraordinary countenance, but she also galloped into the battlefield. The emperor lost interest in Prince Rui as he had lost his mother.

This time, when Prince Rui went to battle, there was news in the palace that the emperor had told Eunuch Mo that even if Prince Rui was defeated, he would be rewarded. These words were very gratifying.

However, Prince Rui had won the battle, so the emperor’s liking for him only increased. Whoever became Prince Rui’s consort had very good luck!

Qiao Rong pulled Qiao Mei’s hand and urgently asked, “Elder sister, does brother crown prince know anything about the contest?”

Qiao Mei shook her head and looked at the crown prince, but he saw him looking at where the beautiful Qin Qiuyu was sitting.

Her heart clenched.