jdhmnovel Chapter 374 A Crowd with Their Own Thoughts
Chapter 374 A Crowd with Their Own Thoughts
Chapter 374 A Crowd with Their Own Thoughts
The Prime Minister's wife arrived with her son, but not her daughter.
After all, they already had a daughter who was a concubine in the palace, so there was really no need to send another one in.
My youngest son, on the other hand, had just finished his exams, so I brought him to the flower viewing party to relax.
In addition, my youngest son is not young anymore, and it's time for him to be considered for marriage. This flower-viewing banquet is a good opportunity.
Those young ladies who had previously expressed interest in marriage could now be seen up close to see what kind of character they were. Those who were not particularly talented or beautiful could not enter the Liu family mansion.
Many people who bring their children to the flower viewing banquet have this in mind: some want to find a suitable partner, while others naturally want to marry into a wealthier family.
Even daughters of fifth-rank officials have a chance to become princes' wives or concubines.
Since His Majesty has not yet established a crown prince, everyone has a chance to gamble and try to gain merit by supporting the emperor. Naturally, their minds are active at this time.
Since it's a flower appreciation banquet, there will naturally be a segment where the young men and women of each family showcase their talents. Of course, whatever talents they showcase, they must be related to flowers.
It's not for any other reason than to match the festive atmosphere of this spring banquet with its blooming flowers, and to indulge in a bit of elegance.
Some people wrote poems, some played the zither, some played the pipa and performed dances; those who wanted to stand out naturally used all their skills.
Of course, as a prince of noble status, he didn't need to put on a show like a clown to please others; it was always others who pleased him.
The Empress Dowager, seated at the head of the table, was always smiling, appearing very kind and gentle. Every young man and woman who displayed their talents received a reward from the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager would whisper a few words to the Empress beside her from time to time, or chat with Princess Deqing. The noblewomen below would secretly guess which family's daughter the Empress Dowager had taken a fancy to.
Looking at the Second Prince sitting next to the Empress, she couldn't help but feel a little worried. It was true that the Second Prince had a noble status, but he really wasn't a good match for her.
What family would want their pampered daughter to spend her whole life with a fool? Even a princess of noble birth wouldn't do that.
Although the second prince was the only legitimate son, he was also the least likely to become the crown prince. The emperor and empress had tacitly accepted this, and the empress dowager must have known this.
Today's flower-viewing banquet might have been organized by the Empress at the instigation of the Empress Dowager, just to choose a princess for her foolish son.
For a moment, the ladies who had just let their daughters perform on stage felt a little regretful.
Even if she were to marry, she should marry a normal prince, even if it's the fourth prince who has just been released from confinement.
Although he made a mistake before, the Emperor forgave him. The Fourth Prince's maternal family is still the Ministry of Rites, and the Tong family's power should not be underestimated. They are not without the potential to compete in the future.
The eldest prince is not bad either. Although he is not the legitimate heir, he is the eldest son. The eldest prince's maternal family has military power. Compared with the fourth prince, the eldest prince seems to have a better chance.
There is also the Third Prince, who is gentle and refined, with exceptional abilities. He has a good reputation in the court and gets along well with many officials.
Besides, she seems to have a good temper. Even if she doesn't become the crown prince in the future, she will still be an outstanding prince. Marrying her wouldn't be too bad.
The ladies in the room analyzed the situation and concluded that, aside from the Second Prince, all the other candidates were still considered good matches.
The Empress sat at the head of the table, fully aware of what these people were thinking. Although she was angry, she did not show it on her face.
He secretly observed the young ladies sitting in the back. While not all of them were stunningly beautiful, they were all dignified and gentle, at least on the surface.
However, when it comes to marrying her own son, it's not enough for her to be gentle and dignified. She can't be someone who looks down on Chang'er, nor can she be someone who is short-sighted, vain, and only cares about wealth and status.
If possible, she wants to find a sincere and confidant for Chang'er, a woman who truly cares for and cherishes him.
That way, after I pass away, my son won't die alone or be bullied.
That's right, the Empress just wants to find a bride for the Second Prince, a "new mother."
She succeeded her as the queen mother and continued to take meticulous care of her son until her death.
No matter how well she takes care of herself, she can't stay with her son forever. After she passes away, who will truly care for their son?
Palace servant, slave, brother, elder?
It's impossible!
Although the Empress Dowager always wore a smile, she was still weighing in her mind which families' daughters were suitable to be the princes' consorts and which families' daughters were a good match for her cousin's nephew.
After all, it was a public banquet, and everyone presented their best and most glamorous side. Their true character could only be determined privately.
However, it's not a difficult thing.
Princess Deqing took a fancy to several young ladies, some of whom were talented, some gentle and charming, some sassy and clever, and others dignified and elegant.
Princess Deqing felt that any of them would be a suitable match for her nephew, not only suitable, but also quite good enough. It was her nephew who was not a good match for the ladies present.
Sigh, if any of those young ladies were to fall for one of her troublesome nephews, it would just be bad luck for that young lady.
Princess Deqing was completely oblivious to the fact that she was insulting her own nephew; her eyes were fixed on the young ladies present.
The look in their eyes suggested they wished they could kidnap one of their children right now and have a happy occasion at home.
"Brother Qin, why do your aunt's eyes seem to be glowing green?"
Huangfu Zhongwen held a low official rank and sat far from the head of the table, but he had excellent eyesight and could clearly see the expression on Princess Deqing's face.
Qin Mucheng could have sat in a seat further forward, but he switched places with someone else to sit next to his good friend, so they could chat and pass the time.
"No, there's no green light. Don't talk nonsense. I'll tell on you and have my aunt find you a good marriage, a strong young lady to keep an eye on you every day."
"Oh, no, no, no, it was just a joke."
Qin Muchen nodded, "That's the Fourth Prince. He was annoying when he was a child, but now he looks quite respectable."
Huangfu Zhongwen certainly knew the Fourth Prince. After all, the southern inspection tour along the river took nearly two months, and it took them and the Ministry of War to bring the people back from Linhai County, which took another two months.
Sigh, I shouldn't have come today. I have a deep impression of him, and he must have a deep impression of me too.
Don't let this not only fail to help Brother Jiang, but also create unnecessary trouble.
"Young Master Qin, Princess Deqing requests your presence."
A young eunuch came over and led Qin Mucheng to the head of the table.
"This is my good-for-nothing nephew. Oh dear, Your Majesty, you'll have to put in a lot of trouble. This child is such a worry!"
Princess Deqing cleverly steered the conversation towards the momentous matter of marriage...
Qin Mucheng had no choice but to let his aunt treat him like a commodity, showcasing and introducing him, like unsold inventory being cleared out in a clearance sale.
Qin Mu showed off his skills, and the Empress Dowager and Empress asked him questions. When he returned to his seat, he looked utterly dejected.
"What are you laughing at? Your grandmother is also anxious for you to remarry!"
Huangfu Zhongwen's smile froze on his face...