Chapter 378 Full Moon
Chapter 378 Full Moon
On the fifteenth of April, the weather was fine and the sun shone brightly. The glazed tiles of the imperial palace gleamed in the sunlight, and the nine-tiered palaces stretched out in succession. Brocade was laid out along the imperial road, and ten-foot-long palace lanterns hung down.
Such grand attire was solely for the full-month celebration of the two young masters of the Duke of Baoguo's mansion.
All the court officials and their families who were invited to attend the event understood that the court had been completely overturned.
The factions of the Crown Prince and the Third Prince have long since vanished, and only one name remains, ranking below His Majesty: Yuan Cuo.
Liu Yuechu only left the Liu family's delivery room today and was finally able to get some fresh air.
However, the sedan chair that carried her out of the mansion had been replaced with a dazzling gold satin.
Previously forbidden colors and decorations were now freely used on the carriages, and even if a little bit of royal color was used, no one dared to stand up and scold them for violating the rules.
Yuan Cuo personally helped Liu Yuechu into the carriage. A warm stove, tea, and soft sheepskin blankets had already been prepared in the carriage.
The two little ones were also brought up, and fearing they would catch a cold, Yuan Cuo took a blanket and covered the mother and her two children.
The carriage set off slowly and steadily.
Liu Yuechu examined it carefully and couldn't help but sigh, "As expected, people with higher status are no longer ordinary. Even when the Liu family was wealthy before, they were not allowed to use a carriage with six horses."
The three horses walked side by side, and the width of the carriage was also increased.
Yuan Cuo had been indulging in luxury for a month and had gotten used to it. "I am also a lowly person, but I actually find that the little carriage runs very fast and makes things more efficient."
With three horses traveling together, there were naturally well-mannered attendants following behind and in front.
When people walk, their speed slows down.
Liu Yuechu clicked her tongue twice. "I'm quite comfortable here. I'm starting to regret not advising you to join the royal family." She teased him with the last part of her sentence, and sure enough, Yuan Cuo pinched her tender cheek. "Nonsense."
Liu Yuechu rubbed her cheeks; she had gained weight and looked particularly rosy after giving birth. Her improved complexion and the way she glared at Yuan Cuo seemed to ignite a passionate flame within him, making him almost unable to resist.
Unfortunately, it was in the carriage, and there were two little ones sleeping soundly.
The two whispered sweet nothings to each other, not daring to make a sound.
After all, when these two cry, it's like a thunderclap. The difference between having one child and having two is just too great; even they are starting to feel their ears are going deaf from all the shouting.
They soon arrived at the palace gates.
Cheng Hai personally came to the palace gate to greet them, saying, "His Majesty and the Empress have graciously granted permission for the carriages of the Duchess of Baoguo and the two young masters to enter today as it is a joyous occasion."
Yuan Cuo was not surprised and simply nodded in response.
Liu Yuechu was quite surprised. Although she had expected that Yuan Cuo's identity was extraordinary, the fact that his carriage went directly into the palace seemed a bit too much of a favor.
"It's just allowing carriages into the palace. Don't you think about how tired your husband is every day?" Yuan Cuo saw her astonishment and naturally understood what she was thinking.
Liu Yuechu had heard Lin Mengyu say that nowadays, all matters are discussed with Yuan Cuo by the court officials, and only after he gives his approval will they be reported to Emperor Qi Xiao.
Some court officials even privately referred to him as the "Hidden Prime Minister".
"The capable should do more work. Who made my husband so outstanding?" Liu Yuechu touched her chubby little face, then looked at him who had become as thin as a melon. "I'll ask the kitchen to make more delicious food for my husband to nourish him."
Yuan Cuo still didn't let go of her arms, and whispered in her ear, "I want to eat you."
"spit!"
"If Granny Fang hears this, you won't be allowed to sleep in the courtyard for another ten days!"
When Liu Yuechu recalled those days, Fang Mama couldn't help but laugh when she saw him looking at her like a thief.
Clear laughter and playful chatter rang out from inside the carriage, making Cheng Hai and the palace servants outside feel ashamed.
How long has it been since laughter was heard in this palace? Indeed, laughter always comes from the victors…
"Lord Duke, Lady Duke, we have arrived."
The carriage stopped; they had arrived at the palace where the full moon banquet was to be held.
The palace was already full of guests, mostly family members of court officials. Yuan Cuo was the first to get off the carriage, and then he helped Liu Yuechu.
The two little ones were carried by Granny Fang and Huajiao, following behind, and along the way, there were congratulatory voices on both sides.
As they walked forward, Emperor Qi Xiao and the Empress had been eagerly anticipating their arrival.
"Your Majesty and Empress Liu Yuechu thank you for your kindness."
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"
Liu Yuechu bowed to Yuan Cuo, but Emperor Qi Xiao showed her no interest whatsoever.
"Quickly bring this lucky star of the Great Qi to me so I can see him!" He was even more eager to see his grandson and granddaughter.
The Empress smiled and waved, but she knew better than to show any consideration for Liu Yuechu, "Quickly, give the Duchess a seat."
"After giving birth, even your bones are soft, and you gave birth to two at once. You are incredibly lucky and it's really not easy!"
The Empress specifically instructed that Liu Yuechu be seated next to her, even closer than the Crown Princess and Fang Ziqing.
Liu Yuechu also saw them and nodded with a smile.
The Queen also went to see the two little ones and naturally adored them.
"He's inherited the best features of both of you! The boy is handsome, and the girl is charming—it's absolutely adorable!" She genuinely liked him.
"Then you didn't hear them crying; their ears were almost deafened! This kind of unruly temper is unlike me." Liu Yuechu immediately shifted the blame.
Yuan Cuo nodded, "Not like me either. Perhaps it's a generational inheritance. My wife and I are not so arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable."
It's unclear who this sentence is directed at.
In any case, Emperor Qi Xiao had no choice but to swallow his grievances.
"Do you think you're someone to be trifled with? You're just being unreasonable. Which of the officials and their families in the Great Qi dares to come to my study to cry and make a scene?" Emperor Qi Xiao immediately began to bring up old grievances.
But his past grievances were not used as accusations, but rather as a way to intentionally build rapport.
The Empress would occasionally offer a few words of praise, creating a harmonious atmosphere, just like the royal family of the Great Qi had gained a grandchild. But to Consort Yu, this was like a poisonous needle, making her feel uncomfortable all over.
"Your Majesty, don't just look around, the time for the baby's first birthday celebration will be here soon."
The Empress glanced at her, who was deliberately interrupting, and gave the head steward of the Imperial Household Department a wink.
The head eunuch immediately summoned the eunuchs and maids to come forward, bring over a table, and arrange all the items.
Knives, guns, books, pens, and abacuses, as well as hairpins, jewelry, calligraphy, paintings, and snacks. The items are diverse, numbering in the dozens.
The palace staff were ready, but Liu Yuechu stepped forward to personally inspect the items. Later, the two children would be placed on the table, and they would be watched to see what they would grab. Naturally, these items needed to be checked carefully.
Her gaze swept quickly across the area, but she spotted a purse. The purse was bulging, and she had no idea what was inside.
Granny Fang noticed her gaze and immediately went to retrieve the purse.
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