CHAPTER 473: CHAPTER 473: LOOKING AT THE SIXTH PRINCE

If someone said he was already a month old, I’m afraid they would believe it.

Thinking about how such a big child was birthed by his mother consort Lin Wanyi, he felt the pain just imagining it.

Suddenly, his little face expressed a significant emotion and he said.

"Mother consort must have been exhausted while pregnant with sixth brother, and undoubtedly in great pain during childbirth."

As he spoke, the Emperor noticed his expression.

Seeing this, he felt comforted in his heart.

There’s a feeling of pride in witnessing his son growing up and being considerate towards his mother.

Thus, comforting him, he replied.

"Knowing to care for your mother consort is a good thing. When she wakes up, take your younger siblings to visit her; she will certainly be happy."

"Yes, Father, rest assured, your son understands."

Then he added.

"In the future, I will certainly educate my younger siblings well, so mother consort does not have to worry."

The Second Prince pounded his small chest with determination, then gave a stern look at the Second Princess and Fifth Prince.

The meaning couldn’t be clearer.

The Second Princess is now almost three years old, becoming increasingly intelligent and clever.

Seeing her second brother glance over, she immediately pulled the Fourth Prince to her side as a shield.

This little prince, tender in nature, speaks and acts with softness.

Now seeing the second brother look at him, he sweetly gave a smiling face.

Leaving the Second Prince momentarily speechless.

Oh.

With these siblings around, it seems the headaches he’ll face in the future will be numerous.

On the other side, the Third Princess watched her younger siblings being well-behaved.

The affection in her eyes was evidently strong.

She preferred the quiet and well-behaved brother over the rambunctious one.

Thus, with soft murmurs, she gently planted a peck on the Sixth Prince.

Just when she was relishing the moment, a pudgy, chubby hand reached over.

Scooping her face and firmly planting a kiss.

The Third Princess turned back fiercely, only to see the Fifth Prince’s mischievous expression.

Then in his "half-baked" speech, he explained.

"Sister kisses brother, brother kisses sister."

He’s adept at finding a way out, but the Third Princess was rather indignant.

Her chubby cheek showed nothing but disdain for the Fifth Prince’s slobber.

Everyone seeing these little rascal expressions found it quite amusing.

Especially Mrs. Dong.

She was genuinely happy for her daughter having such blissful days now.

She regarded these children as her own grandchildren.

Thus had never treated them unequally.

Seeing them united made her very happy.

Noticing the Emperor holding the Sixth Prince for a long time, his arm might be sore.

She volunteered to step forward and said to the Emperor.

"Emperor, allow me to hold him."

"Alright."

Just right, the Emperor also had something to say, so he handed the Sixth Prince to Mrs. Dong.

When releasing, he was particularly careful.

And the Sixth Prince was in a sound, sweet sleep.

The Fifth Prince pouted, wanting to kiss the Sixth Prince’s face.

Unfortunately, he was intercepted mid-way by the Second Prince.

Seeing this, the Emperor thought it couldn’t be delayed further, thus taking the opportunity to say.

"The Fifth Prince’s attendant has been decided. In two months, the Zeng Family will come to see him, and there’s no need to go to the Prince’s Residence, merely to follow Zeng Konghou for two hours a day to learn the rules."

The Fourth Prince is even older than the Fifth Prince.

He hasn’t chosen an attendant either.

Why did the Fifth Prince get one first?

This stirred thoughts among those present.

Evidently, the Second Prince also understood the Emperor’s intention.

Zeng Konghou was initially the chosen attendant by Imperial Concubine Yi, meant for the Third Prince.

Yet later, for unknown reasons, someone from the Fang family was chosen.

Now it seemed "fortunate" for the Fifth Brother.

With Zeng Konghou and the Zeng Family around.

In the future, it’d be impossible for the Fifth Brother to stray.

Father must’ve thought of this, which is why he selected such an older attendant for the Fifth Brother.

The Second Prince felt happy for the Fifth Brother, and simultaneously perceived him as "pitiful."

Thinking of Zeng Konghou’s scholarly appearance, the Second Prince couldn’t help but shiver inside.

Promptly feeling his attendant Shi Ying was better.

Stable and straightforward, they got along excellently.

Poor Fifth Prince could only laugh foolishly, knowing nothing.

Still thinking he gained a playmate.

In truth...

He got a "half-dad" to educate him in place of his father.

The Second Prince looked at him with a gaze of "pity and compassion."

What the Emperor intended, the Second Prince knew.

The other madams also harbored different thoughts in their minds upon hearing this.

Especially Madam Dong.

The Fifth Prince’s future looked limitless, though the Dong Family tried hard to avoid suspicion.

Yet, in recent days, the madams she befriended, which one wasn’t coming for the Imperial Concubine and the Fifth Prince?

Thus they also hoped to rise with them.

If her grandson Xige could be among the Fifth Prince’s trusted aides.

There surely would be great accomplishments in the future.

Only, she knew this position would be highly competitive.

How could Xige stand out and have the Emperor approve?

She wasn’t quite sure.

Reflecting within, thinking she must discuss it with Eldest Master Dong once back.

They say knowing a child best lies with the father.

And being a mother-in-law with Madam Dong all her life, when the Old Madam Dong saw her eldest daughter-in-law’s pondering expression.

She couldn’t help but furrow slightly.

Who wouldn’t be envious of such immense wealth, and wish for a piece?

But the Dong Family couldn’t afford it.

The Old Master once told her the more their family kept a low profile, the more the Imperial Concubine and Fifth Prince could live peacefully.

So even if it pertains to the future of the family’s descendants.

She agreed with the Old Master Dong.

No attachment, no involvement, no competition.

Thus, after seeing the Sixth Prince, she respectfully said to the Emperor.

"I humbly request the Emperor’s forgiveness, for we have stayed in the palace for long, we should be leaving, staying longer might contradict palace regulations."

Listening to these words, the Emperor felt the Old Madam Dong had proper conduct.

He initially thought it wouldn’t matter, but remembered the Empress Dowager was in the palace too.

Therefore, he approved.

Then said to Dong Yuzhong.

"Let Qin An pick some fine fabrics and jade from the Inner Court Department and send them to Old Madam Dong and her family."

"Yes, understood."

The Old Madam Dong thanked profusely, then departed with her daughters-in-law and granddaughters.

Now Lin Wanyi, as an Imperial Consort, can naturally have her mother stay in the palace during the confinement.

Plus Second Madam Mrs. Yun, also stayed as part of the Imperial Physician’s role.

Legitimately.

Therefore, only the Old Madam Dong, Madam Dong, and Dong Qiuyue left the palace.

They came in one carriage, but upon leaving, they coincidentally met Dong Qiuyue’s husband, Doctor Xiao Dou.

Naturally, the couple bowed to greet their elders, then rode the Dou Family’s carriage home.

The Old Madam Dong and Madam Dong headed for the Dong Family.

On the way, Madam Dong was still contemplating how to introduce her grandson to the Emperor.