The next day, Qin Zhao woke up before dawn, eager to attend her first court session. She wanted to be early rather than late.
As she finished putting on her inner garments and donning her outer robe, she encountered a small problem while fastening her belt.
Although the steps for tying a belt were somewhat intricate for people of ancient times, with a bit of practice, one could easily master them.
However, Qin Zhao, being a princess, rarely had to dress herself, so she hadn't learned how to do it properly until now.
Just as she was reminiscing about how Shen Xue and Cong Han used to handle this, she felt a touch around her waist.
Qin Zhao lifted her gaze and saw Qi Yan Su Luo standing before her, saying, "Let me do it for you."
Qin Zhao nodded and replied, "Alright."
Qi Yan Su Luo, despite being a grassland princess, had involuntarily assimilated into the lifestyle of the Yue Kingdom's people. She was quite familiar with their attire.
In just a few swift motions, she successfully tied Qin Zhao's belt.
Qin Zhao leaned in and gently kissed the corner of Qi Yan Su Luo's lips, saying, "Thank you. I hope that from now on, every morning I'll be fortunate enough to have you tie my belt for me."
Qi Yan Su Luo responded, "The future is distant; let us focus on seizing the moment."
Qin Zhao disagreed, "Growing old together is also important. It accumulates bit by bit."
"In truth, there's no need to obsess over whether we can be together for a lifetime. Holding onto such an obsession will only burden us unnecessarily."
Qin Zhao's expression turned cold as she listened to Qi Yan Su Luo speaking so lightly. She grasped her chin and said, "Whether you like it or not, in this life, you must stay by my side!"
Qi Yan Su Luo didn't resist and obediently replied, "Yes, Your Highness."
Leaving the sleeping chambers, Qin Zhao entered the palace alongside Cong Han.
When they reached the South Gate, they found it crowded with carriages belonging to royal officials and ministers.
Cong Han waited inside a carriage while Qin Zhao alighted and walked to the Qian Kun Hall.
Inside the hall, it was bustling and noisy, resembling a marketplace.
Other princesses were evidently more enthusiastic than Qin Zhao, as she arrived relatively late.
As Qin Zhao stepped into the hall, she felt the discreet gazes being cast upon her.
She didn't shy away and openly observed the others in return.
She noticed that her court attire was different from that of the princes and princesses. While they wore purple and blue python robes, she wore a black robe with golden patterns.
Qin Zhao's unique attire sparked whispered discussions among the onlookers.
"Does Princess Zhaoyang always seek attention? Even during court sessions, she insists on wearing extravagant clothes!"
"Hehe, well, it's because she receives the Emperor's favor. Even if she does something out of the ordinary, His Majesty won't blame her."
"Ah, it truly makes one envious. I wonder how long His Majesty will continue to favor her?"
Fifth Princess Qin Yu overheard the gossip and worried that Qin Zhao might feel upset. She approached her and took her hand, engaging in idle chatter, trying to drown out everyone else's voices.
"Ninth Sister, you look stunning in this outfit! Look at mine; my court attire is so plain."
Qin Zhao replied, "Fifth Sister, this python robe suits you perfectly. It gives you a more commanding presence than when you wear a ruqun."
Qin Yu felt delighted at the compliment and said, "I think so too. The attire of ordinary women is too elaborate and inconvenient for movement. We should dress like this, whether for leisure or physical activities; it's much more convenient."
Qin Zhao was quite interested and asked, "Does Fifth Sister, as a princess, engage in physical work as well?"
Qin Yu nodded, saying, "If I don't do anything, my body feels uncomfortable and restless. Doing some physical tasks alleviates that sensation."
So I have some free time, and I let my servants teach me how to garden and take care of flowers.
Ninth sister, if you have time, you must come to my residence and have a look.
The peach trees I planted in the courtyard have already blossomed, and they are especially beautiful!"
"Alright, I will make time to appreciate the flowers."
As the two were chatting, Prince Qin Song approached.
Today, he had shed the disheveled appearance he had when he returned to the capital and spoke with enthusiasm, looking radiant.
Qin Song learned that Qin Zhao had been given court attire by their father for all the children, so he guessed that the emperor would be proclaiming the crown prince today.
And in terms of reputation, achievements, and even influence, he was the strongest among the princes.
He asked himself, who else but him could take the position of the crown prince?
And the one who had helped him the most was undoubtedly the Ninth Princess Qin Zhao standing in front of him, so he was particularly enthusiastic towards her!
"Ninth Princess, it's been a long time since we last met. I've missed you."
Qin Zhao nodded to Qin Song as a response.
Qin Song patted Qin Zhao's shoulder boldly and said, "Good princess, I will remember everything you've done."
Qin Zhao replied, "As long as Prince Qin doesn't repay kindness with enmity, I will be content, and there's no need for repayment."
After today, various forces would officially clash, and there was no need to maintain a facade of friendliness.
Qin Song thought Qin Zhao was joking and chuckled, "How could that be? Your sixth brother isn't that kind of person."
"Very well, I will remember your words."
At this moment, Zhou Quande's voice came, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Everyone hurriedly stood up and took their positions.
The princesses were visiting for the first time and were squeezed into a small empty space in front of the jade steps.
Qin Zhao's feet were stepped on, and she also stepped on others.
Qin Zhao cursed inwardly: That old Emperor, he had so many children and nowhere to put them!
Zhou Quande exchanged a glance with a guard, and the guard immediately made the courtiers step back, leaving a space for the twelve princesses.
Although the courtiers were dissatisfied, they still complied.
The Emperor walked through a side door and sat down in front of the dragon throne. The people inside the hall quickly stood in their positions, preparing to pay their respects.
Qin Zheng took a step ahead of everyone else and said, "No need for formalities."
Everyone shouted in unison, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
After they quieted down, Qin Zheng spoke, "Presumably, all of you ministers have guessed what I intend to do today.
You have been eagerly anticipating it for a long time, and I also feel that it shouldn't be delayed any further.
The matter of proclaiming the crown prince is the topic of this court session!
You ministers may express your opinions."
The ministers looked at each other, reluctant to be the first to speak.
Their hesitant and timid appearance annoyed Qin Zheng. He simply pointed to someone, "Xiao Ang Ming, you speak."
Xiao Ang Ming took a step forward and said, "I believe that, to avoid unnecessary disputes, we should follow the tradition of the Yue Kingdom and proclaim the legitimate and eldest son as the crown prince."
When Qin Lie heard Xiao Ang Ming's words, he straightened his chest slightly.
Xiao Ang Ming continued, "The Second Prince has been acting as the regent for the past few months, and although he hasn't achieved a great deal, he has made few mistakes as well.
If Your Majesty is willing to give the Second Prince a chance, given time, he is certain to perform even better.
Therefore, I believe that the Second Prince is the most suitable candidate for the crown prince."
Using such straightforward language, if an ordinary person had said it, it might have aroused the Emperor's displeasure.
But Xiao Ang Ming was an exception.
Just because he dared to speak up, he gained the Emperor's trust.
Sure enough, after listening to his words, the Emperor calmly commented, "Minister Xiao's words are true, but they lack originality."
He then asked, "Does anyone else have any other suggestions?"
When someone started speaking, the pressure on the others diminished.
Jiang Xun, the Minister of Works, said, "In my opinion, the Sixth Prince has performed admirably in handling the epidemic situation in Minzhou.
Not only did he save the people from the water and fire, but he also sold his own possessions to support the orphans and widows who lost their families during the epidemic.
The character and integrity of the Sixth Prince are beyond doubt.
If the Sixth Prince becomes the Crown Prince, he will surely gain the support of the people and strengthen our great nation, Vietnam!"
Qin Zheng said, "Minister Jiang's words are indeed true. Song'er's performance in Minzhou has been impressive."
Qin Song felt that Qin Zheng's attitude towards him at this moment was completely different from when they were in the Jingyang Palace. They were like two different people.
Although he found it strange, when he heard Qin Zheng affectionately calling him Song'er, all his doubts were cast aside. He felt as if he was floating, enveloped in paternal love!
Qin Zheng then repeatedly asked about each prince, and almost every minister mentioned them.
Until there was no more to ask or answer in the court, Qin Zheng said, "All of your suggestions have been made. Now it's time for me to share my thoughts."
He turned to Zhou Quande and said, "Speak."
