[2] The Whole Family Is Insanely Eavesdropping on My Thoughts

Chapter 261: Officials' Protest

The Eldest Prince sat in the lower seat, his head bowed low.

He could not understand what he had done wrong. His father, the Emperor, had always cherished his mother, Consort Hui. Yet, without warning, she was cast out of the palace.

Now, she was to spend her days in a secluded temple, forbidden from any visitors.

Even the concubines who had been close to her were sent to the Cold Palace.

He had pleaded numerous times for his father's mercy, but the Emperor, who had once doted on him, refused to even grant him an audience.

Instead, he was cast out of the palace, driven away.

To make matters worse, he was given a barren, remote city as his fief, with a decree forbidding him from ever returning to the capital.

A dark glint flashed in the Eldest Prince's eyes, his expression turning stormy.

Xuan Yin gently tugged at his sleeve. "Your Highness, His Majesty is looking at you."

He shot her a cold glare, making her shudder and lower her head, not daring to speak further.

The Empress Dowager sat at the highest seat, with Xie Yu Zhou beside her.

The palace was filled with laughter and merriment, cups clinking in celebration.

"Zhao Yang, come to Grandmother. Let me hold you," the Empress Dowager beckoned after the birthday congratulations.

Lu Chao Chao placed her milk bottle on the ground and toddled over with tiny steps.

"Little one, you haven't wished Grandmother a happy birthday yet," the Empress Dowager teased.

"Mother, don't make things difficult for her. She's only been attending school for two months, and the Grand Tutor has already summoned the imperial physician multiple times."

"The Grand Tutor speaks four languages fluently, yet was forced to resort to body language!" The Emperor rubbed his temples in exasperation.

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "Look at this little potato! Who would've thought she could drive the Grand Tutor to such a state?"

"She's not a potato."

"She's a baby T-Rex." Chief Minister Yuan added solemnly.

Now, every time he saw Lu Chao Chao, his eyelid twitched involuntarily.

The little girl clasped her hands behind her back, her large eyes filled with innocence, the small tuft of hair on her head swaying as she moved.

"Chao Chao is not a T-Rex. Chao Chao is good. Chao Chao is the best. Is there such an obedient T-Rex?" she protested indignantly.

The Empress Dowager laughed heartily. "Yes, yes, Chao Chao is the best. Grandmother loves Chao Chao the most."

Xie Yu Zhou secretly pursed his lips.

[Grandmother, I am no longer your favorite, am I?]

"Imperial Grandmother, I love you too! You will surely live a long and prosperous life..." The little one fished out two Longevity Talismans from her pocket.

The Emperor's eyes lit up.

"Chao Chao, your Emperor Daddy loves you too." He gave her a meaningful look.

"Love, love, love. I love you too," she said perfunctorily.

Though she spoke of love, not a single Longevity Talisman was offered.