The Humble Family's Daughter Has A Spatial Pocket! novel Chapter 1164

Chapter 1164: Chapter 987, Deep Scheming

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Fu is seriously ill. Logically, as his junior, my son should visit him. However, Xiao Heng is currently engaged with official duties and can’t leave his post. I have a humble suggestion, but I am not sure whether I should speak?"

The Emperor glanced at Consort An, who was diligently attending to his meal, and after taking a sip of soup, he asked, "What is it you want to say?"

Consort An was unsure about the Emperor’s attitude, but for the sake of her son’s future, she steeled herself and said, "The Duke of Fu is far away in Xiliang with only Yeyang and his wife to attend to him. He must be feeling quite lonely. I was thinking that Xiao Heng should also fulfill his filial duty."

The Emperor chuckled, "You mean to have me send Xiao Heng to Xiliang as well?"

Consort An’s expression stiffened, "Xiao Heng has official duties and must stay in Beijing to assist Your Majesty with state affairs. However, Xiao Heng’s children can go to Xiliang."

"Your Majesty, young children are most adorable. With Xiao Heng’s son by his side to cheer him up in colorful clothing, I believe the Duke’s illness will improve more quickly."

Understanding Consort An’s intention, the Emperor put down his chopsticks with an indifferent expression, "Xiao Heng’s eldest son is only ten this year, and Xiliang is extremely cold. Would Yeyang and the Crown Princess be willing to let their son suffer there?"

Consort An replied with a smile, "If the Duke can withstand it at his old age, why can’t others? We can simply send more servants to attend to him."

The Emperor did not outright reject the idea but fell silent instead.

He always felt guilty toward his mother and uncle.

He had never truly fulfilled his filial duties by their side. Although Yeyang was with his uncle, Yeyang was Xiaojiu’s son, and his own lineage truly hadn’t done anything for his uncle.

Seeing the Emperor deep in thought, Consort An’s lips curled up subtly; she knew that the Emperor would agree.

As long as the grandson spent time with the Duke in Xiliang and developed a bond, they could later hint at the possibility of adoption through her maternal family. For the sake of the Gu Family’s legacy, how could the Duke refuse to adopt his grandson?

Consort An had this well thought out, but before she could revel in her plan, Consort Xian, Consort Shu, and Consort De came to see the Emperor together.

The Emperor raised an eyebrow at the trio, "You’ve come for the uncle’s illness as well?"

Consort Xian, Consort Shu, and Consort De were momentarily startled, then nodded with a smile.

"Your Majesty is wise indeed. We’re here about the Duke’s condition. The Duke is seriously ill, and our sons, like Xiao Qi, are worried and wish to send their own children to show their filial piety."

The Emperor laughed, but the mirth didn’t reach his eyes. He did not mind his consorts and several sons manipulating for their own gain—such was inevitable in the Imperial Family.

However, he greatly disliked that they were targeting their schemes at his uncle.

Losing his appetite, the Emperor stood up without giving approval or rejection, and simply left the dining hall, leaving the four consorts to their silent rivalry.

That same day, the Emperor called several Crown Princes to the Council Hall.

"Your mothers wish for your sons to accompany the Duke in Xiliang. What are your thoughts?" the Emperor asked calmly. frёeωebɳovel.com

The Fourth Prince was stunned to hear this, being the only one in the room unaware of the matter.

The Crown Prince was very displeased to learn that his brothers were also involved, competing not just with him but now with his son as well. He truly detested these brothers.

"Your Majesty, our uncle in Xiliang is far too lonely. I am willing to let my legitimate son go and entertain him. Please grant my wish, fulfilling this son’s piety," the Crown Prince said.

As soon as the Crown Prince finished speaking, the Second Prince, Third Prince, and Fifth Prince hurried to express the same sentiments.

The Fourth Prince was the last to speak, naturally following the crowd to avoid making a mistake.

The Emperor showed no emotion on his face and simply hummed in acknowledgment. After a moment, he said, "Xiliang is harsh and cold, but since you are willing, so be it."

Perhaps with the children around to play, the uncle’s spirits will be lifted, and he might live for a few more years.

Hearing the Emperor’s agreement, the Crown Princes were inwardly pleased and began preparations for their trip to Xiliang after returning to their residences.

Just a few days after the Emperor agreed to the Crown Princes’ request, a letter from Xiao Yeyang arrived once again.

Upon learning that Gu Jian’s condition had improved, the Emperor heaved a sigh of relief. However, not wanting the Emperor to change his mind, the Crown Princes had already sent their sons out of Beijing, and they were now on their way to Xiliang.