Chapter 343: Chapter 204:

“One is the Left Minister’s eldest granddaughter, and the other is the Grand Tutor’s second daughter. Both are widely known for their talents, but the Left Minister’s family possesses more outstanding appearances.”

The Empress favors those from the Left Minister’s residence, whereas the Emperor leans towards the Grand Tutor’s mansion.

This is perfectly understandable.

Because the Emperor’s considerations are deeper.

The Left Minister has held a high position for eighteen years, and many are his disciples.

The Crown Princess Consort comes from the Left Minister’s family. If one day she becomes Empress and bears a Prince, who knows what the surname of the dynasty will be.

The Grand Tutor is the Emperor’s mentor, and he feels safer and more reliable with the Grand Tutor.

“It seems there will be a struggle between these two families.”

Xiao Chunyu has mingled with the circle of noblewomen and knows that the two young ladies are quite popular.

Some families believe entering the palace is a form of suffering; others see it as a source of pride.

The reason these young ladies are outstanding is naturally the result of their families pouring resources into their cultivation, with the ultimate goal probably being the position of Crown Princess Consort.

“Just watch and see.”

No matter who it is, Xia Guangcheng feels unaffected.

Because he remains loyal to the Emperor and the orthodox tradition, he never favors anyone.

Even though a Crown Prince is established, Xia Guangcheng still adheres to the principle of loyalty to the sovereign.

What both Xia Guangcheng and Xiao Chunyu didn’t expect was: Panpan entering the palace turned out to be the ultimate decision-maker.

In the Eastern Palace, the Empress and the Crown Prince are having a casual chat.

Seeing Panpan arrive brings them great joy.

“Come, Panpan,” the Empress takes Panpan’s hand, “If I am not mistaken, isn’t today Panpan’s birthday?”

“It is Panpan’s birthday, and also my brother’s birthday, Empress, Big Brother, Panpan has a younger brother, a very sweet and good little brother.”

“So, has Mrs. Xia given birth?”

The Empress asks Lian’er, the palace maid who brought Panpan into the palace.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. When this servant arrived at the General Mansion, everyone there was in high spirits. Upon inquiries, it was known that the General happily welcomed a son, and both mother and child are safe.”

“Wonderful. Someone, send the gifts I prepared earlier to the General Mansion.”

The Empress feels deeply grateful to the Xiao family, and even more appreciative of Panpan’s dumplings.

Indeed, as soon as Panpan arrived, she fed Big Brother dumplings.

“Big Brother, are they tasty?”

“Delicious.”

“Are they different in taste from before?”

“Sweet and sour.”

“Hmm, eating these dumplings will make Big Brother eat lots of food, and thus grow tall and strong.”

Panpan earnestly tells the Crown Prince what her nurse told her.

“Good, eat more and grow tall and strong.”

The Crown Prince holds Panpan’s hand, “Panpan should eat more too and grow up quickly.”

“Panpan is still young and not in a hurry to grow up.”

Growing up is no fun.

“Alright, today is Panpan’s fourth birthday, let’s see what Big Brother has prepared for you?”

“Someone, bring the gifts.”

The palace attendants lined up, each holding a set of beautiful clothes.

“Big Brother, are all these for me?”

“Of course, Big Brother can’t wear them; see if you like them?”

“I love them, they’re so beautiful, I really like them, they’re even prettier than the ones Mother made.”

Panpan is the epitome of someone who favors whoever provides, and if there are beautiful clothes, even her mother can be set aside.

Xiao Chunyu’s needlework skills are very good, but because of her pregnancy, the old madam forbade her from making needlework. Therefore, new clothes for Panpan this year were made by the mansion’s seamstresses, which Panpan found a bit displeasing.

Unexpectedly, Big Brother prepared so many for her.

“Brother noticed you’ve grown, your pants and sleeves have become short, so I specifically had new clothes made for you, four sets for each of the four seasons. Check if they fit; if not, we can have them altered.”

“They fit, all fit. Panpan loves them. Thank you, Big Brother.”

Panpan is very delighted.

“Big Brother, you’re so good. Is there a difficult problem you want Panpan to solve?”

“You little girl, what kind of difficult problem would Big Brother have?” He pats Panpan’s head and suddenly remembers a question, “Panpan, later Big Brother will take you to meet two sisters, and I’d like to know which one you prefer, okay?”

“Panpan likes those who are good-looking.” After pondering, Panpan adds, “I also like those who like Panpan, even if they are not so good-looking.”

The Crown Prince smiles slightly; this child is truly honest.

“Che’er, are you really going to take Panpan?”

The Empress feels a bit worried about her son’s decision to let Panpan handle the matter of selecting a Crown Princess Consort.

After all, this is a significant matter.

Children really can’t know too much.

“Mother, honestly, neither of them is my ideal choice, but since you and Father have me choose one of the two, it goes without saying that I would select the one Panpan likes.” The Crown Prince says, “You and I will be beside, not intervening, and assess the situation further.”

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