Didn't Love You Enough
Chapter 41
The next day, the entire temporary imperial residence was decorated with lanterns and colored banners. It was very lively.
Lin Xia'er watched as the palace servants bustled about.
She curiously asked one of the palace maids serving her, "What day is it today? Why are the palace servants so busy? Why is the temporary imperial residence so festive?"
"Replying to Miss Lin, today is Vice Prince Lin's birthday.
His Highness the Crown Prince ordered early on that the temporary imperial residence has been preparing for today for a long time.
There will be a grand birthday banquet in the evening. I heard that all the officials in Lizhou will come to celebrate. "
Lin Xia'er thought to herself, Isn't it just a birthday celebration? Why are they making it so grand?
Ai, why is Lin Jiabao so lucky!
Lin Jiabao pouted early in the morning. He was "woken" up by Xuanyuan Hancheng.
He looked at the deep purple mark on his neck in the bronze mirror. Even his collar couldn't hide it. He hoped that when he saw his parents later, they wouldn't notice it. Otherwise, it would be so embarrassing.
Lin Jiabao still felt a bit embarrassed when he thought about it. It was all his husband's fault.
Xuanyuan Hancheng looked at Guai Bao's angry expression and kissed his dimples.
"Alright, today is your birthday. Don't pout."
Xuanyuan Hancheng hadn't enjoyed himself to the fullest last night. When he woke up in the morning, he saw his darling's innocent and flawless sleeping face. It was truly too alluring, so of course he couldn't resist "waking" his darling up.
Zhang Huiniang was experienced. When he saw Jia Bao today, he noticed something strange about him.
Zhang Huiniang had mixed feelings when he saw those deep purple marks.
On one hand, he felt gratified that Jia Bao was favored by His Highness the Crown Prince. On the other hand, he felt sorry for Jia Bao. It must be hard for Jia Bao to serve His Highness the Crown Prince at such a young age.
Ai … It was a pity that Jia Bao was only His Highness the Crown Prince's Vice Prince. He couldn't be considered her daughter-in-law.
Otherwise … She would definitely use all her courage to mention this in front of the Crown Prince and ask the Crown Prince to be gentler towards Jia Bao.
Lin Jiabao lowered his head in embarrassment. "Mother, don't keep looking at me."
"Jia Bao has grown up, yet she is still shy with Niangqin."
Zhang Huiniang rubbed Jia Bao's head. "Jia Bao, you're living a good life now. His Highness the Crown Prince dotes on you so much. Mother is happy for you.
If you can give birth to a son or daughter for His Highness the Crown Prince as soon as possible, Mother will be more at ease. "
"His Highness the Crown Prince told me to take good care of my body. Next year, we will have a baby." Lin Jiabao was also full of anticipation when it came to babies.
He no longer resisted the medicinal cuisine and tonics that Shu Ya prepared for him. He would drink them all obediently.
Zhang Huiniang and Lin Dazhuang had a discussion last night. His Highness the Crown Prince was still young and was the heir apparent. In the future, he would definitely have many concubines.
Only when Jia Bao had a child would she have someone to rely on in the future. Otherwise, even if His Highness the Crown Prince loved Jia Bao now, what about in the future? After a few years, when Jia Bao was old and no longer beautiful, His Highness the Crown Prince would probably forget about Jia Bao.
They were very clear about Jia Bao's temperament. She was the worst at seeking favor. Then, Jia Bao's future days would be very difficult …
May the Heavens bless their Jia Bao to be able to smoothly give birth to a child and live happily forever. This was the common wish of Lin Dazhuang and his wife.
They didn't ask for Jia Bao to have any status or riches. Now that Jia Bao had brought good things to their family, Lin Dazhuang and his wife were already very satisfied.
Their children and grandchildren would have their own blessings. They never asked for things like one person attaining the Dao and all their chickens and dogs rising to the heavens.
Vice Prince Lin's birthday banquet was held at the temporary imperial residence's Feihua Palace Hall.
When the officials in Lizhou received the news, they knew that His Highness the Crown Prince was celebrating the birthday of his incomparably beloved Vice Prince Lin. They all came to congratulate him.
They brought many priceless gifts, which greatly broadened the horizons of the Lin family. Lin Dali and his family were also stunned.
Lin Jiabao warmly and warmly received the family members of the officials who came to congratulate him. His behavior was very appropriate.
Xuzhou Prefectural Magistrate Shi Qishan and his wife also came. Zhang Huiniang, Mrs. Qin, and Lin Jing 'er were already familiar with the prefectural magistrate's wife. They chatted together and didn't appear to be uncomfortable in the midst of a crowd of officials' wives.
Ke Meili, Lin Chun 'er, and Lin Xia' er weren't as comfortable.
No one came to talk to them. They took the initiative to approach, but they couldn't get a word in.
When the banquet began, Xuanyuan Hancheng and Lin Jiabao sat at the head of the table.
Lin Dazhuang's family and the Qin family were arranged to sit at the front.
Lin Dali's family was seated at the back. Ke Meili and the others were very dissatisfied with this, but they didn't dare to say anything.
Xuanyuan Hancheng coldly looked at Lin Dali's family. He already knew what Lin Dali's family had done.
Of course, if it weren't for them, the Guai Bao wouldn't have come to the palace. Because of this, Xuanyuan Hancheng decided to let them off for now.
However, if they still wanted to cause trouble, then he definitely wouldn't let them off easily.
In addition to delicious food and wine, there were also songs and dances to liven things up.
The dancers gracefully danced, and the lead dancer's movements were graceful. Lin Chun 'er's husband couldn't take his eyes off them.
At the end of the banquet, dazzling fireworks rose above the palace.
Xuanyuan Hancheng didn't shy away from hugging Lin Jiabao in front of everyone. "Do you like it?" He knew that the Guai Bao loved watching fireworks the most.
"I like it very much!
I'm very happy! "Lin Jiabao generously allowed Xuanyuan Hancheng to hug him.
When the officials in Lizhou saw this beautiful couple, they all thought that it was the right decision to come here.
Lin Xia 'er's face was filled with adoration as she lovingly looked at the crown prince. She fantasized that it would be great if the person in the crown prince's arms was her.
Lin Li 'er had been paying attention to Lin Dali's family. When he saw Lin Xia' er's expression, he could guess what she was thinking.
Lin Li 'er looked at Lin Xia' er with disdain. She actually dared to have designs on the crown prince. Lin Li 'er secretly decided to pay attention to Lin Xia' er while they were in the palace. He couldn't let her do anything bad.
After the banquet ended, Xuanyuan Hancheng hugged the tipsy Guai Bao and left.
Xuanyuan Hancheng saw that the Guai Bao was very happy today, so he specially allowed him to drink some fruit wine. Unexpectedly, the Guai Bao couldn't hold his liquor and became drunk after just two cups.
Lin Jiabao felt that he was very happy to be able to celebrate his birthday with his family and husband.
Lin Jiabao felt dizzy and his steps were unsteady. It was as if he was stepping on clouds.
On the way back to the palace, Lin Jiabao suddenly said: "I can dance too. Husband … I can dance too."
As Lin Jiabao spoke, his steps were a bit light. He hummed an unknown song and began to dance in circles around Xuanyuan Hancheng.
Xuanyuan Hancheng didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the Guai Bao's "dance" in front of him. He pulled his body and hugged him.
"Okay, Guai Bao, stop dancing. You're going to faint."
"I haven't finished dancing yet." Lin Jiabao said jokingly.
Even when they returned to the dorm, Lin Jiabao was still shouting that he wanted to dance.
Xuanyuan Hancheng couldn't do anything about him and carried him to the bed.
"Okay … okay … I'll let you dance, I'll let you dance … how about we dance on the bed?" Xuanyuan Hancheng said as his eyes flashed.
"Okay …" Lin Jiabao nodded foolishly.
Xuanyuan Hancheng pressed Guai Bao down on the bed and kissed Guai Bao's little mouth. He tasted the honey in his mouth and was intoxicated by the sweet taste of wine.
The red muslin curtain hung down, and the two people behind the curtain stayed together until dawn.
The next day, when Lin Jiabao woke up, it was already close to noon. Xuanyuan Hancheng was nowhere to be seen.
Lin Jiabao's body was sore and sore. Last night's memories were imprinted in his mind.
Lin Jiabao's face turned red. His husband was too naughty. While he was drunk, he did this and that … He was too embarrassed to think about it.
"Hey!" Lin Jiabao found a small box studded with gems next to his pillow.
Lin Jiabao opened it and saw a small rectangular seal inside.
The entire seal was made of Hetian white jade. There was an auspicious beast carved at the top and the word 'treasure' was engraved on the seal.
This was personally written and engraved by Xuanyuan Hancheng. He originally wanted to give it to Guai Bao as a birthday present last night, but Guai Bao was drunk … Xuanyuan Hancheng put it next to Guai Bao's pillow this morning, hoping that Guai Bao would see it when he woke up.
Lin Jiabao held the small seal and was filled with joy. He knew that this was definitely a gift from his husband. His heart felt as sweet as honey.
Shu Ya and Shu Qin heard the commotion inside and came in to serve Lin Jiabao.
Shu Ya helped Lin Jiabao change his clothes as she said, "His Highness the Crown Prince said that he would meet with the officials of Li Province today.
He told Vice Prince Lin to have lunch first and not to wait for him. "Lin Jiabao nodded to show that he understood.
After lunch, Lin Jiabao impatiently took out the painting he made a few days ago.
He dipped the seal in red mud and imprinted it on the signature, then carefully looked at it.
The more he looked at it, the more he liked it!
Lin Jiabao put the seal in a brocade pouch and prepared to wear it at all times.
At this time, Lin Jiabao heard from Yuan Qing that Lin Chun 'er was outside the hall and wanted to see him. Although he was a bit surprised, he still had Yuan Qing bring her to the side hall.
"Elder Cousin Chun 'er." Lin Jiabao came to the side hall and invited Lin Chun' er to take a seat when he saw her.
"Jia Bao!
I haven't talked to you properly since coming to the temporary imperial residence. "Lin Chun 'er looked at Lin Jiabao's brocade robes and his youthful and tender face.
The two of them were only a year apart, but now it seemed that the age gap between the two of them was very large.
"Ai!
Think about it, our fates are really strange. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have been able to take my place and enter the palace. "
Lin Jiabao patiently listened to his cousin's words, but he didn't know how to respond to her.
Lin Chun 'er continued, "Ai!
Your cousin's life isn't good. Life as a bride is hard!
You really have a good life. You're living a life of luxury.
If it was me who entered the palace at that time, our positions would have been switched today. "
At this time, a snicker could be heard. Shu Qin, who was standing behind Lin Jiabao, couldn't help but laugh. Shu Ya also couldn't help but laugh.
This Lin Chun 'er really dared to dream. She was so tanned and strong. What kind of person was the Crown Prince? How could he take a liking to her?
Lin Chun 'er was angered by the laughter. She fiercely glared at Shu Qin and Shu Ya.
She lectured Lin Jiabao, "Jia Bao ah, it's not that I want to criticize you, but you are the Crown Prince's Vice Prince.
How can the palace maids by your side be so unruly?
You're just a soft-hearted person. This won't do! "
Lin Jiabao could only appease Lin Chun 'er, "Elder Cousin Chun' er, don't be angry. Why did you come today?"
"Jia Bao ah, Elder Cousin came today to beg you. You have to help me!
Your Elder Cousin's good days in the future depend on you. "Lin Chun 'er said.
"Help?
What is it?
If I can help, I will definitely help your Elder Cousin. "Lin Jiabao looked at Elder Cousin Chun 'er like this and asked her.
Lin Chun 'er spoke of her request, "You can definitely help. It's not that difficult for you.
Jia Bao ah, your Elder Cousin's father-in-law has been in the position of Pei County's registrar for many years.
Even if he didn't make any contributions, he still worked hard. It's time for him to be promoted.
As for you, you just have to mention it to the Crown Prince and ask him to see if there are any vacancies. You just have to promote my father-in-law to the position of county magistrate. "
"County magistrate?" Lin Jiabao froze when he heard this, then immediately shook his head.
"No, I can't help you with this, Elder Cousin." He understood that the imperial harem couldn't interfere with politics.
"Why not?
Jia Bao ah, you took my good luck and became a noble person. Do you not care about us poor relatives anymore?
It's just a small matter. You just have to whisper some words into the Crown Prince's ear at night. "Lin Chun 'er said excitedly.
Lin Jiabao firmly shook his head, "I really can't do this."
Lin Chun 'er saw that Lin Jiabao still wouldn't agree, so she didn't give up and continued to persuade him.
Lin Jiabao was a bit overwhelmed. Shu Ya saw this and said to Lin Jiabao: "Vice Prince Lin Jiabao, it's time for your afternoon nap. The Crown Prince specially ordered that you were tired last night and needed an afternoon nap to recover your energy."
Lin Jiabao was also a bit tired when he heard this. He had been tossed around by his husband last night and hadn't slept until dawn.
As soon as he heard the word afternoon nap, he felt very sleepy. He hurriedly said to Lin Chun 'er apologetically: "Elder Cousin, I really can't help you with this matter."
"You're already an adult and you still need an afternoon nap. Being a noble person really makes a difference!" Lin Chun 'er saw that Lin Jiabao couldn't get through to him and could only leave angrily.
Lin Chun 'er returned to Ke Meili's courtyard. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
When she saw her mother and little sister, she complained to them.
"Ai!
If only it was little sister who entered the palace, then I wouldn't have to beg Lin Jiabao, this Husband. "
Lin Xia 'er heard this and agreed, "That's right. If it wasn't for my young age, he wouldn't have had a chance!
I don't know what His Highness the Crown Prince sees in him. He's not even as good-looking as me. "
Lin Chun 'er listened to her little sister's words and looked at her pretty little face.
She thought of an idea, "I have an idea. If little sister can also become His Highness the Crown Prince's concubine, then that would be great.
Little sister and Lin Jiabao are cousins, so they're 70% similar.
Since His Highness the Crown Prince likes Lin Jiabao, there's no reason why he wouldn't like little sister.
Moreover, little sister is even younger and more beautiful than Lin Jiabao. "
Ke Meili agreed. Weren't all men like that? Even His Highness the Crown Prince was no exception. He definitely liked young and beautiful women.
When Lin Jiabao became His Highness the Crown Prince's personal attendant, he was around Xia 'er's age.
"We have to think of a way!
If Xia 'er becomes His Highness the Crown Prince's concubine, then our family will be rich.
We won't have to worry about Zhang Huiniang and the others' expressions.
In the end, Lin Jiabao is a Husband. It's a problem whether he'll be able to give birth to a child in the future.
But our Xia 'er is different. She'll definitely be easier to give birth to than that Husband.
In the future, when she gives birth to a son or daughter, it's not impossible for her to become a concubine. At that time, our family will really become relatives of the emperor, haha. "
Lin Xia 'er's face was full of confidence. It was as if she could see her future life as an imperial concubine surrounded by eunuchs and palace maids.
Lin Chun 'er, Ke Meili, and Lin Xia' er then began to seriously discuss …