Chapter 971: Chapter 971: The Royal Family’s Affection_1 Chapter 971: Chapter 971: The Royal Family’s Affection_1 Worshipping the heavens and praying for blessings, anyone with some smarts knows, is merely a means of comforting people’s hearts.

But since the people place their hopes in it, the imperial family and the imperial court should also give comfort and hope to the people.

This must be done.

Jiang Ning asked her father, “Others can’t see the Emperor, but you, as the Senior Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, can see him every day. Why don’t you ask him directly?”

“I reminded him subtly, but it seems that the Emperor is not very interested.” Jiang Ruobai was somewhat helpless, “As his subject, I can’t be too bold and keep bringing it up.”

“Are you so cautious in front of the Emperor, father?”

“Only you are bold and unscrupulous in front of the Emperor.” Jiang Ruobai gave her a stern look, “You should know why, don’t push your luck.”

Everyone knew that the Emperor indulged the Princess Consort, mainly because she was the daughter of Lin Zizi and had a face very much like hers.

But the Emperor is unfathomable, who knows how long his affection for the Princess Consort will last?

Jiang Ning smiled, “Father, I haven’t been conceited because of his favor. It’s been a long time since I saw the Emperor. With the New Year approaching, I’d like to take the children to pay our respects to the Emperor. That’s not too much, is it?”

Li Hongyuan nodded, “Counting it up, Xiaoqian, and Yan’er – the three of them – haven’t seen the Emperor for almost half a year.”

“Sigh.”

Jiang Ruobai sighed, but said nothing more.

In the imperial family, familial love is sparse.

The Crown Prince and his siblings are actually quite fortunate. The semi-imprisoned Prince of Huai hasn’t seen the Emperor for two years.

Fathers and sons, grandfathers and grandsons rarely meet – an unimaginable situation for ordinary families.

“Ning’er, you should take the children to pay a formal visit in these two days. Mention the matter of worshipping heaven and praying for blessings.”

“I understand, father.”

Upon returning home, Jiang Ning started preparing for this.

Now the Emperor, using illness as an excuse, stays sequestered deep within his palaces. To request an audience, she must reach out to Eunuch Chen, the Manager of the Bureau of Rites, in advance.

Eunuch Chen seeks the Emperor’s permission, and only after the Emperor agrees can she meet the Emperor within the scheduled time.

Jiang Ning waited for three days, and only on the fourth day was she notified to visit. She then took the three children to Crystal Frost Hall.

The warmth inside Crystal Frost Hall was very comfortable, burning the costly ambergris, with the whole palace filled with an unusual scent.

This made Lingzi wrinkle her nose. After inhaling deeply a few times, she sneezed twice in succession.

“What happened?”

The Emperor came out from behind the screen.

Jiang Ning looked up and saw him wearing a large robe, looking a bit disheveled. Despite her slightly frowned eyebrows, she still prompted the children to bow and give their greetings first.

“All of you, rise.”

The Emperor lifted his hand, then leaned back on the couch, examining the three children, “Xiaoqian is getting stronger, Wenzan and Lingzi have grown taller.”

“Emperor Grandfather, these are the characters that we wrote especially for you.”

Representing his younger brother and sister, Xiaoqian came forward with a piece of calligraphy.

The Emperor looked at it and laughed, “Very well written. Princess Consort, this is all thanks to you, for teaching Xiaoqian and the children so well. I should reward you.”

Jiang Ning smiled and said, “This isn’t my credit, but Chief Lin’s. If your Majesty wants to reward, reward Chief Lin.”

“He hasn’t left yet?”

The Emperor asked in a seemingly surprised tone.

Jiang Ning was also taken aback.

The Emperor’s question was strange.

By rights, Chief Lin had been invited by the Emperor to Elegance Palace to tutor the Crown Prince and the young princes. With the Emperor’s intelligence and resourcefulness, how could he not know Lin Shimo’s whereabouts?