Help! The innocent prince always tries to seduce me clumsily

Chu Shitong estimated that this thing would cost at least 18,000 yuan.

"This amber agate jade tree is truly a work of art that is beyond compare. Xiao Qi thanks Second Imperial Sister."

"As long as Xiao Qi likes it."

Chu Shixuan's smile looked a little tired, and her makeup couldn't hide her pale face.

The gift that Chu Shihan gave to Chu Shitong was a string of Buddhist beads.

"I went to Kaiyuan Temple to ask for this. I hope Xiaoqi likes it."

Chu Shitong stared at the Buddhist beads for a moment and gave a polite smile.

"I like it very much. Thank you, Third Brother."

Chu Shihan nodded. He still looked as calm and pure as ever, as if Linglan was the only one affected by her marriage to Chu Shihuan.

Chu Shiyu smiled and said, "This year is unusual. Even Jing'er came to Xiaoqi's birthday."

Chu Shitong also found it strange. It seemed that Chu Shijing often went in and out of the palace this year, but in previous years she could not be seen even during the Chinese New Year.

Chu Shijing stood up and said, "This time I brought two gifts. One is a birthday gift from me to Xiaoqi, and the other is a birthday gift from Master Wuji on my behalf to Xiaoqi."

The palace maids presented two gifts.

As for calligraphy and paintings, Chu Shijing seemed to particularly like giving them to others, and they were all painted by her herself.

The painting is a picture of the heavenly palace. Compared with the previous garden scene with flowers and birds, this picture of the heavenly palace is magnificent, and the content of the painting is so detailed that it seems as if Chu Shijing had really seen it with his own eyes.

Chu Shiyu asked, "Jing'er's painting skills have improved again. I remember that you used to like to paint pictures of flowers and birds. Why did you paint the Heavenly Palace as a birthday gift for Xiaoqi?"

Chu Shijing was dressed in plain blue clothes with a dignified look. She said, "The day before I painted this picture, I dreamt of entering the Ninth Heaven. I woke up from the dream with a start. I thought it might be some kind of guidance from the heaven, so I painted this picture for Xiaoqi."

"Perhaps it is really Xiaoqi's fate." Chu Shiyu said with a smile: "The night Xiaoqi was born, I also dreamed of the Nine Heavens Immortals."

Chu Shitong smiled awkwardly, "Father and Fourth Sister are too kind to me."

The gift presented by Master Wuji was a pair of extremely delicate jade bracelets. The jade bracelets were very thin and engraved with three-dimensional hibiscus flowers all over. They looked insignificant from a distance, but when you got closer, you couldn't help but admire the exquisite carving technique.

Everyone was very curious, but when they saw the jade bracelet appear, they looked a little disappointed.

They were too far away, so the jade bracelet was delivered directly to Chu Shitong. Even Chu Shifeng, who was sitting at the next table, didn't see the exquisite carvings on the jade bracelet.

Chu Shifeng laughed softly, "I thought it was going to be the grand finale. Xiao Qi's birthday gift still depends on me."

Chu Shitong calmly closed the wooden box containing the bracelet and said, "I hope that my sister will thank Master Wuji on behalf of Xiaoqi."

Chu Shitong smiled on the surface, but he actually had mixed emotions.

The old man sent such a pair of bracelets for no apparent reason, and Chu Shitong really couldn't guess what it meant.

Chu Shijing explained, "The pair of hibiscus jade bracelets were carved by Master Wuji himself. I heard that they were carved several months in advance for your highness' birthday. He specially chanted sutras to open the way for them before sending them out. The jade bracelets are a pair of two, and they are rare lover's bracelets. I hope Xiaoqi will treasure them."

Chu Shitong: "...Xiao Qi understands, thank you, sister."

Lover's bracelet, as the name suggests, is an item used by lovers to express their love.

Queen Zhang Sinuo said in surprise: "The lover's bracelet made by Master Wuji himself is really rare. If this bracelet is used to get engaged, I think the future Princess Qi will be blessed."

Chu Shitong already felt that the bracelet was about to fly out of his hand.

The expression on Chu Shiyu's face gradually turned cold.

"Xuan'er hasn't married yet, so it's too early for Xiaoqi to get married."

The birthday gift that Chu Shihuan and Linglan gave to Chu Shitong was an ancient wooden longbow.

Chu Shitong looked at the longbow that was almost as tall as himself and remained silent.

This thing must have been chosen by Chu Shihuan. Linglan would never do such a thing.

"Thank you, Fifth Brother... and Fifth Sister-in-law."

Chu Shihuan nodded, as a token of his gratitude.

Linglan looked at Chu Shitong and seemed to be hesitant to speak. After not seeing her for a while, she looked much more lonely. The sunny and gentle smile on her face seemed to have never appeared before.

Chu Shitong remembered that Ji Shu had said before that Linglan had gone to Prince Qi's mansion to look for Chu Shitong once before getting married, but Chu Shitong had already left by then.

Later, I went to Prince Qi's Mansion to ask again, but Chu Shitong had not returned yet.

Both times there was no result.

I don’t know how Lily of the Valley is doing now.

After Chu Shitong came back, Linglan never came again. Chu Shitong certainly would not rush to find Linglan. After all, Linglan was no longer of any benefit to her. Chu Shitong also did not intend to make friends with her, lest Linglan blame herself again when she attacked Chu Shihuan one day.

It's good like this, as if I don't know you.

Finally, the gift sent by Chu Shifeng appeared.

Several people carried a very large object into the hall. A red curtain blocked the gift inside. Because the object was so large, it aroused everyone's curiosity.

Chu Shifeng whispered to Chu Shitong, "Xiaoqi, just take a good look at it. I'm sure you'll like it."

Chu Shitong laughed, "What on earth did my brother give me that is so big?"

Chu Shifeng said mysteriously: "You will know when we lift the red cloth."

When Wang Zexu ordered people to lift the red cloth, a luxurious screen appeared in front of everyone.

Unlike other screens, this one is not covered with landscape paintings or embroidered silk.

Inlaid on the red pear wood are four huge jade disks, on which are carved immortal cranes, strange beasts, the Yunfu Palace, and the full moon and stars.

The most shocking thing is that all four sides of the jade disk are carved from the same piece of jade, with the same jade quality and color. They are all the best of the best, warm and delicate.

You should know that jade bi itself is extremely rare. Jade is created by nature and its quality cannot be guaranteed. It is extremely difficult to find a piece of jade bi with consistent color, no stains or cracks, and that can be carved into such an exquisite jade bi in one go. It is rare in the world.

Chu Shitong was shocked by Chu Shifeng's generosity. This jade screen could not be bought without millions of taels of silver.

Seeing the uproar in the audience, Chu Shiyu and the Queen looked at each other sideways at the screen, and Chu Shifeng said with great satisfaction.

"Does Xiaoqi like it? I have worked so hard to find such a gift."

Chu Shitong came back to his senses and felt very uncomfortable.

Such an expensive thing, even if you have money, you may not be willing to buy it, but Chu Shifeng is different, he is really willing to spend money.

From this point, Chu Shitong seemed to be able to see that he was not like a rich person.

When rich people buy things, they only consider how expensive they are.

When you buy things yourself, you also have to consider whether they are suitable, whether you can show them in front of others, and whether the things you buy are worth the money.

It seems that I earn too little.

"I like it." Chu Shitong sighed sincerely, "I like it very much. Thank you, brother."

What a good brother he is. He actually gave me such a valuable gift.

Upon hearing this, Chu Shifeng's expression was visibly relaxed, as if anything he bought casually would become the most eye-catching gift.

"As long as Xiao Qi likes it." Chu Shifeng drank a glass of wine slowly, "It's because Xiao Qi and I have a good relationship."

Concubine Li looked at the Queen's surprised expression and couldn't help laughing: "Feng'er is really something. She knew that the eldest prince would not come back, but she still sent such an expensive gift. Look how surprised the Queen is."

Empress Zhang Sinuo awkwardly withdrew her expression, her face sullen, "I was just curious about the pattern on the jade disk, Concubine Li's joke is not funny."

Concubine Li didn't dare to really provoke her, but just couldn't help but say a few sarcastic words. She restrained her laughter and said, "This concubine is just joking, please don't take it to heart, Queen."

Almost immediately after Concubine Li finished her first words, Chu Shitong's eyes were set on Chu Shifeng.

Sure enough, she saw that expression on Chu Shifeng's face again.

There was no so-called care and concern between mother and child. Instead, there was a kind of cold sarcasm, as if one was watching something low-class.

Chu Shifeng looked at Concubine Li in this way, but Chu Shitong discovered that Concubine Li looked at Chu Shifeng in a completely different way.

The way Concubine Li looked at Chu Shifeng was that of a mother who was extremely proud of her son, her eyes seemed to be glowing with pride.

Chu Shitong frowned. What was going on?

After she had killed Chu Shifeng in her previous life, Concubine Li collapsed on the spot when she heard the news, and went crazy when she saw Chu Shifeng's corpse.

She has always regarded Chu Shifeng, her only son, as the meaning of her life. She is a typical woman who would do anything for her son.

The Jiang family, Li Fei's maternal family, also held Chu Shifeng up as a person second only to the emperor and above everyone else in every sense, which is why he developed such an extravagant personality.

However, Chu Shifeng did not disappoint them. He was ruthless and capable enough, but he was not good at judging people.

The eighth princess, Chu Shi Chaolu, is now five years old and almost six years old.

The treatment of princes and princesses is different. Princes have to go to the East Five Solitary House after they are five years old, while princesses can grow up in their mother's palace until they are nine years old and then go to the West Five Solitary House.

Master Chu Chaolu has always lived with his mother, Concubine Hui.

When Chu Shi Chaolu was born, Chu Shitong was already twelve years old. Chu Shiyu doted on this young princess very much. Not only did he give her a two-character name, he also gave her a nickname, Mianmian.

At that time, Chu Shiyu was also very fond of Concubine Hui, and could be said to be deeply in love with her.

Master Chu Chaolu is now not even as tall as the table. She wears a beautiful robe with gold and red flowers, and has two little buns tied with a red ribbon and a gold pendant. Her little face is rosy and round, and she looks like a doll in a New Year picture.

She stood on a stool, holding onto the table, and called out in a soft voice, "Seventh Brother, here comes the gift that Mianmian sent you."

Chu Shitong smiled, and the palace maid handed over a box, which contained the light blue pearl peace locket that Nanzhao had sent her last time.

When Chu Shiyu saw this thing, he looked at Concubine Hui.

"Isn't this the gift I gave to Mianmian last time? Why did you take it out?"

Seeing that Chu Shiyu seemed a little unhappy, Concubine Hui smiled awkwardly.

"Your Majesty, Mianmian picked this herself."

Master Chu Chaolu also quickly spoke.

"Father, this is the gift that Mianmian wants to give to my seventh brother."

Chu Shiyu did not embarrass Concubine Hui anymore, but asked Chu Shi Chaolu instead.

"Mianmian, this is the gift I gave you when you were born. There are so many things in the storehouse, why did you choose this?"

"This is beautiful." Master Chu blinked her watery eyes, which looked like jade grapes, round and translucent. "Seventh Prince, it looks good. Mianmian likes it. Birthday gifts should also be beautiful. Only then will Seventh Prince like it."

Listening to the child's sweet and coquettish voice, Chu Shiyu smiled and didn't ask any more questions.

Chu Shitong was relieved to see Concubine Hui. Although she was dressed very formally, she still gave off a sense of financial hardship.

In the past few years, Chu Shiyu almost never stayed overnight at Concubine Hui's house. When he went there, he just visited Chu Shi Chaolu and left. Concubine Hui must not have had an easy life.

This light blue pearl peace locket is either the only most valuable thing in Concubine Hui's mansion, or Concubine Hui gave it to her for some other purpose.

Chu Shitong is more inclined to the former.

If you give a shabby gift at your seventeenth birthday party, you will be laughed at to death.

Chu Shitong stood up, smiled politely, and said, "Thank you, sister."

When Chu Chaolu saw Chu Shitong's smile, her eyes widened, and she turned around and jumped off the chair.

Concubine Hui and the servants beside her were terrified and quickly helped her to steady herself.

Concubine Hui bent down and looked at Master Chu Chaolu and asked, "Mianmian, where are you going?"

Chu Shi Chaolu pointed at Chu Shitong and said, "Seventh Brother is so handsome. I want to sit with him!"

The hall was very quiet. Master Chu Chaolu's voice reached everyone's ears. Many people just smiled when they heard the innocent words of a child.

"Don't blame me, Prince Qi. Mianmian is just a little naughty."

Concubine Hui smiled awkwardly and lowered her head.

"Mianmian, today is your seventh brother's birthday. Don't make a fuss. Just sit still and be quiet."

Master Chu Zhaolu sat back down somewhat disappointedly, "Okay."

The banquet continued and gifts were presented one by one.

The music of the palace is long and lingering.

The birthday gift that the eldest princess gave to Chu Shitong was a colorful blue lotus candlestick, which is generally regarded as a treasure by people who worship Buddha.

The birthday gift that Chu Shifan gave to Chu Shitong was a horse. Since Xiaohong died in the tiger's mouth, Chu Shitong has never raced a horse again. Chu Shitong was very happy to receive this gift. It was a gift from Chu Shifan and it showed her heart.

Because it was somewhat difficult for living creatures to enter the hall, Chu Shitong had never seen what the horse looked like.

Gifts from the rest of the people were also delivered one by one.

The gifts presented by Prince Rong and Si Jingli were a pair of jade-inlaid dyed ivory carved ruyi. Beiqing hardly produces ivory, and the price of such a large dyed ivory ruyi really satisfied Chu Shitong.

"Thank you, Your Highness Prince Rong, and thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

When the last round of gifts was delivered, Wang Zexu suddenly stepped forward and said.

"Your Majesty, the son of the Marquis of Xiaozhan has just returned to the capital. When he heard that His Royal Highness Prince Qi had a birthday, he didn't even enter the palace, but came here with gifts."

Xu Bingqing, who was sitting at the table, immediately looked towards the direction of the palace gate anxiously.

Chu Shiyu said: "Let him in."