Xia Ruqing touched her stomach, sighing in her heart.
She was so easily satisfied, not seeking fame that lasts for eons, only wanting to eat well, drink well, and live a warm and happy life. In the future, when she grew old, she would still have children. Whether a Princess or a Prince, they surely wouldn't be unfilial to her, and no matter what, she wouldn't fall on hard times. In this life, eating and drinking well, feeling physically and mentally content—what a wonderful life this is!
…
The day before the martial examination, the Emperor sent someone to the palace to fetch several Little Princes.
They were all his half-brothers from the same father.
He had six brothers.
The eldest, second, and fourth had all gone to their fiefdoms.
Only Little Fifth, Little Sixth, and Little Seventh remained in the palace.
The youngest, Seventh Prince, was only nine years old that year.
And the oldest among them, Fifth Prince, was only thirteen years old.
