They did not understand the world of the wealthy.
The emperor had clearly noticed the priceless hat as well, and his eyelid twitched. He remembered the reason the Crown Prince had given when asking him for it: it was for the future crown princess, whom he had yet to marry.
That was a reason he could not refuse, so the emperor had reluctantly parted with his treasure and bestowed the hat upon the Crown Prince.
And now...
There was no sign of any future crown princess. Instead, this child he had picked up had reaped all the benefits. The emperor felt both heartache and a headache.
He said, "Xuan Zhen, did you really pick this child up?"
Chu Xuanzhen nodded.
"Do you know how valuable the hat on his head is?"
Chu Xuanzhen nodded again.
The emperor gave a smile that never reached his eyes. "Then why did you give the hat to..."
Before he could finish, Chu Xuanzhen cut in. "Father, surely that is not why you summoned me tonight."
The emperor was instantly at a loss for words and had to swallow what he had been about to say. He waved a hand. "Child, come up here and let me have a look at you."
Shen Yangge grew a little nervous at those words. He looked up at Chu Xuanzhen, and only after meeting that exceptionally calm gaze did he release his hand.
He slowly made his way up the steps.
Fortunately, the steps were not high, and it took him only a little while to puff his way up. But his clothes were far too heavy, and even that short walk left him exhausted.
When he reached the emperor, the emperor signaled to the eunuch beside him with a glance, and the eunuch picked Shen Yangge up