Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

not mine, Princess Capture Plan. Total: 177 chapters and 12 epilogue so 189 chapters .

12. 111 to 120

111

Seeing the Jing Prince look at her, Matron Xu's voice grew quieter and quieter, "This commoner woman has a method, it's just….."

Towards the Jing Prince, Matron Xu had always had some fear. It wasn't just his status, but rather that she had never seen him smile before. He always had that cold expression. Therefore, in Matron Xu's mind, the Jing Prince was the type of vassal prince who liked to chop people up.

"Speak."

Matron Xu did her best to breath, and told herself that if this was successful, it would be a major merit. Her future glory was right in front of her, and she would move unhindered throughout the entire Jing Province. She slowly spoke.

"This commoner woman has a lot of experience delivering babies. In the past I've also delivered for many poorer families before. These poor families had a hard time eating their fill, and also couldn't afford any wet nurses. Therefore, this commoner woman has seen many instances of babies whose bodies were weak due to lack of nourishment during pregnancy….."

Because her words were a little far from the point, and because they were spoken for the ears of these noble people, Matron Xu spoke more and more hesitantly, and in the end her voice trailed off.

How could Matron Xu's thoughts not be understood by others? She was definitely afraid of angering the Jing Prince with her words, or perhaps her following words was going to be widely unaccepted.

"Continue." The Jing Prince said: "This humble prince will absolve you of guilt."

Matron Xu knelt and gave a kowtow before continuing: "There were small babies and large babies, fat and thin. This commoner woman had seen one that was the size of a palm, much smaller than the little master and mistress. In rich households, these sort of babies are hard to raise. However, in rural villages, these sort of weak babies were mostly able to grow up. Only after thinking for a long time did this commoner woman figure it out. These babies were all raised on breastmilk."

"Newborn babies are all raised on breastmilk. There's no need for you to tell us this. The wet nurses this one prepared all have excellent quality breastmilk." Eunuch Fu said.

"A wet nurse's milk isn't quite the same as breastmilk. Breastmilk comes from the mother….."

Matron Xu didn't finish her sentence, but everyone understood her meaning. She wanted to have madam do the feeding.

"Complete nonsense. Even a small wealthy household's mistress would have her newborn fed by a wet nurse, let alone our prince's estate. Where would you find a madam who breastfeeds her own child?" Eunuch Fu said angrily.

Matron Xu fell to her knees in fear.

Auntie Qi spoke on the side: "Don't reprimand her. What she said isn't without reason."

"What reason?" Eunuch Fu frowned and asked.

"How could we afford a wet nurse when we were younger? We were both raised by our own mothers. And those babies within the village were all raised by their mothers as well."

"How can we be compared to the madam!?"

Why couldn't they be? They were all human.

It was just that they were poor back then, and weren't able to live like the rich households. First of all they didn't have the thought, and secondly they didn't have the means. Therefore, poor households raised their kids themselves. The babies were breastfed by their mothers, and so they felt this was right and proper.

But what exactly was proper? It merely differed depending on the person.

"This servant feels like it could work. Back when madam was pregnant, we had her exercise regularly because we were afraid her stamina wasn't sufficient. People from poor households wouldn't need to do this because they are all used to doing manual labor, and it couldn't be avoided even when they were pregnant. Furthermore, it's true that we rarely hear about poor households being unable to raise their babies to maturity. Those who die prematurely mostly die from illness." Nana He said.

Xiao Hua was also born in a poor household. Although she didn't understand these things when she was young and struggling, it didn't prevent her from feeling that this made a lot of sense.

"No need to discuss it anymore. We'll do it this way. I will feed them."

The Jing Prince's brows had been furrowed the entire time and he remained silent. Only after hearing Xiao Hua's words did he say: "Drawbacks?"

Everyone froze. Nana He was the first to react, "Er, madam might have to work a little hard, because babies don't have a set feeding schedule. They eat when they get hungry, so it'll be hard to get a good rest. Furthermore, madam's body will inevitably suffer a little wear and tear, but it's nothing that can't be fixed. Another thing is…." After a pause, she continued hesitantly: "Her figure might change."

Everything prior wasn't an issue. The problem was the last thing. After all, which woman didn't care about her figure? This was especially true within the royal family, and with Madam Hua's status.

How could a concubine without an alluring physique be able to maintain the master's favor?

"It's fine." This was Xiao Hua's voice.

The Jing Prince turned and looked at her. Xiao Hua fluttered her eyelashes and said quietly while blushing: "As long as highness doesn't hate me afterwards…."

He stroked her hair and said softly: "Won't."

Things were thus decided.

Nana He and Matron Xu had a discussion and decided that Xiao Hua would feed during the day and the wet nurses could feed and take care of them during the night.

Once everything was set, Nana He threw out the lactation prevention medicine given by Doctor Hu. Once Xiao Hua started lactating, they had her feed the babies herself during the day.

Luckily, due to Nana He's accurate control, Xiao Hua hadn't been undernourished during her pregnancy. Once she started lactating, they realized the milk quality wasn't bad. Although the amount wasn't much, the babies were also still young and it was sufficient for them.

As for the future, it would be fine after some adjustment. This was Nana He's forte.

They didn't make a big deal out of the babies' third wash ceremony1. As a new mother, Xiao Hua was still quite worried about her children so they merely held it in the reception outside the delivery room. Matron Xu officiated the ceremony and the Jing Prince stood witness on the side. Eunuch Fu, Auntie Qi, Nana He, Ding Xiang and the rest were there as well.

In theory, Matron Xu who was the midwife could leave the Jing Prince Estate after the third wash ceremony.

Matron Xu was in suspense for a few days, and after seeing no movement she carefully asked Nana He about it. Nana He didn't respond.

The next day she was called over by Eunuch Fu. It wasn't clear what was said, but from then on Matron Xu didn't mention leaving again, and instead focused her attention on the western pavilion.

Auntie Qi added some highly trained palace maids to the western pavilion. Five were added by Xiao Hua's side. The little master and mistress had eight palace maids by their side in addition to the four wet nurses. Four of them accompanied the wet nurses while the other four did various chores on the side.

Luckily the western pavilion was currently large enough, otherwise there really wouldn't be enough space for everyone to stay.

Xiao Hua's puerperium2 was spent both recovering and breastfeeding the two children. Actually it wasn't as hard as Nana He made it out to be. After all, there were quite a lot of servants by her side.

The only thing that was hard for her to endure was that she had to eat a lot of nourishing and oily foods that were also quite tasteless. Xiao Hua felt it a little unbearable after a few days, but for the sake of her body and her breastmilk, she could only pinch her nose and force it down.

As for the Jing Prince, since the taboo of men entering the delivery room had been broken that day, no one stopped him from coming back. It's just that he couldn't spend the night there. Xiao Hua temporarily remained in the eastern wing while the Jing Prince stayed in the main residence. However, the Jing Prince would come see her whenever he was free, and spend time with her and the children.

This day, the Jing Prince came just as Xiao Hua was breastfeeding the babies.

It had only been around ten days but the two babies had changed quite a bit. They were still tiny, but their skin was no longer as red, and was gradually turning fair. Their eyes had grown a bit, and they looked much better compared to when they were first born. Their crying had also gotten rather loud.

Xiao Hua deeply felt that Matron Xu's suggestion was good, and bestowed many things to her.

Seeing the Jing Prince come in, Xiao Hua turned her body away.

"Aiya, highness, why did you come in all of a sudden?"

The Jing Prince didn't understand and walked inside.

"Highness, why don't you sit outside for a bit before coming in? I'm feeding our daughter."

Only when she turned her body away shyly did the Jing Prince understand. She was shy?

Why?

"It's fine." He thought she was afraid he would find it disturbing, but he didn't think so at all.

Since the Jing Prince had spoken, Xiao Hua could only sit properly. However, she still half covered things with her hand.

"Why block?" The Jing Prince saw that Xiao Hua used a piece of cloth to cover their daughter's face, "Don't block it." He moved the cloth away as he spoke.

"Aiya…."

She could only helplessly allow the entire scene to be revealed to the Jing Prince.

The white and large mound was half supported by her hand because it was too large. Their daughter's white little face contained her delicate eyes, and a small mouth that was sucking vigorously.

"Became so big." The Jing Prince half frowned as he muttered, his face quite unperturbed.

Xiao Hua's face turned completely red, as though about to drip blood. She was afraid her breast was too big and would suffocate their daughter, so she had to support it with her free hand. Her entire body turned rigid.

The Jing Prince was a little unaware as he leaned in close for a look, "Daughter is pale, just like you."

Xiao Hua rigidly lowered her eyes for a glance. It was truly the case.

Only after another while did the little girl spit a couple of times, spitting out the nipple. Her little mouth was covered in milk.

Ding Xiang stood on the side, her face red as well. She deeply felt that his highness's words were too unrestrained. Seeing this, she hurriedly used a clean handkerchief to wipe the little mistress's mouth, and handed her over for Ding Lan to hold.

Xiao Hua currently had her three personal palace maids by her side. Each one was quite familiar with holding the babies since Xiao Hua wasn't willing to have anyone else around while she was breastfeeding. Only these three personal palace maids could approach.

The baby girl was very well behaved, going back to sleep after feeding without crying. The two babies were both very well behaved, and rarely cried. Perhaps because they were too young.

After feeding the baby girl, it was the baby boy's turn. This time Xiao Hua was able to do it without any misgivings. It wasn't like he hadn't seen it before. Furthermore, such situations would only be more frequent in the future. She couldn't be shy about it every time.

The Jing Prince's thoughts had been pure at first, but as he looked and looked and looked, he started to get a little jealous of his son.

"He's eating so much." After a pause, as though explaining, "Daughter only ate a little."

Seeing him constantly examining their son breastfeeding, Xiao Hua was extremely speechless. She quietly explained: "Our daughter had already eaten some before you came in."

The Jing Prince let out an "oh" and didn't say anything else.

After it was finally done, Xiao Hua hurriedly handed her son over to Ding Xiang, and wasn't as reluctant about it as she normally was. She straightened up her collar, and felt the cloth on her head and her face.

"Nana He isn't letting me bath. I feel icky all over."

"Listen to Nana He."

Seeing him act normal without revealing any disgust, Xiao Hua could only nod along.

"Take a look."

The Jing Prince pulled a slip of paper out from his sleeves and handed it to Xiao Hua.

"What?"

"Didn't you say it was inconvenient without names? Zhuo, meaning bright, chosen for the rising sun. Yi, meaning beautiful and wonderful."

Hearing this, Xiao Hua knew that these were the names for their son and daughter.

She looked and sounded them out several times in her mind, and felt they were very good. The names he picked were all good. She smiled and nodded.

She suddenly realized that she didn't even know the Jing Prince's name, and asked: "What's highness's name?"

The Jing Prince pulled her hand over and wrote two words on her palm, "Jing, Luo Jing."

Xiao Hua squeezed her palm and smiled. She pulled the Jing Prince's hand over and carefully wrote on his palm.

"Tao, Tao Xiao Hua." After speaking, Xiao Hua felt like covering her face. Compared to the Jing Prince, her name was really tacky.

"It's a little unsophisticated." She said blushing with shame.

"Not unsophisticated." He stroked her face. "Xiao Hua'er. Little peach blossom."3

Xiao Hua's cheeks turned red, her heart feeling shy and sweet.

Who said the Jing Prince was clumsy? Who said his highness wasn't good with words? Why was he able to often say things that made her feel incessantly joyful?

These counted as words of endearment, right?

Especially since he would also speak these words with a rigid face, making one feel like smiling. But it also made one feel he was speaking sincerely.

This man expressed things differently from others. But she really liked it, what should she do?

Author's notes:

Hehe, our female lead's name is tacky, but our male lead likes it. Not good at choosing names. Someone said "Yi" was good, so "Yi" it is. As for "Zhuo", this author came up with it herself, chosen for the gradually rising sun, which represents the Jing Prince's ambition.

Speaking of some serious matters. My readers have probably noticed that this author hasn't been gifting extra word count in the chapters recently. Yesterday the manager and this author had a discussion, and they said that this author's VIP chapters' formatting is incorrect. This would affect many things, and people might report that the later chapters have gotten shorter. They would also report that it's bad for the competition (this last part is the main point).

Actually this author really wanted to say that I'm willingly gifting the extra word count, what does that have to do with anyone else? If they wanted to, they can also do the same. But everyone knows this author is under a lot of scrutiny recently, and can't be reported to the admins. The manager is also doing this for my own good. Therefore, apologies to everyone….bows…..

In the future this author will try to release chapters more frequently to repay everyone (these words make me feel a little lacking in confidence, and also doesn't seem appropriate).

Translators notes:

Author's notes explains quite a bit. The chapters had been around 3000-3500 words translated, and the most recent few have ranged from 2000-3000. I guess there's a standard word count per chapter and they felt that her longer chapters were not compliant with the standard. I thought I was lucky and had a stretch of shorter chapters.

Ancient Chinese ceremony where the newborn gets a bath on the third day of being born, and family and friends gather. Kind of like a baptism I guess.

New word for me, but apparently means the recovery period after pregnancy where the body returns to normal.

Play on words here. Little peach blossom is pronounced Xiao Tao Hua in Chinese. Although the Tao in her surname is written differently from the Tao in peach blossom, they are pronounced the same way.

112

The two children's names were decided: Luo Zhuo and Luo Yi.

The names of the royal family were all hard to pronounce. They were chosen for their meanings, and not for the ease of saying it out loud. Therefore, Xiao Hua had to rack her brains to come up with a nickname for her son and daughter.

The Jing Prince promised to let her decide the nicknames. She put a lot of effort into it, and also put the people around her to use.

Matron Xu suggested choosing a lowly name. A saying amongst commoners was that those with lowly names were easily raised. Examples given were metal, egg, dog, leftovers, and little grass and so on. After she saw everyone's astonished gazes, she didn't dare continue speaking.

Nana He took the lead in disagreeing. After all, this was the little master and mistress of the prince's estate. If they had lowly names they would be laughed at.

In the end Xiao Hua figured it out. Her daughter's name had the "Yi" sound, so she would be called "Yi Yi"1. As for her son, Xiao Hua really couldn't think of anything so she went with Zhuo'er.

The two babies were truly small. They were almost a month old but hadn't grown much. After being raised for so long, they had only grown a little bigger from when they were first born. They did get quite a bit fatter, and were no longer as wrinkly. They also turned fair and lustrous, like two porcelain dolls.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were well behaved. They didn't cry or make a fuss. When they occasionally woke up, they would just stare at you with wide eyes. Nana He said that babies weren't able to see clearly at stage, but when they looked at you with their dark jade eyes one would inevitably feel sympathy and want to hold them tightly.

The few wet nurses all cherished these two babies to death. Even if no one was keeping an eye on them, they would still carefully take good care of them. Even if Eunuch Fu didn't order it, they would come to the eastern wing when they were idle. They could just stand there and watch for a long time.

A month passed by in the blink of an eye.

The full month alcohol ceremony wasn't officially held for the two, and they merely celebrated a little in the western pavilion.

The Jing Prince didn't explain why they didn't hold the ceremony and the others didn't mention it. Eunuch Fu and Xiao Hua also didn't say anything.

Once the puerperium was over, Xiao Hua seemed to have come alive. The days where she couldn't take a bath was too hard to endure. Towards the end, Xiao Hua often refused to let the Jing Prince into the room since her body didn't smell very good.

Xiao Hua moved back into the main residence. Yi Yi and Zhuo'er, along with the few wet nurses, moved into the western wing. Eunuch Fu had long since decorated the place in a suitable manner for the babies. He was very meticulous about it, and had even switched out the windows and doors. Now when the windows were opened, the place would be ventilated without any cold air blowing inside.

After dinner, Xiao Hua had Ding Xiang prepare a bath. Having not bathed for a month, Xiao Hua was quite willing to take several baths. After she was done, she saw the Jing Prince already lying in bed.

Xiao Hua was aware how long the dry spell had been for the Jing Prince. In the last few months, the two hadn't done anything, not even using alternate methods to give him some release.

Xiao Hua felt her own stomach and was a little lacking in self-confidence.

During her puerperium, she wasn't only feeding her children. Nana He had used quite a few methods to try and help her figure get back to normal. As of today, she had recovered quite a bit, and her stomach was no longer as saggy as it was after giving birth. Although it had become tighter and more delicate, it definitely couldn't be compared to how it was before her pregnancy.

Seeing the person remain standing outside the palanquin bed, the Jing Prince raised his eyes and looked at her, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Hua smiled and agilely got into bed before lying down.

"I've gotten much fatter. My waist is so thick." Saying this, she put the Jing Prince's hand on her waist.

Xiao Hua's action was innocent, merely seeing if the Jing Prince would dislike her thicker waist. The Jing Prince misunderstood however, and after feeling her waist he ended up feeling other areas.

"Not fat."

The Jing Prince said as he got on top of her.

The eastern palace.

After Chen Qi received the report, he walked towards the study.

Along the way, all the palace maids and eunuchs who saw him were especially respectful. Everyone was aware that Eunuch Chen, Chen Qi, was a rising star by the crown prince's side. They naturally flattered him carefully, each hoping they would someday receive Eunuch Chen's guidance.

The study's doors were tightly shut, and several eunuchs stood guard outside. Chen Qi stood still and asked about the situation. Only then did he realize they were discussing official business inside.

"Grandpa Chen, this lowly one will grab a chair for you. Why don't you have a seat while waiting?" A low-ranked eunuch said.

Chen Qi gave him a kick, "Even if you're trying to curry favor, this isn't the way to do it. The master is inside discussing official business and you want me to sit by the door? Are you trying to harm this one? A servant needs to have a servant's bearing."

The low ranked eunuch rubbed his butt with an aggrieved expression: "This lowly one didn't have any other intentions."

"Enough, be quiet."

After standing for around fifteen minutes, the doors opened and several people filed out.

Chen Qi hurriedly bowed in salute, "Greetings to these superiors."

"Eunuch Chen is too polite."

Only after sending them all off did Chen Qi return to the door and respectfully say: "Highness, Chen Qi has something to report."

"Come in."

"What is it?"

Chen Qi walked close and bent over, whispering a few words into the crown prince's ear.

The crown prince was pleasantly astonished, "Truly?"

Chen Qi nodded his head heavily, his tone full of excitement. "Truly. This servant didn't really dare believe it after finding them, and only after questioning did I confirm it."

"Wonderful. This Imperial Physician Zhou is truly cunning!" The crown prince laughed loudly, and patted Chen Qi's shoulder: "Chen Qi, well done. This humble prince will properly reward you."

"Taking care of things for highness is this servant's duty. I don't dare ask for rewards."

The crown prince was fully of joy as he said: "This humble prince knows that you are loyal. This thing will be left to you to handle. There will be great rewards if it's done well."

"Understood." Chen Qi knelt and kowtowed in gratitude, before getting up and asking: "Then this servant will get on it right away?"

The crown prince nodded and said again: "This humble prince will have Imperial Bodyguard Liu accompany you."

Chen Qi's lowered eyes flashed as he said: "Understood."

By the time Imperial Physician Zhou got off work and left the imperial palace, the sky had already turned dark.

He glanced towards the left of the palace gates and saw that familiar covered horse carriage of his.

As he approached, the driver respectfully placed the stepping stool down. Only after Imperial Physician Zhou got on the carriage and lowered the curtains did he slowly let out a breath.

After a moment, the carriage started slowly moving. The swaying motion inevitably made him feel sleepy.

Suddenly a soft laugh sounded out. Imperial Physician Zhou's heart was startled. He was then gagged and things turned black as his head was covered by cloth. He struggled with all his might as he desperately cried out: "Who is it? What are you trying to do? Old Qian, Old Qian…."

Old Qian was Imperial Physician Zhou's driver, and had driven his carriage for over twenty years.

The carriage didn't stop, and continued forward slowly.

That person laughed softly once again, and said disdainfully, "No need to cry out. The person outside isn't Old Qian…."

Imperial Physician Zhou's thoughts were chaotic. Only now did he realize that the driver had his head lowered the whole time without saying anything. It seemed that someone purposefully used a similar looking carriage to fool him.

"What do you want to do?" Imperial Physician Zhou forced himself to remain calm.

"I don't want to do anything. I'm only inviting you to go meet someone."

"Is it necessary to act like bandits?"

"It can't be helped. Imperial Physician Zhou isn't willing to give any face normally, so this one could only resort to these methods."

Imperial Physician Zhou's heart immediately jumped.

It wasn't clear how long the carriage drove for before finally coming to a stop.

Imperial Physician Zhou's head was covered and he couldn't see anything. He staggered as he was pushed off the carriage, and was then pushed along by someone. Only when he was inside a room did the black cloth bag over his head get removed.

The room was very dark, lit by a single burning candle. The surroundings couldn't be seen clearly.

That person didn't delay. "Bring our Imperial Physician Zhou to see the people."

Two large men pushed him forwards into another room.

The room was brightly lit. Imperial Physician Zhou took a step forward and was blocked by an arm. He heard a familiar crying sound and hurriedly looked over.

He saw an old woman, a young man and a young woman along with a child around ten who were all tightly bound and thrown into the corner of the room. Their muffled cries sounded out through their gagged mouths as though trying to tell him something. The old woman's face was overflowing with tears.

"Why are you all here? You—–"

Imperial Physician Zhou cried in astonishment before pointing at the bunch of evildoers with wide eyes, feeling like he was about to collapse.

"Enough, he's seen them. Bring him out."

He was back in the dark room once again. Everyone else left, leaving only a thin middle-aged man with a mustache shaped like the "八" character.

"Alright, you've seen the people. Does Imperial Physician Zhou have any thoughts?"

"You people are truly shameless. You would even use such methods, kidnapping women and children. Truly immoral!"

That person smiled and said: "Imperial Physician Zhou, how about saying something else. It took us quite some effort to find them. Since we've already shown you the people, perhaps it's time to tell us the truth."

"What truth?" Imperial Physician Zhou forced himself to remain calm.

"What do you think?"

His stern demeanor finally cracked, and he wasn't able to conceal the fear in his eyes.

The middle-aged man silently thought that he truly had cause to fear. His entire family, young and old, were held in his hands. Even if you were a reincarnated saint, you would still have to admit defeat.

"Who is your master?" Imperial Physician Zhou put on a brave front.

"You shouldn't ask this. There's no way I would tell you. Regardless, since we're at this point, you should properly consider whether or not you will speak."

"This old man, this old man…."

"Imperial Physician Zhou, you shouldn't play dumb. You won't be able to afford the consequences of doing so. Since your people are in our hands, you should know that you have to speak even if you don't want to." That person let out a soft laugh. "Since you've forced us to reveal our trump card, you shouldn't be too stubborn."

"Prying into the emperor's affairs is a great crime."

"Hahahaha, you are truly inflexible. Your people are already in our hands and you're still talking about this?"

Imperial Physician Zhou was limp on the floor, his face full of fear. He was pale as paper and covered in cold sweat.

"Hurry and speak, don't test my patience. You have quite a lot of people in your family. How about we kill one every incense stick's worth of time and see how long you can last? There're four of them, so we can do this for four incense sticks of time."

As he spoke, he pulled out an incense stick from somewhere and used the candle's fire to light it. He placed it on the incense burner. That faint red light was bright in the dark room, but appeared to Imperial Physician Zhou like a life-stealing malevolent spirit.

The room was scarily silent. There was only the sound of his rough breathing.

Speak, don't speak, speak, don't speak….

Speaking meant death. Not speaking also meant death. What should he do?

That incense stick wasn't long, and gradually neared its end under Imperial Physician Zhou's eyes.

His dried lips trembled as he said, "It's death if I speak. His majesty won't let me off…."

That person lightly laughed as he leaned in close, "Imperial Physician Zhou, you have to consider this. Even if you speak, we won't spread the word. How would his majesty know? Even if he does find out, there would still be a chance to survive. Moreover, your wife, son and grandson are all in our hands. There's no need to implicate your family….."

The room was very dark. Only the single candle flickered, making the man's face alternate between light and shadow. To Imperial Physician Zhou, he appeared to be the devil.

Even his family had fallen into their hands….

He didn't care about himself, but what about his wife, son and his cute grandson? He hid them with great difficulty for half his life, but still couldn't hide them forever.

That spot of red flickered a few times before finally going out.

"Imperial Physician Zhou…."

Could he not speak?

Especially since those words were truly alluring: a chance to survive…..

"I'll speak!"

…

After Imperial Physician Zhou was taken away, the room fell silent.

Behind a screen in a dark corner of the room, Chen Qi smiled at Imperial Bodyguard Liu, "Success."

"I'll congratulate Eunuch Chen first. This is a huge merit."

The two of them didn't seem to feel how cruel the earlier scene was, or perhaps didn't even pay attention to it.

"You flatter me. This merit belongs to everyone."

"His highness will definitely be pleased."

Chen Qi cupped his hands in salute, "Then I will let Imperial Bodyguard Liu report the good news to his highness first."

Imperial Guard Liu hesitated, "Eunuch Chen, this—–"

Chen Qi looked around and said meaningfully: "This place still needs to be taken care of."

"Yes, yes, yes. Many thanks to Eunuch Chen's generosity."

Even though Chen Qi had organized the matter, the one who reported it would also be rewarded. Everyone was extremely clear regarding who did what. Even if Imperial Bodyguard Liu was the one to report the good news, it wouldn't wipe away Chen Qi's huge merit. Eating the meat while sharing some soup with others, this was how one should conduct himself.

Imperial Bodyguard Liu hurried away while Chen Qi stood in place and let out an inexplicable smile.

Different character and tone. Her real name's Yi means virtuous, her nickname Yi Yi means reluctant to part, and is apparently also the sound of "young leaves stirring in the wind".

113

!

"Your majesty's royal body is currently stable." Imperial Physician Zhou finished taking his pulse and said.

Zheng Hai Quan approached and took off the yellow silk covering Emperor Xi's wrist.

"The medication must continue. This subordinate will renew the prescription. General Manager Zheng, if you are available later, please come with this subordinate to the imperial pharmacy." Emperor Xi's medications were all handled personally by Zheng Hai Quan. He was extremely cautious and refused to let any outsiders come into contact with it.

"I'm available, I'm available. Nothing is more important than his majesty's royal body." Zheng Hai Quan's face was full of smiles.

Emperor Xi sat behind the desk, his face full of praise, "Imperial Physician Zhou's skills are supreme. Our body is safe in your hands."

"Only two years though. Two years is ultimately a little short…."

These faint, almost imperceptible words entered Imperial Physician Zhou's ears. His hand trembled, and he bowed deeper. Zheng Hai Quan did the same on the side.

Many things would give one the chills if said out loud, even if they all knew it in their hearts. Especially if the one saying it was the person with the most authority in the world.

Ever since Emperor Xi's illness struck until now, those who knew the truth were only Zheng Hai Quan and Imperial Physician Zhou. The others who knew were people who served Emperor Xi closely, but they had been gotten rid of one after another. This batch that was currently in the palace hall…..

Imperial Physician Zhou remembered how he had once inadvertently asked a eunuch something while looking for Zheng Hai Quan. That person's mouth had been completely empty, like a devouring black hole…..

"The emperor is the venerated heavenly dragon. His prestige cannot be tainted by ten thousand demons. He is blessed by the gods. The body of a dragon will definitely recover."

Emperor Xi burst out laughing, "Outcast Zhou Jin. Even you've managed to develop a silver tongue to flatter me."

Imperial Physician Zhou's expression turned rigid and he bowed once more.

"Zheng Hai Quan, see Imperial Physician Zhou out."

"Yes."

He stood up and greeted with a smile, "Imperial Physician Zhou, this way please."

Imperial Physician Zhou let out a light breath and cupped his hands, "Thank you General Manager Zheng."

After he saw him off, Zheng Hai Quan returned to the hall. Emperor Xi still sat upon the throne, but his previous relaxed smile had been replaced by inexplicable gloominess.

Ever since that time, his master's mood had been hard to read. Even Zheng Hai Quan felt like he was walking on thin ice.

The hall was scarily quiet. Zheng Hai Quan walked up and said quietly: "Your majesty, I've sent Imperial Physician Zhou out."

Emperor Xi carelessly acknowledged him as though he was lost in thought.

After a while, he suddenly said: "Zhou Jin looked a little strange…." He knocked his hand on the desk, "In the past he would never say such flattering words."

Zheng Hai Quan didn't dare speak. His head was deeply lowered.

After another moment of silence, Emperor Xi said: "Go investigate."

"Yes."

If Emperor Xi truly wanted something investigated, it would be quickly accomplished. Zheng Hai Quan came back to report the next day.

"Highness, this servant has investigated. Imperial Physician Zhou doesn't seem to be abnormal. The only thing was that he wasn't as punctual in leaving work and going home two days ago. Instead, he delayed quite a bit. According to the servants, his house's carriage didn't go to pick him up. Instead, he returned on foot. His expression was also a little unwell after getting back….."

Emperor Xi's fingers tapped the table. "Zheng Hai Quan. Do you think this Zhou Jin would reveal Our royal body's situation?"

Zheng Hai Quan bowed, his expression hidden.

"This servant doesn't know…."

Emperor Xi laughed mysteriously a couple of times.

"This Imperial Physician Zhou has always been a careful person, and is also tightlipped. He shouldn't have…."

"What if someone forced him?"

"This—-" Zhen Hai Quan paused, "Imperial Physician Zhou doesn't have anything that could be used against him…." They had investigated this initially.

"Summon Zhou Jin over."

"Yes."

…

"Your majesty, is your royal body unwell?"

Imperial Physician Zhou asked after kneeling in salute.

Emperor Xi's smile wasn't actually a smile as he looked at him. There was no one else in the hall. Even Zheng Hai Quan had left.

Only then did Imperial Physician Zhou realize things were abnormal, and immediately felt a chill.

"Zhou Jin, We have always trusted you—-"

"Highness, Zhou Jin knows this."

"You shouldn't take Our trust for granted."

"This subordinate wouldn't take your majesty's trust for granted…."

"Is that so?"

Imperial Physician Zhou thudded to his knees and supplicated himself on the floor.

"You majesty….."

The hall was extremely quiet. Imperial Physician Zhou's face was deathly pale, his guts on the verge of rupturing.

"Your majesty, this lowly servant has sinned…."

Emperor Xi let out a cold hmph, "Speak." His expression and tone filled with rage.

"This lowly servant was heading home a few days ago, and got on a carriage…."

With a trembling voice, he spoke compliantly of the events that day.

"You mean to say that you have a family? You even have a grandson!?"

"This servant is guilty. Please convict this servant for his capital offense." Zhou Jin was shaking all over, and forced himself to speak: "But at that time I didn't hide it intentionally. This servant's personality easily offends others, and it was hard to predict if I would cause any disasters. The Zhou family only has this lowly servant as support, and thus they hid away. It definitely wasn't meant to deceive your majesty. Please see things clearly."

After speaking, he started heavily kowtowing.

"This is to say that you revealed Our royal body's situation to others." Emperor Xi laughed a couple of times, "Great. All of you are extremely great, extremely great….." His words were calm but his hand picked up the brush washing basin and brought it smashing down.

The crisp sound rang throughout the hall. The brush washing basin's shattered pieces scattered in the air. Emperor Xi's breathing was heavy. Imperial Physician Zhou was startled and frozen on the floor.

"We won't kill you. Where would we find another Imperial Physician Zhou if We killed you? We will help you find your family, and help you clear your mind…."

The last few words were almost inaudible.

Imperial Physician Zhou straightened up, and said while weeping sorrowfully: "You majesty, it's all this subordinate's fault for betraying your trust. Ten thousand deaths cannot absolve this sin."

"Remember Our words. Don't slip up. Zheng Hai Quan—"

Zheng Hai Quan popped up from somewhere, "Your majesty."

"Make Imperial Physician Zhou look a little more presentable before escorting him out."

"Yes."

After Emperor Xi left, Zheng Hai Quan summoned people to bring over water and help Imperial Physician Zhou wash his hands and face.

The two people that came were two withered looking eunuchs who were completely emotionless. They walked silently, their expressions solemn. They approached and carried out Zheng Hai Quan's orders, each action precisely measured. Never too much and never too little.

Their hands were very cold, and made them feel like reptiles. Imperial Physician Zhou face was still haggard, and he muttered to himself absentmindedly. Listening carefully, one could make out some words of self-blame.

After they washed his face, they brushed his hair and put his headwear back on. Only after the two were done did Imperial Physician Zhou snap out of it and tremble in fear.

"General Manager Zheng—-this old man, this old man is ashamed….."

Zheng Hai Quan laughed softly and said quietly, "Imperial Physician Zhou shouldn't blame himself too much. Knowing to right one's wrongs is what's most important. His majesty still holds Imperial Physician Zhou in high regard."

Imperial Physician Zhou laughed bitterly a couple of times and didn't speak.

After sending Zhou Jin off, Zheng Hai Quan returned to the inner hall.

"Anything abnormal?"

Zheng Hai Quan shook his head, "Ever since he was frightened by one of them a few days ago, he had always avoided them. Today however, he was willing to let two of them serve him, and was in a daze the entire time. It doesn't seem like an act. Superior Zhou's personality is upright and outspoken. He relies on that cold face of his to conceal things, otherwise he wouldn't have slipped up in from of your majesty."

Emperor Xi let out a cold hmph, and couldn't refute it.

"Betrayal is betrayal, and cannot be erased no matter the reason. Since they are his weakness, then…."

Zheng Hai Quan felt a chill along his spine, and his head lowered even further.

Despite it being summer, Zhou Jin was shivering a little.

He couldn't be blamed. In the middle of the night, when he was supposed to be sleeping, he was dragged out for what was promised to be a "good show". The dew was heavy on the wet grass. Not only was he outside, he was also crawling on the muddy ground. If he hadn't suffered quite a bit during his years abroad when he was young, Zhou Jin would have long since been unable to endure.

The moon was very bright. Only the cries of birds could be heard in the surroundings. Zhou Jin knew that there were quite a few people who were lying prone beside him, but there was completely no trace of movement.

Next to him was a man dressed in a black outfit. His face was ordinary and his bearing was also nothing special. However, Zhou Jin knew this person wasn't simple. This was because all his communications with the Jing Prince's side went through this person.

This person was called Yang Hui. The name was just as ordinary, but the things he handled were not.

Suddenly the sound of hooves sounded out. A large squad of people charged towards the nearby residence carrying burning torches. They appeared grand and powerful to the eye, but barely made any noise. Even the horses were extremely quiet. It was clear they were disciplined.

If they hadn't been hiding in the grass, and if Yang Hui hadn't pointed them out, Imperial Physician Zhou wouldn't have noticed them.

It was like watching a puppet show. The group of people broke down the door and entered. Faint sounds came from within and after a few moments the people came back out. A large fire started inside the house.

The fired grew bigger and bigger, and the light reflected off the people's faces, making them look a little ghoulish.

Only now did Imperial Physician Zhou understand what kind of good show Yang Hui brought him to watch.

Seeing the blazing flames, the group of people left. Even if someone came, they wouldn't be able to extinguish the fire.

Zhou Jin had long since been dazed by shock. The events of the past few days had completely overthrown his previous understanding of the world.

"The people inside are all dead?"

Yang Hui looked at him faintly, and nodded his head.

"You guys are too cruel….."

"Your whole family was present as well."

These emotionless words made Zhou Jin shiver again.

Your whole family was present as well!

At these words, Zhou Jin suddenly grew angry, and though concealing his indecisiveness, "I don't understand why you guys are doing this. I haven't revealed anything to his majesty, but what do you think this will accomplish? Don't you think your master's thinking is too simplistic? Or are you guys acting on your own, purposefully creating distractions? Don't you think this is too preposterous?!"

Yang Hui lightly laughed, but his eyes were unamused.

"Imperial Physician Zhou is really overestimating Yang Hui. This was all ordered by his highness, Yang Hui is just responsible for carrying it out. Also, his highness isn't just my master, but yours as well."

Seeing this person look disdainful, Yang Hui's voice cooled, "Imperial Physician Zhou shouldn't forget who else we have in the Jing Province."

"You lot are the worst kind of scum!"

Yang Hui laughed coldly, "Imperial Physician Zhou, do you truly not understand or are you pretending? This isn't just for his highness's sake, this is also to save you."

"Save me?"

"Do you really think that side hasn't tried to investigate you? They were merely blocked by our people! There is no such thing as an impenetrable wall in this world. Everything will leave a trace. Being able to remove all the traces today, isn't it helping you completely resolve your problems?"

"You….."

"Also, some things don't need to be said for it to happen. What's the point of speaking? It'll just be doubted. One should think things through by themselves….heh…."

Zhou Jin's mind was already a complete mess.

"There might be another good show to watch tomorrow. Once you return, you should properly think about what you should do. Don't end up harming yourself and your family. Most importantly, don't end up harming his highness." Yang Hui sneered and looked at him disdainfully, "I really don't understand why his highness would spend so much effort on someone like you. It's a pity you're completely unable to understand his efforts."

He didn't wait for Zhou Jin's reply, and ordered: "Take Imperial Physician Zhou back."

"Yes."

Under the night sky, Yang Hui suddenly muttered, "Luckily…..something good came out of this in the end….."

He definitely wouldn't tell that inflexible old man that his highness was trying to solve his worries about his family for him, and ended up using the other side's own moves against them in a flash of inspiration….

He wouldn't understand if he told him, so he might as well continue believing that he was being forced into it.

Back at the Violet Imperial Hall.

Nowadays, when Imperial Physician Zhou saw this magnificent and imposing hall, he had the urge to make a run for it.

But he couldn't. From the very beginning, he didn't have the right to do so.

The struggle for the throne had always been fierce, but those unrelated could never understand just how fierce it truly was.

"Imperial Physician Zhou, please don't be too upset. His majesty's people arrived too late and those evildoers were too ruthless. Seeing people coming to the rescue, they murdered the people and burnt the place to the ground…."

Emperor Xi's messenger Zheng Hai Quan narrated, his voice thick with sympathy.

Hearing his words, Imperial Physician Zhou seemed to feel that his entire family had indeed died except himself, but he knew this wasn't really the case.

Yang Hui had said there would be another good show the next day. Although he had guessed it at the time, the current situation made him unable to stop his tears from flowing. He was disheartened and full of grief….

Since his entire family supposedly died, he was supposed to cry, right? And after crying, he should be deeply grateful, and united against their common enemy, these ruthless people who committed the crime.

Heh….

Imperial Physician Zhou did very well. He acted the part of a grieving and angry person very well.

Long, long ago, he was someone who had a very rigid personality. He was outspoken against anything he didn't approve of, and even offended many people when he was younger. He didn't have many friends after several decades. After persevering this way for a lifetime, he couldn't help but learn to act in his old age…..

Whether this was coincidence or fate, Zhou Jin wasn't really sure. His mind was a complete mess.

When he was initially forced by the Jing Prince's side using his family, he felt hate and anger. Now, he didn't know whom he should hate or blame. Without the Jing Prince, perhaps none of this would have happened. But he himself was very clear that after Emperor Xi had chopped all those people up and left only him, he could not have escaped this fate….

Now he just desperately hoped for things to be over, to go far away. But he knew this was just a pipe dream….

Actually, putting on a performance wasn't as hard as he had imagined. If the alternative was the death of his family and himself, then he would naturally be good at it. It also wasn't hard for the tears to come. In fact, the tears couldn't be stopped….

Emperor Xi had left at some point. Imperial Physician Zhou was lifted up by Zheng Hai Quan.

"Imperial Physician Zhou, don't be too upset. His majesty's health still depends on you." Zheng Hai Quan spoke while crying tears of sympathy, but his gaze actually contained some pity.

This Imperial Physician Zhou was really pitiful. His hair had turned white in the short month after the emperor's illness acted up.

Would he himself end up the same way someday? Zhen Hai Quan couldn't help but think this way, but then mocked himself. Luckily he was a rootless person, and didn't have any such weaknesses to exploit.

"This subordinate understands. This subordinate thanks his majesty for his grace." After speaking, Imperial Physician Zhou kowtowed to the empty throne as he trembled.

"The corpses have been brought back. Does Imperial Physician Zhou want to see them?"

"This one can't bear to see the broken bodies. I beg General Manager Zhang to make the appropriate arrangements. It seems this one isn't fit to have any branches on my stem. This lowly subordinate betrayed his majesty's trust, and won't try to regrow anything."

Zhen Hai Quan sighed and said: "It's good that Imperial Physician Zhou can understand. This one will definitely give them a proper burial."

Looking at the hypocritical face in front of him, Imperial Physician Zhou suddenly felt anger arise in his heart, and couldn't help but ask: "Does General Manager Zheng know who the criminals were?"

Zheng Hai Quan gave a hollow laugh, "It's best for Imperial Physician Zhou not to know too much."

"This subordinate understands."

Author's notes:

Hehe, this is a key event, don't skim over it. Many things develop naturally once it gets started…..

This old Zhou is both critical but also kind of useless. He's just the catalyst. He won't do anything bad and poison someone. Even if he killed off Emperor Xi, it wouldn't be the Jing Prince's turn to ascend. It would only make the crown prince very happy…..

114

.

The crown prince listened in on Emperor Xi holding court ever since he came of age. He had listened for several decades, yet was still limited to only listening.

Having sat in the crown prince position for so long, he inevitably wanted to advance a step. Currently, that step seemed to be within reach. Even though the crown prince was trained not to reveal any emotions whether in joy or anger, he couldn't help but reveal a few hints of happiness recently. Especially since the news from the court had only been positive, so his joy was even more apparent.

Within the imperial study, Emperor Xi sat behind the desk after holding court and cried "great" several times. It wasn't clear if he was praising the news he just obtained in court regarding major victories in the west, or if he was praising something else.

Zheng Hai Quan's head sank lower and lower. He had served Emperor Xi for several decades, and no one understood his majesty's thoughts better than him.

There wasn't anything "great". Furious was more like. The crown prince was the same way, his emotions were too obvious. But Zheng Hai Quan knew things couldn't be blamed on the crown prince. He was a little unjustly blamed.

It was like the saying goes: If I think you're suspicious, everything you do becomes suspicious.

As for who was suspicious and who wasn't, he was just a eunuch and it was better to observe without commenting.

"Zheng Hai Quan. We haven't gone to the Chunluan Palace in a while. Let's go see the senior concubine."

"Yes."

At the Chunluan Palace.

Senior Concubine Xu laughed and spoke in all the right places, flattering skillfully. Zheng Hai Quan repeatedly praised her in his mind. No wonder the senior concubine could be favored for several decades. Just her skills in improving his majesty's mood meant she couldn't be underestimated.

"It's the Mid-Autumn Festival soon." Emperor Xi suddenly said emotionally.

People reunite under the full moon.

Senior Concubine Xu didn't speak, and cuddled up to Emperor Xi: "That's right."

"Senior concubine definitely misses Jin'er."

Senior Concubine Xu's expression turned rigid and she said angrily: "Your majesty seems to enjoy poking at one's sore spot, clearly knowing what this servant wants yet still saying it out loud."

"Don't you want him to come to the capital to visit you?"

"Of course." Senior Concubine Xu's eyes sparkled, giving off a considerate yet pitiful appearance, "But this servant still knows propriety. Recently this servant already forgot herself once, making things difficult for your majesty. It's not appropriate to become prideful due to favor."

These words made Emperor Xi feel quite at ease, "Alright, don't put on such an aggrieved appearance. We will summon Jin'er to the capital for the festival."

"Thank you majesty for your grace."

After Emperor Xi left, Senior Concubine Xu was still a little dazed. What she wanted was delivered to her door without having to beg and cry for it? Wonderful! Wonderful!

—–

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were already over four months old. Their bodies grew, but they still remained tiny, pocket-sized babies.

After they grew a little, it was possible to see who resembled whom. Zhuo'er had a pair of phoenix eyes, a high nose-bridge, and looked like a miniature Jing Prince. Yi Yi looked like Xiao Hua with her pair of peach blossom eyes and sharp chin.

Normally infants were chubby, yet these two were the opposite. Their arms and legs were slender and their faces delicate, the baby fat not apparent at all. They were white and tender. Apart from being slightly thin and small, their lotus root shaped little bodies made them seem like dolls crafted from superior white jade.

Xiao Hua loved both her children. They were both her darlings. During this period of time, only the Jing Prince got a share of her attention. The rest was placed upon the two children. Luckily everyone was extremely careful with them. As of today, the two of them had never gotten sick.

As for the Jing Prince, he was clearly a little biased towards Yi Yi. The saying that men held their grandsons but not their sons didn't apply to the Jing Prince. He did hold Zhuo'er, but he still held Yi Yi more.

Little Yi Yi was well behaved, and didn't cry when she was held by her father. Even though her father's holding posture was a complete mess at first, she remained obediently still. After she was able to move her hands and feet, she started pulling at the Jing Prince's fingers and playing with him.

As for little Zhuo'er, he seemed to be waiting anxiously as he watched his father play with his sister. He didn't cry, but merely watched silently. Xiao Hua would feel bad for him and scoop him into her arms, murmuring comfortingly that mom will hug big bro while dad hugs little sis.

The eastern side room's kiln had now become the two children's territory. Xiao Hua would carry them over and watch them during the day. First of all it was convenient to breastfeed there, and secondly she felt that raising her kids herself would help them grow closer to their mom in the future. She also didn't have much to do, so raising her kids helped pass the time.

The wet nurses would always hold the children before, and were unwilling to let them go the entire time. Xiao Hua knew but didn't say anything about it. She was aware that the wet nurses all loved the two kids and did their best. But after a while, the drawback became apparent. The two children became clingy and weren't willing to be apart from people. They started crying the moment one let go of them.

In theory, due to the Jing Prince Estate's circumstances, there would always be someone available to hold them. It wouldn't even be a problem to have someone new holding them every hour. But Matron Xu said this wouldn't do. If they were constantly held, their bones would grow soft, which was bad for their spine and would also make them slower in learning to walk.

After asking Doctor Hu who made the same assessment, things were naturally changed. After enduring their crying for a day, they managed to change this habit.

Luckily the two children didn't continue making a fuss and no problems came up afterwards. Xiao Hua secretly watched them a couple of times after putting the two in bed. They would sometimes wake up but wouldn't make any noise. The two of them lay together in a row, occasionally prodding each other and amusing themselves.

Ever since then, unless they were being fed, the two children would be placed on the bed. When Xiao Hua was present during the day, they would be put on the kiln.

A thick padded mattress was placed on the kiln. It wasn't too soft, but also wasn't too hard. The two were placed side by side, and they would occasionally tilt their heads to look at each other.

This day, Zhuo'er looked at the person across from him but realized she wasn't looking back. He grew anxious and tried to pull at her, but wasn't able to reach.

He started huffing and puffing from anxiousness, turning on his side to reach his arm further. He overexerted himself and flipped over, ending up face down.

"Aiya, our little master has learned to flip over." Chun Cao said loudly on the side.

Xiao Hua who had just come out of the bathroom heard her from far away and hurried over.

"Really?"

After leaning in close, she realized her son's posture was extremely pitiful. His butt was in the air and his face was down, seeming a little uncomfortable. His neck wasn't firm enough, and he wriggled about like a little worm.

"Aiya, my darling, hahahaha….."

Xiao Hua couldn't help but laugh out loud before hurrying over to flip him back over.

"Madam, don't help him. Matron Xu said kids at this age need to learn how to flip over by themselves."

Xiao Hua thought about it and remembered her saying those words and no longer helped him. Instead, she sat by the side and used a toy to try and lure him into flipping over.

Yi Yi was initially sleeping, but opened her eyes after hearing the sounds. She habitually turned her neck to look at her brother, but she couldn't see his face. She made exclamations of anxiety with her mouth. Zhuo'er heard his sister's voice and grew even more anxious but was still unable to turn over.

Yi Yi seemed as if she wanted to help her brother, or perhaps was also anxious, turning on her side and reaching out to him. She reached and stretched but came just short of reaching him. She overexerted herself and ended up in the same state as Zhuo'er.

Xiao Hua laughed even harder.

The Jing Prince came in and saw Xiao Hua standing in front of the kiln with a radiant smile, his son and daughter both prone on the kiln, wriggling like worms. It looked extremely strange.

"What's going on?"

Xiao Hua turned her head and saw the Jing Prince had come. She pulled his arm and pointed at the two children while smiling, "They are learning to flip over, I'm going to laugh to death."

"Don't bully daughter," The heart of a biased father seemed to have already taken root. Both were clearly prone but he only saw his daughter.

"I'm not." Xiao Hua's face was extremely innocent. "Matron Xu said they have to practice often. Being able to flip over means they can soon sit and crawl, and then walk."

"Really?" The Jing Prince asked as he looked at the two little ones on the kiln with a frown.

"Yes." Xiao Hua seriously nodded her head.

Then, both mom and dad sat by the kiln and watched, neither willing to lend a hand.

Zhuo'er struggled for a long time before managing to get on his side. His fair little face was thoroughly red, and with a cry he managed to flip himself over.

His view was much broader in this position. He saw his sister facedown by his side, and made a seemingly mocking sound, prodding her with his hand.

It wasn't clear if she borrowed his strength or was provoked, but Yi Yi soon flipped over as well.

After flipping over, she saw daddy on the side. Her pouted mouth looked a little aggrieved as she raised her arms out, wanting to be held.

The Jing Prince's expression didn't change, and his gaze didn't waver but it was extremely focused. Seeing his daughter wanting him, he bent over and picked her up.

One hand was behind her neck and the other under her small butt. The current Jing Prince was very familiar with holding them.

Zhuo'er saw his sister disappear and was a little dazed. His gaze turned towards his daddy and silently watched.

The Jing Prince saw him looking and silently looked back while playing with his daughter.

One big one small, one large version one miniature version, both with the same expression. This made Xiao Hua start laughing. Seeing her son's pitiful appearance, she went and picked him up, saying: "Mom will hold Zhuo'er, don't be jealous of her."

Zhuo'er glanced at his sister and then turned his head, nudging into her chest a couple of times.

Seeing his posture, Xiao Hua knew that he wanted to feed. She undid her clothes, pulled up her inner layer and started breastfeeding her son.

Little Yi Yi heard the familiar suckling noise and stopped playing with daddy's fingers, turning her head to see what her brother was doing. With a glance, her little eyes widened, and after a while she started drooling.

Seeing his daughter's gluttonous appearance, the Jing Prince looked at Xiao Hua a little reproachfully. He didn't say anything, grabbing a handkerchief and wiping his daughter's mouth. Little Zhuo'er suckled on the left, and then the right. This was taught to Xiao Hua by Matron Xu so that one side wouldn't grow bigger than the other. Hearing Matron Xu speaking so ominously, Xiao Hua kept it in mind, deeply afraid she would become uneven.

After little Zhuo'er finished feeding, the Jing Prince immediately handed their daughter over and used his gaze to signal Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua could only put their son to the side, stroke his stomach and receive their daughter.

"Matron Xu's idea looks to be working. The children don't seem weak to me, just a little small. However, she said they'll be fine after a few months."

"It's been hard on you."

"What's highness saying?" Xiao Hua glared at the Jing Prince. She put her daughter down after she ate her fill, and adjusted her clothes. "I'm also happy if our children are healthy. Furthermore, I just look after them during the day, and have Ding Xiang and the rest to help. The wet nurses take care of them during the night."

As for the drawbacks to her body that Nana He mentioned initially, those were all temporary. Nana He also said afterwards that since she was young, it wouldn't affect her much. With Nana He's nourishment, it wouldn't be a problem at all.

Currently, Xiao Hua's body had already recovered to the way it was before. The only difference was that her breasts had grown quite a bit.

The two children obediently fell asleep after eating. Seeing this, Xiao Hua covered them with a thin blanket.

"Does highness want to take a rest as well?"

"Have to go to the front court in a bit."

Nowadays the Jing Prince would make several trips between the front and rear court. He always came back to see the children, often making Xiao Hua incessantly jealous.

"Oh, highness coming for a bit was just to see our son and daughter."

Her ordinary tone made the Jing Prince feel something was up. He answered honestly with a rigid face: "To see you and the children."

Hearing this, Xiao Hua beamed with happiness and leaned in. She didn't say anything, merely leaning against his body.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed. He stroked her hair and suddenly felt his weariness vanish.

The two silently shared a tender moment before the Jing Prince stood up and left for the front court.

Author's words:

Some readers are saying they're completely confused, so a quick explanation.

Actually it's clear if you think about it this way. Imperial Physician Zhou belongs to the Jing Prince. Chen Qi as well. They teamed up to dig a pit for others, and buried a bunch of people. Furthermore, they already got some results…..for example the unfortunate person above.

115

.

Everyone said the Jin Prince was deeply favored by his majesty when they heard about him getting summoned back for the festival.

As for the crown prince's side, they cursed Senior Concubine Xu several times. But this time truly had nothing to do with Senior Concubine Xu, it's just that others didn't realize it.

The Jin Province was around six to seven days away from the capital, and the Jin Prince arrived on the last day of the eighth month.

When he returned, the Jin Prince was still the same as before. He brought over ten carriages of offerings along, and also included many gifts of filial piety for Emperor Xi and Senior Concubine Xu. The Jin Consort also came along this time, as well as their three children. There was a seven year old little mistress, a five year old little mistress and the four year old heir.

Once they arrived, they organized themselves outside the palace's Jin Prince Estate before the Jin Prince brought his whole family into the palace.

The Jin Prince went to pay respects to Emperor Xi while the Jin Consort took their children to Fengqi Palace to pay respects to Empress Xiao.

"The little heir is already so big. Come and let your royal grandmother take a look." Empress Xiao spoke with a face full of affection.

The Jin Prince's little heir was in the wet nurse's arms. Hearing someone calling him, he turned around for a look. Seeing that it was someone unfamiliar, he buried his head back into the wet nurse's chest.

"Empress, this kid was timid from birth…."

"No matter, he's just a kid. Rong'er, go bring the little heir over for this seat to take a look."

Although the Jin Consort's face was smiling, it seemed to imply some difficulty. However, it wasn't convenient to say it out loud, and she could only watch helplessly as her son was taken into Empress Xiao's arms.

The little heir was still rather well behaved. He seemed to be on the verge of crying, but ultimately held back his tears.

"So well behaved. Bring some cakes for the little heir to eat."

Yan'er carried over a plate of rose gelatinous cake to the little heir's side. The little heir saw the red cakes and felt they were very novel. He wanted to grab one but glanced at his mother before timidly withdrawing his hand.

The Jin Consort smiled rigidly, "He's timid…."

The older little mistress on the side suddenly spoke, "Aiya, little bro is about to cry. Come, big sis will take you to go play. We can't cry inside royal grandmother's palace."

The second little mistress ran over and pulled the little heir over to their older sister's side. Only then did the Jin Consort let out a breath of relief.

"Take the children to go play. Take care of them."

The crowd of people surrounded the three children as they left.

"Apologies empress. Children really aren't sensible."

"No harm, no harm."

After chatting idly a little longer, Empress Xiao said: "Alright, the Jin Prince should be about done with his majesty. You guys should hurry over to the Chunluan Palace. The senior concubine is probably waiting."

"Yes."

After the Jin Consort left the hall, Empress Xiao's personal high-ranked palace maid Rong'er sneered: "This Jin Consort is really petty. Does she really think our empress would do something to the little heir?"

Empress Xiao raised her brows and said while smiling: "If there's even the slightest risk, a mother wouldn't take any chances with her children."

Didn't they enjoy making others uncomfortable? Well, she would make them feel uncomfortable as well. Although everyone knew that Empress Xiao wouldn't be foolish enough to act within her own palace, there was still that sliver of doubt.

"That oldest little mistress is already not simple at such a young age. The second oldest is only five, but knew exactly what to do after she spoke."

"Heh, which child in the royal family can act their age? Those who are slightly more stupid are long gone. She's already so old and only has a single son, of course she would be protective."

After leaving the Fengqi Palace, the Jin Consort let out a breath of relief.

"Qiao'er, well done. It's all thanks to you."

The oldest young mistress smiled proudly, "Mother, I'm just a child. Not being sensible is expected."

The Jin Consort revealed a gratified smile, "The two of you older sisters need to properly protect your younger brother. That empress doesn't have any good intentions." Speaking to this point, the Jin Consort gritted her teeth in hatred.

When they got to the Chunluan Palace, the Jin Prince hadn't arrived yet. Senior Concubine Xu saw her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren arrive, and immediately took a seat within the hall, arranging tea and snacks while holding the little heir and calling him "my obedient little grandson".

This mother-in-law wasn't too picky with her. The Jin Consort spoke a few words and had her people bring forward the offerings for Senior Concubine Xu.

Senior Concubine Xu complained about it being a waste of money, but still had a joyful expression.

The two of them chatted idly before the empress's behavior from earlier was brought up.

Senior Concubine Xu frowned, her face full of hatred. However, she still judged the matter objectively and said: "The empress isn't that foolish. She wouldn't make any moves on her own turf."

"Daughter-in-law knows. But the people in the palace are also vicious. Who knows if someone would borrow the empress's place to commit crimes? If something truly happened, they could just blame it on her. Daughter-in-law doesn't dare take this risk."

The Jin Consort was speaking from experience. A few months again she was schemed against by one of the senior concubines in the Jin Prince Estate. She wasn't able to discover who framed her, but the fact was that the eldest son of the Jin Prince Estate was no more.

The eldest son's mother, Senior Concubine Zhu, wanted to swallow her alive. The Jin Prince also treated her coldly. She told them she was framed, but the person had died at her place. Unable to find the true culprit, the bucket of feces was hung around her head. If it wasn't for them coming to the capital, the Jin Prince would still be completely ignoring her.

Senior Concubine Xu also knew about this matter, and consoled: "Don't think too much. This concubine knows you were framed for that matter. This seat will persuade Jin'er later. It's more important for you guys to be harmonious."

The Jin Consort wiped away her tears and said gratefully: "Thank you mother concubine. The one who cares about daughter-in-law is still you."

A eunuch outside announced the Jin Prince's arrival.

The Jin Prince strode inside with powerful strides, giving off a heroic air. He could be counted as an extremely handsome man.

After entering, he first kowtowed to the senior concubine in salute before asking: "What is mother concubine and consort talking about?"

"This child, still going through so much etiquette after arriving at your mother's place. This seat is speaking with your consort about what just happened at the Fengqi Palace." Senior Concubine Xu had her son take a seat while explaining what happened with Empress Xiao.

The Jin Prince frowned but his words were similar to those of Senior Concubine Xu. However, being made to feel uncomfortable by someone was ultimately rather annoying.

The family chatted idly for a bit before Senior Concubine Xu said she had something to discuss with the Jin Prince, and had the palace maids take the Jin Consort and their children out.

Only two trusted aides remained within the hall.

"You should show her a nicer expression. She is your consort after all.

The Jing Prince declined to comment, "The reason she had such a big reaction to the Empress, wasn't it because of her guilty conscience? Pointing at someone else and saying that person wouldn't be dumb enough to act on her own turf, not realizing she was being too smart for her own good."

"What happened to Cheng'er was really done by her?"

The Jin Prince Estate's eldest son Luo Cheng wasn't born of his first wife, but was innately talented and intelligent. He was studious and ambitious. Senior Concubine Xu was quite fond of this little grandson. Unfortunately he died prematurely before coming of age, making Senior Concubine Xu heartbroken for several days.

The Jin Prince laughed coldly, "If it weren't for this prince giving Duke Cheng some face, she'd definitely be done for!"

Senior Concubine Xu frowned, "Enough, enough. You also know to give Duke Cheng some face, so you should treat her better."

"Alright mother concubine, let's not talk about this for now. Did you ask father for this time's summons? What did the empress and crown prince's side say?"

Senior Concubine Xu said: "This time wasn't due to this seat begging his majesty. He brought it up himself. Others may not be able to tell, but this seat could see that his majesty doesn't really like the crown prince these days. He definitely realizes that you're the one he favors and called you back."

The Jin Prince frowned and felt his mother was assuming too much.

As her child, Senior Concubine Xu naturally knew what he was thinking, "Enough, don't be so doubtful. It doesn't matter what the reason is, being able to come back is a good thing. Don't slack off on that business."

"Your son is naturally aware of this."

"This seat has the feeling something happened between his majesty and the crown prince, but I'm unable to find out what it is." Senior Concubine Xu frowned. "Perhaps this seat is overthinking things."

"Mother concubine, is the information accurate? No matter how I look, royal father doesn't appear to be…."

Senior Concubine Xu lowered her voice, "That mole was placed by your mother over twenty years ago. He delivered the information right before he died, it cannot be wrong. Your father, at most…." She held up three of her jade fingers.

The Jin Prince muttered: "Then we must speed things up."

"Don't let that side catch wind of anything."

"Mother concubine can be at ease. Your son isn't that stupid."

Senior Concubine Xu nodded her head in approval.

The crown prince naturally couldn't be compared to her son. Apart from slightly lacking in status, what part of him was worse?! But the victor wasn't clear yet. They definitely had to let the empress that bitch and her bastard son die without a proper burial!

…

A large banquet was laid out for the mid-Autumn Festival. The monarch and his officials dined together and admired the full moon.

The Jin Prince was once again in the limelight during the banquet. Not only did he present unrivaled gifts in a show of filial piety to Emperor Xi, which made everyone astonished and the emperor pleased, he also received many toasts from the emperor who made his favor clear.

In comparison, the crown prince sitting to the left of the seat of honor was clearly less outstanding.

Emperor Xi's actions were also rather thought-provoking. In the past, no matter how much he favored the Jin Prince, he would still leave the crown prince some face. Whenever he toasted the Jin Prince, the crown prince would receive one too. Whenever the Jin Prince was complimented, the crown prince would be mentioned as well. But this time he seemed to have been completely forgotten.

The civil and military officials, the aristocracy and the nobility present were all intelligent people, and could naturally infer some clues. They pondered over things a long time after the feast. The crown prince on the other hand returned to the eastern palace and smashed the things in his study.

Empress Xiao was also full of worry. Her smile which she had kept up the entire night finally cracked after returning to the Fengqi Palace.

When exiting the palace gates, the Jing Duke1 happened to run into the Cheng Duke. Everyone around immediately kept their distance.

"Cheng Duke, please go ahead."

The Cheng Duke glanced at the Jing Duke who was yielding the right of way and smiled, "Jing Duke, it's better if you go ahead."

Did this old thing think he didn't know what he was up to? Tonight his majesty gave the crown prince a hard time. If the Jin Prince's father-in-law forced the Jing Duke out of the way afterwards, it would definitely reach his majesty's ears the next day. Both he and the Jin Prince would get the reputation of being domineering.

"How about you go ahead?"

"Aiya, the two of you are so slow. What's the point of yielding back and forth? Such a wide path, if you don't go, I'm going to go first." The Chengen Marquis yelled from behind.

The Jing Duke yielded and he passed through them. After walking a few steps, he looked back at the Cheng Duke, "Together, together."

The Cheng Duke cursed this stupid pig in his heart, but could only leave together with the Chengen Marquis.

The Jing Duke revealed a profound smile behind them.

You may be sly and cunning, but that can't make up for your idiot teammate.

Senior Concubine Xu was of negligible birth, and only after being conferred senior concubine did her household get conferred the Chengen clan title. Her father, the Chengen Marquis, had always been a clueless master. Although he wouldn't bully people due to his position, his brain was a little simple, and he had dragged the Jin Prince down quite a bit.

But since he was family, he couldn't be thrown aside. Therefore, the Jin Prince had cleaned up quite a few messes behind him.

"You are really a pig!"

Only after getting to his horse carriage and seeing no one around did the Cheng Duke curse.

"What is it this time? Don't think you can insult me just because your daughter is my grandson's wife!"

The Cheng Duke saw the Chengen Marquis's confused appearance and hated that iron couldn't become steel, "His majesty just treated the Jin Prince favorably. What would he think if the two of us stopped giving the Jing Duke any face!?"

The Chengen Marquis looked doubtful, "Aren't you overcomplicating things? It's fine, it's fine. This one's daughter is the senior concubine. His majesty has always favored her, no harm done."

The Cheng Duke almost fell over in anger, "I can't be bothered with you!"

After speaking, he got on his carriage and left.

The Chengen Marquis stood for a long while, but still couldn't figure out what the big deal was with walking on the road. He got on his carriage and left.

There had been quite a few people around the palace gates, and word of the event soon spread. Emperor Xi heard the rumors, and of course Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu heard it as well.

Empress Xiao's expression finally turned a little better while Senior Concubine Xu smashed the teacup by her hand.

But her father was her father. What could she do about it?

Senior Concubine Xu sent word to the Jin Prince in exasperation, explaining that the Chengen Marquis didn't think things through enough. The Jin Prince's expression darkened however. He felt that things had finally started looking up due to his schemes when he was dragged down again.

But since things had happened already, there wasn't anything he could say about it. He could only observe the situation.

Outside of everyone's expectations, Emperor Xi didn't show any movement after the event.

He didn't express any dissatisfaction towards the Jin Prince, nor did he turn around and give the crown prince face. He was extremely calm, as though nothing had happened.

He still summoned the Jin Prince to the palace every day, and occasionally went to speak with him in the imperial study. Otherwise he would have the Jin Prince take his family to accompany the senior concubine. He had even praised the Jin Prince in front of officials for his intelligence and hard work, saying his vassal state was extremely well managed.

All this caused great waves.

This blew over when one day in the Chunluan Palace, Emperor Xi suddenly said that the senior concubine was lonely, and ordered the Jin Prince's children to stay behind and accompany the senior concubine. This by itself wasn't a big deal, but combined with everything else, the entire palace, and even the entire court felt some changes.

That was to say, the wind was blowing in a different direction.

The Jin Prince had already stayed in the capital for over half a month. He was normally cautious, and would never stay in the capital too long. He would stay at most half a month before requesting to return to his vassal state. This time however, he didn't show any movement.

The court was very calm, and all the aristocrats and nobility also kept their silence. Everyone had the same question—-

Would the Jin Prince still ask to return to his vassal state this time?

…

"Would the Jin Prince still ask to return to his vassal state this time?" The crown prince asked.

Empress Xiao sat there, the restlessness between her brows was hard to conceal.

"Since when did we have to place all our hopes on someone else? Mother empress, you are the grand and majestic empress. This humble one is the crown prince. But instead, we have to hope for a small vassal prince to hurry and return to his vassal state, and not cause trouble for us?!"

The crown prince's words were very sharp. At least, Empress Xiao had been stabbed by them. She leaned weakly against her throne, her face pale.

"Mother empress, your son is unconvinced. Where is your son lacking in comparison? Why does royal father treat your son this way!?"

The crown prince was irritable to begin with, and he was a little hysterical at the moment. He paced back and forth in front of Empress Xiao, his face twisted.

Empress Xiao saw this and hurriedly said: "You shouldn't panic, everything will be fine. Vassal princes aren't allowed to remain in the capital for too long. If nothing happens in a few days, the court councilors will naturally present a memorandum."

"Waiting, waiting, waiting, it's always waiting. We can only passively take a beating. Your son is completely fed up with this."

"Zhao'er, things are sensitive at the moment. You must endure."

The crown prince understood this reasoning, but what could he do if he felt annoyed?!

Why did the grand and majestic crown prince have to suffer such grievance? He could endure looking at his royal father's expression the whole day, but he still had to endure a concubine's cheap son!

"Zhao'er, if you can't endure at this moment, then all the efforts your grandfather and I put in will be in vain, as well as your own efforts. Would you be willing?"

Willing? No, he was not willing! He still longed for the day he could completely trample the Jin Prince underfoot….

No need to long for it, the time was almost here.

There were still two more years….

The crown prince recovered his calm, and his face returned to its normal dignified appearance.

"Mother empress, your son understands. I definitely won't disappoint you."

Author's notes:

The male and female lead won't be present in these two chapters, but it can't be helped. Ah! Please don't hit me. It's only these two chapters. Once the waters calm, Repressed Jing can focus on raising the babies. Especially since the babies are too young. There isn't much point in just watching Repressed Jing holding them. Let's focus our gaze on the pivotal moments.

Different jing.

116

On his way out of the Fengqi Palace, the crown prince appeared calm but he was still restless in his heart.

As he walked by the imperial gardens, there were two low-ranked eunuchs talking in quiet voices.

"The Jin Prince asked his majesty to evaluate his martial skills at the martial training grounds."

"It's said the Jin Prince's martial skills are extremely good. His majesty had personally taught him to ride and shoot back then."

"I really want to go and see the Jin Prince's splendor."

"You should forget about it. Just look after the plants here honestly."

The crown prince's expression darkened on the spot. Chen Qi saw things weren't looking good and immediately dispersed the two low-ranked eunuchs.

"Highness."

"Let's go. Let's go to the martial training grounds. This humble one shall see how impressive my royal brother's martial skills are."

The moment he entered the grounds, he heard a wave of cheers.

Emperor Xi sat in the stands, below which was a large field. The Jin Prince wore a sapphire blue training outfit embroidered with golden threads, looking dazzling under the sunlight. He rode a fine black steed that galloped and leaped on the field. The Jin Prince seemed as if he were on flat ground as he pulled his bow. In the blink of an eye, several arrows appeared on the target.

"Great!"

Emperor Xi stood up and exclaimed loudly in praise.

The imperial guards all agreed in succession, and the crowd cheered along.

"The crown prince came as well?"

The crown prince hurriedly walked up and saluted. Emperor Xi bid him to rise and said: "Crown prince, come look at your royal brother's splendor."

The crown prince walked to Emperor Xi's side and looked to the field from the stands. He had a genteel smile on his face, but his hands were clenched under his sleeves.

The Jin Prince finished shooting the arrows in his quiver and urged his horse towards the stage.

"Royal father, your son's horsemanship and archery skills haven't declined, right?!"

Emperor Xi sighed with praise, "Haven't declined at all, very good, very good."

The Jin Prince looked heroic to begin with, and his current unrestrained smile made him look even more imposing.

In comparison, the crown prince on the stage looked to be less outstanding once again.

The crown prince's martial skills weren't bad, but he wasn't good at archery. Emperor Xi had compared him to the Jin Prince when they were young countless times. His huge change in mood was also due to the two low ranked eunuchs' discussion earlier. Seeing the Jin Prince stand out so much after he arrived, the crown prince couldn't help but grit his teeth.

There weren't many fools serving at the emperor's side. Comparing the two, they naturally knew that the crown prince was at a disadvantage.

"Then your son can be at ease. Your son trained diligently in his vassal state, deeply afraid of disappointing royal father." The Jin Prince finished speaking, and looked at the crown prince, "Does royal brother want to come try? Royal father's mood is unusually good today. How about us two brothers put on a show for his enjoyment?"

These words essentially put the crown prince over a roasting fire. The crown prince was still aware of his own shortcomings if he were to go. But if he didn't, how would his royal father view him?

This damn Jin Prince!

Emperor Xi returned to his seat and lifted his teacup, "Does crown prince wish to try?"

"You son…."

Seeing the crown prince's hesitation, Emperor Xi's face turned cold.

The crown prince gritted his teeth, "Your son is willing to try."

After speaking these words, the crown prince actually relaxed. He turned his head and smiled at the Jin Prince: "Royal brother, this humble one wasn't your match in archery since we were young. You should show some mercy later."

These words were quite profound. Everyone knew the Jin Prince's archery skills were excellent. Since he took the initiative to compete with the crown prince in this, wasn't he doing it on purpose? Even if he won, people would say it was a lopsided match. At the same time, even if the crown prince lost, he had already given himself a safety net.

It had to be said that no one was simple within the royal family. Just a few sentences could contain so many pitfalls.

The crowd's gaze fell upon the Jin Prince, who muttered to himself and revealed an apologetic expression, "Forgive your brother's lack of consideration. To avoid an uneven match, how about competing in something else?"

The crown prince let out a breath in relief at the Jin Prince's tact.

What could they compete in?

One of the imperial guards interrupted, "How about the two princes compete in polo?"

Polo was a sport enjoyed by the nobility of the Grand Xi Dynasty. Even Emperor Xi participated when he was younger. Now that he was old, he no longer played but the palace still had its own polo field.

The main point was that there wasn't much else the princes could compete in if archery wasn't an option. Competing with fists or swords would easily result in injury, and it wouldn't be a minor issue no matter who got hurt. Also, the loser in an individual competition would lose a lot of face. Polo was different since it was a team sport. The losing side could easily blame his team for not cooperating well.

To avoid any potential awkwardness from arising, the subordinates had put in quite a lot of thought. Otherwise, if something really happened, those present at the scene wouldn't be able to avoid becoming scapegoats.

Only after seeing Emperor Xi's approval did the person who made the suggestion relax.

Since Emperor Xi had agreed, the two princes weren't able to say anything else.

It's just that it definitely wouldn't happen today, and there wasn't enough time for it either. They scheduled it for the day after tomorrow, giving both sides some time to prepare.

The crown prince was still a little dazed after leaving the training grounds. He had clearly gone to see "just how impressive his royal brother's martial arts were". How did the two of them end up scheduling a polo match?

However, seeing Emperor Xi's interested expression, the crown prince also felt some enthusiasm. He had to win against the Jin Prince to regain his prestige as the crown prince.

Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu both received the news. Before they could summon their sons to ask about the situation, Emperor Xi released an imperial edict. The younger generation of all the officials and nobility could participate in this polo match. The winner would be bestowed the Dragon Ascending Ornament, and all the participants would be rewarded and conferred titles as well.

The timing had once again been moved back, and the match would now be held ten days later. Emperor Xi said this was to allow both sides to properly prepare, but his intentions were unclear.

The entire palace and even half the capital started boiling over. This Dragon Ascending Ornament was bestowed by the previous emperor to the current one when he was still the crown prince. Emperor Xi viewed it as a treasure. The crown prince had asked for it several times but the emperor had never agreed. Now he had actually taken it out as a reward. Many of the younger generation were also participating. This was a great opportunity to perform in front of the emperor, and they naturally wouldn't pass it up.

A simple polo match had become something else due to Emperor Xi's words.

The initially calm pool of water started boiling under the surface.

Polo was a ball sport played on horseback. To be good at polo, one must be a good horseman.

There were few young masters in the capital who didn't know how to play, but there was still quite a difference between those who were good at it and those who weren't.

Each team would have ten people. This was to say the crown prince and the Jin Prince each had to gather nine others for their team. Deciding who to pick was one question, and the other was whether their choices were skilled.

But how could this be a problem for the crown prince and the Jin Prince? That very evening, a list of names and their detailed information had already been obtained. All that was left to do was to decide.

The Jin Prince didn't know how the crown prince felt about it, but he knew this was a great opportunity for himself. Vassal princes weren't allowed to befriend court councilors, but didn't prevent them from befriending their descendants.

Senior Concubine Xu and the Jin Prince had this in mind to begin with, but the crown prince's side had been keeping a close eye on them. They hadn't been able to find the right opportunity, but now it was delivered to them by the heavens.

What Senior Concubine Xu's side thought of, the crown prince's side naturally thought of as well.

But since it was an imperial edict, no one could go against it. A single no would mean going against the emperor. They could only withdraw their gazes temporarily, focus on the match ahead and try to obtain the Ascending Dragon Ornament.

The crown prince's side was able to quickly confirm the participants and bring the people together for training. The Jin Prince's movements were rather slow in comparison.

He researched which household's younger generation was rumored to be good at polo, and also frequently visited them in person or held tryouts at the field to test their skills. It seemed he was extremely committed to finding skilled players instead of considering which household was more influential or useful.

There were many gazes focused on the waves caused by this match. Emperor Xi was rather satisfied with the Jin Prince's actions. Even some experienced people couldn't help but admit the Jin Prince's actions were appropriate.

On the other hand, the crown prince's side had only invited a bunch of youngsters from households that stood behind the Jing Duke or the crown prince. Although these families were influential, there would unfortunately be some snakes mixed in with the dragons. Some of the ones on the list were people that everyone knew were awful at polo.

The crown prince and the Jing Duke naturally understood this, but unfortunately as the representatives of their faction, they had to consider things from all aspects. The emperor had said there would be various rewards and titles conferred. If it were just rewards, no one would struggle over it. But if there were titles to be had, each household had countless obscure descendants that needed to perform in front of the emperor for some merit. Therefore, compromise was sometimes necessary and unavoidable.

The Jin Prince spent five days to gather his team, and started training their cooperation and what not.

At this moment, a problem arose. The Jin Prince Estate didn't have a polo field since the Jin Prince was always in his vassal state. The imperial palace had one, but it was unfortunately occupied every day by the crown prince. The Jin Prince had brought his people over for practice at staggered times once, and the next day the field had been reserved ahead of time by the crown prince. The Jin Prince could only ask others for help. In the end, it was the heir of the Chengyang household on his team who offered his house's polo field on the outskirts for use.

"Crown prince, how should this subordinate criticize you? Aren't you supposed to show some generosity towards your royal brother at this time?"

"Grandpa, Zhou'er didn't do this. This humble one was schemed against!" The crown prince said with gritted teeth.

Schemed against? The Jing Duke was stunned.

"This humble one investigated after the fact. When the Jin Prince went to practice, the one in charge of the field merely said that "the crown prince will be practicing later", and had merely wanted to organize the timing. But before he could finish, the Jin Prince that scum actually said that since the crown prince was going to be practicing, he would find another location and left with his people. Before long, this had spread all over the place."

After listening, the Jing Duke also pretty much understood.

But no matter how they put it now, rumors of the crown prince's obstruction had already spread, having forced the Jin Prince to practice in a small field on the outskirts.

"Great, what a great move by this Jin Prince!"

Based on appearances, others would definitely not say how embarrassing it was for the Jin Prince. They would only say how the crown prince took advantage of his younger brother. There was even less need to mention what his majesty's side would think: We haven't died yet and you're already treating our beloved son this way. What about when We are dead?

There were many things they couldn't afford to guess at. Overthinking them would only frighten the people around, and would increase one's worries.

"Then this humble one will go clarify things to royal father?"

"Will his majesty listen? He would think that you only understood reason after the fact, and you would look even worse," the Jing Duke sighed. This was why he praised the Jin Prince's move. He was able to embellish such a small matter into a scandal!

"It's better to prepare properly for the polo match a few days later. The Jin Prince hasn't been able to train for long, and there would inevitably be some gaps in their cooperation which can be exploited. We can turn the situation around by obtaining the Ascending Dragon Ornament."

The crown prince gritted his teeth. Him going back and training with his life on the line didn't need to be mentioned.

On the other side, the Jin Prince's team was also full of righteous indignation.

"This crown prince is too domineering. He clearly wasn't using it, and still occupied the place so we couldn't use it."

"Exactly, exactly."

The people chosen by the Jin Prince naturally weren't all without power and influence. It's just that he had given others the initial impression of choosing people over households. His team may not be as influential as the crown prince's, but none of them could be disregarded.

If it wasn't some count's young master, then it was some marquis's son. Of course, their background was just one aspect. Their individual abilities also weren't lacking, as a bunch of outstanding young officials. There was no need to discuss their abilities, each of them could proclaim themselves as a rich young master of the capital.

They naturally appeared respectful of the crown prince on the surface, but would criticize him at the turn of their head. The crown prince also didn't dare do anything to these families in the open. The crown prince was still the crown prince, and not yet the emperor.

"Everyone shouldn't quibble over these little things. Didn't Heir Qiao allow us to use his family's field to practice? We should be focused on the upcoming match instead."

The Jin Prince's handsome face showed a cultured and refined smile. These normally incompatible bearings actually appeared on his person. On the surface he appeared handsome and overbearing, yet his smile gave others the feeling of a noble scholar.

"What highness said makes sense."

"Highness sure has a lot of poise. No wonder his majesty praises him so."

"You're overpraising, overpraising."

117

.

The eagerly awaited match finally arrived.

The location was naturally the palace's polo field. The field was extremely spacious, with three sets of stands arranged in an oval around it. The center, northern stands were higher than the other two, and were covered by a bright yellow awning. This was for Emperor Xi, the empress and Senior Concubine Xu. The other two sets of stands were for the officials and nobility.

The field itself was rectangular, with two goalposts on the eastern and western end. They were a little over a zhang high. There were twenty-four flags on each goal with empty slots on the side. Scoring a goal gave a point, which was represented by the little red flags and a loud announcement by the keeper. Mounting a flag represented a point.

There were five drums arranged by each side's goalposts, with drummers rallying and cheering mightily. One side wore red clothing and the other side wore blue. Both sides wore headbands with their respective team's colors.

At this moment, the central stands were still empty. There were quite a few people in the other two stands. On the field, the people wearing light protective gear with red and blue headbands trotted their horses around as they warmed up.

The horses that could appear on the field were naturally good horses. Amongst them, one white horse and one black horse was especially spirited. Their legs were long, their well-fed bodies sturdy. They were clearly precious Ferghana horses.

As for their owners, they were naturally the crown prince and the Jin Prince.

The stands gradually filled up. After a while, Emperor Xi accompanied by the empress and the senior concubine arrived.

"Greetings to the emperor, long live the emperor. Greetings to the empress, long live the empress. Greetings to the senior concubine. Long live the senior concubine."

The people on the other two stands kowtowed, and the people on the field warming up their horses also got off and saluted.

Emperor Xi laughed brightly and cried: "Everyone rise."

Emperor Xi sat down on the throne. The empress sat on his right, and below her sat Senior Concubine Xu. The two teams on the field walked their horses in front of Emperor Xi's stands after he bid them to rise.

"Royal father, your son is ready." The crown prince cupped his hands.

"Alright." Emperor Xi gestured with his finger and Zheng Hai Quan made a hand motion towards the edge of the stands. A court eunuch carried a decorated gold covered platter forward. The platter was covered by yellow silk, but based on the shape it appeared to be the Dragon Ascending Ornament.

"Since you wish to compete, there should naturally be a proper competition. The winning team's leader will be bestowed this Dragon Ascending Ornament. The rest will be rewarded and conferred titles."

Those below the stands cried in unison: "Yes."

Then, they got on their horses. The two teams gathered on their respective sides, and faced their opponents, waiting for the match to start. The drummers on either side struck their drums, "dongdongdongdong" ringing out across the field.

This drumming, this grandeur, made the crowd's blood begin to boil.

Following the "clang" of a gong, the crown prince who was serving first threw the red and blue polo ball towards the opposite goal. After a loud yell, he and the Jin Prince spurred their horses while holding the polo sticks and galloped towards the ball. The people behind them spread out in all directions. Some went to the back to provide support while others went to the sides to defend. Some also followed behind the crown prince and the Jin Prince.

A cloud of dust rose up from the field. The horses neighed and the people yelled, it was extremely lively.

"Aiya, on the left."

"The right, the right."

"Get out of the way!"

It was hard to tell who was who on the field. The crowd of people charged from side to side violently, breaking through here and there. They would suddenly charge forward, and then suddenly turn around and retreat. There were no gentlemen here. The gentlemen were already flung far away. Getting the ball was all that mattered.

Polo was loved by everyone. Which rich household's descendants hadn't played at least a couple of times before? At first, the people didn't dare act too unbridled in front of Emperor Xi. However, a short while later, they looked left and then right and started cheering and stamping their feet.

"The red team gets a point."

The first goal was scored by the crown prince's side. Accompanied by the beating of drums, a flag was inserted in the eastern flag post.

The blue team cried out in disappointment. The Jin Prince reined his horse in and lifted his polo stick: "Everyone, don't be discouraged. It's only one point."

The ball was served once again, and before long, the blue team had also gotten a point.

The two teams were closely tied, and the struggle grew fiercer and fiercer. Polo was a group battle to begin with, and occasional collisions were inevitable. Although it was thrilling, conflicts often arose as well.

Either your stick hit me, or my horse bumped yours. As the match progressed, all notions of status were thrown out the window. Even if they came into contact with the crown prince or the Jin Prince, the group of people dared to pull their sleeves. They jostled their opponents into making mistakes while also hissing provocations one after the other.

The crown prince's team was mostly chosen based on their background, and their polo skills weren't too good. Although the Jin Prince also chose influential people, he still paid attention to their skills. After some time, the difference became clear.

The Jin Prince's team was ahead by four points.

The red team inevitably grew anxious. The crown prince reassured them for a long time before the ball was served.

After he scored in the last round, it was the Jin Prince's turn to serve this round. He still urged his horse after the ball as before.

Someone on the red team reached the ball and hit it back, calling for everyone to move towards the blue team's goalposts. After all sorts of defense and blocks, the ball was stolen and sent back once more. The Jin Prince received the ball and headed towards the red team's goal. Because his angle of approach was tricky, many people weren't able to react. Only the crown prince took the lead in chasing after him.

The red team followed after them. The blue team left a few people on defense while the rest followed behind as well. The crown prince was still one horse's distance away from the Jin Prince, and saw that he was about to score at the swing of his stick. The crown prince's horse suddenly increased in speed and rammed the Jin Prince's horse.

Did the crown prince go insane?

The people in the stands all stood up. Even Emperor Xi found it hard to conceal his shock. Senior Concubine Xu covered her mouth in fright and the empress was stunned.

"Bang."

"Neigh…."

The sound of a horse's whinny rang out. The Jin Prince flew out with his horse. The dark handsome horse tumbled to the floor while the Jin Prince was flung far away. The crown prince's horse only stumbled a few steps and came to a halt.

Everyone on the field froze.

"Hurry and call a physician!" Senior Concubine Xu cried mournfully.

Everything was in chaos. Everyone watched the scene below as they whispered to each other.

The crown prince froze for a long time before getting off his horse and rushing to the Jin Prince's side.

"Second brother."

The Jin Prince lay there, his eyes closed and his face covered in dirt. He didn't make a sound.

A group of imperial guards appeared on the field and hurried over. They carefully carried the Jin Prince to the shade under the stands. Senior Concubine Xu also lifted her skirt and pounced over. Emperor Xi and Empress Xiao followed behind.

"Jin'er, don't scare your mother! Where's the imperial physician, hurry and take a look."

From the crowd, an old imperial physician squeezed through with his hat askew. He first examined the Jin Prince before taking out an acupuncture needle and inserting it into his body.

Immediately, the Jin Prince woke up. After he awoke, he seemed to be a little muddle-headed. Only after hearing Senior Concubine Xu's crying did his eyes clear up.

"Mother concubine, I'm fine…."

"How are you fine? You were unconscious and you think you're fine? You were thrown so far away. Imperial physician, check him for injuries."

"This humble prince's leg…."

After the physician's examination, it turned out that the Jin Prince had a large abrasion on his face and his leg was also broken. Apart from this, there were no major injuries. As for his leg, it still remained to be seen. If it wasn't serious, the leg could be mended in a hundred days. If it was serious, it could leave behind problems in the future.

Everyone was in an uproar. Emperor Xi's expression was ashen and Senior Concubine Xu cried her eyes out. The crown prince stood with a pale face on the side, muttering in helpless explanation: "This humble one wasn't trying to ram him, I really wasn't…."

….

No one expected a polo match to end up this way.

It was inevitable for light injuries to occur during polo, but these people were all skilled horsemen, and knew to control themselves. Who would have expected the crown prince to go crazy and ram the Jin Prince?

The Jin Prince was carried to the Chunluan Palace to be treated. Emperor Xi didn't spare the crown prince a glance before storming off.

Everyone on the field knew that the crown prince's situation was dire.

It was fine if the Jin Prince's leg could be healed. If an issue occurred, it would leave behind a thorn in the emperor's heart that couldn't be removed. The fact that the crown prince was so intolerant that he would disregard his brother's life over a mere polo match would constantly be on the emperor's mind.

Over half the imperial physicians in the imperial hospital had been summoned to the Chunluan Palace. From their examination, they concluded that the Jin Prince's leg would depend on how it healed. If it healed well, there would naturally not be any problems. If it didn't, it would remain a problem to some extent.

Emperor Xi declined to comment and invited Imperial Physician Zhou to take another look. The outcome was more or less the same.

"Royal father, don't blame the crown prince. He, he also didn't do it on purpose." The Jin Prince's face was pale as he spoke with a weak voice.

"You're still worrying about others? Are you trying to anger your mother to death? My Jin'er, who did you end up provoking? What should we do if your leg doesn't heal properly….." Senior Concubine Xu wiped her tears on the side.

"Don't talk nonsense. With so many imperial physicians, how can there be any issues!" Emperor Xi then spoke to the Jin Prince: "You recuperate properly. Your royal father will take care of things on the crown prince's side. Zheng Hai Quan—-"

"This servant is here."

"Clear out the Jin Prince's former room within the palace, and have him move over."

"Royal father, it's better if your son returns to the Jin Prince Estate. I can recuperate in the estate, it's not too good to live in the palace."

"What's bad about it?"

"Regardless, your son wants to recuperate in the estate…."

A stubborn expression flashed across the Jin Prince's pale face. He closed his eyes and no longer spoke. His actions wouldn't make Emperor Xi feel disrespected, but rather made him think that his son was too sensible.

Emperor Xi showed some weariness on his face as he said: "Since you wish to return, then go properly recuperate in the estate."

After Emperor Xi left, the hall fell into silence. Senior Concubine Xu was about to speak when a palace maid reported, "Concubine, the empress is here to visit the Jin Prince, his highness."

"We won't see her." Senior Concubine Xu's expression looked stern, "Tell her the Jin Prince is tired and has gone to sleep."

"Your majesty, the empress went to the Chunluan Palace but was prevented from entering by the senior concubine. The crown prince intended on coming to the Violet Imperial Hall to beg for forgiveness but was ordered to return by the empress."

Emperor Xi raised his hand. The kneeling eunuch took his leave.

"Zheng Hai Quan. Tell me, is this a performance put on by the Jin Prince for Us?"

Zheng Hai Quan wished he could bury himself so Emperor Xi couldn't see him. However, such thoughts were merely pipe dreams, and he could only respond: "This servant, this servant feels it doesn't seem to be the case. This Jin Prince was in front and the crown prince was behind. How could he guard against someone bumping into him from behind?"

These words made Zheng Hai Quan's heart tremble, but since the emperor had asked him, he could only speak his thoughts out loud.

Emperor Xi let out an "en", "But the crown prince wouldn't be so brazen either….."

Zheng Hai Quan didn't dare to speak further. He bent his waist and lowered his head.

Emperor Xi also felt it didn't seem intentional. Everyone on the field had seen the crown prince's horse suddenly accelerate and run into the Jin Prince's horse.

"What were the results after investigating the horses and the field?"

"After repeated examination, there doesn't seem to be any problems."

Emperor Xi no longer spoke, his face scarily dark.

Only after a long while did he say: 'The crown prince is too impatient and insolent. He will be confined for a month." After a pause, he spoke again: "Give the Ascending Dragon Ornament to the Jin Prince, and choose some good medicine from Our personal storage while you're at it. Let him properly recuperate."

"Yes."

118

The easten n palace was scarily silent. After his majesty gave the confinement order, it was even more silent, as though no one was present.

Within the study, no lamps were lit despite the darkness.

The crown prince had yet to snap out of his daze. At the time, he had muttered that he wasn't planning on ramming the Jin Prince, yet he himself had no idea how he ended up running into him.

Once Emperor Xi's investigation was concluded, the Jing Prince received the report as well. Actually both sides got the results at the same time since the empress had also sent people over to see.

There was truly nothing abnormal. There were no issues with the field or the horses, leaving the crown prince with no excuses. He could only shut himself in his study and think everything over. In the end, he had a splitting headache but there was still no conclusion. He could only assume he had lost himself in the moment.

"Highness, how about this servant light a lamp?" Chen Qi who had accompanied him this whole time suddenly spoke. He lit the lamp as he spoke. "This servant believes highness definitely wouldn't do something like this. It was definitely the Jin Prince's scheme."

"You also think this humble one was wrongly accused?"

The room lit up. Chen Qi nodded his head, "Highness couldn't possibly use such clumsy methods. Wouldn't this be making problems for yourself? This servant is dimwitted but still understands the situation. Highness would rather be injured himself than let the Jin Prince get injured."

The crown prince suddenly let out a breath, as though feeling at ease now that he heard these words.

"However—-"

"Speak."

"This servant was also there at the time. Highness's horse clearly sped up and charged over. The others present seemed to have witnessed the same thing as well."

Seeing the crown prince's ugly expression, Chen Qi continued speaking: "Therefore, this servant felt something wasn't right. The easiest way to deduce the truth is to figure out who would benefit from it. Without a doubt, it would be the Jin Prince. But this servant really can't figure out how the Jin Prince's horse was able to get itself rammed under everyone's eyes."

After speaking back and forth, they were back at the beginning. This was something no one could figure out.

…

"It actually wasn't much. This humble prince just had his horse stop for a bit."

Within the Jin Prince Estate, the Jin Prince's pale face showed some poorly concealed satisfaction.

His advisor, Mister Chen Da was astonished, "Stop for a bit?"

"It was on impulse. Such a good opportunity landed in front of this humble prince, how could I bear to let it slip by?!"

It sounded easy, but had been difficult.

Under such a high speed gallop, to be able to have his horse stop briefly and continue forward once more required excellent horsemanship, perception and decisiveness.

Horsemanship was needed to control the horse and perception was needed to calculate the timing and distance between himself and the crown prince. A horse's length was a fleeting distance to begin with, like the spark of a flint. The Jin Prince had actually been able to successfully grasp it. Furthermore, to be able to put his own safety to the back of his mind to seize this opportunity, this required decisiveness.

It had to be said that the Jin Prince was a rare talent. He was determined, courageous and wise.

Mister Chen Da had a face full of praise, "Highness is both a hero and a great strategist. You are bound to succeed in your endeavors."

"At this point, they won't be able to hope for this humble prince to return to his vassal state. Before my leg is healed, they wouldn't dare bring it up."

"Highness is wise."

The Jing Prince Estate also received the news, though it was delayed by a day.

Actually this delayed news had been obtained at great cost. Normally, a message carried over these eight hundred li's distance would take several days. Being able to receive the news from the distant capital one day later was extremely astonishing.

Because the Jing Province was too far from the capital, he had spent quite some effort initially. Messenger pigeons were faster than a galloping horse, but the distance was too far. Who knew whether the pigeon would get eaten by some predator on the way? Therefore, he had sent people to find alternative methods. Only after paying a high price did he obtain the secrets of training messenger hawks.

Without mentioning the cost for this secret, he had spent many years training and only managed to succeed with two hawks. Despite the high price, the effects were extremely good. Normally, news from the capital may arrive within a day, at most two.

"Highness, do you think this matter was intentional?"

The Jing Prince Estate's role in this matter was extremely small. They had only guided the events a little, intending to muddy the waters. The results exceeded their expectations.

It was almost a little unbelievable. Huang Qin had been stunned after reading the report. He really didn't know if he should sigh over the Jin Prince's luck or the crown prince's misfortune.

The Jing Prince parted the suds in his tea, took a sip and said: "Regardless if it was intentional or not, the Jin Prince's goal of remaining in the capital has been achieved."

"Therefore, this was everyone's desired outcome?" After speaking, Huang Qin couldn't help but laugh: "Looks like the only unhappy party is the crown prince's side."

The Jing Prince didn't speak. After muttering to himself, he placed the teacup down, "Let's observe closely for now. The more chaotic it is on that side, the more it benefits us."

He spoke to Eunuch Chang who was standing on the side: "Send a letter to that side. Have Yang Hui keep an eye on things. Only if these two sides struggle fiercely can we sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight."

"Yes."

Before Eunuch Chang's voice fell, the Jing Prince had got up and left. He was gone before Eunuch Chang straightened himself from his bow.

"Where's his highness going in such a hurry?" Huang Qin was stunned.

Eunuch Chang covered his mouth and coughed lightly, "Things are naturally different as a father."

Huang Qin laughed involuntarily, "This is a good thing. At least our highness finally has some offspring."

This was something all his subordinates were happy to see. Of course it would have been better if they were of his first wife, but since that wasn't possible it was also good to have children with his concubine.

People's thoughts would always adapt to the circumstances. Because the Jing Prince had been apathetic for so many years, just being able to have an heir made everyone extremely joyful. They no longer cared if it was from the wife or the concubine.

Eunuch Chang laughed awkwardly and waved at Huang Qin before going off to carry out his orders.

When the Jing Prince arrived at the western pavilion, Xiao Hua was getting a headache within the main residence.

The reason was that Zhuo'er and Yi Yi had learned to recognize people.

Being able to recognize people meant they weren't easy to take care of anymore. If Xiao Hua held onto one, the other would start crying.

If neither one was being held, there wasn't a problem. If both were being held by wet nurses, there wasn't a problem. But if Xiao Hua was to do the holding, she would have to hold both of them at once, and no one could help.

Of course there was one exception. That was if the Jing Prince personally acted. This was also why the Jing Prince had left in a hurry from Huang Qin's place. It was time for the children to feed.

The two babies were smacking their lips from hunger. Xiao Hua felt bad and wanted to hold and feed one first. But as expected, the other one started crying. The one she held was busy happily feeding, and couldn't be bothered with the other's tears.

"Yi Yi, behave ok? You can eat after your brother is done. You ate first in the morning, it's your brother's turn."

The Jing Prince heard the crying and entered quickly.

"Crying again?"

Ding Xiang and the rest saw his highness approach and hurriedly moved out of the way.

"That's right. I had no idea such young babies could be jealous. They're extremely domineering!"

The Jing Prince didn't respond and went to hold his daughter who was on the kiln. He sat down and let her lean against his chest. The moment she sat in place, she stopped crying.

"I see, so you stop crying the moment your father comes? Are you doing it on purpose?"

How can a child understand an adult's words? Yi Yi just blinked her large eyes, glanced at her feeding brother before turning and playing with her father's fingers.

After she spoke, Xiao Hua also laughed in spite of herself. Having taken care of the two children for a while, she had recently started talking to them without caring if they could understand her.

After she finished feeding her son, she exchanged him with the Jing Prince. Xiao Hua lifted her daughter over while Zhuo'er sat in his father's lap and watched his mother feed his sister.

Xiao Hua glanced at her daughter and then looked over at the father son pair, and burst out laughing.

"Zhuo'er's expression and movements are just like yours. You're identical."

The Jing Prince frowned and looked at his son. The two of them stared at each other without commenting, and then returned to their previous positions.

"If only highness could be present whenever it was time to feed." Xiao Hua lamented.

Although she said this, Xiao Hua also knew the Jing Prince was busy. How could he watch over these two and their mother all the time? It's already pretty good if he could occasionally make it back.

"Recently it's not as busy. If there isn't anything, this humble prince will come."

Xiao Hua smiled and nodded.

After Yi Yi finished eating, the Jing Prince sat for a while longer before leaving.

The two little babies lay next to each other on the kiln. The two of them were now able to flip over, and their limbs had some strength. They weren't as still as before, and after lying for a bit they would turn on their sides and nudge each other, playing happily together.

"Are you two doing this on purpose, hmm?" Xiao Hua pinched her daughter's nose and said.

As she saw her confused look, she suddenly laughed in spite of herself, "Really, two little scoundrels. But this is also pretty good….."

Thinking to this point, Xiao Hua's face turned red.

"It's just that your father is busy…"

The Jing Prince truly wasn't that busy recently.

Things had temporarily calmed down in the capital after the Jin Prince's injury and the crown prince's confinement. Although there were quite a few things going on behind the scenes, they just had to observe and send the news over. They didn't have to do or care about anything else for the moment.

Now that he was idle, he put the majority of his focus on other things, and the rest of his attention was placed on the western pavilion.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were already seven months old. They were already able to sit up without anyone supporting them. They could play with little toys by themselves. They also grew noisier, and made quite a fuss. Xiao Hua would often sit with them as they played by themselves. As they played, they would make all sorts of cries and coos at people, but unfortunately no one could understand them.

At this time the two's personalities had started to show. Yi Yi was the younger sister, but was actually livelier than her older brother. She also moved around a little more.

Zhuo'er was the older brother, but he had the same calm temperament as his father. He could sit and play by himself for a long time. Yi Yi was the opposite. After playing for a while without anyone, she wouldn't cry but she would go find her brother.

The most common occurrence nowadays was that Yi Yi would get bored of playing by herself and go harass Zhuo'er. Zhuo'er would get bugged until his little face wrinkled, and lie on his side not wanting to bother with her.

Xiao Hua hadn't raised kids before, and never realized how interesting it would be. The two little ones were only this old, but their deeds and conduct was an endless source of hilarity. Even an apathetic person like the Jing Prince would occasionally twitch his lips at seeing such amusing scenes.

Xiao Hua guessed that this was his way of smiling. Actually Xiao Hua had seen the Jing Prince smile several times, but that was just her feeling. His eyes would seem to be smiling but it wouldn't be expressed on his face.

Being able to twitch his lips could be seen as a major step forward.

Nana He and Matron Xu discussed providing the children with some supplementary nourishment. This was proposed mainly by Matron Xu. As of today, she seemed to be the western pavilion's own "childcare specialist". It had to be said that this old woman's words made a lot of sense.

Only after did Xiao Hua find out that despite Matron Xu making a living out of delivering babies, she herself didn't have any children.

Her husband had passed away early and she had never remarried. She remained alone, and perhaps in an attempt to fill the void in her life, she was well versed in these matters. Of course, adding more to her repertoire only served to make her backing firmer.

Since they were both solitary people, she and Nana He's relationship grew better and better. The two still argued easily, and their arguments mostly involved the two children. It was mostly Matron Xu proposing and Nana He rejecting, and Matron Xu then standing her ground.

At first people tried to mediate their arguments, but they realized after that these two were just arguing out of boredom. Especially since Nana He had whiled away in the palace for so many years. How could Matron Xu be her match if they were truly to argue?

To put it plainly, they were just lonely and wanted to pass the time.

Supplementary nourishment referred to food outside of breastmilk. It was easy to speak of but hard to implement. Without even considering Xiao Hua, just these wet nurses were all against it. First of all, Matron Xu's suggestion would be threatening their livelihood, and secondly these wet nurses were truly worried for the little young master and mistress as well.

From their perspective, babies should drink milk, and not eat food.

Matron Xu was helpless and did her best to argue. She gave examples and explanations. For example, many rich households would feed their children milk until they were five or six without stopping. These households felt that milk was good and thus only gave them milk, switching out wet nurses one after the other. But in reality, such children ended up having difficulties even walking, and their bodies were so frail they would get ill at the slightest breeze.

On the other hand, in poor households the mother often had to work. The children would at most be fed until seven or eight months old before being handed over to their grandmother to take care of. Since their mother wasn't always by their side, breastfeeding wasn't as convenient. Occasionally when the children grew hungry, they would be fed various rice and vegetable porridge slurries. These kids would be lively and jumping about when they were a year old, and their bodies were healthy as well.

Matron Xu's words made sense, and Nana He also said some babies could be fed porridge. Therefore, Xiao Hua made the decision to feed them some and see.

The two children's ability to adapt was pretty good. They would eat what they were given, and even got quite into it. They would cry out if they weren't given it. Xiao Hua had wanted to feed them some more, but was stopped by Matron Xu. She said it was better to feed them less at the start, and slowly increase the amount to prevent their stomachs from getting upset.

And like this, after a few days Zhuo'er and Yi Yi changed from breastfed babies into babies who could "eat food". However, they didn't eat that much, half a small bowl's worth of porridge every day.

There were four wet nurses providing breastmilk, and with the children now eating other foods, Xiao Hua became idle and breastfed increasingly less.

At this point, a problem arose. Xiao Hua began overflowing with milk.

Matron Xu suggested waiting a little longer before putting an end to her lactation. But since the two children only ate so little, the stored milk became a problem. Therefore, Matron Xu taught Xiao Hua a set of techniques used to squeeze the milk out. She told her that she had to squeeze everything out every day.

When the Jing Prince walked in, Ding Xiang and Chun Cao were feeding Yi Yi some vegetable porridge slurry.

Little Yi Yi was wearing a crimson cotton outfit embroidered with crab-apple flowers, and a fine cotton bib hung over her chest. She sat in Chun Cao's arms while Ding Xiang used a small spoon to feed her bit by bit. The little fellow smacked her lips as she ate with great gusto.

The Jing Prince was someone who liked cleanliness, and was even a bit of a germaphobe. Yet he didn't mind when he saw his daughter get food all over her mouth and bib. Zhuo'er was sitting on the kiln and playing by himself. Ding Lan kept an eye on him on the side.

The Jing Prince looked around, "Where's madam?"

Ding Xiang said respectfully: "Madam is in the inner room."

The Jing Prince went to the inner room. Chun Cao whispered, "Is it alright for his highness to go in while madam is doing that?"

"Since his highness asked, can I refuse to answer?"

"That's true."

Chun Cao saw that Yi Yi was spitting out the slurry and hurriedly wiped her face with a handkerchief.

"Aiya, our little mistress is full. Is it our little young master's turn to eat? Little mistress, go play for a bit."

The people around Xiao Hua had also gotten infected by this problem. Despite the two not understanding anything, everyone would still speak to them. However, Matron Xu said this would help the children learn to speak, so no one felt this was silly.

119

When the Jing Prince walked in, Xiao Hua was straightening her clothes in front of the table. A copper basin and a bowl was placed in front of her.

Seeing the Jing Prince, Xiao Hua's face turned red.

"Why is highness here?" As she spoke, she moved forward, her body seemingly blocking the Jing Prince's sight intentionally.

Unfortunately, her height wasn't comparable to the Jing Prince's and he naturally saw the things on the table. The copper basin was filled with water and a hand towel while the bowl was filled with a milky liquid.

The Jing Prince looked at the top of her head. The children were eating outside while she was eating inside?

"The children constantly need something to eat?"

Xiao Hua stared blankly, "Not, not really. Matron Xu said they can eat some slurry and what not. Nana He makes some every day for them.

The Jing Prince nodded and sat down at the table, pulling her to sit with him.

"Let Nana He know if you want to eat something."

How did they get to this topic? Xiao Hua was completely confused, and had forgotten about the bowl on the table. She felt her clothes were a little wet and was a little uncomfortable. She said: "Highness, I'm going to go change."

Xiao Hua entered the bathroom while the Jing Prince remained at the table. From the room, he could clearly hear the palace maids playing with the children.

The Jing Prince felt a little thirsty. Ding Xiang and the others were busy and no one served tea. He saw the bowl on the table, and thinking that she had just drank out of it, he lifted it without any thought and took a couple of sips.

Xiao Hua came out and saw right away the Jing Prince drinking from the bowl, and exclaimed: "Highness, how can you drink that, that's….." she said while taking the bowl away from him in embarrassment.

The Jing Prince hadn't been able to taste anything, and only felt it didn't taste very good. Seeing her astonished appearance, he was extremely confused.

Within the silent room, a man with a jade-like face and ink black brows sat with a confused expression. Some white substance still lingered on his pale lips. Xiao Hua's breathing couldn't help but speed up and her face grew even redder.

Once she snapped out of it, she felt extremely shy, wanting to cover her face and escape. Before she could move, she was pulled into his arms.

"What's wrong?" The Jing Prince spoke as he put the bowl in Xiao Hua's hands on the table, and half wrapped his arms around her.

"Nothing, nothing…."

Xiao Hua was used to being honest in front of the Jing Prince, and didn't dare gloss over things. She could only say hesitantly: "Highness, do you know what's in the bowl?" Her face seemed ready to drip blood.

"What?" Hearing her say this, the Jing Prince involuntarily licked his lips, trying to taste what it was.

It had a little raw flavor…..

Bang—-

Seeing the Jing Prince's actions, Xiao Hua was mindblown. She buried her face in his chest and didn't dare look at him.

"Ah….that's, that's the milk I squeezed out….."

Oh?

Her face was lifted by him. Why was she still so easily embarrassed after giving birth?!

"Why squeeze?"

Xiao Hua took a few deep breaths. The Jing Prince's calm seemed to have affected her as she mumbled: "Our son and daughter can't finish it all. Matron Xu said it needs to be all squeezed out or that area will hurt."

"Does it still need squeezing?"

"Just finished."

"Can't finish it all?"

"Ah?"

What does that mean?

"Then how is it dealt with after squeezing?"

Why is his highness asking this! But Xiao Hua still honestly answered: "It gets poured out."

The Jing Prince gave her a glance and didn't say anything, but his hand lifted the bowl and he drained it in one go.

"No waste!"

This was the Jing Prince's conclusion.

Due to the Jing Prince's actions and words, Xiao Hua was embarrassed the whole day. She hoped for the Jing Prince to go busy himself so she could nurse her emotions. However, she realized the Jing Prince didn't seem to be leaving anymore.

The two sat on the kiln. Zhuo'er and Yi Yi sat in their father's lap.

The two played by themselves, and then played with each other. Afterwards, Zhuo'er fell asleep on the side. Yi Yi was still full of energy and hugged her father's leg, leaving a trail of saliva on it.

Xiao Hua lifted her up and used her bib to wipe it clean, "You've become a bag of saliva. Where does all that saliva come from?"

"Growing teeth." The Jing Prince had asked Doctor Hu, so he knew about it.

Actually, Xiao Hua knew as well, but she was just saying it.

When it was dinner time, the wet nurses carried the two little ones away. The two babies seemed to know that they had to leave soon. They didn't cry, but looked at Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince with pitiful eyes.

Xiao Hua's heart wavered. Seeing the man next to her remain silent, she had the two little ones remain until they fell asleep before allowing the wet nurses to take them away.

After a bath, the two of them lay in bed. Because of today's matter, Xiao Hua was still a little embarrassed to be alone with the Jing Prince.

"Not squeezing anymore?"

Eh? Squeezing what?

Xiao Hua snapped out of it. The Jing Prince had been with her the entire time, how could she squeeze.

There was no need to mention it, she felt swollen. Matron Xu had said that it must be squeezed dry before bed. But seeing the Jing Prince acting decent while he stared into her eyes, Xiao Hua's face darkened repeatedly.

She palmed her face and everted her eyes. She had decided to wait until he fell asleep before getting up and squeezing.

"If it needs squeezing, this humble prince will help you."

Xiao Hua choked and coughed a couple of times. Before she could recover, she was already pressed down.

…

This sort of sucking was completely different from a child's suckling. Xiao Hua completely didn't know how to react. Furthermore, this person's hands were also moving while his mouth was sucking, and Xiao Hua soon wasn't able to endure.

"Not allowed to pour it out in the future."

At the very end, the Jing Prince said these words. However, Xiao Hua had long since been blanked out, with only a single thought remaining: this person is really too…..

The next day, Xiao Hua purposefully forgot the Jing Prince's words. Unexpectedly, the Jing Prince got angry when he returned.

He was very cute when he got angry. He just ignored you and wouldn't look at you, making it clear that he was unhappy but it wouldn't show on his face. After careful examination, Xiao Hua realized that this man and her son seemed to play the same tune on different instruments. They were both this way when they were angry.

When her son got angry, Xiao Hua just needed to hold him, kiss him and cajole him. If that didn't work, she still had a "trump card". But when a man was angry, could she solve it the same way? Xiao Hua was helpless as she tried flattering, and made several forms of reparation. In the end, she still took out her "trump card" due to her helplessness, and finally managed to coax this man into a slightly better mood.

If Xiao Hua had known things would turn out this way, she would definitely not intentionally forget things.

Something like this couldn't be hidden from others, especially not from those who personally served Xiao Hua. After Xiao Hua squeezed out her milk a couple more times without pouring it out, and instead saved it in a bowl for the Jing Prince, Ding Xiang, Chun Cao and the rest all blushed.

This made Xiao Hua feel awkward for several days, complaining countless of times that the Jing Prince looked proper on the surface but was completely indecent underneath.

In November the Jing Province was extremely cold. The water outside froze into ice, but the western pavilion's inner room was warm like spring.

The two children were extremely lively recently, especially Yi Yi. She would stuff whatever she could get her hands on into her mouth. Matron Xu and Doctor Hu said that children would be this way when they were growing teeth. Xiao Hua noticed that their beds were the same way.

But what does growing teeth have to do with chewing on everything? Xiao Hua was helpless, and could only order Ding Xiang and the wet nurses to put away all the toys.

Yi Yi, this little fellow, couldn't find anything to chew on and became obsessed with chewing on her father and mother's hands. If they held her she would contentedly start chewing. Many times when she saw their daughter sitting on his lap and chewing his hand while drooling, Xiao Hua felt like burrowing into the ground. Even though she was the one who gave birth to them, she still wondered whether these were really her children.

Yi Yi occasionally got happy due to the nibbling and would turn around and give everyone a toothless smile. This smile tugged on their heartstrings, and made them want to give everything to her. Zhuo'er was a little better than her. Although he would also chew on people's hands, he was perfectly content with chewing on his own hand.

Xiao Hua would often wonder if she was the same way as a baby when she saw him sitting there chewing happily on his hand.

Then she would look at the Jing Prince and look at her son before smiling mysteriously.

After being on the receiving end of this smile for some time, the Jing Prince quickly figured out what Xiao Hua was thinking. He wasn't dumb. Looking at his foolish son and then looking at the cutely smiling daughter in his arms, the Jing Prince felt that his daughter was still more lovable by a little.

Yi Yi got sick, and suddenly got a fever.

Her little face was red and burning, and she grew listless, only able to cry and whine. She seemed like a little sheep who was being weaned off milk. Zhuo'er was still fine and didn't get feverish. Hearing his sister cry, he became stunned. He could only stare foolishly and let out little cries with his mouth.

Xiao Hua's heart ached and almost broke. She was clearly fine when she left for the night. How had things turned out this way overnight? Furthermore, Yi Yi' stomach was a little upset. She had diarrhea.

She couldn't have caught a cold. The two children were kept under close watch. The western wing's windows were specially made and there wouldn't be a draught. Doctor Hu came and was also without explanation. Only after Matron Xu walked around the western wing was she able to explain. Yi Yi had eaten something unclean.

The moment these words came out, Eunuch Fu immediately walked in that direction with a dark expression. There was no need to guess that those wet nurses were in trouble.

Matron Xu also knew that this old eunuch cherished the two children, and hurriedly called him back, "Aiya Eunuch Fu, wait a minute."

Eunuch Fu stood still and Matron Xu continued: "It's not a problem with the wet nurses. These wet nurses only eat the food from the small kitchen, and Nana He wouldn't have given them anything bad to eat. The little mistress and master's food is fine as well. Otherwise, it's not possible for only little mistress to get a fever."

"Then hurry up and say what the problem was. Stop dilly-dallying."

Matron Xu secretly rolled her eyes and said: "Wasn't I just about to say it? I just took a look around the western wing, and think that the little mistress definitely chewed on some dirty toy to end up this way."

Ding Xiang spoke on the side: "Matron Xu, after your instructions madam had given the orders. When no one is around, their toys would be put away."

Matron Xu said: "Then we have to ask those serving in the western wing. Just now I saw a rattle-drum on the children's bed."

The situation was swiftly investigated, and it was completely an accident. Little Yi Yi recently liked to chew on things, and it wasn't easy to put her to sleep at night. Since Xiao Hua had ordered not to put any toys around them, the western wing's palace maids and wet nurses had all kept a close eye on things.

Last night Yi Yi made a fuss and wouldn't sleep, and the wet nurses didn't dare give her anything to play with. They could only use a rattle-drum to soothe her. After Yi Yi fell asleep, the wet nurse had forgotten to tidy up the rattle-drum. Yi Yi had probably found it and put it in her mouth.

The wet nurse who forgot to clean up the rattle-drum was definitely going to get punished. When Eunuch Fu headed out, Xiao Hua said that she probably didn't do it intentionally. It wasn't that Xiao Hua's heart wavered, but rather she had kept an eye on all the wet nurses normally, and they treated the children extremely well. An occasional mistake was understandable.

Of course, since Yi Yi got sick due to her carelessness, this matter couldn't be glossed over. Xiao Hua's words were merely because she was afraid Eunuch Fu would torment people again. This Eunuch Fu enjoyed having people beaten to death, and Xiao Hua remembered this very clearly. She always had the worry that he would beat someone to death over some minor thing.

It wasn't clear if Xiao Hua's words had an effect or what, but Eunuch Fu didn't make things difficult for that wet nurse. He merely sent her out of the estate. This punishment seemed light, but was actually quite hard to bear. The estate's benefits were good, and those wet nurses all cherished the two children. It was said that the wet nurse left the estate in tears.

When Xiao Hua heard this, she was relieved that Eunuch Fu didn't beat her to death.

Doctor Hu was prepared to prescribe Yi Yi some medicine but was stopped by Matron Xu. She said that it was better not to take any medicine for such a small fever. Just stopping the supplementary nourishment, breastfeeding a couple of days and some careful attention was all that was needed.

As expected, Yi Yi recovered before two days had passed. She became lively once again, and tried to chew on whatever she could get her hands on.

Xiao Hua teased her while saying: "Little scoundrel chewing on things. Still haven't learned your lesson after getting a fever."

Little Yi Yi gave a couple of cries in her direction, as though refuting her, and then gave her a toothless grin.

120

A few days later, Eunuch Fu carried a box over to the western pavilion.

The things were first presented to Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince. They were a couple of light yellow strips. They were extremely elastic. Xiao Hua squeezed it a little, and found they were very durable, not too hard and not too soft.

The two looked doubtfully at Eunuch Fu.

"This is something this old servant found from the outside. It's refined using beef tendons, making it both soft and durable. It's extremely suitable for the little master and mistress to grind their teeth."

It sounded easy, but Eunuch Fu had actually put in quite some effort.

Eunuch Fu had asked several people, ranging from Doctor Hu to Matron Xu. The babies were in their teething phase, and enjoyed chewing on things. But things that were too hard weren't suitable since it would harm their baby teeth, and things that were too soft weren't useful. This was also why Yi Yi enjoyed chewing on the Jing Prince's hand. It was both soft yet durable.

Although Eunuch Fu didn't show much reaction to this time's scare, his heart had ached a lot. In theory he should be a little more biased towards Zhuo'er since he was the son after all. But instead he was like the Jing Prince and cherished Yi Yi a little more. It was clear that it wasn't a good thing for a baby to be too silent. Little baby Zhuo'er was easily overlooked by others.

Since his heart ached, Eunuch Fu started racking his brain for ideas. In the end, he found this thing.

Matron Xu, Nana He and Doctor Hu all took a look, and felt that it was suitable for teeth grinding. It should be placed in its own box, and rinsed with boiling water before and after. Since there were many servants around, this wouldn't be a problem.

Therefore, Yi Yi finally got something that she could chew on without restraint.

Ding Xiang rinsed it with boiling water and gave one to each baby. Yi Yi naturally refused to let go once she got it. Xiao Hua put the other one in Zhuo'er's hands. Zhuo'er looked at his sister who was chewing on hers happily, and tried it out after hesitating for a while. In the end, he realized it was better than his own little hand, and thus changed his target.

Eunuch Fu saw that the little master and mistress seemed to like it, and his own face wrinkled in happiness. He put down all his official business, and it was said that he went to find someone who specialized in refining these things.

Since this was to be placed in the mouth, Eunuch Fu didn't dare treat this lightly. Not only did he bring the person into the estate, he gave him his own pavilion and arranged several guards on the outside.

That master saw his own inadvertent creation receive a lot of interest from the prince's estate, and carefully and meticulously did his work. He even made all sorts of different shapes under Eunuch Fu's instructions, such as a little sheep, a little horse and what not. In the end he even made something that could be put over the child's finger, and also something in the shape of a peach.

Xiao Hua was no longer surprised whenever her son and daughter had something bizarre in their hands.

Northern winters were always bitterly cold.

It wasn't that bad inside the house with heated vents and furnaces, but it was extremely difficult travelling outside. Especially when people from the south came to the Jing Province. Encountering such weather, they suffered unspeakable misery.

The sky was overcast, seemingly about to snow at any time. But it had just snowed, and they were finally able to resume their journey. The Li family would feel like dying if another round of snow started.

Five people were crammed into the small carriage. Each wore an ill-fitting large cotton jacket as they shivered from the cold.

"This Jing Province is too cold. How can such worn out clothing keep out the chill? Fur-lined ones would be much better."

The one speaking was a sixteen or seventeen year old girl. She was pretty and delicate, and at the moment she tugged restlessly on her rough azure cotton jacket.

Li Xue Bing gave his daughter a glance and didn't speak. Qi-Shi pulled her daughter over to her side and said: "Lian'er, endure a little longer. It'll be ok once we get to your cousin's place."1

Concubine He half embraced the third young mistress Li Miao Fang. The two were huddled together for warmth. Seeing the second young mistress's attitude, she couldn't help but say: "Second young mistress, do you still think things are the same as before? It's already pretty good that we have clothes to wear."

Ever since the Li family encountered trouble, Concubine He changed from her past steady self. Even if it was towards Qi-Shi's older daughter, she didn't show much courtesy. In the past, Qi-Shi would have already had her old maid give her a slap, but she couldn't do it now. She was afraid to speak up since they had to rely on her.

Of course, Concubine He wasn't a fool. She knew how to make herself feel good and relieve the melancholy in her heart. Qi-Shi would often be infuriated with her until her face turned red and her neck grew thick, but Concubine He never pushed her far enough for her to flip out.

Having struggled with Qi-Shi for many years, Concubine He understood Qi-Shi too well.

"Concubine He, how could you say that? Is this the tone you should have when speaking to the young mistress?" Qi-Shi said with a glare.

Concubine He changed her face on the spot, her eyes full of tears as she cried in grievance to Li Xue Bing.

"Lord, this concubine has really been wronged! This concubine is just speaking for the second young mistress's own good. How can we get by if everyone was to be this picky? Isn't the third young mistress wearing this rough cotton jacket? Isn't this concubine wearing the same? Even my lord is wearing it. Why is it only the second young mistress who can't endure?"

Li Miao Lian's face turned red from being stoppered up, and said resentfully: "Aren't you just able to be so arrogant because you were able to hide a few pieces of jewelry? What sort of woman would be as immoral as you, stuffing jewelry into, into that area….."

Concubine He wasn't going to let her off that easily: "Immoral? How is this concubine immoral? Isn't this group of over ten people relying on this concubine's "immoral" conduct to eat and drink? It's easy for second young mistress to say. Even those clothes you are wearing was exchanged by this immoral behavior! Furthermore, under those circumstances you lot were all standing there foolishly while this concubine stuffed some jewelry in her undergarments. Who did my actions end up provoking? How was it immoral?"

Concubine He's voice rang throughout the small carriage. She was a born actress, and her voice was naturally outstanding. It completely projected her grievance, and made Qi-Shi and Li Miao Lian fall over from anger.

She pounced onto Li Xue Bing and cried delicately: "My lord, this concubine can't live on. This concubine was thinking of my lord to begin with. Even if my lord was able to be absolved of the crime, your possessions and property would all be confiscated. Having a bit of money would give us a chance to make a comeback. Even if that's not possible, at least our family temporarily wouldn't have to go hungry….this concubine's thoughts were always for my family, how was it immoral? Coming to the Jing Province so far away, the food, drink and carriages were all exchanged with this concubine's "immoral" act…..

Li Miao Lian cried angrily on the side, "You're thinking of the family? Who are you trying to fool? Aren't you just trying to get some money and run off with some random man….."

"I can't live any longer. I refuse to be insulted like this! I've followed my lord for over a decade. Although my birth is lowly, I've still followed my lord ever since I was a maiden. Where would a woman like myself run off to with money? There's also the third young mistress. Could it be that I would leave my own daughter behind? My lord if you don't seek justice for this concubine today, this concubine will commit suicide with third young mistress by jumping off the carriage. How could the third young mistress have the face to live with a mother who would scheme to run off with some random man…."

"Enough, enough!" Qi-Shi rubbed her brows and suddenly spoke, "Lian'er, apologize to Concubine He. Even though she's a concubine, she's still someone serving your father. You cannot be lacking in etiquette."

"I won't!" Before she finished speaking, Li Miao Lian saw her own father's expression turn dark.

"Apologize to Concubine He!"

"Dad—–"

Qi-Shi pinched her from behind. Li Miao Lian could only say with a rigid face: "Concubine He, I was wrong." Although she said this, her tears flowed involuntarily.

Concubine He also didn't say anything, wiping her own tears with a handkerchief and leaning against Li Xue Bing's body, seeming extremely wronged.

Li Xue Bing sighed, "Don't cry. This lord knows you mean well."

"My lord—-" Concubine He sobbed, "As long as you understand this concubine means well, then everything is fine. This concubine isn't afraid of suffering any grievance."

Qi-Shi was about to be sick at this scene, and could only turn around and give her own daughter a glare. Li Miao Lian also realized that she wasn't able to come out on top against this Concubine He, and sobbed angrily as she wiped away her tears. Although Qi-Shi was angry, her heart still ached for her daughter and she hurriedly changed the subject.

"How are Hong'er and the rest doing? The weather is so cold, and the two carriages are also filled with so many people."

Concubine He rolled her eyes under her handkerchief. Not wanting to be overly crowded, Qi-Shi had insisted on another carriage. They were clearly already dogs in the water, and she still insisted on luxury.

However, she didn't say these words out loud. Having made such a fuss already, the mother and daughter pair wouldn't dare provoke her for a few days.

Concubine He had caused a huge disturbance, but she was also a little worried in her heart.

It wasn't clear what the lord's nephew's situation was like. She was Li Xue Bing's concubine for over ten years and only found out now that the Li family had such a rich and prestigious nephew.

Unfortunately it was said he wasn't favored. Otherwise, a grand and majestic prince wouldn't have been sent to such a barren place where even birds refused to crap.

Concubine He was of lowly birth, and was an actress from a theatrical troupe. She managed to seduce Li Xue Bing one day and entered the Li Family's gates. She spent many years struggling for his affection against Qi-Shi in the rear court, and naturally didn't know what a vassal state and vassal prince was. Only after the situation occurred did Li Xue Bing mention that he still had this nephew.

The Jing Province naturally couldn't be compared to the area south of the river. The entire way, Concubine He saw only a barren road. The weather was cold, as though it was a place for prisoners to serve their sentence. She wondered how such a place could have any wealth or status.

Only when they arrived at the Jing Prince Estate would she realize what imperial magnificence looked like. Of course, this was something in the future.

Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince were eating when Eunuch Chang walked in.

"Highness—-"

"What is it?"

Eunuch Chang's expression was extremely weird, as though astonished by something preposterous.

"A family came into the estate, claiming to be your maternal uncle."

The Jing Prince frowned and muttered to himself before saying: "Have Eunuch Fu go take a look."

Eunuch Chang agreed and Xiao Hua added, "Eunuch Fu is in the western wing."

This was usually when Eunuch Fu would go to see the children, and he could definitely be found there.

After eating, they sat down in the eastern side room. The Jing Prince picked up a book while Xiao Hua sat by the lamp and started sewing clothes meant for the children.

She snuck a glance at the Jing Prince and felt that he was a little distracted.

From what she knew of the Jing Prince's past, his mother was an attendant who later was promoted to a concubine. Her mental state wasn't too good and she ended up passing away early. As for the venerated concubine's family, Xiao Hua had never heard anything about them.

After a long while, Eunuch Fu came.

"This old servant went and took a look. After verifying their identity, they indeed seem to be highness's uncle, the venerated concubine's older brother." He paused and spoke again: "Over ten people have come, seemingly the entire family. According to the lord uncle, the family encountered some problems in the south and they are here to seek shelter."

Eunuch Fu spoke a little uncertainly. After all, they hadn't had any contact in several decades. The Jing Prince had grown up only hearing about this uncle, but had never seen him in person.

The Jing Prince thought further. In his past life, he had contacted this uncle and sent someone over with a letter. However, that side hadn't responded. After he came to the Jing Province, he had never tried to contact him again. After reincarnating, he had almost forgotten this person existed, but they unexpectedly came at this time. In his past life, this situation hadn't occurred.

However, many things were different in this life. The Jing Prince didn't think too much about it. After all, it was his own mother's older brother, his own maternal uncle. If he came, he came.

"Make arrangements for them first. This humble prince will see them tomorrow."

"Yes."

Chinese familial terms are very specific, so there's more information here that gets lost in translation. The "cousin" mentioned here is male and older than her.