Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

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

14. 131 to 140

Not long after Li Miao Lian's wedding, Zhuo'er and Yi Yi celebrated their first birthday.

They didn't really celebrate their third wash ceremony, but the same couldn't be done for their first birthday. Even though the Jing Prince had started preparing himself for this over a year ago, he still didn't feel quite proper once it arrived.

Instead, it was Xiao Hua who didn't express anything. The palace maids and eunuchs also had happy expressions, and didn't mention any birthday feast or what not.

The day of their birthday, the western pavilion was busily setting up for Zhuo'er and Yi Yi's lot drawing.1

Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince were both present, as well as Eunuch Fu, Eunuch Chang, Auntie Qi and the rest. A large table covered in red cloth was placed in the center of the reception. There were various objects placed on the table. There was a brush, ink, paper, inkwell, book, abacus, coins, account ledger, seal, bow and arrow and so on. Because of Yi Yi, there were also some objects for women such as scissors, jewelry and makeup.

Zhuo'er was the older brother so he had to go first.

The little fellow was already able to crawl smoothly by himself. Xiao Hua placed him on the table but he didn't move, sitting there looking at his mom.

"Good Zhuo'er. Look at all these things. Choose one randomly and give it to mom." Xiao Hua spoke and pointed to towards the table.

Zhuo'er looked at the table's surface and gave Xiao Hua another glance before crawling to the center. He liked to simplify matters, and after crawling for a bit he sat down and picked up what was right by his hand.

Eunuch Fu was staring the entire time, and seeing Zhuo'er grab the seal, he immediately said: "The little young master will embody heaven's grace and our ancestor's virtues when he grows up. He will be extraordinary."

Next it was Yi Yi's turn. She was much livelier than her brother, and crawled to the center of the table without Xiao Hua saying anything. She looked left and then right, picking up one thing and then another, unwilling to leave anything behind. In the end, she decided to gather everything in front of her.

Everyone watching started laughing. Eunuch Fu laughed until his tears started flowing. His lips trembled but he couldn't get any words out.

"Our Yi Yi will be a master of all trades in the future. The key point is that her personality won't let her lose out on anything."

The Jing Prince's gaze was soft, and his lips also curved in a smile. But he then seemed to recall something and furrowed his brow.

The small kitchen prepared several tables of food for lunch. One table was placed in the main residence, and the rest were placed elsewhere.

Seeing the smiling Xiao Hua instruct Ding Xiang to bring a jug of wine over, the Jing Prince felt for the first time that it wasn't good for her to be so sensible. He would rather her be able to cry and complain about being wronged instead of busying herself while pretending everything was fine. It made him feel rather upset, and he even felt like scolding himself harshly.

The other places were lively but the main residence was silent. It might be because the Jing Prince's expression wasn't good, making Ding Xiang, Ding Lan and the rest keep quiet out of fear.

"What's wrong, highness? Why aren't you eating? This is tasty, eat more of it."

Seeing the dish, the Jing Prince silently grabbed some with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. His other hand lifted his cup of alcohol and slowly poured it into his mouth. The Jing Prince normally didn't drink, but for some reason he had drank several cups today.

Xiao Hua put her chopsticks down and said while smiling: "Forgot there was alcohol. This servant concubine will give highness a toast."

The white jade cup contained rose colored Drunken Rouge. This was precisely the "Drunken Rouge" that women could drink a lot of. The Jing Prince's cup was filled and he lifted it up and drained it once more.

With the presence of alcohol, the two people didn't just focus on eating anymore. The two finished the jug of alcohol and ate a little more before clearing the table.

The room fell silent once again. Xiao Hua looked at the Jing Prince who sat there stuffily, and finally opened her mouth and said: "Highness, are you feeling uncomfortable?"

The Jing Prince gave her a glance and didn't speak.

"I don't mind and the children don't mind. What need is there to brood over things?"

The Jing Prince wasn't able to say anything about making up for it in the future. He felt such words would sound superficial if said out loud. He couldn't only pull her into his arms and quietly stroke her hair.

The sound of Yi Yi's laughter rang out. Only then did Xiao Hua remember she had Ding Xiang go bring the two children over so the wet nurses could enjoy the feast as well. She hurriedly sat up from the Jing Prince's arms and received the children, putting their daughter in the Jing Prince's arms while holding her son.

"Alright, you guys can leave. It's a good day today, no need to remain on duty."

Yi Yi was very happy to see her father, and warbled several unclear notes, smiling extremely brightly in his arms. The things she had gathered up in the morning were all sent to her room. The wet nurses had sorted through them and given her everything that she was able to play with. Yi Yi was pleased to death.

"Matron Xu said that after turning a year old, children can slowly learn to speak. I've tried teaching them many times but nothing seems to work."

"Only just turned one, no hurry."

Xiao Hua nodded, but still teased Zhuo'er with her mouth, "Good Zhuo'er. Say father."

She wasn't expecting anything this time, but Zhuo'er hummed a couple of times, and from his little mouth came the word "wolf".

Wolf?

Xiao Hua extrapolated and figured out that her son was calling mom.2

"Our Zhuo'er actually knows how to say mom?" She teased him while she spoke, "Say it again."

This time the sound was clearer, "wolf."

"Not wolf. Mom."

"Wolf."

"It's mom, not wolf."

After emphasizing it several times, it still didn't work. Xiao Hua thus helplessly became a wolf. Only then did she remember there was still dad. She gave the Jing Prince a glance and hurriedly turned her son towards him.

"Zhuo'er, say fa—-ther."

Zhuo'er glanced at the Jing Prince and turned his head away again.

Who told you to only cherish our daughter normally? Now he's ignoring you. Xiao Hua secretly thought in amusement, but was also afraid of making the Jing Prince's mood even worse. She left her son to play by himself and tried to make Yi Yi say father.

Unfortunately, after trying for a long while, Yi Yi only looked confused, letting out yips and yaps with her mouth.

"Little Yi Yi is too dumb." Mom said in jest.

"Daughter isn't dumb."

Fine. This biased father immediately spoke on her behalf.

The people on the crown prince's side felt as though someone had forcibly fed them a fly.

They wanted to spit it out but they couldn't. They had to force down their disgust and swallow it.

Emperor Xi's decree called on famous doctors from all over, and thus they came. The crown prince's side also sent people to find doctors.

Wasn't this just like swallowing a fly?

They felt unjustly accused to begin with, and now they couldn't justify it. They clearly wanted to cry out, but instead had to fake a smile, act magnanimous and act unconcerned. They pinned their hopes on being able to find a doctor to cure the Jin Prince's leg and have him scram back to his vassal state, not letting him continue hanging around the capital.

Of course, the crown prince's side also doubted the Jin Prince's limp. But countless imperial physicians had said that this problem truly might be due to things not healing properly.

The key point was that his majesty seemed to believe it. Could anyone say otherwise? Even if they didn't believe in their hearts, they couldn't show it on the surface. The crown prince's side could only shove famous doctors at the Jin Prince, hoping to expose his deception.

But the results showed that it was of no use. The Jin Prince still walked with a limp.

…..

In the Fengqi Palace.

All the palace maids had left, leaving only Empress Xiao and the crown prince.

"Mother empress, your son doesn't want to endure any longer. The Jin Prince is so shameless. This humble one can guarantee that no matter what doctor we find, his leg still wouldn't be cured. He's clearly pretending!"

The crown prince had been tormented quite harshly this past year. He had to suffer his father's accusations on one side while still handling the eastern palace's various matters. Even when he had free time he would feel disgusted by the Jin Prince.

The upright and dignified man seemed to be extremely haggard these days, and his temper became more and more violent, his eyes bloodshot. Many people would walk the other way when they saw him, deeply afraid they would get whipped by the increasingly irritable crown prince.

"Zhao'er, mother can understand your feelings. But the closer we get to the end, the more we have to endure. Your impetuousness won't do us any good. What we rely on now is our patience. You must adjust your temper. The palace is filled with talk of your violent temper, having palace maids and eunuchs whipped for no reason. You even had Imperial Tutor Bai beaten the day before….you're breaking your mother's heart with worry…."

Empress Xiao sat on the phoenix throne, her heart and soul weary. The pitch black hair from the past had turned white on the sides.

The crown prince paced back and forth like a caged animal, his fists clenching and unclenching.

"He deserved a beating, lecturing this humble one all day, telling this humble one to endure all day….endure….I've endured…"

He mumbled neurotically, the whip in his hand striking at the red carpet on the floor. After a few strokes, the fine Persian rug was left full of marks.

Empress Xiao's insides split as she watched. She knew her son had a restless personality, and that he was unsteady. He had suffered quite a lot of humiliation in this past year. Although his majesty didn't say it, his gaze grew more and more frightening every day. It was clearly full of loathing for Zhao'er.

Even if she tried harder, she wouldn't be able to resolve things. As of now, Empress Xiao could no longer confidently say she understood Emperor Xi. The man whom she married when they were both teenagers had become extremely frightening, his mood changing with the weather. It wasn't clear if it was related to his health, or whether it was because he knew he didn't have much time left.

Empress Xiao thought that it probably had to do with both, but she was helpless. She no longer had the energy to worry about Emperor Xi. She couldn't even take care of her own son, and there was still the Jin Prince who was messing things up on the side.

"Zhao'er, don't be like this. Mother empress will definitely think of a way to deal with the Jin Prince."

"Mother empress, you have to think faster, think faster, faster…..kill him, once he's dead, killed off…this humble one doesn't want to see him anymore. He limps around in front of this humble one every day, limping around in front of royal father…..this humble one wants him dead, dead….."

The crown prince's gaze froze, his mouth continuously repeating the same thing. Suddenly, his eyes shone with a peculiar light.

"Mother empress, wouldn't you say that if we killed him off, this humble one would naturally become the emperor?"

The crown prince suddenly spoke, his voice exceedingly low. He let out a neurotic smile, looking both sinister and nefarious. The quiet words echoed around the hall, adding a few degrees of eeriness.

Empress Xiao couldn't help but shiver, squeezing out her words through her throat, "Who? Who are you talking about?"

"Who am I talking about?" The crown prince suddenly yelled loudly before muttering in a low voice once again, "Yes, this is a great plan. Killing him off would naturally make this humble one the emperor….."

Empress Xiao turned pale with fright as she rushed forward and held the crown prince fast, "Zhao'er, snap out of it. Such thoughts are heresy. He is your royal father…."

The crown prince's gaze snapped back into focus, his appearance becoming normal. He patted Empress Xiao and said softly: "Mother empress, do you feel like he's treating me as a son? Do you? At this rate, the Jin Prince's power will only continue to grow, and our chances of victory continues to diminish. We might as well take care of things earlier. He doesn't have much time left anyone, it's no big deal if it happens a little earlier. It's the one last thing he can do for his son….."

"Is this….ok…?"

Hearing these words, Empress Xiao's eyes were vacant. The words were mumbled and her hand involuntarily clenched and unclenched.

"It's ok, mother empress."

Seeing Empress Xiao's attitude wavering, the crown prince seized upon it like a lifeline. "Mother empress, this humble one is still the crown prince today. If he dies, it's only natural for me to inherit the throne. If he suddenly changes his mind and strips this humble one's position and gives it to the Jin Prince, it'll be too late."

The crown prince's words weighed heavily on Empress Xiao. She should have scoffed at this possibility, but the current her no longer had the confidence to do so.

Emperor Xi's temper was too weird recently, making his thoughts impossible to figure out. He seemed to favor the Jin Prince a lot….if the Jin Prince's leg turned out to be fine, would he end up handing Zhao'er's position to him….or was this a plan he and that bitch surnamed Xu had cooked up all along to swindle her and Zhao'er….

Empress Xiao looked at her son's excited face and bloodshot eyes.

Zhao'er was under too much pressure…..

Rumors were going around the palace recently about the crown prince's viciousness. Empress Xiao had tried to suppress them several times but hadn't been successful. There was even an imperial censor who moved to impeach the crown prince for his lack of morals a couple days ago…..

The crown prince getting impeached was Empress Xiao's biggest taboo and her biggest fear. The Grand Xi Dynasty had always emphasized the principal wife and seniority. As long as he was the crown prince, if there wasn't sufficient reason, even Emperor Xi couldn't randomly strip him of his title. Impeachment due to lack of morals was one way it could happen…

This was also why Empress Xiao continuously asked the crown prince to endure. The crown prince couldn't make mistakes. Any mistake would be magnified endlessly. There would be those trying to fish in troubled waters. Those who supported their side would waver, giving those with designs an opportunity.

But the Jin Prince's injury kept adding onto the crown prince's worsening reputation, and along with his unsteady temperament, Empress Xiao could sense the voices crying for impeachment grow louder….currently there was only one imperial censor behind it, but Empress Xiao believed there would only be more people over time, whether or not there was someone egging them on…..

Could they still endure?

For some reason, Empress Xiao actually felt a thrill in her heart upon hearing her son's words!

But she had always been cautious, and would think things through carefully. Despite knowing her answer in her heart, she still said: "Let your mother empress think it over. You can't do anything until I'm done. Behave, and don't provoke anymore trouble…."

The crown prince looked closely at Empress Xiao's face, and slowly nodded…

I've also seen it called "one-year-old catch. It refers to the tradition where a bunch of objects are placed around the child, and the one that gets picked up first indicates their future prospects. Still a tradition nowadays. Examples of objects would be a stethoscope, paint brush, instrument, calculator.

The word for wolf (lang) kind of sounds like the word for mom (niang). Considered making it work in English somehow, but after coming up with "bomb" as the best rhyming word, I gave up.

132

.

In the dead of night, the Jing Duke sat behind his desk unmoving. He had remained like this since he received Empress Xiao's secret letter.

Only a single lamp was burning and the light was rather dim. The Jing Duke felt that it calmed his mood.

No one would be willing to have such thoughts, but once they arose, they would be impossible to suppress. No matter what they thought about, or what they encountered, they would involuntarily think—

If they did that, they wouldn't have to be passive and they wouldn't have to put in so much effort.

Especially that Jin Prince. He was watertight, not letting anyone find any clues. He was clearly suspicious, extremely suspicious, but due to his majesty's protection, whether intentional or not, no one was able to do anything about him.

Actually the Jing Duke would have preferred to endure. After all, the other method was far too dangerous. But he also had to consider his grandson's situation.

That child had always been impetuous, and it seemed he couldn't endure any longer no matter how they tried to keep him calm. If his majesty truly stripped him of his position as he said, what would happen? Wouldn't the Jin Prince be getting off cheaply?

Sometimes the Jing Duke wondered if that was the Jin Prince's true intention, forcing the crown prince to the edge of collapse step by step. One the crown prince was impeached, he would be the one that benefitted.

There really wasn't any need to ponder further. The Jing Duke always acted according to his best interests. In his early years as a soldier, he had fought countless battles and knew not to hesitate when a decision needed to be made. As long as there was over a fifty percent chance of success, he dared to go all in.

But since this matter was too big, he needed a quiet environment to slowly steady his emotions, before putting together an appropriate plan….

Ever since the crown prince opened his mouth and demanded Imperial Physician Zhou's family, Chen Qi had a bad premonition.

Unfortunately his profile was too high, making it impossible to secretly contact Imperial Physician Zhou. He could only feign ignorance as he was excluded. Luckily Imperial Physician Zhou seemed to have other means on his side. Otherwise who knows what could have happened.

Having once again been taken by people into a dark room, Imperial Physician Zhou was no longer surprised this time. He first wondered if Chen Qi or Yang Hui was up to something, but seeing the neat yet oppressive old face, he knew things weren't so simple.

As expected, Imperial Physician Zhou was completely stupefied after the Jing Duke finished speaking.

If he hadn't gotten used to acting due to being watched by Emperor Xi recently, he might have let something slip.

"If you don't have enough time to react properly, just act according to your nature. That way you won't give anything away. Just make sure to watch your words…."

The words of that ordinary looking man1 suddenly rang out in Imperial Physician Zhou's mind.

He quickly erected his brows and glared, reprimanding: "Jing Duke. You are his majesty's personally conferred duke. You should know such thoughts are enough to have your entire clan exterminated!"

Because Imperial Physician Zhou was too shocked, he wasn't able to steady his shaken mind and the skin on his face started trembling. His lips were also pale, and even his pointed finger couldn't avoid it. Despite forcing himself to stand calmly, he was unable to conceal his panic any longer.

"Imperial Physician Zhou, this old man won't speak any empty words with you. Your entire family is in this old man's hands. Don't think about trying anything, you have no choice but to comply!"

"You—"

"Actually you could look at it from a different perspective. Once the crown prince inherits the throne, you would be his greatest contributor. No wealth or status would be out of reach."

"I, I can't…."

"Imperial Physician Zhou. Don't be in such a hurry to reject this old man. Think it over carefully. Don't end up harming your own family."

Imperial Physician Zhou's eyes suddenly widened and he spat out a mouthful of blood in anger before fainting from overstimulation.

The Jing Duke looked at him emotionally and shook his head, "Why so stubborn. Didn't you already betray him once? What's the harm in doing it a second time….."

After waiting for a while, he raised his voice and said: "Men, take Imperial Physician Zhou back."

That small covered carriage took the same route back. Before they reached his house, Imperial Physician Zhou awoke.

Once they got to the door, he got off the carriage himself. Those on the carriage revealed expressions of praise as they lowered the curtains and drove off.

Imperial Physician Zhou stumbled into his room and lay down in bed.

Soon, his half-deaf old servant came over. Imperial Physician Zhou was about to wave him away when a familiar voice suddenly sounded.

"Imperial Physician Zhou, you alright?"

Imperial Physician Zhou immediately sat up, "You? Yang Hui?"

That old servant nodded his head, "I was afraid something happened to you and came to take a look. Your real servant is sleeping in his room, don't worry. There are too many people watching this place, so I used such a method."

Imperial Physician Zhou let out a breath of relief before lying back down.

Yang Hui was extremely patient and remained standing on the side. After another while, Imperial Physician Zhou slowly described what happened.

After listening, Yang Hui's brows furrowed.

"Hurry and send a message to his highness. This thing will be hard to handle."

Yang Hui nodded. Before he left, he suddenly turned and tossed a bottle of medicine to Imperial Physician Zhou.

"This is to help steady your nerves. There aren't any side effects."

"I'm a doctor myself you know."

Yang Hui laughed softly, "Doctors don't treat themselves, right? If that side sees your current appearance, there's no way you can explain it away. You also can't prescribe yourself any medicine. Do your best to drag things out before I return. I will move as quickly as possible."

Imperial Physician Zhou held the medicine, his expression complicated, "Alright."

Yang Hui left quickly. After a while, someone with the exact same appearance walked in. Imperial Physician Zhou waved his hand and let him take his leave.

Two people were intertwined behind the bed curtains. The person on top seemed extremely robust, the person below was both slender and curvaceous.

Xiao Hua was enjoying herself when the person on top suddenly stopped.

"Highness what's wrong?"

The Jing Prince didn't speak. He leaned in with his lips while increasing the speed of his movements. A few minutes later, the movements behind the curtains stopped.

The Jing Prince lifted the curtains, put on his underwear and stepped outside. Xiao Hua heard a few movements, as though someone had come in. A few quiet words were exchanged and the Jing Prince returned.

"You sleep first. This humble prince has some things to take care of."

Xiao Hua nodded. She wondered what business needed to be taken care of so late at night.

The Jing Prince's brows immediately furrowed after reading the letter from the capital.

He sat there without moving, his hand tapping against the table. Eunuch Fu served some tea and took his leave. His highness's current state was rarely seen, and it was clear he was pondering over a major issue.

The Jing Prince sat there the entire night. Only when dawn was breaking did he slowly move a little.

Having not slept the entire night, his eyes were a little bloodshot. He didn't go discuss things with his advisor. No amount of discussion would help with this sort of thing. He could only ponder over it himself. He was also extremely clear that the slightest misstep at this point would lead to a completely different outcome.

Of course he could choose the safest path, and continue hiding his resources and strength. This would also mean abandoning Imperial Physician Zhou.

It wasn't that the Jing Prince was unwilling to abandon that person. He just felt that there might be a middle ground between the two extremes. When the letter was first delivered, the emotion that flashed through his heart actually wasn't fear or helplessness. It was a sort of excitement.

This sort of excitement wasn't foreign to the Jing Prince. It meant that there was an opportunity to exploit.

The Jing Prince finally made up his mind around noon. Having thought things through, he no longer hesitated, and personally placed his written reply in the copper tube on the falcon's leg.

Watching the falcon fly off into the clouds, the Jing Prince let out a breath. He turned around and headed towards the western pavilion.

….

The Jing Prince hadn't returned all night. Although Xiao Hua didn't express anything, she still wondered about it.

Right as she was playing with her daughter and son, the Jing Prince suddenly came in.

"Highness."

"Father, father…."

Yi Yi cried out. The current Yi YI was already able to say father. She learned slower than her brother, and as of now, she could only say a couple of words at a time. In comparison, Zhuo'er spoke much clearer.

The Jing Prince looked at Xiao Hua and their children before asking for water. Only after washing his hands did the Jing Prince walk over to pick up his daughter.

"Highness didn't sleep all last night?" Xiao Hua saw the Jing Prince's bloodshot eyes.

He nodded.

"Have you eaten? How can you not sleep? What business is so urgent?"

As she fussed over him as usual, she called Ding Xiang to have the small kitchen send some food over. Before long, four dishes and a soup was set on the table along with a bowl of rice.

The two children were now especially interested in food. Whenever they saw something on the table, they knew it was edible. Zhuo'er only looked silently while Yi Yi pointed and said "Father, father, mom, mom", indicating that she wanted to eat. She was more excited than the Jing Prince who had skipped two meals.

"You little glutton, you're drooling over your father's little bit of food. Didn't you just eat?" Xiao Hua spoke as she pulled her daughter over.

The Jing Prince gave her a glance before sitting at the table.

Yi Yi watched as her father put all sorts of tasty things into his mouth, and she started subconsciously drooling. She looked at her mom, wiped her mouth and her eyes narrowed as though she were about to cry. Zhuo'er was a little better than Yi Yi, but his little eyes were also staring.

"Are all children such gluttons? Look, our daughter is drooling."

The Jing Prince looked as she teased their daughter and said: "Teething."

Xiao Hua snorted and wiped her daughter's mouth, "How is this teething? Look, her tears are about to overflow…."

Right as she spoke, Yi Yi started crying. She mumbled with her mouth "father, eat".

"Fine, fine, mom won't say anymore. Let father give us some tasty food, fill up our little Yi Yi's mouth."

Xiao Hua saw that there was a plate of bamboo slices, and had Ding Xiang grab some and bring it over on a small plate. She first wiped their hands before using chopsticks to feed them.

The two children were both impatient at this point. Xiao Hua had just stretched the chopsticks out when Yi Yi snatched the bamboo slice away. When she went to feed Zhuo'er, he did the same thing.

"I knew this would happen." That's why Xiao Hua wiped their hands first.

The two of them gripped the bamboo slices tightly and stuffed it into their mouths. Seeing them eating with great gusto, Xiao Hua didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"It's that delicious?!"

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi had both grown quite a few teeth, so the bamboo slices were quickly eaten. Xiao Hua gave them each another slice.

After the Jing Prince finished his meal, the two little ones also finished their bamboo slices. Actually it couldn't really be said to be finished. Once they got to the last half a slice, the two were no longer eating but were nibbling on it for fun. Xiao Hua then took it from their hands. Since the two of them no longer felt like eating, they cooperated.

After, Ding Xiang and the rest brought over some water. Xiao Hua washed the children's hands and changed out their bibs. Little young master Zhuo'er and little young mistress Yi Yi became sparking clean white jade dolls.

Looking at her busying herself with the two children on the kiln, the Jing Prince's gaze softened….

So what if he continued with his plans? Things had already gotten to the point where none of the parties could coexist. It was fine if he were to die, but there was no way he would be willing to let the three of them suffer the same fate…..

133

What did you say?

An emperor's fury leads to a field of corpses.

This was Imperial Physician Zhou's first time seeing Emperor Xi so severely furious. However, he could only close his eyes, grit his teeth and continue his performance.

"Ever since that time, this servant has been full of regret and unable to sleep soundly. You majesty's generosity has always been in my mind. Therefore, this servant won't make the same mistake this time. Even if my entire family gets killed off, I won't cower back."

"Good, very good….." Emperor Xi rubbed the blue and while little porcelain bottle on the desk, his face neutral, his expression hard to interpret but extremely gloomy. "We remember that your entire family had already died, and the funeral was even arranged by Zheng Hai Quan. How are they being used to threaten you again?"

Hearing this, Zheng Hai Quan who had been standing there this entire time immediately knelt and said while kowtowing, "This old servant went to see those bodies, and although they were burnt beyond recognition, they were indeed a man and woman, as well as an old one and a young one. This old servant doesn't know anything else."

Imperial Physician Zhou's expression was gloomy, his tears and snot had long since covered his face.

"This servant also doesn't understand how it happened, but the people they showed this servant this time truly were this servant's family…."

"Humph, what crafty people. Even We were fooled by them….."

The muttered words from above caused Zheng Hai Quan and Imperial Physician Zhou below to sprawl on the floor silently, not daring to speak.

"This thing was also given to you by them?"

Imperial Physician Zhou glanced at the porcelain bottle and lowered his head once more, "Yes."

"What did they tell you to do, to use this thing to harm Us?"

"This—-"

"Tell me whatever they said. We will not ask for your head."

Imperial Physician Zhou hesitated over and over before deciding to speak: "This servant scolded the Jing Duke for his disgraceful behavior. Perhaps in an attempt to convince this servant, the Jing Duke said a few things….he said, he said that your majesty was old and confused, unable to recognize the suspiciousness of the Jin Prince's actions as he continuously pressures the crown prince. In order to avoid issues from arising, he said they might as well get it over with sooner, sooner rather than later….he also said that they weren't the only ones with such thoughts. He said once the Jin Prince obtains the crown prince's position, the Jin Prince would do the exact same thing, and in fact, would be much quicker about it….he also said the Jin Prince was extremely shameless. For the sake of the throne, he continuously framed the crown prince and used your majesty's favor as a gambling chip. Otherwise, they wouldn't have had to resort to this scheme…."

There was a spell of silence above. It was so silent that panic arose in their hearts.

Suddenly, Emperor Xi loudly laughed a few times.

"What marvelous justification. His explanation works quite well. Coming up with a righteous reason for his disgraceful behavior…..great, hahaha, what great sons We have…."

The sound of footsteps faded into the inner hall. Imperial Physician Zhou remained flat on the floor, not daring to raise his head. Only when Zheng Hai Quan got up and followed did he realize his majesty had left.

Without anyone telling him to rise, he didn't dare to get up. He could only remain kneeling on the cold and hard floor, waiting for his fate.

Imperial Physician Zhou didn't know how long he knelt there. His mind was a mess and he almost couldn't hold on any longer when he heard the sound of footsteps.

"Hurry and get up, Imperial Physician Zhou. His majesty calls you inside." Zheng Hai Quan said softly, and helped him up. Seeing this elderly man being tormented by his majesty's affairs to the point he wanted to die, Zheng Hai Quan still felt some sympathy.

But it was at most sympathy, because he knew he wasn't any better off himself!

Imperial Physician Zhou entered the inner hall and didn't come out for a long while. After he came out, he couldn't help but wipe some sweat off his brow.

He finally managed to get through it all!

But as he thought of what was to come, Imperial Physician Zhou couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

Time continued to pass like a flowing river, without making any great waves.

Everything seemed to be the same as before, but something was different.

The crown prince was extremely silent recently, as though his violent behavior from before was just an illusion. As for the Jin Prince, he remained in his estate quietly recuperating, but only a few people knew what he was up to in private.

On this day, Emperor Xi fainted in court, shaking everyone.

Zheng Hai Quan instructed people to carry Emperor Xi back to the Violet Imperial Hall via his royal carriage. Before long, Empress Xiao and the crown prince hurried over.

By the time Senior Concubine Xu and the Jin Prince caught wind of it, the imperial physician had already finished his treatment. Empress Xiao sat beside the royal bed, her tears flowing unceasingly and her expression sorrowful.

"Majesty, what's happened to you—"

With a howl, Senior Concubine Xu sprawled beside the bed and started crying, her voice sad and beautiful, like raindrops on a pear blossom.

Empress Xiao gave her a glance of disgust and felt like throwing up, "What are you crying for? His majesty hasn't died yet!"

"This servant concubine is just too worried about his majesty…."

The Jin Prince stood anxiously on the side, "Where are the imperial physicians? Empress, what did the physicians say?"

"The imperial physician said that due to your father consuming pills in his youth, the harmful side effects built up and were never cleansed. Things flared up this time and the situation isn't good."

"Then why isn't father waking up?"

"The physician said that after fainting his royal body is overly frail…."

The Jin Prince was going to speak further but was interrupted by Empress Xiao's gesture.

"His majesty needs some time to recuperate. How is he supposed to do so when one is crying and one is pressing for answers?! Why don't you take your leave?"

Senior Concubine Xu gave the Jin Prince a glance. The two of them turned around and left.

Once they returned to the Chunluan Palace, the Jin Prince said: "This prince gets the feeling father's flare up this time isn't quite right. Does mother concubine know which physicians diagnosed him?"

Senior Concubine Xu knitted her willow brows, "It was still that Imperial Physician Zhou. The empress says that his majesty trusts him, and he has treated your father's royal body by himself for a while without being switched off."

The Jin Prince's prominent brows also furrowed, and he paced back and forth within the hall before saying: "We can't leave things this way. How can father's royal body be left to a single imperial physician to treat? Mother concubine, have your subordinates investigate. We also need to find another trusted imperial physician to treat father along with Imperial Physician Zhou."

"You mother naturally knows, but if there truly was something going on, the empress's won't agree to it so easily."

"It's better to try first and see."

Emperor Xi remained unconscious. Empress Xiao took it upon herself to feed him medicine daily and remained awake nightly. Before long, she had become quite thin.

Senior Concubine Xu wanted to take the opportunity to care for him a couple of days, but was stopped by the empress. She said that her husband was seriously ill, and that caring for him as his principal wife was her duty. Even if she had to do it for the rest of her life, she was willing.

Senior Concubine Xu's teeth itched with resentment.

But she also couldn't say anything. To put it plainly, Empress Xiao was this rear palace's mistress. As for her, even if she was the senior concubine, she was at most a high ranking concubine in the eyes of others.

When Emperor Xi was awake, she could use his favor to rival the empress. Without Emperor Xi present, she was nothing. She couldn't go against Empress Xiao's orders.

These days several low-ranked concubines would come to the Violet Imperial Hall to pay their respects. They would cry incessantly. All the rear palace's women had the same thought at the moment. Whether or not they were favored, no one wanted anything to happen to Emperor Xi. When his majesty was there, they were imperial concubines. Once his majesty passes away, they would become concubines to a deceased emperor. Even those with no children didn't know how they would survive.

The Violet Imperial Hall was filled daily with the sounds of women weeping. Empress Xiao grew tired of it after a few days. She ordered them to remain within their own halls, burning incense in prayer for his majesty and not going out without reason.

This also included Senior Concubine Xu, but she had never been an obedient one. It didn't make a different what Empress Xiao said. As long as the empress said anything about it, she would kneel and cry to Emperor Xi.

Although Emperor Xi was unconscious, Zheng Hai Quan was still there. Empress Xiao didn't dare to stir up too much trouble, and could only let Senior Concubine Xu come disgust her every day.

Because Emperor Xi was unconscious, court had not been held for several days.

It wasn't possible to remain halted like this. After all, official business couldn't be delayed.

Therefore, the crown prince logically assumed control.

Emperor Xi had taken crown prince along and taught him how to navigate the court politics for many years. He also had the left and right ministers to assist him. Therefore, the Grand Xi Dynasty continued on as before.

At this point, the crown prince had become steady, as steady as Mt. Tai. In comparison, it was the Jin Prince who could no longer remain still.

On this day, Empress Xiao was feeding Emperor Xi some ginseng soup.

Emperor Xi remained unconscious and couldn't eat anything. He relied on ginseng soup and porridge every day to sustain himself.

Senior Concubine Xu started crying on the side.

"Empress, this can't go on. What if his majesty remains unconscious like this?" After speaking, Senior Concubine Xu turned and scolded Imperial Physician Zhou: "You quack doctor. Everyone says your medical skills are amazing. If they're so amazing why isn't his majesty waking up yet?"

Imperial Physician Zhou was now stationed within the Violet Imperial Hall, and never even left the palace gates. The old man had grown extremely thin. Hearing Senior Concubine Xu's criticisms, he merely lowered his head and cupped his hands: "His majesty's condition is a result of accumulated impurities flaring up. Even if this old servant was Hua Tuo's1 reincarnation, I can only treat it day by day. His majesty had too many things going on, his royal body was constantly busy with official affairs. As of now, his royal body is overly frail, which is why he remains unconscious…."

"You keep hiding behind those same words. Quack doctor, you're a quack doctor. Men, have this quack doctor dragged out and chopped up…."

The palace maids and eunuchs on the side looked at each other in dismay and didn't dare move.

Empress Xiao said with a cold face: "Senior Concubine Xu, this seat is still present. Are you pretending this seat doesn't exist? Imperial Physician Zhou is his majesty's chosen physician, and his royal body has always been under his care. Are you trying to go against his majesty's divine will?"

Senior Concubine Xu knelt and lowered his head, and still spoke in a sobbing tone, "This servant concubine doesn't dare, but…."

"There're no buts. Take your leave. This seat is caring for his majesty day after day, and really doesn't have the time or energy to listen to your crying."

"Empress, this servant concubine is just too worried for his majesty. This servant concubine also knows Imperial Physician Zhou's skills are good, but everyone specializes in different things. Perhaps if we found someone else, his majesty would recover."

"During his majesty's last flare up, he chopped up many imperial physicians before picking Imperial Physician Zhou. This shows how satisfied he is with him. You don't need to speak any further, take your leave."

Senior Concubine Xu gritted her pearly teeth and responded in an aggrieved manner: "Yes."

Senior Concubine Xu had been favored for several decades. She may not shed all pretenses against Empress Xiao on the surface, but her hidden power wasn't any weaker than that of the empress.

Within a few days, some rumors started floating around the palace.

The rumors said that his majesty's unconsciousness was fishy, and that the empress was monopolizing the Violet Imperial Hall. Only a single person was responsible for treating his majesty which was unreasonable and suspicious. It was said the empress stubbornly refused to let anyone else treat him….

The words were about Empress Xiao, but didn't speaking about Empress Xiao also mean the crown prince? It was basically pointing at them in accusation!

The source of the rumors couldn't be found. Empress Xiao tried many times without being able to stop it. Due to her killing of several gossipy palace maids and eunuchs, the rumors spread even more fiercely and even reached outside of the palace.

Empress Xiao knew who was responsible, but she could only curse over it in her heart. She had to remain calm on the surface. She didn't care if things got even more out of hand. She cared about showing a guilty conscience. No matter what, people were already saying it. This was clearing someone digging a pit for her to jump into.

She was clear of their goals.

All of a sudden, Empress Xiao and the crown prince were in the limelight.

Some imperial censors started moving to impeach within the court. These censors were all vicious-mouthed and dark-faced, rushing to impeach the moment they caught wind of something. Now that they found a pretext, even though the crown prince was currently in charge of court, they still raised the matter of impeachment. This made the crown prince's veins pop in his anger, but he still had to endure it.

After court was over, the crown prince was smashing things in the eastern palace.

Within the time it took to eat a meal, this was spread outside the palace.

The Jing Duke received the notice and hurriedly sent someone to the eastern palace to deliver his message.

The crown prince's face darkened and ordered Chen Qi to seal the eastern palace.

There was clearly a traitor within their midst. Otherwise, it wasn't possible for the things he did to be spreading outside.

Chen Qi swept through everything and pulled out two eunuchs and a palace maid. They were all clearly planted by someone as spies. As for who planted them, they weren't able to find out. This was because the people all committed suicide by biting their tongues once they were caught.

The crown prince's expression was sinister. The whip that hadn't been seen for a while was taken out once again. He personally struck the three's corpses tens of times before finally feeling a little better in his heart.

"Those who dare betray me in the future, this humble one will definitely let them experience the Five Pains2.

The eastern palace was completely silent out of fear. It was as silent as the grave.

Famous doctor at the end of Han Dynasty

Where each limb and the head is tied to a horse and they run in separate directions.

134

This day,senior Concubine Xu once again brought up the matter of inviting a few more imperial physicians. Empress Xiao no longer made things difficult and instead quickly agreed.

Seeing Empress Xiao agree so quickly, Senior Concubine Xu was rather surprised. However, she understood very quickly. If the empress didn't agree at this time, then it wasn't something she could explain away.

"Empress is wise. This should have been done long ago. His majesty's royal body's health is a matter that concerns the entire nation, and can't be taken lightly." Senior Concubine Xu smiled charmingly.

Empress Xiao twitched her lips in a fake smile, "We've troubled Senior Concubine Xu."

Senior Concubine Xu remained within the hall. Before long, the Jin Prince had come as well.

Empress Xiao's eyes contained mockery. They're really not showing any dignity. Would the grand empress renege on her words?

After another while, seeing Empress Xiao remain unmoving, Senior Concubine Xu inquired softly: "Empress, this—-why aren't any imperial physicians coming?"

Empress Xiao lifted her teacup and took a sip, saying faintly: "Patience, this seat has also invited the left and right senior ministers."

The left minister Lin Jian had been an official for several decades. The prestigious Lin family behind him had been officials generation after generation ever since the founding of the court. The right minister Xu Cheng was the pillar of the commoner faction. He was upright and plainspoken, an honest official who loathed immorality, and was deeply respected by those in court. These two basically represented the two factions within the court. One represented the noble households and the other represented the commoners.

It goes without saying why Empress Xiao invited them.

Senior Concubine Xu's expression was a little unsettled, but she could only sit there without doing anything.

After another few minutes, Minister Lin and Minister Xu walked in one after the other. Behind them were several imperial physicians headed by imperial hospital chief Bai. Imperial Physician Zhou was also present.

After everyone paid their respects, they entered the inner hall.

Emperor Xi lay upon the enormous royal bed in the inner hall. His breathing was even, and if it weren't for his pale face they would have thought he was merely sleeping.

Empress Xiao stood by the royal bed and said: "Imperial Physician Zhou is a physician who is admired by his majesty himself, and had always been responsible for his treatments. This seat felt that his majesty had to have a reason for his trust, and thus never thought about bringing in other imperial physicians. Who would have thought some vile people would dare to spread rumors harming this seat and the crown prince. In order to prove our innocence and remove the source of rumors, Chief Bai and the other two imperial physicians have been invited to examine his majesty along with Imperial Physician Zhou. May the two ministers please serve as witnesses."

Minister Lin cupped his hands, "Empress's considerations are thorough."

Minister Xu said: "Empress is wise. This is the proper way of doing things."

They spoke at the same time, and their character was apparent from their words. Minister Lin was from an aristocratic family, and his words were always a little restrained. Minister Xu on the other hand spoke much more clearly.

Empress Xiao nodded with a smile, and indicated for the physicians to go ahead with their examination.

After they finished, they went and discussed on the side for a bit. Chief Bai then stepped forward to report: "Imperial Physician Zhou's diagnosis was correct. His majesty truly suffered from a flare up of medicinal impurities. In fact, his majesty's royal body had already shown such signs in his earlier years. At that time, his majesty heeded our warnings and stopped taking pills. Unfortunately there were already too many impurities accumulated within his body. It isn't apparent if they remain dormant, but the moment they flare up it would cause immediate collapse. This time he's unconscious because his royal body is overly frail. By nursing him slowly, he can still wake up. It's just the timing isn't easy to grasp. It could be three days, but it could also be three months."

"Then his majesty's health has some major issues?" Minister Xu asked.

Everyone naturally understood what he meant by major issues. He was asking if Emperor Xi would pass away.

But this sort of thing couldn't be directly stated. Chief Bai could only smile bitterly and say: "Superior Xu, it's not that this lowly official isn't willing to say it clearly. It's that this thing isn't clear to begin with. In theory, his majesty shouldn't have reached such a stage, but as of now no one dares to speculate the outcome."

Minister Xu nodded, and didn't continue to make things difficult. However, his snow white brows were furrowed.

"Imperial Physician Zhou had been responsible for his majesty's health all this time. Can we continue to leave it up to him?"

Everyone knew why they were all gathered here today. It was to see if Emperor Xi's condition had anything to do with the crown prince and the empress. Since so many imperial physicians had verified it, there clearly wasn't much anyone else could say about it.

"Imperial Physician Zhou's medical skills have always been excellent. There are few within the hospital who can match him. Since he had been responsible for it all this time, then we won't have anyone else interfere. This subordinate has no objections." Chief Bai said.

Everyone present was intelligent, and naturally understood Chief Bai's style of doing things. Such a situation would result in countless of heads rolling and families being exterminated at the slightest mistake. No wonder Chief Bai was quick to pass on the responsibility.

Poor Imperial Physician Zhou…..

The two ministers looked at Zhou Jin, their gazes containing a few shades of pity.

"Since this affair is concluded, this old servant will take his leave."

Minister Xu was always a busy man. Now that things were done, he naturally wasn't willing to waste his time here. Minister Lin also took his leave.

Once the two ministers left, Senior Concubine Xu and the Jin Prince also left. Although their eyes were full of doubt and unwillingness, the two old ministers had been present as witnesses so they couldn't say anything about it. The remaining imperial physicians didn't need to be mentioned as they all left as well.

Empress Xiao gave Zheng Hai Quan a glance and said: "Eunuch Zheng, keep an eye on things here. This seat is making a trip to the Fengqi Palace."

"Yes."

Once they entered the Fengqi Palace, the crown prince suddenly let out a breath.

"Mother empress, your son had no idea Chief Bai was one of ours."

Empress Xiao smiled, "Trump cards should naturally only be used in key moments. Your mother has been running the rear palace for several decades. How could I not put any of our people into an important place like the hospital?"

"Then what about the other two physicians?"

"Those two aren't, but your grandfather has some blackmail on them."

Hearing this, the crown prince revealed a relieved smile.

"Now it's the Jin Prince's turn to be worried."

"Only when they're desperate can we find some evidence. Once we have the evidence in hand, he won't have any excuse to remain in the capital. Even if he doesn't return to his vassal state, he has to shed a layer of skin."

Mother empress, how long do you think we still have to wait—-" the crown prince couldn't help but ask.

Emrpess Xiao looked at her son's poorly concealed excitement and frowned.

"This matter can't be rushed. There are no fools here. If we make it too obvious, not only will the Jin Prince denounce us in the chaos, even the court officials will criticize us."

"Your son understands." The crown prince knew the reasoning. "Zheng Hai Quan isn't suspicious? He's with father every day. Should we?" The crown prince made a hand gesture.

When Zheng Hai Quan was mentioned, even Empress Xiao had a headache. She thought about it and said: "We can't. Zheng Hai Quan's profile is too high. If something happens to him right after your father fell ill, it will provoke more speculation. It's not appropriate to rush things at this stage. Luckily Imperial Physician Zhou's skills are pretty good, and the medicine he prescribed is brilliant. As long as he cooperates, there shouldn't be any problems."

The two of them discussed a little further before the crown prince left the Fengqi Palace. Empress Xiao changed her clothes before returning to the Violet Imperial Hall.

The way things were now, it was still better for her to keep a closer watch. After all, the empress and the emperor were a "harmonious couple". Now that his majesty was ill, the empress caring for him without regards to her own royal body would properly display her virtue.

While the empress was in discussion with the crown prince, Senior Concubine Xu and the Jin Prince were also having a debate in the Chunluan Palace.

"How can there not be anything suspicious? This prince doesn't believe it, absolutely not!"

"Your mother also doesn't believe it." Senior Concubine Xu frowned deeply and said: "But so many people have examined him. The empress also resorted to drastic measures and invited the two ministers over as witnesses. Now no one is able to bring up any doubts. This empress is too crafty. She appeared to be flustered by us but had been scheming secretly. The situation developed too fast, and this seat couldn't ask for more physicians to come in front of the ministers. After all, Chief Bai and the other two physicians are all elders of the imperial hospital."

The Jin Prince clearly understood that Empress Xiao had tricked them, but some things could only be done once. They couldn't spread rumors anymore. Firstly, the empress would be justified in punishing everyone and the court couldn't say anything about it. Secondly, they would be going against the two respected ministers. Therefore, the Jin Prince and Senior Concubine Xu could only swallow this grievance.

"Lin Jian that old fogey is really useless. Couldn't he have spoken up for this prince?"

Senior Concubine Xu smiled bitterly. "Not even you or I could have spoken up in that situation, let alone Minister Lin. The empress's actions were too overt, and they were clear and reasonable. No one would dare object. Furthermore, with Minister Xu next to him, how could Minister Lin speak up?"

The JIn Prince's words were also just venting his anger. As of now, he was in a difficult situation.

"It's better to be careful in the coming days. Don't let them catch any hints. Let's plan things out slowly."

"Your son understands."

Once everyone had left the inner hall, Emperor Xi who was unconscious on the royal bed suddenly opened his eyes.

Zheng Hai Quan shrunk his neck back. He bent his waist and leaned in.

"Majesty—"

The person on the royal bed remained unmoving. He first laughed coldly a few times before suddenly saying: "We want food."

Zheng Hai Quan said "yes" before going off to arrange it.

Emperor Xi arranged this plan to beat them at their own game. There weren't many who were in on it: Imperial Physician Zhou and Zheng Hai Quan, as well as some of the eunuchs in the hall and two of Emperor Xi's trusted aides.

Of course, this act came at a price. Just the meals alone were rather difficult. Empress Xiao remained the entire day and only left at night. While she was present, Emperor Xi could only endure his hunger. Zheng Hai Quan secretly sighed and wondered why this was necessary. However, a servant had no right to comment on his master's decision.

Zheng Hai Quan quickly returned with a tray of food. He told those on the outside it was for himself.

The food naturally had to be different from what Emperor Xi usually ate. Zheng Hai Quan was just a servant, and he had to remain low key. Despite this, Emperor Xi still ate with gusto, more enthusiastically compared to his usual meals in the past.

He didn't notice it himself, but Zheng Hai Quan was a little unable to keep watching. He wondered once more if it was worth it. Would everyone's thoughts turn a little weird as they aged and were about to die?

Once Emperor Xi ate his fill and rinsed his mouth with Zheng Hai Quan's help, he called for Imperial Physician Zhou who was in the side hall.

"You've done very well."

Imperial Physician Zhou knelt on the floor, "Thank you, majesty, for your praise."

"Rumor has it that people are often coming to you and asking about Our health. Is it the Jin Prince's people?"

As for where he heard this, Emperor Xi naturally had his own channels. His plan this time was precisely for fishing out the people in the dark. Emperor Xi hadn't believed Imperial Physician Zhou's words and the crown prince's slander.

It wasn't clear if he would still stubbornly refuse to believe it this time.

"This—-" Imperial Physician Zhou looked anxiously at Emperor Xi and lowered his head again: "Yes. This subordinate ignored them."

Emperor Xi's face turned purple and then pale. He let out a couple of humphs before saying sternly: "We believe we've never mistreated them. We haven't even died yet and they're already thinking about Our position—-cough cough….." Before he finished speaking, he started coughing.

"Majesty, calm your anger."

Emperor Xi coughed for a long while before finally calming down.

"This performance is truly marvelous. How did We not realize in the past that everyone was so good at acting….Zhou Jin, did the empress not tell you when to take Our life?"

Zhou Jin was shocked, "No."

"Ha, she naturally wouldn't tell you. In any event, you're just a subordinate following orders. She probably won't be able to endure much longer. She's only afraid of being criticized for it….even Chief Bai is one of hers. What else have We been unaware of….the Jin Prince as well….."

Emperor Xi sat on the royal bed muttering to himself. His voice was extremely low, but it clearly sounded within Imperial Physician Zhou and Zheng Hai Quan's ears. The two of them wanted nothing more than to block their ears and not listen to this. There more they knew, the more tragic their outcomes. Once his majesty was done with this performance, it would probably be their turn…..

Even the usually steady Zheng Hai Quan couldn't help but start shivering.

No one wanted to die. Emperor Xi's thoughts were becoming weirder and weirder, and this continuously wore down his subordinate's spirit. The feeling of being on the edge of collapse was felt even more clearly by Zheng Hai Quan, who served him the closest.

Suddenly the clear sound of bells rang out, startling the three in the hall.

Zheng Hai Quan helped Emperor Xi lie back down in bed and covered him with his silk blankets. Right as he finished, the empress walked in with people in tow.

"Greetings to the empress."

"Rise. Imperial Physician Zhou is here as well?"

"This servant is here to take a look at his majesty's condition."

Empress Xiao had said before that it was best for him to remain by Emperor Xi's side while she wasn't present. Hearing his words, Empress Xiao revealed a meaningful smile.

"It's been hard on you."

"Not at all."

Once Imperial Physician Zhou left, Empress Xiao's gaze fell upon Zheng Hai Quan.

"Eunuch Zheng is working hard every day, it's also been hard on you. This seat will watch over things here. You may go rest for a bit."

"This servant isn't tired. Thank you for empress's consideration."

Empress Xiao merely smiled and didn't speak any further.

Author's words:

This author is weary from churning out characters. I really want to curse, aren't you guys effing tired as well? Also Emperor Xi, you're just a weirdo!

But when one gets old, especially when someone with the most authority is facing death, their thoughts would be a little different from others. There's no need to mention affection between father and son, or any logical reasoning, the nation, the county and so on. The Kangxi Emperor was a wise monarch, but didn't he do a lot of unspeakable things before his death?

But this will be over soon. We'll quickly wrap this up and then it'll be the next volume: the Capital Arc.

This author promises not to write about these things in her next book. The politics can be left to Hardworking Jing. The book about fatty Yun will just be about love. Remember fatty, you aren't ambitious at all!

135

Within the minister's estate.

Minister Xu was playing go1.

The man across from him was around forty. His face was thin with a long mustache. His honest and profound bearing was rather eye-catching.

"Teacher seems a little unsettled today. Is it because you were summoned to the palace this morning?"

Minister Xu let out a laugh and placed a piece down on the board.

"His majesty is ill and the crown prince continues to struggle with the Jin Prince. It's truly not a good thing for our nation."

The man smiled wryly and also placed a piece down on the board, "This shouldn't be something we as court officials should worry about. His majesty is merely ill as of now. Even if he weren't there, we still have the crown prince."

"I'm afraid the Jin Prince's side isn't that simple. There will be some moves." Minister Xu suddenly sighed: "Lin Jian that old fellow has been intelligent all his life, but seems to be muddled in his age. His majesty's sudden illness truly exceeded his expectations, as well as the expectations of those behind him."

That man merely smiled once more and placed another piece down.

Some people were able to think things through, and some were not. His teacher was someone who thought things through. His status was already so high, why the need to lust after more? But people's thoughts differed, and there would always be those who couldn't think things through! When things were prosperous, everyone benefitted. When things were chaotic, everyone would suffer. The wisdom of the ancients always rang true.

"Teacher, do we need to make the Jin Prince leave the capital? This is probably what the crown prince wants to see."

Minister Xu muttered to himself for a few minutes before stroking his beard, "No need. It's better to quietly observe the changes."

"Aren't you worried about the nation's stability?"

These words made Minister Xu smile bitterly, "His majesty himself isn't worried. Why should we do more than we should?"

"Things might get messy."

"You've only been appointed as the right imperial censor not too long ago. It's best to keep yourself safe. Let them duke it out if that's what they want."

"People will say your student isn't doing his job."

"Haha, with the current state of affairs, even your teacher isn't willing to meddle in other's business. There's no need for my student to rush ahead." Minister Xu laughed before saying with a quiet voice: "The capital's investigation bureau is a mess at the moment. The crown prince will definitely not allow the Jin Prince to peacefully remain in the capital. You don't have that many subordinates, it's better not to stand out. Regardless, we aren't looking for these merits. It's better to observe from the side."

"Your student understands."

Within the room, only the sound of go pieces being placed could be heard.

Minister Xu looked at his student across from him and suddenly said emotionally: "Little fellow, you normally appear calm and plain, yet you also turned out to be someone who worries for his country."

This forty year old man was called little fellow by Minister Xu. But that was indeed that case, since Minister Xu was approaching seventy.

"Aren't you the same?"

Minister Xu froze and then laughed bitterly, "I guess we're the same, it's just a shame that…."

He didn't finish his sentence but his student Zhao Jing Heng clearly understood.

Although they had the will to improve their nation, they didn't have the means. Although Emperor Xi wasn't some incompetent ruler, he also wasn't some wise monarch. He was headstrong and opinionated, his thoughts overly conservative. He was bound by convention, unwilling to innovate and change.

The Grand Xi Dynasty appeared to be prosperous and at peace, but no one knew better than people like them what truly lay beneath the surface.

The wealthy were too wealthy and the poor commoners still remained in poverty. There were too many corrupt officials covering for each other and operating outside of the law. The saying that the rich left their meat and alcohol to spoil due to overabundance while the poor starved to death was precisely describing this situation.

Sometimes it wasn't good too have too much ambition. His teacher was such an example. He remained low key within the officials, muddling along while restraining his pride. Being able to reach his position as minister was due to his tactfulness.

His character became tactful and he did things tactfully. He refused to touch anything he shouldn't be touching.

Who would have thought this seemingly upright and outspoken righteous Minister Xu was actually such a tactful mediocre person?

His righteousness and outspokenness was only within the confines of what was permitted.

People would only become discreet and change due to having suffered enough. Minister Xu was an example. Therefore, as his student, Zhao Jing Heng wouldn't have to squander his time away, wouldn't have to suffer all sorts of setback before understanding this reasoning. This was his fortune, but he ultimately couldn't come to peace with it!

"Teacher, do you still remember your original intentions?"

These words made Minister Xu silent for a long time, his expression absent-minded.

"The crown prince isn't a wise ruler…." These words came out of Zhao Jing Heng's mouth with great difficulty, "The Jin Prince isn't either."

The black go piece in Minister Xu's hand suddenly fell to the floor. He forced a smile, "Then who do you think would be a wise ruler?"

Zhao Jing Heng slowly shook his head, "No idea."

"Since we don't know, we might as well just keep watching."

Keep watching. How long do they have to keep watching for?

The Yun Prince also received information regarding the capital's movements, but not as quick or thorough as the Jing Prince's.

Emperor Xi was unconscious, the crown prince was in charge of the nation and the Jin Prince hung around the capital with his leg lame, but the Jing Prince still showed no signs of movement. The Yun Prince was unable to sit still.

He wasn't one to worry about things, and many of the things he did were for the sake of his wife and children. His biggest wish was to live out his days as a carefree prince with them. This was why he had thrown everything he had accumulated so far to the Jing Prince.

After handing everything over, he had truly become carefree. But after spending a few days idly, he realized the Jing Prince didn't show any signs of movement and became worried. This time he didn't have the energy to mess around with that stiff-faced brother of his, and directly rushed over to the Jing Province's Jing Prince Estate. He didn't give any advance notice, and when his subordinates reported the arrival of a maternal relative, the Jing Prince was shocked.

His maternal relatives were all in the estate already. Where else were there any maternal relatives? Only after Eunuch Fu went to take a look did he find out it was the Yun Prince.

This fellow was too gutsy!

The Jing Prince thought this as he went to meet the Yun Prince.

The fatty wasn't smiling indecently for once, and was very solemn instead.

"You could have sent a letter if there was anything." The Jing Prince said dully as he sat down across from him.

"This personality of your really needs to change. Why are all your actions so slow and unhurried? Things are already going through the roof on that side, and here you are without any reactions."

"Didn't this humble prince tell you via letter that I've already started moving?"

The Yun Prince rolled his eyes and said angrily: "I haven't seen any signs of it." He continued fussing, "At this rate, I should really consider whether it's better to just steal my mother from the palace and escape with the entire family."

The Jing Prince looked at him in astonishment. He didn't expect this person to have such an idea.

"What about your subordinates?"

"They can completely disband."

"All the land under the heavens belongs to the emperor, and all the people his subjects."

The Jing Prince slowly said these words, and took a sip of his tea.

The Yun Prince slumped in his chair dispiritedly, and lamented: "I'm regretting it now. If I had known, I would have bet on the crown prince or the Jin Prince. Why would I bet on such a slow person?"

"Would you dare?"

Fine, he wouldn't dare!

The Yun Prince wiped his face. Let's not mention whether the Jin Prince or the crown prince would care for what he was offering, their first reaction would have been suspicion. What were you planning by collecting all these resources? He was too weak, and they could snuff him out with a pinch of their hand. He really didn't dare contact those people.

"You're just taking advantage of my kindness. No matter what, I'm still older than you by a bit. It's not right to treat your older brother so unreasonably."

"You're only older by a few months."

"Even if it was only a single day, I'd still be older!"

"You risked discovery just to come and tell me this?"

Seeing them stray off topic, the Jing Prince said this with an apathetic expression.

"I came to urge you to quickly, swiftly, hurriedly start moving. Otherwise it'll be too late."

"Already started." The Jing Prince paused and said again: "Now observing the changes."

"If you keep observing, neither of us will be able to escape. Are you unaware of the dangers? Come, come, come, let me tell you about it….."

The Yun Prince shifted in his chair and his words came pouring out, "Both of them are narrow-minded people. If the crown prince ascends, he definitely wouldn't let us off after five or ten years. Don't look at his upright expression, he's actually extremely ruthless. He's the "submit to me, or perish" kind of person. Even if we behave honestly, he will just give as a little more time to struggle at death's door."

"Don't doubt my words. The crown prince and the empress may look extremely honorable, but in reality there had always been someone annoying them. The amount then increased to three. The crown prince has been overly stifled, and will definitely go to extremes in the future. As for the Jin Prince, there's even less need to mention him. If he can ascend, it'll be with the help of the Qi Prince. The Qi Prince is vicious and has no respect for anyone. The Jin Prince tolerates him for now so he can succeed, but how could he possibly continue to tolerate him afterwards? Furthermore, the Jin Prince is very clear about his own background. He naturally won't allow any vassal princes to exist…."

The Jing Prince was a little surprised. Who would have thought old fourth had considered things so deeply? If it wasn't for his past life, he would never have thought things through so clearly himself. Unexpectedly, the Yun Prince was able to figure things out to such an extent just based on a few pieces of knowledge.

"Your analysis is very good."

You said it! The Yun Prince sniggered in satisfaction in his heart, but he appeared fearless on the surface, "No one understands those two better than me!"

"Suffered a lot in the past?"

The Yun Prince's face turned rigid, and then he smiled, "That's right. Those are personal enemies, so I naturally have to understand them clearly to know how to counterattack."

"This prince didn't offend you, right?"

These words made the skin on the Yun Prince's face tremble, and he seemed a little embarrassed, "I remember you giving me a plate of cakes when we were young."

That time was the hungriest he's ever been in his life. This person gave him a plate of cakes, and he happily prepared to bring it back to share with his mom. Who knew that he would be spotted by the vile Qi Prince before he could make it back? He had flipped the plate over and forced him to crawl all over picking it up.

The Jing Prince froze. He seemed to remember this happening in the depths of his mind.

At that time he didn't have to worry about food or clothing. He had a capable high-ranked eunuch protecting him. But he knew that the Yun Prince had a hard childhood. His majesty said he was too fat, and ordered him to lose weight. People used this as an excuse to harass the mother and son pair.

The Yun Prince's eyes were glazed in reminiscence, but it was only for a brief moment before his mischievous smile reappeared, "You have to do your best, ok? My beautiful life in the future is depending on you."

The Jing Prince looked at him with a complicated gaze and didn't speak.

The Yun Prince shifted in his chair once more, "You've really started moving? Why haven't I seen anything?"

The Yun Prince also had spies in the capital. The Jing Prince knew this clearly.

"If you could notice it, everyone else probably would as well."

"Why don't you tell me about it? Let me sleep a little more peacefully back home."

"Can't."

The Yun Prince looked at the Jing Prince with a complicated gaze and lamented: "Fine, don't tell me if you don't want to. Just remember that whatever schemes you use, you can't be too much of a sissy."

Sissy? What's that supposed to mean?

"Just keep that in mind. If necessary, it's fine to use some dishonorable schemes. We're just trying to survive here. Also, your subordinate, that barbarian whatever. He's extremely skilled. If there's no other choice, just have him go assassinate both of them."

The Yun Prince's words grew more and more wild, and made it even harder for the Jing Prince to understand.

"What are you talking about?"

"You don't have to worry about the meaning. Just keep it in mind. I won't chatter on any longer. I have to hurry back. The consort will get angry again if I'm late."

The Jing Prince knew that the Yun Prince had a ferocious consort back home who was famous in the capital. He didn't say anything and had Eunuch Fu send him out.

He sat there and continued to think about the Yun Prince's words. Sissy, Barbarian Yan, assassinate….for some reason he couldn't piece these things together.

Since he couldn't figure it out, the Jing Prince no longer thought about it as usual. How was sissy supposed to be interpreted in this instance? Did his habit of remaining silent give him the wrong impression?

Could be chess, Chinese chess or go, but based on what is said in the next few sentences I believe it should be go

136

Actually the Yun Prince had misunderstood a little. His words were based on what he knew from his past life.

That's right, the Yun Prince was also someone who had lived two lifetimes.

In his past life, the Yun Prince survived a little longer than the Jing Prince, but it was at most by a couple of months. He had thought he was dead for sure, but who would have thought a mysterious person suddenly burst into the capital and killed the Jin Emperor before fleeing?

The Yun Prince had thought that with the Jin Emperor dead, he would no longer have to die himself. But unfortunately, the Jin Emperor had already given the orders before he died, and the Yun Prince still ended up dying.

After reincarnating, the Yun Prince had wondered what sort of badass was responsible. Having such skill yet only using it at that time was too much of a waste. In the end, he unintentionally discovered that this person was a martial artist within the Jing Prince Estate.

This person's appearance had been too distinct. His unkempt appearance and scraggly beard along with his tall, sturdy and powerful body made quite an impression. It was said that after he killed the emperor and escaped, he had left behind some words that confused everyone at the scene:

You fucking good-for-nothing. Because of you, this daddy can't be a freeloader anymore.

The Jin Emperor had been killed during a hunting party in the royal hunting grounds. Many dukes and officials were present at the time, and these words weren't covered up.

After the Yun Prince reincarnated, he pieced together the clues before determining that person was the Jing Prince Estate's Barbarian Yan.

After figuring this out, the Yun Prince locked himself up in his estate, yelling and cursing for half a night. His disturbance caused the entire estate to be confused. Only after did the Yun Prince decide to cooperate with the Jing Prince.

If he didn't have any insurance, how could the Yun Prince trust that the Jing Prince would come out victorious?! Of course, the Jing Prince's character was worth the Yun Prince's trust, but for him to make such a large decision wasn't just based on this scattered reasoning. There were still many, many things, but they were all things that couldn't be put in words.

The Yun Prince felt that since the heavens had given him another chance to live, fate must have something in store for him. In this life he had changed. That apathetic Jing Prince had changed as well.

His own changes stemmed from his feelings of guilt and remorse towards that woman before his death. In this life, he was determined to make it up to her. As for the Jing Prince's changes, the Yun Prince guessed it was for the sake of altering their destinies.

There was no reason good people couldn't live long lives, right?

Otherwise, who would be willing to be good in the future!?

The Yun Prince had told his consort his opinions several times, but unfortunately she had never believed him. She would always smack his head and say "you're not sick, are you?!"

Every time this happened, the Yun Prince could only laugh foolishly. No one knew that these were his real thoughts.

For some reason, despite the Jing Prince not telling him about his plans, the Yun Prince felt relieved.

Whatever, he truly wasn't someone fit to do great things. It's better for him to go back and figure out how to soothe his consort. If things really didn't work out, he can just do what he said earlier, stealing his mother away and escaping.

The land under the heavens belonged to the emperor, but there were still lands beyond that. Across the sea for example….

Why did no one believe him when he was telling the truth?! Why? If things really failed, he definitely wouldn't bring that stiff-faced person along in his escape!

The Yun Prince let out a deep sigh and got on his carriage. The carriage slowly rolled forward.

Because Emperor Xi was unconscious, the palace was especially silent during the thirty-fifth New Year's celebration of the Xi calendar.

All the songs, dances, and banquets were cancelled, and the officials and nobility naturally couldn't be too lively. But thousands of miles away, the Jing Province's Jing Prince Estate didn't have such restrictions.

Unfortunately, the Jing Prince Estate had always been rather simple. New Year's Eve was spent the same as the past with the whole family coming together for a banquet.

The Li family was also present, but despite the joyous occasion Li Xue Bing and Qi-Shi were a little unable to smile.

This was because Li Hong Chang and Li Hong Qian did not come for the celebration this year. In fact, they hadn't come back ever since they left.

A few days ago, Li Xue Bing had sent a message to Eunuch Fu asking about it.

Having stayed for a while at the Jing Prince Estate, the Li family was no longer as fearless as they were before. Especially towards this royal nephew of theirs, they had become quite a bit more respectful. This couldn't be helped. The Jing Prince Estate was so large, and during their stay they had seen quite a lot. The people they could only look up to but not approach in the past all paid respects to the Jing Prince. They inevitably felt some reverence towards him in their hearts.

Of course this only applied to Li Xue Bing. Qi-Shi stayed in their pavilion year round. The furthest she went was to her daughter's place, and she didn't seem much different from the past.

Due to this feeling of reverence, Li Xue Bing didn't dare casually bother the Jing Prince as he did before, and sent word to Eunuch Fu instead.

Eunuch Fu's answer was, "Lord uncle, the two young masters are currently at a critical stage. The military doesn't have the tradition of returning home to celebrate the New Year. The two young masters are role models, how can they not abide by convention?"

Actually, while Eunuch Fu was saying these things, the two Li brothers were being drilled at the barracks. They complained endlessly, crying for their dad and yelling for their mom, but unfortunately it was of no use.

Li Xue Bing's mood was extremely complicated at Eunuch Fu's words. The words "role models" made him silently rejoice, but the fact that they couldn't return made him a little moody. In the end, his silent rejoicing came out on top. Since they could become role models, their prospects were naturally promising. For the sake of their prospects, the fact that he missed them was naturally not as important.

He also started consoling Qi-Shi. This resulted in the Li family's lord and madam smiling yet not really smiling at the banquet.

The Jing Consort unexpectedly didn't attend today. It was said she was bedridden, but whether that was true or not, the Jing Prince and Xiao Hua had their own thoughts.

The Jing Consort was stubborn, and was sulking at the Jing Prince. She wanted to make him feel annoyed. Whether her actions truly caused him annoyance, only the heavens knew.

The banquet was soon over. The Jing Prince dispensed with the pleasantries and had everyone disperse. He then hurried back to the western pavilion with Xiao Hua. Their two children were waiting for them there.

As of now, the two children could walk and talk. They were a little too energetic compared to the past. When they were younger, they would sleep when it got dark. Now it wasn't as easy, and they would fuss late into the night.

Especially on New Year's Eve. The two of them had wanted to spend it as a family of four, but they had to go out and accompany others. They felt a little guilty towards the two little fellows, and naturally wanted to hurry back to them.

When they got back, the two changed into their casual clothing. Yi Yi and Zhuo'er were brought over by the wet nurses.

The winter clothing was thick, and the two children wobbled as they walked. Before they could pounce over, Xiao Hua picked one up. The other was naturally picked up by the Jing Prince.

"Father, mom, where were you?"

The one speaking was Zhuo'er. He really didn't seem like a two year old child. His grammar was very proper and distinct. Although his sentences weren't long, but his meaning could be understood by all the adults.

"Bad, disappeared."

In comparison, Yi Yi spoke a lot normally but her sentences were very unstructured. This aspect was a little similar to the Jing Prince. Therefore, he loved his daughter even more.

Xiao Hua smiled guiltily, and couldn't bring herself to lie to the children. She could only avoid the question, "Aren't we back now?"

Children at this age were still easy to placate. At first they still remembered their parents disappeared, but their attention was soon diverted by Xiao Hua's actions. She helped the two take their shoes off and the four of them sat on the kiln.

The kiln table was filled with various pastries and snacks. They were all things the children could eat.

"Tonight we stay up for New Year's?"

Xiao Hua looked at the two children and then looked at him. She smiled and said: "Sure."

Although that was the plan, the two little fellows soon grew tired. Xiao Hua didn't have the wet nurses take them away, and instead took off their outer clothing and let them sleep on the kiln.

Because it was still early the two of them chatted casually. They talked about Li Miao Lian after her marriage. They talked about how lord uncle and his wife didn't look too good tonight, probably missing their sons. They talked about how Senior Concubine Qiao kept shooting glances at the Jing Prince during the banquet.

When Senior Concubine Qiao was mentioned, Xiao Hua's tone was actually teasing, making the Jing Prince blush. He seemed a little embarrassed.

Actually the topics of their conversations were always quite trivial. Having spent over two years together, the two of them were too familiar with each other. They knew what each other meant with a glance or a gesture. Xiao Hua also grew more and more casual in front of the Jing Prince. He was no longer the lofty Jing Prince, who could only be respected but not loved. Instead, this was a man whom she could depend on and be companions with.

Perhaps such a scene would seem tedious to outsiders, but the two of them liked the comfort of this sort of quiet interaction. Especially when the four of them were all together.

"You and the children have never been out to play. When we have time, we can go."

Xiao Hua smiled and nodded, "Sure."

Xiao Hua had thought his highness was just casually speaking, but he was unexpectedly serious.

In March of the New Year, as the grass started growing and the birds were flying, the Jing Prince brought up taking Xiao Hua out for a trip.

Of course, the two children would go with them as well. Xiao Hua was extremely happy and starting preparing without thinking too much about it.

Because they were bringing the children, they had to bring quite a few things. Xiao Hua also asked the Jing Prince where they were going, but he didn't give a specific location. He just said it was a little far from the estate, and the trip would take around ten days.

Some people had to remain behind at the western pavilion. Xiao Hua ended up taking Ding Xiang and Chun Cao. Two wet nurses accompanied Zhuo'er and Yi Yi, as well as four palace maids. As for what they needed to pack, Ding Xiang helped arrange everything and Xiao Hua didn't need to worry about it.

After preparing for two days, they departed on the third.

The lineup this time wasn't too large. There were only a total of five black carriages, surrounded by around ten guards disguised as regular people. At a glance, they looked like some rich household's lord on a trip.

They stopped at various places along the way, as though they didn't have a destination in mind. They stopped by whatever towns they passed, and at night they didn't stay at any inns. Instead, there would always be a small pavilion they could use.

Xiao Hua could be said to be a true recluse. She never went outside. This trip truly broadened her horizons.

The Jing Prince took her through the streets, took her shopping, took her to eat at restaurants, and took her into temples to burn incense. The world outside was both familiar and foreign. The familiarity came from her memories from long ago, the foreignness came from all the surprising things she encountered.

The two of them weren't dressed like they normally were in the estate. Instead, they were dressed as commoners. Although they were followed by guards, those guards were also disguised and normally blended in with the crowd. Xiao Hua even ate some wantons from a street vendor. Although the ingredients and texture were clearly inferior to Nana He's back at the estate, Xiao Hua still felt it was extremely delicious.

The Jing Prince never ate outside food. To be precise, apart from Nana He's food, he rarely ate anything else. He still ate a bowl with her at this moment. From his perspective, this thing truly wasn't that tasty, but seeing her eat up happily, he subconsciously finished his own bowl as well.

Whenever they stopped at the larger towns, the Jing Prince would take Xiao Hua to the night market. The night market was very lively, and there were many snacks available. Xiao Hua would also eat until her stomach was bloated before letting the Jing Prince drag her along, saying how she couldn't walk by herself anymore.

The people of the Jing Province were quite open-minded because they were all close to each other. Ever since Xiao Hua saw a young married couple holding hands at the night market, her thoughts had stirred for a long time and she took the opportunity to take the Jing Prince's hand as well, refusing to let go.

The night market's lights were bright and splendid, and made Xiao Hua feel like she was dreaming. After living for two lifetimes, Xiao Hua felt this was the happiest she had even been.

"Highness, when you're free in the future, can we come out to play again?"

The Jing Prince gripped her hand tightly, "Sure."

In that instant, the bustling crowd behind her provided a backdrop for her bright and beautiful smile. This scene was deeply carved into the Jing Prince's mind for a long time. So long that he still hadn't forgotten it by the time he was old and crooked.

Translator's notes:

Minor spoiler in author's notes below.

Author's words:

Just want to say, the Jing Prince didn't take Xiao Hua out for fun.

137

As the jing prince was taking Xiao Hua on a trip, things were gradually winding up back at the capital.

The crown prince's side and the Jin Prince's side started struggling more and more in the open. The first open blow was when an imperial censor impeached the Jin Prince for remaining in the capital and not returning to his vassal state, which was going against propriety. The Jin Prince's side weren't pushovers, and struck back by saying the Jin Prince remained under the emperor's edict to recuperate from his injury. Only the emperor could order the Jin Prince back to his vassal state. Furthermore, since the emperor was unconscious and wasn't able to wake up, how could his son leave his side at this moment? The two sides got into quite the argument, and they would often roll up their sleeves in court and start going at it.

As for the struggles beneath the surface, it was even more of a mess. The crown prince's side temporarily had the advantage, but the Jin Prince also wasn't without the means to counterattack.

As time went on, the crown prince's advantage became more and more obvious. In contrast, the Jin Prince's disadvantage was easy to see. The reason was very simple. The crown prince was older and was born from the principal wife. The nation was also currently supervised by him. The Jin Prince's only defense against him was temporarily unavailable. Although his personal accumulations weren't bad, his majesty's unconsciousness was always a concern. There were always those who wondered if he really couldn't hold on any longer.

The moment his majesty passed away, the crown prince would naturally succeed the throne. At that time, the Jin Prince who had deeply offended him would really suffer a tragic end.

After numerous discussions with his advisor, the Jin Prince couldn't help but consider military intervention. He secretly started arranging things over in the Jin Province and the Qi Province.

The Jing Prince and Xiao Hua had already stopped at the small town called "Ping Zheng" for several days.

Xiao Hua wondered whether they had to go back since the original ten days planned by the Jing Prince were already long passed. But the Jing Prince didn't show any signs of movement. Xiao Hua spent two days and wandered through the entire small town before temporarily taking a rest.

She was truly tired. Her horse's hooves had never stopped as she wandered and spent her time sightseeing. The next day Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince slept until noon.

After eating lunch, the two of them on the couch by the window.

Xiao Hua gave the Jing Prince a glance and felt that he seemed somehow strange today.

"Do you like this place?"

Xiao Hua thought the Jing Prince was asking about this small town. It had mountains on one side and water on the other. The location was quiet and secluded. The streets weren't normally crowded but the morning and night markets were still extremely lively. The people were sincere and honest, and they would always see people smiling as they walked the streets, greeting them with a wave of happiness and joy.

"I like it."

"Live here with the children for a few days. I'll come and bring you back after a few days, ok?"

Xiao Hua's smile suddenly turned rigid.

After a long while, she asked: "Why?"

The Jing Prince's apathetic gaze suddenly couldn't be maintained. He had come up with several excuses in his heart, but he realized he couldn't speak them out loud at this time.

He could only turn his face away and say quietly: "Don't ask."

"Why can't I ask?"

Xiao Hua's tone was a little overbearing.

She knew this attitude wasn't good, but when the Jing Prince spoke she had a sense of foreboding. She felt her heart beating wildly in her chest, and couldn't help but start to panic.

The Jing Prince's expression was wretched. He pulled her over and held her in his arms, "Listen to me. I'll come fetch you after a few days."

"Why won't you let me ask?"

"Why do I have to listen to you?"

"Why? Just why?"

The string of questions made the Jing Prince silent for a long, long time. He could only stroke her back continuously.

For the first time, Xiao Hua resisted this sort of comforting. She struggled free and looked at him stubbornly.

The Jing Prince didn't meet her gaze, and merely said: "Listen to me. Live here with the children for a period of time. The people at the western pavilion will be sent over immediately, it won't be inconvenient."

"You clearly know that's not what I'm asking. Why do we have to do this? Why?"

Xiao Hua had never argued with the Jing Prince before. This was the first time she spoke so fiercely and was so stirred up. She was even a little hysterical. As she spoke, her tears couldn't help but start to flow.

"Give me a reason!"

The Jing Prince who would be apathetic even if Mt. Tai collapsed had never looked so wretched in his two lifetimes. He didn't even dare look at her face.

He had already planned this long ago. There were clearly a lot of things he had to do back at the estate, and he had clearly planned on leaving for only ten days. But he continued to drag things out, throwing everything aside just to accompany her a little longer. He just didn't know what to say….

"Speak!"

Her voice was very loud. It shocked the Jing Prince's heart into shivering, and also shocked Ding Xiang and Chun Cao who were outside the door.

They were arguing?

Madam and his highness's relationship had always been good. The two of them had never argued before, and during this trip they were both extremely happy. How did they suddenly end up arguing?

Ding Xiang patted Chun Cao and indicated for her to listen while she went and figured out what to do.

"Why don't you say anything? Does this have something to do with why we have to keep the children hidden?!"

The Jing Prince's expression was wretched as he looked in shock at Xiao Hua whose face was filled with tears.

"Is it?"

Actually Xiao Hua had already guessed it in her heart. She could never figure out why he did things so weirdly, especially regarding their two children. Such a large western pavilion, which was clearly magnificent, ended up feeling like a cage. She had everything, and wanted for nothing. But there was a gate outside the gate, and not everyone can enter. Based on the same reasoning, not everyone could leave. Only a few people could.

Regarding all this, Xiao Hua was aware of it all.

But since he didn't want her to know about it, she pretended not to know. That time he told her he didn't want others knowing about the children was the first time he had revealed anything. Ever since then, she felt a little unsettled in her heart.

Now, her unease finally became reality, but she didn't expect it to be such a scene.

She knew that he wasn't planning on abandoning the three of them. He still wanted them. But just why?

Xiao Hua didn't dare speculate, because whenever she did her heart would involuntarily tremble…

"Did something happen?" She could only ask with a shaking voice in this manner.

"Don't ask."

The Jing Prince's usual apathetic expression carried a faint hint of pleading, making Xiao Hua's tears involuntarily start flowing once again.

"Fine, I won't ask anymore." Xiao Hua wiped her tears and said, "But, you're not allowed to leave me and the children behind."

The Jing Prince sighed silently and said: "Listen to me…."

Before he finished speaking, Yi Yi's voice sounded outside the door, "Father, mom."

"The little young master and little young mistress are calling for madam and highness."

Ding Xiang and Chun Cao carried Zhuo'er and Yi Yi inside, their eyes containing worry. Xiao Hua received Yi Yi and threw her into the Jing Prince's arms before receiving Zhuo'er. She had Ding Xiang and Chun Cao take their leave.

"Yi Yi, Zhuo'er, father doesn't want us anymore….."

After she said this, Xiao Hua started crying again, crying very miserably and pitifully.

The two children were dazed when they saw their mom crying. What could children who weren't even two years old understand? Seeing their mom cry, they also started crying. Yi Yi cried very loudly. She hugged the Jing Prince's neck tightly as she cried, "Father, don't not want."

Zhuo'er used his small hands to wipe Xiao Hua's face and looked tearfully at the Jing Prince.

At this moment, the room was filled with the crying of mom and children.

The Jing Prince was at a loss and didn't know how to react.

"I do want, I do want…." He only knew to say these words.

Xiao Hua tried to take a mile once he gave an inch, "Then let's go back to the estate?"

"Listen to me….."

He didn't continue speaking after telling her to listen. Xiao Hua started crying again, "Yi Yi and Zhuo'er are going to be unloved children in the future, father doesn't want us anymore….."

"Don't blindly guess."

Yi Yi hung around the Jing Prince's neck as he moved to sit next to Xiao Hua. He wrapped his arm around her and stroked her hair.

"It's because of some other reasons that I'm having you live here for a period of time. After a few days, I'll come fetch you and the children."

"You're lying!"

The Jing Prince's face turned rigid and he helplessly wiped his brow. Fine, he truly was lying.

This was planned long ago, back when she first became pregnant. Things had gotten more and more tense, and although everything proceeded according to his wishes, he truly had no confidence in what the final outcome would be.

He was willing to bet everything, but not her and the two children. This was why he took them out on a trip this time. The Jing Prince had already decided to have them live here without worries. If things succeeded, he would come fetch them. If things failed, then their future would have already been arranged.

No outsiders knew about the children and there would naturally be no one coming to investigate. As for her, he had already made the proper arrangements. There was naturally something prepared for that moment.

As for himself, the Jing Prince had also planned an ending long ago. If things failed, he had no choice but to die. Actually, he could do as the Yun Prince said, escaping with her and the children. But like he himself said, the land under the heavens belonged to the emperor and all the people his subjects. If his corpse wasn't found, they would never stop their pursuit. How could he be willing to force her and their children into a life where they were constantly on the run?!

Furthermore, his dignity stemmed from the royal family's dignity. It didn't allow him to do something like that.

"You were really lying! Luo Jing, you're truly too mean. I've treated you sincerely with all my heart, and raised our children until now, and yet you lie to me. Are you planning on making up with the consort, and feel that we're eyesores? If we bother you just say it straight, no need to lie."

Xiao Hua knew that she was being a nuisance at the moment, but without being a nuisance, she truly didn't know how to dispel this stubborn man's notions.

"Don't blindly guess, that's not it."

The Jing Prince had once heard a saying. When a woman wanted to be a nuisance, her best tactics were to cry first, make a fuss second, and hang herself third.1

The one who taught him this general knowledge was none other than his martial arts teacher Barbarian Yan. He was always complaining about his wife being too hard to deal with. He had also overheard some married soldiers in the estate discussing such things.

Having been together with Xiao Hua for so long, he once thought that those people were all speaking nonsense. This was because his Xiao Hua'er was very understanding and sensible. She was so sensible that it made one's heart ache. Only now did he realize, the words of his "seniors" weren't without reason.

Did Xiao Hua's current behavior count as her being a nuisance?

"Then take us back to the estate."

"Can't." The Jing Prince was unable to out-argue his woman, and could only choose to revert to his own manner of speech, giving an abrupt refusal.

"Fine, we'll stay here. We won't go back."

The Jing Prince was both shocked and relieved. But Xiao Hua's next words shattered his foolish assumptions.

"The moment you leave, I'll jump into the river with the children!"

The Jing Prince was astonished. How did such words come out of Xiao Hua's mouth? He even felt it was preposterous.

"You no longer want us. Children without their father are very pitiful, might as well put an end to our suffering."

Was this the so called ultimate move, the "hang herself third"? But instead of hanging, it was changed to jumping into the river with the children?

All sorts of nonsense flashed through his mind as he helplessly held her tightly, "Don't mess around."

"I'm not messing around, I'm serious."

Suddenly, a man's voice rang from outside.

"Highness, there's a letter from the estate."

The Jing Prince let go of Xiao Hua and sat up, "Enter."

Lin Qing Ting walked inside and saw a rather magical scene.

The legendary Madam Hua held the little young master as she sat on the couch half turned away. The little young mistress hung around his highness's neck as he sat on the other side. Although his posture was very upright and his expression stern, due to the little girl hanging around his neck it became a little weird.

He didn't dare look too much and handed the letter over to the Jing Prince.

The Jing Prince didn't bring Eunuch Fu along on this trip, and only brought ten or so trusted guards. He had intended on leaving the guards behind to protect her and the children, but his planning couldn't keep up with the developments, and he wasn't able to convince her.

After reading the letter, the Jing Prince's expression became grave. He waved his hand and Lin Qing Ting took his leave.

The Jing Prince looked at Xiao Hua who was still half turned away, and then looked at his teary eyed daughter around his neck.

"Really not willing to live here?"

Xiao Hua turned around and faced him, her lustrous eyes filled with tears, "We're going back to the estate with highness."

Another soundless sigh, and then a long while later, the Jing Prince helplessly nodded.

The Jing Prince was in a hurry to return and didn't delay any further. Soon the orders were given to depart.

Xiao Hua was dazed the entire way back, only knowing to grab onto his hand tightly without letting go. The Jing Prince had told her he would definitely bring her back several times but she still didn't let go. She seemed to be afraid he was lying, and planning to leave her and the children behind.

Only when she saw the familiar western pavilion did Xiao Hua feel relieved. However, she was soon unable to maintain her smile, because she saw someone she had never expected to see.

"Why are you here?"

Author's notes:

Warning in advance, a lot of contrived melodrama in the next chapter.

Actually this melodrama had already been planned way back when. According to Xiao Hua's thoughts, she would say she really had a lot of foresight back then. Hehe….

Translator's notes:

One final regular chapter to come later today once I finish translating it. Normally I wait until I'm done with the day's chapters before releasing all in one go, but wanted to post these first so you can mull things over. Also to leave you on this cliff for a bit. Mwahahaha.

Idiom meaning throwing a tantrum, making a huge scene. Translated it literally due to what's coming.

138

Why are you here?"

Xiao Hua's expression was shocked and incredulous.

The western pavilion, her pavilion, her house. Someone was actually in it, and this someone was openly sitting in her favorite spot under the window. This person wasn't just anyone.

It was someone who should have vanished over two years ago.

Xiao Hua would never forget this person in her life. The pair of peach blossom eyes and that familiar face.

It was that young girl called Qian Xi.

Oh, no, she couldn't be called a young girl anymore. Having not seen her in two years, Qian Xi had already become a rather beautiful woman. Her hair was brushed in an elegant style and the ornaments on her head glistened. She wore a light, pale grey skirt jacket and appeared exceptionally alluring.

Xiao Hua snapped out of it very quickly and asked Eunuch Fu who was on the side, "Why is she here?"

Eunuch Fu saw the Madam Hua who shouldn't have appeared at this time, and complained bitterly in his heart. He gave the Jing Prince a glance and also didn't know what to do.

This glance pierced Xiao Hua. She turned and looked at the Jing Prince in disbelief. She then looked at that Qian Xi who was wearing her clothes and adorned in her jewelry.

"You didn't want to bring us back. Was it because of her?"

"No, listen to me…."

"This is why you wouldn't bring me back?" The slender white-jade finger pointed at the equally shocked Qian Xi. Xiao Hua looked at the Jing Prince's eyes and said: "This is the exceptional circumstance you were talking about?!"

Following these words which were spoken one at a time, Xiao Hua's expression also chilled. The tears suspended in her eyes also froze.

"Actually you could have just explained it, no need to find excuses. This servant concubine has always been very understanding of propriety."

She truly, truly didn't expect that the reason he didn't want to bring her back was this. She had thought of the Jing Consort, thought of many things, but had never thought of this person!

She was clearly a stranger, someone who should have vanished without a trace long ago. Why did she suddenly appear in her pavilion, in front of her…

Eunuch Fu should have sent this person away two years ago, but she ended up appearing at this time….

How long had he kept her hidden?

"You've kept her hidden for over two years? Or were you not hiding her, but instead—-hiding me?"

"I—–"

"This is the reason for all this?" Xiao Hua pointed to her surroundings as she spoke, "and also why the children have to remain secret?"

The Jing Prince stood there without speaking, his expression slowly becoming withdrawn.

"Luo Jing, you've made me feel so estranged, you've made me feel so shameless! I should have been tactful, I shouldn't have forced you to bring us back. If you had explained, I wouldn't have pestered you over and over to bring us back…."

"If you want to think of it this way, that's also fine."

After he spoke, the Jing Prince's expression took on the apathy from long ago. The sort of complete apathy that shouldn't appear on a mortal, but rather on a heavenly saint.

Her alluring yet extremely rigid face was no longer able to maintain its expression, and finally cracked. The moment her tears started flowing, Xiao Hua chose to cover her eyes and turn her back, crouching down on the floor.

It wasn't that sort of hysterical crying, nor was it the spoiled sort of crying she used when she forced him to bring her back. This sort of crying was silent, but her frail shoulders trembled lightly. She wanted nothing more than to hide the despair she felt at her world collapsing around her in an instant.

…..

The residence was scarily quiet. Qian Xi's expression was panicked and she kept looking at the three of them. She wanted to say something but after being viciously glared at by Eunuch Fu, she closed her mouth.

"This humble prince, will have people send you back to that place."

The trembling shoulders jerked fiercely before freezing. After a long while, she stood up with her back facing everyone.

"Sure."

Actually her tears hadn't stopped, and they couldn't be stopped. But once he did such a thing, she wasn't willing to cry to him ever again. Because Xiao Hua had known a long, long time ago that a woman's tears weren't worth anything. Especially towards a man who no longer has her in his heart. Especially towards someone who had another woman, it was better to laugh than to cry.

But she wasn't able to laugh at this time.

At this moment, Chun Cao and Ding Xiang came in carrying the two children. Seeing the situation inside, both stood still in fear.

Xiao Hua wiped her tears and walked up, grabbing Yi Yi from Chun Cao's hands.

"Chun Cao, remember my little box from back then?"

Chun Cao was still a little dazed. She looked at the Jing Prince, then at Qian Xi and then at Xiao Hua.

"It's precisely that box from before. Go grab it, and we'll leave."

After speaking, Xiao Hua walked out carrying Yi Yi. Ding Xiang could only follow behind. Chun Cao quickly snapped out of it. She no longer cared about status, and directly ran past the Jing Prince.

"Why are you going into my bedroom?" Qian Xi suddenly shrieked, and grabbed Chun Cao who was running past her.

Chun Cao laughed coldly and sent a slap flying over.

"Peh, your bedroom? Why don't you look in the mirror. Are you worthy of it?"

After slapping the person, Chun Cao didn't delay and entered the bedroom. Before long, she carried a small box out. For some reason, her face was filled with tears. She didn't look at the other three standing in the room and walked out.

"Madam, I have the thing. Where should we go?"

"Away from here."

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi who were being carried both had vacant expressions. The two seemed to have sensed it as well, and their large eyes looked towards the main residence but they didn't dare make a sound. Even Yi Yi who always loved to chatter didn't say anything.

The few people left the western pavilion. The carriages in the alley were still there, and were just about to unload everything.

Seeing the madam get back onto the carriage, the palace maids and eunuchs on the side no longer dared to move.

"Madam, are we really leaving? That's our pavilion, why do we have to yield it to her!?" Chun Cao said with an angry expression.

"That was never our pavilion." After Xiao Hua spoke, she looked at Ding Xiang. "Ding Xiang, do you want to come with me? We may never return after leaving."

Ding Xiang smiled, "Where madam goes, Ding Xiang will naturally follow."

…..

"She left?"

Within the western pavilion's main residence, the Jing Prince sat for a long time in Xiao Hua's usual spot. Only when he heard footsteps from behind him did he speak.

"Yes."

"The guards are still those people from before?"

"Yes."

"Is she still crying? Were the children frightened?"

Eunuch Fu endured for a long time but still said with a sigh: "Highness, why did you do this? Since you had already decided, then why did you bring her back? Since you brought her back, why did you allow this misunderstanding to go on? This old servant has never seen the madam so upset."

"She wouldn't stop pestering, and even said she was going to jump into the river with the children. This humble prince couldn't convince her….." The Jing Prince's tone was extremely weird. He clearly wanted to sound amused, but couldn't conceal the tremble in his voice.

Eunuch Fu also didn't know what to say, and could only stand there with a distressed look.

After a long, long time, the Jing Prince finally stood.

"Highness, what should we do with Qian Xi?"

"Proceed as planned."

Eunuch Fu sighed, "Yes."

Xiao Hua took the two children as well as Ding Xiang and Chun Cao back to that small town called Ping Zhen.

The day she arrived, she slept the entire day in a blur. The next day she awoke bright and early. This time there were a lot of people who came along. There were around ten guards and the children's wet nurses and palace maids.

She had Ding Xiang call over the guard captain Zhao Da and gave him a hundred taels of silver, asking him to buy a small pavilion within the town. It didn't have to be too big, one compound was enough. She specifically added that anything priced above a hundred taels wasn't needed, and also anything too big wasn't needed.

Zhao Da was completely confused, but seeing madam's determined attitude he could only take the silver and go buy a pavilion.

Xiao Hua returned to the inner room. Chun Cao said worriedly to Ding Xiang: "Something definitely happened. Madam is serious this time."

Ding Xiang was confused by madam's weird actions and hearing Chun Cao say this, she asked: "What do you mean by that?"

Chun Cao's face was scrunched up, and she muttered repeatedly, "Definitely, madam is definitely angry this time."

"Speak properly, don't speak in fragments."

Chun Cao looked hesitantly at Ding Xiang, "You don't know this since you weren't by madam's side back then. Back when she was still a low-ranked palace maid, we lived in the same room. During those days, we were happiest when we counted our salary and planned out our lives after being released from the estate. Madam told me back then that once we left the estate, we would buy a small pavilion with our saved silver and start a small business as our livelihood."

Ding Xiang's face was shocked, "This, this….."

"You should know that madam usually never touches that box of hers. In the past, she would put all of her salary into that box. When madam left this time, she didn't take anything with her, and only had me bring along that box. What else do you think this could mean!?" Chun Cao suddenly remembered something, and said urgently: "Oh no, oh no. We left too hurriedly and I forget to bring my own small box. That was several months of savings!"

"What on earth are you talking about? How could his highness let madam worry about her livelihood?!"

"Aiya, forget it if you don't believe me. You'll see in the future. Looks like his highness has truly broken madam's heart. I'm going to go console her…." After speaking, Chun Cao hurried into the inner room.

The facts proved Chun Cao's words to be correct.

Zhao Da didn't understand Madam Hua's intentions. He took the silver, strolled around and returned with it once again.

After he was called over by Madam Hua, who asked about the pavilion he purchased. Seeing madam's solemn attitude, she didn't appear to be joking. Zhao Da could only say that he didn't see anything suitable in the morning, and will continue looking in the afternoon.

Zhao Da left that afternoon, and returned in the evening with the deed to a pavilion.

He spent a total of eighty-some taels, and there were a dozen or so taels remaining. In the past, Xiao Hua would have bestowed the rest as a reward. This time however, she had Chun Cao put the silver back into the box.

The next day, Xiao Hua got up early. She left Ding Xiang with the children and had Zhao Da take her and Chun Cao to go see the pavilion.

It wasn't large, with only a single compound. It was dainty and cozy. Past the gates was a screen wall, and beyond that was the entire pavilion. It had three buildings. The eastern side was one wing, the right side was the kitchen, firewood storage and general storage. There was a well inside the pavilion, as well as a large, lush banyan tree.

The location was very decent. There were people living on either side. Walking out from this road, they would reach the main road after a few more steps. It was a peaceful spot within a bustling area, and was very convenient.

After looking at the residence, Xiao Hua was extremely satisfied. She took Chun Cao back on the carriage, and had Zhao Da take them to a fabric store. After entering, they ignored the shopkeeper's recommendations of various fine silks, and bought a piece of common cotton cloth.

Zhao Da was going to pay but Xiao Hua didn't let him. She paid using her own silver. She had Zhao Da take the large piece of cloth onto the carriage.

After getting back on the carriage, Chun Cao asked: "Madam, you've really decided."

Xiao Hua didn't give a straight answer, and said, "Don't you feel that small pavilion is very nice? Although it's a little small, it's enough for us to live in. Of course, if you aren't willing you can go back to the estate. The estate wouldn't mistreat you guys."

Chun Cao panicked with tears in her eyes, "Chun Cao will naturally follow madam. We decided this long ago, you can't go back on your words."

"I naturally wouldn't go back on my words. I'm just worried you won't be able to live such a hard life."

"Which of us didn't come from a difficult background, how can we not be used to it?" Chun Cao wiped her eyes and said: "Why do you have to sulk at his highness, why should we let that damn vixen benefit?!"

Xiao Hua's expression froze, and she said with a frown: "Don't mention them again. You can go back if you do."

"Fine, fine, fine. This servant won't mention it anymore."

The following days, Xiao Hua took people out to purchase various things and sent them to the small pavilion. Zhao Da grew more and more worried as he watched, and sent someone over with a letter to the estate.

Eunuch Fu received the letter and looked anxious. The Jing Prince was silent for a long time after reading it.

After purchasing various things, Xiao Hua took Ding Xiang over to take a look. During this time, she asked her once again if she wanted to continue following her. Ding Xiang pretty much understood madam's meaning at this point, and merely said, "Where madam goes, Ding Xiang follows."

They didn't pick any auspicious day. Xiao Hua moved in the day after with the two children as well as Ding Xiang and Chun Cao. The children's wet nurses and palace maids weren't brought along, and only Zhao Da came with two of the guards.

After Xiao Hua entered the pavilion, she had Zhao Da take his men outside. Once they left, she shut the pavilion doors.

From this point on, this little pavilion belonged to her, Ding Xiang, Chun Cao and the two children.

Author's words:

The bitterly compelled Repressed Jing cries out: It really wasn't this humble prince's purposeful arrangement. It was really a coincidence.

Does anyone believe it?

This author knows that everyone will definitely believe it, right?

Everything mentioned above is the truth. The Jing Prince can only make the best of the situation.

139

There was constant knocking on the pavilion doors as Zhao Da felt like dying outside.

After he sent the letter to the estate, the response had been simple: let madam do as she wished, just keep watching over her. Well, great. Now he couldn't even do that since she kicked them out.

Xiao Hua held Yi Yi and Zhuo'er's hands, taking them to look around their new home. She told Ding Xiang to tell those outside to go back, and not to come again.

Ding Xiang went to relay her message, and it wasn't clear what she told them but the knocking had finally stopped.

Yi Yi and Zhuo'er were both extremely silent these past two days. They seemed to know what had happened, and their little faces were unsmiling. However, they were forgetful, and their faces revealed curiosity when Xiao Hua took them around the house.

Yi Yi puckered her mouth and said "father".

Xiao Hua knew that the children missed the Jing Prince, but she also didn't know how to explain things to them. She could only pretend she didn't hear her. How long could such young children remember someone for? They'll probably forget in a few more days.

The main residence had three rooms: a living room, a bedroom, and another room that Xiao Hua fixed up as the children's room. She had intended on letting the children sleep with her, but Chun Cao said that there would be times when she couldn't attend to them. It would be better if she or Ding Xiang had a place to help at that time.

The eastern wing had two rooms. Chun Cao and Ding Xiang took one each. A total of five rooms, not too big and not too small, just enough for everyone to fit.

Once they settled in, it was already noon. It was time for lunch. The rice, oil, salt, sauces and various vegetables were all purchased. The kitchen equipment was gathered as well.

But how to cook? Who could cook?

There were three adults. Despite coming from poor backgrounds, despite being servants in the past, none of them had needed to cook before.

The three already started worrying on their first day of moving.

Xiao Hua had once learned a few things from Nana He, and she said she could make the food. Chun Cao said she once burnt wood in her previous household, and that she would start the fire. Ding Xiang who was the most capable in the past was now unable to help with anything. She could only go take care of the little young master and little young mistress.

Ding Xiang couldn't really feel at ease, and didn't dare to go too far. She grabbed a little stool and sat outside the kitchen while keeping an eye on the playing children.

This meal took quite a while to prepare. In the end, there were three dishes and a soup on the table. Two vegetable dishes and a plate of stir fried chicken. There was also a cabbage, tofu, sliced meat soup. The dishes and soup were quite decent, the color appearing to be normal. Only the rice was a little soggy, and there were also burned pieces of crusted rice. Luckily the rice was still cooked through, and after picking out the yellow pieces it was still edible.

Xiao Hua chose to take a bowl of rice and test it out first. Only after feeling it was edible did she call Ding Xiang and Chun Cao to come eat.

The two weren't willing to eat at the same table as Xiao Hua. Xiao Hua said there was only one dining table in this place. Did they plan on eating crouched in the corner? She then said not to fuss about these things in the future. It was just the three of them here, and instead of worrying about these things they should focus on figuring out how to pass their days well.

Only then did Ding Xiang and Chun Cao take a seat.

The two children sat on the small stool and Xiao Hua sat in front of them with a bowl of rice and a spoon. Zhuo'er and Yi Yi ate one bite at a time rather harmoniously. The two little ones didn't feel like the rice in their mouths was any worse than what they had before. They felt their mom was playing games with them, and both sat obediently on their stools, opening their mouths when prompted.

Their meal was uninterrupted. Ding Xiang and Chun Cao now understood why the madam didn't allow them to help.

"They have to get used to living without anyone serving them. Isn't this pretty good?"

It was pretty good, but Chun Cao still felt that madam and the two children were being wronged.

Chun Cao understood the meaning behind Xiao Hua's actions, but still couldn't understand her fundamental intentions. According to her thoughts, even if his highness had someone new, even if the madam was arguing with his highness, he still wouldn't mistreat madam in her daily life. Why did madam have to do all this?

Actually Xiao Hua also didn't understand why she was doing this. Back then, her subconscious reaction was to have Chun Cao grab everything that belonged to her. She didn't want anything else.

After getting here, the initial thought in her mind crystallized.

That's right. She didn't want anything that didn't belong to her. She didn't understand why, but merely listened to her own heart.

She sat in this not luxurious house and fed her two children some not tasty food. They were both very obedient, and ate very happily. Xiao Hua suddenly felt rather emotional, but she also felt happy and hopeful for the future. These complicated emotions intertwined within her mind.

No matter if she didn't have him. She still had these two children.

Since she planned on remaining here, she had to plan for the future.

That night, Xiao Hua counted up all her belongings.

Back at the Hall of Splendor, she made less than twenty taels of silver a month. After moving to the western pavilion, her monthly allowance of silver became twenty taels. Not counting the various bestowals, she had saved up around five hundred taels over the past two years. This was all her own, and didn't include anything given to her by the Jing Prince.

After buying this pavilion and various other things, she had spent around a hundred and fifty taels. Now Xiao Hua had a little less than four hundred taels left.

Four hundred taels for three women and two children could barely be sustained for around ten years assuming they ate plain rice and vegetables. They would have to figure out how to live beyond that.

But with her savings in hand, Xiao Hua didn't feel too rushed in establishing a means of living. No matter, she had time to slowly think about it.

Xiao Hua put the box of savings into the cabinet. Yi Yi's garbled laughter sounded out from the bathroom.

Before long, Ding Xiang carried Yi Yi out wrapped in a large towel. Yi Yi was very excited as she waved her arms and legs. Zhuo'er was carried out the same way, and although he was also smiling, he was much more restrained than Yi Yi.

The two naked children were placed in bed. Chun Cao went to grab their clothes while Ding Xiang used a hand towel to wipe them down. Yi Yi didn't let her, wriggling around on the bed. Xiao Hua grabbed the towel from her and patted Yi Yi's little behind.

"Alright, don't fuss. Otherwise you'll catch a cold."

"Catch a cold, catch a cold." Yi Yi mumbled.

"Chun Cao, put on her clothes."

"Chun Cao put on clothes, Chun Cao put on clothes…."

Chun Cao looked at the cute little young mistress, wanting to grab her into her arms and give her a good rub, "Alright little young mistress. Let's put on some clothes."

Xiao Hua was wiping her son down and interrupted, "Don't call her little young mistress in the future. Call her by name."

"How is that appropriate? The little young mistress is the little young mistress."

"In the future she's not a little young mistress anymore, so call her Yi Yi. Also, don't call me madam anymore as well."

"Yi Yi, Yi Yi…." The chatty Yi Yi interrupted on the side.

Chun Cao looked troubled, "How can that be allowed!"

"It's too eye-catching to be called madam and young mistress while living here. It's better to remain inconspicuous."

"But—–"

"It's decided. Listen to me."

"Yes."

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi both got dressed. Yi Yi went to harass her brother, pulling his arm and pulling his ear. Zhuo'er got annoyed and his little face wrinkled up. He went over to the foot of the bed.

"Yi Yi, how about sleeping with mom tonight?"

Yi Yi's large eyes flashed, and said cutely: "Ok."

"Brother as well, let's all sleep together."

The children played a little longer and grew tired. Xiao Hua put Yi Yi and Zhuo'er to bed, and slept on the outside to block them in. Ding Xiang saw that they had all turned in, and followed Xiao Hua's instructions to put the lamp on the bedside table.

"Madam, why not let Ding Xiang watch over them tonight. You can't rest properly while attending to the little young mistress and little young master."

Xiao Hua didn't mind and said: "I can rest properly. Also, don't call me madam anymore."

Ding Xiang sighed helplessly and agreed.

Zhao Da sent news back to the Jing Prince Estate. Not only was Eunuch Fu stunned, the Jing Prince was frozen as well.

"Madam is really stubborn this time, kicking all the people out. She only took the young master and mistress and only has two people serving by her side. How is she supposed to live?!"

Eunuch Fu's face wrinkled from heartache, and he continuously sighed.

"According to Zhao Da, life in the small pavilion is extremely simple. He saw Ding Xiang buying groceries twice, and it was always some cabbages and tofu and similar cheap food. How can such things be eaten?! He had bought some things and sent them over, but they wouldn't even open the door for him. The madam even sent a box back, here—-" Eunuch Fu placed a box on the table as he spoke.

The Jing Prince opened it and saw several pieces of women's jewelry inside. The hairpin on top was extremely familiar.

It was her favorite butterfly hairpin.

She even sent this back.

From the western pavilion, she had only taken one set of clothing each for her and the children. She didn't take anything else with her. Now she had even sent back the jewelry that was on her at the time.

She really didn't want anything anymore? She didn't even want him anymore.

The Jing Prince rubbed the butterfly hairpin. His hands trembled.

"Highness, what should we do about the madam!?"

"Have Zhao Da protect her secretly. As for the rest, she can do as she wishes—let's just do this for now."

"But how are they to survive with just three women and two children?!"

"The box she took before she left contained her salary. There shouldn't be a problem for a period of time."

Eunuch Fu still wanted to say something but was interrupted by the Jing Prince.

"Take your leave."

"Yes."

Seeing madam send back even her favorite hairpin, Ding Xiang and Chun Cao who had still wanted to persuade Xiao Hua now didn't dare say anything anymore. They threw all their thoughts out the window and wholeheartedly focused on their life in the small pavilion.

Chun Cao and Ding Xiang who didn't know how to cook at first started to learn. They also did laundry and kept the courtyard clean. Ding Xiang was older and steadier. She was responsible for buying groceries and other necessities from the market.

Xiao Hua even had Ding Xiang purchase some chicks, and prepared to raise them so they could get some eggs.

Ever since the chicks appeared in the pavilion, Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were never bored again. They would often see the two go "cluck cluck cluck" as they went to play with the chicks. After playing for a while, the children noticed the chicks searching for worms to eat. They learned to use sticks to dig up worms in the ground for the chicks.

Ding Xiang had prevented them from doing so at first, feeling that this wasn't something the little young master and mistress should be doing. After being stopped by Xiao Hua, she could only watch helplessly as their little young master and mistress played around with birds in the dirt.

The little sets of clothing became dirty from their playing. If it weren't for their fair skin and exquisite features, they would appear no different from commoners.

Xiao Hua's group lived there for over half a month before their neighbors came over.

It was an auntie from the house next door who came over with some homemade buns. She said that she noticed someone moving in next door, but had never seen anyone coming out and thus came over for a look.

Auntie Ma had lived there for several decades. Her family was a simple one. There was her and her husband, along with their son, his wife and a grandson. Auntie Ma was a very warm person, and said that close neighbors were better than distant relatives. She also said that since this place was filled with women, they should feel free to call out if they needed anything.

Xiao Hua and Auntie Ma's pavilions shared a wall, and they could indeed communicate just by calling out.

To reciprocate her kindness and also to make things more convenient in the future, Xiao Hua also sent some buns over. These buns weren't homemade, but rather purchased on the street. As of now, Xiao Hua's group wasn't skilled enough to make their own buns yet.

Author's notes:

Always felt that in ancient times, the love within the rich households, prince estates and palaces seemed to be lacking something. This author thought about it for a long time. It's self-respect.

The different in status creates an insurmountable distance. It's the relationship between a subordinate and superior, which requires giving and accepting. What if one day the man is no longer willing to give? What if you lose it?

Therefore, this author feels that one has to be able to survive after losing this.

Xiao Hua isn't aware of it, but her current actions are guided by her self-esteem. Of course part of it is also her sulking. She's telling the Jing Prince that without him, she can still survive. Or perhaps she is telling herself that without him, she can still survive (this is the worst case scenario). Her mood is very complicated.

Many readers have different opinions on the last two chapters. This author has a lot of explanations, but perhaps everyone feels this author is just stirring things up. Hehe.

Actually this melodrama was prepared long ago.

This setting is based on the excellent emotional foundation Xiao Hua has with the Jing Prince. The two of them understand each other very well.

Why didn't the Jing Prince just explain? Xiao Hua would understand.

What would happen if he explained? There are only two possibilities. One is that Xiao Hua leaves with the children or two, Xiao Hua remains while the children leave. If Xiao Hua left, she would feel guilty and blame herself, because she would be leaving the one she loved behind to face the danger by himself. If Xiao Hua didn't leave and sent the children away, the two little ones wouldn't have their parents, and may never have their parents with them (if they both ended up dying). As a mother, this would definitely break her heart and be constantly on her mind.

The Jing Prince is someone who clearly knew this woman was acting up as she used the "crying first, making a fuss second and hanging herself third" playbook, but still couldn't hold back his heartache and ended up going back on his original intentions, bringing her back to the estate. (Of course, things hadn't gotten truly dangerous yet. The Jing Prince was just planning ahead. If it was really at that point, he would forcibly send them away, no doubt about that) He knew that telling Xiao Hua the truth would make her suffer, so how could he bear to tell her? There are many types of love. This could be counted as Repressed Jing's own way of expressing it. Can't be helped.

Why did Xiao Hua's IQ suddenly drop, resorting to a tactic like crying first, making a fuss second and hanging herself third? And why couldn't she see through such an obvious misunderstanding?

Xiao Hua's IQ was never low. It's because she noticed some hints that she would use such a pestering method to make the Jing Prince bring her back to the estate. After getting back to the western pavilion, she finally felt relieved when she then saw Qian Xi. With so many things going on, any woman would be scatterbrained. Especially with her doubts over the past three years (hiding the children, the western pavilion being closed up), and also Qian Xi being an eyesore, (this part is thanks to old Fu's actions back then. We weren't wrong in scolding him, huh. It left too deep of an impression), so it's inevitable that she would associate everything together and come to the worst conclusion. A woman in love isn't always logical, especially under extraordinary circumstances.

Will Xiao Hua always be this foolish?

Hmm, this is a profound question. Can this author say that Xiao Hua isn't actually foolish? It's normal to be occasionally muddle-headed. Once she had time to calm down, she will quickly think things through. This is why Xiao Hua wanted to buy her own place to live in, and also kicked everyone out. One reason is to prepare for the worst case scenario. She had to be able to survive without him. Another reason is because she is sulking heavily. She was subconsciously saying with her sulking, "aren't you going to hurry over and surrender?"

Haha Jing Prince, when are you coming over to surrender, huh?

140

The alley where Xiao Hua lived was called the East Yuling Alley.

There were several dozen families living there. These were all decades old households, and they were all extremely familiar with each other. When a new, unfamiliar family moved in, they were naturally extremely curious.

But this new family kept their doors tightly shut, and never seemed to go out. They did see a woman go out to buy groceries once, but when she returned she closed the doors tightly behind her.

This was why Auntie Ma came to the door. It could be described as trying to get to know her neighbors, but also as trying to get some information about them.

Xiao Hua's explanation to Auntie Ma was that she was a widow with two children. As for Chun Cao and Ding Xiang, one was her older sister and the other was her younger sister.

Without mentioning the sisters part, Ding Xiang and Chun Cao's jaws already dropped when Xiao Hua said the word "widow". Chun Cao was a little calmer than Ding Xiang because she knew long ago that this was madam's planned disguise after leaving the estate. Now that she had two children, this disguise looked even more convincing.

But what about his highness? He got killed off just like that?

Only now did Chun Cao realize that women can be really ruthless when they were sulking.

Seeing two widows in one household, Auntie Ma felt sympathy for the young and old in the pavilion. She came over every few days to chat. When she saw Chun Cao and Ding Xiang struggle doing household chores, she even gave them a few pointers.

She also brought along her daughter-in-law, as well as some friendly young married women nearby as guests. After some back and forth, Xiao Hua's group started getting to know the people living in the alley. When Ding Xiang went out for groceries, there would be people greeting her and some of the women would invite her to go along with them.

Only after Ding Xiang got to know these women a little more through grocery shopping together a few times did she realize that they saw her as a widow as well. Considering her age and her getup, Ding Xiang could only rub her nose and admit to it. Madam had become a widow, and now she had become one too.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi got a few more playmates. They were all children who lived nearby. The oldest was six and the youngest was two or three. The little goofballs took the two of them out to play, and they got to know the other children living in the alley.

Xiao Hua and Ding Xiang didn't feel at ease letting Zhuo'er and Yi Yi play outside. Every time, one of them would follow behind. After a few hints from the other families in the alley, they realized that those people weren't any more at ease compared to them, but rather that there were so many people in the alley, and they would all help keep an eye of them.

Didn't they notice none of them closed their gates? The adults would be doing their own things back home while keeping an eye on the playing children. Also, the older uncles and aunties from those households were idle, and would sit outside chatting while also helping keep watch.

There was a grandpa who lived in the alley called Old Chief Li. He was old and without any descendants. He lived by himself, and would sit outside his pavilion all day, only going back at night. If any of the children tried to run out of the alley, he would shoo them back inside.

At this point, Xiao Hua was able to feel at ease. She also learned to keep her gates open, letting the two children play outside in front of their pavilion.

A period of time passed like this. Not only Xiao Hua had more smiles on her face, but Chun Cao and Ding Xiang were the same way as well. Things were lively every day and the neighborhood was full of affection and friendship. Compared to life in the Jing Prince Estate, these were truly the days.

When meal time came, the entire alley would be filled with people yelling for their own children to come home and eat. At this time, someone from the small pavilion would call Zhuo'er and Yi Yi home to eat as well. Sometimes it was Xiao Hua, and other times it was Ding Xiang or Chun Cao.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were very popular amongst the group of children. First of all they were both good looking. The adults cherished them and the children their age also liked them. Secondly, the two of them weren't like the other children, throwing a tantrum whenever things didn't go their way. As time passed, children of all ages all enjoyed playing with the two.

Most importantly, Zhuo'er and Yi Yi had a very gentle mom. At least in the hearts of those children, she would never yell at people, and wouldn't whip their butts. She would even give them some delicious cakes occasionally. If only their own moms were like her!

Therefore, every time Yi Yi and Zhuo'er came home for meals, there would always be a couple children tagging along.

"Big fatty is here? Come eat lunch at auntie's."

Big fatty was the son of a household in the alley that sold pork. He was five years old, and was very brawny from birth.

Ever since Yi Yi joined the group of little fellows, big fatty would always follow her around. He even told the group of children that Yi Yi was under his protection, and that he would beat up whomever dared to bully her.

When Chun Cao told Xiao Hua about this, she was extremely amused. Such a young child knew to take someone under his wing.

Only after did she find out that big fatty's father, butcher Zhang, was a famous tough guy in the alley. Whenever he saw someone picking on the weak, he would say these words. Big fatty learned it from him.

"Thank you auntie."

Seeing this young child formally express his gratitude, Xiao Hua didn't know whether to laugh or to cry.

"No need, no need. Auntie is happy that big fatty can come eat at her place. Yi Yi and Zhuo'er weren't able to eat by themselves in the past, and now they've learned to do so."

Yi Yi was sitting on her little stool in front of a little table waiting for the food to be ready. Similarly, Zhuo'er also had his own little stool and table. Xiao Hua noticed that many children had this setup at home, and asked someone to make two sets for her.

It was truly useful. The little fellows sat at their own tables with their own bowls, and were able to more or less use a spoon and eat by themselves.

Of course, their movements were still rather untrained, and they got rice everywhere. However, Xiao Hua had put a cloth cover over them and it just needed to be removed after the meal.

This cover was also an idea from their neighbors, who were afraid their kids would get food on their clothes which would be hard to wash off. Xiao Hua had used a piece of cloth to make one for Zhuo'er and Yi Yi.

"Let auntie fill up your bowl with rice and pull up a stool for you. You can sit and eat with Yi Yi at the table."

"Sure." Big fatty said crisply. He pulled up the stool by himself and sat next to Yi Yi.

The three children each had a bowl of rice. Big fatty's bowl was a little bigger. They each ate the same things: rice, vegetable soup, vegetables, fried eggs and a small piece of boneless chicken breast.

"Auntie, the food at your place is really good."

"Come more often if you like it." Xiao Hua beamed and said, giving Ding Xiang a look of praise.

Ding Xiang's eyes contained a smile. Someone complimented her cooking. Even though he was just a child, it was still something to be happy about.

After eating, Xiao Hua fetched some water and used a towel to wipe the mouths and hands of the three children. She cleaned Zhuo'er and Yi Yi first before also doing the same for big fatty.

"Auntie, why don't you be big fatty's mom. Big fatty likes you."

Zhuo'er quickly flicked his little gaze over and said, "Not allowed."

Xiao Hua was a little embarrassed. She smiled and said: "This won't do. Auntie is Zhuo'er and Yi Yi's mom. I can't be big fatty's mom."

"Really?" The little fellow was disheartened.

"That's right." Xiao Hua stroked his little head, "Big fatty has his own mom. You can't randomly recognize other people as your mom."

"But big fatty doesn't have a mom."

Xiao Hua was suddenly speechless, and looked at Chun Cao. Chun Cao nodded.

Xiao Hua's expression became complicated, and she didn't know what to say. "If big fatty likes the food here, you can come eat every day."

The child was easily distracted, and hearing this, he no longer looked bothered and quickly smiled once more.

"Auntie, big fatty needs to go home now. Otherwise dad will give me a beating if he can't find me later."

"Then don't run too fast or you'll trip and fall."

"Aye."

…

Xiao Hua's days become smoother and smoother. Zhao Da on the other hand was at a loss.

It was because the people in the alley were too nosey. Every time he or his subordinates entered, there would always be someone asking this and that. After several times, there would be people who acted as though they were the census bureau, asking them where they lived and where they came from, and why they always came to the East Yuling alley. They told them not to linger around if they had no business here, or they would report it to the authorities.

Zhao Da was extremely embarrassed at being interrogated. He said that he had relatives there, but no one believed it.

Actually they couldn't be blamed for not believing him. Zhao Da's group was too strange. They were always in the alley but never doing anything, merely wandering around. They looked very suspicious. Many of the households with children suspected them of being child traffickers.

Therefore, whenever Zhao Da's group came, there would always be people following them around. Sometimes it was aunties, sometimes it was uncles. They didn't even let them off during meal times, following behind them while carrying their bowl.

Zhao Da was very helpless. He knew this couldn't go on, and after putting a lot of thought into it, he paid a high price to purchase a small pavilion in the alley.

How high of a price?

Xiao Hua's pavilion happened to be for sale since the entire family who lived there planned to move out. She bought it for a little over eighty taels at market value. Zhao Da's pavilion had to be purchased at a high price to entice the owner to move. He spent a total of two hundred taels, which was over twice the market price.

It's fine if it was expensive. His highness's assignment was more important. Living a little closer made it easier to protect them.

Only after moving in did Zhao Da realize what life was currently like for his madam and his little master and mistress.

The madam wore common clothing, and looked like a normal commoner. Although she rarely went out, she would occasionally interact with her neighbors. The little young master and mistress were even more frightening, and were dressed like street rats. Not just this, they would run around playing with a bunch of dirty children. They either watched ants or dug up worms, making Zhao Da angrier the more he saw.

This news was naturally sent over to the estate.

It was worth mentioning that Zhao Da's pavilion was diagonally across from Xiao Hua's. It was extremely convenient to keep an eye on them.

With two new households moving in to the alley in a short period of time, Zhao Da's group naturally fell under observation.

According to the aunties' and uncles' observations, this new household contained four or five men. None of them were married because there were no women. They didn't do anything during the day, and rarely went out. Most of the time they sat in the courtyard with the doors wide open, and it wasn't clear what they were up to.

The news spread quickly throughout the alley. Soon, even Xiao Hua heard about the weird household that moved across from her. Her neighbor Auntie Ma even especially warned Xiao Hua not to go out if she didn't have to. She said that their household full of women should just call out if anything happened, and everyone would come over.

Xiao Hua didn't show it on the surface, but she had some doubts in her heart. As expected, Ding Xiang came back the next day and confirmed that it was Zhao Da's group living there. Xiao Hua's expression became inexplicably gloomy. Ding Xiang and Chun Cao didn't dare make a sound.

But since they had already moved in, could she still prevent them from following her? Xiao Hua could only pretend nothing had happened.

After living there a few days, Zhao Da quickly understood the characteristics of the people in the alley. He also understood that his group of people truly seemed weird. Normal people weren't like this.

In his helplessness, he could only force himself to interact with others. He would occasionally bring out some meat or alcohol, and share some with the men in the alley. During their drinking, he would reveal a few things about his family.

For example, he mentioned how they were all brothers whose mother passed away. Their group of brothers were hired escorts for caravans, and normally waited to receive new commissions during the day. It wasn't that they refused to marry, but due to their special occupation, and their poor and ugly appearance, no one was willing to be with them.

Zhao Da spoke rather pitifully, and soon won the sympathy of the men in the alley. Therefore, the women also found out about their situation. It seems they had truly misunderstood them, and thought the worst of these good people.

Thereafter, some men in the alley would occasionally seek out Zhao Da and his brothers for a drink, and even let them know that their women back home would help them keep an eye out.

Keep an eye out for what?

Only after Zhao Da lay on the kiln that night did he understand what they meant.

Translator's notes:

Spoilers in notes below. Also reminder that when author says "tomorrow" it may not be in the next chapter. Our release schedules probably don't match up.

Author's notes:

The Jing Prince is really good at keeping his composure, so he won't be going over that quickly. However, his wife did become a "widow", so who knows if he can really keep his composure. This author remembered everyone's suggestion from way back when to make her a widow.

Well, little Jing will come tomorrow because someone will come to our widow's door with particular attention. Cough cough….feels like Xiao Hua is really mean.

To the readers who are worried the children will suffer, no need to worry. Life isn't actually that hard for them. After all, they have her savings, and don't need to worry about food or clothing. Furthermore, the two are only around two years old, and are only just forming their memories. They don't understand if their food or clothes are good or bad. They would rather have some playmates their age and properly play for a bit….

Of course, whether their dad would feel heartache over this, we won't worry about that….