Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

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

15. 141 to 150

141

In the evening, right after dinner, there was a knock at the door.

Xiao Hua was the closest so she went to open it. Outside was big fatty's dad, butcher Zhang.

Butcher Zhang was tall, thick and sturdy.1 But he rather liked cleanliness, and his rough clothes were always clean.

"Miss Tao."

This form of address dazed Xiao Hua a little, but she quickly snapped out of it and said: "Big bro Zhang, what's the matter?"

Butcher Zhang scratched the back of his head and handed over a large piece of pork wrapped in lotus leaves.

"Our household's big fatty is always here eating your food, really sorry for the inconvenience. Please accept this little bit of pork. Count it as our way of saying thanks."

Xiao Hua repeatedly refused, "This won't do. A few meals don't count for much."

Xiao Hua was still aware that the people in the alley were mostly quite poor. Half a kilo of pork was worth over a dozen coins which was several meals for many households.

"Just accept it if I'm offering it. Otherwise you'd be looking down on our family."

In just a few words, Butcher Zhang's old temper became evident. After he spoke, he glanced a little worriedly at Xiao Hua. Only after seeing no signs of dislike on her face did he feel relieved.

"This….."

"Miss Tao, our household sells pork. It's really no big deal. Just treat it as a thank you for taking care of our big fatty."

"In that case, thank you, big bro Zhang."

Xiao Hua accepted the lotus leaf package. Seeing Butcher Zhang remain in place without leaving, she asked: "Big bro Zhang, is there anything else?"

"No, nothing….."

"Then I'll head back inside first." Xiao Hua said politely as she turned and closed the door.

Butcher Zhang who was left outside stood there in a daze for a long while before snapping out of it.

Zhao Da was drinking alcohol inside the house. Zhao San2 walked in.

"Time to change shifts?"

Zhao San nodded, and sat down across from him. The two brothers drank a few cups and Zhao San said: "Just now there was a man who gifted madam something."

Zhao Da sprayed a mouthful of alcohol out onto the floor, his expression weird and nervous.

"Who has such guts!?"

"Butcher Zhang from the alley." In comparison, Zhao San's expression was rather calm.

"What did he give her?"

"Pork. I heard it's to thank madam for taking care of his kid's meals."

Only now did Zhao Da's breathing return to normal, and he cursed: "You fucking brat, why didn't you speak clearly from the beginning? You made me think some man was having designs on the madam."

The madam calling herself a widow was something Zhao Da was aware of. He had also reported it in detail to the estate. It wasn't clear what sort of expression his highness would have.

Zhao Da temporarily couldn't mind his highness's expression. He could only mind what was in front of his eyes, and properly protect the madam and the little young master and mistress. Of course, this included protecting her from being harassed by men.

"This counts as a normal, neighborly interaction."

Zhao San was a little unfamiliar with the ways of the world. Zhao Da was currently teaching him.

Well, the truth was that none of them were really familiar with the ways of the world. In the past they focused on their bitter training, or would come out with his highness to take care of things. They were all manly men. How could they understand how normal citizens lived their lives? Zhao Da had only slowly learned after getting here.

Zhao San nodded his head and didn't speak. Since the boss said it was normal, then it was probably normal. He wouldn't bring up that Butcher Zhang's expression outside madam's door was a little off.

Perhaps he had seen wrongly? After all, the boss was the smartest out of all of them.

The Jing Prince Estate.

Western Pavilion.

It was still the same pavilion and it was still the same few people serving. Everything seemed to be the same, but it lacked any liveliness.

Before, there would always be someone bringing some life to the place, and now it had returned to the solemn respectfulness of the past. It was fine if there hadn't been something to compare it to. But since there was, everyone felt weird about it.

The Jing Prince didn't return to the Hall of Splendor. The western pavilion was still where he spent most of his time. He would return to sleep at night, and Eunuch Fu also often went in and out of the pavilion. But some hints could be seen if one looked closely. The Jing Prince was even more apathetic than before. It was hard to hear him say a single word normally. Eunuch Fu's brows were always furrowed. Eunuch Chang's expression had always been cold, but now the degree of coldness seems to have increased dramatically.

The palace maids and eunuchs within the pavilion also seemed to be weirdly restricted. No matter what it was they were doing, everyone seemed to be avoiding the eastern wing, intentionally or otherwise.

To be more precise, they avoided the eastern wing's corner residence.

Qian Xi was in the corner residence, sitting on the couch by the window, finding it difficult to restrain her anger. It was fine to live in this place meant for servants, but the servants were making her angry.

Thinking of how she was stopped earlier when she wanted to take a stroll around the courtyard, her face twisted in anger.

However, she also knew this wasn't the time to throw a tantrum. Everyone in the pavilion was in the same camp, who would she throw a tantrum for? She would only be looked at mockingly.

After an unknown amount of time had passed, Qian Xi suddenly heard the sound of greetings from outside. She immediately stood up and rushed out.

"Highness, you have to mediate for this servant concubine."

When Qian Xi cried out, all the gazes in the pavilion fell upon her.

"This servant concubine just wanted to stroll around the courtyard to improve her mood, but was blocked by a lackey."

Ding Lan who was in the main residence's corridor stepped forward. "The lackey Lady Qian Xi is talking about, is it this servant? This is madam's courtyard. Those unrelated shouldn't randomly enter it."

Qian Xi didn't expect this lackey to dare make things difficult for her in front of his highness. She gritted her teeth in resentment, but still had to look aggrieved on the surface.

"Highness, do you see—-"

Unfortunately the Jing Prince didn't even bother to see, and directly entered the main residence.

After his highness and Eunuch Fu left, everyone else kneeling in the pavilion stood up. Some gave her a mocking glance while others directly sneered: "why don't you properly consider your own status?"

What was status? Qian Xi understood it, but also didn't understand.

Two years ago, she was going to be sent away with those other low-ranked palace maids, but was then singled out. Afterwards, she was assigned to live in a residence. The residence was very large, but there were very few people. There were only a few servants who served her. Qian Xi was still curious about the reason behind everything, but having lived like a princess for so long, her curiosity had faded.

When she was sent back to the Jing Prince Estate, Eunuch Fu met her and told her that from now on, she would be the western pavilion's Madam Hua. At that time, Qian Xi was secretly overjoyed in her heart. Looks like this face of hers had some use after all. It turns out that having her stay behind was still to serve his highness.

As for what happened to the original Madam Hua and where she went, Qian Xi didn't ask. She didn't overthink Eunuch Fu's words. In the future, she would replace Madam Hua.

As expected, she moved into the western pavilion. However, it wasn't into the main residence, but rather a corner house in the eastern wing. She was allowed to come and go into the main residence, but only the living room and the eastern side room. She wasn't allowed into the main eastern room. That room became something Qian Xi really wanted.

One day when the palace maids weren't around, she secretly entered. It was an extremely luxurious bedroom. All the decorations were extremely lavish, and the jewelry box's lid on the makeup counter couldn't even be fully closed. It was full of jewelry that blinded her eyes.

Any woman would uncontrollably like these things, and Qian Xi was no exception. She sat obsessively in front of the makeup counter and put those jewelry on one by one. Since she now wore a beautiful bracelet she had to have the clothes to match, so she opened the closet. She then wore the clothes and bracelet as she sat on the kiln by the window, imagining how wonderful her life will be after becoming Madam Hua.

Then, that nightmarish face appeared in front of her eyes, looking at her in astonishment.

Qian Xi had also been very astonished, like a child who got caught stealing other people's toys. But she also felt a little pleased with herself. She had been given permission to be here. Now, everything of yours belonged to me.

The events that followed were a mess. Qian Xi remembered grabbing a palace maid who wanted to enter the bedroom.

"Why are you going into my bedroom?"

That's right, Qian Xi proudly claimed it as hers, asserting her own existence.

But very quickly, her face was slapped. She was slapped by that palace maid, and even sneered at after.

Are you even worthy?!

Qian Xi wanted someone to speak up for her, but realized no one paid her any attention. Afterwards, Eunuch Fu pulled her out and berated her, instructing her sternly that she wasn't allowed to enter the main residence anymore.

Only then did Qian Xi realize that although that person had left, she wasn't truly gone. Those subordinates of hers all worked together to shun her, ignore her and humiliate her. She had thought his highness would definitely take her side, and that he definitely didn't know she was being bullied. Now she realized that perhaps she had misunderstood all along?!

Qian Xi stood there in a daze when Eunuch Fu walked over, his brows furrowed and his expression indescribably displeased.

"You—-"

Qian Xi was still a little afraid of Eunuch Fu. The past memories left a deep impression. This old eunuch was someone who would forget you in the blink of an eye, and his methods were also harsh.

"Eunuch Fu, what's the matter?"

Eunuch Fu glanced at her with a little dislike and said: "Haven't you learned your etiquette yet or what? Is "servant concubine" something anyone can call themselves? You should address yourself as servant."

Qian Xi was a little stunned. She addressed herself as servant concubine because she had heard that person address herself that way before. Since she was going to be replacing her, wasn't it correct to address herself like this to his highness? Of course, Qian Xi didn't dare say all this and only silently agreed.

"From now on, these two nanas will be responsible for teaching you etiquette. Don't leave the room if there's no reason for it."

After speaking, Eunuch Fu left, leaving behind two stern looking old nanas.

Qian Xi was completely frozen.

There were many young women similar to Xiao Hua in age living in the East Yuling alley. These young women would sit together during their leisure time and do some needlework, pluck vegetables or chat idly to pass the time.

Young women had a lot to chat about when they were together. Examples include raising children, which store sold cheap cloth, which store had fresh vegetables, and also all sorts of gossip about the alley.

Because of Auntie Ma's daughter-in-law, Xiao Hua was added into this group. Because this Miss Tao was good looking and her words were sweet, many of the young women liked to chat with her. There were many such cliques within the East Yuling alley. Their group included Auntie Ma's daughter-in-law Cui Zhi, tofu-maker Liu's wife, blacksmith Yang's wife, and a few other wives. They recently met up mostly at Xiao Hua's place.

This was because Miss Tao's place was clean and tidy, and the situation inside was simple. Which family in the alley didn't have a bunch of people living together? There were the in-laws as well as the aunts and uncles. When women gossiped, they preferred a quiet environment.

Since Xiao Hua, Ding Xiang and Chun Cao didn't have much to do during the day, and these young women all had extremely good personalities, they didn't mind making some more friends.

Their topics of conversation were broad and would often jump around. One minute they'd be talking about some household's woman getting into an argument with her mother-in-law, and the next they'd be talking about which place sold the most tender vegetables that day.

Since Xiao Hua's group hadn't lived there for long, they would mostly listen and not speak as much.

"Miss Tao, big sis is jealous of how idle your days are. No need to attend to a mother-in-law, and there isn't much you have to do. But ultimately, I feel it's best if a woman has a man to rely on. Haven't you considered anyone else?"

The blacksmith's wife was very outspoken, and would speak whatever came to her mind. If anyone else heard this, they would feel she was too meddlesome. But Xiao Hua knew she was actually saying it for her own good.

Xiao Hua had heard similar words quite a few times. All the aunties and young women in the alley would more or less tell her the same thing. After all, a widow with two children would have a difficult life. It's better to have a man to rely on.

"The children are still young." Xiao Hua could only say. It wasn't like she could say she wasn't actually a widow, and that she had a man. It's just that the man didn't want her anymore.

The tofu-maker's wife interrupted on the side, "It's good that they're young. The children don't remember much at the moment, and it's easier for them to get closer to others. This would make it easier for the man to get along with them. Which man would be willing to raise two children who still remembered their own dad?"

Xiao Hua didn't know how to react to these words, and could only pretend to be shy and smile.

"Don't be shy, it's proper for a widow to remarry. No one would dare say that widows have to remain single their entire lives. It's best for women to have a considerate man by their side."

Ding Xiang was crouched on the side doing laundry, her face already indescribably twisted.

But she was a widow now, and the madam was a widow too. The two children didn't have a father. Therefore, she could only listen while stifling her internal injuries.

"That's right, that's right. You have two children and the entire house is full of women. Although you have some savings for the moment, what are you going to do in the future? Women like us can't be like men and go out to make a living. It's still better to find a reliable man to marry."

"Hey, Miss Tao. What do you think of butcher Zhang? I see that you treat big fatty pretty well. Our family's little hairball said that big fatty wants you to be his mom." Cui Zhi said on the side.

"That's right, that's right. Big fatty seems to like Miss Tao quite a bit."

"Butcher Zhang won't do. He's not good enough for Miss Tao." A weak voice said on the side.

Idiom used here in Chinese is five large and three thick, referring to five places that are large and three that are thick. Large: hands, feet, ears, shoulders, buttocks. Thick: waist, legs, neck. Just in case there were any misconceptions about which places….

The "Da" in Zhao Da means big, oldest, boss. Wasn't sure before if that was his title so I had left it as is. The "San" in Zhao San means third or three. So translated properly, Zhao Da would be Boss Zhao and Zhao San would be Zhao number three or something like that. Either a squad designation, or they are actually brothers, it's not really clear. I'll leave it as is for now.

142

The women who were in the middle of discussion stopped, and glanced at Xiao Hua who had her head lowered bashfully.

"You're right, Miss Tao's so good looking."

Miss Tao was the best looking woman in their East Yuling alley. Her skin was fair and tender, her little face exquisite and her figure fine. Although she was a little widow, there were many young men in the alley who had surreptitiously made some inquiries. This was also why these women brought up the topic today; they had been asked by many people.

"I feel like scholar He is pretty good. He's passed the imperial exam, you know?"

"Scholar He won't do. He looks too delicate. His shoulders can't carry anything and his hands can't lift anything. The young man from the grocery store is pretty good."

"I feel still feel butcher Zhang is alright. He's got a nice property, and selling pork means he doesn't lack for meat or money. There's only him and his son at home, and no mother-in-law. The key is that butcher Zhang is very sturdy. Us women need a sturdy man to feel a sense of security." It seemed like this young woman's type was tall and sturdy men like butcher Zhang.

"Aiya, dear lady, you're too lewd. Just because a man is sturdy doesn't mean his good at "that"."

Before the dear lady could respond, another young woman interrupted, "Right, right, right. You can't just consider appearances. Only if his property, earning ability and what not is good would a woman live happily."

"Oh? Seems like that husband of yours keeps you very satisfied."

That woman spat back, "Tch, tch, tch, is yours back home not good? If he wasn't, would you look like this?"

This bunch of young women all had sharp eyes. Those who lived good lives and were comfortable would have glowing looks, their faces flush and fair. In contrast, those with sallow faces and dispirited appearances were clearly not doing well at their husband's place.

"He's naturally good."

"Mine back home isn't good." One of the young women interrupted weakly. "It's not that he's bad, it's that his mom is too bothersome. She'd always be crouched outside our window eavesdropping, making us too scared to do anything. I feel like my man won't be able to do it anymore at this rate."

"Aiya, your mother-in-law's bad habit hasn't been corrected yet? Didn't you say she corrected it after you went back to your mother's place?"

"She stopped for a few days, but then reverted back to her old ways again."

"This won't do…."

The topic jumped from recommending marriage partners for Xiao Hua to scheming how to deal with that young woman's perverted mother-in-law.

Xiao Hua was glad that they were no longer talking about her, but also almost choked on her spit at the "freshness" of their new topic.

Chun Cao who had been secretly listening on the side had run away in embarrassment. Ding Xiang was hanging the clothes out to dry, and her mouth was twitching as she listened.

It had to be said that there was a sense of liveliness surrounding these people. It seemed like this was truly living life.

Although they weren't well off, each household had one husband and one wife. There were no concubines, no struggles and no dirty secrets. Ding Xiang, who had long since given up on ever marrying, suddenly felt that if she had a man who was so considerate, living such an average yet fulfilling life seemed to be pretty nice!

Although butcher Zhang looked thick and sturdy, he was actually quite meticulous.

Since his son had eaten at Miss Tao's place several times, he would bring over a piece of meat every once in a while, saying it was to express his gratitude.

As a single man with a business, there were inevitably times when he couldn't take care of his child. Sometimes his child eats a little at a family's on the east side, then a little at a family's on the west side, and then the day was over. Therefore, butcher Zhang often used his leftover meat for the day as a thank you gift to those families.

Butcher Zhang was sincere with his words, and would also say that not accepting the meat meant big fatty wouldn't come eat in the future. Therefore, Xiao Hua could never avoid accepting it in the end. Actually butcher Zhang's pork truly wasn't that useful. Although Xiao Hua carefully planned out her spending, they still ate pretty well. After all, there were the two children to consider, so every meal would have some chicken, duck, meat or fish.

As the number of times increased, the people in the alley more or less noticed the developments. They inevitably made a few jokes every time they saw butcher Zhang, telling him to get a move on and get Miss Tao to marry in.

Zhao Da could no longer sit still at this point, and spun in panicked circles inside his residence.

Although the madam wouldn't do so, how could this be allowed to go on? A loyal woman fears a persistent suitor. The madam was currently a widow after all!

In his haste, he immediately sent a letter over to the estate.

The letter described the situation extremely clearly, for example how many times this butcher Zhang sent meat over, how he used his son as an excuse to visit often, how many times that son of his said he wanted Xiao Hua to be his mom, and how the people in the alley acted as matchmakers for the madam….

He all but said if highness doesn't think of something quick, the madam's going to get married off.

The Jing Prince was currently overwhelmed with work, and had gone several days with only a couple hours of sleep. The Jin Prince's movements were getting larger and larger, and the Jing Prince had sent almost all his spies on hand over before being able to get some clues.

On the surface, the Jin Province and Qi Province were trying to gather troops, but in reality they had already sent countless people to the capital, lying in wait. According to the Jing Prince's intelligence, they were at least two thousand in number.

The intent behind such a large movement was self-evident.

Luckily one of his earliest planted moles was amongst the people being sent to the capital. Although he couldn't give detailed information, he could at least provide a little bit.

Right after the Jing Prince finished dealing with everything and gave out his instructions, Zhao Da's letter arrived.

Zhao Da sent a letter back to the estate once every two days. They mostly included what the madam was up to that day, and what the little young master and mistress was up to. There was usually more news about the children since Xiao Hua rarely went out.

Seeing this letter arrive, the Jing Prince's mood improved. He was so busy that he didn't have time to eat, and he was happiest whenever the letter from that side arrived. Eunuch Fu knew this, and immediately brought the letter over.

The Jing Prince opened it and started reading, and his expression darkened before he even finished the whole thing. It darkened extremely clearly, and contained the sort of anger felt when someone was stealing something belonging to him.

This sort of emotion was very foreign to the Jing Prince, and it was the first time he encountered this sort of situation.

Selling pork, a man selling pork wanted his woman. Don't even think about it. Even wanting to be his children's dad, this is truly too much to tolerate.

But the Jing Prince wasn't an unreasonable person. After all, Xiao Hua had proclaimed herself a widow, which is what led to this situation. When Zhao Da reported the widow thing, the Jing Prince's expression had been weird for several days. It was a sort of helpless yet tolerant expression.

He could endure being killed off, but someone wanting his widow to remarry couldn't be endured. The Jing Prince stood up subconsciously and headed out the door, ordering Eunuch Chang to prepare horses for a journey.

Only after getting on his horse did the Jing Prince's heated mind cool down.

What was he doing? Things were currently busy, and he couldn't afford to be away. There might be news coming in any minute that needed his decisions…..

But he actually felt that this was pretty good, and didn't think about stopping at all. These days he had almost gone insane due to missing her. He could only keep Zhao Da's letters on his person, and read them over when he had free time.

Seeing her live as a commoner, seeing her do laundry and cook, seeing her pass her days happily, seeing her call herself a widow….

Did she want him to die that much? But he knew that she wasn't like that. It was he who had made her ruthlessly angry.

He really wanted to see her quickly. Who knows if she would let him in the door….

…

"Big bro Zhang, I really can't accept any more meat. You have a business and depend on this for your livelihood. You can't gift it to me every day….."

Butcher Zhang was very persistent. His usual attitude was persistent, even if he felt nervous in his heart.

"Miss Tao, I don't have anything else I can thank you with. You guys also don't have it easy, with only women taking care of two children. You also need to live, also need to eat. Our big fatty's always eating at your place, and is almost accustomed to it by now. It's fine if he just bummed a meal occasionally, but he's doing it every day. Just count this as big fatty's food expenses, count this as big bro Zhang being thick skinned….you should also know my situation back home. I don't really have time to care for…."

Butcher Zhang was still trying to figure out how to convince Miss Tao when he realized she was completely frozen.

He followed her line of sight and saw an indescribable man dressed in black.

Why was he indescribable? It was because butcher Zhang wasn't literate, and could only stare at this person who shouldn't have appeared in the East Yuling alley. Why shouldn't he have appeared here? It was just a sort of feeling.

Xiao Hua snapped out of it, and felt as if a weight was lifted off her mind. She also felt a sort of unspeakable resentment.

Why did you only show up now?

"This…." The Jing Prince paused, and really didn't know how he should address the person. "May I ask if you have some business with my madam? Don't you know that men and women shouldn't get too close when giving and receiving something?1"

"Your madam?"

Butcher Zhang looked at Xiao Hua, and saw that she half lowered her head and didn't deny it.

Thus, he forced himself to smile and say: "This….this young noble. Perhaps you've misunderstood. We're all just neighbors, and since my kid is always an inconvenience here, I just wanted to express my gratitude." Butcher Zhang weighed the pork in his hand and felt a sort of indescribable sense of inferiority in front of this person.

"Since Miss Tao isn't willing to accept it, then I'll take my leave first."

After speaking, butcher Zhang left. His steps contained some panic as he fled.

Things grew quiet in front of the door. The Jing Prince saw that she wasn't looking at him, and didn't know what he should say.

She had gotten a little thinner, and was wearing a set of pale cotton clothing. There was a silver hairpin stuck in her hair. She was dressed plainly, yet he couldn't get enough no matter how much he looked.

As he was dazed, he saw her walk back inside without speaking. The Jing Prince was a little frozen.

Did this imply she was ignoring him, or that she didn't forgive him? Or perhaps it meant something else? The Jing Prince assumed that her telling everyone she was a widow was to make it easier to explain her identity, or perhaps it was because she was angry with him. Seeing her appear not to recognize him, the panic he felt when she first left returned.

It was silent in front of the door. He looked at the half open gate.

She didn't close the gates. Did that mean she was letting him inside?

The Jing Prince had experienced many things for the first time with Xiao Hua. He could only rub his nose, firm up his face and walk into the small pavilion.

The moment he walked around the delicate screen wall, he heard his daughter's continuous "clucking". This was followed by the sight of his son and daughter, who were dressed in pale cotton clothing and happily chasing little chicks around in the courtyard. There were also two women on the side who were dressed equally plainly, a handkerchief wrapped around their heads. One was fetching water and one was washing vegetables. Both were smiling as they watched the children.

Ding Xiang and Chun Cao froze. They were just discussing how madam finally managed to refuse butcher Zhang's meat. How did his highness end up coming in moments later?

They couldn't quite react right away. Ding Xiang threw down the pail of water and Chun Cao tipped over the bucket of vegetables. The two of them wiped their hands on their aprons and hurriedly saluted.

"Gree, greetings….to your highness." Having not had to salute for a long time, and in this sort of small pavilion dressed in these clothes, Ding Xiang and Chun Cao were both extremely awkward.

The two children noticed the commotion and looked over in curiosity.

Apparently this is a phrase from Mencius.

143

.

Yi Yi tilted her head and carefully examined this person for a while. Her little brows furrowed, and she first called out "father" probingly, before pounding her little feet as she ran over.

Zhuo'er gave that person a glance. He definitely wouldn't say that he had long since recognized him, even quicker than his sister. Although he thought this, he still coyly walked over.

The Jing Prince was immersed in the fact that his children still recognized him, as well as the chaos of the two children surrounding him and saying "you disappeared, where did you go, you naughty". Xiao Hua walked out, glanced over and then told the limp Chun Cao and Ding Xiang to go make food. Were they planning on going hungry tonight?

Dinner was quickly prepared. Ding Xiang and Chun Cao had a discussion in the kitchen over whether highness would stay for dinner. They concluded that it was most likely, and thus put forth their best efforts. They made use of all the ingredients in the house before coming out with four dishes and a soup.

The two brought the food out to the living room and placed it on the small red-painted square table. The two then went and hid in the kitchen.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi also knew that this meant it was time to eat. They pulled on the Jing Prince's robes and called out "Eat din din". Under his considerate daughter's guidance, the Jing Prince finally entered the residence.

The little living room had a crude little table in the center. She sat there and looked at them expressionlessly. She seemed to see him, yet also seemed to not see him.

His heart was gripped tightly. He wanted to say something but didn't know what he should say. Xiao Hua's following actions dispelled the awkwardness and embarrassment in his heart.

"Sit, eat."

The Jing Prince hurriedly sat down. Xiao Hua dispiritedly rolled her eyes, and then looked at the two children.

"Not eating?"

"Eating, eating together." Yi Yi continuously nodded and said.

Zhuo'er pulled his sister over to the two miniature tables on the side and sat down. The Jing Prince looked at them in amazement. Two little people sat obediently in their little chairs at their little table.

Xiao Hua carried two bowls of rice over and placed them in front of the children: "Eat slowly, don't spill the rice."

"No spill, no spill."

"Only sister spills."

The two little fellows used their own spoons to eat. Yi Yi scooped a couple of bites and looked at the Jing Prince.

"Father eat."

Zhuo'er didn't speak and frowned at the person who wasn't eating.

The Jing Prince glanced at Xiao Hua beside him. Her face was rigid and she didn't say anything. When she filled the bowls with rice, she had filled an extra one and placed it in front of him.

He saw that the bowl was made of crude porcelain and the rice was ordinary white rice instead of Japonica rice. The dishes on the table were very simple: luffa stir fried with egg, plain sautéed vegetables, river shrimp stir fried with garlic chives, simmered eggplant and sliced meat tofu soup.

The two children ate very happily. She also ate with her head lowered. The Jing Prince felt a little sourness in his heart as he thought how she and the children had suffered. No matter how simple her meals had been back at the estate, those simple dishes had been exquisitely prepared. It wouldn't be like this, where stir fried vegetables were just stir fried without using any soup stock for flavoring.

The Jing Prince lifted his bowl, picked up his chopsticks and started eating. Although the flavor clearly couldn't be counted as good, he felt it suited his tastes extremely well.

After eating, Xiao Hua cleared the table. She took the plates and bowls to the kitchen and returned to wipe the table down. She also cleaned the children's little tables and washed her hands before taking off the children's covers.

"Once the covers are off, you can't play outside anymore. Understood?"

Yi Yi tried to bargain, "Then don't take off yet."

Xiao Hua stroked her daughter's little face and pointed outside, "It's already dark out."

Yi Yi revealed an alarmed expression, her little claw covering her mouth, "When it's dark, there's a wolf that eats little children."

This made Xiao Hua unsure whether to laugh or cry, "Who told you that?"

Zhuo'er said on the side: "Big fatty and Hairball."

"Then do you still want to play outside?"

"Not going, eats little children."

"Then have aunt Xiang heat up some water in a bit and take bathy."

Yi Yi smiled and waved her fists, "Take bathy, take bathy. Father also takes, together with Yi Yi…."

The children still remembered taking baths together with the Jing Prince and playing in the water!

Xiao Hua didn't say anything, and let the two play inside. She went to the kitchen.

Yi Yi ran to the Jing Prince's side and climbed on his leg. Once she was seated, she called her brother over as well. Yi Yi was a warmhearted little child, and would always happily share the good stuff with others. This included calling the Jing Prince to eat, bathe, and also calling her brother to sit on father's leg.

The two children each sat on one leg. The two year old children knew how to express their own thoughts already, thanks to Xiao Hua always speaking seriously with them. Yi Yi wasn't as smart as her brother, and would garble a bunch of unintelligible sentences. Basically, there wasn't much focus. Children were like this at this age.

However, Zhuo'er was clear spoken. He continuously asked several questions, putting the Jing Prince in quite a sorry state.

Especially since his son was sitting upright on his leg, his little brows furrowed, looking extremely solemn. He looked like an adult who was interrogating him.

Zhuo'er said—

"Where did you go?"

"You were naughty and ran off."

"Big fatty's dad is always coming over."

Due to Xiao Hua's influence, the Jing Prince had also spoken quite a bit to the children in the past. Since his daughter's sentences were jumbled up, he wouldn't respond as much. But since his son could speak clearly, the Jing Prince was also cautious in his answers.

"Father had business to take care of, very busy."

Zhuo'er frowned as he seemed to think it over, and asked: "Went to earn money?"

This sort of thinking came from the little fellows in the alley. Because Zhuo'er would always hear about how so and so's dad was off earning money and buying him tasty things. He had also gotten a share of those tasty things, and he felt that it wasn't anything special. After all, what hadn't he eaten at the Jing Prince Estate? After moving, Xiao Hua also hadn't mistreated the children. It's just that father going off to earn money to buy tasty things for his children became a logical line of thought for him.

Therefore, Zhuo'er looked left and right, up and down, and then used his little hands to feel around the Jing Prince's chest, "Where's the tasty things?"

The Jing Prince was frozen, and truly couldn't react.

Zhuo'er gave him a "you're really dumb" sort of look and said: "Hairball's dad always buys him something tasty when he goes to earn money. Big Wang's dad as well."

He left the rest unsaid, but the Jing Prince could understand his meaning. The other dads got tasty things for their children when they earned money, why didn't you buy any? Furthermore, Yi Yi seemed to understand this as well, and blinked her large eyes on the side waiting to eat. At this moment, the Jing Prince was extremely wretched and didn't know how to respond.

"Your dad—-ummm—–"

"Didn't manage to earn money?"

There were also children in the alley whose dads didn't manage to get any money and thus couldn't eat anything good. Zhuo'er also knew this.

"Ummm—-"

Zhuo'er pondered with his brows furrowed. The Jing Prince felt very nervous. What should he do? He didn't buy anything tasty. Could he make up for it later?

Who knew what Zhuo'er ended up saying was, "Mom probably won't use a big stick to hit you. Mom isn't as fierce as Big Wang's mother."

"But you still have to properly earn money. Otherwise you might be hit by a big stick."

What in the world was he on about? The Jing Prince was completely confused.

"Mom, don't use big stick to hit dad."

Yi Yi's voice suddenly sounded. Only then did the Jing Prince realize that Xiao Hua had reappeared at some point. She was carrying half a bucket of water. Chun Cao was behind her also carrying a bucket.

The Jing Prince hurriedly stood up and took the bucket from Xiao Hua's hands. Only after pulling twice did she let go.

He held the bucket in hand but didn't know where to go with it. Xiao Hua kept walking and he followed behind.

Chun Cao really wanted to cover her face. She finally understood why Ding Xiang tried to stop her from helping when madam wanted to carry water inside. Seeing how she wouldn't be persuaded, she could only let her go. His highness's previous image in Chun Cao's mind was completely ruined. The little young master and mistress even said that his highness couldn't earn enough money to buy food and would get beaten by mom with a stick.

It was all Big Wang's mom's fault. She didn't even try to keep it hidden when she beat her man, and would chase him all over the alley. The children were all corrupted.

For some reason, Chun Cao only felt very speechless and very amused, but didn't feel afraid.

There was one bathtub in the small bathroom and a large wooden basin. The Jing Prince stood there still holding the bucket of water. Chun Cao walked up and poured the water into the wooden basin. He then also emptied out his bucket. Although his actions were a little clumsy, his job was still completed without mistakes.

Chun Cao left and Xiao Hua stripped the children before putting them into the wooden basin.

The wooden basin was very big, and the children could sit facing each other without feeling cramped. The moment she got in, Yi Yi was like an aquatic dragon entering the water. Her hands continuously splashed water at her brother across from her. Zhuo'er endured for a bit before splashing her back, the two of them playing quite happily.

"Enough, enough. How are you supposed to take bathy if the water's all splashed out?!"

"Take bathy, take bathy."

She crouched there, washing the two white little bodies. A strand of hair hung over the left side of her face….

The Jing Prince leaned in and crouched next to her, pretending to be focused on her washing. Finally, he couldn't resist from stroking her strand of hair with his hand….

Xiao Hua's breath caught and a sour feeling rushed up her throat. The hand holding the towel suddenly paused before continuing to wipe the children's bodies.

She soon finished washing. Xiao Hua took a large clean towel from the shelf and wrapped Yi Yi up. Neither Ding Xiang nor Chun Cao were there so she stuffed her into the Jing Prince's arms.

"Carry her to the bed."

These were the first words Xiao Hua said to him since he came. He felt a hint of excitement in his heart, and happily carried his daughter to the bedroom.

Xiao Hua wrapped her son up and followed behind.

The clothes for the children were already laid out on the bed by Chun Cao, but she herself was nowhere to be seen. Xiao Hua dried the children off and put their clothes on for them. At this moment, Ding Xiang and Chun Cao carried two large buckets of heated water inside. It was for Xiao Hua's bath.

After finishing up with the children, Xiao Hua took her clothes and went inside to bathe. The Jing Prince sat on the bedside. He looked at the two children on the bed, and then snuck a glance at the bathroom. The sound of water splashing rang out, and the Jing Prince's mouth involuntarily dried up as his body grew hot.

He really missed her….

As he was spaced out, Xiao Hua finished bathing and walked out. Her fair skin sparkled under the lamplight. She was dressed neat and properly, not like in the past when she would come out with her clothes casually draped over her.

This was a sort of distance….

The Jing Prince's mood instantly became gloomy.

Xiao Hua looked at the sky outside and said: "If you aren't leaving then sleep with the children. I'll sleep in the children's room."

She left after speaking, leaving the Jing Prince behind to face Zhuo'er who was staring at him with his small eyes and Yi Yi who pulled his hand. He let out an inaudible sigh and covered the children with the blanket, waiting for them to fall asleep.

It was silent inside the room and the lamps weren't lit. The moonlight shone through the window and bathed the room in a hazy silver light.

A large silhouette crept into the room. He stood there for a while before taking off his outer clothes and fumbling into the bed.

As he embraced the person he yearned for night and day, she opened her limpid eyes and stared straight at him.

"Nothing to say to me?"

In the dark, the Jing Prince's face turned undetectably rigid for a moment. His mouth moved in, both rubbing against her lips while murmuring softly, "….Xiao Hua'er, I miss you…."

His hands moved underneath as well, seeming impatient but also trying to waive away the question.

Xiao Hua pushed at him, yet wasn't able to push him away. She struggled a few times, but he got more stimulated the more she struggled. His lips moved to her neck, licking, biting and sucking. His long fingers lifted her shirt and pulled her chest wrap down as his lips followed….

The sound of breathing and panting intermingled with his body's unique smell….

Actually Xiao Hua also missed the Jing Prince a little. How could she not miss him? She had always been waiting for him to come give her an explanation, but didn't expect this guy to have learned to play dumb and avoid the topic…..

Very soon, Xiao Hua no longer had the mind to think about other things. She decided to interrogate him properly later.

…

Author's words:

Haha, no "kabe-don" that the readers wanted. But there was "bed-don".

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi's actions are based on my sister-in-law's three year old (when he was two). Kids nowadays are very sharp, not dim-witted like us in the past.

Kids at their age can already understand simple adult conversations. When they want to listen, they can understand it. When they don't want to listen, then they won't understand it. Sometimes you tell them something and they'll pretend not to understand on the surface. If you tell them again next time when they're listening properly they will understand.

Of course, little Zhuo'er is a little mature for his age. Yi Yi is more like the dim-witted type. Ha!

144

Xiao hua's plans didn't work out in the end. This was because she didn't get a break the entire night.

It wasn't clear if that person had been starved for too long or what, but he tossed her around like a wild bull the entire night. Whenever she tried to ask him something, he would use his mouth to block hers. In the end she couldn't hold out any longer and fell asleep. When she awoke, he was already gone.

Ding Xiang was the one who told her the Jing Prince had left. He had left around midnight. Before he had left, he told Ding Xiang that there was a lot to do back at the estate, probably intending for her to pass on the message to Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua's expression was ugly enough. She sat on the bed and pulled angrily at her blankets.

To think that she had waited so long for him to come give her an explanation. To think that she had let him in the door, and even let him fumble his way into bed in the end. How great of him, wiping his mouth clean after having eaten, and running off without a word.

Xiao Hua felt that she had lost out big time. She also had a weird feeling of "how did this person become this way, is this still his highness the Jing Prince?"

In the courtyard, the two children were asking Chun Cao "Why isn't mom awake yet?"

Chun Cao foolishly replied "madam is tired." The two curious children asked follow up questions such as "why is mom tired?" and "did she get tired from cooking?"

Xiao Hua clearly heard them while sitting in bed and was a little speechless at Chun Cao's foolishness while also dying of embarrassment.

Ding Xiang saw madam's obviously embarrassed expression and said "water is prepared in the bathroom" before running off.

Xiao Hua put her clothes on after taking a bath and went to the courtyard.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi had already been dragged off to play with their little playmates. Ding Xiang and Chun Cao, who were in the courtyard pretending to be busy, kept sneaking glances at her expression. Xiao Hua felt indescribably awkward in her heart and put on a show of going to chat with Auntie Ma next door.

Who would have thought that her situation didn't improve at Auntie Ma's place? Last night's events had been seen by quite a few people in the alley. They had all discussed in private how Miss Tao wasn't a widow at all. She clearly had a man.

"Really now. You clearly have a man but you insist on calling yourself a widow. What happened? Had a falling out with him and ran off?"

Cui Zhi grabbed a small stool and let Xiao Hua sit down on the side. She was peeling pea pods. Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were playing in their courtyard with little Hairball.

Xiao Hua's expression turned rigid.

Cui Zhi understood, "Pretty big falling out? Your temper seems so good, I really didn't expect you to have such a side. You actually took the children and moved out with your relatives!"

Cui Zhi's understanding was based on what Xiao Hua's group had told them. One older sister, one younger sister, no elderly since there were no old folk in their family, and two children. Now the man had come looking, and the natural explanation was that he came running back after their falling out. They must have purposefully moved so it wasn't easy for him to find.

Xiao Hua stammered: "…he's often gone for business….."

"Have you guys made up?" Cui Zhi smiled and said: "I heard your man is very handsome."

Xiao Hua chuckled awkwardly, "Ok, I guess."

"Really now. How can you call yourself a widow after just a falling out? Now that he's found his way over, are you going back with him?"

Xiao Hua also didn't know what to say, and could only make up an excuse: 'There's only him in his family, and he's often gone for business. I've moved everything over here this time, and our original house was also getting old. It's about time for a change…."

Cui Zhi nodded and didn't ask for more details. She patted her hands and said: "It's normal for a couple to argue. As long as he admits his mistakes, it should be enough. Don't keep giving him attitude."

The problem was that he never admitted his mistakes. He didn't say anything, and ran off after eating his fill!

Seeing Xiao Hua's expression turn ugly again, Cui Zhi asked curiously: "What's wrong?"

"He left."

"Ah? He's that busy, and could only stay with you and the children for a single night? Then you should give him some attitude…."

After the three children played on the side for a while, Zhuo'er took out a small paper package from his bib, "My dad earned some money and bought some tasty things for me and my sister. I'll give you a piece."

Hairball immediately dropped the stick in his hands and leaned in.

There were three extremely fine treats inside the small paper package that gave off an alluring smell. Little Hairball couldn't help but swallow a few mouthfuls of saliva and reached out to grab one with his hand.

Cui Zhi glanced meaningfully at Xiao Hua before standing up and saying: "You have to wash your hands before eating. Come, auntie will help you guys wash your hands."

Xiao Hua sat there both embarrassed and shy. When did he come back with money? He even bought treats for the children.

After sharing with his little playmate, Zhuo'er and his sister each took a piece. Zhuo'er then brought his sister home along with his mom.

"When did dad give Zhuo'er the treat?"

The moment they got back, Xiao Hua crouched and asked her son.

"When it was still dark outside. He brought it over. Sister was sleeping. Zhuo'er was awake."

So it was in the middle of the night before he left?

"Then did dad say anything to Zhuo'er?"

"Dad told me to make sure Yi Yi and mom behave. He said he's going to go earn money, and will come see us after a period of time." Zhuo'er furrowed his little brows, "Mom, why does dad always run off? Not well behaved at all. When will he be back?"

"He'll be back once he earns some money."

This round of money earning took almost four months before he returned.

During these months, Xiao Hua had missed him and wondered what he was up to. But since her knowledge was limited, she truly couldn't figure out what was so dangerous he had to keep it hidden and avoid her. It was to the extent that he hadn't sent any news over in a long time.

She would occasionally wonder if he had a new flame, and whether he had forgotten about her and the children. Deep inside she would never be willing to believe this, and she waited for him to come give her an explanation.

Quite a few things happened during these four months. The two children grew taller and became more mature. The people in the East Yuling alley were truly passionate. Since Xiao Hua wasn't a widow, they shifted their attention to her "older sister", the also "widowed" Ding Xiang.

The potential partner they introduced was, very coincidentally, Zhao Da who lived across from them.

Zhao Da was twenty-four or five years old and was still single. He was a bachelor living with several brothers. He couldn't be said to be penniless, but also couldn't be said to have a good background. As for Ding Xiang, despite being a widow she was hardworking and had a good personality. She was more than a good match for Zhao Da.

This was what the people were thinking, though they didn't know what the two of them thought about it.

When the aunts and young married women got passionate about something, they truly forced one to yield to their superior strength. They kept taking turns to come over and hang out with Ding Xiang, helping her with her work. At the same time, the men of the alley were also ordered by their wives or old mothers to discuss things with Zhao Da. The people were extremely passionate but the two in question had a headache over the situation.

Perhaps it was due to this matter, but when Ding Xiang occasionally ran into Zhao Da when she went out, she would feel that her mood wasn't quite the same. It was the first time she felt this weird and shy in front of a man.

As for Zhao Da, being spoken of as a pair with Ding Xiang by everyone and also teased by his own brothers, this manly man would also go red in the face when encountering the woman.

Xiao Hua observed all this and was quite cheerful inside. She was glad that she was no longer a widow, and also looked quite favorably on this pairing. She didn't consider whether a palace maid could get married or not. She still felt that it was better for women to have a man by their side.

Xiao Hua would even tell Chun Cao while Ding Xiang was present "You aren't young anymore. If you have someone in mind, or if you want to get married, you have to let me know. Women cannot delay in these matters."

Whether Ding Xiang took her words to heart, Xiao Hua didn't know. She just knew that Zhao Da started coming over more frequently, perhaps to try and get closer to do his job.

If he had just been trying to send over some finer things like in the past, naturally no one would open the doors for him. But unexpectedly, he brought over some rabbit meat once.

He said that his brothers had gone hunting, and brought it over so they could have another dish with their meal.

The rabbit was given to Ding Xiang, so who was getting the extra dish was self-evident. Therefore, Xiao Hua beamed and didn't say anything about it, taking the opportunity to eat some rabbit meat for dinner.

Since his method seemed to work, Zhao Da started bringing things over once every so often. It was all very ordinary things like a basket of vegetables, a few fish or a pork leg and what not.

Ding Xiang thought that he was acting on his highness's orders and accepted it every time. This continued up until she found a flower hair ornament in the vegetable basket. Chun Cao smiled teasingly and the madam smiled meaningfully. Only then did Ding Xiang realize these things weren't from his highness to the madam, but rather from that person to herself.

This showed that women were sometimes oblivious when it comes to certain things. The usually intelligent and steady Ding Xiang also ended up having such a day, and also revealed such a stunned expression, making Xiao Hua laugh uproariously.

Ding Xiang was fiercely shy, and hid inside without going out for an entire day.

Afterwards, there wasn't any afterwards.

At least Xiao Hua didn't see it. She only knew that Ding Xiang started interacting with that side more and more.

Zhao Da started sending things over more frequently and Ding Xiang would also send over the food she made using his ingredients for them to eat. Only afterwards did Xiao Hua find out that Zhao Da's group across from them were "truly pitiful". None of these men knew how to cook, and would always have to buy outside food to eat.

This was what Ding Xiang told her. How "pitiful", Xiao Hua secretly thought. Turns out that men all knew this trick of acting pitiful to get sympathy! That time he came, he had also put on a pitiful appearance. Wasn't he just trying to get her sympathy? Afterwards her heart had softened, he had eaten his fill, but he ended up running off…..

Once she thought up to this point, Xiao Hua got angry.

Fine, you'd better not come back again!

Of course she only thought this out of anger. Once her anger faded, she would think that if he showed a good attitude when he came back, she was still willing to forgive him….

Xiao Hua came up with all sorts of scenarios for his return, how she was going to give him attitude, how she was going to ignore him, how she would hold the children and keep him isolated. She also thought of how he had to act and what he had to do before she was willing to slightly forgive him a little, and how he had to coax her before she would show him a good expression….

She had thought of everything, and how she should react to everything, but she didn't expect that when he really showed up, her reaction would actually be this way…..

On this day, Xiao Hua went outside to call her children home to eat. The moment she stepped out, she saw him holding their hands, walking towards her…..

The glowing sunset enveloped the three in a golden layer of light.

She looked dumbly at that person. He had become extremely thin, and wasn't as fair as before. She could almost not recognize him….

Then her tears spilled out all at once, and couldn't be stopped. She ran over and embraced him, crying her heart out.

Her cries were very loud and a little hysterical. It contained some panic and helplessness, and also the hidden worries in her heart….it scared the two children, and also scared the Jing Prince.

The earsplitting cries caused several of the neighbors to come out.

Cui Zhi explained quietly to the others: "This should be her man. He hasn't come back in a long time, she's probably overly excited…."

The Jing Prince's expression was weird and he hugged her stiffly. He heard the commotion on the side but he couldn't react to it, only holding her fast with his arms.

Auntie Ma couldn't take it anymore and came over.

"Silly girl, what are you crying for? It's a good thing he's back. Hurry and go inside."

She pulled Xiao Hua while saying to the Jing Prince reproachfully: "This lifestyle of yours, leaving for months at a time without caring for your wife and children. If you came back any later, the children won't recognize you anymore….why do you have to be gone for so long. Young couples should spend more time together. Business can wait. How is money more important than being together with your wife and children….."

The Jing Prince didn't know how to respond: "This humble….er, I was wrong to do so."

"Quickly stop crying, it's a happy occasion."

Only now did Xiao Hua snap out of it. Seeing everyone around, she felt extremely embarrassed. She wiped her face and smiled shyly at Auntie Ma before hurriedly pulling the Jing Prince and the children into the pavilion.

Only after entering did she think of how foolish she looked just now. She hurriedly released her hand. She wanted to lose her temper a little, but the mood wasn't quite right. Her face was a mess from crying and Xiao Hua could only run off to wash her face.

145

In the four months he was away, the Jing Prince did quite a few things.

Without mentioning the rest, he had actually made a trip to the capital.

Things were bubbling up from all over in the capital, and calling it a matter of life or death wouldn't be an exaggeration. He naturally couldn't just sit in the Jing Province giving orders from afar.

Many things happened, and luckily his efforts were rewarded. After it was over, the Jing Prince didn't care about how Emperor Xi was planning to clean up the mess in the capital. He secretly took his people back to the Jing Province. The moment he returned, he rushed over.

Xiao Hua came back from washing her face and saw him surrounded by the children who were asking all sorts of strange questions.

Actually, two year old children didn't have long memories. They knew who dad and mom were, but after not seeing them for a while many children wouldn't recognize them.

Yi Yi was such an example. Luckily Zhuo'er's memory was much better than his sister's. He was the one who recognized the Jing Prince and told his sister this was daddy. The word "dad" stirred up Yi Yi's hidden memories, or perhaps father and daughters have a natural bond, or also perhaps she still remembered a man who always held her when she was younger. Although he didn't smile, he was very patient. Whatever the case, Yi Yi and the Jing Prince warmed up to each other very quickly. Before long, she was clinging onto dad's neck and laughing happily.

Zhuo'er was a little more opinionated. When the Jing Prince noticed his furrowed little brows, he recalled something and handed over a box of treats to him. Only then did Zhuo'er reveal a bit of childish delight.

His delight only lasted for a second. Perhaps little Zhuo'er felt that he had to be more sensible than his sister. He placed the box on the table and nodded in satisfaction.

He was essentially telling the Jing Prince "You've done well, knowing to earn money and buy things for your children back home."

This scene made Xiao Hua feel extremely moved.

A woman's mood was truly very strange. She had clearly been full of complaints, clearly been full of worry day after day, and clearly intended on giving him attitude. But the moment she saw that person, what ended up bubbling out was complete happiness and excitement. She had thrown the rest of her chaotic thoughts to the back of her mind and forget about them….

Ding Xiang and Chun Cao laid out their dinner. After putting the children in their spots for the meal, Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince sat at the table.

Xiao Hua's face was rigid as she ate with her head lowered. Suddenly a pair of chopsticks put some vegetables into her bowl. She didn't say anything and continued to eat. Perhaps because her mind was a mess, she only grabbed at her rice mechanically and didn't think to grab any of the dishes. The Jing Prince sighed, and seeing that she had eaten the vegetables in her bowl he grabbed her some more. By the end, Xiao Hua had eaten quite a lot but the Jing Prince didn't get to eat much.

But he actually felt neither hungry nor tired. Despite having rushed for over ten days to get here, his weariness completely disappeared the moment he saw her and the children.

Hot water was already prepared after dinner was done.

The weather was gradually getting colder. Zhuo'er and Yi Yi didn't take a bath every day. This time she washed their faces, hands and feet before changing their clothes and letting Ding Xiang put them to sleep.

Xiao Hua went to take a bath, and the Jing Prince took one after she was done.

The Jing Prince was clearly quite filthy so they prepared a lot of water. The Jing Prince washed by himself, and after getting out of the tub he saw a set of men's underwear on the shelf.

The clothes were brand new and clean. When he put them on, they fit him perfectly. The Jing Prince's gaze softened and he walked out of the bathroom.

Xiao Hua lay stiffly on the bed, her back facing the outside. The Jing Prince got in bed and snuggled over, pulling her into his arms.

"Xiao Hua'er, let me sleep a while first. Haven't slept in days."

The person in his arms grumbled a few words and didn't say anything else. After a while, Xiao Hua let out a breath and gradually relaxed her body.

The man behind her held her warmly in his embrace. She had been embraced this way for over two years, day and night. Every time she was in his arms, she had the feeling that all the hurt and unhappiness in her heart would completely vanish without a trace.

The room was very silent, to the extent that they could hear each other's heartbeat. Xiao Hua slowly closed her eyes, and their hearts gradually beat in sync.

The Jing Prince slept for a long time, He only awoke on the morning of the third day.

During this time, someone had come over from Zhao Da's side to check in with them. When they heard his highness was still resting, they turned and left. During this time, everyone in the pavilion couldn't help but keep things down. Even Yi Yi knew to use her little finger on her lips to shush Hairball when he came to play, telling him not to speak too loudly since daddy was sleeping.

When Xiao Hua and the children were eating breakfast, the Jing Prince woke up. He randomly put on a shirt and came in with his waist-length hair scattered across his back. Joy flashed across Xiao Hua's eyes. She instructed Ding Xiang to get an extra bowl and pair of chopsticks.

Breakfast was very simple: porridge, some side dishes, and a few steamed buns. The Jing Prince was probably really starving, only stopping after eating two bowls of porridge and three buns.

The children were taken out to play by Ding Xiang. Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince returned to the inner room. The Jing Prince's eyes contained a trace of laziness after eating as he leaned against the head of the bed looking at Xiao Hua who was next to him. Seeing her thinking about how to start her inquiries, he pulled her into his arms and pulled out her hairpin, allowing her long hair to scatter across the bed. His large palms slowly brushed through it.

"You already know about my status. The current emperor is my father. There were five of us princes when we grew up, merely the five of us….."

The Jing Prince slowly narrated as Xiao Hua lay with her ear against his chest. She could hear the beating of his heart, and followed along with his words to understand his world.

Xiao Hua was clear about the secret struggles within rich households. She had seen brothers arguing over family property until their faces were twisted. This included the fourth young master Ruan Siyi in her past life. He and his brother started off full of generosity towards each other, yet in the end hidden schemes sprung up from all over.

People were easily unbalanced. Since they were both sons, and both shared the same parents, why did one have to yield to the other? In the end, I've yielded the right of succession, yielded my future prospects, and you're still suppressing me both overtly and secretly?

Xiao Hua had seen the heir treat the fourth young master well, and everyone in the estate had said the heir treated him well. But whether that was truly the case, only the person involved would know. Xiao Hua was Ruan Siyi's favored concubine in the past, and naturally knew a few secrets. She knew what it meant to be superficial.

The struggles between men were never the same as the struggles between women over affection. The struggles within the estates of nobility could also not be compared to those within the royal family. It turns out that having a higher status and enjoying more glory didn't come without a cost. The cost was that there was no such thing as familial affection within the royal family and brothers could also end up killing each other. You could choose not to fight, but the result was to be at the mercy of others.

The Jing Prince didn't talk about it in detail, and gave a general summary. This included the explanation of why he hid Xiao Hua and the children away.

His explanation was very concise, but Xiao Hua could understand the meaning behind them. His intention had always been that if something happened to him, she and the children would be sent away, sent far, far away. As for him, he would naturally be dead….

This had been planned from the moment she got pregnant. This was why he had the western pavilion closed off and kept the children secret. This was also why he took them out on a trip, and why he arranged someone who looked like her as a decoy….

Xiao Hua's tears had long since covered her face as she lay in his arms. This person, this person…..

How could he come to such a decision? What if something really happened to him, what would happen to her and the children?

In that instance, Xiao Hua was at a loss.

What would she have done if the Jing Prince had explained things to her back then? Leave with the children, or remain behind with him? It would probably have been a hard decision either way! The children were too young, and without their parents how were they supposed to live? But if she left him behind, she would definitely have been extremely unwilling….

Only now did Xiao Hua understand the meaning behind the Jing Prince's actions.

Her heart felt sweet yet bitter yet sour yet hot. It was extremely complicated, and she was a mess from crying. Her hand swung wildly at the Jing Prince's chest as she mumbled, "You're too mean, too mean. What if something had really happened, how could you leave me and the children behind…."

The Jing Prince let out a light breath and brushed her hair once again. "Isn't everything fine now?'

"What if it wasn't? What would you have me do? Take the children and remarry?"

Following this shocking blow was a single, domineering phrase from the Jing Prince.

"You dare!?"

Seeing his bothered appearance, Xiao Hua both cried and laughed, "It's your fault for not bringing me along. If something happened to you…." She hugged his neck, "…..I also don't want to live…."

Seeing her eyes and nose red from crying, the Jing Prince's heart softened until it was about to melt.

"Don't be afraid. It's fine now. Everything is over…." He murmured comfortingly and gave her a light kiss.

"Never do this again. Without you, I really can't live on either….."

Even if she continued living, she would be no different than a walking corpse.

After the crying and comforting, the two of them ended up tightly intertwined.

The children didn't come bother them and the pavilion was extremely silent. Only in the afternoon did Xiao Hua shyly get out of bed. The Jing Prince looked at her with a fulfilled expression.

After fetching water herself, the Jing Prince was still too lazy to move. Xiao Hua could only finish washing herself and carry some water in to wipe him down. This person looked decent on the surface, but was extremely indecent on the inside. He insisted on lying there so he could have Xiao Hua wipe him down with a warm towel.

Perhaps because the things weighing him down had been completed, the Jing Prince's attitude seemed somewhat different. While Xiao Hua's face was red as she wiped him down, he actually turned to her and said with a stiff expression, "We've already had two children."

Does that mean she wasn't allowed to be shy?!

Bah!

Despite thinking this and giving him a clearly embarrassed glare, she still wiped him down quite willingly. It wasn't like she hadn't done it before. She was just someone who would be embarrassed by it.

The two of them fumbled around for a little longer before Xiao Hua forced the Jing Prince to get up. She changed out the things on the bed, opened the doors and went into the courtyard.

There wasn't a single person outside. Hearing the noise, Ding Xiang came out from the eastern wing.

"Madam."

Where're Zhuo'er and Yi Yi?"

"Out playing."

"Go bring some food over."

Miss Tao's man had come back.

He was someone who spoke little but was very courteous and refined.

These days they would often see him appear in the alley. Sometimes he accompanied Miss Tao into town. Sometimes he went out searching for his children to come back and eat. This person was almost weirdly taciturn, but many young wives and aunties would involuntarily blush when they saw him.

This was precisely because Miss Tao's man was truly too handsome.

The most handsome man in the alley was the He family's Scholar He. But compared to Miss Tao's man, he wasn't even fit to carry his shoes.

Only after seeing her man did everyone realize what sort of person could be a match for her. In the past, they always felt something was lacking when they tried to play matchmaker. Only now did they realize it was a feeling that they were well matched when they stood together.

On this day, Xiao Hua and the Jing Prince finished their breakfast and went to the morning market.

They walked and browsed, and when they came back, Xiao Hua's wicker basket contained some fresh vegetables and a fish. The Jing Prince carried a few bags of fruit and snacks.

"Miss Tao. Came back from shopping?" One of the alley's young women greeted them.

"That's right."

Xiao Hua smiled and nodded, and the two of them walked by.

From behind, they heard the young woman scolding her own man, "Look how good Miss Tao's man is. He knows to go buy groceries with her and take walks with her. Look at yourself. When did you ever take a walk outside with me? Ever since this mommy married you, I've been toiling away for you at your house. I've really lost out…."

That man seemed to have quietly retorted but Xiao Hua couldn't hear it clearly. She snuck a glance at the Jing Prince. He wasn't looking at her but the hand that was holding hers under his large sleeves moved a little. Xiao Hua couldn't help but let a sweet smile spill out.

Once they got to their place, they saw someone standing across from it.

Xiao Hua gave the Jing Prince a glance and entered the pavilion. The Jing Prince went over to the other side.

After a while, the Jing Prince came back.

"Highness, is it time to leave?"

Ever since the Jing Prince explained things to her, Xiao Hua knew that sooner or later they would have to leave this place. It's just that having lived here for so long, she actually felt an inexplicable sense of reluctance. The Jing Prince seemed to have notice Xiao Hua's unwillingness, and had never mentioned anything about leaving. Seeing Commander Lin appear, Xiao Hua thought it was probably time to go.

The Jing Prince nodded.

"Is it urgent?"

"We can stay one more day."

After lunch, Xiao Hua pulled the children to the side for a talk.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi's understanding was limited so Xiao Hua could only tell them in a way they could understand: they had to leave this place and go home. The two still didn't quite understand what it meant to leave this place. Xiao Hua muttered to herself before saying it meant that they couldn't play with the little fellows in the alley anymore.

Hearing this, Yi Yi started crying. As she cried, she said "no, no". Zhuo'er was a little better but his brows were also furrowed.

Xiao Hua didn't know how to explain to the children that everything eventually came to an end. After all, this was something everyone had to experience as they grew. She could only crouch there and wait for her daughter to finish crying before wiping away her tears. She then told her and her brother that there would be other little playmates in the future. They could also come find these little playmates once they got older.

Yi Yi asked what it meant to get older. Xiao Hua said that it was when Yi Yi was as old as mom, and brother was as old as dad.

Xiao Hua also went to say her farewells with some of the young women she was close to. Her explanation was that she had to go settle down in her man's hometown. After all, a falling leaf returns to its roots.

Cui Zhi, the blacksmith's wife and the other women were all very reluctant to part with her. Xiao Hua felt guilty in her heart. Having interacted with these people for so long, only her person was real, and everything else was made up. But these neighbors had treated her very sincerely. In her most indecisive and helpless moments, they had not only helped her but also taught her quite a few things.

Towards their reluctance, she could only smile and tell a teary-eyed lie: I'll still be back in the future if I get a chance….

….

The next day, the Jing Prince left East Yuling alley along with Xiao Hua and the two children.

They didn't sell Xiao Hua's little pavilion. Xiao Hua told the people that it was to leave behind a souvenir, and would come back to take a look if she got the chance.

Although there wasn't much certainty, she thought that since there were so many years in life, perhaps there may be a chance in the future.

Zhao Da's household also emptied out along with Miss Tao's little pavilion. They had left without any notice. The people in the East Yuling alley wondered if Zhao Da had run off after Miss Tao's older sister. After all, the two looked just about ready to become a couple.

Xiao Hua's group of people had stirred up a wave in the East Yuling alley upon their arrival, and then left once again. The daily life in the East Yuling alley continued to pass day by day.

Author's words:

It feels like the palace isn't as nice as the East Yuling alley. Perhaps it's because of the mentality of the townsfolk. This author feels that kind of life is truly called beautiful. Of course, that kind of life is definitely also boring. Got too immersed, everyone can treat it as my ramblings.

146

The capital was currently in chaos.

The Jin Prince had raised a rebel army and tried to seize the throne. The crown prince was killed during the confusion caused by the rebellion, and countless died within the palace. The Jin Prince failed and was surrounded in the end, but was shot and killed by an arrow. This was the version of events that outsiders knew about. But many of them had doubts over the truth of the matter.

How could the crown prince have gotten killed by the Jin Prince when he was under heavy guard? As for the Jin Prince, who had dared to loose an arrow without receiving orders, and even ended up killing him with that one arrow?

Things were overly fishy, but those who felt it was suspicious didn't dare bring it up. Those who would dare bring it up didn't feel anything was wrong. After all, things were too chaotic at the time. Therefore, even if some felt things weren't quite right, it was only speculation without proof.

All in all, the Jin Prince's behavior was a disgrace. He took advantage of Emperor Xi's unconsciousness and along with his brother the Qi Prince, gathered an army around the capital. Along with a secret alliance within the palace, he tried to seize the throne. The crown prince was also killed during this event. The root cause of this was blamed on the Jin Prince's ambition. If he didn't have this ambition, none of this would have happened.

Something worth rejoicing over was that Emperor Xi finally woke up during this revolt. Despite his weakened body, he tidied up the aftermath. This was finding fortune in the midst of misfortune.

At the very least, their nation wouldn't be jeopardized for the moment.

Emperor Xi lost two of his sons in one go, and even though his personality had changed drastically, he still wasn't able to bear it. He had clearly planned everything out, but didn't expect that the Jin Prince was pretending to do one thing on the surface while secretly doing something else. His movements with the Qi Prince were just a distraction. His real objective had been to seize the palace in one go.

Things had happened too suddenly, and before Emperor Xi could react both his sons had lost their lives.

The crown prince's death was supposedly at the hands of someone sent by the Jin Prince during the chaos. As for the Jin Prince? Emperor Xi had ordered his men to surround him, and his orders were to capture and not kill. But someone took advantage of the chaos to shoot an arrow and the Jin Prince died on the spot.

When Emperor Xi received the news, he had spat a mouthful of blood and fainted. When he next awoke, he received news that the crown prince had previously sent troops to block the Qi Prince, and during the chaos of battle the Qi prince lost an arm.

He was even more furious at Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu. These two women had gone completely insane. One had lost her only son and the other lost one son while her other one was crippled. Empress Xiao threw her dignity out the window and went directly to Senior Concubine Xu's Chunluan palace. The two of them came to blows without exchanging a single word. The majestic empress and senior concubine actually fought like a couple of commoner shrews: hair pulling, face scratching, and kicking each other's stomachs. Nothing was off limits. Only after the utmost efforts of both their personal palace maids where they separated.

Emperor Xi no longer had the time to care about these things. In his anger, his illness flared up once again. He managed to endure until the mess was somewhat cleaned up before immediately falling ill.

The court affairs were left to the two ministers to manage. Empress Xiao was still in charge of the rear palace, but Emperor Xi had already proclaimed that the Jin Prince's rebellion was unrelated to Senior Concubine Xu. She was still the senior concubine.

As for the officials who assisted in his rebellion, their possessions were seized and their entire families were imprisoned, awaiting Emperor Xi's sentencing. The Chengen Marquis didn't suffer this fate due to his relationship with Senior Concubine Xu, and was merely confined within his estate. As for the lesser families who participated, they became the mortals who suffered while the gods battled. Some forfeited their properties, some forfeited their lives.

This proved the accuracy of the saying that it wasn't easy for those without backing to earn a first class merit. A single mistake would end up harming their entire families.

The real culprits hadn't been dealt with yet, but the little fish and shrimp were already taken care of. It wasn't that the culprits couldn't be dealt with, but rather that Emperor Xi hadn't said anything yet. Even the two ministers could only do their jobs on the surface, stabilizing everything before deciding anything else.

The most important thing now was the successor to the throne since Emperor Xi looked like he wasn't going to last much longer.

He was currently extremely ill as though this event had completely used up his remaining energy. He wasn't even able to get up anymore, and if he spoke too much he would grow tired and groggy.

There weren't a lot of candidates left to choose from. Emperor Xi only had five sons who were of age. The crown prince and the Jin Prince were dead, the Qi Prince had participated in the rebellion and was also crippled. Only the Yun Prince and the Jing Prince were left.

But the Yun Prince was a coward and was also afraid of women. His reputation in the capital had never been good. As for the Jing Prince, he had been mute since he was young. The crown prince did have three sons, but unfortunately none were from his first wife, and were all from concubines.

Could it be the Grand Xi Dynasty's future emperor had to be chosen from the crown prince's underage little boys?

Empress Xiao was extremely favorable towards this idea. Her son had died, but she had no objections to having one of her grandsons ascend the throne. But there were too many officials who were against this in court. Even Minister Xu did not approve of this, let alone Senior Concubine Xu who hated her to the bones.

Everyone in the palace said that Senior Concubine Xu was truly favored. Despite her son committing such a taboo, Emperor Xi hadn't done anything to her, and hadn't even stripped her of her status. He even allowed her to come and go into the Violet Imperial Hall. Even Empress Xiao couldn't currently enter the hall for no reason.

On this day, Senior Concubine Xu came to the Violet Imperial Hall once again.

The moment she entered, she sprawled on the bedside and started crying.

She cried and wailed about many things. She lamented over the good times she and Emperor Xi had shared, over how cute their two sons were as children, over how the Jin Prince was a victim and that it was the crown prince who had wickedly taken advantage of his majesty's illness to suppress his brothers. Otherwise, the Jin Prince wouldn't have done such a disgraceful thing….

She then brought up the Qi Prince, and how he had been impetuous and got into trouble since he was young, but was still favored by his majesty. How the Qi Prince had always blindly followed the Jin Prince and how this time her younger son had been implicated by her older son. He had also been punished sufficiently since his arm was now crippled….

Having laid out so many things, Senior Concubine Xu finally approached the main topic. She hoped Emperor Xi wouldn't choose one of the crown prince's sons as the successor. She said that Empress Xiao currently hated her and the Jin Prince, and blamed them for the crown prince's death. But the dead were already dead, and the Jin Prince had paid with his own life as well. Now she only had this one son left, and couldn't allow him to fall into Empress Xiao's hands.

She then said once Emperor Xi was gone, she wasn't planning to live any longer and would accompany him in death. But she couldn't bear leaving her son the Qi Prince without his brother and without his parents….

Emperor Xi was stunned at her words. He had been feeling quite the headache at her words before, but at this moment he was rather moved. He also knew how quickly Empress Xiao had pulled herself together after this event. Her son had just died and her thoughts already wandered to having her grandson ascend the throne.

In comparison, Senior Concubine Xu's face was covered in tears every day, and she was inconsolably heartbroken. She even said she would accompany him in death….

Having been married to Empress Xiao for several decades, Emperor Xi still understood her a little better. Even if he passed away, she would still be perfectly fine as the previous empress, or perhaps even the empress dowager. As for Senior Concubine Xu, she only had him. She had two sons before, but was now only left with one crippled one.

Who was in the right and who was in the wrong in this event, Emperor Xi no longer had the energy to distinguish. He could clearly feel his energy was insufficient, and would have a splitting headache whenever he thought about it.

He patted Senior Concubine Xu's hand, tiredly closed his eyes and waved his hand for her to take her leave.

Everyone in the capital was focused on who would be the successor.

The Jing Duke's Xiao clan was the busiest.

The crown prince's death naturally made them completely heartbroken, but they would also be happy to see his heir ascend the throne. If their Xiao clan could have an empress dowager, they would still be the emperor's clan. Their Jing Duke's estate would still be the biggest winner.

The Xiao clan secretly instigated court officials to frequently send petitions. Of course, some were in favor and some were opposed. A group of officials headed by Minister Xu were among those who did not approve of this.

This was because the crown prince's sons were all too young. A child emperor would be easily influenced by his relatives, and there would also be the Xiao clan's empress dowager behind him. At that point, perhaps the dynasty's surname would end up being changed.

These days the court was filled with debate and arguments about this issue.

Emperor Xi was seriously ill, and the two ministers took charge of the court. But these two ministers were arguing amongst themselves as well, so the court was inevitably a mess.

At this moment, a low-ranked imperial censor from the capital's investigation bureau spoke up.

This imperial censor was called Guan Zheng, and was a relatively unknown person in the investigation bureau. But what he proposed this time shook the entire court. Guan Zheng's proposal mentioned two things. One was that the fifth prince Luo Jing's muteness had been cured long ago, and he was merely taciturn. Not many people knew about this. The second was that under his management, the Jing Province had long since transformed from a barren province to one where the commoners lived happily and peacefully. They all praised him as a great vassal prince.

Of course, there were those who asked how he knew about the situation so clearly. After investigating Guan Zheng's background, they realized that this Guan Zheng used to be the left adjutant of the Jing Province, and had only finished his posting less than two years ago.

What was previously only one choice now became two. Those who opposed a young successor all shifted their gaze upon the previously obscure location: the Jing Province.

Once they obtained more information, the voices calling for the Jing Prince started growing louder.

Empress Xiao and the Jing Duke's side started panicking once again.

But the situation didn't remain this way for long. Emperor Xi soon gave the order to summon the Jing Prince back to the capital.

The meaning of this was self-evident.

Although the Jing Prince left with Xiao Hua and the children, he didn't take them back to the Jing Prince Estate, but rather sent them to the capital.

The Jing Prince naturally explained the reason to Xiao Hua. Although she didn't really understand, she understood that this was something important to his highness and followed along with his arrangements.

The recently reunited family of four were once again separated.

Xiao Hua and the two children were secretly sent to the capital first while the Jing Prince returned to the estate.

The Jing Prince told Xiao Hua that she would go with the children first, and he would follow once he received the imperial edict. In reality, things weren't quite so simple.

The crown prince's death was irreversible, but compared to having a concubine's son succeed the throne, Empress Xiao and The Jing Duke's side would naturally prefer someone with the Xiao clan's blood. How could they give in so easily to this upstart who appeared out of nowhere?!

Therefore, in the days before and after the imperial edict arrived, things naturally wouldn't be peaceful.

As expected, not long after the Jing Prince returned to the estate, they played host to several waves of assassins. Some of them were caught before they managed to sneak in, some of them were caught after they snuck into the wrong place. The most serious time was when the assassin managed to sneak into the western pavilion. The Jing Prince ended up being fine, but Qian Xi who was in the eastern wing's corner house got caught up in the calamity and was killed.

In the tenth month of the thirty-fifth year of the Xi Calendar, the emperor summoned the fifth prince Luo Jing back to the capital. The next chapter of the Grand Xi Nation began.

Authors notes:

If the events in the capital were to be written about in detail, it would definitely take a lot of chapters. Therefore I'm just giving an overall summary. By extrapolating from previous events, everyone should understand what had happened. Of course, everyone can also think that this author used a trump card, and summoned a meteor from the heavens to smash the crown prince and the Jin Prince to death. Just kidding. Don't think the Emperor Xi changed his mind to the Jing Prince just because the senior concubine cried a couple of times. Although an emperor may be muddleheaded a lot of times, he definitely wouldn't be muddleheaded on this subject. A child emperor and an empress dowager surnamed Xiao, along with the Jing Duke Estate at the peak of their power. Unless Emperor Xi feels like the dynasty needed a name change, he wouldn't consider the child emperor.

147

Xiao hua sometimes felt a little unwell during their journey. They made several stops, and in the end it took them over a month before they reached the capital.

Their residence was already prepared within the outskirts of the city. It was a three compound pavilion along with a little courtyard. The long journey was hard on them, especially with the two children. Although the people had done their best to make the journey comfortable, they inevitably felt a little weary when they arrived.

Especially Xiao Hua, who seemed a little carsick. She had thrown up several times on the road. They found a doctor to examine her but he also couldn't give an explanation. Once they arrived, they rested for a day and after seeing things still not improving, they invited another doctor over.

The doctor felt her pulse and said he suspected she was pregnant. It was too soon to tell and they needed to wait a few more days before he could confirm it.

Actually there wasn't any need for further examination. Xiao Hua was already pretty clear about her body. During the trip, Xiao Hua already had some doubts when her period was late. Asking for a doctor was merely to confirm her suspicions. Based on the timing, she should have gotten pregnant during the time at the East Yuling alley.

What happened next was naturally to rest and nourish the fetus. The news was also sent to the Jing Prince's side. He was extremely overjoyed.

Before long, Nana He and Matron Xu were sent over along with Ding Lan. The palace maids who had taken care of Yi Yi and Zhuo'er also came along.

Having not seen them for a long time, Xiao Hua was naturally pleasantly surprised and full of tears. For some reason, her pregnancy this time didn't cause any other side effects apart from crying easily.

She became very emotional, and would start tearing up at the slightest thing. This scared the two children into not daring to misbehave in front of mom anymore. Zhuo'er brought his sister along every day and stayed by his mom's side. Even if they went out to play, they would also look worriedly at Xiao Hua, seemingly afraid she would start crying again.

This made Xiao Hua not know whether to laugh or cry. She told the two children that mom was fine, it's just that they're going to have a younger brother or sister soon.

Yi Yi asked where this younger brother was and Xiao Hua pointed at her stomach. The two children were stunned and confused.

In the meantime, the Jing Prince also entered the capital.

The first thing he did was naturally to pay respects to the father he hadn't seen in a long time—Emperor Xi.

In his memories, Emperor Xi was a very robust and healthy man. Although he wasn't young, he still often practiced horseback archery and martial arts. His body had been trained until it was full of vigor. Even though he was over fifty he still looked middle aged. Unexpectedly, having not seen him in a while, this sturdy person had changed into a feeble old man. Not only was he extremely thin, his hair had also turned white.

The Jing Prince hadn't seen Emperor Xi much, perhaps a little over ten times. His memories of his youth were a little blurred, but he never forgot Emperor Xi's look of disgust when he found out his muteness couldn't be cured.

What a disgrace!

He and his insane mother were both a disgrace in Emperor Xi's eyes.

Now he had no choice but to lay weakly in bed and look upon this person that he once thought a disgrace.

"You've done very well." Emperor Xi said: "You've managed the Jing Province very well."

This sort of praise at this time seemed inexplicably preposterous.

But it no longer mattered. He had long outgrown the years when he needed someone's praise, and he was no longer like the past where he hoped for this person he called father to praise him instead of loathe him.

"We will proclaim you as the crown prince. You must properly learn how to govern from the two ministers."

"Father's edict shall be strictly carried out."

Emperor Xi waved his hand for the Jing Prince to leave. As he lay back in bed, he felt a little at a loss.

He was very unfamiliar with this grown son of his. However, he knew that this was the most correct decision he had ever made.

The nation surnamed Luo could only be surnamed Luo, and cannot be changed to Xiao. Even if there was more support in court for the crown prince's heir, Emperor Xi wouldn't permit such a thing to happen. He had already prepared to choose one of his remaining sons. Since the Jing Prince's muteness was cured and he was also quite capable, it was finding great fortune within misfortune.

The current emperor's body couldn't support his thoughts for too long, and he soon grew tired. Zheng Hai Quan carried a bowl of medicine over and after drinking Emperor Xi soon fell asleep.

In the side hall, Imperial Physician Zhou still remained without leaving the Violet Imperial Hall. From the time Emperor Xi fell unconscious to the time he truly fell ill, he had done his utmost to treat him. That always rigid and severe face of his finally showed some reaction when he heard that the Jing Prince had entered the capital. He knew that he was finally free.

Whether the Jing Prince would spare his life, Imperial Physician Zhou didn't have any assurances. After all, he knew way too much. However, he no longer cared about his safety at this moment. It was naturally best if he could survive, but if not, it was fine as long as his family was safe. Having stayed in the Violet Imperial Hall for so long, Imperial Physician Zhou felt that being able to leave was reason to celebrate, even if he had to die.

In this world, dying wasn't that frightening. What was frightening was not being allowed to die despite wanting to.

The edict conferring the Jing Prince Luo Jing as the crown prince was soon passed down. The entire court fell silent.

If things went as planned, this Jing Prince would be the next emperor. Now that the edict was released, there was naturally nothing more to argue about. Even if Emperor Xi passed away, the Jing Prince would still be the next in line.

Because Emperor Xi was seriously ill and needed to urgently finalize his successor's position, the crown prince conferral ceremony was rather rushed. When the Jing Prince was conferred the crown prince, the Jing Consort was also conferred as the crown prince's consort, and a date was set for them to move into the eastern palace.

For Empress Xiao and the Jing Duke, things were already set and they were powerless to change anything. It wasn't that they didn't try anything secretly, but it was all to no avail. Now they consoled themselves by saying that although the future emperor didn't have their blood, the Xiao clan would still have an empress.

Xiao-Shi's parents used to be obscure members of the side branch, but since Xiao-Shi had become the crown prince's consort, their popularity suddenly spiked.

Xiao-Shi's parents were also a little dizzy at this development, but this blessing wasn't quite so simple. They were clear in their hearts why they chose to marry their daughter to the Jing Prince back then. A daughter from a not favored branch family being married to a not favored prince. None would have expected that after all these years, the two of them would become the crown prince and the crown prince's consort, the future emperor and empress.

Xiao-Shi's mother had yet to meet her daughter after the Jing Prince returned to the capital. After the ceremony and once all the women moved into the eastern palace, Xiao-Shi's mother submitted a request asking to meet the crown prince's consort.

Ever since the Jing Prince was summoned to the capital, Xiao-Shi knew her good days had arrived.

As expected, the Jing Prince took her with him into the capital.

Xiao-Shi had laughed wildly in her heart several times. No matter how little you like me, the one who can stand at your side openly is only me, and not that bitch!

Everything happened according to her wishes. After the crown prince's ceremony, it was her crown prince consort's conferral ceremony. Once she moved into the eastern palace, she would become the mistress there.

The capital was different from the Jing Province. The crown prince couldn't control his consort like he did back at the Jing Prince Estate. Madam Xiao's request was soon passed to the crown prince's consort, and she naturally knew who it was.

The next day, Madam Xiao entered the palace. When she saw her daughter for the first time in a while, she suddenly started crying.

"Oh, my daughter. Why have you gotten so skinny?"

Xiao-Shi's firewood-like shriveled body was wearing the regalia of the crown prince's consort, but it didn't make her look imposing. Instead, it made her look as if she couldn't hold up. Her expression was haggard, her skin sallow. Her words were listless, making observers feel shocked.

"Cough, cough….ever since going to the Jing Province, my health hasn't been good and I would frequently fall ill. This trip to the capital also wore me out and my previous illnesses flared up again. Mom, your daughter is fine. I'll be better after recuperating, you don't have to worry."

Mada Xiao cried for a while before quietly asking: "The crown prince treats you well currently?"

Well? What does well mean?

The things she ate, wore and lived in were all of the highest quality. Even his highness's things couldn't be compared to hers. Apart from not being intimate with her, apart from confining her for two years due to her actions, apart from solely favoring that person, and apart from the "rules" of the estate being overly strict, everything was well.

But Xiao-Shi understood that this was all on the surface, and there was no heart. Perhaps he had merely ordered his subordinates to come make the arrangements. This sort of treatment was very superficial. Outsiders felt it was incomparably glorious, but only she could understand the bitterness inside.

"Highness treats your daughter quite well." Xiao-Shi could only say this.

Would her mom not understand her own daughter's personality?

Madam Xiao cried and said: "You even keep things from your mother. Do you think I can't tell well from bad? Is there something that isn't convenient to say? It's fine, don't you worry. With the empress and the Xiao clan here, we won't let our Xiao clan's daughter suffer."

Xiao-Shi's tears finally spilled out as she told her mom slowly about the situation with her and the Jing Prince.

Madam Xiao cursed her daughter for foolishly hurting her husband's heart while saying that this Jing Prince wasn't tolerant enough. Her daughter had clearly changed, so why couldn't he just forgive her?

Xiao-Shi told her mom a lot, including the foolish things she had done. Once she finished speaking, Madam Xiao also didn't know what to do anymore.

She didn't realize that there was still this sort of dispute between her daughter and the crown prince. Back then, before her daughter's marriage could be arranged with her cousin, the clan decided for her to become the fifth prince's consort. She also knew that her daughter hadn't been willing, but since this was something decided by the Jing Duke's estate, they could only comply. She had thought her daughter's mind would calm down after a few days, but never expected so many things to happen.

Madam Xiao saying the fifth prince wasn't tolerant enough was only her speaking out of anger. In reality, she was quite afraid in her heart. She understood that the past Jing Prince, the current crown prince, had already been extremely lenient. If what happened in the past was reported to his majesty, even if her daughter was part of the Xiao clan, her outcome wouldn't have been a good one.

Madam Xiao didn't know how to criticize her daughter anymore for making mistakes at every turn.

The crown prince didn't mistreat her daughter. When he was conferred the crown prince, her daughter became the crown prince's consort, and wasn't replaced by anyone. During her life in the Jing Province, the crown prince also hadn't mistreated her. The only time he had made a fuss was when her daughter obstructed the matter of offspring.

If this matter had occurred in the capital instead of the Jing Province, her daughter would have died a hundred times over.

"You are really muddleheaded!"

Xiao-Shi wiped her eyes and smiled bitterly, "Things already happened so it's no use talking about it. In the end, he still didn't allow that bitch to take my place for the sake of appearances."

Speaking to this point, Xiao-Shi laughed mockingly, "I should be grateful that the one he favors is a lowly brat. Her status isn't enough. If it was that Qiao-Shi instead, your daughter's crown prince's consort position would probably have been switched out already."

The crown prince didn't have many women. This time, Xiao-Shi was conferred the crown prince's consort, and the previous Senior Concubine Qiao was also the crown prince's virtuous wife. Yu Jiao and Yu Rong became the crown prince's virtuous beauties.1 There was another crown prince's virtuous wife who was temporarily not in the eastern palace. No one knew her whereabouts.

While the crown prince and his consort's conferral was based on the emperor's edict, the rest of his harem was conferred titles by the crown prince himself. Everyone in the eastern palace knew that there were two crown prince's virtuous wives, but they only knew of Virtuous Wife Qiao. The other, Virtuous Wife Tao, had never been seen.

"He's kept her pretty well hidden. I refuse to believe he can keep her hidden forever!"

Xiao-Shi only revealed a sinister expression on her otherwise dull face when Xiao Hua was mentioned. Madam Xiao had never seen her daughter like this and her heart trembled in fright.

"You mustn't do anything foolish. Everything is under watch within the capital."

"You daughter naturally knows this. How could I give that person something to use against me. If I make a mistake, wouldn't I be handing my position over to her? He probably longs for this to happen. I definitely won't do as he wishes."

Madam Xiao wiped her tears and said: "It's good that you can understand this. In the end, this isn't the right way to go about it. It's better to coax the crown prince over and give birth to an heir."

Heir?

Xiao-Shi no longer dared to think in that direction. She understood clearly how stubborn that person's attitude was. She definitely wouldn't go humiliate herself.

Thinking of this Virtuous Wife Tao, Xiao-Shi had some misgivings in her heart.

It's impossible for her not to have come along when everyone in the Jing Prince Estate had moved to the capital. Where on earth did she disappear to? Why hadn't she appeared yet?

Madam Xiao spoke a little longer with her daughter before leaving.

After Madam Xiao was sent out, Xiao-Shi pondered for a moment before having her palace maid call Virtuous Wife Qiao over.

Translated these titles literally. I guess the crown prince has a different hierarchy system for his harem.

148

Ever since the time she tried and failed to increase her presence using the lord uncle's family, Xiao-Shi and Qiao-Shi had resumed their indifference towards each other, as though the previous warmth they displayed was just a flash in the pan.

Since coming to the eastern palace, Xiao-Shi had wanted to show off her newfound status. Unfortunately, her request had been rejected by the crown prince. Xiao-Shi was clear on why she was rejected. Those who were involved in what happened during the last paying of respects to her were all clear why she was refused. Xiao-Shi didn't dare to make too big of a fuss in case her past deeds were brought to light again.

When Virtuous Wife Qiao arrived, she only sat there awkwardly without drinking tea. She didn't show it on her face but her eyes were vigilant.

Things were different now. In the past, she was just the prince's senior concubine who wasn't favored. Now she had become the crown prince's virtuous wife, and would soon become the emperor's imperial concubine. Based on her status, she was sure to be at least a fourth-ranked imperial concubine. This woman Xiao-Shi had always been insane and Virtuous Wife Qiao treasured herself. She would naturally not dare take any risks.

Xiao-Shi had planned on bringing up the matter naturally, but her brows furrowed upon seeing Qiao-Shi's restlessness. Only after a while did she say gently with a smile: "This crown prince's consort didn't ask little sis virtuous wife over for any important matter. Just wanted to ask little sis if she had any news about Virtuous Wife Tao. It's been quite some time, why haven't we seen her around?"

Virtuous Wife Qiao wasn't surprised at the crown prince consort's words. She was the only reason that could make the two of them interact with each other.

So what if she hated her to the bone?

That person had someone protecting her!

A madam who wasn't even in the rankings back at prince's estate now had now leapt to the same virtuous wife status as her once they got to the eastern palace. She was merely one rank lower than the crown prince consort. If it weren't for her lowly background, perhaps even the current consort would have to make way for her.

What was most annoying was that after getting conferred the title and a pavilion within the eastern palace, she had never appeared. Her pavilion was closest to where the crown prince lived within the eastern palace. All sorts of decorations had been arranged and the palace maids were all prepared, but she never moved in. She was clearly somewhere nearby since the crown prince would often be gone. She must have been arranged some distance away instead.

But it was impossible not to give up. Virtuous Wife Qiao had never wanted to give up, but all her charms were cast upon a blind man. After a while, her hopes had also faded.

Seeing the crown prince consort's obvious meaning, Virtuous Wife Qiao chose not to go along with it.

"This servant concubine is just a low-ranked virtuous wife. It's normal for me not to know anything about it. Perhaps crown prince consort should go ask the crown prince?"

The crown prince consort's expression was a little ugly. She knew Virtuous Wife Qiao was ridiculing her.

She put her teacup down and looked at her provocatively, saying faintly: "It's not possible for him to have left her behind. There is only one conclusion, and that is that he is keeping her hidden. Why would he keep her hidden? Virtuous Wife Qiao wouldn't have forgotten that she was solely favored for these two years, right? Even if she was a hen who wouldn't lay eggs, she should still have one by now."

Have what? It goes without saying.

Virtuous Wife Qiao's fine fingers curled tightly, and subconsciously broke off her painted nails.

Her heart had been clearly at peace, but any woman would be unwilling after hearing this.

Why her?!

Virtuous Wife Qiao had said these words to herself countless times in her empty room, but she never had an answer.

But Virtuous Wife Qiao wasn't a fool. This crown prince consort loved instigating others to be her cannon fodder. In the past it was Yu Jiao and Yu Rong. Now that the two couldn't be used anymore, it was her turn. She'd be a fool to go along with it. She didn't believe the consort wasn't worried either!

"Crown prince consort should discuss this matter with the crown prince. After all, he currently doesn't have any offspring, and this matter will be raised sooner or later. This servant concubine is just a low-ranked virtuous wife, and doesn't have the right to get involved."

At this moment, a eunuch walked in.

"Reporting to the consort, Virtuous Wife Tao's carriage has arrived in front of the eastern palace gates. His highness has personally gone to greet them."

"Oh! Speak of the devil." Virtuous Wife Qiao said in ridicule and gave the crown prince consort a side glance.

Hearing that the crown prince had personally gone to welcome her, the crown prince consort's expression immediately turned ugly. She used her handkerchief to cover her mouth as she coughed a couple of times, and gave the eunuch who was still standing there without leaving a glance, "Is there something else?"

"It wasn't just Virtuous Wife Tao who had come out of the carriage. There were also two young children. This servant heard them call his highness father….."

With a crisp crash, the teacup in the crown prince consort's hands fell to the floor and shattered.

Virtuous Wife Qiao's expression also froze.

Previously, the clan's estate had received the Jing Prince Estate's ancestral records from the Jing Province.

According to precedence, when a prince is sent out of the capital to his vassal state, the ancestral records would be updated if anyone needed to be added or subtracted. Now that the Jing Prince had been conferred the crown prince, the previous records were naturally scrapped and he was now listed within the emperor's jade slip records.

Along with the previous records received from the Jing Prince Estate, the existence of an eldest son by concubine and eldest daughter by concubine were also received for entry into the jade slip records.

In theory, whenever offspring were born within a prince's estate, they would be reported for registration after they were a month old, and when they were a year old they would be conferred status. The eldest son would be conferred as heir and any sons after that would be equally conferred as young prince. The daughters were all young princesses regardless of seniority.

Of course, there were times when the registration and conferral happened later. But this case where they were only reported when they were almost three years old was really rare.

Rare, but not without precedence. It wasn't easy to raise an infant to maturity, and there were indeed cases where the parents were more cautious. Since the crown prince had personally brought the people over, the people at the clan's estate didn't ask too much about it.

Therefore, only now did people know Crown Prince Luo Jing had an heir.

When they proposed to confer the Jing Prince Luo Jing as the crown prince, people had raised the question of the Jing Prince's heir. But since the situation was urgent, and since Emperor Xi and many officials had decided on the Jing Prince, they intentionally overlooked this situation to avoid causing more problems.

Thinking about it now, how could the Jing Prince not have any offspring? He was quite old after all. Although one son and one daughter was not a lot, it was better than having none.

At the same time, the crown prince's other virtuous wife Tao-Shi entered the people's eyes.

Having given birth to a son and a daughter for the crown prince, she was now three months pregnant once again. Everyone had heard how the crown prince Luo Jing was apathetic towards feminine charms. There was only one madam who could be said to be favored. Based on the current situation, it would appear that madam was this Virtuous Wife Tao.

This news only came out a short while ago, and didn't have time to fully circulate. Only when VIrtuous Wife Tao entered the eastern palace did everyone truly find out about it.

…

Having lived in the city outskirts for less than a month, they received a message from the Jing Prince for them to move into the palace.

The Jing Prince's status had changed too fast. Despite having been mentally prepared, Xiao Hua was still a little flabbergasted. Eunuch Chang had always been meticulous in carrying out his orders, and he explained the various affairs of the palace to Xiao Hua. This included how her status was no longer that of a madam, but the crown prince's virtuous wife instead.

Virtuous wife was a genuine crown prince's concubine. This status was only one level lower than his consort, and would be entered into the jade slip records.

Compared to her status as a madam who couldn't even be listed, Xiao Hua had advanced by leaps and bounds, becoming a recognized member of the imperial harem. Furthermore, her two children also had official identities now. Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were now listed in the jade slip records as the emperor's grandson and granddaughter.

The two children hadn't been formally conferred their titles yet, but this was because everyone knew the crown prince wouldn't be the crown prince for long. Before long, the two of them would be a prince and princess instead.

All the palace maids within the house knelt to Xiao Hua and offered their congratulations.

Ding Xiang and Chun Cao cried tears of joy, and were even more excited than Xiao Hua herself. It wasn't that Xiao Hua wasn't excited. She was merely dazed.

The carriages were waiting outside the door bright and early the next day.

Xiao Hua took the two children and Ding Xiang and entered the first carriage. The few cars behind them brought along Ding Lan, Nana He and the others, as well as their luggage.

Once they arrived in front of the palace gates, Nana He and the rest got off along with the luggage and Eunuch Chang led them away. Xiao Hua and the two children got into a smaller carriage and continued onwards. Ding Xiang couldn't sit with them, and could only walk along beside them temporarily.

After another while, the carriage stopped.

Ding Xiang came and lifted the curtains. A low-ranked eunuch ran over and placed the carriage steps in position.

Under Ding Xiang's support, Xiao Hua got off the carriage and saw the towering, majestic eastern palace gates in front of her.

A large group of people stood in front of the gates, including him.

Luo Jing wore a set of crown prince's robes. He stood tall and straight, and looked extremely imposing. In that moment, Xiao Hua was a little afraid to recognize him.

Zhuo'er and Yi Yi were carried down after her. The two children weren't afraid of strangers, and having recognized their father they ran over.

"Father…."

Yi Yi was still the liveliest, running over and hugging onto the crown prince's leg. She pulled at him with her little hand, indicating for her father to hurry and hold her.

Zhuo'er followed closely behind, saying "sister must observe etiquette" while his little hand also pulled at the Jing Prince's robes. It was clear that Zhuo'er was saying one thing while thinking another. He was so young, yet already seemed to resemble his repressed father.

Those who served the crown prince were all open-mouthed in astonishment. Only Eunuch Fu didn't feel surprised.

The crown prince rubbed their little heads and saw that she was standing a few steps away. He didn't wait for her to walk forward, and instead went over to greet her.

Yi Yi looked at Eunuch Fu on the side, and pondered with a furrowed brow for a while. She looked uncertainly at her brother. Zhuo'er glanced at Eunuch Fu a couple of times and told his sister: "He is Fu Fu."

The words "Fu Fu" made Eunuch Fu's miserable face immediately bloom in a smile. He let out an "ai" as he half knelt and said to the two: "Greetings to the little young master and mistress."

When Zhuo'er and Yi Yi first learned to speak, their first word was mom, second was father and third was Fu. Because Eunuch Fu would always play with them, they had quite a deep impression of this "Fu Fu".

Yi Yi furrowed her brows and stroked Eunuch Fu's old face. She said very maturely: "Fu Fu where did you go? Yi Yi almost forgot you."

Eunuch Fu immediately felt his nose sour. He blinked away his tears and said with a smile: "This old servant had work to do. Didn't I immediately come over to fetch the young master and mistress the moment I was free?"

"Then you must remember to come play with Yi Yi and brother more in the future."

"Aye, aye….."

It was clear how much this usually unemotional crown prince favored this Virtuous Wife Tao. He had put aside the countless of things he had to do just to welcome her into the eastern palace. Just the eastern palace's general manager's attitude towards the little emperor's grandson and granddaughter meant the others didn't dare underestimate this unfamiliar Virtuous Wife Tao.

The crown prince consort really didn't want to lower herself and come to the palace doors, but hearing that there were "two children calling out father", the shock was too much to bear and she hurried over with a rigid face. The first thing she saw was the two fair skinned children.

Without mentioning the daughter for now, just that boy with his eyes and face looked exactly like a miniature version of his highness.

The crown prince consort's hand gripped her handkerchief tightly under her sleeves. She wanted to reveal an appropriate smile but unfortunately wasn't able to succeed. Her mouth revealed a weird twitch instead.

"The welcoming party for Virtuous Wife Tao is truly grand. Highness even dropped everything and hurried over. And these two little children are—-"

Within the span of a few words, the crown prince's brows furrowed as he looked at his consort. Xiao Hua's pleasant surprise in her heart, which hadn't faded yet, turned into astonishment. Of course she also felt a little unnatural. After all, due to Xiao Hua and Luo Jing's current relationship, she would still feel a hint of enmity when faced with his principal wife.

Eunuch Fu was standing closest to the crown prince consort. Seeing that her expression didn't look good, he stepped forward and stood in front of the two children. He first gave his greetings and then said: "This is mistress Tao's two little children, his highness's oldest son and daughter."

The crown prince nodded his head, confirming Eunuch Fu's words.

This was the first time Luo Jing brought his children out in front of others and acknowledged their existence. In theory, this was worth remembering. When Xiao Hua saw the crown prince nod, she felt inexplicably moved. But there was still the crown prince consort present—-

"Heh heh…."

The crown prince consort laughed a couple of times. She glanced at Xiao Hua, and then at Zhuo'er and Yi Yi. Her rigid expression became benevolent and she beckoned with her hand.

"These two children are really cute. Come over to mother. What are your names?"

Author's notes:

The words Fu Fu, when paired with Eunuch Fu's old face, is inexplicably amusing.

Cough cough, this is just this author's little mischief. Everyone can just ignore it.

Parte inferior do formulário

149

The consort's gracious words ruthlessly stabbed into Xiao Hua's heart.

All sorts of retorts worked their way up her throat, but she ended up swallowing everything back down. She thought she could act naturally, but misjudged her body's reactions.

Ever since she got pregnant again, she was easily emotional. Her body reacted faster than her mind, and a tear rolled down her face. Luckily everyone was focused on the consort. She lowered her head and wiped her face with a handkerchief. She thought her actions were surreptitious but didn't realize the man beside her had seen everything.

Luo Jing patted her hand, and right as he was about to speak, Yi Yi's immature voice sounded out.

"Big bro, what does she mean? What does "mother" mean?"

"Mother means the same thing as mom. Ignore her, she's lying."

"Is she trying to trick little children and sell them off?"

"That's right, so don't speak with her."

Xiao Hua had told the two children not to talk to strangers back at the East Yuling alley since there were people who would kidnap children and sell them off. Zhuo'er and Yi Yi kept this clearly in their minds. Especially Zhuo'er, who often instructed his sister in things.

When Yi Yi heard a kidnapper was trying to sell off children, she immediately pulled her brother along as she sprinted back towards Luo Jing. While she ran, she called out: "Fu Fu, hurry and beat that kidnapper up…..father, there's a kidnapper trying to lure baby Yi Yi away to be sold off…."

The trace of discomfort in Xiao Hua's heart vanished as she was cheered up by Yi Yi's baby talk.

She crouched down and only said: "Yi Yi, don't be so insensible. There are so many people around, no one will kidnap and sell you off….."

The consort had wanted to embarrass this Virtuous Wife Tao, but ended up being mocked as a kidnapper by these two children who weren't even three years old. Suddenly, her benevolent expression could no longer be maintained, her mask slipping bit by bit.

"Highness—-"

"The crown prince consort's health isn't good. Hurry and bring her back to rest." Luo Jing said coldly.

Her shrill cry was abruptly cut off like a hen whose neck was grabbed, "You, you…cough cough, cough cough…."

Eunuch Fu's face was cold and his brows slanted, "Are you all blind? The crown prince consort's health isn't good, why don't you try and persuade her a little? Letting her run out in this cold weather, what if she catches a cold?"

The crown prince consort's personal palace maids were all sent over from the imperial internal affairs department, and were managed by Eunuch Fu. Seeing the crown prince's displeasure and Eunuch Fu's anger, they hurriedly supported the consort back inside. She still wanted to struggle and say something, but was helpless against the circumstances. This wasn't supporting, they were clearly dragging her. Her body was feeble and she was also coughing continuously, and could only be carried away.

The crowd at the gates suddenly thinned by quite a bit. Virtuous Wife Qiao who had come along with the consort had also vanished without a trace.

"Let's go inside. This humble one has already picked out the place. It's right next to this humble one's pavilion."

Xiao Hua nodded her head, and pulled her two children along as she followed Luo Jing into the eastern palace.

…

Xiao Hua's pavilion truly was very close to the crown prince. Luo Jing's study was in the center of the eastern palace and Xiao Hua's pavilion was slightly to the side of it. From the study's rear corner door, Xiao Hua's pavilion was pretty much a single door away.

It was a single compound pavilion. Although it was small, it was very complete. Actually it wasn't that small. A single compound in the palace naturally couldn't be compared to the outside, and was several times larger. Especially since the eastern palace had traditionally been the crown prince's residence, so it naturally was constructed with extraordinary magnificence.

"We moved quite hurriedly so things are a little crude. If there's anything inconvenient, just let Auntie Qi know."

Xiao Hua pulled Luo Jing's hand and smiled as she looked around, "How can there be any inconvenience. This place is so nice."

"Is the baby bothering you?"

"Not too badly. There was some nausea before and lack of appetite. Matron Xu said this is normal."

"En. Everything from the western pavilion has been moved over. Don't hesitate to ask if there's something you want to eat."

Luo Jing sat with Xiao Hua for a while before leaving.

He had set aside some time in his busy schedule to be able to come over. The beginning was always the hardest. Governing a nation naturally couldn't be compared to governing a vassal state. Others could only provide some guidance. Many things he would have to figure out on his own.

The various things in the pavilion had been prepared in advance. This included Xiao Hua's previous things, which had been sent over from the Jing Province. Ding Xiang's group spent some time organizing the things she and the two children brought over.

After a while, Xiao Xia Zi came over to pay his respects. He told her he would continue serving the virtuous wife in her pavilion, and told her that everything in this place had been arranged by Eunuch Fu according to his highness's instructions. She could live here at ease and not have to worry about anything.

Xiao Hua naturally understood what he meant. He was telling her that everything was kept under watch, and she wouldn't have to worry about demons and monsters playing dirty tricks. Having sat in a carriage the entire morning, Xiao Hua was tired. After lunch, she went and took a nap.

When she woke up in the afternoon, Ding Xiang told Xiao Hua what she knew while she brushed her hair.

There weren't that many people living in the eastern palace. His highness didn't have many people in his harem, and together they took up less than a third of the palace's space. His highness's study was in the center, and the consort's residence was directly behind. Virtuous Wife Qiao and the two virtuous beauties lived behind the consort's residence. In theory, Xiao Hua should also be living behind the consort's residence, but was arranged by the crown prince to live in the pavilion to his right.

This little pavilion wasn't as nice as the consort's place, but was the closest to the crown prince. Furthermore, it was well furnished, and even had its own kitchen. Nana He and Auntie Meng's group didn't have to move, and remained working in Xiao Hua's kitchen.

The eastern palace also had a dining area, but it was only responsible for the consort and the other few's meals. The crown prince and Xiao Hua ate in the small kitchen in her pavilion.

Everything seemed to be the same as before and Xiao Hua temporarily put her heart at ease.

Having been protected by the Jing Prince for several years, Xiao Hua always adopted an attitude of avoidance towards the Jing Consort Xiao-Shi. She also understood that things were no longer the same. In the Jing Prince Estate, his highness could restrain the consort a little. She could hide inside the western pavilion and not go out. Now that they've entered the palace, they were constantly under scrutiny. Now that the consort was no longer muzzled, there would probably be quite a few battles in the coming days.

Today at the eastern palace gates was one such example. The consort was clearly trying to embarrass her. If it were anything else, Xiao Hua would naturally choose to avoid it. After all, that person was the principal wife and she was the concubine. But as a mother, she wasn't able to let it slide. Xiao Hua couldn't pretend to be magnanimous in this case. She wasn't willing to pretend, and also didn't plan on doing so.

She now had two children with a third on the way. His highness was extremely busy and she couldn't rely on him for everything. She also couldn't let him protect her forever. She had to stand up for herself.

"Ding Xiang, I won't beat around the bush. You should be able to understand our current situation. Although his highness is protecting us, he's extremely busy. We need to be able to stand up for ourselves. You, Ding Lan and Chun Cao should talk things over. Also Chun Mei and the others can probably be used after all this time. Be alert, and if there are any inconveniences come and let me know. You can also tell Eunuch Fu."

"Imperial concubine, this servant understands."

"We won't provoke anything, but we're also not afraid of anything. You should be able to understand this difference."

Evening arrived in the blink of an eye.

The crown prince hadn't returned. The more she understood his current situation, the more Xiao Hua understood how many things depended on him.

Eunuch Chang came and delivered a message. He said the crown prince was in the Violet Imperial Hall, and the imperial concubine should go ahead and eat dinner. He might be quite late in returning tonight."

Xiao Hua asked a few questions about whether the crown prince had eaten, and if he had eaten enough. Eunuch Chang replied that he had eaten and that imperial concubine shouldn't worry. Everything had been properly arranged.

Xiao Hua felt relieved and had Eunuch Chang take his leave before instructing Ding Xiang to bring dinner over.

After eating, she accompanied the two children for a while before taking a bath and turning in.

In the middle of the night, she sensed someone get into bed.

"Highness…."

A slightly damp body slid into the blankets. Xiao Hua knew he had just taken a bath.

"Woke you up?"

"It's fine. This servant concubine had slept a lot during the day, and doesn't feel tired."

She shifted her position and curled up in his arms before letting out a sigh. "Highness's status changed too fast. It's a little hard to adapt right away."

"It'll change again after some time. You will have to get used to it eventually."

Xiao Hua understood his words. Before coming to the capital, she already knew that Emperor Xi didn't have long left to live. The previous crown prince and the Jin Prince had both died. Otherwise, this heaven's blessing wouldn't have fallen upon her man. He hadn't said it directly that day, but from his words Xiao Hua could tell that he had something to do with what happened to the crown prince and the Jin Prince.

Of course, Xiao Hua wasn't some saintess. Since one side had to die, she naturally preferred if him and her, and their children, could live happily ever after.

It's just that now his status had changed, and her and her children's statuses had changed as well. With a change in status came a change in environment and circumstances. Additionally, the amount of worries would also increase. It wasn't that Xiao Hua didn't understand why they couldn't always live peacefully together, but she was inevitably a little disappointed and frustrated.

"Don't worry. Our days will still be the same as before."

Xiao Hua rubbed her face in Luo Jing's chest, smiled and said quietly: "At first it's a little hard getting used to it, but it'll be fine after a few days. Highness should hurry and sleep. It's been a busy day."

Luo Jing responded softly and said: "Might not be able to keep you company these days. Before you moved to the eastern palace, I had been sleeping in the Violet Imperial Hall the whole time."

Xiao Hua was slightly stunned and said: "His majesty's health isn't good, so it's necessary to show some filial piety. Highness shouldn't worry about me and the children. We'll be fine."

The night passed silently.

The next day when Xiao Hua awoke, she realized Luo Jing was already gone. After asking Ding Xiang, she found out he had left before dawn.

After eating breakfast, she took a stroll around the courtyard. Auntie Qi brought over a forty year old auntie.

"Imperial concubine, this is Auntie Qian. This servant has invited her over to explain some of the palace's etiquette and relationships."

Xiao Hua nodded. Before this, she had given her instructions about it. Auntie Qi had moved unexpectedly quickly. There were too many differences between the palace and the estate. There were a lot more people and a lot more things she had to understand. It was better to make preparations early in case she became a laughing stock later and embarrassed his highness.

"Auntie Qian, I'll have to trouble you for this."

"Imperial concubine is being too polite. This servant doesn't have much talent, and only knows quite a lot after living in the palace for many years."

Auntie Qian came every day to discuss the palace's rules and etiquette with Xiao Hua. Afterwards, Xiao Hua realized that Auntie Qi and Auntie Qian were old friends during her time in the palace. Only after Auntie Qi moved with his highness did they fall out of touch.

Now that his highness had returned, he naturally brought along the competent people by his side.

Many old folk within the palace secretly discussed this "reversal of fortunes". They weren't just talking about the Jing Prince who was now the crown prince, but also about the servants by his side.

Back then, the servants by the fifth prince's side were all extremely well known by the servants in the palace. They were well known for being completely shameless, and also made the servants feel strange. How was a mute prince worth their efforts in protecting him?

Now the weirdness seemed to have an explanation. The Jing Prince overturned things and was no longer the mute who was hated by his majesty. He had become the grand crown prince, and who would become the emperor of the Grand Xi Nation.

Actually these people had truly misjudged Auntie Qi's group. Eunuch Chang, Eunuch Su and Auntie Qi were all ordinary people. Eunuch Fu was the bad apple of the bunch. But at that time, Eunuch Fu truly didn't have a choice. In a place like the imperial palace, they weren't just afraid of those above not favoring them, but also of the little demons below stepping over them.

What could the masters remember? They were all busy with official business or their own struggles. It was the subordinates who were truly hateful. For the sake of advancement, for the sake of gaining their master's trust, they would use all sorts of methods. If Eunuch Fu's methods weren't ruthless enough or if he wasn't shameless enough, he wouldn't have been able to protect his highness all those years ago.

The Yun Prince was such an example. He had suffered quite a bit when he was young. For the sake of not inviting anymore hatred, he had completely destroyed his own image. As for the Jing Prince, he relied on his muteness and his low profile, rarely leaving his palace gates, to be able to grow up without being starved or frozen.

Luckily, the day had finally come when his highness finally emerged. He was no longer the mute fifth prince of the past.

Eunuch Fu sneered coldly in his heart. Like he had said long ago: "Just wait and see". Didn't this Granddaddy Fu end up making a comeback with my master?

Translator's notes:

Minor spoilers ahead.

Author's notes:

This cutoff point is a little abrupt. Piecing together a few things in the next chapter.

Eunuch Fu isn't here to mess around. Moving into the palace isn't as simple as it seems. Xiao-Shi isn't the main enemy. It's Empress Xiao. After all, the palace had been running for so many years, and she had been the empress for so long. She naturally has quite a few subordinates. Even if Emperor Xi dies and the Jing Prince succeeds the throne, he has no foundation inside the palace. If his subordinates don't obey his orders or if they stir things up secretly, it would cause quite the headache. As the saying goes, the King of Hell is easy to meet, it's the little demons that are hard to shake off. Within the palace, there are only a few masters and mistresses, but there are countless little demons….

We'll let Empress Xiao flex her muscles a little first….

150

While the crown prince was busy with learning to govern and observing filial piety at the Violet Imperial Hall, Eunuch Fu did not remain by his side. It was Eunuch Chang instead who followed behind him. Eunuch Fu was busy overseeing the eastern palace.

As expected, very soon several of his "old acquaintances" came to the door.

Some of them he had a decent relationship with in the past, others were those he held a grudge against. There were more of the latter. But how harmful was it to bring up these past grudges? They were at most a few little secret spats. After so many years, they could just laugh it away.

Those who were around Eunuch Fu's age and could muddle along in the palace all this time were all sharp old freaks. Knowing they were at a disadvantage, they knew that they had to lower their heads if they wanted to live out their years in the palace in peace. Eunuch Fu came to a tacit understanding with them. He remained vague with those who came to reminisce about old times, and accepted those who ingratiated themselves.

After a couple of rounds, he had won over quite a few people.

These people shouldn't be underestimated. In this large palace, there were at most a hundred some masters, but there were hundreds of times more servants. These old freaks naturally had many young freaks under them, and the young freaks also had several apprentices of their own. The palace had always been this way. The eunuchs would have master and apprentice relationships, grandfathers taking on grandsons. The palace maids also had aunties and nanas above them.

Such a large group of people naturally belonged to different factions. Naturally, some were under Empress Xiao and Senior Concubine Xu. They had been in the palace for so many years. As the highest person in the palace, his majesty also had quite a few people under him. Of course, there were some who didn't belong to any faction, or those who wanted to switch allegiances. Wasn't the crown prince currently the best master to serve?

Although it was easy to add flowers on a brocade and hard to send charcoal in the winter, everyone needed some wood for their stove in ancient times. Those with sharp eyesight all flocked over, deeply afraid of falling behind.

Auntie Qi was in a similar situation to Eunuch Fu.

As the crown prince's managing auntie, she may even become the esteemed official in charge of the interior department in the future. How could she be lacking in people trying to cozy up to her. Even Nana He had several old sisters from back in the day come reminisce with her.

The days passed smoothly. Not only was Luo Jing busy, his subordinates were working nonstop as well. Everyone made their preparations for moving into the palace in the future. After all, being the master of this palace was not as easy as it seemed.

Ever since Luo Jing was conferred the crown prince, he had been running back and forth between the Hall of Origin and the Violet Imperial Hall. He read through notes and learned to govern from the two ministers, and stood vigil at the Violet Imperial Hall during his free time. Although he had technically moved into the eastern palace, Luo Jing actually spent more time in the Violet Imperial Hall.

Everyone said the crown prince was filial. Whether this was truly the case, only Luo Jing knew in his heart. He knew extremely clearly that he had to do this whether or not he was willing.

Perhaps due to knowing his time was short, the previously opinionated, independent and even impulsive Emperor Xi's attitude suddenly changed quite a bit. Perhaps it was also because he only had one suitable son remaining. During his brief periods of consciousness, he would often summon the crown prince and tell him about some of the matters of the court.

Compared to the ministers, Emperor Xi gave more specific examples. After all, he had been the emperor for many years, and understood the characters of his officials and their various factions like the back of his hand. Luo Jing would often feel enlightened when listening to him speak.

Unfortunately, Emperor Xi's body had long since been hollowed out. Having suffered repeated stimulation recently, the only reason he could hang on was due to the various medicines. As time continued to pass, his energy faded more and more, and the amount of time he was conscious grew less and less. Now, there were even times when he wouldn't wake for three days. According to the imperial hospital, he had perhaps a couple of days left.

The water outside turned to ice as the weather grew cold. The Violet Imperial Hall was filled with people.

Empress Xiao was there as well as Senior Concubine Xu. There were also a few of Emperor Xi's high ranked concubines, and a few princesses of various ages. The room was filled with women, but Luo Jing was the only man present.

After some acupuncture and medicine, Emperor Xi slowly awoke.

The women's weeping shook the heavens. Emperor Xi's mouth moved and Zheng Hai Quan leaned over.

"His majesty orders for everyone to leave. Only the crown prince shall remain."

Empress Xiao led the women out of the hall, leaving the crown prince behind.

Emperor Xi leaned against his pillow with the help of Zheng Hai Quan. His face contained an unnatural trace of color. Luo Jing new that he had just drank old ginseng soup, and this was essentially the final radiance of the setting sun.

"You've understood pretty much everything of what I needed to teach. The Grand Xi Nation will be left to you in the future."

"Father…."

"Of the two ministers, Xu can be used. Lin needs to be carefully used…."

"Your son understands."

Emperor Xi had already told Luo Jing this before. He understood the reasoning. Although Minister Xu was part of a faction, he could be said to be an independent official. Minster Lin was the opposite. Behind him stood a very complicated noble household. Nobility had to be used, but couldn't be overly depended upon. They needed to be raised but also restrained.

Luckily, despite his deficiencies, Emperor Xi was rather clear about court affairs. The noble households had been suppressed by him for many years, and only the Lin family had successfully raised Lin Jian to the forefront.

Emperor Xi didn't speak further. Zheng Hai Quan walked in and said softly: "The two ministers have arrived."

"Announcing—–"

The outside of the hall was filled with kneeling people. The sound of suppressed weeping filled the room.

Everyone felt extremely at a loss. After all, those who were kneeling were all related to Emperor Xi in some way. As the old emperor was replaced by the new generation, people like them would no longer be imperial concubines. Those with children were better off, but those without could only live out their days in the depths of the palace.

The calmest person amongst them was Empress Xiao. Out of all these people, she was the clear beneficiary. Once the new emperor ascended the throne, she would become the empress dowager. Since the new emperor didn't have his birth mother, she would be the only empress dowager within the rear palace.

The Grand Xi Dynasty emphasized filial piety, and her glorious future could only be imagined. Even if she and the new monarch didn't get along under the surface, as long as she was the empress dowager he had to show her respect. Especially since the future empress was her niece.

After around a quarter of an hour, the crown prince and the two ministers walked out. Their expressions were solemn.

Zheng Hai Quan called hoarsely: "Announcing the empress—–"

Empress Xiao stood up. Her eyes were half shut and her expression showed endless grief that she silently endured by herself. She wasn't a mess of tears like the others. She lowly took a few steps, stumbled a little and then finally couldn't control her sorrow and ran into the inner hall.

This scene was seen by Luo Jing and the two ministers. Luo Jing's face remained expressionless but the two ministers revealed a strange look in their eyes.

"Majesty….."

Empress Xiao sprawled onto the bed and couldn't speak through her sobs.

"Min'er, how long have you been married to Us?"

"Over, over forty years as of today."

Emperor Xi revealed an absentminded smile. His shriveled and pale lips moved, seemingly muttering something too quiet for Empress Xiao to clearly hear. He raised his hand and she reluctantly straightened up and sat on the couch.

"Min'er. Have you ever regretted marrying Us?"

Empress Xiao froze, "Never."

"We….have also never regretted marrying you. You, were Our crown prince consort, as well as Our first and only empress."

Empress Xiao's expression showed both sadness and joy as her tears flowed once again.

"Majesty…."

"Now that We are about to pass away, do you have any reluctance to part?"

"This servant concubine is naturally heartbroken….."

Emperor Xi revealed a smile filled with hidden meaning.

The hall was silent enough to hear a pin drop. Emperor Xi's gentle voice suddenly sounded out.

"…We will give you two choices. Either accompany Us in death, or live on without the status of empress dowager….."

Empress Xiao seemed to be immersed in her grief, and only until Emperor Xi finished speaking did she snap out of it.

"Majesty?"

Emperor Xi's haggard face was untouched by emotion as he looked at Empress Xiao's extremely astonished and slightly aggrieved expression. The heartlessness of a monarch was completely manifested at this moment.

Only now did Empress Xiao understand that even if this person was unable to move due to illness, as long as he wasn't dead, he was still the emperor of the Grand Xi nation, and would always be above her.

But, just why?

Why did he give her this sort of choice?

It was reasonable for her to become the future empress dowager, why….

Empress Xiao, whose wisdom and foresight weren't any worse than any man's, was a complete mess at the moment. She wasn't even able to figure out why Emperor Xi would do something like this.

Emperor Xi's feeble yet clear voice sounded out once again. His gaze contained a coldness Empress Xiao had never seen before.

"…what you and the crown prince did, We will let it slide. Now—-give Us your decision….."

These words finally broke through Empress Xiao's mental barriers. She didn't have the confidence to look at her husband. At this moment, all her grief and sorrow had completely vanished without a trace. What was left was absolute astonishment and fear.

"Majesty—–"

Emperor Xi wearily closed his eyes, as though he no longer had any energy left.

"…..We have already passed on this edict posthumously to the ministers. If you accompany Us in death, you will remain Our only empress. If not, the crown prince will give you a deceased emperor's concubine position and you can live out your days in peace….."

"Majesty, how could you treat this servant concubine this way? This servant concubine has been married to you for so many years, how could you be so cruel?"

Zheng Hai Quan walked over and helped the slightly hysterical empress to the side.

Emperor Xi lay on the royal bed. His lips moved, his voice extremely faint. Only by leaning in close could some of it be heard.

"…forgive Our selfishness….the Grand Xi cannot allow…..an empress dowager from the Xiao clan, along with an empress from the Xiao clan….."

….

An earsplitting wail sounded from the inner hall. The crowd of people hurriedly rushed inside.

They saw Emperor Xi lying on the royal bed, his face at peace. Zheng Hai Quan sobbed soundlessly on the side while Empress Xiao was sprawled out crying further away. It wasn't clear if she was crying over Emperor Xi or over herself.

Up until the end, she didn't choose the first option. Death was sometimes very easy, but sometimes it was very hard…..

….

In the eleventh month of the thirty-fifth year of the Xi Calendar, not far from its thirty-sixth year, the Grand Xi Dynasty's third monarch, Emperor Xi, passed away within the Violet Imperial Hall. Accompanying him in death was Senior Concubine Xu. Senior Concubine Xu was devoted and righteous, and couldn't bear to let Emperor Xi head to the afterlife by himself. She was willing to accompany him…..

After holding the late emperor's funeral and before the white shrouds were taken down, the crown prince's ascension ceremony was held.

Because it was the mourning period, the succeeding emperor ordered for it to be simplified.

After the ceremony, it was time to write the late emperor's epitaph and posthumous title. After continuous discussions with the Ministry of Rites, the new emperor proclaimed the epitaph title to be the "sincere virtuous pure filial scholarly mighty worshipful paragon emperor."

At the same time, the former senior concubine's posthumous conferral and Empress Xiao's conferral was written into law.

The former senior concubine loyally accompanied the emperor in death, and everyone was inspired by her devotion in life and death. However, for her to be posthumously awarded the title of empress and buried as the empress together with the former emperor was a little against convention. Especially since it was awkward with the still present previous empress. This was quite a thorny problem for the officials and nobility.

This was a posthumous edict of the former emperor, and so was not conferring Empress Xiao as empress dowager. In light of the former emperor's prestige, no one raised any objections despite this violating the norm.

After all, this didn't affect any of them. However, it wasn't so simple for those who were affected. Everyone in the Jing Duke's Estate was shocked and spent the entire night deliberating. They started making moves behind the scenes.

The next day a chancellor submitted a petition. Using "proper convention" as the topic, he blabbered on about this and that, falling just shy of calling the former emperor muddled in his old age, and said they shouldn't just let this slide.

This was Luo Jing's first challenge as the new monarch. When the former emperor left behind this posthumous edict that day, Luo Jing knew there would be objections. Things turned out as expected.

Luo Jing understood the former emperor's actions, and the meaning behind them. Ultimately, the former emperor was clearing the road for him, and also for the Grand Xi's future.

This chancellor's petition was like pouring water into boiling oil. The court started frothing over. Some chancellors had objections in their hearts to begin with. Now that someone took the lead, they would naturally not let this chance go by.

The court was in chaos, everyone arguing with their own reasoning. As the leaders of the officials, the two ministers actually shrunk back at this moment. They held their jade tablets and stood to the side without saying anything.

Luo Jing sat upright in his throne as he looked below, his face expressionless.

Luo Jing had seen this sort of scene before. Previously in his vassal state, there were often members of the left adjutant's office who would start arguing within the Hall of Ascension. Of course, the situation back then wasn't as fierce, and the scope wasn't as large. But the reasoning was still similar.

All sorts of debate broke out below, spit flying everywhere and people getting more and more emotional. But in reality, they were looking at their new monarch out of the corners of their eyes. This included the two silent ministers, who seemed to be probing him as well.

By probing out their new monarch's way of doing things and his character, it would be beneficial for their development in future court sessions. Those above would understand the thoughts of those below, so why could those below not occasionally try to analyze the characters of those above?

Therefore, Empress Xiao's conferral became the first exchange between the new monarch and his officials.

There was someone in court who understood the Jing Emperor's temperament, and naturally didn't participate. This person shrunk down and prepared to watch the show.

This person was Guan Zheng. It wasn't that he understood the Jing Emperor a lot. Instead, he knew that the Jing Emperor had more patience than anyone else. This was something he had learned with three years of his blood and tears.

As expected, by the time those below had started to run out of steam, the person above had yet to move. It was already lunch time and things hadn't been concluded yet. Some officials inevitably grew panicked.

Another half an hour passed and the Jing Emperor who had been silent this whole time finally spoke.

"Since you all haven't come to a consensus yet, let's continue our discussions next time."

Eunuch Fu called on the side: "Court is adjourned—-"

When this was called, the officials below couldn't help but let out a breath. They glanced at the Jing Emperor who hadn't shown any expression from start to finish. Everyone was at a loss.

Author's notes:

Using an empress dowager to suppress little Jing and Xiao Hua would make their days very difficult. Furthermore, this empress dowager is much more skilled than Xiao-Shi. Ancient people also valued filial piety….

Therefore, for the sake of little Jing and Xiao Hua's happiness, we will let old Xi be