Although she found it somewhat amusing, An Ke still answered her "childish" uncle's question seriously, "Of course, only you have it. I only made this little bit this morning. The Empress Dowager has already eaten. I haven't had time to go to the other palaces yet, so I sent it over to you first, Uncle."

"Hmm," the Emperor nodded with satisfaction, quite pleased with An Ke's answer. "These pastries, only you could make them. The Imperial Kitchen always tries to fool me with the ones they've been making all these years." The Emperor picked up a peach blossom pastry, savoring its lingering fragrance.

Little Swallow, watching from below, felt a sharp pain in her eyes at the scene. Before her confinement, she, like Princess Yong'an, would linger around her father, the Emperor. But just now, he had coldly rejected her.

Little Swallow clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. She said loudly, unwilling to accept the situation, "Father, can't you really bring Erkang along on this incognito trip? Didn't you value Erkang the most before?"

Yongqi had been observing his cousin and the Emperor's interactions, finding the Emperor's "childishness" quite unusual, when Xiaoyanzi's loud voice suddenly brought him back to reality. For some reason, Yongqi found Xiaoyanzi rather noisy at that moment.

The Emperor frowned in annoyance, looking at Xiao Yanzi with great displeasure. "When did it become your place to question my decisions?"

Seeing the disbelief on Xiao Yanzi's face, An Ke could only say, what favor can last in the palace? Perhaps the Emperor only felt a temporary novelty and favored her a little more. But the Emperor is still the Emperor; how can he allow his children to question his decisions? Isn't that tantamount to slapping him in the face? But clearly, Xiao Yanzi didn't understand this principle.

"But..." But what? Little Swallow didn't know how to say it. She looked for help at the Fifth Prince beside her and Ziwei behind her.

Yongqi was somewhat numb now. Deep down, he felt that his father's decision was correct. But seeing Xiaoyanzi's state, he wondered if he should try to persuade his father again.

Ziwei felt as if her heart was being soaked in vinegar, a bitter taste in her mouth. She had initially thought her father, the Emperor, was already very kind to Xiaoyanzi. When she first entered the palace, she had seen him confront the Empress in Kunning Palace because of Xiaoyanzi. But she hadn't expected him to treat Princess Yong'an even better. She could stand by his side, even freely discuss politics, and he remained incredibly patient. Thinking about it, not only was her heart filled with jealousy, but the scene before her eyes was almost piercing her, bringing tears to her eyes.

Seeing Ziwei's state, Xiaoyanzi knew that she could only rely on Yongqi for help. So, she turned to look at Yongqi, gazing at him expectantly.

Yongqi had no choice but to step forward. After all, they were all involved in the whole affair, and they couldn't just exclude Erkang like that. When something required collective action, having everyone together would make things easier.

Yongqi stepped forward and bowed to the Emperor. "Father, in my opinion, it would be better to bring Erkang along. That way, we'll have someone to assign when we travel incognito. Besides, Lord Fulun is also going with us this time. Erkang's confinement period is almost over, and as Father's bodyguard, he should go as well." After saying this, Yongqi felt a little guilty and dared not look the Emperor in the eye.

An Ke couldn't help but shake her head. Yongqi was far too naive. He was a prince raised in the palace; didn't he know the saying, "Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger"? When the emperor favored you, you were his most beloved son or daughter. When the emperor no longer cared, you were just another princess or prince in the palace.

The emperor raised his dangerous eyes and stared intently at his proud son. He seemed to be pondering a question, a question that could only be heard coming from his son's mouth.

"Oh? Yongqi, you also question my decision?" The Emperor asked without a trace of emotion, his face unusually gloomy. "What did he do that day? You were there too. Do you think my decree can be changed at will?"

"Your subject... Your subject didn't mean that." Yongqi probably didn't expect this outcome, and for a moment he didn't know how to explain it.

The Emperor snorted heavily, turning to his obedient niece. "An'an, what do you think I should do?"

"Did my royal uncle ask me?" An Ke pointed to himself.

"Otherwise, who else here is named An'an?" The Emperor laughed heartily.

“According to what my uncle said, he must be right. After all, how can an imperial edict be changed? But…” An Ke suddenly changed her tone. The emperor’s edict could not be changed, but her next move required the emperor’s permission for Er Kang to accompany her on the incognito trip. “But as my fifth brother said, an incognito trip definitely requires some manpower, but not too many. Those who know martial arts would naturally be good.”

The Emperor nodded with satisfaction, agreeing with his niece's words, which were quite true, unlike his own unruly son. He quietly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then gestured for An Ke to continue.

“Since Your Majesty is going on an incognito tour, he will definitely take Uncle Fu with him.” When has Your Majesty ever gone on an incognito tour without taking Uncle Fu with you? An Ke had a firm grasp on the Emperor’s mindset.

"Yes, go on." The Emperor nodded in approval.

“Since Fifth Brother just said that Lord Fu Lun will also be going on the expedition, then Fifth Brother and Ertai will definitely be there too. Looking at it this way, it’s indeed appropriate to bring Fu Erkang along as well. In any case, Fu Lun is a minister trusted by the Emperor. When Fu Erkang’s confinement is lifted, he can go with him. Consider it a test for him.” Without giving a reason, the Emperor might not easily agree to Fu Erkang going.

The Emperor remained silent, seemingly in agreement. A test? He, Fu Erkang, was not worthy of it. Rather, the Fu family needed to be tested, to see who he truly remained loyal to along the way. Was it the Emperor? Or Consort Ling? Or perhaps, what would he choose between Erkang and Long En? The Emperor's eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Since Your Majesty is going on an incognito tour, he will definitely need maids. Let’s treat Xiao Yanzi and Ziwei as maids,” An Ke said, seeing that the Emperor did not object. In the drama, Xiao Yanzi was a maid, so it’s not wrong for her to retain that status now.

"Hmm, let's disguise ourselves as merchants. I'll be the master, Yongqi the young master, and Ertai the young master's attendant. Fulun and Fuheng will be attendants, and Fu Erkang will be a servant. An'an will come along too, as a young lady." The Emperor reached out and patted An Ke's hand. Having his niece accompany him on the journey would make it a true travel experience. Not only could she discuss poetry, calligraphy, and painting with him, but she could also play chess with him and offer her advice.

Anke: So I'm just a treasure chest, huh?

“Then An’an will dare to ask her royal uncle for a favor,” An Ke said playfully from the side.

"Oh, you haven't even left yet, and you're already asking me for favors." The Emperor also took a liking to teasing An Ke. "Tell me, let me hear what favor you want. If it's reasonable, I'll grant it. If it's unreasonable, you'll have to make me a special dish to make up for it."

“Then Uncle’s plan will be thwarted,” An Ke muttered softly. “But could we add Qing’er? Qing’er learned to ride a horse with me the other day. Besides, it’s a bit awkward for me to accompany Uncle alone. With Qing’er along, it would be nice to have her keep Uncle company and chat with him.” An Ke said ingratiatingly, and even stepped forward to massage the Emperor’s back.

"This is a decision I cannot make lightly. It's fine with you; even if I didn't say anything, you would definitely go with me anyway, and the Empress Dowager would be at ease with you going. But Qing'er, if you don't plead for me, it will be difficult for me to make a decision easily." The Emperor meant for An Ke to plead with the Empress Dowager to allow Qing'er to go along. The Emperor didn't want to get involved in such a difficult situation.

“Alright,” Anke said helplessly, spreading her hands. “An’an will go back to Cining Palace to ask the Empress Dowager for a favor in a little while. Qing’er will definitely go with her.”

"Very well, very well," the Emperor said, helpless with his niece. What could he do? Spoil her. "If the Empress Dowager agrees, then Qing'er can go along. Just like you, she'll be a young lady. How about that?" The Emperor casually gave An Ke a meaningful look.

Your Majesty: Did I do a good job? Shouldn't you reward me?

Encore: OK~

"Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Emperor." An Ke bowed deeply to the Emperor. Then, with the Emperor's help, she stood up and gently rested her head on the Emperor's shoulder.

The Emperor patted An Ke's arm and laughed, "Then tell me, An An, who else do we need to bring?"

"Yes, we also need to bring Imperial Physician Hu. Since Uncle Emperor is going on an incognito tour, it would be good if someone fell ill during the trip, so someone could take care of them. Otherwise, we might end up desperately grabbing any doctor we can find." Whether it's the Emperor catching a cold in the drama or being stabbed later, an imperial physician will be needed. It's not that the doctors outside the palace are incompetent, but the Emperor's health simply cannot be compromised.

"Yes, we do need to bring an imperial physician," the Emperor said in a deep voice.

"Then why not bring Changshou?" Little Swallow muttered under her breath.

But who among those present wasn't a master of martial arts? Their hearing was naturally extraordinary. Not only did An Ke hear Xiao Yanzi's mutterings, but even the Emperor heard them.

The Emperor said irritably, "There's a reason for bringing Physician Hu along. Chang Shou has an eccentric personality and isn't suitable to be brought on the tour. Little Swallow, why do you have so many questions?"

This was the first time An Ke had ever seen the Emperor so angry and displeased. In An Ke's presence, the Emperor had always played the role of a kind yet dignified uncle. He had never lost his composure like this before.

"Yes, Little Swallow understands." Little Swallow, however unwilling, could only purse her lips and remain silent. She had achieved her purpose in coming here; the rest were no longer her concern.

If Ziwei hadn't brought this up at Shufangzhai, Xiaoyanzi probably would have almost forgotten that Erkang was currently under house arrest.

Little Swallow can't even remember the painter who still cared about her at Ruyi Pavilion.

"Uncle, are you going out to record some beautiful moments?" An Ke suddenly asked. Actually, An Ke also wanted to learn a few tricks. She was good at drawing flowers, plants, and trees, but not at drawing people. She was okay at sketching, but not at oil painting. Besides, Benjamin wasn't exactly a "stubborn" person. For example, when he knew in the drama that Xiao Yanzi and Yongqi were in love, even though he liked Xiao Yanzi, he didn't take advantage of the two years Yongqi was away.

From what I can see, he is still a gentleman.

"Yes, we also need to bring Benjamin along." The Emperor slapped his bald head. He had almost forgotten about the painter. "It's just that his identity can't be fabricated."

The Emperor scratched his bald head, racking his brains to think of a suitable identity for Benjamin.

"Why don't we just assume he's traveling with us?" It's not like foreigners don't visit China these days. It's just that people outside the palace don't see them often. Even so, those outside won't gather together and blindly follow the crowd.

"Hey, that's a great idea!" The Emperor's eyes lit up with delight.

The Emperor, feeling utterly annoyed by Yongqi, Xiaoyanzi, and Ziwei, rubbed his temples and ordered them all to be "invited" out. He then went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation with An'an to discuss the details of their incognito tour.

*

"Great! Erkang can go along too!" Xiao Yanzi clapped her hands, feeling that everyone was overjoyed.

"Luckily, An'an came to plead for him, otherwise Father Emperor wouldn't have given in so easily." Yongqi felt a lingering fear when he thought of the Emperor Emperor's cold gaze. But thankfully, he had his cousin.

Anke: Don't ask! I have my own plans, not for you guys.

Ziwei walked silently along the road. Originally, she had urged Xiaoyanzi to ask the Emperor to let Erkang go with them, but now that Erkang could go, she felt as if she had swallowed a fly. Whoever it was, why did it have to be Princess Yong'an again?

It was Xiao Yanzi who first noticed Ziwei's unusual behavior. "Ziwei, what's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything? Aren't you happy that Erkang can go?"

Ziwei also realized her predicament. She forced a smile. "No, I was just thinking how lucky Princess Yong'an was to save me. Princess Yong'an is truly a good person."

"Yes, luckily we've had time to spend with her along the way. When the time comes, we can bring her over to become a member of our Shufangzhai. That way, we'll be more confident when we reveal that big secret." Xiao Yanzi nodded obediently. Previously, Erkang had told her that with the help of Princess Yong'an and Princess Qing, Xiao Yanzi had also learned some "little tricks."