Chapter 4

After listening to Ye Xiaoyuan's implicit and obscure story, Qu Dubian was extremely angry.

This dog emperor is a tyrant!

Because of what the Astronomical Office said, he threw the child that his beloved had given birth to with great effort into this godforsaken place for more than two years without even asking any questions about the child.

The evil fetus was reincarnated and killed his biological mother. He needed to stay away from the emperor and observe mourning for three years before his biological mother could be reincarnated and reborn properly.

No wonder Ye Xiaoyuan never took the initiative to tell him about it. With so many charges pinned on a child, if he was a sensitive child, he would definitely feel guilty for the rest of his life after knowing it.

Even if he said it now, it was very vague. If he was really a child over two years old, he would definitely not understand.

Qu Watanabe smelled a conspiracy here.

Last time, he had a hunch that something was wrong. It was his 'friend' who was trying to poison the honey water he drank and ruin his voice. The time before that, someone had placed surveillance cameras in the bathroom where he was taking a shower. The time before that, several people teamed up to act like green tea lovers and white lotuses during a live broadcast to deal with him together...

He thought about it.

At the beginning, when the original owner's mother was pregnant and the Astronomical Bureau said that she would die after giving birth to the child, the Dog Emperor probably didn't believe it, but the problem was that Concubine Yun really died.

Based on the fulfillment of the first prophecy, the Astronomical Bureau began to accuse the original owner. No wonder the Dog Emperor listened to the Astronomical Bureau and threw his son, who was only a few days old, here.

Qu Duanbian asked the simulator in his mind: "Besides this weird thing like you, are there any other supernatural powers in this world?"

[none. ]

Qu Dubian raised his eyebrows. He was still trying to figure out the pattern of how the simulator answered questions. It seemed like he could talk to this guy when he had nothing to do.

There is no supernatural power, so the Astronomical Observatory is a lie. Concubine Yun’s death is probably not as simple as a difficult childbirth.

Who could be the person behind this?

A concubine who is loved by the emperor and gives birth to a prince who can consolidate his position may pose a threat to any heir who has hope of becoming emperor.

As far as he knew, he was his stepfather's youngest child, with six older brothers and one older sister.

The range is really wide.

He thought again of the medicine that was sent to him by the Imperial Hospital that day, and he began to have some concerns in his mind.

After all, when he was three years old, according to the prophecy of the Astronomical Bureau, his mother had successfully reincarnated, so he didn't have to continue mourning.

Some people were afraid that his cheap father would remember him, and seeing that he had stayed here for almost three years without dying, they became anxious and wanted to take action against him.

Therefore, whoever wanted to attack him was the one who harmed Concubine Yun. Well... at least there was a 60 to 70 percent chance, so we couldn't be too sure.

The original owner was born at the turn of spring and summer when all the flowers were in full bloom. It would be his third birthday in less than half a year. During this period, the person behind the scenes might make another move.

He avoided it this time, but he may not be able to avoid it next time or the next time.

The only person in the entire palace who can protect him is his cheap father.

Ye Xiaoyuan didn't know that what he said veiledly and thought the little prince couldn't understand had been stripped of his skin and bones by Qu Dubian and studied carefully. He even noticed their current crisis and began to think about how to solve it.

His current body is too small, and his pensive look just makes people feel cute.

Qu Dubian thought about it for a while, then looked up innocently, "Ye Banban, I don't think I understand."

Ye Xiaoyuan naturally skipped over the topic, "It doesn't matter if you don't understand. Your Highness will become smarter and smarter when he goes to school and learns to read."

"Ye Banban, I want to know more about my mother. What does she look like? What color clothes does she like to wear? What kind of hair accessories does she like? How does she get along with my father..."

As the child kept asking questions, Ye Xiaoyuan couldn't help but think back to the past.

"Your Highness's mother is very different from the noble ladies in the capital. She is the only daughter of the Sword-bearing Marquis and has known the current emperor since she was young. They are childhood sweethearts."

Xu Jin, the Sword-Holding Marquis, had made great military achievements since the time of the previous emperor and had guarded the northern border for more than 30 years. The Sword-Holding Marquis only married one wife, and they loved each other very much. They only had one daughter in their life, who was held in the palm of their hand like a pearl.

Marquis Holding the Sword had no son, and his title would end in one generation. Even if he held military power, he could not pose a threat to the throne. Therefore, the late emperor was willing to take more care of Marquis Holding the Sword's only daughter, and often summoned her into the palace to show his favor.

This little girl is the original owner’s mother, named Xu Yueqing.

When Xu Yueqing was seven years old growing up in the capital, she had already formed a playmate friendship with Emperor Chongzhao, who was then the third prince.

Later, the Northern Frontier was in turmoil. The Marquis Chijian, who had always doted on his young daughter, changed his attitude and insisted on taking his daughter to the Northern Frontier. He was away for ten years.

When I returned to the capital, I was exactly seventeen years old.

Xu Yueqing was very beautiful with a slim figure. She had a kind of heroic spirit that the noble ladies in the capital did not have. After a polo match, she quickly attracted the attention of all the unmarried men in the capital. Invitations to the banquet poured into the Marquis Chijian's Mansion like snowflakes.

But not long after, Xu Yueqing met Emperor Chongzhao again, who was out of the palace incognito, and their childhood sweetheart relationship turned into love. Later, with an imperial decree, Xu Yueqing became the Yunfei of the Great Zhou.

From then on, she was favored for three years until she gave birth to the original owner and died of complications during childbirth.

Ye Xiaoyuan was still sighing: "...At that time, I don't know how many men in the capital were heartbroken, and how many people envied the queen's favor."

After listening to this, Qu Dubian couldn't help but have a question in his mind.

Concubine Yun, do you really love the emperor?

Can a person who has seen freedom be willing to share a husband with other women in a cage?

However, Concubine Yun is dead, and no one can answer this question.

The master and the servant were talking and listening, and the atmosphere was just right. Suddenly, Wen Xiaochun knocked on the door and came in. "Your Highness, Eunuch Ye, there is a palace servant outside. He said he is here to deliver charcoal."

"Sending charcoal fire?"

Qu Dubian and Ye Xiaoyuan looked at each other, both puzzled.

Is there anyone in their Ju'an Temple who actually remembered to deliver charcoal?

Qu Watanabe: "Go and have a look."

Holding Ye Banban's sleeve, he crossed the threshold with difficulty with his short legs. He saw two eunuchs coming to the yard outside, one old and the other young, each carrying two small buckets of charcoal.

Among the four barrels of charcoal, there is one barrel of silver frost charcoal, one barrel of red charcoal, and two barrels of black charcoal.

The amount was not much, but it was enough to surprise Ye Xiaoyuan. After all, both Silver Frost Charcoal and Red Luo Charcoal produced little smoke and could be ordered indoors.

"Greetings, young prince. The Empress is kind and this winter is cold, so she has given extra portions to all the palaces," the old eunuch said with a smile, "It gets colder as the Lantern Festival approaches, so all the palaces have collected their charcoal fires to add to the festivities."

Qu Watanabe was only slightly taller than the barrel. He touched each one, but the simulator showed no reaction. He thought for a moment and asked, "Does this carbon contain any toxins that can be collected?"

Simulator: [Can include diseases, carbon monoxide poisoning.]

oh.

That's no problem.

If carbon is burned without ventilation, it is indeed easy to cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is normal.

Qu Watanabe seemed to be using the disease simulator as a poison detector.

It was a good thing to have more charcoal, so Qu Duan asked Ye Xiaoyuan to accept it and said, "Thank you, mother, for your kindness."

"Your Highness, you are too polite." The old eunuch picked up the stick carrying the bucket, waved to the young eunuch, and prepared to leave.

Qu Watanabe: "I wonder if you can help me, father-in-law. Next time you come to deliver charcoal, please bring some writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone. I want to learn calligraphy."

The child's voice was tender, but his words were clear, which made the old eunuch look at him sideways. The young eunuch next to him said impatiently, "Where is the pen, ink, paper and inkstone? The general manager is waiting in the Xixinsi. We have to go back and report. It's time to go."

"Your Highness is young, so please be more polite, eunuch," Wen Xiaochun walked in front of Qu Dubian, his dark eyes fixed on the younger eunuch who was delivering charcoal.

The latter shuddered inexplicably and curled his lips.

Ye Xiaoyuan still had a smile on his face. He squeezed Qu Watanabe's hand soothingly and even personally escorted the two eunuchs out.

He stopped at the palace gate and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your hard work, eunuchs. You can go back now. However, the little prince is almost at the age of enlightenment. If there are any extra papers and pens, please let me know and I will get them."

He shook the hand of the elderly eunuch who was delivering coal and stuffed the few copper coins into it.

The old eunuch remained calm, returned the copper coin, and said with a smile: "No, this is not our responsibility. We can just tell the responsible eunuchs and aunts. It won't be a big deal."

I said it, but I don't know whether it happened or not. Ye Xiaoyuan naturally heard the subtext, but he always did a good job of saving face, so he thanked the person profusely and sent him out the door.

After walking out of Ju'an Hall for a long time, the young eunuch was still indignant, "Why were you so polite just now?"

"My family has lived peacefully in the palace for decades, relying on a truth I realized."

"What's the reason?"

"When you work in the palace, never put your eyes on the top of your head. People's fortunes are unpredictable. Maybe the one you bully today will soar to the sky tomorrow," said the old eunuch. "I think that young prince is young, but his eyes are clear and intelligent. He is not someone who will be trapped in Ju'an Palace forever."

"What about the paper and pen you promised me...?"

"Just a word, to establish a good relationship, and it has nothing to do with us from now on."

The two of them returned to their duty station at Xixinsi. The chief eunuch, Yu Gonggong, was still there. When he passed by them, he asked casually, "Have all the charcoal been delivered to the destination for those who have returned?"

The two of them followed the others and responded quickly.

Eunuch Yu nodded with satisfaction.

"This is not only the Queen's intention, but also His Majesty's. You may be greedy as you please, but if you dare to withhold this kind of grace of sharing blessings and happiness in private... don't blame me for not reminding you. Be careful."

"Yes, thank you for your advice, eunuch!"

Seeing that things were almost done, Eunuch Yu hurried back to the Zichen Palace to serve.

Being able to stay in the position of chief eunuch, he knew all the twists and turns of such a simple task as delivering coal.

He waited here specifically and sent an honest man to go to Ju'an Hall, just to make sure the carbon could be delivered to the young prince and fulfill His Majesty's sudden wish.

-

Ju'an Hall.

After the eunuch who delivered the charcoal left, Qu Dubian went into the house. It was too cold outside and it was not advisable to stay there for long.

The request for paper and pen was originally a casual remark, and he had no expectation of getting them. However, relying on Tai Chi every day to prolong his life was too extreme, so he still had to find a way to get paper and pen, learn the writing of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and then write down his experience of the disease.

He got into bed.

"Use [Tricky Dream], target Emperor Chong Zhao."

[Object locked], the simulator immediately displays a blank page: [Please weave the dream content.]

Editing dreams is simple, you just need to sketch the picture in your mind.

After learning from Ye Xiaoyuan the reason why he was thrown into Ju'an Hall, he felt that the prank dream-making thing could be of greater use.

Didn't the Astronomical Bureau use metaphysics to accuse him of being the reincarnation of an evil child? He might as well use metaphysics to take a slight revenge and also accuse his stepfather of this in his dream.

No matter whether my cheap dad believes it or not, I will deduct it first.

As for what happened in the dream between his adoptive father and his mother... the child curled up in the quilt smiled maliciously.

Countless melodramatic and abusive plots from the 21st century lingered in his mind, and Qu Watanabe's thoughts flowed like a spring.

He did not hear the eunuch's impatient rejection, and became more and more excited as he made up stories in his bed. However, someone not only heard it, but also took it to heart.

Ye Xiaoyuan and Wen Xiaochun set up a charcoal fire in the side hall, and the atmosphere was a bit depressing.

"Your Highness wants to learn to read and write."

Ye Xiaoyuan said softly: "Although this is the first time Your Highness has asked for paper and pen, you must have been thinking about it for a while."

"I know a place with lots of paper and pens." Wen Xiaochun's facial features were feminine, and he looked feminine when he was silent. There was a small scar at the corner of his eye. He looked calm, but his hands were constantly moving. "When no one is paying attention, I'll sneak in and secretly take some back."

Ye Xiaoyuan frowned: "Too risky."

"Your Highness wants it."

Ye Xiaoyuan smiled and said casually, "Could it be that you could steal the military seal if His Highness wanted it?"

Wen Xiaochun did not answer directly, but only said, "My life belongs to your Highness."

Ye Xiaoyuan didn't know what to say. This guy was grateful. The more loyal people around the young prince, the better. It was not worth it to get involved in such a small matter. He thought about it, took out the few copper coins on him, and gave them to Wen Xiaochun.

"Your Majesty doesn't have many concubines. Jinghe Palace was turned into a place to store books a few years ago. There must be paper and pens in it. The gatekeeper there is somewhat friendly with me. Take the money tomorrow and go to him to buy some."

A few copper coins are certainly not enough, but in the palace, friendship is sometimes more valuable than money.

Ye Xiaoyuan could naturally go by himself. This was the first assignment he assigned to Wen Xiaochun. If Wen Xiaochun ran away, he would only lose some money. If he came back, he could be treated as one of his own.

Wen Xiaochun said solemnly: "Don't worry, Eunuch Ye, I will definitely get it done."

Soon, it was time to fall asleep.

The hall was empty, and lighting charcoal consumed a lot of energy but didn't provide much heat, so Ye Xiaoyuan prepared a ball heater. He lit a piece of silver frost charcoal and put it inside, wrapped it in insulation, specifically to keep Qu Dubian warm.

This kind of heater is small and convenient, and is very similar to a rolling lamp. No matter how it rolls, the charcoal fire inside will not fall out. It is safer and more durable than a hot water bottle.

Use them sparingly. These silver frost charcoal and red charcoal are enough for Your Highness to get through the coldest times.

Qu Dubian hugged the ball heater and carefully checked the simulated dream. After confirming that it was correct, he clicked "Done" and fell asleep soundly.

Cheap daddy, oh cheap daddy, accept the critical attack of the abusive literature in the 21st century!

-

On the other hand, after Eunuch Yu returned to the Zichen Hall, he kept waiting for Emperor Chongzhao to ask about the charcoal fire. Unexpectedly, the emperor seemed to have forgotten about it and reviewed piles of memorials.

Seeing that it was getting dark, Eunuch Yu came in and changed the lamp.

"Is it done?" Emperor Chongzhao put down his pen and asked abruptly.

Eunuch Yu was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, the charcoal has been added."

Emperor Chongzhao: "Well, please leave." His tone was so flat that it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.

Eunuch Yu reminded him, "Your Majesty, it's time to go to bed. There will be a grand court meeting tomorrow morning."

"Go to sleep after reading this."

Emperor Chongzhao went to bed only after he had reviewed the last book.

As the soothing incense curled up into the air, the palace maid walked lightly out, carrying the basin of water used for washing.

Emperor Chongzhao slowly fell into a dream.