"I'm just concerned about you. First you said I didn't care about you, and now you don't want me to take care of you anymore. Your father has so many demands!"

The emperor spoke with a "disdainful" tone, but his face was full of smiles.

"Father, aren't you the best?"

Little Swallow darted between the two again, grabbed the Emperor's hand, and shook it.

"Haha, my little darling is also very good. Niannian, you little treasure, are also very good. You two are both very good, and you are both children I like."

"Erkang, what are your plans for this inspection tour?"

Little Swallow's words amused the Emperor, who, without pausing his thoughts, changed the subject.

I was really happy during this time in Cining Palace. I chatted with the Empress Dowager, bickered with the Empress, listened to Nian Nian and Xiao Yanzi tell funny stories, and listened to Qing'er play the zither. The days were really comfortable.

The Empress, contrary to her outward appearance, still cared about herself.

"Erkang?"

Receiving no response, the emperor called out again.

"Erkang—"

"Erkang—"

"elder brother--"

Yongqi, Benjamin, and Ertai all called out to the person staring blankly at Ziwei.

"Um?"

The three of them took turns calling out to the person, and finally the person came to their senses. Although they came to their senses, they didn't know anything and had to be reminded by others.

"The Emperor asks you what your plans are this time."

"Oh, ah, plans? My plan is that we'll still pretend to be merchants this time. The Emperor will be the master, Yongqi the young master, and Ertai and I will be attendants. Benjamin—, this foreigner is a bit troublesome—"

Er Kang paused when he mentioned Benjamin, and Benjamin became anxious.

"Erkang, don't even think about getting rid of me. I can be a Western purchasing agent, doing business with the master. I can also help the master paint and record exciting moments for everyone. I'm also good at martial arts, so I can be a bodyguard. You can't do without me."

"Yes, we really can't do without you. Let's do it this way, Benjamin will come along too."

Hearing Benjamin's urgent voice behind him, the Emperor nodded.

"Princess Huanzhu, Princess Shen, Princess Qing, and Ziwei are all maids, but Princess Shen is in poor health, so she can ride in a carriage by herself. Princess Shen and Princess Qing are inseparable, so they can ride together. Princess Huanzhu and Ziwei ride in the same carriage as the master."

Because of the discord between Chen Nian and Zi Wei, Chen Nian's words last time did indeed intimidate Er Kang, and Er Kang no longer dared to be arrogant towards Chen Nian.

“Master Ji, Father, Fu Heng, and E Min are the attendants. They all followed the master on his journey to buy things and enjoy the scenery.”

“Okay, then we’ll do it this way. But, Little Swallow, if you want to go, I have a condition: you have to recite a poem called ‘Ancient Ballad of Military Service’ for me. I’ll give you two days. Once you pass the test, I’ll take you there.”

The Emperor glanced at the excited people and presented Xiao Yanzi with a difficult problem.

"Huh?! Can I not memorize it?"

Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Xiao Yanzi's eyes widened instinctively, darted around, and then she switched to her coquettish mode.

Listening to Xiao Yanzi's coquettish voice, it was truly heartbreaking to see someone who was usually so carefree acting like this.

She didn't know if others would soften their hearts, but if Xiao Yanzi used that voice to coax her, she would definitely soften her heart; it sounded so nice.

The Emperor remained silent, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that his expression had softened considerably. However, he still firmly rejected Xiao Yanzi.

"Alright, alright, I'll memorize it. I'll memorize it even if it means not sleeping, just to go out with you, Father Emperor. But Father Emperor, there might be some difficulties along the way, so please be patient with me."

...