Chapter 3 The fox is very reliable. What does it mean to have ill intentions? ...

The fox returned to his palace, sat upright at the table, and stared intently at the various dishes laid out before him. Suddenly, he realized, "Oh, there's food here!"

That's really...

Great! I don't have to go hungry anymore!

Not long after sitting up straight, the fox couldn't help but squint its eyes happily, fold its hands together, rest its chin on them, stare at the rice bowl in a daze, and swing its legs back and forth.

Now there's another important issue that needs careful consideration: eating out costs money, and with so many dishes... it must be very expensive. Although his sister gave him a lot of money, he can't spend it all; he still needs to be frugal.

However, he can help grow fruit to offset the cost of meals.

"Your Highness." Qiu Yuan called out to Ji Qing in a low voice. She glanced cautiously to the side and saw that Ting Lan was still sitting not far away. For some reason, the Ninth Prince, who was usually so busy with state affairs that he would rather not even look at other people, was actually interested in staying here for so long today.

Whatever the reason, it was really frightening. Qiu Yuan's palms were sweating, and the palace servants were all working cautiously, afraid of being found to have made a mistake.

Could it be that His Highness is unaware of the palace rules and has somehow offended the Grand Eunuch? This is terrible! How will His Highness survive in the palace from now on...?

Qiu Yuan was filled with worry, rolling up and crumpling the handkerchief in her hand until it was all crumpled. Suddenly, a bowl of fragrant sweet soup was placed in front of her, interrupting all her thoughts.

"Here, have some." The fox noticed that Qiu Yuan was staring at the table and guessed that she must be hungry.

"It's just the cost of food. I have money. I can just work to pay for it... We fox spirits can use magic to be lazy when we work. Don't be afraid, drink with confidence." The fox confidently handed over the soup.

Qiu Yuan blew on the sweet soup, taking small sips, her eyes still showing some worry. The young prince's character was obviously good; how could such a prince have offended the Ninth Prince...?

She secretly glanced at Tinglan, thinking, "Please, don't make things difficult for His Highness!"

After serving the soup to Qiu Yuan, Fox couldn't show favoritism, but he wasn't sure what Ting Lan liked to eat, since this friend was quite picky. So he got up and prepared to go over and ask.

Just as he stood up, a young eunuch came in to report, "Your Highness, the Prince of Ning has arrived."

Ji Qing was completely stunned. He looked at Qiu Yuan for help, and Qiu Yuan was also surprised. She quickly went to greet him.

The fox then looked at Tinglan, who finally reacted, beckoning to him, "Come here."

The fox rushed over and sat obediently on the side of the table, nervously clutching the hem of his clothes. He didn't know who this Prince Ning was, or what this person was here for. He certainly didn't know that he was an imposter... coming to beat him up.

Tinglan saw his panic and found it a little funny. Wasn't he very brave just now, even daring to hold his hand? Why is he so scared now?

To be fair, this child is completely different from what he imagined, and he has no resemblance to the emperor. At least for now, this prince does not seem like his father.

However, if someone's personality resembles the emperor's, people would probably avoid them like the plague. As for appearance... since the emperor says it's similar, then it is.

Tinglan lowered her head and tapped her fingers lightly on the table. "Prince Ning is of noble status; he is the Crown Prince's younger brother and the Consort's second son."

The fox nodded. He knew that this was an introduction to Prince Ning, just like the neighbor's Taoist priest's kitten was named Mibao, the kitten's mother was named Qiuqiu, and the older brother was named Dahua.

Tinglan continued, "There's no need to worry. Prince Ning is straightforward and not the kind of person who is scheming or prone to backstabbing. He won't make things difficult for you."

The fox nodded repeatedly, "You are truly my good friend, so reliable."

Footsteps approached, and the fox's ears twitched as it tilted its head to look towards the door.

Prince Ning arrived just as he was speaking.

However, he was no cute little kitten. Prince Ning was a veteran of the battlefield, over eight feet tall, with a long sword at his waist, distinct features, and a complexion that was not as fair as that of ordinary palace people, bearing the marks of hardship.

After entering, he first looked around the palace room, then went straight to the table.

"The Ninth Prince is here too." His tone was somewhat disdainful, and his eyes even carried a murderous glint.

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Ning. By imperial decree, I have prepared some supplies for the young prince." Tinglan stood up, ignoring the other party's hostility, and gave a slight bow.

Prince Ning shifted his gaze to Ji Qing, who was standing to the side.

Ji Qing was also looking at him, or rather, at the sword at Prince Ning's waist.

The fox didn't understand swords, but he liked them nonetheless. His sister had many, and he often played with them when he was little. One time, he tripped over a sword and fell, injuring his hand and face. From then on, his sister wouldn't let him play with long swords anymore, only short knives.

But swords are still the coolest.

The sword at Prince Ning's waist is quite long and looks nice; I want to touch it.

"I heard that the thirteenth brother comes from the north. I wonder if he is comfortable here?" Prince Ning had already taken his seat, holding a teacup in his hand. He looked over, a smile on his lips that he himself did not realize.

He never expected that his new younger brother, who had just arrived, would be so close to the palm print. He looked at the two sitting together with amusement.

I've never heard of this eunuch having homosexual tendencies. Is he interested in his younger brother?

Prince Ning chuckled to himself. By the time he realized what was happening, Ji Qing had already crept up to him like a dog.

None of the people in the room noticed when the young prince had gone there.

"I'm quite used to it here..." After all, everyone is nice, and most importantly, there's good food.

"Brother, may I touch your sword?" The fox blinked and smiled more brightly than anyone else.

Prince Ning was stunned, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He had just been speculating about the relationship between his younger brother and the Ninth Prince, and now the Ninth Prince was calling him "brother" and asking to see his sword. How could he refuse?

No one has ever called him "brother" yet... None of his younger brothers are any good, yet they call him "brother." They're lucky they haven't cursed him to his face. Now that I think about it, they're all repulsive. How can they compare to the well-behaved, adorable, and handsome new brother in front of me?

"Take it." Prince Ning turned his head away and handed the sword to Ji Qing.

The fox happily took the sword, drew it with a swift motion, and then sheathed it again with a swift movement, his movements so clean and efficient that they even had a touch of coolness about them.

"You've practiced it?" Prince Ning raised an eyebrow in surprise.

The fox nodded vigorously.

Even Tinglan looked over.

“Interesting. What kind of master did your family hire for you? Which school or sect?” Prince Ning turned around and looked at Ji Qing’s figure. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, which was quite good. He looked like someone who had practiced martial arts. He didn’t expect that his younger brother was not only good-looking.

The fox thought for a while. He was taught by his sister, so in that sense, his sister was his master. But his sister was his sister. She didn't belong to any sect. If she did, it was her own family's gate.

So the fox shook its head.

Prince Ning frowned but said nothing. His heart softened, and the hostility he had shown earlier vanished, replaced by a sense of guilt.

The poor child, he was probably not valued before entering the palace, but now that he's in the palace... If he doesn't cause trouble, his elder brother won't do anything to him, but the other side might not be so sure.

His younger brother... his future is uncertain.

Prince Ning raised his head and looked at Tinglan beside him. If his younger brother was on good terms with the Ninth Prince, it would be a good thing, at least he would have a better life in the palace.

As for the others, I can't control them. Among all the officials in the court, who can handle Tinglan? This child doesn't seem to be very cunning. If he falls into Tinglan's hands, he'll be at Tinglan's mercy.

Prince Ning suddenly began to regret that he should have listened to his elder brother and brought a gift for his new, cheap brother before he left home.

The child looks so pitiful, but he can't offer anything in return.

I originally thought that the new younger brother would be like the other princes, full of scheming and sarcastic, or arrogant and domineering as soon as he entered the palace. At least for now, the child seems to be quite nice.

Prince Ning pulled a jade pendant from his waist and threw it over, saying, "I came in a hurry and didn't bring anything good. This jade pendant was a gift from Father Emperor. It's made of rare and fine material, so I'm giving it to my thirteenth brother."

"Thank you, brother."

Ji Qing caught the jade pendant, held it in his palm, and examined it carefully in the candlelight. It was a beautiful green color, and the fox liked it very much.

Tinglan, standing behind him, looked away with some displeasure. "Brother, why are you so affectionate with everyone..."

Ji Qing was thinking. Her sister had taught her that you should reciprocate when you receive a gift. The fox touched her sleeve, which was bulging with many things, but fruit was not an option, nor was the little chick, and the money pouch was definitely out of the question.

That's it, he's broke, he has nothing to offer.

Fortunately, Prince Ning didn't want his brother's return gift at all. It just so happened that it was mealtime and the dishes were served on the table. Prince Ning didn't pick and choose, picked up his bowl and chopsticks and started eating.

After taking a few bites, he remembered that there was a Ninth Prince here. He was a man of strong likes and dislikes, so his next words were barbed and sarcastic. "Lord Chancellor is so busy with affairs of state, so many important military matters have to go through your hands. How come you have time to sit here with the Thirteenth Brother today?"

Tinglan smiled, "His Highness is new here and needs someone to accompany him. I am used to walking around the palace, so it's no trouble at all." He then turned to look at Prince Ning, whose smile was impeccable, yet unsettling to behold. "Your Highness, please rest assured."

"Tch." Prince Ning was rebuffed and lost his appetite, so he just took a sip of tea.

The silly fox couldn't tell at all that the two weren't getting along, nor did he sense that the atmosphere was off. He kept his head down and ate with gusto, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Before leaving, Prince Ning took the opportunity of hanging a jade pendant on Ji Qing to lean down and whisper, "Be careful of Ting Lan, he has no good intentions towards you."

The fox nodded instinctively, then froze completely.

Tinglan?

What does it mean to have ill intentions?

Does he need a new heart implanted because of his heart condition?

Then I must take good care of him.

"Don't worry," the fox patted his chest solemnly, "I'll be careful."

I will never let my good friends get tired again! I, Little Fox, am very good at taking care of people.

Prince Ning was relieved and turned to leave.

Tinglan looked at Ji Qing, who had turned back to look at him with a complicated expression, and realized that Prince Ning had indeed said something to the young prince.

He will probably get his wish in the future, and the little prince will definitely stay far away from him.

It's a good thing, for both of them.

Tinglan smoothed his sleeves, a cold smile on his face.

He should probably have accepted the fruit.

After all, it looks really delicious.

A note from the author:

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