Chapter 142 Request

"Speak," Pei Yan said weakly, his eyes closed.

"Your subject... Your subject wishes to travel and study abroad!"

Pei Zhi straightened his back and tried to make his voice sound serious. "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles! Your subject feels that just studying in the palace will narrow one's horizons. I want to go out and see the world to broaden my knowledge!"

He spoke with a serious expression, but his eyes seemed a little unfocused.

Study abroad?

Pei Yan lifted his eyelids and looked at his youngest son's serious expression, knowing exactly what was going on.

What a load of rubbish about studying abroad!

Aside from cricket fighting and tinkering with weird and wonderful things, when has this kid ever cared about academics?

To broaden one's horizons? More like wanting to go somewhere to have fun!

He knew exactly what was going on, but looking into Pei Zhi's bright, expectant eyes, he couldn't bring himself to stop her from doing something so trivial.

This child poses no threat; it's good for him to go out and play.

"Hmph," Pei Yan snorted, "To broaden your horizons? You're probably thinking about where to go and have some fun, aren't you? I know you too well."

Pei Zhi chuckled, offering no explanation, only rubbing his hands together: "Father is wise! But... going out to see the world is also a sincere wish!"

"Where do you want to study abroad?" Pei Yan asked casually, not expecting him to suggest a proper place.

"Uh... I haven't decided on a specific place yet," Pei Zhi's eyes darted around, avoiding the sensitive word "Western Cold," "I'm thinking of heading south to take a look. Jiangnan is prosperous, and I've heard the scenery is beautiful..."

Pei Yan waved his hand, too lazy to delve into it: "Alright, alright, go if you want. Take plenty of guards with you, and make sure you're safe. Don't cause any trouble!"

"Your subject obeys the decree! Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great favor!"

Pei Zhi was overjoyed and responded loudly. He quickly thanked the emperor and almost jumped up. Clutching his cricket jar, he flew out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation like a bird released from its cage.

Done!

Having received the imperial edict, Pei Zhi felt at ease.

He had no intention of secretly following Xie Sangning and his group.

Firstly, they were traveling with their families, what would it look like for a prince to join them?

Xie Sangning may not say it, but she must be feeling uncomfortable inside. The Lin family members probably can't relax either, and they can't have a good time.

Secondly, if he secretly followed them and got caught, wouldn't that be considered stalking? That's too shameful; the Ninth Prince couldn't bear that kind of embarrassment!

Most importantly, Xihan is now Xie Sangning's fiefdom! If a prince like him were to run into someone else's territory and something happened to him—if he got hurt or unfortunately encountered bandits—wouldn't his father, the emperor, hold Xie Sangning responsible? This isn't just adding to someone's troubles; it's practically handing them a knife!

Therefore, Pei Zhi felt he had to go to the General's Mansion openly and honestly, at least to inform Xie Sangning so that people could make preparations in advance.

After submitting the invitation, I was quickly invited in.

When Xie Sangning met him in the flower hall, her face showed little expression.

"Your Highness, what brings you here? May I ask what brings you here?" Xie Sangning gestured for Ruchun to serve tea.

Pei Zhi, holding his teacup, was a little nervous. He organized his thoughts and said, "Um... Princess Jianing, I... I just received a favor from my father, saying I want to travel and study in Jiangnan..."

He first explained his destination, "But... actually... I wanted to go and see Xihan!"

He raised his head and looked at Xie Sangning frankly, his eyes serious: "I know you're taking the Lin family to Xihan for an inspection tour, but I don't want to cause any trouble for you! You all have a good time, and don't feel constrained because of me! I can take my own people."

Xie Sangning paused slightly with her fingers holding the teacup, then looked up at Pei Zhi.

Pei Zhi quickly continued, "I'm just so curious about Xihan! I heard Eunuch Gao rave about it, saying there are more merchants than in Jinling, and the people are all beaming with health... I just want to see for myself what's going on! You're amazing, County Princess!" His tone was pure curiosity and admiration, without any empty flattery.

“But,” he changed the subject, his expression becoming more serious, “Xihan is now your fiefdom! If I, a grown man, go there, what if, I mean, what if, I fall into a ditch while walking, or choke on my food… then my father… you know what will happen.”

“I’m afraid he might use this as an excuse to cause trouble for you! So I thought I should let you know in advance so you can prepare. Don’t worry, I will definitely not cause any trouble! I’m just going to take a look and broaden my horizons.”

He poured out all his concerns, motives, and plans without any concealment or calculation, even clearly defining his own safety responsibilities in advance, all to avoid putting Xie Sangning in a difficult position.

Xie Sang listened quietly, looking at the playboy prince in front of her who was rumored to only know how to have fun.

His eyes were open, his words were straightforward, and he was even a little naive in his honesty.

Compared to his several scheming elder brothers, this Ninth Prince seemed remarkably refreshing.

She put down her teacup, a smile appearing on her face: "Your Highness is too kind. Although Xihan is my fiefdom, it is also His Majesty's territory. It is an honor for Xihan if Your Highness wishes to visit. I will have someone make the arrangements, Your Highness just need to enjoy yourself."

This signifies acceptance and also indicates that the host will fulfill their duties as a host and make proper arrangements.

Upon hearing this, Pei Zhi's face lit up with a smile, and he breathed a sigh of relief: "That's wonderful! Thank you, County Princess! Don't worry, I will definitely behave myself and won't cause you any trouble!"

Having received Xie Sangning's words, he bid farewell and left, satisfied.

Pei Zhi's figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, and the flower hall returned to silence.

Ru Chun stepped forward to tidy up the teacups.

Xie Sangning picked up her slightly cooled teacup, took a sip, and thoughtfully looked at the spot where Pei Zhi had just been sitting.

“Miss, this Ninth Prince… is truly…” Ru Chun carefully considered her words, unsure how to evaluate him.

“He’s a sensible person,” Xie Sangning replied, her voice calm and even. “He knows how to avoid suspicion, he knows his limits, and he knows how to consider others.”

"Despite his reputation as a playboy, he is far more upright and insightful than his brothers who are only focused on the throne."

“At least,” she said, a slight smile playing on her lips, “knows what trouble is, what to do, and what not to do. Compared to those people… she’s much better.”

"It's rare to find such a koi carp in this quagmire of the capital... one with a fairly clear mind." She concluded, "Unfortunately, it was born in the wrong place. Without any support, it will be swallowed by a big fish sooner or later."

Ru Chun listened with a mixture of understanding and confusion, only feeling that her mistress's evaluation of the Ninth Prince seemed unexpectedly high, yet tinged with a hint of regret.

“Alright, get ready. Tell the Lin family that we’re leaving the day after tomorrow and to prepare their belongings. Also,” she paused, “have our people keep an eye on the Ninth Prince and make proper arrangements so that this Prince Jinli doesn’t get hurt on our turf. He says he doesn’t need to worry about it, but we can’t really ignore it.”

"Yes, Miss." Ru Chun responded and withdrew.

We will depart the day after tomorrow, and the round trip will be just in time for my father and brothers to return to the capital.