"These were all given by His Majesty?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, His Majesty dotes on the young master. He brings gifts every time he comes!"
Ying Ziyu opened his eyes and saw Consort Shu staring at him.
To be precise, he was staring at Jin Suo next to him.
The little one shifted his body, trying to block the golden lock, not wanting Consort Shu to see it.
But he was too small, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop her, so he could only look longingly at Consort Shu.
[Sigh, it's that familiar moment again. Did Mom put it away for you?]
Consort Shu: ...
Ying Ziyu was originally very happy when Ying Zheng gave her these gifts.
After all, this represented Ying Zheng's favor, which was the highest honor in the Qin Dynasty.
But Ying Ziyu was still just an infant, and it was not good to have these gold locks and jade pendants around him.
The palace is full of people and eyes, and there may be someone eyeing these things. If Yu'er is hurt, it will be a loss that does not outweigh the gain.
Furthermore, besides their intrinsic value, these items primarily represent Ying Zheng's favor.
But how many people in the palace are not favored?
Leaving this thing out in the open to attract attention will inevitably cause unnecessary trouble.
After thinking for a moment, Consort Shu spoke up, "Yu'er, shall I keep these things for you for now?"
The little boy clutched the jade pendant in his hand, watching Consort Shu warily.
No! Mother will lose it if she keeps keeping it.
Consort Shu remained silent.
Is my mother that kind of person?
After a pause, she found a jade box. "How about this, the things will still be here with you, but they should be put in this box."
The little guy wouldn't back down.
No, I want to keep it here and watch it.
Consort Shu sighed softly, "Alas, I really can't do anything with you."
"Be good, or your mother will be sad."
As she spoke, she raised a thin bamboo stick, saying, "After all, it was meant to hit you."
Her gentle mother suddenly became unkind, staring at her with devilish eyes.
Ying Ziyu felt a chill run down her spine and immediately obediently handed over the jade pendant.
Listen to me, listen to me, Mother has something to say.
I'm still a child.
After putting the gold lock away, Consort Shu placed the box next to Ying Ziyu.
With warm sunshine, a gentle breeze, and flowers in full bloom, it's the perfect time for a leisurely stroll.
Consort Shu looked at the little one, "The weather is nice today, how about I take you to get some sunshine? It's good for your health."
The little guy was very lazy and turned over to face away from Consort Shu, clearly looking like he didn't want to pay attention to her.
I'm not going; I don't want to move.
"If you don't say anything, that's considered a yes."
Consort Shu picked up the little one and took Xiangqin out.
【？】
Here we go again?
······
The border of the Xiongnu.
"arrive."
A general clad in silver armor dismounted, his eyes fixed intently on the location of the Xiongnu.
It was Meng Tian.
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyao dismounted from the carriage.
The fierce wind whipped up his monk's robes.
Looking around, the ground was covered with decaying vegetation, and bones could be vaguely seen everywhere, but not a single bird or beast was in sight.
Xiaoyao frowned. "This place has become so desolate?"
Three years ago, he also passed through the border. Although it was not very prosperous at that time, the people sat on the ground, chatting and laughing, and the place was full of life.
The difference has changed dramatically in the blink of an eye, which is truly astonishing.
Meng Tian gazed at the desolate landscape, his eyes cold and clear. "In the midst of war, where can one find a place of peace?"
He turned to look at Xiaoyao, "Everything is ready, why does Your Majesty still not agree to the expedition?"
Xiaoyao's eyes swept across the surroundings. "His Majesty suspects something is amiss and has specially ordered me to come and investigate!"
Meng Tian was somewhat puzzled, "We've already investigated the enemy's numbers and the terrain, what other problems could there be?"
But then he thought that His Majesty must have his reasons for doing so, so he looked at Xiaoyao and said, "This battle concerns the lives of tens of thousands of people, so I hope you will pay close attention to it!"
“Of course!” Xiaoyao’s eyes darkened, and he began to turn the prayer beads while chanting a mantra.
A Buddhist aura rippled outwards from his body, and a faint Buddhist light appeared behind him. His whole being was clear and profound, inspiring awe and keeping people at a distance.
After a long while, he opened his eyes. "No evil magic?"
He had just used his magic to probe, but he had not sensed any strange aura.
Meng Tian was very puzzled, "Evil magic?"
Xiaoyao slowly explained, "Your Majesty feels there's something fishy about the weather. After much thought, I believe only evil magic could possibly be the cause."
"But now, could it be that we've made a mistake?"
Meng Tian frowned, as if deep in thought.
After a moment, as if he had thought of something, he said, "There are strange patterns all over this area. I wonder if it's related to this?"
Xiaoyao's face darkened. "I'll trouble you, General, to show this old man around!"
The mountain road was rugged, but fortunately the sun was shining brightly and the ground wasn't slippery.
Although Xiaoyao looked old, he was very agile and kept up with Meng Tian without falling behind. The two of them soon stepped into a valley.
Meng Tian led Xiaoyao to the foot of a stone wall. "Is this the place?"
Xiaoyao looked up and saw that the stone wall was covered with red patterns, winding and strange, like a ghost or a god.
Xiaoyao examined the pattern, and after a moment, a leader asked, "This is... a forbidden technique?"
Meng Tian didn't understand these things, but seeing Xiaoyao's solemn expression, he guessed that things were not simple.
Xiaoyao suddenly turned to look at him, "How long have the Xiongnu been invading the border?"
Meng Tian thought for a moment before replying, "More than seven months."
Xiaoyao's face darkened. "July...a trap! This is all a trap!"
······
After strolling around for a while, seeing that the little guy didn't seem very interested, Consort Shu prepared to take him back to the mansion.
They're still just kids; I'm afraid they'll catch a cold if they stay outside too long.
As they passed a garden, the little guy suddenly started babbling and waving his little hands.
[Over there! Over there!]
Xiangqin looked worried. "What's wrong with the young master? Is he feeling unwell?"
Consort Shu looked in the direction the little guy was pointing, picked him up, and walked in that direction.
After passing through the long corridor and turning into the garden, the group arrived at a warehouse.
Shouts could be heard coming from inside.
"Bigger, bigger, bigger! Unleash the ultimate! Unleash the ultimate!"
"Place your order now! Place your order now! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"Hurry up and place your bets!"
Xiangqin walked to Consort Shu's side and whispered, "Your Majesty, it seems like someone is gambling inside."
Consort Shu ignored her and said, "Let's go."
Although such things are strictly prohibited, servants have limited entertainment options, so they can never stop doing them.
Since this bet had nothing to do with her, Consort Shu naturally wouldn't get involved in this mess.
As soon as she turned around, Ying Ziyu suddenly started babbling.
[These eighteen guys are going astray inside. If we don't stop him, he'll become a good-for-nothing murderer!]
[They didn't even spare their own brothers and sisters; they'll be cursed by posterity for thousands of years!]
Consort Shu stopped in her tracks.
Will Xiao Hai become a murderer who spares neither his own brothers nor sisters?
How could such a kind child...
Her gaze suddenly sharpened.
no!
I will not allow such a thing to happen!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
