Upon receiving news that the Crown Princess had gone to the Imperial Study to personally dine with the Crown Prince, Sheng Jin immediately put down the memorial in his hand and got up to follow her.
The autumn sun was warm and gentle. Birds chirped and circled around the palace walls, or landed on them, adding a touch of life to the vast palace.
On the way to the Imperial Study, Sheng Jin kept asking the eunuchs serving him questions.
"Am I dressed appropriately today?"
Is your collar crooked?
"You should change into a robe. Wearing this every day must be annoying."
"Never mind, I'll go back and change my clothes."
The eunuch was no longer the young Ye Zi from before, but someone who had been promoted later. He was also exceptionally clever and knew how to please people.
He knew the emperor's thoughts. In fact, everyone in the palace knew, and some of the news had even spread outside the palace. After all, when Emperor Shengjin made the decree to establish a concubine, it was announced to the whole world.
Everyone else thought it was the emperor's way of luring the snake out of its hole and eliminating the traitor Sheng Changling, since the emperor never got close to women.
Only he knew that it was all true.
Even the emperor was the one who couldn't get what he wanted, and was so lowly that he was not even as good as a lowly villager.
For the past five years, he has personally tidied the Emperor's desk and seen many secret letters that record the Crown Princess's daily life, down to the details of what she ate for each meal and whether it was delicious.
Besides that, she remembered clearly how many times she called for water in the bedroom.
Several notes were crumpled, indicating that the person who read them was also upset and affected.
But the Emperor was very restrained and never dared to appear openly in front of the Crown Princess. I don't know what's wrong with him today, he's taking the initiative for the first time.
Did the sun rise in the west?
The eunuch couldn't understand it, so he simply stopped thinking about it and just tried to reconcile them.
"Your Majesty, you possess an elegant and noble bearing, and you look good in anything you wear. Moreover, this gold-threaded dragon robe was newly made this month, with a novel design that further enhances your demeanor."
"Haha, alright, then let's go quickly."
In fact, Sheng Jin didn't want to change either, because Xi'er was only having a meal and wouldn't stay for too long. If he made too much trouble and wasted time, he was afraid he wouldn't make it in time.
As for why he didn't go to Chonghua Palace, firstly, it was against etiquette, and rumors would only harm Xi'er; secondly, he had promised the Crown Prince that he would never set foot in Chonghua Palace again.
That's why he cherishes this opportunity so much.
I hope... everything goes well.
*
The Imperial Study.
Because there were few people in the harem and the imperial heirs were pitifully few, the only people here besides Sheng Yu, who was studying, and his study companion were the serious tutors.
The young prince always attracts attention, especially since he also holds the title of Crown Prince and has an unusually heavy workload.
Of course, in class, he was also the one who received the most attention; even the slightest movement would attract the attention of those above.
He was fine on ordinary days; he was well-behaved, and the teachers trusted him. But today—
Sheng Yu's small body had looked out the window several times, and her bottom felt like it was being pricked with needles, making it impossible for her to sit still. She was very unsteady.
Today's teacher is Grand Tutor Jiang, who is known for his strictness. He did not show favoritism because Sheng Yu is young, so he pointed it out on the spot.
"Your Highness, for not concentrating today, you are hereby punished with ten large-character poems, to be handed in tomorrow."
"Ah, no—"
When Liu Lingxi arrived, she happened to witness this scene. Seeing the mischievous monkey begging for mercy with his head in his hands as if he were under a spell, she couldn't help but laugh.
She had only intended to take a quick peek, so she didn't ask anyone to inform her, but she still ended up attracting attention.
The distracted children looked in the direction of the sound and saw a goddess descending like a celestial being. They all exclaimed "Wow!" and forgot their parents' admonitions to "not be rude."
Following the children's gaze, Grand Tutor Jiang saw the legendary femme fatale who was said to have brought ruin to the country. Upon seeing her today, he was indeed astonished as ever.
Even though he was old and had seen many women, he was still taken aback, and his heart was filled with turmoil that he could not calm down for a long time.
Fortunately, he hadn't completely lost his mind. After regaining his senses, he immediately knelt down to pay his respects, and a group of little children also knelt down on the ground, except for—Sheng Yu.
"Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Princess, may Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings."
"Mother—"
Sheng Yu, with his short little legs, suddenly rushed into Liu Lingxi's arms. What should he do now that his mother had seen him being punished?
He was so ashamed that he couldn't lift his head, and he clung to the person pitifully, making it impossible for anyone to be angry with him.
Liu Lingxi wasn't one to spoil children, but Yu'er's adorable appearance was indeed endearing, so she could only pat his head to soothe him.
"It was I who disturbed Your Excellency's lesson."
"Your Majesty is too kind. The time has come, so I will take the children and leave."
"Ye Zhi," Liu Lingxi turned and instructed, then said to the Grand Tutor, "This is a small token of my appreciation. Please take it back, my lord. The children will also receive a share."
Ye Zhi prepared everything from the small kitchen in Chonghua Palace, and it tasted much better than what the imperial kitchen prepared.
They also prepared some small gold trinkets for people to collect at the office. These included uniquely shaped little animals that could be played with or used as money; children would probably like them.
"Your humble servant thanks you for your grace."
So the Grand Tutor led everyone away, and the little children were all reluctant to leave, as they also wanted to be hugged by the beauty.
Unfortunately, under the Master's imposing presence, they could only leave with reluctance.
"Mother, Mother, let's eat quickly, your son is so hungry."
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