The next day, just after seven o'clock in the morning, Qi Qi felt a bit hot as soon as the two of them stepped out.
Early summer has arrived, but it still hasn't rained this month.
Following the spring floods a few months ago, the summer drought is approaching, and it is unknown how long it will last. This drought has not left much of a memory in Qi Laibao's soul, because he has heard too much about it, too many to count. Moreover, apart from death, he has been well protected by Qi Defu and has not suffered any hardship.
Qi Qi took a bite of the steamed bun in his hand and suddenly felt quite happy. He couldn't imagine how the people outside were suffering from the disaster, but he felt that it must be very difficult for them.
"What are you thinking about? Come on, class is starting."
Qi Qi quickly followed the Ninth Prince. Wen Yao and Amu were already waiting. The four of them hurried to the place, set up the table, and then Qi Qi walked to the back.
The Seventh Prince was still fast asleep at his desk. He didn't skip classes often, as he was quite healthy, unlike the Ninth Prince. If he skipped too many classes, a teacher who couldn't stand it would report him to the Emperor.
Although Qi Qi has not yet met the emperor, and those around him dare not discuss it, they only vaguely know that he is obsessed with seeking immortality and indulging in women.
Behind the Seventh Prince, the Fifth Prince actually gave Qi Qi a friendly smile, which was the first time he had made such a gesture to Qi Qi in public.
Qi Qi wondered if this person was moved, so he casually asked, "Good morning, Your Highness. Have you had breakfast?"
The Fifth Prince paused for a moment and said, "I've already eaten. Thank you for yesterday."
"You're welcome."
They didn't talk much before the teacher arrived, and Qi Qi quickly slipped behind the screen.
Amu, standing nearby, asked, "When did you and the Fifth Prince become so familiar?"
Qi Qi didn't say much: "We're so close every day, we're bound to talk."
How did he say thank you?
"Oh, I was on leave yesterday. On my way back, I saw the Fifth Prince fall and helped him up. Don't say anymore, don't say anymore. This is some delicious food I brought back from my godfather yesterday. I'll put it in the tea room later. Everyone can help themselves if they want some."
These are just ordinary snacks that everyone can afford. However, those made in the palace are always much tastier than those you can buy outside. It's rare that this child still thinks of them; this is a kind gesture.
The pageboys laughed. They had known each other for a month and were getting along well. They also knew about his background. In those days, no smart person would refuse to befriend a eunuch.
Even those from honest and upright families, when they encounter a cheerful child like Qi Qi, cannot escape his kindness and will exchange a few words with him.
This morning, Qi Qi listened to the arithmetic lesson for a while, but when he realized that they hadn't covered the parts he didn't know, he focused on chatting with the page boys.
The pageboys have a lot of information, and it's quite interesting for them to exchange information about things that don't involve privacy.
Today we're talking about escaping the summer heat. In previous years, when the weather started to get hot, the emperor would take his family, including some of his favorite sons, daughters, and wives, out of the palace to a summer palace hundreds of miles away. Important ministers would also go there to facilitate their official duties.
Qi Qi became interested in this matter and hurriedly inquired more about it. The servants, knowing that it was his first year in the palace, also told him in detail.
Qi Qi then understood.
The summer palace, also known as the Mountain Resort, is located in Jiangnan. It was built four hundred years ago by the ancestors of the Great Xia emperors to escape the summer heat. Over the years, it has been renovated and modified, with countless honeysuckle flowers added. The various gardens and landscaping are all exquisite, creating this small "palace". Because of the heat, a stay here can last from three months to half a year.
Moreover, in ancient times, carriages and horses traveled slowly, and people often had to travel with their families and many belongings. The journey alone could take half a month, with ten days by land and five days by water. The expenses alone were enormous, which was simply a waste of money and resources.
Other emperors' scandalous affairs were not openly discussed by their pageboys. Jiangnan was known for its beautiful women, and this emperor was indiscriminate in his pursuit of both men and women; every time he went there…
This kind of gossip is better left unsaid; Qi Qi indicated that he understood.
The young masters who could come to the study as companions were mostly from noble families. Therefore, the conversations among the young servants were about how many people from their families were going to attend the event, who they were bringing along, and who couldn't go.
Qi Qi was a little tempted. He hadn't been out since he came to the palace! But Amu said that the Ninth Prince hadn't been able to go for the past few years because of his poor health. He wondered if the Ninth Prince would go this year.
As soon as get out of class ended, Qi Qi couldn't wait to ask the Ninth Prince.
"I don't know yet."
The Ninth Prince also felt that the weather was hot this year, as it had been in previous years. However, he was not in good health and was worried about something happening on the road, so the Empress forbade him to go. He was feeling better this month, but he was still unsure if he could go.
"What, you want to go?"
Qi Qi nodded: "Of course, but let's ask the imperial physician first. If His Highness's health is not good, we won't go."
The Ninth Prince pondered, "If I want to go, I'll talk to the Empress Dowager."
Qi Qi: "No, health is more important. It seems fine if I don't go. Everyone else is going, and the palace will be empty. We... you can do whatever you want, right?"
The Ninth Prince's eyes lit up: "That's true."
"At that time, Your Highness will no longer need to attend this damned class!"
Qi Qi: ??? I didn't tell you to skip class!
"No, Your Highness, classes must still be attended... Reading makes one wise, reading makes one progress!"
The Ninth Prince asked curiously, "You like reading? Then why haven't I seen you reading much before?"
Qi Qi: "I'll read it!"
Ninth Prince: "? Then tell me, what did the teacher talk about this morning?"
Qi Qi solved the extremely simple arithmetic problem without hesitation.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
