Anyone can tell whether someone is sincere or not.
Qi Qi was quite happy, regardless of whether it was true or not, at least he said it, so it would definitely be true in the future. The bell was about to ring, and Qi Qi reached into his pocket, stuffed a small bag into Gu Siyan's arms, and ran away before Gu Siyan could refuse.
When they returned to their lodgings, a shared dormitory room for about ten people, Gu Siyan was beaten up again, unsurprisingly, for his ability to curry favor with people, even managing to ingratiate himself with the favored eunuch serving the Ninth Prince.
When no one was around, Gu Siyan took out the contents of the handkerchief wrapped in his bosom and opened it. It was a broken flower cake, but it smelled delicious.
In the past, when the imperial court couldn't pay the soldiers, it would always delay. My grandmother and mother would send nine-tenths of the family's income to my grandfather at the front line, and they would also often subsidize the retired veterans. As a result, the family lived very frugally, keeping only enough money for daily expenses.
Such dedication and loyalty were met with the cruel fate of those who served the country, who were condemned as traitors simply because of the fear of war, and who were seen as currying favor with the enemy.
Gu Siyan remained expressionless as he scattered the pastries into the stable.
Dinner consisted of slightly sour, coarse, cold steamed buns and soup that resembled swill. The slaves wolfed it down, chatting as they ate.
They say that since the head of the Imperial Kitchen changed, the food has been much better in recent years than in previous years. In previous years, all they ate was a thin, bland bean paste meant for feeding horses, which was tough on the throat, bland, and didn't fill their stomachs.
Gu Siyan sneered again. It's only half a grade better than pig feed. All crows are black, but they have one white feather. Is that enough to make these people so grateful?
...
The Ninth Prince frowned, looking disgusted: "What do you talk about with that stable boy every day? You smell like a horse."
Qi Qi walked a few steps behind with a wronged look on his face: "Let's talk about walking in the snow together. Walking in the snow is really interesting and fun."
Ninth Prince: "What are you doing?"
Qi Qi: "I smell bad, I'll go to the back."
The Ninth Prince stopped and waited for him: "...It doesn't smell."
Qi Qi refused to leave: "You said I stink."
Wen Yao and Amu kept their eyes down, pretending not to see the two sulking masters and servants.
"Then what do you want? I will never scold you again."
Qi Qi: "Not good."
Ninth Prince: "...I won't say anything more about you. You don't stink, really."
Qi Qi still had his head down, but finally stepped forward. He deliberately said, "You despise me. Are you thinking to yourself that I'm a stinking eunuch, a dead eunuch?"
The Ninth Prince tugged at his hand, but then let go because there were many people around: "Where did you hear that? When have I ever cursed you?"
Qi Qi said, "I heard other people say that."
The Ninth Prince thought to himself, "Why should I be blamed for what others are saying? This is truly unfair." Although no one said it, he secretly liked this chubby boy. This was probably the kind of appreciation only close friends have! Although the other person had many flaws and could get angry, the Ninth Prince could still accept these minor flaws between friends.
"I won't scold you, nor will I look down on you. If you like small animals, how about I go to the Beast Taming Garden and adopt a puppy?"
Qi Qi immediately smiled: "Your Highness is the best! Then what kind of dog should I hold?"
The Ninth Prince casually said, "When the time comes, you can hug whichever one you like."
Qi Qi was absolutely smitten with him; her eyes sparkled, and her adoration for the Ninth Prince was practically overflowing.
It's so boring in the palace! He can walk the dog and distract the Ninth Prince! This guy has been sleeping better lately, so he's more and more energetic. And since he doesn't do his homework and has nothing to do, he likes to bother Qi Qi, supervising Qi Qi's studies and calligraphy practice. Practicing calligraphy for an hour is just terrifying.
Wen Yao: ...I envy the Ninth Prince, that academic failure. His family is very strict, afraid that playing with toys will ruin his studies, so they won't let him have them.
...
That evening, Qi Qi treated the amazing Ninth Prince to a good meal—he massaged his arms to relax them.
A eunuch who wanted to serve his master for a long time had to master a remarkable skill.
Qi Qi knew nothing, and the Empress ordered him to learn a skill because she thought that when her son grew up and stopped studying, he would no longer need a page. At that time, the young eunuch would become a personal eunuch, or a senior eunuch who did a good job, and he would definitely need to learn something to serve better.
But... Qi Qixue broke the Ninth Prince's precious teacup while learning to brew tea. As for washing up... he couldn't even manage his own hair, and other daily chores were done by others.
When they were giving Qi Qi a future skills planning test, everyone realized that this kid was really good for nothing. He had injured his head when he was a child, and his hands and feet were not flexible! This was the certification from his godfather, Qi Defu.
Because Qi Defu was afraid that his son would offend someone, he reported this shortcoming to the Empress from the beginning. At first, she didn't believe him, but after a month, she believed him...
Upon reflection, I felt a pang of pity. This chubby boy wasn't just silly-looking; he really was. It's rare that my son likes him, and he can even help him fall asleep. Oh well, I'll let him be.
So I found a simple massage skill, and after learning it for a few years, I'll become proficient through practice.
Qi Qi didn't really care; he just let them do it.
but.
"Your Highness, if I stop being a page and can't massage properly anymore, how about I become your storeroom manager?"
Ninth Prince: "?"
Qi Qi said, "I'm good at math and have a decent memory, so I'm not likely to make mistakes."
The Ninth Prince was about to die laughing. He had never seen the little fat boy read an arithmetic book before. He would read half of the Thousand Character Classic and his mind would wander off.
"You? You have a good memory? Hahahahahaha..."
Qi Qi looked at him and smiled, speechless.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
