Chapter 127 Who is the beggar?
Since all six siblings had left the palace, Xie Yuxiao specially dispatched a team of imperial guards to escort them.
It was a private trip for them, and none of them were high-profile. They wouldn't make people kneel down and pay their respects just because they were passing by.
But with the Imperial Guards accompanying them, looking imposing and awe-inspiring, and Xie Yunchuan and his companion riding horses, it was impossible not to attract attention.
The people consciously moved to the sides of the road, speaking in much quieter voices, watching the exquisite and luxurious carriages pass by with curiosity or fear.
Many young women blushed and secretly watched the two brothers chatting on horseback.
Hearing the two girls exchanging compliments like "So handsome!" and "So dashing!" made him feel incredibly proud.
Sheng Sheng turned around happily and said, "Royal Sister, so many people are praising Second Brother and Crown Prince for being handsome!"
Xie Yunjia couldn't refute this, and even joked, "Then are you going to go and choose a sister-in-law for them?"
The little dumpling was startled and waved his hand, saying, "Of course, sister-in-law wants what the brothers like."
Xie Yunjia chuckled: "Don't worry, even if you really wanted to let them choose, you wouldn't have the choice. Not to mention you, they probably wouldn't even have the choice themselves."
The little dumpling didn't understand that marriage is something you do for a lifetime, so how can it not be up to you?
Xie Yunjia paused for a moment, perhaps thinking that she was the same way, and then ruffled her hair: "You're pretty smart in other ways, how come you don't understand this? I'll explain it to you later, now focus on your street."
The little dumpling gave an "Oh" sound, seemingly understanding, and then turned its head back.
Actually, she seemed to understand; after Xie Yunjia's moment of silence, she seemed to realize something.
There are too many things in this world that are beyond one's control. As a prince or princess, although Xie Yuxiao is a good father and hopes for his children's happiness, how can he possibly have everything he wants while living in the deep and unfathomable palace?
Sheng Sheng found it hard to imagine what it would be like to spend her whole life with a stranger.
I can't even imagine what it would be like to be married to someone I don't like.
She looked up and was greeted by a lively scene of people she had never seen before. The diverse people and things brought her somewhat wandering thoughts back to normal, and soothed her slight daze and depression.
Children's emotions come and go quickly, and soon Sheng Sheng was completely immersed in these new things.
On both sides of the long street, layers of black-tiled and gray walls are stacked one on top of another, and vermilion-lacquered columns support the upturned eaves. The carved doors and windows of the shops along the street are half open, with gilded plaques hanging above the doors, and colorful lanterns under the eaves swaying gently in the wind.
The bamboo blinds of the teahouse rustled in the breeze, and the carved wooden railings on the second floor of the restaurant jutted out halfway, creating an elegant and dignified atmosphere along with the bluestone pavement and the copper bells hanging from the eaves.
Although not as magnificent as the imperial palace, it is still the capital city, and compared to other places, it is much more refined and grand in every aspect. Even the most ordinary inns and restaurants are respectable.
"Wow, my sister, this place is so lively and beautiful!"
Xie Yunjia wasn't distracted by the scenery on the street; she was more interested in the little dumpling's expression.
Xie Yunjia smiled, seeing her radiant and relaxed, and teased her lightly, "Be careful, don't fall out of this window."
The little dumpling pouted and said no, but the next second her gaze was drawn to a group of burly men in a small alley.
The group of people didn't look very happy; some looked fierce and impatient, as if they were in a hurry to do something but had to stop for the time being.
Sheng Sheng, with her sharp eyes, noticed that one of the people kicked backward with all their might. Looking closer, she discovered that there was a person hiding behind the group, trembling and curled up on the ground, clutching his stomach and groaning in pain.
The man was dressed in rags, and it seemed that he had made a sound that displeased others, so he was kicked hard again.
Passersby dared not say anything, for a single glance would earn them a fierce glare from the group. Not wanting to get involved, they immediately covered their faces and ran away.
Sheng Sheng's gaze remained fixed on that corner until the convoy had passed. Then she saw the group finally turn around and brutally beat the beggar on the ground.
"Wait a moment!"
In her haste, Sheng Sheng leaned half her body out of the window.
Xie Yunjia was startled and tried to pull her back.
The convoy stopped, and Xie Yunyang and Xie Yunchuan, having heard the commotion, turned their horses around.
Xie Yunchuan frowned until Xie Yunjia helped him sit back down before letting go.
"What's wrong?"
"Brother, someone's hitting someone over there!"
He pointed in the direction of that alley.
The group looked in the direction the little dumpling was pointing. There were only four people in the group. They must have stopped because they were afraid the royal caravan was passing by. Now that they thought the caravan had passed, they were kicking the beggar on the ground.
"How dare they be so blatant under the very nose of the emperor!"
Xie Yunyang turned his head and ordered his men to tie up those men and send them to the Dali Temple. The Dali Temple would find out the specific reason why they had allowed them to beat people in broad daylight.
This little incident attracted the attention of many people, especially after they saw several imperial guards run into the alley to arrest people. Many people started whispering and discussing it among themselves.
The matter should have ended there, but for some reason, Sheng Sheng was always curious about the beggar's identity.
It was as if she would miss something if she didn't see the beggar with her own eyes.
But this inexplicable feeling puzzled Sheng Sheng. She could temporarily stop and let her brother handle the matter out of kindness, but there was no reason for her to go up and take a look.
She always trusted her intuition, but today, that intuition made her somewhat resistant, both openly and subtly.
The little dumpling was conflicted, feeling both curiosity and an unspeakable resistance and rejection, her mind a tangled mess.
The little dumpling told herself that it would be no use for her to go; she wasn't the Minister of Justice and couldn't uphold justice.
Xie Yunchuan noticed the little girl was frowning and staring in that direction. Just as he was about to ask her a question, an elderly woman selling vegetables cautiously approached and said, with great care...
"Sir, the person who was beaten is not a good person. You are all kind-hearted, but please don't save the wrong person!"
The old woman carefully organized her words, her coarse linen clothes creating a stark contrast between her and the group of richly dressed "nobles."
Sheng Sheng's eyes widened, clearly showing great interest in what she was saying.
Xie Yunchuan glanced at her and asked the old woman softly, "Grandma, can you tell me why?"
The old woman waved her hand, flattered and surprised, clearly not expecting them to be so easy to talk to, and her tense expression relaxed considerably.
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