During dinner, the Eighth Prince expressed his desire to experience farming and mulberry farming. Empress Jing'an and Princess Jinyi, who were sitting nearby, did not comment, so the Eighth Prince could only look at the Emperor.
After wiping the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief, the emperor asked, "Do you know how many guards are needed to escort the prince when he travels?"
The Eighth Prince, who had done his homework beforehand, replied, "Father, if I were to travel with my identity known, I would need three hundred guards to escort me. But if I were to travel incognito like my sister, leaving the palace in the capital, a dozen or so would suffice."
Hearing the answer, the emperor nodded and asked Empress Jing'an: "Fang Ting, my son wants to leave the palace. Do you agree?"
Seeing the pleading look from the Eighth Prince, Empress Jing'an nodded and said, "I think it's okay for the prince to go out for a walk. As the saying goes, reading ten thousand books leads to traveling ten thousand miles, but the prince doesn't have the opportunity to travel ten thousand miles. As a prince, it's his duty to go among the people and see how they really live."
Princess Jinyi, receiving her brother's gaze, echoed, "That's right, that's right. My brother is already over ten years old, and he hasn't even left the palace once."
Looking at the eager Eighth Prince, the Emperor smiled and said, "Alright, since it's beneficial to the people, then father won't stop it. However, since you're still young, you'll need at least thirty guards."
Upon hearing that his father agreed to his proposal, the Eighth Prince quickly stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, father, mother, and sister."
The Emperor raised his hand and asked the Eighth Prince to stand up. He then instructed him, "After dinner, follow me to the study."
The Eighth Prince nodded and replied, "Yes."
After dinner, the Emperor and the Eighth Prince stayed in the study for half an hour, during which time the Emperor kept explaining the Eighth Prince's travel precautions. He also told the Eighth Prince about his own experience in farming and sericulture when he was young, and shared his own experiences.
Returning to his palace, the Eighth Prince was so excited that he couldn't sleep. After practicing martial arts in the courtyard for nearly half an hour, he returned to his room and told his personal eunuch Li Liang, "I will be leaving the palace for a few days tomorrow. You will come with me. Leave the palace affairs to Xiao Xizi."
Eunuch Li Liang bowed and replied, "Yes, Master."
It was not until the third watch that the Eighth Prince drifted off to sleep. His dreams were filled with all sorts of amazing experiences he had after leaving the palace. In his sleep, the Eighth Prince smiled and had a sweet dream.
The next day, Sheng Shu and Yu Jiaxing were going to the palace to accompany the study as usual, but they met the Eighth Prince who was leaving the palace at the palace gate. Then the two of them became good friends who accompanied the Eighth Prince on his travels.
The Eighth Prince told them about his travel plans, and the two of them quickly sent their men to notify the palace to welcome him. The Eighth Prince first went to the Sheng family, which was closer to the palace.
Xu Wen, along with Xu Lin and the servants, welcomed the Eighth Prince, kneeling down to greet him. "Greetings to His Highness the Eighth Prince, may His Highness be well and safe."
Raising his hand for Xu Wen to stand, the Eighth Prince walked ahead into the Sheng Mansion. After a brief tour, the Eighth Prince, Sheng Shu, and Yu Jiaxing sat down in the outer courtyard study. They discussed their travel plans for the next few days, ultimately deciding to explore and dine in the capital today, and then head to the suburban farm early tomorrow morning.
"Dear guests, please go upstairs." The waiter at Fanlou invited the three people to go upstairs.
Of the three, the Eighth Prince went up first, followed by Sheng Shu and Yu Jiaxing. Looking at the restaurant packed with guests, the Eighth Prince nodded with satisfaction. After taking a seat in the private room, the Eighth Prince asked, "The restaurant lobby is full. How did you get to sit in the private room? Are you bullying others by taking advantage of your position?"
Sheng Shu, sweating profusely, replied, "This private room was reserved by my father a long time ago. It was originally intended for him to entertain my uncle."
"Oh..." The Eighth Prince touched his nose and said, "Why not ask your uncle to come too?"
Sheng Shu shook his head and said, "My uncle is several years older than us, so it's a little inconvenient. Your Highness, please feel free to enjoy your meal. We can reserve a private room next time."
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