Should I help?
It might cost both myself and the Ninth Prince their lives.
Of course, this is the worst possible outcome...
Should we not help?
Huairou and Jiang Chengyan have a good relationship with her.
Moreover, the siblings are legitimate children.
Royal families are prone to unforeseen events. If something were to happen to the Crown Prince in the future, Jiang Chengyan, as the eldest son of the legitimate wife, would become the heir apparent and the future emperor…
ah!
I'm so conflicted!
Four pairs of eyes were fixed on her.
Huairou and Jiang Chengyan felt slightly guilty, yet also filled with anticipation and pleading.
Yuan Yao: "..."
She took a deep breath and said, "Si Shi Chun, I'll take this job!"
"Really?" Huairou's eyes welled up with tears.
“Mm!” Yuan Yao nodded.
"Yao'er, I knew Yao'er was the best!" A tear rolled down Huairou's cheek as she reached out to hug her.
My neck is warm and moist.
Yuan Yao felt much more relaxed after making up her mind.
She raised her chubby, fair little hand and gently patted Huairou's back: "Sister Huairou, don't cry, don't cry."
Jiang Chengyan also spoke up, "Thank you..."
His voice was somewhat hoarse.
The Empress's two children, living such humble and subservient lives, what kind of life do they lead?
Yuan Yao sighed softly.
Consider it as a sacrifice for my own future and for the future of the Ninth Prince!
Seeing that Yuan Yao agreed, Huai Yao revealed a knowing look: "I knew Yuan Yao would agree!"
You're really something!
Yuan Yao found it somewhat amusing.
At this moment, various desserts were brought in by the waiter.
Yuan Yao called out, "Don't think about unhappy things anymore, come and try it!"
Danqing looked helpless on the side.
Her little princess is just too soft-hearted.
Although the Nine Thousand Years Old had already foreseen this...
That evening, upon returning to Qianhua Palace, Yuan Yao recounted her promise to the Empress.
The night breeze was cool, and only one candle remained in the Moonlight Palace.
Yuan Yao leaned against her small pillow, turned to the side, and looked at the handsome features of the Ninth Prince: "Father, will you blame Yao'er for acting on her own initiative?"
"No." The Ninth Prince raised his hand and stroked the baby hair on her forehead: "However, since you have taken on this task, you must be fully prepared."
Complete preparation?
Yuan Yao got up and sat on the bed: "Yao'er is not afraid of anything else, but I am afraid that someone will poison the dessert and slander me and Si Shi Chun!"
She couldn't think of any other way to harm her except with poison.
The little boy sighed.
The Ninth Prince chuckled.
He threw off the blanket, got up, and sat down next to Yuan Yao.
Yuan Yao moved closer to him.
The Ninth Prince swept her into his arms.
The father and daughter sat on the bed in silence.
After a long while, Yuan Yao said, "If only my uncle were here."
Uncle?
Xie Ning?
Upon hearing this name, the Ninth Prince's gaze darkened slightly.
He asked, "Xiao Yao'er, do you like Xie Ning very much?"
“I…” Yuan Yao shut her mouth and looked up at the Ninth Prince.
She was too small; all she could see was his slender, handsome chin.
Yuan Yao pursed her lips and said, "Father, don't be angry..."
The Ninth Prince had said long ago that he disliked Xie Ning.
However, she had a very good relationship with Xie Ning.
Similarly, the Ninth Prince disliked Feng Xun, yet she still became very close to him.
Isn't she... being too inconsiderate of His Majesty's feelings?
I was gently patted on the head.
The Ninth Prince slowly said, "You've become much more sensible now."
From now on, you can make your own decisions, and you should have your own friends.
"Father?" Yuan Yao was somewhat surprised.
"Go to sleep." The Ninth Prince pinched her cheek and said with a smile, "Seeing how smart and sensible you are, your father is very pleased."
Yuan Yao wanted to say something more, but the Ninth Prince pressed her into the quilt.
The next day, Yuan Yao got up early.
Outside the palace, the sky was overcast and gray.
Upon hearing the noise, Danqing led the palace maids in to serve him.
Yuan Yao yawned and asked, "Sister Danqing, is it raining today?"
"Yes," Danqing replied. "His Highness noticed the weather was bad and asked me to wake the Princess later."
Yuan Yao, wrapped in her blanket, stared blankly and muttered, "If only today were a day off..."
Danqing chuckled and said, "Princess, tomorrow is the day off."
"Grit your teeth and hang in there for one more day, then I can sleep in tomorrow."
Sleeping in late?
Never mind!
She's so busy right now, she doesn't have time to sleep in!
Yuan Yao got out of bed, dressed, washed up, ate breakfast, and then went to the National Academy for class.
In the afternoon, I went to Si Shi Chun as usual.
And so, more than half a month passed...
That afternoon, Yuan Yao finished school and had just stepped into the spring season when the shop assistant came up to her: "Princess, we have freshly made mango-flavored ice cream. Would you like to try some?"
Mango-flavored ice cream?
Yuan Yao then remembered that half a month ago, she had gone to the manager of Yipinlou Restaurant to ask him to help transport a batch of mangoes back to the capital...
Yuan Yao lifted her skirt and stepped inside.
The lobby was nearly full of guests.
Danqing followed and had someone wipe the tables and chairs again. She asked, "Princess, the main hall is in a mess. Why don't you go upstairs to sit?"
Yuan Yao waved her hand, climbed onto the chair herself, and kicked her short legs: "It's more convenient to listen to the guests' opinions or suggestions about Si Shi Chun in the lobby!"
Danqing chuckled.
Soon, the waiter brought over two bowls of mango-flavored ice cream.
Yu'er had already taught her apprentices how to make ice cream, and after making it countless times, the taste was no different from the modern version.
Yuan Yao picked up the silver spoon, scooped up a mouthful, and put it in her mouth.
It has a sweet taste and a smooth texture.
The aroma of mango is also particularly strong.
She praised, "It tastes good."
The waiter laughed and said, "These past few days, it's been hot, so cold desserts are selling the best!"
Among the customers who come to eat, ice cream is the most frequently ordered item!
Yuan Yao smiled and said, "In that case, another day, Sister Yu'er and I will research and make some other flavors of ice cream!"
The waiter grinned from ear to ear: "Princess, you're amazing!"
After spending almost a month together, Si Shi Chun Xia had grown to like Yuan Yao very much.
In their eyes, Yuan Yao, though young, was very clever and farsighted, and always had a smile on her face, making her very likable.
Even regular customers like her very much!
The waiter said, "Princess, I'll go and attend to the guests."
"Go!" Yuan Yao waved her hand.
She called out to Danqing, "Sister Danqing, you should try some too."
Danqing responded and sat down next to Yuanyao.
She took two bites and said with a smile, "This tastes really good!"
"Right?" Yuan Yao said in a childish voice, holding a spoon, "When we go back later, bring some back for Daddy to try."
"I remember," Danqing replied with a smile, then picked up the bowl and savored the taste.
At that moment, two very faint voices sounded from the nearby table—
"Have you heard? Huai River City has been flooded three times this year."
"I heard! When the refugees fled to Tongcheng, they were all imprisoned!"
My cousin just returned to Beijing from Huaishui City. He told me that several thousand people have died in the Huai River area…
"Then why isn't there any news from the capital?"
"Isn't this...? The Empress Dowager's birthday is coming soon! The news has been suppressed!"
"Two more days' journey from Tongcheng will take us to Fotai Mountain. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager is almost at the capital..."
"Rumor has it that His Majesty will personally go to the Huai River to provide disaster relief..."
Yuan Yao didn't hear what was said after that.
She looked at Danqing: "Is what they said... true?"
Danqing nodded: "Your Majesty will be setting off soon."
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