Chapter 476's main theme is "It's better to die than to die."
The crown prince's eyes were half-closed, and the corners of his lips were curled up, making it seem as if he was smiling.
But the Third Prince knew very well that the Crown Prince was angry.
So, my second brother is probably going to be in trouble!
Last time, my second brother was unlucky enough to be thrown into the Imperial Study by the Crown Prince. He spent a whole month there, eating, drinking, and relieving himself.
Thinking of those memorials, the Third Prince's smile became even more genuine.
The main idea is to sacrifice your fellow Daoists rather than yourself.
The second prince was strolling around the palace with Xiao Su Bao when he suddenly sneezed twice.
Little Su Bao poked her head out from under the cloak.
"Second Uncle, are you alright?"
Little Su Bao looked at the Second Prince with concern.
The second prince waved his hand; he was still quite robust.
It must be the eldest and third brothers plotting against me...
Never mind...
I'm not going to stoop to their level!
The Second Prince looked at Little Su Bao's fluffy little head and paused.
Seeing that there were no palace maids or eunuchs around, and no one could hide nearby, he whispered, "Have you treated my elder brother yet?"
Little Su Bao was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.
"I saw it!"
The second prince immediately became excited, his eyes even gleaming with a strange light.
"Well, do you have any way to cure my elder brother?"
The second prince was the first to rush over to ask about this matter.
He didn't want anything to happen to the Crown Prince, not only because the Crown Prince was the Crown Prince, but also because he was his elder brother.
Little Su Bao thought for a moment and said, "Uncle Crown Prince's problem is very troublesome... All Su Bao can do now is to let Uncle Crown Prince live a few more days and be completely cured... that's all!"
The second prince's eyes lit up immediately.
After all, the imperial physicians had said that the crown prince only had one year left to live.
"How long...how long can he live?" the Second Prince asked excitedly.
Little Su Bao pursed her lips.
If he used his own blood, combined with the medical and Taoist skills his master had taught him, the prince should be able to live for another twenty years.
If she didn't use her own blood and instead relied on what her master taught her, she could only keep the Crown Prince going for ten years!
Before leaving, Master told Little Su Bao that unless absolutely necessary, it was best not to use one's own blood!
Little Su Bao likes Grandpa and Grandma the Emperor, and also her second and third uncles and Princess Chang'an...
Although Xiao Su Bao didn't understand what her uncle, the Crown Prince, was saying, she saw the light of merit emanating from him!
Little Su Bao took a deep breath and said to the Second Prince, "About... about nineteen years..."
Don't make promises you can't keep; she remembers!
The second prince's eyes lit up immediately.
Nineteen years...
The Crown Prince is only sixteen years old this year!
Thinking of this, the Second Prince felt much better.
"It's alright, nineteen years is fine!"
The second prince thought that by then, Xiao Su Bao would be grown up, and perhaps her medical skills would be even better.
It would be good to let my elder brother live for two more years.
The second prince's smile widened, and his eyes revealed excitement.
Little Su Bao clenched her little hands as she looked at the Second Prince.
Did I say too much?
But she had a backup plan!
The little dumpling looked completely bewildered, its big eyes blinking as it stared at the Second Prince.
It has to be said that although the Second Prince sometimes looks a bit cheeky, he now appears more honest and simple.
The little girl couldn't help but laugh.
"Su Bao, from now on, whatever you want to do, just tell your second uncle. Your second uncle will do anything for you, even if it means going through fire and water!"
The Second Prince rubbed Xiao Su Bao's head, and now he finally looked a bit like a young man.
As the two were talking, the Emperor and Empress arrived with their entourage.
Seeing that the Second Prince and Xiao Su Bao were getting along quite well, the Emperor and Empress breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Seemingly realizing something, the emperor's face darkened, and his gaze toward his parents carried a hint of hostility.
"Grandpa Emperor, Grandma Emperor!" Little Su Bao saw the Emperor and Empress and immediately showed a shy smile.
Several months had passed, but the Emperor and Empress's appearances hadn't changed much. However, unlike before, they were now wearing the dragon and phoenix robes that were exclusive to the Emperor and Empress.
The Empress, in particular, wore a phoenix crown and looked very dignified.
"Little Su Bao, come here and let Grandma see you!" The Empress looked at Little Su Bao and was slightly taken aback.
After all, the little dumpling looks completely different now compared to a few months ago.
The second prince saw his parents and greeted them with a smile, revealing his pearly white teeth.
"Father, Mother!"
As he spoke, he rode his horse up to the two men.
The second prince, carrying Xiao Su Bao, fell off his horse.
Looking at his foolish son, the emperor glared at him angrily. He had asked him to pick someone up, but he hadn't returned for ages. He was becoming more and more unruly.
Little Su Bao stood on the ground and walked towards the Empress with her short legs.
The Empress looked at the little dumpling, who had become fairer and taller, with a hint of affection in her eyes.
"Did you encounter any danger along the way?" The Empress picked up the little baby, whose faint fragrance smelled wonderful.
Little Su Bao placed her little hands on her knees and sat obediently in the Queen's lap.
"No, I don't think so!" Little Su Bao thought about it carefully before saying it very seriously.
Looking at the soft and adorable little baby, the Empress's smile grew even wider.
Tang Bugui has suffered for so many years, but now that he has his little dumpling, things are much better!
However, Tang Bugui's health wasn't very good before...
The Empress couldn't help but ask, "How is your father's health?"
After Tang Bugui escorted the Emperor and Empress back, he left in a hurry, and the Empress didn't even have time to have the imperial physician examine Tang Bugui's pulse.
"Much better, thank you for your concern, Grandma!" Little Su Bao said sweetly, politely and obediently...
"Pfft, you little rascal, why have you become so reserved these days? You're so different from how you were in the village!"
The emperor, watching from the side, felt a little itchy to touch Xiao Su Bao.
Unfortunately, his wife wouldn't give it to him, so he could only sigh and look at Su Baosheng.
Little Su Bao blinked at her grandfather, pursed her lips, and lowered her sweet, childish voice, saying, "But this is the palace...the most powerful place in the entire Great Shang Kingdom!"
The emperor paused, unsure how to respond to the little dumpling.
The main problem is that the little guy is too sincere when he speaks!
Just as the emperor was about to speak, he heard the empress say, "But Little Su Bao calls me and Your Majesty Grandpa and Grandma. The palace is also Su Bao's home. No matter when, Su Bao can come back!"
The Empress's voice was gentle, and the way she looked at Xiao Su Bao was just like the way her mother had looked at her back then.
Little Su Bao felt warm inside, and her eyes brightened.
The little dumpling glanced at the Empress again, thought for a moment, and then said, "Grandma... do you have a baby in your belly?"
The emperor was taken aback. He rubbed his nose and suddenly felt embarrassed.
The Empress knew that her period was delayed this month, and she had some guesses about it.
She wasn't too surprised; she simply reached out and gently patted Xiao Su Bao's head.
"Why don't you stay here this time you're back?" the Empress asked, looking at the little dumpling.
Xiao Su Bao paused, then clenched her fists slightly.
She loved Tangjia Village, her mother, her brothers, and the people in the village: Granny Bai, Bai Yinjun, and Tang Xin…
She preferred Tangjia Village to the capital, where she felt a greater sense of community than in the bustling city.
Little Su Bao was silent for a moment, then whispered to the Empress, "Grandma, my mother and brothers are still waiting for me. I want... I want to go back to the village!"
Little Su Bao raised her eyes and looked at the Empress seriously.
The second prince was slightly taken aback, paused for a moment, and couldn't help but recall his days in Tangjia Village.
Thinking about it, it was much more interesting than being in the temple grounds.
At least I don't have to review memorials...
"Mother, I want to go back to the village too!" The second prince craned his neck to look at his mother.
The Empress raised an eyebrow, but before she could speak, a chilling voice rang out: "Ahem, what nonsense are you talking about? You are a prince, you must shoulder your responsibilities, you cannot be willful!"
The crown prince arrived in a sedan chair, wearing a white fox fur coat, and looked as gentle and refined as jade.
The second prince's expression instantly turned sour.
Ever since I returned to the capital, my elder brother has been acting like a madman, insisting that I review memorials and handle government affairs!
The second prince felt a little sad when he thought about these things.
After all, the crown prince looked too much like someone entrusting their son to another...
The Great Shang Kingdom is not an orphan, and he... cannot afford to bear this responsibility!
"What responsibility? Having my Crown Prince brother is enough. I just want to lie down and be a carefree prince, doing nothing!"
The second prince spoke without any ambition, but then, as if struck by a sudden thought, a hint of excitement appeared in his eyes.
"Little Su Bao said that although she can't cure your illness, she can still get some medicine to help you recover!" the Second Prince said with a grin.
The Emperor and Empress were stunned for a moment, and even the Third Prince, who had just arrived, clenched his fists slightly as he looked at Little Su Bao.
The little dumpling became a bit nervous under their gaze, but it was the Empress who first noticed the little guy's unusual behavior.
"Don't be afraid, Su Bao. Talk to Grandma, can you really... really make your Uncle Crown Prince feel a little better?"
The Queen's voice trembled slightly towards the end.
She always felt that she owed her eldest son something. If she hadn't been injured and prematurely born when she was pregnant with him, the crown prince wouldn't have had to grow up taking medicine from a young age.
"Hmm... Su Bao's medical skills aren't very good, but with some effort, she should be able to live another nineteen years!"
She stayed for a year...
"Good! Good! Good!" The emperor stood up excitedly and said "good" three times in a row.
The Empress was also very excited, and she turned to look at the Crown Prince.
The crown prince was stunned and forgot to stand up.
He stared blankly at Xiao Su Bao, the number nineteen echoing in his ears.
He originally thought he only had two years left to live!
But unexpectedly...
"Uncle Prince, you can breathe!" Little Su Bao couldn't help but remind him when she saw that the Prince seemed to have forgotten to breathe.
The crown prince was slightly dazed before subconsciously asking, "You mean, I can still live for nineteen more years?"
Little Su Bao nodded, looking obediently at the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince is a very good Crown Prince!
At least Xiao Su Bao thinks the Crown Prince is quite good.
"Hmm, it should be at least nineteen years!" Little Su Bao thought for a moment and then said.
Seeing how excited Uncle Crown Prince was, Xiao Su Bao hesitated whether to say it was twenty years!
"It's alright, that's enough, that's enough!" The Crown Prince smiled, and the air of unease between his brows lessened.
The emperor and empress had originally discussed sending the crown prince to Tangjia Village after the spring.
Both Wang Mingtian and Wang Mingyang are formidable figures.
As long as he can save the crown prince, that would be the best outcome.
"Eldest son, what nonsense are you talking about!" The emperor looked at his son with annoyance. He was the emperor, but more importantly, he was the father.
Emperors are not heartless; it's just that sometimes there are too many things to calculate.
But his sons were all too good, which made it impossible for the emperor to feel any other emotions.
"Yes, son was wrong!" The crown prince lowered his head, his eyes slightly moist.
From childhood to adulthood, what he heard most often was that he was in poor health and would not live past a certain age.
Almost every winter, he is like a glass doll, as if he might shatter at any moment.
The emperor and empress shed countless tears for him, and he had even hated his own body at times.
But now...
"Thank you!" The Crown Prince looked at Xiao Su Bao, his voice extremely gentle.
If it had been Xiao Su Bao who had been engaged to him, he probably wouldn't have refused!
But now...
Well, thinking of Brother Tang's dark face, the Crown Prince finally smiled and shook his head slightly.
"Could you go inside to discuss these matters? Mother is pregnant with younger siblings!" the Second Prince suddenly interjected.
Everyone was stunned, and even the emperor and the crown prince realized what was happening.
Because of the Crown Prince's illness, the Emperor and the others almost forgot that the Empress was pregnant.
The group arrived at the emperor and empress's bedroom.
Inside, an earthen stove was burning, making it warm and cozy. In one corner, silver thread fruitwood charcoal was also burning, filling the entire bedroom with a faint fragrance.
"Father, Mother, Su Bao is hungry. Why don't you serve her food sooner?"
The prince noticed that Xiao Su Bao frowned slightly and tightened her belt a little.
This little bundle of milk is really adorable.
The emperor immediately thought of Xiao Su Bao's appetite and laughed: "Alright, someone, serve the meal!"
"yes!"
Little Su Bao sat next to the Empress, the Crown Prince sat next to the Emperor, and the Second Prince and Third Prince sat in order of seniority following the Crown Prince.
At that moment, a voice came from the doorway: "Your Majesty, General Tang requests an audience!"
The eunuch quickly came in and hurriedly spoke to the Emperor and Empress.
The emperor curled his lip and couldn't help but say, "Look at this guy, do you think I, as his grandfather, would bully their daughter? Why don't you ever see him rushing in to see this old man like me on ordinary days!"
The Empress looked at the Emperor, suppressing a laugh, and said, "Alright, you're just a child. Why are you being so dramatic?"
The emperor snorted and turned to the eunuch, saying, "Go, go, go! Get him in here right now! It's snowing so heavily outside today, who knows if he'll come back tomorrow!"
As the emperor spoke, his gaze couldn't help but drift towards the doorway.
Tang Bugui changed into a light blue long robe, and tied his hair back with a white jade hair crown, which made him look more heroic.
Tang Bugui breathed a slight sigh of relief when he saw that Xiao Su Bao and the Crown Prince were unharmed.
Thinking of something, Tang Bugui said to the Emperor and Empress, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, those who attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince have been captured. However, they are all assassins, and we haven't been able to extract any information from them!"
The emperor also knew about this matter, and when he heard that they were assassins, a cold glint appeared in his eyes.
A bunch of trash, daring to mess with his prince, they've got some nerve!
"Investigate these matters and make sure you apprehend those people!"
The emperor snorted coldly, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
"Yes!" Tang Bugui clasped his hands in response.
The emperor was speechless as he looked at Tang Bugui, who was standing respectfully not far away. This kid was good in every way, but he was always keeping a tight rein on himself and always trying to keep his distance from them.
Thinking of what the fortune teller had said, the emperor was secretly annoyed.
"Alright, what are you standing there for? Come and take care of your own daughter!"
The emperor glared at Tang Bugui, and was about to say something when the empress glared at him.
"Your Majesty!" the Empress called out to the Emperor to stop him.
emperor……
Oh well, I guess I'm just superfluous!
The Empress ignored the sulking Emperor; she was used to it anyway.
The Empress glanced at Tang Bugui, her voice softening slightly.
Are you hurt?
The emperor immediately perked up his ears, his eyes scanning Tang Bugui up and down.
That brat shouldn't get hurt, right?
The emperor thought to himself, but couldn't help but take it more seriously.
Tang Bugui felt a warmth in his heart. Both the emperor and the empress had been very good to him!
But he's destined to be a lone star, cursed by fate!
He dared not approach them.
"Your Majesty, this humble general is unharmed!"
Tang Bugui said respectfully, and slowly sat down next to Xiao Su Bao.
The little dumpling breathed a slight sigh of relief when it saw its father.
Her small hand carefully tugged at Tang Bugui's sleeve, a hint of a smile appearing in her eyes.
Tang Bugui grabbed the little girl's hand and pulled her into his arms.
Little Su Bao subconsciously looked at the Emperor and Empress.
Fortunately, the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince were all just smiling, with no other emotions in their eyes.
Looking at the little dumpling, Tang Bugui's smile deepened.
"You little rascal, you only come here once in a lifetime because Little Su Bao is in the palace!" The emperor picked up a chicken leg and gave it to the empress first, then put it in Little Su Bao's bowl.
The emperor knew the father and daughter's appetites, so he had the imperial kitchen prepare extra food well in advance.
Tang Bugui did not speak when he heard the emperor's words, but the empress put the chicken leg from her bowl into Tang Bugui's bowl.
"I can't eat these greasy foods lately, let the kids eat them!"
The second prince curled his lip, thinking to himself, "So, all three of us brothers have been abandoned!"
"Mother, I can eat too..." The second prince stretched his head over and also extended his own bowl.
The Empress glanced at her son, smiled, and placed a chicken wing into his bowl.
The Crown Prince cannot eat meat, so before the Empress could finish, the Third Prince picked up another chicken wing and put it into the Emperor's bowl.
He then served his mother some vegetables before adding a piece of chicken to his own plate.
"Father, Mother, it's time to eat!"
The third prince had gentle eyes and looked very obedient, which was in stark contrast to the second prince.
The Second Prince...
The crown prince suppressed a laugh, glancing at the third and second sons out of the corner of his eye.
The two boys seem to be having a great time today!
"Look at your brother, and look at you. Have I ever been short of food or clothing for you? You're always so jealous and vindictive. You're a man, but you're more delicate than a woman!" The emperor said to the second prince with a displeased look.
The somewhat serious atmosphere became more cheerful, and Xiao Su Bao was noticeably more relaxed.
She glanced at her father, and seeing that he looked normal, she picked up a chicken leg and put it into the emperor's bowl: "Grandpa, eat the chicken leg. Little Su Bao, eat the chicken butt!"
Little Su Bao isn't picky about food. After all, whether it's a chicken's butt or a chicken's head, as long as it's edible, he's fine with it!
"Pfft, you little girl, why do you like eating chicken butts!" The Second Prince had already let loose, tilting his head and asking while gnawing on a chicken wing.
Little Su Bao glanced at the Second Prince, and then her expression turned serious.
"The mute old woman said that anything that can fill your stomach is good, whether it's a chicken's butt or a chicken's head, nothing should be wasted!"
The second prince was the pickiest eater among the three princes.
Right now, I just feel a vague sense of guilt...
Back when she lived in the Lan family, she couldn't even get to eat chicken butts. Once, when Lan Xin'er was eating chicken, she utterly despised the chicken butt.
Lan Xin'er threw the chicken's butt to her that time, and Xiao Su Bao thought it was the most delicious chicken butt in the world.
So, she genuinely thinks chicken butts are delicious.
The little group of children looked at everyone sincerely, but it left everyone feeling somewhat puzzled.
"From today onwards, second brother, you're not allowed to be picky about food. If you keep being picky, I'll beat you to death!"
The second prince paused, but ultimately remained silent. With a bitter expression, he buried his head and began to devour the chicken wings in his bowl.
Little Su Bao looked at her second uncle, who seemed unhappy, with a puzzled expression in her eyes.
"Alright, let's eat!"
Tang Bugui and Xiao Subao's bowls were specially made, very large, and filled with rice.
Little Su Bao had planned to eat less, but she accidentally ate too much again.
She looked at her round little belly, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she seemed a little embarrassed.
"Alright, it's getting late, why don't you all stay in the palace?"
Tang Bugui, holding Xiao Subao, bowed to the emperor and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. However, I still have many matters to attend to at home today, so I will take Subao back with me!"
The emperor wanted to say something more, but the empress spoke first.
"Well, that's fine. This is your first time living in the General's Mansion with Xiao Su Bao. If you need anything, I'll have someone send it to you!" The Empress looked at Tang Bugui as if he were her own child.
Tang Bugui nodded with a smile in his eyes.
He looked down at Xiao Su Bao, and realized that this was the first time he and his daughter had ever been home together.
"I also want to go to the General's Mansion, is that alright?" The Second Prince's eyes darted around, and he immediately followed up.
The emperor looked at his son and knew perfectly well why his second son had gone there.
However, this matter is not up to the second son!
Sure enough, before Tang Bugui could agree, the Crown Prince wiped his mouth and said quietly, "No, you haven't finished processing your memorial yet!"
"You are the Crown Prince, and I am just an unknown prince. You can't possibly enslave me!"
The second prince roared.
If I don't take this opportunity to run away, my older brother will definitely conscript me again.
He's had such a tough time these past few months!
The second prince looked at Xiao Su Bao and Tang Bu Gui with pleading in his eyes.
Little Su Bao felt a pang of pity and looked up at her father.
Tang Bugui patted the girl's head and then said, "His Highness the Crown Prince is right!"
The Second Prince...
Is there no justice in this world? Why are they all bullying me?
The second prince turned and left, utterly despondent.
The Crown Prince is not in good health and should go back to his palace to sleep now.
As for the third prince, seeing that his eldest and second brothers had already left, he did not stay either.
Soon only the Emperor, Empress, and Tang Bugui and his daughter remained in the palace.
The emperor's smile vanished instantly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
Why did those people want to assassinate the Crown Prince?
The emperor looked at Tang Bugui.
Even if they are death squad members, Tang Bugui can probably pry some information out of them.
With the crown prince seriously ill, under normal circumstances, no one would dare to touch him.
After all, their emperor was not a soft-hearted person.
Little Su Bao also became nervous.
“They don’t want to kill the Crown Prince…” Tang Bugui looked down at Xiao Su Bao, a hint of coldness in his eyes.
"What!" The emperor stood up abruptly, his eyes flashing with even sharper light.
The emperor was well aware of Xiao Su Bao's abilities.
Could it be that these people know something?
The Empress looked at the Emperor's excited expression and felt somewhat helpless.
The fact that Tang Bugui was able to enter the palace to accompany Xiao Su Bao already says something.
The Empress looked at them and said, "Then why don't you stay in the palace for the time being..."
"No, that would put His Majesty and the Empress in danger!"
After Tang Bugui finished speaking, he looked at Xiao Subao, and the little dumpling also looked at its father.
She clenched her fists slightly, feeling incredibly guilty.
If her uncle, the Crown Prince, had gotten into trouble because of her, she would have been very sad!
"What are you saying, kid? Danger? What danger!"
The emperor glared at Tang Bugui, then couldn't help but sigh.
"You brat, Zitong and I treat you like a son, yet you're acting like a stranger!" After saying this, the emperor looked at Xiao Su Bao.
"Su Bao, Grandpa Emperor will give you a princess to sit on, okay!"
The emperor looked at Xiao Su Bao with a smile, a rare tenderness appearing in his eyes.
Little Su Bao was stunned for a moment, after all, there were very few princesses in their Great Shang Kingdom.
The little dumpling had heard some things about the Lan family, after all. Weren't princesses only the emperor's daughters?
She was a little nervous and somewhat incredulous.
The emperor's smile deepened as he looked at the little dumpling.
"how?"
The emperor pulled Xiao Su Bao out of Tang Bugui's arms and looked at her with a smile.
Little Su Bao couldn't see her father anymore, and the little girl's cheeks turned slightly red.
"Don't look down on your dad. He's such a blockhead, he doesn't want anything, he's so annoying!"
The emperor said this, but there was not a trace of dislike in his eyes.
The Empress shook her head helplessly, then turned to Tang Bugui and asked, "How long have you been back this time?"
Tang Bugui's sudden return with Xiao Su Bao sparked a lot of gossip in the capital.
Tang Bugui had no idea that it was his daughter who insisted on coming back this time.
The emperor, upon hearing the empress's words, immediately perked up his ears to listen to their conversation.
"It will take some more time!"
Tang Bugui thought for a moment and replied.
The emperor rolled his eyes, and holding Xiao Su Bao, he said, "Listen to what your father is saying. He's already back, and he still wants to run away. Let him run away by himself. Our Su Bao won't run away!"
The emperor snorted coldly, picked up the little baby, and walked straight out.
Tang Bugui subconsciously got up to follow, but Tang Bugui shook his head slightly.
Just then, the emperor's voice came: "Come on, Grandpa Emperor will take you to pick out a gift!"
The emperor muttered to himself, but walked even faster.
"Let His Majesty go, he's in a good mood today!" The Empress smiled even more as she watched her Emperor's retreating figure disappear into the distance.
"Are you... going to cause trouble for the Zhou family?" The Empress asked Tang Bugui after the Emperor left.
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