Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Xiao Yu was taken aback.

Lu Ming was dumbfounded.

It was the first time Emperor Yongxi had encountered such a bold child.

Without waiting for Pei Yanli to speak, Danzi also stepped forward, "Grandma, this candy is really tasty, sour and sweet."

Minghe proudly declared, "I can eat three at a time!"

Danzi, not to be outdone, exclaimed, "I can too! I can do it too!"

Minghe pointed to the tangerine peel candy on the table, saying, "Grandma, you should eat this."

Danzi nodded in agreement, "Eat it and you'll feel better!"

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, under the peaceful and prosperous reign of Dajing, where the people live in contentment, the principle of 'filial piety above all' championed by the late emperor has been integrated into daily life. The Crown Prince and Minghe, having lived among the people, may not have learned court etiquette, but they have embraced the ethos of 'respecting one's elders and others’ as well,' hence their genuine gesture of offering candy to the Empress Dowager. Please, Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, do not take offense," Pei Yanli spoke with neither servility nor arrogance.

"We take no offense. We both understand the sincere hearts of the two children," Emperor Yongxi looked towards the Empress Dowager, adding, "Mother, wouldn’t you agree?"

"The Emperor speaks the truth," the Empress Dowager responded, her voice devoid of warmth.

Xiao Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

Lu Ming wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Emperor Yongxi turned to Pei Yanli and the others, "You've had a long and tiring journey. You should rest well. Yuanheng, you take Xiao—"

"Xiao Yu, Minghe," Pei Yanli interjected.

Emperor Yongxi nodded, "Right, you take Xiao Yu and Minghe to stay in the Eastern Palace."

"Your Majesty," the Empress Dowager spoke up.

Emperor Yongxi turned to her, "Mother, what guidance do you have?"

The Empress Dowager spoke deliberately, "Yuanheng has just returned from outside, weary and dusty. Staying in the Eastern Palace might not be appropriate."

Emperor Yongxi said, "Shufei has passed away, the Empress is unwell, and you, Mother, prefer peace and quiet. Moreover, Yuanheng is already four years old; staying in the inner palace is indeed not suitable."

"That may be so, but for Yuanheng to move to the Eastern Palace so suddenly seems rather hasty," the Empress Dowager’s gaze swept over Yuanheng and then returned to Emperor Yongxi. "After your imperial brothers moved out of the palace, the Prince’s residence has been vacant for years. Thankfully, the palace staff have maintained it well. It has a library, an armory, and a small kitchen, all fully equipped. Why not let Yuanheng stay there temporarily with Xiao Yu and Minghe?"

Indeed.

It was clear the Empress Dowager did not favor Danzi. Her refusal to let Danzi stay in the Eastern Palace also implied her disapproval of appointing Danzi as the Crown Prince.

Xiao Yu, with little influence, could not say much.

Emperor Yongxi coughed lightly, then said, "Mother speaks wisely. Yuanheng, Xiao Yu, Minghe, you three will temporarily rest at the Prince's residence."

"Yes," the uncle and nephews complied.

"Yanli, Twelfth, you have had a long journey. Rest yourselves, and then come to see me," Emperor Yongxi instructed.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the two men bowed.

The five of them bid farewell to Emperor Yongxi and the Empress Dowager, then left the Cihe Palace.

Leading the way, Xiao Yu quietly reviewed the incident of offering candy to the Empress Dowager with Minghe and Danzi, saying, "Next time, you can’t speak to the Empress Dowager like that."

"But she was coughing, just like Nurse Jiang!" protested Minghe.

"Eating the candy Uncle makes will make it better!" Danzi added.

"Still, you can’t just rush up like that," Xiao Yu admonished.

"Then what should we do?" the two children asked.

"You must first pay respects, then speak," Xiao Yu instructed.

Minghe frowned, "That sounds so troublesome."

"It’s about etiquette," Xiao Yu explained gently yet earnestly to the two children, "Think about it. If someone suddenly came up to you without a greeting and offered you something to eat, wouldn’t you be startled?"

"Yes!" the two children nodded in unison.

"So, what should you do?" Xiao Yu prompted the children.

"First, greet them! We shouldn't scare people!" Minghe replied.

"No, we should first bow!" Danzi corrected.

Minghe nodded in agreement, "First, bow so as not to frighten anyone, then speak."

"Right," Xiao Yu praised them.

Hearing this, Lu Ming gave Pei Yanli a thumbs-up and said, "Xiao Yu really knows how to teach children. Without scolding or hitting, he makes the reasoning clear."

Pei Yanli, impressed, called out, "Xiao Yu."

Xiao Yu looked towards Pei Yanli, "General."

Hearing this title, Pei Yanli's brows furrowed slightly, but since Xiao Yu and Minghe's official titles had not yet been conferred, this title was indeed safer for now. He didn't mind and said, "You need not be too anxious. Although you and Minghe come from the common folk, you are the Crown Prince's lifesaver and have made great contributions. His Majesty is kind and will not treat you harshly."

Xiao Yu nodded.

Pei Yanli, noticing his continued anxiety, added, "My father is the Minister of War, my mother is a princess, my cousin is the Emperor, my aunt is the Empress Dowager, and I am the great General of Dajing, who expelled the Northern Huns and pacified the Southern Yue. Do you think I am formidable?"

Xiao Yu, unsure why Pei Yanli was listing his family background and achievements, instinctively nodded, "Formidable."

Pei Yanli smiled, "So, someone as formidable as me, can I protect you and Minghe?"

Xiao Yu was momentarily taken aback.

Pei Yanli continued, "Therefore, relax. Bow when you meet others, but otherwise, just act as you would in Shuiqing Lane. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."

"And me too," added Lu Ming.

It was Xiao Yu's first time in the palace, his first visit to the solemn and respectful Cihe Palace, where he saw the eunuchs, palace maids, and matrons all with stern faces, as if the sky was about to fall. This had made him tense and nervous throughout.

Now, hearing Pei Yanli speak like this, and recalling that 'Emperor's Dream' was a work of fiction, not the rigidly hierarchical and terrifying Ming or Qing dynasties, where a slight mistake could lead to charges of disrespect and collective punishment, he felt somewhat relieved.

He relaxed considerably and nodded, "Alright."

"Let's go," Pei Yanli said.

They followed the palace staff to the entrance of the Prince's residence.

The Prince's residence, as the name implies, is where the princes live.

It's a tradition dating back to an unknown dynasty that princes must move out of the inner palace and into the Prince's residence at the age of six, and only leave it when they are granted their own fiefdom. Thus, each of the small courtyards in the Prince's residence is elegantly and comfortably constructed.

However, Emperor Yongxi only had two sons and one daughter, with the eldest, Danzi, being only four years old, so the Prince's residence was currently unoccupied.

"Is this the Heavenly Palace?" The largest house Minghe had ever lived in was the Xiaohezi Tavern. Seeing the clean and spacious house in front of him, he couldn't help but marvel.

Danzi commented, "It's better than Dabao's house!"

Minghe added, "Dabao would be jealous of us now!"

"Exactly."

"Your Highness, which courtyard would you like to live in?" Lady Gui asked.

Danzi, still unaccustomed to being called 'Your Highness,' was distractedly looking at the flowers with Minghe and didn't respond.

Xiao Yu tugged at Danzi's clothes.

Danzi turned to look.

"Your Highness, which courtyard would you prefer?" Pei Yanli asked again.

Danzi looked towards Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu looked down.

Danzi, being clever, realized he needed to decide for himself. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Where is the small kitchen?"

Lady Gui pointed in a direction.

Danzi said, "Then let's live in the small courtyard next to it."

It was Courtyard Number Nine.

Lady Gui instructed her attendants to carry a bunch of items into Courtyard Number Nine and then started to tidy up.

Xiao Yu and the others followed, entering a space with three main rooms and two side rooms at the front, flanked by east and west wing rooms, totaling seven rooms and very spacious.

Lady Gui and her team quickly finished arranging everything and said, "Your Highness, there are four palace servants here temporarily at your service. His Majesty will make further arrangements later."

"Thank you, Lady Gui," Pei Yanli expressed his gratitude.

Lady Gui responded, "There’s no need for such formalities, General. I will go back and report."

"Take care."

After Lady Gui and her team left.

Danzi then asked, "Uncle, are we going to live here from now on?"

Xiao Yu nodded.

Pei Yanli looked at Xiao Yu and said, "If you need anything, let the palace servants do it. Rest for now, and we'll come over again tomorrow."

"Alright," Xiao Yu nodded in agreement.

Pei Yanli added reassuringly, "There's nothing to be afraid of."

Xiao Yu smiled in response, "Okay."

Pei Yanli then gave a few instructions to the palace servants before he and Lu Ming departed.

The uncle and nephews, standing in Courtyard Number Nine, were both excited and intrigued. They looked around everywhere, marveling that it was much better than the Xiaohezi snack shop and tavern. Suddenly, Danzi, feeling dissatisfied, asked, "Why do I have to sleep alone?"

"You are four years old now," Xiao Yu explained.

"But brother is also four and he still sleeps with you at night!" Danzi pouted.

At that moment, an imperial decree arrived.

Xiao Yu and the others hurriedly paid their respects.

The eunuch read the imperial decree with a strong voice, conveying Emperor Yongxi's intention to appoint Xiao Yu as 'Ziqing' and Minghe as the Crown Prince's study companion.

This was good for Minghe, as it meant he could continue to be with Danzi. However, Xiao Yu, who was familiar with titles like Deputy Minister of Dali Temple, Taipuqing, and Aiqing, wondered what 'Ziqing' meant.

The eunuch explained, "Ziqing is a title specifically requested by the General for you, signifying exceptional talent, virtue and talent combined, and wealth and well-being. By appointing you as Ziqing to accompany the Crown Prince, it is hoped that the Crown Prince will embody these qualities as well."

"So my duty is to accompany the Crown Prince?" Xiao Yu asked.

"Yes," the eunuch confirmed.

Xiao Yu couldn't help feeling gratified by this appointment, realizing Pei Yanli truly understood him. Then another question came to his mind, "What rank am I now?"

"Sixth rank," the eunuch hastily explained, "Though it's a lower rank, it's in the presence of the Crown Prince." This implied that while the official rank was modest, the position held significant unspoken wealth and power.

Xiao Yu asked his most pressing question, "Do I receive a salary?"

The eunuch affirmed, "Yes, both you, Ziqing, and Minghe will receive a salary."

Pleased, Xiao Yu inquired, "How much?"

"About that... I am not entirely sure. You, Ziqing, will find out after a month or so."

"Alright."

No sooner had the eunuch left than people from the Empress, Noble Consort, and other consorts arrived, bringing food, drinks, clothes, toys, and more.

Xiao Yu didn't have to worry about dinner that night; he ate the meal sent by the Empress and others, then bathed and changed into new clothes with the help of the palace servants.

The two children were overjoyed.

"Uncle, it's new clothes!" exclaimed Danzi.

Minghe, feeling the fabric, said, "Uncle, these new clothes are so comfortable."

Although Xiao Yu had bought decent clothes for the children after earning money, they were no match for their current garments. He said, "From now on, you can wear comfortable clothes every day."

"That's wonderful," the two children said.

Xiao Yu, patting Danzi's head, suggested, "Go to your bedroom to sleep."

"Let's go," Danzi said, pulling Xiao Yu and Minghe along.

On his first day in the palace, Xiao Yu didn't want Danzi to face the night alone, so he accompanied him to Danzi's spacious bedroom. After Danzi fell asleep, Xiao Yu carried the also-asleep Minghe back to their room in the eastern wing of the courtyard.

This scene was observed by the palace servants and quickly reported to the Empress Dowager.

Lady Gui said, "Empress Dowager, that Ziqing Xiao really takes good care of the Crown Prince."

"One can tell by how chubby Yuanheng looks," the Empress Dowager commented before coughing twice. "Have them come to pay respects tomorrow."

Handing over a teacup, Lady Gui replied, "Yes, I will inform them tomorrow."

The next morning, just as Xiao Yu and the children finished dressing, Lady Gui arrived to invite them to the Cihe Palace.

"We haven't had breakfast yet," Danzi said.

"The Empress Dowager has already prepared breakfast," Lady Gui informed them.

Xiao Yu then led the two children to the Cihe Palace.

Dressed neatly and groomed well, the uncle and nephews each looked better than the other, causing a flash of admiration in the eyes of the palace servants before they quickly lowered their gaze.

The Empress Dowager sat in the main seat, watching the three with a stern gaze.

Xiao Yu and the children respectfully bowed, "Greetings to the Empress Dowager, may you be auspicious."

"Rise," the Empress Dowager commanded.

Xiao Yu and the children stood up, eyes downcast.

"Ziqing Xiao, how did you sleep last night?" the Empress Dowager inquired.

Xiao Yu replied, "Your Highness, I slept very well, thank you."

"And you?" the Empress Dowager turned to Minghe.

Minghe's lips were tightly pursed.

Noticing Xiao Yu about to answer, the Empress Dowager said, "Let him answer for himself."

Xiao Yu had no choice but to remain silent.

The Empress Dowager slowly called out, "Minghe."

Minghe looked up at the Empress Dowager and respectfully bowed, "Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager's voice was still cold and stern as she asked, "How did you sleep last night?"

Minghe replied, "Your Highness, I slept very well last night."

Seeing the boy's changed demeanor, the Empress Dowager remarked, "Oh? From running around wildly yesterday to being so polite today?"

"Your Highness, I learned," Minghe replied. "Once I learn, I understand."

The Empress Dowager slightly raised her eyebrows, "And how did you learn?"

Minghe performed a clumsy bow, his voice childlike, "‘Greetings to the Empress Dowager,’ ‘May you be auspicious,’ ‘Your Highness,’ I learned it just like this."

The Empress Dowager, her expression unchanged, noted, "Hmm, you learn quickly."

Hearing the praise, Minghe giggled.

The Empress Dowager looked at Minghe upon hearing him.

Minghe's face suddenly became serious.

The Empress Dowager asked, "Why did you stop smiling?"

Minghe, with his deep black eyes fixed on the Empress Dowager, said, "Your Highness, when I smile and you don't, it's... it's really awkward for me."