Chapter 79

Chapter 79

The Empress Dowager looked down at Danzi's actions, feeling a mix of warmth, sourness, bitterness, and fullness in her heart. She couldn't help but ask, "Yuanheng, back in Yixiang Garden, when Prince Zhu falsely accused you and no one helped, were you upset?"

"Brother helped me," Danzi said.

Minghe added, "I will always help my brother."

Danzi continued, "And I will always help my brother too."

At first, the Empress Dowager felt that the children addressing each other as "brother," "Danzi" was informal, but considering their recent arrival to the palace, she hadn't minded and planned to correct them later.

Having just witnessed the children united against adversity, better than true brothers, she was deeply moved by such genuine affection, finding their way of addressing each other endearingly heartfelt.

Nonetheless, she was still concerned about Danzi and Minghe's feelings, continuing, "None of the adults helped you, did they?"

"Great Grandmother helped us," Danzi said.

Minghe nodded, "The Empress Dowager scolded them!"

"Yes, Great Grandmother, you're amazing!"

"Great Grandmother, no, that's not right." Realizing his error, Minghe quickly corrected himself, "The Empress Dowager stood by our side."

Danzi, with his innocent face lifted, expressed with clear sincerity, "Great Grandmother, you are so good to us."

"Yes, you helped us figh-, figh-, fight..." Minghe forgot the word and tapped Danzi's arm, asking, "Brother, what's the word?"

Danzi couldn't recall it either.

The senior maid interjected, "Is it 'uphold justice'?"

"Yes, uphold justice! Senior maid, you're so cultured!" Minghe naturally complimented the senior maid.

Accustomed to flattery from those around the Empress Dowager, the senior maid usually found such praises tiresome, but for some reason, she felt genuinely delighted by Minghe's compliment.

Turning back to the Empress Dowager, Minghe continued, "Empress Dowager, you helped us uphold justice."

"Right, Great Grandmother, thank you," Danzi added.

"Empress Dowager, thank you," Minghe echoed.

The Empress Dowager had seen the conflict between Yuanheng, Minghe, and Zhu Huan from the beginning. Initially, she thought it was just child's play and didn't take it seriously. However, the situation escalated as Zhu Huan recklessly accused Yuanheng of theft, leading to a physical altercation.

The wife of the Dongbo Prince and the Empress, along with others present, knowing Yuanheng's weaker position, leaned towards Zhu Huan, leaving Yuanheng without support. The wife of the Dongbo Prince again took advantage of her favor.

Fortunately, Yuanheng was clever enough not to let the wife of the Dongbo Prince tarnish his reputation, insisting on finding the Luban lock to clear his name.

By then, the Empress Dowager's anger had reached its peak. Even if her descendants were less powerful, they were not to be insulted by others. Moreover, she increasingly found Yuanheng to be a good child, leading her to reprimand the wife of the Dongbo Prince and the Empress, while feeling guilty for not having given Yuanheng more attention.

Yuanheng and Minghe astutely recognized and resolved the issue, expressing gratitude to their great grandmother for her support, showing independence, intelligence, sensibility, and affection that was heartwarming.

The Empress Dowager couldn't help but think that Consort Shu was good at heart, Yuanheng was even better, and Minghe was also endearing. Her previous reservations about them slowly melted away as she looked at the two children with tender eyes, saying, "No need to thank me. This is what a great grandmother should do. As long as I'm here, no one can bully you!"

"Okay," both children nodded in agreement.

They were still young, unaware of the significance of the Empress Dowager's words, but the senior maid understood. Once the Empress Dowager stood behind the Crown Prince, given the right opportunity, he could rightfully become the heir apparent or even the Emperor of Dajing.

"Then, Great Grandmother, you shouldn't be angry anymore," Danzi said.

"Being angry makes you old," Minghe added.

The Empress Dowager asked, "Am I old?"

Danzi carefully replied, "A little bit old."

Minghe quickly added, "But you are beautiful!"

"I am beautiful?" the Empress Dowager inquired.

"Yes, the most beautiful grandmother I've ever seen!" Minghe said.

"Me too, me too."

The Empress Dowager was no longer angry, even smiling at the children's naive words. She then returned to Ciheng Palace with the two children. As soon as she sat down to drink tea, a palace attendant reported that the wife of the Dongbo Prince and the Empress had come to apologize.

The Empress Dowager said, "I am tired and will not see them."

Shortly after, Emperor Yongxi requested an audience.

This time, the Empress Dowager agreed to meet him.

Emperor Yongxi, having heard about the Autumn Appreciation Banquet from the palace staff, was furious. However, remembering the old Prince's loyalty to the late Emperor, he naturally advised the Empress Dowager to forgive the misconduct of Prince Zhu and the wife of the Dongbo Prince.

The Empress Dowager asked, "Prince Zhu was rude, but what about the Empress and the wife of the Dongbo Prince?"

Emperor Yongxi inquired, "What do you mean, Mother?"

"In a situation unclear and unresolved, one seeks to avoid consequences while the other exploits favor for gain."

"The Empress is frail and gentle by nature. She mishandled the situation this time, and I have already punished her," Emperor Yongxi said.

"You..." The Empress Dowager pondered. Under the rule of the founding Emperor and the late Emperor, Dajing had achieved general stability, and it was a time for the people to recuperate. Having a benevolent and unambitious ruler like Emperor Yongxi wasn't necessarily a bad thing, as most of the populace lived well. Thus, she had no reason to criticize him. She continued, "I understand your leniency. I won't further punish the Empress, but the Dongbo Prince's family must be severely penalized. Otherwise, I can't justify it to Yuanheng, and others will not take him seriously."

Emperor Yongxi was slightly startled. He remembered when Xiao Yuanheng first arrived at the palace, he wanted the child to move to the Eastern Palace and find an appropriate opportunity to make him the Crown Prince. The Empress Dowager was the first to oppose it. Now, he turned to look at Danzi and Minghe.

The two children, obediently playing in the yard while the adults talked, did not disturb them. They were now busily engaged under a cherry tree, their faces adorned with innocent and joyful smiles.

Emperor Yongxi didn't know what the children had done to change the Empress Dowager's mind so drastically, but these changes were what he had hoped for. He turned back to the Empress Dowager, "How do you wish to punish the Dongbo Prince's family?"

"Demote the Dongbo Prince to the rank of Marquis," the Empress Dowager declared.

This was a demotion from prince to marquis!

Not to mention a reduction in stipend, it was a significant drop in status.

Emperor Yongxi began, "Mother Empress, the old Prince saved Father Emperor—"

"Exactly," the Empress Dowager interrupted, "The old Prince died saving the late Emperor, which is why I respect and honor him without causing him any harm, right?"

Indeed, she had not.

The Empress Dowager continued, "Given his unwavering loyalty, if he knew his descendants were mistreating the grandson of the late Emperor, would he have approved?"

"Certainly not," Emperor Yongxi replied.

"If so, why shouldn't I take action against the Dongbo Prince?"

"However, there might be objections from the court ministers."

"What objections? They were in the wrong first, they harmed my grandson, the evidence is clear. Why can't I punish them? I am merely demoting them to marquis, otherwise, how can I protect Yuanheng's status as the Crown Prince, and the dignity of the royal family?" the Empress Dowager questioned repeatedly.

Emperor Yongxi pondered briefly, then bowed, saying, "You are right, Mother Empress."

Thus, the matter was settled.

After Emperor Yongxi left Ciheng Palace, the Dongbo Prince's household was demoted to the rank of Marquis.

The court officials and their families, who were already displeased with the arrogant behavior of the Dongbo Prince's family but tolerated it due to the old Prince's life-saving deed for the late Emperor, were secretly pleased with the punishment.

Hearing of the punishment, they realized that Yuanheng, having spent over a year among the common people, had won the Empress Dowager's affection and might be a potential heir.

They no longer dared to underestimate the Crown Prince... Xiao Yu, Pei Yanli, and Lu Ming in Courtyard Nine also heard this news.

"The Empress Dowager values the Crown Prince so highly!" Lu Ming exclaimed.

Pei Yanli remembered the Empress Dowager's initial prejudice against Danzi and was surprised by her swift change of heart, glancing at Xiao Yu.

"Do you know a common saying among the people?" Xiao Yu asked.

"What is it?" both Pei Yanli and Lu Ming asked in unison.

"A father's son, a grandmother's grandson," Xiao Yu replied.

"That's not just a common saying; we often say it too. It means that elders usually favor the youngest child and the eldest grandchild," Lu Ming explained.

Xiao Yu nodded, "Exactly. The Crown Prince is the Empress Dowager's eldest grandson. Even if there were any misunderstandings between them, they could be easily resolved."

"Was it you who resolved them?" Lu Ming inquired.

Xiao Yu didn't answer directly, "The Crown Prince is smart, adorable, and affectionate. Who wouldn't like him? I just showcased Danzi's endearing qualities to the Empress Dowager. My original plan was to win her over gradually, but I underestimated how charming Danzi and Minghe are, so I didn't expect them to win her affection so quickly."

"That's true," Lu Ming agreed. "Danzi and Minghe are the smartest kids I've met. Now that the Crown Prince has a reliable supporter, we can rest assured."

"The danger has just begun," Pei Yanli stated gravely.

Lu Ming, concerned, asked, "What do you mean?"

Pei Yanli looked at Lu Ming, "Do you think what happened today was a coincidence?"

"Wasn't it?" Lu Ming hadn't thought much about it.

Xiao Yu explained, "Think about it. If the Luban lock hadn't been found today, or if it hadn't been found in time, and the Empress Dowager hadn't dealt with the Dongbo Prince's household so sternly, how would everyone view the Crown Prince?"

"They would think the Crown Prince, having grown up among commoners, lacks insight and wisdom and fails to win the favor of the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Empress," Lu Ming said, thinking aloud. He then angrily slammed the table, "That's outrageous! It would have ruined the Crown Prince's reputation. The court ministers wouldn't support him, and then his future..."

Xiao Yu and Pei Yanli nodded in agreement.

"Was the Dongbo Marquis' actions deliberate?" Lu Ming asked.

"They aren't that clever," Pei Yanli responded. "Otherwise, they wouldn't have exploited their favor to behave arrogantly until now."

Shocked, Lu Ming asked, "Then who is behind this?"

Pei Yanli pondered for a moment and then said, "No one orchestrated this; they were likely inadvertently used by others."

Lu Ming thought about the Dongbo Marquis' family, who, besides the old Prince's heroic deed, had high status and wealth but had never produced any notable talents or generals. Relying solely on the old Prince's protection, they might have been unwittingly manipulated. He then asked, "Do the Empress Dowager and the Emperor know about this?"

"They might know, or they might not. In any case, someone who understands the character of the Dongbo Marquis' family orchestrated this event," Pei Yanli speculated.

Xiao Yu nodded in agreement.

"Who could be behind this?" Lu Ming inquired.

Without concrete evidence, Pei Yanli chose not to speculate.

According to the book "Emperor's Dream," the ones who would be detrimental to Danzi at this time were Xiao Yuanping's uncles. However, without solid evidence, Xiao Yu could not just accuse them. His current priority was to protect Danzi.

Just then, Danzi and Minghe returned, accompanied by a group of palace attendants.

"Uncle!" Both children exclaimed together.

After exchanging greetings, Xiao Yu observed the various fabrics, gold and silver ornaments, writing materials, and foods held by the palace attendants.

"Great Grandmother gifted these to me and brother!" Danzi said joyfully.

"There are so many gold and silver pieces!" Minghe was particularly excited about these.

Xiao Yu expressed his gratitude, accepted the gifts, rewarded the attendants, and then examined the gifts with the children.

"Uncle, put them away, put them away, they are all ours now!" Danzi suggested.

"We are so rich now!" Minghe exclaimed with happiness.

Xiao Yu responded, "Yes, we are all wealthy now."

Seeing the simple and unpretentious joy of the uncle and nephews, Pei Yanli and Lu Ming couldn't help but smile. They had planned to stay for dinner with them, but being too busy recently, they decided to leave.

"Then you must come over for dinner next time," Xiao Yu suggested.

Lu Ming promptly agreed.

Pei Yanli looked at Xiao Yu, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitated.

"Uncle Pei, look at Uncle Xiao," Minghe said.

Pei Yanli quickly snapped back to reality.

Minghe continued, "Uncle Pei, you have a mischievous look in your eyes."

Lu Ming chuckled, covering his mouth to stifle his laughter.

Xiao Yu, slightly embarrassed, pinched Minghe's cheek playfully, "What nonsense are you talking about!"

Pei Yanli, noticing Xiao Yu's indeed mischievous gaze, had intended to discuss his feelings with Xiao Yu after revealing his identity. It had been over a month, and he wanted to know Xiao Yu's current thoughts. However, both were occupied with urgent matters, barely meeting once every few days, leaving little time for in-depth conversations, let alone discussing other matters.

"Can we leave without any mischief?" Lu Ming joked.

Pei Yanli glanced at Lu Ming and then said to Xiao Yu, "Let's talk after we're done with our busy schedules."

Talk about what?

Xiao Yu smiled and nodded, "Alright."

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming then departed.

Xiao Yu took a while to gather his thoughts before praising Danzi and Minghe for their performance at the Autumn Appreciation Banquet.

The two children were extremely happy.

Xiao Yu said, "I always knew you two were exceptionally talented!"

The children nodded in agreement.

Xiao Yu continued praising, "And you are also the best brothers in the whole world."

"Yes."

"Grow up and contribute to the prosperity of Dajing together!"

"Yes."

"And contribute to the well-being of the common people!"

"Like Chef Yu, Uncle Zhang, Grandma Hao, Aunt Niu, Dong Erniu, Ya Ya, Uncle San Wu, and our neighbors in Shuiqing Alley, they are the common people," Danzi added.

"Right, if you study hard, they can live better lives," Xiao Yu encouraged.

Minghe's enthusiasm surged, "I have more lessons this afternoon."

"I have lessons too," Danzi said.

Xiao Yu smiled.

In the afternoon, the two children went off to study.

Xiao Yu began organizing the small kitchen again. Soon, women from the imperial harem sent fabrics, ornaments, and other gifts for Minghe and Danzi. This became a daily occurrence, with even noblewomen finding ways to send gifts.

Thinking he might need to reciprocate these gifts later, Xiao Yu carefully recorded each one. That day, he received a lot of food and noticed it was getting late. The children must be hungry after their morning classes.

He packed some snacks into a food box and headed towards Courtyard One.

Just then, the Empress Dowager and the senior maid arrived.

Xiao Yu respectfully greeted them.

The Empress Dowager asked, "Xiao Ziqing, where are you headed?"

Xiao Yu replied, "The Crown Prince and Minghe have been studying for a long time. I'm worried they might be hungry, so I'm taking some snacks for them to eat with the Grand Scholar before continuing their lessons."

"Children do get hungry quickly; they indeed need something to eat," the senior maid commented.

The Empress Dowager said, "I have yet to see them studying. Let's go and watch them."

"Yes," Xiao Yu agreed.

The trio headed to Courtyard One, where they could hear Grand Scholar Xun reciting from a distance.

Not wanting to disturb the lesson, they quietly approached the window and saw Grand Scholar Xun explaining a text to the two children.

Minghe and Danzi sat upright, listening attentively.

The Empress Dowager's eyes softened with a smile, "They are so earnest in their studies."

The senior maid nodded repeatedly, "No wonder the Crown Prince and young master Minghe excel in their studies."

As soon as she finished speaking, Grand Scholar Xun picked up a book and continued reading sentences.

The two children stealthily took out snacks from their pockets and stuffed them into their mouths, cheeks puffed out like chubby little hamsters, quickly chewing.

The Empress Dowager, the senior maid, and Xiao Yu: "..."