Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Hearing this, Xiaoyuanping quickly stepped back repeatedly.

"Oh dear brother, don't be so fierce," Minghe said.

Danzi, with the air of an elder brother, frowned, "He never listens."

Xiaoyuanping weakly protested, "But big brother, I also want to play with the dirt."

Danzi said, "You are too small."

Rejected again.

Xiaoyuanping pouted, feeling wronged.

Xiaoyu, who couldn't bear to see a child like this but had to be cautious due to Xiaoyuanping's special status, came up with a compromise, suggesting to Danzi, "Your Highness, how about we give him a small tool?"

"A small tool?" asked Danzi.

"What kind of small tool?" Minghe interjected curiously.

Xiaoyu brought a wooden spoon from the house, five inches long, smooth around the edges, so it wouldn't hurt hands or feet if accidentally touched.

"It's a spoon," Xiaoyuanping noted, eyeing the wooden shovels in the hands of his brothers, desiring one for himself.

Xiaoyu explained, "Second Prince, we each have our tasks. I'm in charge of digging, the Crown Prince and Minghe assist, and your task is to transport soil, which must be done with a spoon."

"Transport soil?" Xiaoyuanping was confused.

Xiaoyu picked up a small bamboo basket and pointed to a small mound of dirt, instructing, "You need to fill this basket with soil from here and carry it over to that corner by the wall."

Xiaoyuanping, still puzzled, asked, "Why transport it there?"

"To plant vegetables, it's very useful," Xiaoyu emphasized the phrase "very useful."

Very useful!

That means I am useful!

Energized by this thought, Xiaoyuanping eagerly took the spoon and ran towards the small mound.

Xiaoyu then said to Xiaoxiangzi, "Xiaoxiangzi, please keep an eye on the Second Prince."

Xiaoxiangzi had initially thought the Second Prince would throw a tantrum for a wooden shovel, but was surprised how Xiaoyu had quickly arranged an interesting, safe, and meaningful task for him, easily preventing any temper tantrums.

He suddenly understood why the Crown Prince and young Master Ming were so outstanding, and couldn't help admiring Xiaoyu, responding more politely, "Xiaoyu, you give me too much credit. This is simply my duty."

"Then I leave the Second Prince in your care."

"Rest assured, Xiaoyu," Xiaoxiangzi quickly went to keep watch near Xiaoyuanping.

Xiaozhangzi followed.

Xiaoyu glanced at Xiaozhangzi and continued digging. After half an hour, they all felt tired.

"Uncle, let's take a break," Minghe suggested.

Danzi said, "Uncle, I want to eat a pear."

Xiaoyu wanted to agree, but he was worried that the pears, water, and food in the small kitchen might "harm" Xiaoyuanping, bringing unnecessary trouble, so he preferred not to offer them to Xiaoyuanping and the others.

Just then, Gui Ma-ma arrived with pears, oranges, and other fruits, saying, "Xiaoyu, these are fruits just received by the Empress Dowager. Thinking you might not have them here, I was sent to deliver them."

"Thank you, Gui Ma-ma," Xiaoyu quickly accepted the fruits.

Danzi asked, "Gui Ma-ma, can we eat them now?"

Gui Ma-ma smiled and nodded, "Yes, Your Highness, they have been washed and are ready to eat."

"Uncle, then I'll eat," said Danzi.

Xiaoyu handed the fruit basket to Danzi, "Go ahead."

Danzi immediately took a pear, saying, "Brother, Little Brother, you take one too."

These were gifts from the Empress Dowager, personally delivered by Gui Ma-ma, so Xiaoyu was reassured of their safety and handed the basket to Xiaoyuanping, "Second Prince, what would you like? Help yourself."

Seeing his elder brother crunching a pear, Xiaoyuanping said, "I want a pear too."

"Take one."

Xiaoyuanping also took a pear and joined Danzi and Minghe in happily eating.

After chatting with Xiaoyu for a few moments, Gui Ma-ma left.

Xiaoyu and the children kept busy for a while until noon, which was usually when Xiaoyu cooked for the two kids.

With Xiaoyuanping present and considering various concerns, he sent the two children to join the Empress Dowager for lunch at Cihe Palace, and Xiaoyuanping naturally followed.

Watching the three children leave the Ninth Courtyard, he sighed in relief, had a simple lunch, took a nap, and planned to continue digging in the afternoon.

Unexpectedly, Xiaoyuanping returned with Danzi and Minghe. Fortunately, Xiaoyuanping was preoccupied with transporting soil and didn't eat or drink anything. He happily left the Prince's residence in the evening without any incident.

The next day, Minghe and Danzi continued their lessons.

There were no unusual reports from Zheng Fei or Xiaoyuanping's side.

Relieved, Xiaoyu worked with the palace staff to mix wool and clay into a cylindrical shape and embed it in the pit. They burned wood daily to bake snacks, chicken, and skewered meat for the two children.

The children were thrilled.

Xiaoyu asked, "Do you like this pit?"

"Like it?" Both children nodded in unison.

"We can make so many delicious things!" exclaimed Danzi.

Minghe added, "Yes, I really love to eat."

Xiaoyu asked, "So, do you remember everything Uncle taught you?"

"We remember."

"Good. The Northern Envoys are arriving tomorrow. Perform well, and Uncle will make you even tastier treats," Xiaoyu enticed them like fish, dangling bait in front.

"Yes," the children nodded emphatically.

"Now, get some good sleep."

Danzi lay in bed, now accustomed to sleeping alone in the main room.

Xiaoyu, returning to the eastern chamber with Minghe, turned to see Danzi in his undershirt and slippers, clutching a pillow, "Uncle, brother, I want to sleep with you tonight."

"It's cold outside, come in!" Minghe quickly urged, not waiting for Xiaoyu to speak.

Danzi happily climbed into bed, joining Minghe in play.

Xiaoyu smiled helplessly.

The uncle and nephews slept together.

The next day, Xiaoyu got up early and had breakfast with the two children, then dressed them in appropriate attire.

"Uncle, do I look good?" Danzi asked, tilting his head.

"You look very handsome," Xiaoyu replied.

Danzi giggled, covering his mouth.

Minghe, tugging at his clothes, declared, "I'm the best-looking one!"

Danzi turned and said, "Brother, we're both the best-looking, okay?"

"Alright then," Minghe agreed.

During the conversation, Pei Yanli and Lu Ming arrived, both in official attire, looking exceptionally handsome. Xiaoyu, however, paid little attention to this, saying, "I entrust the children to you."

"If you're worried, you can come with us," Lu Ming suggested.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I can't join," Xiaoyu replied.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine," assured Pei Yanli.

Xiaoyu nodded.

The time was right, so Pei Yanli, Lu Ming, Danzi, and Minghe left the Prince's residence and headed towards Qianxin Palace. After meeting Emperor Yongxi, Danzi, as the Grand Prince of Dajing, was to welcome the Northern Envoys.

Xiaoyu, in the eastern chamber, was still somewhat worried. Glancing at the water clock in the room, he couldn't resist leaving the Prince's residence. Using his status as the Crown Prince's uncle, he went to a long corridor.

From a distance, he watched the Northern Envoys, dressed in exotic attire, wearily walking towards the Guest Reception Hall.

Danzi was the first to emerge from the hall, wearing a purple robe with python patterns, looking elegant, handsome, and imposing. Minghe, in his splendid attire, followed closely, along with Pei Yanli, Lu Ming, and other officials.

The Northern Envoys were taken aback upon seeing the two leading children.

At that moment, Danzi spoke.

Xiaoyu couldn't hear what Danzi was saying, but after seeing Danzi speak confidently and without subservience, the Northern Envoys, visibly surprised, followed Danzi's gesture into the Guest Reception Hall.

Xiaoyu couldn't see them anymore, but he knew Danzi and Minghe had done well. A sense of pride welled up in him, proud that his two children were outstanding and fearless in such a grand setting. He then went to the Imperial Kitchen, reassured.

He took two chefs from the Imperial Kitchen and hurried to the Ministry of Agriculture, leading a small sheep. Then he entered the Prince's small kitchen, while Danzi and Minghe received the Northern Envoys at their residence.

Pei Yanli said, "Lord Wu'erqu, you must be weary from your journey. Please rest here for a moment. After His Majesty finishes his official duties, we will host a welcome feast for you."

Wu'erqu responded, "It's an honor to be received today by the Crown Prince and the great general." He had long heard of Pei Yanli's fame, known for his martial prowess and strategic wisdom. Only upon meeting him did he realize how handsome he was.

"Please," said Pei Yanli.

Wu'erqu led the Northern people into the room to rest.

Lu Ming ordered servants to bring tea and refreshments.

Afterwards, the group returned to the Qianxin Hall.

"How did it go?" Emperor Yongxi asked.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites recounted the details.

Emperor Yongxi nodded after listening, then asked Pei Yanli, "How did the Crown Prince perform?"

Pei Yanli replied, "Every action he took was in keeping with the royal demeanor."

Emperor Yongxi was very pleased to hear this.

The ministers discussing state affairs with Emperor Yongxi had not left. Hearing Pei Yanli's praise of the Crown Prince, they started to observe Danzi closely, noting his outstanding appearance and the mix of obedience and determination in him, speculating about Emperor Yongxi's intentions.

Emperor Yongxi then spoke about the Northern Envoys and, seeing that the time was right, selected several ministers to host a welcome banquet for Wu'erqu and his party.

Among them was Zheng Fei's third brother, Zheng Weilu, who glanced thoughtfully at Danzi.

Danzi, unaware of his gaze, followed Emperor Yongxi with Minghe.

Wu'erqu and his party had already been seated. Upon seeing Emperor Yongxi arrive, they quickly stood up to pay respects.

Emperor Yongxi took his seat of honor, instructed them to sit, and placed Danzi and others opposite Wu'erqu and his party. He then engaged in small talk with Wu'erqu, inquiring about the ruler of the North and other matters.

Wu'erqu responded to each question.

Neither side broached the subject of an alliance immediately, each observing the other.

After a while, Emperor Yongxi signaled for the meal to be served.

A series of delicious dishes from Dajing were presented on the table.

Wu'erqu and his party had seen many dishes from Dajing along the way and liked them, but—

"Wu'erqu, I hear your Northern grasslands are lush and teeming with cattle and sheep, something my Crown Prince has always admired," said Emperor Yongxi.

Hearing this, Wu'erqu looked at Danzi: "Your Highness, so young and yet aware of these things?"

Danzi sincerely responded to Wu'erqu, "My father always says that the North is a beautiful place, its people simple and kind. The North should always remain beautiful, so I've taken an interest and learned a bit about it."

Everyone likes their country to be praised, especially Wu'erqu, who loves the North deeply. To hear such words from a four-year-old child was incredibly moving and heartwarming for him.

"Therefore, I have prepared a gift for Lord Wu'erqu, and I hope you won't find it modest," Danzi gestured towards the chief eunuch not far away.

The chief eunuch, understanding the cue, slowly walked in with a tray.

Wu'erqu, seated, couldn't see what the eunuch was carrying.

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming were also curious.

Emperor Yongxi, seated highest, could see everything clearly.

The other ministers couldn't see, but they were extremely curious, stretching their necks to try and get a glimpse.

The chief eunuch, without diverting his eyes, walked up to Wu'erqu and slowly placed the tray down.

Wu'erqu saw the food on the tray and was instantly stunned.

Zheng Weilu also saw it and, like some other ministers, scoffed inwardly: "Is that all?"