Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Before Xiao Yu, Minghe, and Danzi could react, Xiao Zhongzi had already stepped in to stop the boy, "Young fella! You can't behave like this!"

"Stinky eunuch, get out of my way!" the boy pushed against Xiao Zhongzi forcefully, "Move!"

Xiao Zhongzi stood firm.

The boy turned and ran to the side.

Xiao Zhongzi, realizing the boy's intention to bypass him and chase the Second Prince, grabbed the boy around the waist.

The boy shouted, "Let go! Let go!"

Xiao Zhongzi held him tightly.

Xiao Yuanping had run behind Minghe and Danzi, poking out his little head. Seeing Xiao Zhongzi had subdued the boy, he felt brave again and stuck out his tongue at the boy, making a face, "Nyeh nyeh nyeh!"

The boy was furious, struggling violently in Xiao Zhongzi's arms, "You stinky little fatty, if I don't beat you, I'll take your surname!"

"Oh dear, Lord Xiao, I can barely hold him," Xiao Zhongzi said, struggling to keep hold of the boy.

"I'll help you!" Danzi and the other two children rushed towards the boy.

The boy struggled fiercely, flailing his arms and legs wildly. The three children rushed in recklessly, only to get kicked and punched without effect. Xiao Yu quickly stepped forward to pull the children back.

Just as he was about to subdue the boy, a loud "thud" was heard. Turning around, Xiao Yu saw Xiao Zhongzi and the boy had fallen to the ground and were still scuffling.

"Uncle! Xiao Zhongzi has fallen!" Danzi and Minghe exclaimed together.

Xiao Yu stepped forward to pull them apart.

Suddenly, a stern voice called out, "Stop this at once!"

Xiao Yu and the others froze, then turned towards the entrance of Ningxiang Garden.

The Grand Princess!

Xiao Yu quickly bowed and said, "I am Xiao Yu, at your service, Grand Princess."

Danzi, Minghe, and Xiao Yuanping, knowing their manners, quickly followed suit with a bow.

Other palace attendants did the same.

Xiao Zhongzi also tried to bow, but the boy suddenly wrapped his arms around him, preventing him from moving.

"Do you know me?" the Grand Princess asked Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu replied, "I had the honor of seeing the Grand Princess today at the Triple Palace Gate."

"Mother, save me!" the boy suddenly shouted.

Mother?

Xiao Yu was momentarily stunned, then remembered Pei Yanli mentioning he had a younger brother, Pei Yiyang, who was eight years old and quite a handful. He couldn't help but turn back to look at the boy, realizing that he indeed resembled Pei Yanli. Xiao Zhongzi was in such a predicament...

"Seize those who dared to offend the Second Prince!" commanded the Grand Princess.

Several palace attendants promptly stepped forward and picked up Xiao Zhongzi.

Xiao Zhongzi was completely bewildered.

The three children were also stunned.

Xiao Yu hurriedly bowed to the Grand Princess, "Grand Princess, ignorance is no fault. We did not know he was the Second Prince Pei. We deeply apologize for any offense and ask for your forgiveness."

"They cannot be forgiven!" Pei Yiyang strode to the Grand Princess, pointing at Xiao Yu and the others, "Mother, they, they, they, all of them insulted me!"

Observing Pei Yiyang's dirt-stained appearance, the Grand Princess's fine eyebrows slightly furrowed.

Pei Yiyang complained, "Mother, they called me a little brat, and said my whole family are little brats, they even insulted my brother!"

"You started it by calling me a little brat first!" Danzi retorted.

Xiao Yuanping immediately agreed, "Exactly! You started it, so I called you back!"

"That's right," Minghe joined in.

Pei Yiyang turned to the three children, "You called me a young eunuch first!"

"Calling someone a young eunuch isn't an insult!" Minghe and Danzi said together.

"Exactly!" Xiao Yuanping chimed in.

"I am not a young eunuch, I am the Second Prince Pei, my father is the Minister of War, my mother is the Grand Princess, and my brother is the Grand General!" Pei Yiyang declared proudly.

"Enough, all of you, be quiet," the Grand Princess cast a slightly disapproving glance at Pei Yiyang, interrupting the children's quarrel. She then turned to Xiao Yu, scrutinizing him from head to toe, and slowly said, "You are Xiao Yu, aren't you?"

"Yes," Xiao Yu responded with a bow, feeling a complex mix of emotions knowing she was Pei Yanli's mother.

The Grand Princess remarked, "I've heard you come from the common folk."

Heard?

Heard from whom?

"Has the palace heard about the 'Carp's Love'?"

Surely they have?

Xiao Yu, unsure of the Grand Princess's next move - whether it was a test or dealing with the current situation, could only adapt to circumstances and honestly replied, "Replying to the Grand Princess, I come from the common people."

The Grand Princess asked, "I hear that both the Grand Prince and Young Master Ming are under your care?"

Xiao Yu humbly responded, "Yes."

The Grand Princess continued, "How do you think you've managed their care?"

Xiao Yu replied, "In response to the Grand Princess, caring for children involves not only their physical needs like food, drink, clothing, and play but also attending to their emotional well-being."

The Grand Princess inquired, "Speaking of emotions, what do you think about their inner state?"

Glancing briefly at the two children, Xiao Yu expressed, "In my opinion, they are lively, cheerful, and discerning between right and wrong."

The Grand Princess asked indifferently, "Then what do you say about them calling the Second Prince a little eunuch?"

Xiao Yu, sharing his genuine thoughts, replied, "Under heaven, all are the Emperor's subjects. Little eunuchs, little peddlers, little maidservants - they all earn their living with their own hands. I don't believe these terms are insults."

This response caused a flicker in the Grand Princess's eyes.

The palace servants, often seen as the lowest in the palace hierarchy and usually disdained, felt warmth in their hearts hearing Xiao Yu speak up for them, looking at him with gratitude.

Xiao Yu added, "Moreover, since the Second Prince climbed the pomegranate tree alone without the company of any palace servants or revealing his identity, the Grand Prince only suspected him of being an unruly little eunuch, without any malice."

The Grand Princess questioned, "So, it's the fault of my son and me?"

Xiao Yu bowed and said, "That's not my intention. I believe it was all a misunderstanding, or it could be seen as playful banter among children."

The Grand Princess, observing Xiao Yu, paused before asking, "Then how should the dust on my son be accounted for?"

Xiao Yuanping interjected, "You can just brush it off!"

The Grand Princess, with a cold tone, said, "Yuanping, you've become even less disciplined since we last met."

The atmosphere turned icy, and Xiao Yuanping immediately dared not speak.

"You all are good at talking. If I punish you, it would seem unreasonable on my part. Let's have the Empress Dowager decide," said the Grand Princess, pulling Pei Yiyang and turning to leave.

Pei Yiyang looked back and said, "Teach them a good lesson."

The Grand Princess gripped Pei Yiyang's hand tightly, giving it a yank.

Pei Yiyang stumbled a step but quickly straightened up and walked properly.

Xiao Zhongzi looked at Xiao Yu in fear: "Xiao Ziqing, you must save me."

"Don't worry, I will protect you." Xiao Yu, acquainted with Pei Yanli for so long, was always busy. They never had time to discuss Pei Yanli's family, so he had no idea about the Grand Princess's personality or what to expect next. He could only do his best to protect Xiao Zhongzi.

"Thank you, Xiao Ziqing." Xiao Zhongzi was still very tense.

"Let's go," said Xiao Yu.

A crowd hurriedly arrived at the Cihe Palace.

The Empress Dowager and Gui Ma were both stunned.

The Empress Dowager asked, "Grand Princess, what is this about?"

The Grand Princess took a seat next to the Empress Dowager: "Let them explain themselves."

The Empress Dowager's gaze swept over Xiao Yu, Ming He, Danzi, Xiao Yuanping, and Pei Yiyang.

"Your Majesty, let me explain," Pei Yiyang said, raising his hand.

Danzi echoed, "Your Majesty, I too have something to say."

Xiao Yuanping added, "I also wish to speak."

The children, fearing their words might be misconstrued, clamored to speak up.

The Empress Dowager, despite her status, being the sister-in-law of the Grand Princess, spoke with a hint of politeness: "I have been too lenient with them, which is why they behave so unrestrainedly in my presence. They are not like this with others."

The Grand Princess commented, "Yiyang behaves the same way."

"So, about this matter..."

"Let Xiao Ziqing speak," suggested the Grand Princess.

The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement: "That seems appropriate."

Xiao Yu narrated the events accurately, not omitting colloquial terms like "little brat" or "young master."

Both the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess listened expressionlessly.

Xiao Yu anxiously awaited the outcome.

The children were visibly nervous.

Xiao Zhongzi was sweating profusely, legs trembling, his mind swirling with thoughts of severe punishments, even death. He regretted his impulsiveness, but if he hadn’t acted, Master Pei and the two princes, along with the young lord, might have been harmed. The life of a servant was indeed fraught with hardships.

The Empress Dowager looked at the Grand Princess and said, "It seems this was all a misunderstanding."

The Grand Princess turned to the Empress Dowager, "Does Your Majesty think it's a misunderstanding?"

Regardless, her own child was unharmed, but Pei Yiyang had fallen and was all dirty, which was unsettling... The Empress Dowager felt uneasy: "There were faults on both sides. Yiyang was wronged. Why not ask Yiyang what he wants?"

The Grand Princess turned to Pei Yiyang, "What do you suggest?"

Pei Yiyang pointed at Xiao Yuanping, "I want to beat him up!"

Xiao Yuanping immediately protested, "I'm still a child!"

"I'll spank you!" Pei Yiyang declared fiercely.

Xiao Yuanping quickly covered his behind with his chubby hands, whimpering softly, "Brother Emperor."

The egg wrapped his little arms around Xiao Yuanping, "Brother Emperor will protect you!"

The Empress Dowager's eyes softened at the scene, but remembering the Grand Princess was beside her, she quickly composed herself.

The Grand Princess inquired, "What about the others?"

Pei Yiyang pointed at Xiao Zhongzi and commanded, "Give him a severe beating with the paddle!"

"How many strikes?" the Grand Princess asked languidly.

Pei Yiyang stretched out five fingers and declared, "Fifty hard strikes!"

Fifty!

Severe!

In the palace, fifty strikes with the paddle could leave someone half-dead even if it didn't kill them. Terrified, Xiao Zhongzi knelt down and pleaded, "Second Young Master, spare my life!"

"Hmph!" Pei Yiyang pointed at Xiao Yu and said, "And him too!"

The Grand Princess inquired, "How should he be dealt with?"

"He must apologize to me!" Pei Yiyang lifted his chin arrogantly.

The Grand Princess turned to the Empress Dowager and asked, "Empress Dowager, what do you think of this punishment?"

"Empress Dowager," Xiao Yu stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Xiao Zhongzi was only zealously protecting his master, which is why he forcefully stopped the Second Young Master. Although he accidentally dirtied the Second Young Master's clothes, he did not harm him. Please consider a lighter punishment."

"No, I said fifty strikes, and it shall be fifty!" Pei Yiyang insisted.

The Grand Princess sat calmly in her seat, giving no indication of her thoughts.

Xiao Yu turned to Pei Yiyang and said, "Second Young Master, fifty strikes is no trifling matter. It could very well cost Xiao Zhongzi his life. Please understand the severity."

"Is it really that serious?" Pei Yiyang, stunned, said, "When I get twenty strikes at home, it doesn't even hurt."

"That's because the Grand Princess cherishes you and cannot bear to hit you hard," Xiao Yu bowed to Pei Yiyang and pleaded, "Please consider a lighter punishment, Second Young Master."

Pei Yiyang was about to say something when he suddenly noticed something familiar hanging at Xiao Yu's waist. He stepped forward, took it, and exclaimed, "The Ghost Work Ball! My brother's Ghost Work Ball! How did it end up with you?"

In recent days, Xiao Yu missed Pei Yanli greatly and couldn't resist hanging the Ghost Work Ball he had received from him on his waist. He often fiddled with it when idle, never expecting Pei Yiyang to recognize it. He honestly admitted, "This was a gift from the General to me."

"He never gave me one, why would he give it to you?" Pei Yiyang asked.

"Because..." Xiao Yu glanced at the Grand Princess and the Empress Dowager before saying, "Because the General and I are good friends."

Pei Yiyang was extremely surprised: "You two are really friends?"

"Otherwise, the General wouldn't have given me such a finely crafted Ghost Work Ball."

Pei Yiyang asserted, "Maybe you stole it!"

Xiao Yu countered, "The General is a martial arts master. Who could possibly steal from him?"

"You're right! My brother is the strongest!" Pei Yiyang looked admiringly, then quickly added, "So, you really are my brother's good friend?"

"Yes," Xiao Yu said.

Out of the blue, Pei Yiyang declared, "Then let's call off our grudge!"

Xiao Yu, somewhat taken aback, probed, "Then, my palace servant—"

"Won't be punished, none of them will." Pei Yiyang turned to the Empress Dowager and the Grand Princess, "Empress Dowager, Mother, he is my brother's good friend, and thus mine too. I was also at fault in this matter, let's forget it!"

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager looked towards the Grand Princess, "Grand Princess, what do you think?"

The Grand Princess, rubbing her forehead and muttering softly, "In your heart, there's only your brother. You haven't remembered a word I said."

"What did you say, Grand Princess?" asked the Empress Dowager.

The Grand Princess regained her composed demeanor and said, "I leave it to the Empress Dowager's judgment."

"Given that Yiyang was at a disadvantage, why not have Xiao Ziqing prepare a meal as compensation?" the Empress Dowager hastily added, "Xiao Ziqing's culinary skills far surpass the royal chefs. Even the Emperor praises him endlessly."

"Then let it be so," said the Grand Princess.

The Empress Dowager then said, "Xiao Ziqing, let's forget the punishment. Today, show us your true skills and prepare a lunch for the Grand Princess and Second Young Master. Make it good, or I will have to punish you."

Xiao Yu naturally agreed.

"Yiyang, go change your clothes," said the Grand Princess.

Only then did Pei Yiyang release the Ghost Work Ball, turning to Xiao Yu to say, "Xiao Ziqing, I'll come to find you to play later."

Xiao Yu smiled.

Pei Yiyang followed the Grand Princess.

The Empress Dowager called for Danzi and two others to ask them questions.

Xiao Yu, with Xiao Zhongzi, headed towards the small kitchen of the Cihe Palace.

Xiao Zhongzi was close to tears; he had been in the palace for many years and this was the first time he encountered a master who truly protected him. He continuously thanked Xiao Yu.

"You're so loyal, we can't let you be treated unfairly," said Xiao Yu.

Xiao Zhongzi swore in his heart never to betray Xiao Yu.

Arriving at the small kitchen, Xiao Yu checked the ingredients and began cooking.

Xiao Zhongzi assisted.

"Xiao Ziqing!" Pei Yiyang suddenly appeared in front of Xiao Yu.

Startled, Xiao Zhongzi quickly moved to the other side of Xiao Yu.

"Xiao Ziqing, tell me about my brother," said Pei Yiyang.

Xiao Yu was surprised, "You want me to tell you?"

Pei Yiyang nodded, "Yes."

Xiao Yu, puzzled, said, "But he's your brother. Aren't you with him every day?"

Pei Yiyang drooped his head, expressing his feelings in a low and aggrieved tone, "But my brother never pays attention to me and doesn't play with me."