Chapter 96

Chapter 96

"Minghe!" Xiao Yu quickly approached.

"Uncle," Minghe called out.

"Uncle, why did you come over?" Danzi approached Xiao Yu and asked.

Xiao Yu's gaze swept over the children, "Are you all okay?"

"We're fine," Danzi and Minghe asked, puzzled, "What happened?"

Xiao Yuanping followed up with, "What's wrong?"

"...I was worried you might be fighting, so I came to check," Xiao Yu casually made up a reason, then glanced at the pale-faced Zheng Weirong and greeted, "Greetings, Deputy Prime Minister!"

During the pursuit of the Crown Prince, Zheng Weirong fell from his horse and was unconscious for several months. Upon waking, he learned from his brothers about a commoner named Xiao Yu who not only saved the Crown Prince but also entered the palace with his nephew and the Crown Prince, winning the favor and admiration of the Empress Dowager, the Northern Envoys, and many court officials.

His two brothers were extremely anxious.

Although Xiao Yu was just a commoner and posed no threat, Zheng Weirong didn't want him to disrupt their grand plans. Therefore, using the excuse of paying respects to Emperor Yongxi, he went to the Qianxin Hall, planning to find a reason to visit the Prince's residence and meet Xiao Yu.

It just so happened that Pei Yanli had sent a letter, and Xiao Yu came to collect it, where Zheng Weirong saw Xiao Yu and also noticed the child with him – Minghe.

In an instant, the images that had haunted his mind during his unconscious state rushed back, triggering immense fear. He staggered uncontrollably and then fell hard, slipping back into unconsciousness.

Back at the Zheng residence, he lived in a dazed state, day after day.

Not knowing how much time had passed, he finally regained consciousness and clarity, realizing he had been reborn. Before he could even rejoice at knowing the past, present, and future, he discovered that the situation around Minghe had changed.

For instance, in his previous life, Minghe's uncle had died early, but in this life, he had a living uncle by his side; and while Minghe had wandered around at a young age in his past life, this time he was comfortably living in the imperial palace... Zheng Weirong suspected this Minghe was not the same, and so he waited for the Winter Solstice banquet to confirm Minghe's identity.

He boldly approached to inquire.

Just as expected!

Minghe was indeed that exceptionally intelligent, shrewd, and at times maniacal Prime Minister Minghe. Hence, when Minghe merely raised his hand to toss a glass marble, Zheng Weirong feared a horrific scene and instinctively retreated.

The anticipated trap or pain did not occur. Instead, seeing Xiao Yu approaching, and wanting to confirm his relationship with Minghe, he asked, "Are you Minghe's uncle?"

Xiao Yu nodded, "Yes."

"By blood?"

Xiao Yu, unsure of Zheng Weirong's intentions but aware that everyone in the palace knew he was Minghe's biological uncle, answered honestly, "Yes, by blood."

Zheng Weirong asked, "Does he have any other uncles?"

"He has another uncle, his elder uncle, but he passed away before Minghe was born. Now, I am his only blood uncle," Xiao Yu explained.

Now it's clear.

Xiao Yu was indeed the uncle whom Prime Minister Minghe valued the most!

This not only confirmed Minghe's identity for Zheng Weirong but also established Xiao Yu's identity.

"Brother, the little prince is stealing your glass marble!" Danzi suddenly shouted.

Zheng Weirong turned to see Xiao Yuanping's chubby hand reaching towards the marbles in Minghe's embrace.

Minghe quickly grabbed Xiao Yuanping's wrist.

Zheng Weirong was terrified, exclaiming, "Second Highness! You can't steal his things!" The image in his mind was of Minghe possibly pulling out a knife and stabbing Xiao Yuanping on the spot.

Instead, Minghe snatched back the glass marble, scolding, "Little thief!"

"You're the thief!" retorted Xiao Yuanping.

Minghe said, "You little chubby thief!"

Xiao Yuanping responded, "You're the chubby thief!"

The two children giggled and started playing together.

Danzi joined in their fun as well.

Minghe didn't harm the Second Highness; Minghe was actually laughing simply; Minghe was even playing with the Crown Prince. This was completely different from his past life... Zheng Weirong's mind was in turmoil, his face growing paler.

"Deputy Prime Minister?" Xiao Yu noticed Zheng Weirong's unusual behavior.

Minghe and the others stopped.

Xiao Yuanping asked, "Uncle, are you going to fall down again?"

"Deputy Prime Minister, should we call the imperial physician?" Xiao Yu asked.

"Big brother!" Zheng Wei came over and immediately supported Zheng Weirong upon seeing his pallor, "Big brother, what's wrong? Is it..."

"Help me sit down for a while," Zheng Weirong said, feeling dizzy.

Zheng Wei glared fiercely at Xiao Yu, then helped Zheng Weirong to a pavilion.

Zheng Weirong leaned against a pavilion pillar to rest and close his eyes, trying to process the information he had just learned.

"Big brother, did that Xiao Yu upset you?" Zheng Wei asked.

Zheng Weirong remained silent.

Zheng Wei, dissatisfied, said, "Big brother, I've always disliked him. Just a mere commoner, yet he's stirred up so much trouble, gaining favor with the Empress Dowager, aligning with the Second Prince, winning over the Northern Envoys and court officials, and even winning over the palace staff. He's also using his looks to bewitch Pei Yanli, who's completely infatuated with him!"

Zheng Weirong slightly furrowed his brows.

Zheng Wei continued with disdain, "That Pei Yanli, the legitimate eldest son of the Princess and Major General of Dajing, actually fell for Xiao Yu. But Pei Yanli has always been promiscuous, always entangled with his classmates in love affairs, utterly disgusting. He even stabbed someone with a sword once, utterly heartless. He probably isn’t serious about Xiao Yu... It’s good for us, as we can act against Xiao Yu without worries."

Suddenly, Zheng Weirong opened his eyes and asked, "Act against him how?"

Zheng Wei said, "Xiao Yu is too much of a hindrance. With him around, we can’t touch the Crown Prince and can only watch as more people support him. So, I thought of a way to get rid of him..." He made a throat-slitting gesture.

"Do you want to be skinned alive and suffer excruciating pain?" Zheng Weirong suddenly asked.

Zheng Wei, startled and confused, asked, "Big brother, what do you mean?"

Zheng Weirong spoke gravely, "Don’t touch Xiao Yu."

Zheng Wei said, "I've planned it for a long time, and I’ll make sure it’s untraceable."

"Get rid of that thought right now!" Zheng Weirong suddenly scolded.

Zheng Wei paused, then said, "But, big sister-in-law—"

"No one in our Zheng family is allowed to harm a single hair on Xiao Yu!" Zheng Weirong couldn’t fully understand what had happened with Minghe, but he knew Minghe extremely valued his uncle. Minghe remembered every slight against his uncle from a young age and, upon gaining power, ruthlessly dealt with anyone who had wronged him.

If Minghe found out that someone from the Zheng family had harmed Xiao Yu, with his unmatched fury, he would relentlessly slaughter every Zheng in Dajing.

However, Zheng Wei was unaware of this and reluctantly said, "Big brother—"

"Withdraw all the traps you've set for Xiao Yu," Zheng Weirong demanded sternly. "If you still consider me your big brother, then listen to me!"

Zheng Wei had always obeyed his elder brother from a young age. Seeing his insistence now, he finally agreed, "Alright."

Zheng Weirong's tone softened, "Third brother, I just woke up and haven’t sorted everything out yet. Give me some time, and once I have a clear understanding, I will inform you."

Zheng Wei, thinking his elder brother had another brilliant plan, nodded and said, "Take your time to sort things out, big brother. Your health is what matters most."

Zheng Weirong nodded in agreement.

The brothers sat in the pavilion for a while.

Once Zheng Weirong's complexion and mood stabilized, he returned to the banquet.

Xiao Yu happened to see the two brothers. Although it was a Winter Solstice banquet hosted by Emperor Yongxi and generally wouldn't pose any safety issues, he knew how much the three Zheng brothers wanted to eliminate Danzi, so he remained cautious. He kept an eye on the children’s meals and play, and the actions of Zheng Weirong and Zheng Wei, without paying much attention to the banquet's proceedings.

It wasn't until Zheng Weirong and his brother, along with a group of people, left that Xiao Yu realized the Winter Solstice banquet had ended without any mishaps.

"Xiao Yu," the Princess approached and called out.

Xiao Yu quickly bowed in respect.

"What's wrong?" the Princess inquired.

Xiao Yu was puzzled.

"Throughout the banquet, you barely ate or drank," the Princess asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, no, I'm fine," Xiao Yu replied, having been fully focused on guarding against Zheng Weirong and his brother, he hadn’t paid attention to eating.

"Are you missing Yanli that much?" Kong Shaoqing teased as he approached.

The Princess turned and said, "You're always joking."

Kong Shaoqing chuckled.

The Princess asked again, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm really fine. I had eaten before the banquet," Xiao Yu assured her.

The Princess was then reassured.

After chatting with the Princess and Kong Shaoqing for a while, Xiao Yu returned to the Princes' residence with the two children, feeling relieved. He realized he was hungry but didn't have time to cook, so he quickly ate a couple of pastries.

"Uncle, are you hungry?" Minghe had been urging Xiao Yu to eat during the banquet.

At the time, Xiao Yu wasn't in the mood and said he wasn't hungry, but now he truly was: "Yes."

"I'll go to the imperial kitchen to get you some dishes," Minghe said, running off.

"I'm full with just these two pieces," Xiao Yu said, pulling Minghe back. "No need to go."

In the midst of their conversation, the royal nurse arrived, announcing that the Empress Dowager had invited them, uncle and nephews, to spend the Winter Solstice evening at Cihel Palace.

Xiao Yu said to Minghe, "Okay, no need to get dishes. We’ll go eat at the Empress Dowager's place shortly."

Minghe then stopped insisting.

In the evening, the uncle and nephews trio arrived together at Cihel Palace.

Emperor Yongxi, the Empress, Empress Zheng, Noble Consort, Xiao Yuanping, and Xiao Yuanin were present.

The trio approached and paid their respects.

The Empress Dowager warmly greeted them, "Please, take a seat."

The uncle and nephews trio all sat down.

The Empress Dowager inquired how Xiao Yu and Minghe used to celebrate the Winter Solstice back in Qingshi Town.

Xiao Yu answered truthfully.

Emperor Yongxi and others occasionally joined in the conversation.

The atmosphere in the hall was warm and joyful.

Soon, the palace staff served the dishes.

The adults and children sat together, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

The Empress Dowager turned to see Emperor Yongxi eating heartily and said, "Emperor, I wanted to say this at noon. You've been looking well lately, and your appetite is good too."

Emperor Yongxi nodded, "Indeed, nowadays, I find every dish delicious."

The Empress, smiling, added, "All thanks to Master Xiao."

"Oh?" The Empress Dowager looked curious, "What did Master Xiao do?"

Emperor Yongxi briefly explained the dietary therapy for his headache, "My meals are now prepared by Master Xiao. I have fewer headaches and dizzy spells than in the summer, and I rarely wake up at night." He felt more energetic, which made him even more strict about his diet and activity.

"Really!" The Empress Dowager looked at Xiao Yu with delight, "Then we must properly reward Master Xiao."

Xiao Yu put down his chopsticks, bowed slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor is the sovereign of all under heaven. I am just doing my part alongside Physician Yan, the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and Minghe, hoping for the Emperor's continued good health."

"I hope Father Emperor lives for ten thousand, ten thousand years," Danzi said, looking towards Emperor Yongxi.

Xiao Yuanping added, "I wish the same."

Minghe said, "I wish the same."

"Father Emperor, me too," Xiao Yuanyin, a few months younger than Xiao Yuanping and less articulate compared to his constant chatter, added.

Emperor Yongxi, not minding at all, felt extremely pleased seeing Xiao Yu not seeking credit and his children showing such filial piety.

At that moment, a palace attendant brought a letter, saying it was from the Grand General.

Emperor Yongxi's expression became serious as he quickly stood up, "Bring it here."

Qian Gonggong hurriedly took it and handed it to Emperor Yongxi, "Your Majesty."

Emperor Yongxi, a meticulous person, was particularly eager about this matter involving the coalition with the Northern Progress. He hastily tore open the thick envelope and started reading the letter.

Xiao Yu, the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and others held their breath, watching Emperor Yongxi, eager to know the contents of the letter.

After a while, Emperor Yongxi exclaimed loudly, "Good!"

The Empress Dowager was startled and clutched her chest.

The Empress cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, did the Grand General bring some good news?"

Emperor Yongxi laughed heartily, "Yes, indeed! The joint forces of Dajing and the Northern Progress have defeated the main army of the Hu people, forcing them into a disarrayed retreat. Victory is now certain, and they are mopping up the scattered enemy troops. Perhaps they could even return for New Year’s Eve."

Xiao Yu and others immediately broke into smiles.

"Yanli always speaks with precision. If he says so, it means the situation is even better than we imagined!" The Hu people had long troubled Emperor Yongxi's peace, but now the northwest could finally rest easy, prompting him to laugh out loud.

"The Grand General is truly brave and skillful in battle," the Noble Consort couldn't help but remark.

The Empress Dowager and others praised Pei Yanli.

Xiao Yu felt a sense of shared honor.

"Father Emperor, there’s another letter inside," Xiao Yuanping pointed to the envelope in Emperor Yongxi's hand.

Emperor Yongxi took out and read the letter, his face slightly changing and his lips twitching involuntarily. He then pulled out a smaller envelope from within the larger one and handed it along with the letter to Xiao Yu, "This is for you, Master Xiao."

Xiao Yu was puzzled, "For me?"

"Yes, this letter is written by Yanli to you," Emperor Yongxi explained apologetically. "All the letters were in one big envelope. I was too rough just now and tore the seal of the smaller one as well, accidentally seeing some of it. My apologies."

Xiao Yu reached out to take the letter and envelope.

Danzi, who had been tilting his head to read, recited, "Xiao Yu, you didn't say you missed me."

Xiao Yu froze for a moment.

Danzi turned and asked, "Brother, did I read it right?"

"Let me see!" Minghe also leaned over the table to look.

"I want to see, I want to see," Xiao Yuanping joined in excitedly.

Seeing this, Xiao Yuanyin also chimed in, "I want to see, I want to see."

The Noble Consort covered her mouth and laughed, "Master Xiao, we also want to have a look."

The Empress and Empress Zheng said in unison, "Yes."

Xiao Yu's face turned bright red, and he quickly took the letter, folding it neatly and tucking it away.

Danzi turned his head, curiously asking, "Uncle, aren't you reading the letter?"