Chapter 119

Chapter 119

"Take him away!" Danzi commanded.

"Yes!" The soldiers carried out Zheng Weirong and his brother Zheng Weilu.

Xiao Yu and the others also followed out of the study.

By this time, the eastern sky was beginning to lighten, and the Zheng residence was well lit.

Danzi couldn't help but exclaim, "It's already dawn."

"How is it dawn already?" Minghe hadn't realized how quickly time had passed.

Danzi said, "Brother, we haven't slept all night!"

"We're so amazing!" Minghe nodded.

"Uncle and the others haven't slept all night either, we're all so strong!"

"Yeah!"

"Are you guys tired?" Xiao Yu asked with a smile.

The children, having been involved in the adults' thrilling activities and emotionally engaged, hadn't felt sleepy at all and shook their heads in unison.

"Then let's return to the palace to report back," Pei Yanli said.

Xiao Yu and the others nodded in agreement.

When the children eventually settled into Xiao Yu and Pei Yanli's arms, they fell asleep without a care.

Xiao Yu said, "We can't let them stay up late next time. What if they don't grow tall?"

"Once won't matter," Pei Yanli replied.

Xiao Yu nodded in agreement.

"How are you feeling?" Pei Yanli observed Xiao Yu's complexion.

Xiao Yu replied, "I'm young, I'm fine."

Pei Yanli, feeling a sense of competition, said, "I can stay up for two more nights."

Xiao Yu laughed, "Why compare? Don't stay up late unless it's for something important."

Pei Yanli responded gently, "Alright, I'll listen to you."

Lu Ming, not far away, shuddered as if shaking off goosebumps and said, "I can't take it, you two are too mushy!"

Xiao Yu and Pei Yanli just laughed, ignoring Lu Ming.

As the group entered the palace and reached the San Gong Gate, Minghe and Danzi suddenly woke up.

Xiao Yu softly asked, "Not sleeping anymore?"

"Are we inside the palace?" Minghe inquired.

Xiao Yu nodded, "Yes, we are about to meet the emperor."

Danzi and Minghe said together, "I want to go too."

"Alright," Xiao Yu nodded.

The group went straight to the Qianxin Hall.

Emperor Yongxi, troubled by the Zheng brothers' affair, hadn't slept well all night, his eyes shadowed with dark circles, but he was eager, immediately asking, "Yanli, what's the situation?"

"Your Majesty," Pei Yanli bowed and replied, "We have sent all three Zheng brothers to the heavenly prison."

"None of you are hurt, are you?" The Emperor, noticing bloodstains on Lu Ming, exclaimed in alarm, "General Lu, what happened to you?"

"Your Majesty, I am unharmed. This is the blood of people from the Southern Moon Kingdom," Lu Ming explained.

Pei Yanli added, "We are not injured."

Emperor Yongxi breathed a sigh of relief and gestured, "Please sit and explain."

Xiao Yu and the others took their seats.

After the sudden coma of Xiao Yuanping and various schemes, the Emperor only knew that he had sent Danzi and Lu Ming to handle the collusion between officials and merchants, but he was unaware of the details. He began inquiring from the start, "Yanli, how did you discover the connection between Xu Da and the Zheng family?"

Pei Yanli truthfully recounted how he and others, through letters, learned of Xu Da's dealings with the Southern Moon Kingdom. Minghe's recognition of the Aconitum flower pattern led them to connect the Zheng brothers with the Southern Moon Kingdom. They suspected Xu Da, the Southern Moon Kingdom, and the Zheng brothers were colluding to assassinate Emperor Yongxi and elevate Xiao Yuanping to power in Danzi's absence.

So, he instructed Xiao Yu and the others to return to the capital first.

After he followed up, Xu Da confirmed the collusion with the Southern Moon Kingdom and the Zheng brothers, providing letters as evidence. However, Pei Yanli feared they might use Southern Moon poison against the Emperor or others. He managed to find an antidote, then brought it back.

Upon reaching the palace, they discovered that the Zheng brothers had indeed used poison, but the victim was not Emperor Yongxi, but Xiao Yuanping.

It was unclear who had administered the poison, but Pei Yanli suspected that everything the Zheng brothers did aimed to elevate Xiao Yuanping to power. Otherwise, their entire plan would fail, so they certainly wouldn't let Xiao Yuanping die and would secretly send an antidote.

Thus, he feigned that Xiao Yuanping wasn't poisoned and waited for the antidote to surface.

After discussing the arrival of Lv E... he continued to talk about the secret passage in Zheng's residence and the Southern Moon Kingdom's landing.

Xiao Yu and his companions frequently nodded, occasionally adding details.

Emperor Yongxi, listening, angrily slammed the table, "They are audaciously bold!"

Danzi suddenly remembered the large chests in the secret passage, "Father, there's a lot of gold, silver, and jewels in that secret passage."

"Yes, over a dozen large chests," Minghe added.

"Over a dozen large chests?" Emperor Yongxi was astonished.

Xiao Yu and others nodded in agreement.

Emperor Yongxi sneered, "If they dare to collude with external enemies and plot for power, then corruption and bribery are nothing new to them."

Xiao Yu and the others nodded in agreement.

"Perhaps they have other hidden misdeeds. Let the Ministry of Justice investigate thoroughly and scrutinize everyone in the Zheng family!" Emperor Yongxi ordered sternly.

"Yes," Pei Yanli and Lu Ming responded.

After discussing recent events for a while and covering most of the details, Emperor Yongxi, noticing the tiredness in Xiao Yu and his companions, said, "Thank you for your hard work."

"It's our duty," replied Xiao Yu and the others.

Emperor Yongxi turned to Pei Yanli and said, "Yanli, Lu Ming, after you hand over the matter to the Ministry of Justice, go and rest well."

"Yes," Pei Yanli and Lu Ming replied.

"Yuanheng, Xiao Yu, Minghe, you three go and get some good sleep," Emperor Yongxi said, adding, "Yuanheng and Minghe, you’ve been too tired these days, no need to attend classes for now."

"Yes," the three, led by Xiao Yu, responded.

"Father, don't worry too much. Some people are not worth your distress. You must rest well to stay healthy," said the prince.

Zheng Weirong and his brothers, the brothers of Empress Zheng, often shared Emperor Yongxi’s worries. The emperor treated them well, inviting them to the palace to enjoy flowers, drinks, and delicacies. He never expected them to harbor ill intentions. His anger and sadness were genuine.

Hearing his eldest son's comforting words, the emperor felt a bit warmer in his heart and managed a smile, "Alright, I will take care, Yuanheng, go get some good sleep."

"Yes, my lord," the prince bowed and excused himself.

Xiao Yu and the others also bowed in respect.

Exiting the Qianxin Hall, the recent tension dissipated, and fatigue swiftly engulfed them.

Xiao Yu looked at Pei Yanli and inquired, "How is your injury—"

"It's already healed," Pei Yanli assured.

Xiao Yu expressed concern, "It was quite deep; I'm worried about a relapse."

Pei Yanli confidently replied, "There's no chance of that. Don't worry about me, you should rest well."

Relieved, Xiao Yu responded, "You too."

Pei Yanli gazed at Xiao Yu tenderly, "Once I'm done, I'll come to find you."

"Alright," Xiao Yu nodded.

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming headed to the Ministry of Justice.

Xiao Yu, with the two children, returned to the Eastern Palace. After freshening up and having a meal, they snuggled into Xiao Yu's bed, hugging each other and falling into a deep sleep until nightfall, when the trio awoke.

Xiao Zhongzi approached, "This afternoon, the Empress and the General came to see you. Knowing you were sleeping soundly, they left."

"How is the General?" asked Xiao Yu.

Xiao Zhongzi replied, "He looked very spirited."

"That's good," Xiao Yu stretched lazily.

Minghe and the prince were somewhat dazed from their deep sleep, looking adorably bewildered.

Xiao Zhongzi smiled and asked, "Your Highness, Young Master Ming, are you hungry? The Empress has just sent dinner."

Both children nodded sleepily.

Xiao Yu, feeling hungry too, said, "Let's eat."

After a satisfying meal that left them drowsy, the aunt and nephews climbed back into bed and slept until the next morning. Fully rested, they energetically had breakfast and went to pay their respects to Emperor Yongxi.

But Emperor Yongxi was too busy and after a brief exchange, sent them to greet the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

Coincidentally, the Empress was also at the Empress Dowager's Cihe Palace, so they paid their respects together.

"Royal Brother! Minghe!" Xiao Yuanping called out from his chair.

"Royal Brother!" the prince ran over first.

Minghe looked at the well-behaved Xiao Yuanping, "Second Prince, can't you walk yet?"

Xiao Yuanping pouted and nodded, "Yes."

"It's been two days already," said the prince.

"The General said it'll take another two days," the Empress added.

The Empress Dowager frowned, "It's all because of those Zhengs, so venomous. Yuanping took the hit for the Emperor this time." She was deeply distressed.

"Thankfully, heaven protected both His Majesty and the Second Prince," the Empress remarked.

The Empress Dowager angrily declared, "The Zheng family must not be let off easily!"

The Empress advised, "Mother, the Zheng family has been captured, and His Majesty will judge them fairly. Please don't distress yourself."

Xiao Yu also tried to calm the Empress Dowager's anger.

The Empress shifted the topic, "This time, the Crown Prince and Young Master Ming have made significant contributions."

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled contentedly, "Yuanheng and Minghe are indeed exceptionally intelligent."

The Empress showered them with praise.

The Empress Dowager’s affectionate gaze fell on the two children, but then she frowned with concern at Xiao Yu, "Xiao Yu, all three of you have lost weight. You must eat more."

"Yes, now that things have settled down, I, along with His Highness and Minghe, will definitely eat well, drink well, sleep well, and gain some weight," Xiao Yu assured.

The Empress Dowager couldn't help but laugh at Xiao Yu's response.

The Empress smiled throughout.

However, once Xiao Yu returned to the Eastern Palace, he genuinely started preparing delicious meals.

Cooking was a joy, with various flavors blending together into a culinary delight. He didn't just cook for Minghe and the prince, but also for Pei Yanli, Lu Ming, the Empress Dowager, and Xiao Yuanping.

After several days of cooking, he began pickling and drying vegetables.

Minghe and the prince helped out.

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming were still busy with the affairs of the Zheng brothers and only visited occasionally. Today, both were occupied and couldn't come.

"It's all dried now," said the prince.

Looking up, Xiao Yu commented, "The sun is really nice."

"Warm and cozy," Minghe added.

The prince suggested, "We should go visit the Royal Brother."

"Uncle, are the pastries ready?" Minghe inquired.

"They're ready," Xiao Yu replied, having prepared several of the children's favorites: purple sweet potato layer cake, red bean jelly cake, pumpkin cake, and sticky bean buns, which he packed into boxes.

The prince’s lips twitched slightly, “Uncle, may I have one first?”

“Of course,” Xiao Yu responded.

Minghe said, “Uncle, I want one too.”

“Take your pick,” Xiao Yu lifted the lid of the food box, letting the two children choose.

The children glanced over and each picked their favorite.

Xiao Yu rearranged the tray, closed the box, and said, “Let’s go.”

“Let’s finish eating first,” the prince suggested while eating.

Xiao Yu was puzzled, “Why?” They used to eat on the go.

“Uncle, I’m different now, I’m the Crown Prince. I need to mind my manners!” the prince stated earnestly.

Minghe nodded, “Me too, me too, I’m Young Master Ming! I mustn’t bring shame to my brother.”

Xiao Yu, surprised by their concern for propriety, chuckled, “Alright, finish your snack first, then we’ll go.” He waited patiently.

Once the children finished their treats, they approached Cihe Palace, hearing Xiao Yuanping’s voice from afar, “Go away! All of you, go away! I want to go out! I want to go out!”

“What’s going on?” Xiao Yu wondered.

The prince replied, “The Royal Brother is angry.”

“But he could walk since yesterday, why is he upset?” Minghe was confused.

“Let’s find out,” Xiao Yu suggested.

The trio approached Xiao Yuanping’s room to find the palace servants blocking his way.

“What happened?” the prince inquired.

Hearing the voice, the servants quickly turned around to bow to the prince.

Xiao Yuanping immediately rushed over, hugging Danzi's waist, his chubby face looking up plaintively, "Imperial brother, I miss our mother. It's been so long since I've seen her. Can you take me to see her, please?"