Chapter 0325: The Coquettish Little Ninth

Chapter 0325: The Coquettish Little Ninth

Fifth Brother’s smile was stiff, and Tenth, your skills at stirring trouble aren’t very sophisticated either.

In our mother’s words, you're all millennia-old foxes, what’s the point of acting out a story from Pu Songling’s "Liaozhai"?

Although he never quite understood why acting was equated to "Liaozhai", that's just what his mother said.

The Fifth Brother harbors deep resentment yet pretends to be amiable and respectful; the Tenth Brother, despite being cunning, feigns innocence and naivety.

Well, "innocent and naive" is also a phrase from his mother.

Meaning both foolish, ignorant, and yet seemingly sweet.

Hmph, sweet? Where exactly?

In the afternoon, the princes headed to the drill ground.

Not just the princes, but also comparable-aged males from the imperial clan, all unmarried young masters.

Accompanied by the princes' study mates, there were also a few princesses.

Princesses and princes studied together, but the princesses didn't stay upfront and would return to their mother's palace each day.

However, their attendance at the drill ground was at their discretion.

The Second and Fourth Princesses were there; they were relatively skilled.

Unexpectedly, Emperor He Jinli also made an appearance.

Everyone paid their respects, and He Jinli gestured dismissively, "No need for formalities; I've come to see how well you've learned archery."

"Father, we've all been working very hard," the Tenth Prince declared eagerly, "Please, Father, give us your guidance."

"Well, saying it isn’t enough; I'll be watching closely," He Jinli said with a smile.

"Father, how good are you at archery?" asked the Second Princess.

Her boldness mirrored her mother's, naturally unafraid to speak her mind.

Even among the princesses, He Jinli used to favor the Eldest Princess most, but after her marriage, he seemed to regard the other princesses more or less equally.

"Father's archery skills, of course, cannot compare to your cousin," He Jinli said with a smile.

The cousin he referred to was naturally Yuan Zheng, the Khan King Hunyin.

"How can we compare? He's skilled in horseback riding and archery, but Father is the Emperor," the Second Princess said proudly, puffing up her chest.

He Jinli broke into laughter.

"Are you trying to flatter Father?" suddenly interjected the Ninth Prince.

The Second Princess glared, "Nonsense!"

"That's exactly what you're doing. Admit it."

"Alright, you, I'll tear your mouth!" the Second Princess approached to strike.

The Ninth Prince ducked behind He Jinli like a slippery fish: "Father, Sister is going to hit me."

He Jinli chuckled, "You naughty thing, how old are you still teasing your sister?"

"Father, you don't love me anymore. Sister is going to hit me," the Ninth Prince poked He Jinli's back.

Laughing, He Jinli pulled him out, while the Second Princess, who wouldn't really hit him, stood there fuming, "You little devil, always playing cute."

"I'm not just good at playing cute; I'm also great at archery. Don't believe me? Let's compete," the Ninth Prince stood hands on hips, "Bring me a bow and arrows."

He Jinli shook his head, "Since you're so confident, then show your skill in archery."

The Ninth Prince nodded, "Father, rest assured, your son will not let you down."

Everyone listening to him switch between 'father' and 'Father Emperor' felt a mix of emotions.

But that's just how the Ninth Prince has always been; others wouldn't dare.

Calling him that would be seen as mimicry.

Other consorts also wouldn't dare to have their children address the Emperor in such a familiar way.

"So, it must be said that the Noble Consort has taught him well."

"Though the Ninth Prince is playful, his archery is actually quite good."

"They all have professional tutors, and He Jinli once worried that Yun Li's laissez-faire approach might result in the children not learning well."

"However, this is not the case. Little Nine is also doing well in his studies."

"He enjoys his play, but he makes sure to excel in his required studies."

"Horse riding, archery, swordplay, and martial arts, he has learned them all well."

"The princes, young nobles of the royal family, and their study companions are grouped by age for competition. A three-year age difference is considered acceptable for grouping."

"The Ninth Prince competes alongside the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Princes."

"The Eleventh Prince, just beginning, does not participate."

"As soon as he picks up the bow and arrows, He Jinli knows the child has dedicated himself to learning."

"Due to differences in arm strength, they use slightly different bows and arrows."

"The targets are set at varying distances to make the competition fairer."

"Out of ten arrows, the Ninth Prince hits the bullseye seven times, only two veer off, and just one lands in the outer ring."

"Among this group, he is the clear leader."

"Perhaps the companions let him win, but the princes would not."

"The Fifth Prince is a bit annoyed, and the Sixth Prince also purses his lips, displeased."

"Only the Seventh Prince laughs, 'Ninth Brother, you're this good? Been practicing in secret?'"

"'Not at all, it's just that you all don't study,'" the Ninth Prince replies with a laugh."

"'Ninth Brother is the most diligent,'" says the Tenth Prince, smiling."

"'Good, but don't become arrogant or complacent,'" He Jinli is indeed satisfied.

"Yes, Father." The Ninth Prince smiles proudly, "Father, am I not bad?"

He Jinli laughs, patting his shoulder, "Not bad, but you must also remain focused. Don't let a bit of success get to your head."

"I won't, I won't. Father, you must keep your promise to me," the Ninth Prince playfully insists.

He Jinli taps him on the head noncommittally.

But the Ninth Prince touches his head and laughs, taking that as an agreement.

He had long expressed a desire to leave the palace, and his father said if he outshot his brothers, he could go.

His father wouldn't go back on his word.

The other princes don't know what he asked for, but they feel uneasy.

It's only because his mother is favored, leveraging that relationship to see the emperor often.

They all reside in Guanglong Palace, often returning home for meals, but what chance do the neglected consorts, no longer serving the emperor, have to see him?

It's only the Ninth Prince who sees him often.

But this irritation isn't new to anyone; they're almost used to it.

After the archery, He Jinli leaves first.

The Crown Prince wasn't even present today.

He's fallen ill again.

The Crown Prince has yet to move into the Eastern Palace, partly because it's under renovation, and partly because the Empress previously dared not let him.

Once there, she fears losing control. With his frail health, he could easily be harmed.

But if he is to marry, he must reside in the Crown Prince's residence.

So, He Jinli returns to Zhengyang Palace, finding the Empress already there.

It's unusual for the Empress to visit, but of course, she is welcome here.

"Paying respects to Your Majesty," the Empress curtsies.

"Relax your formalities, Empress. Why are you here?" He Jinli sat down.

"The Emperor, I have come with a matter that requires your decision," the Empress replied as she took her seat. "The Crown Prince is now fifteen. In the past, I allowed him to remain in the Fengyi Palace due to his frail health, but since all the other princes reside in the Guanglong Palace, it's no longer appropriate for the Crown Prince to stay in the Fengyi Palace," she continued.

He Jinli gazed at the Empress for a moment.

Unsettled by his stare, the Empress admitted, "I should have brought this up earlier. It's my fault."

How could He Jinli not understand her intentions?

He was merely surprised that the Empress truly believed the Crown Prince would always remain as such?

Over the years, whenever the Crown Prince needed to make public appearances, He Jinli had arranged for others to represent him.

Didn't these actions speak volumes?

How could the Empress be so naive?

Or perhaps, was it a display of defiance?

"In that case, the Crown Prince shall move to the Guanglong Palace. It's more spacious there. I'll have someone prepare the finest quarters for him," He Jinning said.