Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Emperor Chengwu leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing for a while before waving his sleeve: "Crown Prince, Lan Zhen, Eleventh Son, Fourteenth Son, you have done nothing wrong. Take your children and rise."

"We thank Your Majesty for your boundless mercy." The four of them kowtowed, stood up, and moved to the side, standing with their hands at their sides.

The Empress glanced at the 14th Prince's Consort's pregnancy and spoke gently: "Fourteenth Son, help your wife to sit aside."

The 14th Prince thanked the Empress and helped his wife to sit. The 14th Prince's Consort, seeing everyone either kneeling or standing, hesitated to sit at first. The 14th Prince whispered a few words of encouragement, and she, thinking of the difficulty of carrying the child in her womb, finally sat down.

Emperor Chengwu swept his gaze across the hall again, his gaze icy: "Since everyone admits guilt, come forward and tell me, what are your crimes?"

Hearing the emperor's voice that carried an unspoken threat, those who had just confessed their guilt collectively fell silent, looking left and right, unwilling to be the first to speak.

Emperor Chengwu, known for his ruthless decisiveness, was not a patient man. Whether it was the concubines or the princes and princesses, everyone feared him and knew how ruthless he was to those who dared to covet the throne.

Today, in front of everyone, A Tong had revealed the treachery of so many princes. It was easy to imagine how terrible Emperor Chengwu's mood must be.

Everyone also understood that the current trial was focused squarely on those rebellious princes.

Concubines who had not borne children, those who bore only daughters, and princesses without brothers knew that this matter had little to do with them, and there was no need to be so cautious.

But everyone was aware of the emperor's wrath, and they all knelt obediently, not daring to raise their heads, fearing to attract the emperor's attention and become the innocent fish caught in the fire of the city gate.

Imperial Noble Consort Rong knelt on the ground with everyone, her mind racing.

Earlier, she had heard that her fourth son had laid siege to the palace, and with Noble Consort Wan's sarcasm, she thought it was over, that her son must have strangled the emperor, and she and her son were doomed.

But soon, she heard that her fourth son had met his end. At that time, she was furious and heartbroken, cursing the treacherous person who had killed her son in secret.

But after the anger, it felt like a narrow escape, thinking that it might not be so bad that her son was killed at that time.

After all, there was only one so-called filial son who strangled the emperor, but there was more than one rebellious son who raised troops.

With the brothers sharing the blame, the consequences might be less severe, and the emperor couldn't possibly kill everyone.

Thinking this way, Imperial Noble Consort Rong edged toward Noble Consort Wan, who was kneeling beside her, and whispered: "Sister Wan, your sixth son shares the same fate as my fourth son. What do you think the emperor will do to them?"

Noble Consort Wan glanced at her, sneered coldly, and did not respond.

Imperial Noble Consort's second son remained untouched by A Tong's revelations. She knew her son's temperament well and was consumed by anxiety. Hearing Imperial Noble Consort Rong's incessant whispering behind her, she became even more irritated and turned to scold in a low voice: "Shut up."

Imperial Noble Consort Rong sulked silently but did not dare to say anything more.

On the side of the concubines, no one stepped forward, and on the side of the princes, they also held their ground.

The details of the princes kneeling in the hall had already been exposed by A Tong. They knew that stepping forward now would mean accepting punishment.

Of course, if they had done wrong, punishment was deserved, and no one could escape. But no one knew how the emperor intended to punish them, and with no certainty in their hearts, they did not want to be the first to test the emperor's wrath.

Only the 19th Prince had done nothing wrong and could have led the way for everyone, but he remained in his lifeless state, kneeling quietly.

Emperor Chengwu waited for a while, and seeing that no one spoke, his voice turned colder: "Who will speak first?"

The 13th Prince gritted his teeth, resolved to be the first to speak. After all, the crime of harming a brother's wife was much lighter than harming one's father. But just as he was about to move, Secondary Consort Li, kneeling behind him, grabbed the hem of his robe.

The 13th Prince frowned and asked softly: "What are you doing?"

Secondary Consort Li looked at him with a panicked and uneasy expression, shaking her head: "Cousin, I’m terrified."

The 13th Prince looked displeased, yanked his sleeve, and was about to rise and step forward when he saw the 12th Prince already standing up first, walking to the front, kneeling down, and kowtowing, saying, "Emperor Chengwu, your son is guilty; please punish me."

Emperor Chengwu: "Speak."

The 12th Prince: "Emperor Chengwu, A Tong said that I followed my sixth brother, the 6th Prince, in rebellion, and I deserve death for my crime. But please, Emperor Chengwu, know that I must have been compelled by circumstances. You know, I am the most timid, and I would never dare to commit such a heinous act."

"Moreover, my son also died, and he died so tragically, wah wah wah, that cursed 6th Prince, how could he be so heartless? I am his own brother, how could he just watch me die without offering help..."

The 12th Prince rambled incoherently, and as he spoke, he covered his face with his sleeve, crying out loud in front of everyone, with snot and tears streaming down, a truly heart-wrenching sight.

The 12th Prince's consort felt that her husband was indeed pitiful, but she also thought that a grown man crying in public was quite embarrassing, her face flushed with embarrassment. But then she thought, as long as they could keep their lives, it didn't matter if it was embarrassing or not. Her heart was torn, her expression conflicted, afraid that others would see her face, she quickly lowered her head deeply.

The 12th Prince's little boy, only six years old and not very understanding, was already very tense from the heavy and oppressive atmosphere in the hall. Now seeing his father wailing, the child was terrified, grabbing his mother's arm, and also started to cry.

For a moment, the hall echoed with the sorrowful cries of father and son. The 12th Prince's consort, frightened pale, immediately gathered her son into her arms, covering his mouth with her hand, whispering soothing words into his ear.

Emperor Chengwu looked at this pitiful son of his, raised his hand to rub his temples: "Later, go to the 11th Prince and receive forty strokes of the cane, then return to your residence and remain under house arrest."

Upon hearing this punishment, the 12th Prince's crying stopped abruptly, he pulled his sleeve away from his face, looked up at Emperor Chengwu in disbelief: "Emperor Chengwu, you... you won't execute me?"

Emperor Chengwu snorted coldly: "Other matters will be dealt with after the investigation is completed."

If even the 12th Prince was to be beheaded, what about those young wolves behind him? Kill them all? Then who would guard the borders?

The 12th Prince seemed to have thought of this as well, and without further questions, he kowtowed in gratitude, then returned to kneel beside his wife and child.

---

With the 12th Prince taking the lead, the 17th Prince couldn't hold back anymore, stood up and strode a few steps to kneel before Emperor Chengwu: "Emperor Chengwu, your son is guilty. When I was young, I was mischievous and blew up the imperial boat, destroyed countless valuables, and almost caused you to fall into the water. I deserve death for my crime."

Looking at this loyal and filial but reckless son, Emperor Chengwu snorted coldly: "You deserve death. But considering your later merit in protecting the throne, I will not punish you severely. Later, go to your 11th brother and receive twenty strokes of the cane."

The 17th Prince kowtowed in gratitude, then added: "In my youthful ignorance and mischief, I caused the 20th Prince to catch a cold and die prematurely, and also caused the 19th Prince to lose his life for this. My crime is inexcusable, please punish me accordingly."

The 17th Prince's voice was clear, his words sincere, demonstrating a sense of responsibility for his actions.

Emperor Chengwu glanced at Noble Lady Wen and the 19th Prince, nodded: "I have already punished you for your 20th brother's death, but since you sincerely admit your mistake, then receive another twenty strokes."

The 17th Prince kowtowed: "Your son obeys the decree."

Emperor Chengwu nodded, his voice softening slightly: "Help your mother consort to her feet, and go stand aside."

The 17th Prince kowtowed in gratitude, but instead of going to Consort Zhao, he walked to Noble Lady Wen and knelt down, kowtowing heavily three times: "Noble Lady Wen, it was my mischief that caused the death of the 20th Prince, I am truly sorry."

Noble Lady Wen raised her hand and slapped the 17th Prince twice fiercely, then burst into tears and collapsed to the ground.

Everyone sighed in their hearts, thinking it was a sin.

The 17th Prince's cheeks were swollen high, he stood up without a word, then walked to the 19th Prince, bowed deeply to him, "19th brother, I am sorry."

The 19th Prince, as if devoid of emotion, gave no response.

The 17th Prince did not insist, walked to Consort Zhao, helped her up, and stood aside.

Consort Zhao looked at the clear slap marks on her son's face, her heart ached deeply, "My son, does it hurt?"

"Mother Consort, it's nothing." The 17th Prince shook his head, holding Consort Zhao's hand, signaling her to talk later.

Hearing Noble Lady Wen's heart-wrenching cries, Emperor Chengwu sighed, looked at the indifferent 19th Prince: "19th, help your mother consort back to rest."

The 19th Prince kowtowed in acknowledgment, stood up, walked to Noble Lady Wen, helped her up, and led her out of the hall.

Seeing the two come out, Noble Lady Wen's maid hurried forward: "Your Ladyship."

The 19th Prince handed the person over to the maid, bowed to Noble Lady Wen without a word, and turned to leave.

Noble Lady Wen quickly grabbed his sleeve, pleading: "My son, would you come to my palace and talk with me?"

The 19th Prince expressionlessly pried her hand off, saying, "Mother, you should rest early," and walked away.

Watching the young man's tall but thin figure, Noble Lady Wen covered her face, sobbing uncontrollably, and was helped back to her palace by her maid.

---

Inside the hall, the 13th Prince, seeing that the 12th, 17th, and 19th Princes had finished their business, hesitated no longer, stood up, and knelt at the front, bowing his head to the ground.

"Father, I am guilty. I was greedy and attempted to vie for the position of heir, even harming my own brothers."

Emperor Chengwu interrupted him: "Be specific, what did you do?"

The 13th Prince gritted his teeth and confessed: "I gathered a group of advisors, though they have now been dismissed. I also plotted to harm the 14th Prince's Consort..."

Upon hearing the 13th Prince's deeds, everyone was shocked. Who would have thought that Thirteen Brother, who usually kept to himself, had such deep schemes? And why did he think he was qualified to be the heir?

Emperor Chengwu already knew the gist of the 13th Prince's actions and was not surprised. He looked at the 14th Prince: "Fourteenth Brother, do you have anything to say?"

The 14th Prince clenched his fists, stepped forward, knelt down, and said: "Father, I have no enmity with this scoundrel, but to achieve his goals, he plotted to harm my wife and children. If not for Nuo Er and A Tong's warnings, I would have been ruined. Such a great wrong, I cannot forgive him for it."

Emperor Chengwu: "What do you want?"

The 14th Prince gritted his teeth and said: "I want him to pay with his life for what he has done."

Emperor Chengwu fell silent, resting his head on his hand, deep in thought.

The severity of the punishment for the 13th Prince would set a precedent for how other wrongdoers would be dealt with. Seeing that Emperor Chengwu seemed to be considering the feasibility of executing the 13th Prince, everyone tensed up, not daring to breathe, and the hall fell into complete silence.

The 13th Prince's Consort and Secondary Consort Li's faces turned pale in an instant. If the 13th Prince were to be beheaded, their fates would not be much better—either killed or reduced to slavery, their lives utterly ruined.

When Consort Jing heard the 13th Prince's words, her mind went blank. After a moment of stunned silence, she crawled forward on her knees, kowtowing heavily and pleading: "Your Majesty, it is entirely my fault. I failed to teach Thirteen properly. If you must kill someone, kill me. I beg Your Majesty to spare Thirteen's life."

Emperor Chengwu remembered the day he had tested Consort Jing about Thirteen, and how she had feigned ignorance in front of him. He couldn't help but sneer: "You deserve punishment."

Then he shouted: "Guards!"

The guards waiting outside, clad in armor, entered and knelt on one knee, bowing: "Your Majesty."

Emperor Chengwu pointed at the 13th Prince: "Fifty lashes, then take him to the dungeon, and await further orders."

The guards complied, lifting the 13th Prince and escorting him away. The 13th Prince said nothing and did not resist.

Consort Jing cried out, trying to stop them: "Your Majesty, have mercy! Fifty lashes will surely be the death of him!"

Emperor Chengwu picked up a wine cup from the table and threw it in front of Consort Jing, angrily rebuking: "How dare you plead for him! When that beast plotted to harm Fourteenth Brother's wife and children, did he think about whether they would survive?"

This left Consort Jing speechless, and she knelt on the ground in disgrace, weeping uncontrollably.

Emperor Chengwu then called Kang Yuande in and waved his hand: "Take Consort Jing back to her palace and place her under house arrest. After investigating whether she was involved in Thirteen's schemes, we will determine her punishment."

Kang Yuande was shocked, wondering how the birthday banquet had suddenly turned into a trial, but he showed nothing on his face. He respectfully complied and led two eunuchs to take Consort Jing away.

As Consort Jing was being led out, she caught sight of the 13th Prince's Consort and Secondary Consort Li almost prostrate on the ground. Suddenly remembering something, she pointed at Secondary Consort Li and shouted: "Your Majesty, it is all this wretched woman's fault! She kept crying in front of Chang Er, saying she didn't want to suffer in Baiyue, and she kept urging Chang Er to become emperor. Your Majesty, Chang Er was led astray by this vile woman!"

Secondary Consort Li lay on the ground, trembling violently, her sweat soaking the floor beneath her.

Emperor Chengwu frowned and called the guards in again, pointing at the 13th Prince's consort and Secondary Consort Li: "Take these two to the imperial dungeon, and have the Ministry of Justice interrogate them at dawn tomorrow."

The Empress glanced at the 13th Prince's consort, who was sitting on the floor in a daze, frowned, and gently tugged at Emperor Chengwu's sleeve, softly advising, "Your Majesty, they are women, after all; it's not appropriate to lock them in the dungeon. How about sending them to Consort Jing's palace for the time being?"

At this point, the Empress lowered her voice a bit, "Just have someone keep a close watch on them."

Though the Empress didn't elaborate, Emperor Chengwu understood her intention and nodded, "As Her Majesty the Empress suggests, take them to Consort Jing's palace and keep them under strict surveillance."

The guards acknowledged the order, stepped forward to lift the two women, and escorted them out of the hall.

The hall, which had been bustling with noise, fell into silence once more. Everyone held their breath and knelt with even greater decorum.

Earlier, when the Emperor had ordered several princes to receive caning at the hands of the 11th Prince, everyone thought that because those incidents hadn't actually occurred, the Emperor intended to handle the matter lightly and not delve too deeply.

But now, witnessing his treatment of Consort Jing, the 13th Prince, and his two consorts, everyone realized the Emperor meant business.

Everyone thought the Emperor's punishment of the 13th Prince was severe enough, but the 14th Prince was not entirely satisfied. However, since the Emperor had already issued the order, he couldn't say much. He simply returned to his wife's side, his face cold, placed his hands on her shoulders, and gave a silent, comforting squeeze.

Emperor Chengwu took in the 14th Prince's expression and actions but said nothing. He turned to the 21st Prince, "21st Prince, do you have anything to say?"

The 21st Prince, his back drenched in sweat, hurriedly ran out and knelt properly upon being called, "Father, your son is foolish and weak, deceived by others, and has made a grave mistake. Please punish me."

Consort Liang trailed behind, kowtowing incessantly, "Your Majesty, please show mercy. Zhe is young and ignorant, and has made a grave mistake, but his heart is in the right place. He met such a tragic end later. Please spare him this once."

Emperor Chengwu, irritated by the clamor, waved his hand dismissively, "Consort Liang, for failing to educate your son properly, you are confined to your quarters for three months and fined a year's salary."

Consort Liang was taken aback that she was the first to be punished, but after a moment's pause, she realized that the Emperor probably wouldn't severely punish her son. She immediately kowtowed in gratitude.

Emperor Chengwu continued, "21st Prince, receive forty strokes of the cane. From now on, dedicate yourself to your studies and cultivate wisdom."

The 21st Prince, overwhelmed with gratitude, kowtowed in thanks.

Having dealt with all the princes present today, Emperor Chengwu felt utterly drained, both physically and mentally. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples and closing his eyes to rest.

Everyone was as silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to make a sound, all hoping that after Emperor Chengwu rested, he would announce the end of the gathering, and today would be over.

The remaining matters could be discussed later, after the Emperor's anger had subsided, which would be better for everyone.

But someone had to be untimely, and that was none other than Imperial Noble Consort Rong. She glanced around, seeking someone to consult for advice, but no one paid her any heed. So she ventured to speak up, her tone hesitant, "Your Majesty, the fourth prince must have also been deceived, that's why he lost his head for a moment..."

Before she could finish, Emperor Chengwu suddenly opened his eyes, his voice icy and full of sarcasm, "He led troops back to the capital, and you claim he was deceived?"

That fool, the fourth prince, was likely manipulated by others, but had he not harbored such intentions, he would never have dared to besiege the palace.

Imperial Noble Consort Rong hastily prostrated herself on the ground, trembling, and dared not utter another word.

Emperor Chengwu stared at her for a while, then said, "Enough, today I am weary; we shall discuss this another day."

With that, he turned to the Empress, "I will go with the Empress to Fengyi Palace."

The Empress said, "Alright," and stood up. The two of them descended from the dais, and everyone swiftly cleared a path, bowing their heads in respectful farewell.

Emperor Chengwu and the Empress departed Yonghe Hall, entered the imperial sedan, and proceeded directly to Fengyi Palace.

Everyone rose to their feet, noticing that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess remained present. No one spoke, standing in silence.

The Crown Prince's smile was as gentle as a spring breeze, and he nodded graciously to everyone, "It's getting late, I'll take my leave first. Everyone should also return early to rest."

With that, he cast a glance at Princess Lanzhen, and the two families exited together.

The crowd once again bid farewell in unison.

Watching the Crown Prince and his entourage walk away, the 11th Prince, with one hand behind his back, started walking without a change in tone, "Those due for a caning, follow me."

The 12th, 17th, and 21st Princes responded in unison and obediently followed.

As the princes left, the princesses also ran to their respective mothers, and everyone gathered in small groups, gradually walking out.

Each was lost in their own thoughts.

Those with secrets to hide were deep in thought, resolving to steer clear of the Crown Prince's chubby child from now on.

The guilt-free considered frequenting the Eastern Palace more often or inviting Princess Baoning over for some fresh tales to liven up their dull days.

As for the Imperial Noble Consort, Imperial Noble Consort Rong, Noble Consort Wan, and the virtuous and noble consorts, whose sons were stationed outside, they quickly debated whether to send word to their sons immediately.

Should they urge them to petition the Emperor for a return to the capital to seek forgiveness?

Or advise them to stay away, hide, and live in obscurity?

Or perhaps, incite them to raise an army and make a bold move?

Lost in thought, they all drifted away, leaving the hall deserted.

Suddenly, a person silently jumped down from the beam—it was the secret guard Liang Quan.

But his usually composed and sharp gaze was gone, replaced by a look of sheer astonishment, as if he'd seen a ghost.

---

Back at the Eastern Palace, the family found the chubby girl already sound asleep.

Princess Wen'an and Shen Weiqing stayed by her side, struggling to stay awake, and upon seeing their parents and eldest brother return, they hurried over to inquire about the hall's events.

As their parents checked on their sister, Shen Weiyan quickly filled in his siblings on the hall's happenings.

No sooner had he finished than the Crown Prince and Crown Princess emerged.

The Crown Prince softly said, "Get to bed early; your grandfather might send for Nuo Er tomorrow morning, and you should all accompany her."

Shen Weiyan and Shen Weiqing nodded, bowed, and left to rest.

The Crown Princess cradled her eldest daughter, kissed her forehead, and said, "Hui Er will sleep with us tonight."

Princess Wen'an wrapped her arms around her mother's waist, beaming with joy.

---

At the Phoenix Palace, after their bath, Emperor Chengwu and the Empress settled in bed for a long chat.

Of course, 'long chat' was an overstatement; the Empress, part of the old couple, preferred to keep her distance.

Emperor Chengwu did most of the talking, while the Empress listened in silence.

Emperor Chengwu rested his head on his hands, "Empress, don't get me wrong. I'm not hesitating to act against those boys, but A Tong's revelations align with the original plot. We must investigate further to uncover any treasonous acts before we proceed."

"Tomorrow, I'll confer with the Crown Prince and draft an edict to revoke their military authority."

"No, I'll recall them one by one, have A Tong assess them, and once we're certain, we'll mete out punishment or execution."

"Once we identify the traitorous wolf cub, I'll ensure his execution."

"And that one who tried to strangle me, my so-called 'filial son,' once I find him, I'll flay him alive."

...

Emperor Chengwu rambled on, venting his frustrations until his mouth ran dry. Only then did he stop, get up, and pour himself a cup of tea at the table, drinking it in one gulp before returning to bed.

Seeing the Empress with her eyes closed, silent and resting, Emperor Chengwu finally realized he had been the only one talking all this time.

He nudged the Empress, "Are you asleep?"

The Empress opened her eyes and snapped, "Your Majesty has been talking nonstop. How could I possibly sleep?"

Emperor Chengwu, feeling quite guilty in front of his old wife, spoke in a softer tone, "Then why didn’t you speak up?"

The Empress turned over and said, "Your Majesty, according to the laws of Daxuan, the inner court must not interfere in politics."

Emperor Chengwu was momentarily speechless, then added, "And those women in the inner court, Empress, did you see how guilty the Imperial Noble Consort and the others looked earlier in Yonghe Hall?"

The Empress yawned and turned back, her tone weary, "Your Majesty, I'm truly tired. Why don't you go back to your own palace and talk there?"

Emperor Chengwu glared in dissatisfaction, "Who would I talk to there? If it were about something else, I could chat with Kang Yuande for a bit, but he knows nothing about this matter. How could I bring it up with him?"

The Empress replied, "All these years, Kang Yuande has been by Your Majesty's side day and night. He knows far more about the affairs of the court and the inner palace than I do. It wouldn’t hurt to confide in him."

Emperor Chengwu stubbornly refused, "I won’t go. I prefer talking to you."

The Empress, thoroughly exasperated, said, "Your Majesty, you should get some sleep. You have court tomorrow."

Emperor Chengwu snorted, "What court? The empire is being torn apart by those rebellious sons of mine. I won’t go. Let whoever wants to, go."

The Empress, suppressing the urge to slap him, sighed deeply, "Your Majesty, didn’t you just instruct Kang Yuande to fetch Nuo Er early tomorrow morning? If Nuo Er arrives and you’re still in bed, I wonder if you can face the embarrassment."

At the thought of the chubby little girl staring at him with her big, watery eyes, mentally laughing at him along with that dog for being a lazy grandpa, Emperor Chengwu immediately relented. He lay back in bed, waved his hand to snuff out the candle, and said, "Sleep, sleep, let’s sleep."

---

The next morning, as soon as Shen Zhinuo woke up, her mother quickly got her ready and then fed her a bowl of milk and egg pudding.

Just as she finished eating, Coral walked in gracefully from outside, beaming, "Your Highness, His Majesty has sent Eunuch Kang with the imperial carriage to fetch the two Princesses to Fengyi Palace."

Shen Zhinuo tilted her little head and looked at her mother, her tiny voice puzzled, "Why did Grandfather send the imperial carriage to fetch Sister and Nuo Er?"

Sending the imperial carriage for two little children was indeed rare. She had never witnessed such a thing in her life.

The Crown Princess smiled and found an excuse to placate the child, "Mother doesn’t know either. Perhaps the gifts you and your sister gave to Grandmother pleased her, and Grandfather is rewarding you for it."

"Nuo Er understands," Shen Zhinuo said in her baby voice. But in her heart, she thought, those were the gifts she and her sister gave to Grandmother. What does it have to do with the Old Emperor? Why should he get the credit?

Though she thought so, she had no choice but to go, especially since it was to Grandmother’s place.

The Crown Prince had left early to handle state affairs. Since His Majesty had not summoned the Crown Princess, she couldn’t just go uninvited, so she sent the four children off.

Princess Wen’an refused to ride in the imperial carriage, insisting on walking with her two brothers. Shen Zhinuo tried to pull her along but couldn’t, so she had to ride alone.

Kang Yuande looked at the chubby little girl in the imperial carriage, reminded Princess Baoning to sit steady, then loudly announced, "Let’s move!" The procession then set off grandly towards Fengyi Palace.

Shen Zhinuo sat steadily in the imperial carriage, turning her little head to look around, mentally complaining to the system, "Doggy, no wonder everyone wants to be the emperor. Look how far you can see from this imperial carriage."

The little black dog bounced out, hopping back and forth on the little girl’s shoulder, "See far, see far."

When they arrived at the entrance of Fengyi Palace, Shen Zhinuo was carried down from the imperial carriage by Shen Weiyan. The four siblings entered the hall and saw Emperor Chengwu and the Empress sitting on the couch. They bowed and then rose.

The Empress smiled and gestured for the children to sit. The Old Emperor set the small white porcelain bottle he was holding on the table next to him and beckoned to the chubby little girl with a kind and gentle tone, "Nuo Er, come to Grandfather."

Shen Zhinuo was immediately irritated at the sight of the bottle and thought to herself, "Doggy, look, the Old Emperor is taking pills again."

The little black dog, though its tone was somewhat flat, still managed to sound cheeky, "He'll keep taking them until he dies."

The Old Emperor glanced at the bottle, wanting to explain that it wasn't some alchemist's elixir, but remembering the punishment from yesterday, he didn't dare to speak.

Seeing him still looking at it, Shen Zhinuo grew even angrier. After a moment's thought, she took a few quick steps with her short legs, running over like a little cannonball and throwing herself into the Old Emperor's arms.

Then, pretending it was an accident, she swung her little arm and knocked the bottle away, where it hit the wooden floor. The bottle didn't break, but the lid popped off, and the black pills spilled all over the floor.

The little girl feigned surprise, exclaiming, "Oh no!" Her big, dark eyes were full of innocence as she pointed with her chubby little hand and said in a baby voice, "The medicine fell."

"Nuo Er will pick up the medicine," the little girl said, squirming out of the Old Emperor's arms and running over to pick them up.

She ran quickly but deliberately missed her mark, her little feet squishing all the pills, while thinking to herself, "Eat, eat, eat yourself to death."