Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Though young, the little princess already exuded a commanding presence, never once imagining that the handsome Duke of Wei before her would refuse her request.

In the little princess's eyes, Duke Zhang Jie perceived only the innocent affection of a child, devoid of any imperiousness.

At this moment, Zhang Jie recalled a childhood conversation with his father, asking why he always seemed so sullen.

His father replied, "I am not gloomy; I simply don't smile much."

Zhang Jie pressed, "Then why don't you like to smile?"

His father hesitated before answering, "...We men of the Zhang family are blessed with handsome features, yet we come from a military lineage. We must maintain a solemn and dignified demeanor to command respect from our soldiers, ensuring they do not judge us by our looks or take us lightly."

Zhang Jie took his father's words to heart and diligently followed them. Yet, from childhood to adulthood, he still attracted more attention from women than his peers and colleagues. While common folk might fear other generals, upon seeing him, they would often stare, smile, and openly discuss him.

Having encountered such situations many times, Zhang Jie immediately understood that it was his face once again that had prompted the little princess's request.

While he could avoid other young women, he could not bring himself to refuse a little princess who gazed at him with such anticipation.

Stepping forward, Zhang Jie said respectfully, "I am but a military man. I fear my clumsy hands might injure Your Highness."

Qingyang asked, "Will you drop me?"

Zhang Jie replied, "I wouldn't dare."

Qingyang glanced at Fu An's narrow shoulders, slim waist, and thin arms, then looked back at the Duke of Wei's tall and robust frame. She did not believe he would drop her.

She simply held out her arms toward the Duke of Wei and insisted, "I want the Duke to carry me."

Zhang Jie nodded, then swiftly and securely lifted the little princess by her small armpits, keeping her at arm's length from his chest and shoulders, and gently placed her beside the Third Prince.

Qingyang, who had never been "carried" out of a carriage in such a manner before, was left speechless.

Zhang Jie had already retreated to his original position and, with his family, formally bowed to the two royal guests.

Qingyang pouted and glared at Zhang Jie. Qin Ren, who at eight years old knew his manners better, said with a smile, "Duke, Madame, please rise. Today, my sister and I have disturbed your rest and must trouble you to accommodate us."

Zhang Jie thanked him, then stood and introduced his wife and two older sons to the two royal guests.

Qingyang's gaze lingered briefly on Zhang Jian and Zhang Heng's faces before finally settling on Zhang Su, who needed no introduction.

The little princess observed him slowly and carefully. Qin Ren, Zhang Jie, and the others could only wait patiently. Then, they saw the little princess smile and point at Zhang Su, saying, "You are still the best-looking."

The Third Young Master Zhang, who stood as straight and serious as his brothers, was startled, his still-boyish face flushing bright red.

Qingyang found this even more interesting and ran up to Zhang Su, looking up at him. "Why is your face so red?" she asked.

Zhang Su pressed his lips together, acutely aware of the gazes from his father, brothers, the Third Prince, and Fu An. Struggling to suppress the urge to flee and hide his embarrassment, he said to the top of the little princess's head, "You flatter me too much, Your Highness."

Qingyang asked, "What does 'flatter me too much' mean?"

Zhang Su didn't know what to say.

Qin Ren came to his rescue, taking his sister's hand and saying, "Alright, Father Emperor instructed us to return to the palace early. Let Zhang Su show us around inside."

He then turned to Zhang Jie and his wife. "My sister and I will just look around. Duke, Madame, and your two sons may rest."

Zhang Jie said, "Then we shall take our leave. If Your Highnesses have any requests, please do not hesitate to ask Su Geer."

Watching their youngest son lead the two royal guests and their attendants toward the Duke of Wei's estate's rear garden, Zhang Jie and the other three finally relaxed.

Xu Shi praised, "With such appearances, the Third Prince and the Princess could be called little angels."

Her own sons were handsome enough, but Consort Li's children were even more striking, especially Princess Qingyang, with her cheeks like petals and large, sparkling eyes. If she were a child of relatives or friends, Xu Shi would have hugged her tightly and covered her in kisses.

Zhang Jie neither agreed nor disagreed, simply saying, "Let's wait in the main hall."

They would need to respectfully see the royal children off when they departed.

On the way to the rear garden, away from the presence of the unfamiliar duke's family, Qingyang became bolder. She pressed Zhang Su, who was walking ahead to lead the way, "What exactly does 'flatter me too much' mean?"

Zhang Su kept his eyes down. Qin Ren explained with a smile, "'Flatter me too much' means the praise is mistaken. When others praise us, whether we truly deserve it or not, we should be humble. Otherwise, we might seem arrogant."

Qingyang was displeased. "I didn't praise wrongly. Zhang Su is better-looking than his older brothers. His eldest brother's eyebrows are a bit thick, and his second brother has a blemish on his face. Zhang Su is good-looking everywhere."

Qin Ren said, "But by praising Zhang Su, little sister, you were putting down his two brothers. To them, that would be impolite. It's like if the Duke said I was better-looking than you—would you like that?"

Qingyang asked, "...Is Third Brother really better-looking than me?"

Qin Ren replied, "Of course not, little sister is the best-looking."

Qingyang, worried her brother was just comforting her, asked Zhang Su, "Do you also think I'm the best-looking?"

Zhang Su did not want to answer such a question.

Qingyang ran over and blocked his path, pouting and insisting he answer.

Zhang Su finally said, "...Your Highness is the most beautiful three-year-old girl your servant has ever seen."

Qingyang only heard "the most beautiful" and became happy again. She grabbed Zhang Su's hand and said, "Let's walk together."

Caught off guard while looking away, Zhang Su instinctively pulled his hand free from the little princess's grasp.

Qingyang, who had been mid-step, lost her balance, stumbled, and sat down on the ground.

It didn't hurt much, but she was upset that Zhang Su had shook her off. Her lips trembled, and big tears started falling. "Third Brother, Zhang Su pushed me!" she cried.

Qin Ren, who had seen the brief incident clearly, was speechless.

He quickly helped his sister up, brushing off her dress as he soothed her. "Zhang Su didn't mean to. Did you hurt yourself, little sister?"

Qingyang tearfully glared at Zhang Su. "It hurts. He did it on purpose."

Zhang Su dropped to his knees, bowing his head. "Your servant is guilty. Please punish me, Your Highness."

Just as Qingyang was about to speak, her brother's handkerchief covered her eyes. She had to wait until he removed it before she could blink out fresh tears and continue crying at Zhang Su. "I punish you to hold my hand always. You can only let go when I say so."

Zhang Su protested, "...Your Highness is a precious person. Your servant..."

Qin Ren interrupted him impatiently. "You're only nine. If she says hold her hand, then hold it quickly. Otherwise, if she cries too hard and gets the Duke's attention, you might get beaten after we leave."

Military men were stern, and the handsome Zhang Jie was likely no exception. Qin Ren did not want his study companion to be beaten.

Fu An and the nursemaid also urged him.

Zhang Su, after all, was only nine years old. Seeing the two teardrops still on the little princess's cheeks, he dropped his head, stood up, and extended his right hand.

Qingyang's tears turned to giggles. She grabbed his hand firmly, then threw herself into his arms, using his clothes to wipe away her tears.

Zhang Su went stiff all over; did this count as hugging?

But the little princess had just cried, so Zhang Su dared not move.

Ahead was the garden. The Duke's estate's garden was not as large as the imperial garden in the palace, but it made up for it with its novelty. Qingyang dragged Zhang Su around, looking at flowers one moment and fish the next. Zhang Su repeatedly tried to get the little princess to release him, but each time he tried, she only gripped his hand tighter.

After touring the garden, Zhang Su had no choice but to keep holding the little princess's hand and escorted the Third Prince to the main hall of the estate.

The gazes of Zhang Jie and the three others lingered momentarily on their joined hands before they all pretended not to notice, focusing only on respectfully seeing their guests off.

When it was time to board the carriage, Qingyang finally released Zhang Su's hand and had Zhang Jie lift her up.

Zhang Jie once again lifted the little princess onto the carriage. Qingyang glanced at Zhang Su not far away and complained to Zhang Jie, "Zhang Su pushed me. You tell him, Duke, that he must never push me again."

She had to obey her father, so surely Zhang Su had to listen to his father too.

Qin Ren explained what happened before things got out of hand, shooting him a look for Zhang Jie not to take it seriously.

Zhang Jie solemnly assured the little princess that it would never happen again.

After the two princes' carriages had gone far, Zhang Jie walked separately behind with his youngest son.

Zhang Su, looking at his father's inscrutable expression, felt uneasy: "Father, was I wrong?"

Zhang Jie shook his head: "You weren't wrong. In fact, you were more proper than I was at your age. I forgot that Princess Qingyang is still young, and you need to take the initiative to avoid inappropriate situations. But if the princess asks you to hold her hand or provide similar small attentions, just do it. When she grows older and understands the distinction between men and women, she naturally won't be this familiar with you."

Zhang Su nodded.

Zhang Jie looked at his overly cautious son and added, "Propriety must be upheld, but flexibility is also necessary. The princess ranks above you. As long as her requests don't seriously violate propriety or morality, you should do your best to comply. Otherwise, you'll only bring trouble on yourself."

Zhang Su: "...Understood."

.

Once back in the palace, Qingyang forgot all about the events at the Duke's estate. She followed her third brother back to her mother's Xianfu Palace and in the evening went with him to Qianyuan Palace for dinner.

Emperor Xingwu called all five children over and asked, "Have you all tried on the plain clothes I sent over?"

Crown Prince Qin Hong: "Yes, they fit perfectly."

Second Prince Qin Bing: "Father, why must we wear plain clothes? There are wealthy families in the capital who can afford silk."

Emperor Xingwu: "I came from common stock. I wore plain clothes for nearly thirty years without ever complaining. Can't you stand wearing them just once? If not, stay in the palace and don't go anywhere."

Qin Bing: "..."

Qingyang had also wanted to complain that the plain clothes were ugly, but seeing her second brother scolded by their father, she wisely kept quiet. After all, leaving the palace was more important than a set of clothes.

Emperor Xingwu continued, "After leaving the palace, you can only call me 'Dad.' Otherwise, you'll blow our cover. Start practicing from this meal. Anyone who calls me 'Father' will lose a point. If you lose three points, you'll stay in the palace tomorrow. Come on, everyone try calling me 'Dad' first."

Qin Bing called out "Dad" with gusto. Qingyang was the second to call out, her voice uniquely clear and sweet, prompting Emperor Xingwu to sweep his youngest daughter up into his arms, ruffling her hair as he looked at the other three.

Yong Kang, Qin Hong, and Qin Ren all called out in proper, respectful tones.

After a brief practice, the children gathered at Qianyuan Palace the next day at 7:30 in the morning to have breakfast with Emperor Xingwu. After eating, the father and six children, all dressed in plain clothes, set off immediately.

The Great Qi Dynasty had been established for over three years. The capital, right under the emperor's nose, was the first to regain its former prosperity. Emperor Xingwu took his children to the South Market, the largest of the four major markets. It was nearly 9 a.m.; morning food stalls were still set up, while some restaurants and teahouses had already opened for business. The calls of vendors and shop assistants mingled with the laughter and chatter of pedestrians, filling the market with a bustling energy you'd never find in the palace.

Qingyang leaned on her father's shoulder, looking around easily. Qin Bing ran about everywhere, while Yong Kang and Qin Hong held eight-year-old Qin Ren's hands as they walked behind. Since all three were looking in different directions, they occasionally got separated. With imperial guards in plain clothes nearby for protection, Emperor Xingwu didn't worry too much.

After buying some small trinkets here and there, Emperor Xingwu decided to visit a jewelry shop first.

Qingyang was too young to care about anything except the fun, but Yong Kang, at seventeen, was at that age where appearances mattered and took her time selecting pieces.

After his daughter had looked around the first floor, Emperor Xingwu smiled and said, "The items downstairs are ordinary. Let's go to the second floor to see better ones."

Yong Kang happily took her father's free left arm, saying shyly, "Thank you, Dad."

Emperor Xingwu, holding his youngest daughter in one arm and letting his eldest daughter hold the other, cheerfully made his way upstairs to the second-floor private room.

Qin Hong and the other two had no interest in jewelry and just tagged along.

Half an hour later, Emperor Xingwu had selected a full set of jewelry for his eldest daughter and a gold bracelet inlaid with gemstones for his youngest. The shopkeeper excitedly announced the price: "Two thousand six hundred eighty taels."

Yong Kang was so nervous her palms sweated. As a princess, her monthly allowance was only fifty taels. How could her father possibly be willing to spend so much on her today?

Qingyang knew a little about money because her mother's monthly allowance was eighty taels, and her mother was always especially happy when it was distributed.

Cupping her hands near her father's ear, Qingyang whispered, "Dad, how many months of Mother's allowance is two thousand six hundred eighty taels?"

Emperor Xingwu: "...Over thirty months. Why?"

Yong Kang, hearing her sister's question, secretly clenched her fists.

Qingyang's eyes widened as she realized how expensive the jewelry was. She leaned in again and whispered, "Mother said the whole world belongs to you, Dad. So doesn't that mean this jewelry is also yours? Why do you still have to pay for it?"

Yong Kang: "..."

Emperor Xingwu burst out laughing. Glancing at the bewildered shopkeeper, he kept holding his youngest daughter and signaled for the four older children to follow him to a corner by the window. He said in a low voice, "The world does indeed belong to me, but the people, merchants, and officials are also my subjects. I have the right to command them to act according to my wishes and to punish them when they break the law. But I also have the responsibility to ensure they are well-fed, clothed, and live prosperous, stable lives."

The four older children nodded.

Emperor Xingwu turned the gold bracelet around already on his youngest daughter's wrist and pointed to its carvings. "This is gold. Initially, gold isn't this pure or beautiful. Miners have to dig gold ore out of mountains and the ground. Then, craftsmen must smelt and purify the gold from the ore. Once pure gold is obtained, other artisans shape it into intricate jewelry. Shopkeepers open stores and hire staff to sell and manage the business. Every step requires significant manpower and resources. If I didn't pay them, they wouldn't earn a living and would stop refining gold and making jewelry. The same goes for farmers growing crops and seamstresses making clothes. If everyone stopped working, what would we eat, wear, or use?"

Qingyang nodded along with her siblings.

Emperor Xingwu continued, "Even with money, you can't spend it recklessly. I give you fifty taels a month now because you don't have many expenses in the palace. Fifty taels is enough. When you marry, I'll give you more. This time, I spent two thousand taels on jewelry for your eldest sister because I've spent the least time with her. I can't make up for lost time, so I give her more money to make her happy. But I won't always be so extravagant to please you. Remember that."

All five children nodded, though only Yong Kang's eyes reddened.

After explaining, Emperor Xingwu led the children back to the counter. He took out an envelope from his robe, withdrew two thousand-tael banknotes and six hundred-tael banknotes, and said to the shopkeeper, "I didn't bargain with you, so as for the eighty taels change..."

The shopkeeper quickly said it wasn't necessary; he had already made a hefty profit from this sale.

The jewelry boxes were handed to the guards who had followed them. The father and his children then moved on to a bookstore nearby.

Qingyang wriggled out of her father's arms and went to browse books within her reach.

A bookstore clerk warned uneasily, "Little one, don't flip through them carelessly. If you damage anything, you'll have to pay. Keep an eye on your child, sir."

Qin Bing gleefully looked at his father. Emperor Xingwu, who had just opened a storybook, "..."

Qin Ren promptly stood by his sister's side. Seeing this, Qin Hong and Yong Kang each went to find books that interested them. It was rare to leave the palace, and no one wanted to waste the opportunity.

The bookstore was quiet and not crowded. Seeing his children engrossed in selecting books, Emperor Xingwu personally held his youngest daughter's hand and wandered around, letting Qin Ren choose books too.

Just then, a plain-clothed scholar entered the store. He appeared middle-aged and downcast. Emperor Xingwu, with time to spare, naturally observed the newcomer.

The middle-aged scholar took a stack of manuscripts from his bag and handed them to the store owner.

The owner frowned after reading the first page. "Scholar Wang, this is still too obvious. The Left Vice Minister of Revenue is named Liu Wenzhi, but you changed it to Liu Wenzhi. The events are still about the Liu family's son. If I publish this book and word gets back to the Liu family, would I even keep my life? Go on, get out of here. Don't cause me trouble."

Wang Xiucai said with reddened eyes, "Since you know my suffering, please help me. The Liu family threatened my old father and mother's lives. I dare not report to the authorities, so I can only write down their wicked acts in this book..."

The shop owner sighed, "You have elders to care for, but so do I! Don’t push onto others what you wouldn’t want yourself. I beg you!"

As he spoke, the owner began pushing the middle-aged scholar out.

The middle-aged scholar’s helpless gaze fell upon the commoner inside who was holding his daughter’s hand. Seeing that the man turned away, clearly unwilling to get involved, the scholar let out a bitter laugh and left dejectedly.

Only then did Emperor Xingwu signal with a look at one of the guards also inside the bookshop.