Ying Zheng’s expression appeared unchanged, but his voice softened considerably. “Since the Empress Dowager has spoken, I naturally cannot refuse.”
Hmph—Zhao Yuanxi looked thoroughly unconvinced. This nephew of hers had a terrible temper; even if she truly put on the airs of an Empress Dowager, she probably still couldn’t persuade him.
When it came down to it, wasn’t it because she had offered too much! Getting such a good deal and still acting coy!
“The person I’m sending is named Gao Sheng. Although he’s a eunuch, he’s clever and handles affairs reliably.”
A eunuch? From what he knew, all the palace attendants serving Empress Dowager Zhao were assigned by him—meaning they were from the Qin King Palace.
Ying Zheng felt somewhat conflicted. This person was clearly not foolish and possessed great talent, yet she seemed too easily trusting of others.
Someone from the Qin King Palace meant they were his people. Did she really have no defenses against him at all?
Thinking of how she never concealed her actions, Ying Zheng suddenly laughed.
This person was utterly audacious—perhaps she truly wasn’t afraid of him discovering anything amiss.
Here, Ying Zheng was rather unfair to Zhao Yuanxi.
Although she had acted somewhat outrageously these past days, none of her actions had harmed the interests of Qin State.
Who would care about a retired old Empress Dowager farming some land and running small businesses?
Who could have imagined that the proper King of Qin wouldn’t be busy conquering the Six Kingdoms, but would specially come to Yongcheng and use a false identity to approach her?
“Gao Sheng—I’ll remember this name. Have him go to Lord Changping’s residence. Others will handle matters from there.”
“Splendid!”
Though Zhao Yuanxi found it strange that someone would refer to their own residence by its full title, her joy at successfully negotiating the partnership made her overlook this oddity.
As evening approached, Zhao Yuanxi intended to see her guest out, but noticed he showed no intention of leaving.
She feigned politeness, “It’s almost time for dinner. Would you like to stay and eat before leaving?”
“Then I’ll gratefully accept your kindness!” Ying Zheng bowed to her.
Zhao Yuanxi grumbled inwardly, Then you might as well be more respectful!
Dinner was primarily prepared by You, with Zhao Yuanxi only making the fresh milk and red bean buns she had promised Ziying.
Since Ziying loved sweets, Zhao Yuanxi stuffed the buns full of red bean filling.
The bun exteriors emitted a rich milky fragrance, while inside was sweet, velvety red bean paste. One bite brought complete satisfaction.
Ziying ate two in succession, and even Zhao Yuanxi ended up having an extra one.
Ying Zheng was also given two large buns.
Too sweet! Ying Zheng frowned slightly. He still preferred the oil-splashed noodles from before.
Pity she refused to make them again.
Even so, Ying Zheng still finished them completely. Did she think he hadn’t noticed? That little brat had finished his own and was already eyeing Ying Zheng’s portion.
What belonged to him, even if he didn’t want it, could never be given to others.
When one bun remained on the table, Ziying straightened up and reached for it, but Zhao Yuanxi held his arm and tapped his nose. “You’ve eaten plenty today. Any more and you’ll have me rubbing your belly again tonight.”
“But I can still eat one more!”
If he didn’t eat it, that big bully would take it!
While they were speaking, Ziying indeed saw the bun being taken away. His lips quivered as he looked pitifully at Da Mu.
Ying Zheng spoke in good spirits, “I have a young child at home, around Ziying’s age, who I think would also enjoy these pastries. I’d like to bring one back for him to taste. I hope the Empress Dowager doesn’t mind!”
Could Zhao Yuanxi say she minded? Clearly, she could not!
Besides, Ziying had indeed eaten quite enough.
“No matter, the kitchen still has some. You can take more back for the child.”
This round, Ying Zheng had won completely!
At the moment of parting, Ying Zheng was holding a food box containing not only the large buns made by Zhao Yuanxi but also some of Ziying’s usual favorite snacks.
Ziying’s little face fell, his eyes fixed intently on the food box, wishing he could snatch it back.
Hearing that the bad guy was leaving, he cheered up again. Leave quickly, leave quickly—once gone, don’t come back! As for those delicious treats, hmph! Da Mu had already promised to make him new flavors tomorrow!
The little one thought he had hidden his emotions well, but Ying Zheng saw through him clearly.
He smiled mischievously, “Ziying should be about three years old now, right? At this age, it’s time for his enlightenment education. Has the Empress Dowager found him a teacher?”
There was one before, but he died!
Zhao Yuanxi didn’t want to discuss this further. No matter the circumstances, the label of “Ji Sheng’s rebel faction” couldn’t be removed, and Ziying shouldn’t be associated with him anymore.
She really ought to find Ziying a new enlightenment teacher.
“Not yet. Does Lord Changping have any suitable candidates?”
“Indeed, there are several. There are many great talents in Confucianism and Legalism in Xianyang. Another day, I’ll prepare a list for the Empress Dowager. If any catch your eye, I’ll write to them and invite them to come teach Ziying properly.”
Ziying shrank his neck, tugging at Zhao Yuanxi’s sleeve, pleading weakly, “I have Da Mu to teach me. I don’t need anyone else!”
“Da Mu will, of course, teach you too, but Ziying must also learn from other teachers.”
When it came to the child’s education, Zhao Yuanxi didn’t want to be careless.
She was very confident in her professional abilities but understood that she only knew how to farm and was completely clueless about teaching children. Ziying should learn with teachers of this era to be more appropriate.
“Then I’ll trouble you with this,” Zhao Yuanxi expressed her gratitude sincerely.
Ying Zheng had suggested it with the intention of teasing the child, but upon hearing this, he felt somewhat awkward. Glancing at the child’s aggrieved little face, he chuckled lightly, “It’s no trouble. After all, Ziying calls me Uncle.”
No matter what, he was a royal descendant of the Qin State. They couldn’t just let him grow up illiterate and unruly.
At the entrance of Liyang Palace, Lü Le was waiting.
“Your Majesty!” He hurriedly took the food box from Ying Zheng’s hands. Catching a faint whiff of sweetness, Lü Le was puzzled.
His Majesty had been inside for quite a while, not only without arguing with the Empress Dowager but even receiving food from her?
Had he forgiven the Empress Dowager?
“Return to the palace!” Ying Zheng commanded.
At the same time, Gao Sheng, who had just returned, passed by the King of Qin’s carriage. In the crowd, he seemed to catch a glimpse of Eunuch Lü.
Gao Sheng looked surprised. Wasn’t Eunuch Lü always by the King of Qin’s side? Why would he appear in Yongcheng?
When he hurried back to Liyang Palace and inquired, he was told that only Lord Changping had visited.
Could it be that he had mistaken someone else? Gao Sheng began to wonder.
Inside the carriage, Lü Le, smelling the aroma from the food box, swallowed his saliva and poured a cup of hot tea for Ying Zheng. “Your Majesty, are these pastries prepared by the Empress Dowager for you?”
Ying Zheng gave a soft hum, leaning back in the soft seat and closing his eyes to rest.
Lü Le grew even more puzzled. This calm demeanor didn’t
However, he could tell that the king was in a good mood at the moment, which likely meant there had been no new conflicts between them—a good thing overall.
“After returning to the palace, have Fusu come see me,” Ying Zheng opened his eyes, his gaze falling upon the food box.