Along the way, the passing officials seemed afflicted by some collective ailment—every now and then, several would freeze in place with dazed expressions before staring in shock toward Jiang Yingcheng’s direction.
Jiang Yingcheng was baffled, but Changshun Gonggong insisted this was their usual behavior.
“R-really?” Scratching her head, Jiang Yingcheng’s eagerness to see her handsome Father Emperor overrode her curiosity, so she ignored these peculiar uncles and continued forward.
Even so, her internal chatter never ceased.
【Ahahahaha, is this for real? Did this uncle really get chased by a dog for five miles yesterday?】
Changshun glanced sideways at the target of Jiang Yingcheng’s surreptitious gaze—the newly appointed Mid-Level Grand Master Rong Wenbin, whose sedentary civil official physique was unmistakable: a slight paunch and flabby skin.
The five-kilometer sprint yesterday must have exhausted him, as dark circles now hung heavily under his eyes.
【Oh? This uncle’s salary gets swindled by courtesans, so he mooches meals off colleagues daily, claiming it’s for “literary discussions”?】
Changshun perked up—this “gossip” was far juicier than Rong Wenbin’s mishap!
He promptly followed the Little Princess’s gaze.
It was Court Expounder Xu Junming, who’d recently celebrated his thirtieth birthday.
Rumors said his wife was a shrill-voiced harpy who’d returned to her parents’ home for nearly half a month, disgusted by his incompetence.
【Wow! This uncle…】
“Changshun Gonggong.” Someone suddenly called out from behind.
When they turned, the man smiled and stared at Jiang Yingcheng. “Might this be His Majesty’s Eleventh Princess?”
Changshun bowed in confirmation.
Jiang Yingcheng responded with a sweet smile.
【Ah! It’s the uncle who just passed by!】
Yuan Liangping’s grin widened—his guess was correct. These bizarre inner monologues indeed came from the Little Princess.
Judging by his colleagues’ reactions, many others could also hear these thoughts, but unlike his thick-skinned self, none dared approach to eavesdrop on the scandals of prominent families up close.
How foolish.
Wasn’t this infinitely more entertaining than court assemblies?!
Yuan Liangping cleared his throat. “Are you taking Her Highness to Wuyang Hall to see His Majesty?”
Changshun Gonggong didn’t conceal it: “Indeed, this servant is escorting the Little Highness to Wuyang Hall.”
His Majesty had predicted someone would approach even before sending him to fetch the Little Princess—and Lord Yuan wouldn’t be the only one.
Sure enough, as Changshun finished speaking, Yuan Liangping chuckled heartily. “Perfect! I just recalled some unfinished business with His Majesty. Shall we walk together?”
Changshun Gonggong agreed with a smile.
Yuan Liangping naturally took Jiang Yingcheng’s other hand. From afar, their trio resembled a harmonious grandfather-father-daughter stroll through the gardens.
Changshun Gonggong felt slightly uneasy, but that discomfort soon vanished.
He realized Lord Yuan was a master conversationalist—not only had he swiftly bonded with the Little Highness, but they’d nearly sealed a blood oath as sworn siblings.
Most importantly, he was exceptionally skilled at steering conversations.
Yuan Liangping glanced at the middle-aged man who had just passed by, his eyes filled with admiration: “This Lord Li is said to be a rare Your Honor!”
Jiang Yingcheng followed his gaze and curled her lips disdainfully: “Oh.”
[What’s so great about him? All the money he extorted from the common people is buried underground in his suburban estate! I need to find an opportunity to bring Father Emperor there and dig it all out!]
Yuan Liangping then pointed at Lord Jiang who had just emerged from the hall: “This Lord Jiang is known for his integrity and uprightness. They say common people deliver thank-you letters to his doorstep daily, and his reputation among the populace is extremely high!”
Jiang Yingcheng forced a slight smile as she withdrew her gaze.
[He paid people to spread all these rumors! And the money came from bribes his subordinate officials regularly delivered to his residence!]
“This Lord Ji…”
[Hmph.]
“Lord Bai…”
[Humph.]
This pattern continued throughout their entire journey. Changshun Gonggong, who had initially been overjoyed, gradually grew increasingly troubled.
He still had to report all the revelations from the Little Highness’s inner thoughts to the Mingze Emperor, but as the conversation between the two grew more rapid, he feared he wouldn’t be able to remember everything!
Just as Changshun Gonggong was on the verge of breaking down, they finally arrived outside Wuyang Hall.
The Mingze Emperor was inside discussing important matters with high-ranking court officials. When the guards at the door saw Changshun Gonggong approaching with the Little Princess, they immediately opened the door and let them in.
Yuan Liangping was left directly outside.
Watching the wooden door close before him, Yuan Liangping showed no annoyance. Instead, he tucked his hands into his sleeves and waited leisurely on the spot.
He was inexplicably certain that the Mingze Emperor would summon him.
Inside Wuyang Hall, numerous braziers warmed the room to a cozy temperature, making Jiang Yingcheng feel like she had finally come back to life.
Although her mother had bundled her up tightly, the freezing winter outside couldn’t compare to the warmth indoors.
As soon as the palace maid helped her remove her outer robe, Jiang Yingcheng immediately dashed forward on her short legs, tugging Changshun Gonggong along to hurry inside.
Just before turning the final corner, Changshun Gonggong suddenly stopped and pulled Jiang Yingcheng to stand with him by the wall.
Assuming it was because serious discussions were happening inside, Jiang Yingcheng didn’t mind and obediently stood close to Changshun Gonggong.
The voices of the argument inside came through clearly.
“The previous top scholar Weng Zizhen is exceptionally bright and quick-witted. I believe he would be perfectly suited to serve as the Eleventh Princess’s tutor.”
“I’ve heard that Elder Chang Honghua will soon return to the capital. Elder Chang has numerous disciples and extensive teaching experience, making him the most suitable candidate for the tutor position.”
“Elder Zou Xinrong would actually be…”
Jiang Yingcheng sharply inhaled.
Why were they suddenly discussing finding her a tutor?!
She hadn’t had enough fun yet!
In her panic, 007 suddenly spoke up: [That Weng Zizhen seems to have some issues.]
[What issues?] Jiang Yingcheng’s eyes lit up as if she had grasped a lifeline. [Only him? The other two are fine?]
Jiang Yingcheng pouted exaggeratedly, looking as if she might burst into tears right then and there if 007 couldn’t give her a satisfactory answer.
007 sighed helplessly: [“The real Weng Zizhen was mistakenly killed by bandits on his way to the capital for the imperial examinations. The current one is the Second Prince of Northern Xinjiang impersonating him.”]
Jiang Yingcheng became happy again: [“Does that mean if I tell Father Emperor that this Weng Zizhen is actually the Second Prince of Northern Xinjiang, he won’t be in such a hurry to find me a tutor?”]
007, however, pondered for a long time: [“How do you plan to tell your Father Emperor this news?”]
Jiang Yingcheng was struck again: [“Oh right! How should I tell my Father Emperor this news?!”]
Changshun Gonggong secretly observed the little one’s expression—both shocked and wronged—his entire face filled with indescribable complexity.
Why bother considering all this?
Your Father Emperor already knows.