Ming Jue glanced towards Guaibao, who was walking around leisurely while resting her hands on her hips, reminiscent of a queen surveying her territory.
The edges of his lips curled slightly. By the look of things, news must have reached his father’s ears.
“Would Guaibao like to accompany Daddy to Grandfather’s place?”
Her eyes were still brimming with excitement, and she had been roaming high and low with her short plump legs since their arrival.
Unable to keep up with her pace, Butler Hua had appointed two personal maids, Qiu Wen and Chun Shuang, to attend to the little princess. This was the first time their manor had such a lively young master. Wiping their perspiration as they followed Guaibao everywhere, the maids paid extra attention to her safety, being on caution to protect her in the case of an accident.
When Guaibao heard her father’s words, the little figure which was roaming around at high speed came to a sudden halt, conveying her response with a question, “Grandpa?”
“Yes, your grandfather, the Emperor. I’m sure he will take a liking to Guaibao.”
(Imperial Grandpa? Okies~ Guaibao is suuuper talented in pleasing the elderly!)
She fixed her posture and started heading towards the exit.
“Let’s go right away!”
Prince Li’s manor was huge and there were still many places she wanted to check out. She shelved her curiosity for now and planned to resume her exploration the first thing after they returned from the visit, for the sake of boasting her findings to her mom and two brothers!
……
Within the throne room;
A eunuch was kneeling on the floor in front of the elevated platform, as he cautiously made his report.
“It is true, Your Majesty. This humble servant had witnessed it with my own eyes. Prince Li was carrying a child out of the carriage and brought that child into his mansion. It happened a distance away, so please forgive this servant for being unable to provide any further details about that child.”
Emperor Ming Yuan dismissed the eunuch with a wave of his hand.
Traces of doubt appeared on his dignified face. Since when did his son develop an interest in children?
Reminded of Ming Jue’s current situation, his heart started aching once again as he lamented the limits of his abilities.
(Did the prince adopt a random child outside? So be it, as long and makes him happy. Having an adopted child would still be better compared to having no successor. I could easily grant that child a proper status in due course and let him raise that child as his own.)
As he made up his mind, his interest in that child waned.
……
“Prince Li has arrived for an audience.”
A eunuch announced from the entrance of the throne room.
“Let him in.”
Emperor Ming Yuan placed the imperial seal on the desk, raising his head to look towards the entrance. The figure of his son, carrying a child in his arms, with a cool, calm and collected attitude appeared before his eyes.
Stepping into the throne room, Prince Li bent down slightly and gently let the child down before readjusting his robe.
Emperor Ming Yuan: “…”
(He has never been so attentive and caring towards his own father. Yet, he showers that adopted child with so much care? Hmph!)
“Go ahead and greet your grandpa like how daddy taught you earlier.”
Ming Jue encouraged her as he affectionately patted Guaibao’s tiny head.
On the journey to the throne room, blood had continued rushing into Guaibao’s head, causing her to be in a state of slight daze.
The palace was even larger than her father’s home! She could barely contain her adventurous spirit, and her little legs were tingling, as though they would move by their own will if she didn’t resist the temptation to explore.
She directed a displeased glance at her worried dad, feeling unhappy that he was belittling her once again.
Composing herself, she toddled straight up to the elevated platform. In front of that grandfather who was dressed in a golden robe, she respectfully bowed and spoke in a sweet tender voice.
“Guaibao pays respect to Imperial Grandfather.”
Emperor Ming Yuan was shocked beyond words. For a moment, he even suspected that he was suffering from hallucination. There was no other suitable explanation for the occurrence in front of him. Why was there a little child bearing close resemblance to his son?
Could he be in a dream?
Guaibao’s body began to sway a little as she tried to maintain her balance.
(Huh, why has grandpa not said anything yet? Daddy did mention that grandpa should grant me permission to rise shortly after the greeting?)
She subtly raised her head to sneak a few glances.
Ming Jue noticed that his father seemed to be in a daze and tactfully reminded him.
“Dear Father, Guaibao is awaiting for your permission to be at ease.”
“Ah, right! Please rise! Guai … Guaibao, right? Come closer and let me have a good look. ”
Emperor Ming Yuan nearly fell off his throne, if it was not for his hand which had subconsciously leaned against the ornamented royal desk to support his balance. Changde noticed the Emperor’s condition and immediately moved forward to assist him.
Taking the opportunity, he also took a quick glance at the little girl who was on the elevated platform, only to lower his head immediately right after to hide his astonishment.
(This… There is no doubt… she is definitely the biological daughter of Prince Li!)
“Okies…”
Guaibao had never feared anyone in her entire life (3 years), except her mother.
Seeing the majestic grandpa straining a smile to mask his complicated yet dignified expression, Guaibao cheerfully responded to his call. She approached and patted the emperor to console him with a natural motion. No one would believe if they were told that it was their first encounter.
She lifted her head and looked straight at the Emperor with her big round eyes, as though conveying to him that he could ask her anything and everything.
“Such close resemblance… Truly a splitting image! What is your age?”
Guaibao posed with her palms on her cheeks and responded in high spirits.
“I know right? Daddy looks exactly like Guaibao, Ehehe… that’s why he is so handsome. Guaibao is almost three years old.”
Emperor Ming Yuan jubilantly looked at the little face in front of him as he thought to himself.
Three years old… certainly… that was before the poisoning incident, right? Yes, that must be it!
“Hahaha! Wonderful!”
Emperor Ming Yuan Di laughed heartily and picked the little girl up. This little girl was definitely the offspring of his youngest son. Although he would have preferred a male heir instead, having a descendant was better than having none.
(Oh dear heaven has not forsaken my son!)
Emperor Ming Yuan cuddled and embraced Guaibao for a while, before directing his attention back to his son. He pretended to be in a foul mood.
“Why did you not fetch her home earlier? Where is this child’s mother?”
Ming Jue recalled the distinctive features of that woman with a smirk on her face, paused for a brief moment before calmly replying with his head lowered.
“I encountered Guaibao by chance while I was out on official duties, Father. Prior to this, I was not aware of her existence. As for her mother… she did not return with us.”
As soon as Emperor Ming Yuan heard his reply, he presumed that his son had not fully ensnared the heart of the lady yet. He glared at his son.
(To not have your own woman completely fawning all over you… what a waste of those good looks.)
Thinking that it was pointless to probe any further, his expression softened. He smiled at Guaibao and asked, “So, what kind of title does our dear little Guaibao want? Grandfather will bestow anything you request for.”
Now that his granddaughter had been fetched home, it was only natural to make up for the things she should have received as a royalty. Especially since she was the sole descendant of his precious youngest son, he would never condone any short-change in her treatment. Even female offsprings are precious treasures!
Guaibao could not follow the conversation.
(What title?)
Without inkling on how to respond properly, she simply blinked her eyes at Emperor Ming Yuan with a puzzled look.
(Is that some kind of a trick question? I wish Erbao was here to help with that brain of his.)
Noticing her distress, Emperor Ming Yuan chuckled and followed up to resolve the bind. He gently coaxed her, “How about picking the title of *Princess Linxi*?”
Guaibao knotted her eyebrows as her mouth gaped open slightly.
(Pretty pig again?) 1TL Note: Again, same pun as last chapter, Jun Zhu => handsome pig
Due to her lack of knowledge and interest in studying, the little girl had to deal with conflicted feelings at this moment. Maybe she should just meekly accept her fate and be a good looking pig?
Pressured by the expectant gaze of her Imperial Grandpa, she sighed internally.
(Alright, fine. Old people these days are so difficult to please. Why do they have some weird obsession with pigs? It’s so tough to be the cute little fairy that brings happiness to everyone!)
Guaibao patted the Emperor with her plump hand, silently accepting the title as long as it made him happy.
Emperor Ming Yuan then leaned forward and resumed working on the imperial edicts, allowing Guaibao play with his imperial seal in the meantime. Without lifting his head, he continued speaking.
“Make a trip to your mother’s abode after this. Her illness should be cured with this.”
“As you wish, that is my exact intention as well.”
……
Within the Imperial Garden, countless species of flowers and plants were in full bloom, painting a picturesque scene of harmonious symphony in the beauty of nature, contributed by a vibrant mix of delicate petals from differing colours, shapes and sizes. However, the noble ladies present in the garden were too troubled by the heavy atmosphere to enjoy such exceptional scenery.
All of the ladies from aristocratic families nervously remained in their seats, with the exception of a single lady, who stood out from the others with her eye-catching layered tulle skirt and her charming smile.
She attempted to strike a conversation with the host of the tea session.
“Your Majesty, in the humble opinion of your loyal subject, the black peony is the most attractive flower here. May we have the honour of knowing if Your Majesty holds the same opinion?”
The woman seated in the middle was adorned in a golden robe with phoenix embroidery. Her well-maintained face was not indicative of her real age. She had a rosy complexion, with skin as smooth as a pearl.
Prompted by the lady, the Empress slightly raised her pair of upturned phoenix eyes, glancing towards the pot of flowers in front with an evident lack of interest.
