Tang Zhuyun originally thought that Nanny Rong was just putting on an act and would leave after the matter was over, but later she found that she had no intention of leaving at all.
However, Nanny Rong was very pleasant to be around, so Tang Zhuyun didn't mind. She just felt that if Rong Mama were in the Prince's mansion, she would definitely be served by many maids and servants who would follow her every command. But here in her place, she had to do everything herself, which was a bit unfair.
"Young lady, it's time to rest. This old servant has made you some honey water." Nanny Rong stood by with a smile, looking lovingly at Yanran who was playing with a sandbag under the tree.
Yanran is extremely enthusiastic about learning boxing.
More accurately, she thoroughly enjoyed imitating Tang Zhuyun.
She liked whatever Tang Zhuyun liked.
Tang Zhuyun felt guilty about this—she had led the prince's daughter astray, turning her into the very thing he hated most. Would the Prince of Jin skin her alive?
Thinking about this, she seemed to understand why Nanny Rong had stayed here.
However, it seems that Nanny Rong is not fulfilling her duties, as she leaves herself and Yanran to their own devices.
Prince of Jin took Linlin out today, saying he was going back to the palace to see guests.
Tang Zhuyun thought to herself, "How can someone like him possibly have any guests?"
In other families vying for the throne, it was a chaotic free-for-all, with heads flying everywhere, one person attacking another, another attacking the first, and yet another attacking the second. But in the case of the Prince of Jin, it was different; it was divided into only two factions: the Prince of Jin and the others.
Judging from the way the other Zidu bother to argue with him during the football match, you can tell how unpopular he is.
Prince of Jin was genuinely good to Linlin, cultivating her in every way. However, the thought that he considered Linlin his future son-in-law filled Tang Zhuyun with a subtle sadness.
Forget it, let him think what he wants. She doesn't even know what she'll eat tomorrow, how could she possibly know what will happen more than ten years from now?
Yanran took a sip of water, then went back to wrestling with the sandbag.
Yesterday, she saw Tang Zhuyun crack a wooden board the thickness of a knuckle with a single punch, which ignited her competitive spirit, and she trained exceptionally hard today.
Tang Zhuyun laughed and said, "Alright, who can get fat in one bite?"
Yanran then wiped her sweat and stopped.
Nanny Rong said, "Miss, it's too cold outside. Don't let the wind blow on you. Let's go inside."
Yanran obediently followed them into the room.
While she was resting, Tang Zhuyun said, "You should try to please your father sometimes and learn some riding and archery."
"I'm fine with horseback riding, but I don't like archery," Yanran said. "And you don't know how either, sister."
Tang Zhuyun was speechless.
Nanny Rong smiled and said, "Madam, could you teach the young lady along with you?"
Tang Zhuyun: Okay.
Even if you can't shoot down a giant eagle with a bow, having more skills is never a bad thing, so you might as well learn them.
Upon hearing this, Yanran indeed became interested.
She hated being unilaterally "tortured" by her older brother, Linlin; she felt that she and her sister should be at about the same level.
When Prince of Jin brought Linlin back, Tang Zhuyun noticed that Linlin seemed a little downcast, no longer as excited as when she had left.
Yanran noticed too, and quietly came over to take Linlin's hand. "Brother, did someone bully you?"
Linlin forced a smile, "No, I'm just a little hungry. What shall we eat tonight?"
The Prince of Jin said expressionlessly, "Linlin, come with me to the study."
Linlin nodded and followed him inside.
Tang Zhuyun: Something must have happened.
She lost all interest in cooking and secretly crouched by the study window to eavesdrop.
Yanran followed her example and squatted down in front of her. The two of them, one big and one small, looked incredibly funny.
Song Jingyang was already used to this, and called out to Xiu'er over the wall, "Little Miss, I brought you some snacks, please come and get them!"
He went to the Prince's Mansion and brought back some snacks.
A moment later, Xiu'er came in carrying two bundles and shoved them at him, saying irritably, "They've all been ironed. Next time, can you please not wait until they're this dirty before asking me to wash them? It wastes so much soap."
Song Jingyang secretly took a small box out of his pocket and handed it to her. "The water's cold in winter, wipe your hands after you wash the clothes."
Xiu'er jumped back. "What do you mean by 'wiping hands'? I think you really want to touch hands."
Song Jingyang: "... Hehe, you saw right through me. Have you told your mother about us? What did she say?"
"No way, let's wait until my daughter has given birth." Xiu'er picked up the snacks and hurried away again.
So loudly that the Prince of Jin didn't even notice the two people hiding outside.
"Come and sit down," he said, gesturing to the chair below him.
Linlin lowered her head and sat down, saying, "Your Highness, I'm alright."
"You are a clever child," the Prince of Jin said slowly, "So you bear many burdens you shouldn't have to bear. For example, your background..."
Tang Zhuyun: So it turns out it's related to her.
Did Linlin get ridiculed for going out with Prince of Jin today?
Although the peddler was arrested, the rumors will surely continue.
That is indeed the case.
The Prince of Jin continued, "However, if you want to stand out, you are destined to bear more responsibility than others. Linlin, heroes come from all walks of life!"
Linlin said in a muffled voice, "Your Highness, I know all of this. I'm just... I'm just very angry about what they said about my aunt. And Your Highness, do you know who my biological father is?"
Tang Zhuyun listened with tears streaming down her face.
The weight of his background had been pressing down on this precocious child for far too long.
Linlin never mentioned it in front of her, so she assumed he really hadn't thought about it...
"I don't know, but if I want to investigate, the Golden Scale Guard can find out," said Prince of Jin.
"No! "Tang Zhuyun panicked immediately.
She had already compromised, tearing open her most embarrassing side for the Prince of Jin to see, but how could she bear it if she knew that the man was from Huaishang?
The Prince of Jin has probably accepted that her man is a stranger; however, he likely finds it difficult to accept that he is his subordinate, and a very trusted one at that.
This embarrassing fact made Prince of Jin not even want to see Linlin anymore.
"No," Linlin shook her head. "Although I sometimes want to know, what good would it do? I don't want to acknowledge him at all. He's my biological father, and I can't do anything to him..."
"Yes, that's precisely why I haven't had anyone investigate. What good would it do even if they did?" Prince of Jin said, "He can't affect your aunt, nor can he affect you."
"Linlin, don't blame your aunt for this."
Tang Zhuyun was surprised to hear this; the Prince of Jin would speak well of her?
"She made many mistakes, but she gave birth to you and raised you. Anyone can criticize her, but you can't!"
"I know," Linlin said. "From now on, I will protect my aunt and not let anyone bully her! Your Highness, I'm sorry, I couldn't control myself today..."
"It's alright." Prince of Jin patted Linlin's head. "You will have a brighter future. When you reach the pinnacle one day, you'll realize that these trivial matters will no longer matter."