Tang Zhuyun then realized that the Emperor's "poisoning" was indeed unknown, but his desire for hostages was real.
"It might not have been the Emperor who suggested it; some people are worried that the Prince is becoming too powerful," Cui Xiaoqiu said.
"But at least," Mingzhu said sharply, "The Emperor tacitly approved and even welcomed it."
There should be no expectations of the emperor.
"When a general is in the field, he may disobey the emperor's orders," Xiu'er said. "The emperor must have thought of this too, and is afraid that the prince will completely turn against him, so he's just being vague. Bah!"
Regardless of whether the prince has ulterior motives, the attack on the Northern Yi Barbarians is now for the sake of the country and its people.
The Emperor's actions of hindering progress are truly despicable.
Yanran said, "We're not going back. Come and catch us if you dare."
When the time comes, just tell them they won't return!
Tang Zhuyun thanked Cui Xiaoqiu.
These things weren't just known to him; Qu Nian and the advisors left behind by the Prince of Jin should have also figured them out.
However, the one who can easily get in and out is still Cui Xiaoqiu.
Elder Lord Cui taught him exceptionally well; I hope all the children in the household will turn out just as well.
While everyone was talking, Guagua sat on the kang (a heated brick bed), her little eyes darting around, watching whoever spoke.
Wuji was looking at Eighth Master, grinning at him, and reaching out to grab his brightly colored feathers.
Wuxian then used his little finger to scratch at the wall.
Why is there a small hole?
Xiu'er came over and wiped his hands. "Aren't they dirty? Don't touch them."
Wuxian: I just want to pick at it!
Tang Zhuyun looked at the three little snowballs and couldn't help but smile.
A mother's love is strong; for her children, she would fight the emperor to the very end.
Don't even think about breaking them up!
After Cui Xiaoqiu left, Yanran quietly followed her out.
In the courtyard, Cui Xiaoqiu stopped, turned around and looked at Yanran with a smile, "What's wrong?"
"I feel terrible," Yanran said in a muffled voice.
"Shall I go out for a walk with you?"
"Never mind, you still have to study."
There must always be a balance between tension and relaxation.
She meant she wanted to study, not that she didn't want to go out.
Yanran followed Cui Xiaoqiu out and ate a few bites of freshly fried sweet cakes at a street stall. Then someone brought her her favorite roasted meat and peaches.
Yanran looked up and saw Cui Run bowing to her.
He was a thoughtful person, but he wasn't lucky.
My stomach felt soothed, and my mood improved considerably.
"Why aren't you eating?" she asked Cui Xiaoqiu.
"I have a sensitive stomach, I can't eat this," Cui Xiaoqiu said, stirring the congee in front of her. "Are you feeling better?"
"It's alright, but it's not really alright," Yanran said. "I just don't understand why we have to scheme against each other. Aren't we family?"
Cui Xiaoqiu knew the root of her problem—it was that Tang Zhuyun had spoiled her too much.
"Even within the same family, different people are not the same," Cui Xiaoqiu said. "You live a carefree life in the Prince's mansion, everyone likes you, is close to you, and spoils you... But putting aside others, it's different in the Cui Family..."
"Isn't your mother good to you?"
Although Madam Cui clearly disliked herself, she still cared deeply for this son.
"My mother is indeed good to me, I shouldn't complain," Cui Xiaoqiu said. "But people are always greedy. I still envy your older brother and you, who don't need to live up to anyone's expectations."
Yanran blinked, and after a moment's thought, she understood what he meant.
As the most promising child of this generation from a century-old noble family, Cui Xiaoqiu carries too many expectations.
The Cui Family's backyard wasn't peaceful either; Cui Xiaoqiu's father had many concubines...
Women's competitive nature is everywhere, from jewelry and fabrics to their children.
Although Cui Xiaoqiu appeared calm, Yanran could still sense his sense of loss.
She patted his shoulder. "Hey, don't think so much. Look at you and my older brother, we're actually on the same path. My mother doesn't put pressure on him, so he doesn't put pressure on himself."
Cui Xiaoqiu smiled and nodded, "So that's how it is. Some things don't disappear just because you run away from them. What you have to bear, you have to bear no matter what."
Yanran suddenly realized that he was trying to comfort her.
She took another bite of the fried cake, then a large mouthful of meat, her cheeks bulging as she said, "Born into a royal family and enjoying wealth, you have to bear these things. I understand."
That's why she enjoys being with Cui Xiaoqiu.
--They're really good at reasoning.
"Cui Xiaoqiu, I think you'll be the future 'Zi'."
"Hmm?" Even though Cui Xiaoqiu was intelligent, she couldn't keep up with Yanran 'Yanran train of thought.
"I really hate those 'Confucius said' quotes. You'll probably be the one saying them in the future, so remember to say less and don't cause trouble for future generations."
Cui Xiaoqiu's smile widened.
"It's really nothing," Yanran convinced herself again. "We should treat him the same way he treats us. That way, we won't feel guilty when we do 'that' in the future."
Family affection is a luxury that can only be discussed with true relatives.
Cui Xiaoqiu pushed the sweet jujube fruit tea in front of her, Yanran took it and gulped down a big mouthful.
"Young lady, would you like to try some fried dough twists? They're crispy and sweet, and if you don't like them, you don't have to pay."
Cui Xiaoqiu and Yanran looked up at the same time and saw the young woman, who looked to be only sixteen or seventeen years old. She had a pretty face and was carrying a basket covered with a white cloth with small floral patterns, with only a corner of fried dough sticks showing.
They spoke frankly, and it was clear they were well-off.
"Then let's have some to try," Yanran said.
"Okay."
The young woman first took out a few sheets of oil paper from the basket and placed them on the table, then took out the fried dough twists and placed them on the paper.
Yanran, with her sharp eyes, noticed what appeared to be writing on one of the oiled papers.
She felt a surge of excitement inside, but kept a calm expression, saying, "I'll try it. You two, please pay the bill!"
She reached out and broke off a piece of fried dough twist, her pinky finger tracing across the paper to reveal the writing on the sheet underneath.
--A spy is following me.
Suddenly, a tall man walked towards them.
Cui Xiaoqiu reached out and pulled the paper and fried dough twists in front of her, saying, "I'll try some too."
He glanced at it, then covered the writing.
The man was tall and muscular, with a slightly dark complexion that accentuated his features; surprisingly, he was quite pleasing to the eye.
The man stepped forward and said with a smile, "I'm sorry to have disturbed you, young lady and gentleman. My wife was so busy selling things that she disturbed you. My wife, I just settled the wages, and we have money now."
As he spoke, he put his arm around the woman's shoulder.
The woman smiled broadly, "That's wonderful! But since you've already made the fried dough twists, stay with me until they're sold before you go home."
"Okay, whatever you say." The man took the basket, put his arm around the woman, and left.
Judging from their appearance, they are a poor but loving young couple.
Yanran stroked her chin and said, "Where are the spies? Should we send someone to investigate?"
Cui Xiaoqiu: "Brother Run, have someone follow that couple!"