Chapter 100: Chapter 100
After he made a subtle gesture to Xiao Lizi, Xiao Lizi immediately understood what to do.
"Your Majesty, I will take care of it right away."
Emperor Yongning went to court, and Xiao Lizi deliberately spread the word that His Majesty intends to dine with the Eighteenth Princess, letting Xiao Linzi from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who was responsible today for delivering items to Qiong Hua in the Cold Palace, convey the news.
Qiong Hua is now living in the Cold Palace, but her rank has been restored.
The people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs are quite perceptive. Currently, the Eighteenth Princess is in favor, and the biological mother of the Eighteenth Princess is Qiong Hua, so naturally, they must take good care of Qiong Hua.
Thus, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would only provide more, not less, for the expenses of Qiong Hua and Jun Ning.
Just a few days ago, the Ministry of Internal Affairs had brought people to tidy and decorate the place where Qiong Hua and Jun Ning live, and early this morning, they sent over several fine pieces of fabric.
It’s said that recently there has been rain, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has even contacted people from the Ministry of Industry to help repair the housing of Qiong Hua and Jun Ning.
As for the vegetables that the mother and daughter planted, the Ministry of Internal Affairs sent special personnel to take care of them.
Qiong Hua still lies in bed to recover from her injuries, and Jun Ning does not allow her to get out of bed casually. As for receiving these people, Jun Ning handles it all by herself.
She stands with one hand on her hip, looking like a little adult, efficiently directing people to place the items in their proper locations.
Qiong Hua watched from the side, smiling with satisfaction.
Seeing Jun Ning , the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs immediately understood why His Majesty liked her.
The princess is not spoiled, dealing with matters gracefully and generously, with a demeanor comparable to a man.
Plus, she is so adorably cute; who wouldn’t like her!
At this moment, Xiao Linzi from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, after delivering the fabric, wanted to chat with the little princess, but because he had work duties, he temporarily set aside the thought.
In front of Qiong Hua and Jun Ning, he suddenly started a casual conversation with the person from the Ministry of Industry responsible for repairing houses.
"Hey, when you guys were instructed to come over and repair the house, did you hear? His Majesty ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare more of the Eighteenth Princess’s favorite dishes these days."
"What does His Majesty mean by this?" someone promptly asked in confusion.
"Isn’t it just the desire to dine with the Eighteenth Princess? But what is the Eighteenth Princess’s attitude about this?" Saying this, Xiao Linzi looked towards Jun Ning, "Eighteenth Princess, may I ask something?"
With a blade of grass dangling from her mouth, Jun Ning watched these people carry items and repair the house out of boredom.
When someone spoke to her, she was just as bored, so she said, "Sure. What is it, ask?"
"I heard from my friend Mr. Wei that this morning His Majesty’s breakfast seems to have included extra preparations for you. His Majesty is about to conclude court, will you go over to eat?"
"Extra preparations for me?"
Jun Ning was somewhat surprised. Her father’s actions did not align with the timeline she calculated!
She thought it would take at least ten days to half a month for her father to come around and make a move.
Unexpectedly, there was movement after just a few days?
"Indeed!" Xiao Linzi said, "Princess, considering the time is almost up, you should quickly go dine with His Majesty! Dining with His Majesty is a rare honor that countless people dream of having! Do not miss it."
Jun Ning grinned but said nothing.
Xiao Linzi, naively believing her smile was an expression of eager anticipation, sighed inwardly, feeling his task was accomplished.
He smiled along, and after the others from the Ministry of Internal Affairs finished their tasks, they all retreated together.
Meanwhile, during Emperor Yongning’s morning court, seeing that the ministers had no important matters to report, and what they reported were trivial things recently happening in the capital, which held little interest, he simply adjourned court early and returned.
Xiao Lizi had already prepared breakfast according to Emperor Yongning’s instructions, just waiting for him to come over.
"Xiao Lizi, did you have the Imperial Kitchen prepare hot and sour soup?" As soon as he sat at the round dining table, Emperor Yongning asked.
His darling is not very fond of other foods but has a peculiar liking for hot and sour soup. Whenever it’s on the table, she will eat until her little belly is full.
Thinking of this, Emperor Yongning’s mind suddenly conjured an image of Jun Ning, after drinking hot and sour soup and overstuffing herself, adorably rubbing her belly during their previous dining together.
Xiao Lizi said with a grin, "Indeed, it’s prepared. Not only the princess’s favorite hot and sour soup, but also green bean cake, stuffed buns, and fried dough sticks, all have been prepared at my instruction, just waiting for the princess to come over so they can be served."
"Good." Emperor Yongning was very satisfied.
Next comes the waiting!
Waiting for his darling to come over.
During the wait, Emperor Yongning occasionally adjusted the chopsticks and dishes in front of Jun Ning’s seat, sometimes to align them, sometimes moving them slightly toward him.
Even the round stool under the table was not spared; he moved it closer to himself.
Thus, when his darling sits down later, she can be closer to him. If she wants to eat something that she can’t reach, he can quickly help her get it!
Seeing Emperor Yongning’s actions, Xiao Lizi couldn’t help but cover his mouth and chuckle. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩
Hearing this, Emperor Yongning glared at him, "Can’t you laugh properly?"
"Hehehe..." Xiao Lizi rubbed the back of his head and laughed properly.
Emperor Yongning became angry, slapping the table forcefully with his large hand, "Audacious, you dare to laugh at me?"
Your Majesty, wasn’t it you who asked me to laugh properly?
The heart of the ruler is hard to fathom; serving the emperor is like treading on thin ice!
One thing prevails over another!
Eighteenth Princess, please come and save this servant!
While lamenting in his heart, Xiao Lizi knelt down, pleading, "Have mercy, Your Majesty, have mercy! This servant did not intentionally mock Your Majesty, this servant was moved by Your Majesty’s loving fatherly heart and laughed."
"This laughter is of admiration."
The word ’admiration’ was especially emphasized by Xiao Lizi.
He sincerely hoped His Majesty would not misunderstand.
Emperor Yongning snorted coldly, "Seeing that my darling is about to come over, I will let it go for now; you better take care."
Emperor Yongning worried that if his darling saw him punishing a servant, it would certainly cause her some psychological discomfort. When that time comes, she might not even have the heart to dine.
If so, the effort he put into preparing everything would be wasted.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xiao Lizi wiped the cold sweat off his forehead with lingering anxiety, standing up.
Feeling grateful to the princess, she was the reason he was okay.
Emperor Yongning waited a while longer and said, "Looks like it’s about time, Xiao Lizi, instruct them to serve the meal!"
Xiao Lizi winked at the guard at the door, and the guard nodded in understanding, immediately bringing in a team of palace maids, holding trays of porcelain, to begin serving the meal.