Chapter 1019: Less is More

"His eyes were dark circles. It must be because he didn't sleep well last night and was so tired that he made such a big mistake."Mrs. Sun glanced at the wet nurse, her face slightly softening.Grandma...Caicun went forward and filled the master's bowl with another half of porridge. Her heart was filled with envy for Shuǐyún and Shuǐlíng to the extreme.

Although she was valued and trusted by the princess, she was still a servant.

Concubine Kangle genuinely treated these two maidservants like family...

After dinner, not long afterward, a young eunuch from Feng Gonggong's household ran over to deliver a message.

"Third Princess, Miss, Mr. Feng sent me to report a few things. Just now, Master Li from the Department of Criminal Justice requested an audience with the Emperor. The matter regarding blocking the Imperial carriage at the palace gate has been resolved.

"Qu Fu-ling did not participate in the instigation and bears responsibility for dereliction of duty. Several soldiers, due to intoxication, acted insolently, offending both the princess and the county lord. The Emperor dismissed Qu Fu-ling from his post, and several soldiers were sent to southwest as laborers."

The Third Princess frowned and angrily asked, "Is that all You didn't find out who ordered those soldiers How could they be so bold as to harass me, a princess, just because they had been drinking!"

The little eunuch was a little embarrassed and stammered, not daring to speak again.

Jia Yin thought for a moment and comforted the little eunuch, "The princess isn't blaming you, don't worry. Go back first and thank Feng Gonggong on our behalf."

Having said that, she glanced at Shui Ling.

Shuiling immediately stepped forward, smiling as she stuffed a pouch into the little eunuch's hand, then led him out.

The third princess looked wronged, after a long silence she asked Jiayin, "Father said he would love and protect me in the future, that he wouldn't let me be bullied.

"

"Look, it's still the same! He knows those soldiers couldn't possibly stop my carriage just because they were drunk. There must be someone behind this, but he just lets them fool around!"

A soothing voice spoke, "Perhaps the emperor has his own unavoidable hardships. Clear water holds no fish."

Remembering Mu Xu's arrangements, she smiled again, "However, don't get angry. Good is rewarded with good, and evil is rewarded with evil. Even if someone schemes against us, they will definitely not end well."

The Third Princess raised her head with red eyes, looking quite confused. However, Jia Yin just smiled and refused to say more...

After three or four days, the Ministry of War finally reached a conclusion about the destruction of the Northern Expeditionary Army's food supplies.

Almost half of the prominent martial arts families in Xin Du participated.

This shocked many people, but upon closer thought, they fell silent.

Such a great achievement as regaining half the country, no one would want Marquis Xinting to take all the credit alone.

If you can't have a share of the pie, then pull someone else down.

It has to be said, human nature is so vile!

The Emperor was furious and immediately ordered all those involved to be punished.

Whether a general or a common soldier, they were all sent to the southwest to do hard labor, eating nothing but sand.

Upon hearing this, the Third Princess was shocked beyond measure. She grabbed Jia Yin and pressed her for answers, "Do you know something Those white-eyed wolves who ruined our military supplies, are they also the mastermind behind bullying our soldiers"

Jia Yin was pruning the flowers and trees in the yard, holding a pair of scissors in her hand. At this moment, she was afraid that she might hurt them, so she quickly put them down and helplessly replied, "I'm not a fortune teller, how could I possibly know It's just a casual remark based on my feelings!"

But the saying "what goes around, comes around" is true. How about we make some Peking duck wraps tonight to celebrate

"Of course!" The third princess was in high spirits, readily agreeing and ordering a palace maid to fetch two ducks from the Imperial kitchen.

Jia Yin simply added a sentence, instructing the palace maids to procure several more.

You need to open the stove and roast them on both sides, the weather is hot, sweating profusely isn't easy, so it's better to roast more.

The Emperor sent two over, and the maidservants and eunuchs of Zhilan Palace all followed suit to have a taste of the freshness.

Hearing that they also had a share, all the maids and eunuchs were delighted and helped eagerly.

As the sun set, the roast duck was ready, and Lu Cong unexpectedly went to the palace.

The Third Princess was overjoyed and led Lu Cong into the house, smiling as she presented Bao'er. "Brother Lu, you came just in time! Jia Yin roasted a duck, and we're going to have roast duck spring rolls."

"Is that so Then I'm in for a treat!" Lu Cong smiled warmly and happily, shaking the gold-painted fan in his hand, with a touch of the arrogance and ease of a wealthy gentleman.

The Third Princess blushed. Coincidentally, Jia Yin finished her work and entered the room, also unable to help but be surprised, "How did Brother Lu come here"

Lu Zong glanced at her and replied evasively, "It's such a hot day, it's best to leave the chores to the palace maids. Why are you doing it yourself Be careful not to get heatstroke."

Jia Yin waved her hand dismissively, "I've loved to eat since I was little, and I also enjoy cooking. For me, it's like playing, it's fun! It wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable if I had someone else do it."

Lu Zong smiled and shook his head, no longer persuading. Then he had someone bring up a delicate wicker basket.

"Here are some dried fruits, brought over from my home. They taste alright to me, so I thought I'd share some with you all to try something new."

The third princess was delighted. She opened a can, took a fruit piece and tasted it, then offered one to Jiayin. Jiayin quickly waved her hand, "I'm feeling unwell from the stove heat, I have no appetite. You guys eat."

Then the Third Princess happily held the can and said, "I'll have this all to myself."

"Of course, I'll take them all! Brother Lu originally intended to bring them for you anyway," Jia Yin laughed. "You two continue talking, I'll go get two roast ducks. When Brother Lu leaves, he can take some back to eat."

Princess Three beamed with delight, exclaiming, “Thank you, Jia Yin! You’re the best!”

Jia Yin secretly made a spooky face at her, causing her to blush. Then she laughed and went out the door.

Lu Zong lowered his head and drank tea, as if he hadn't seen...

As night fell, darkness enveloped the entire palace. Lanterns were lit everywhere, casting flickering shadows. The towering buildings, bathed in soft light, possessed a unique charm.

Jia Yin and the Third Princess ate a roasted duck, both of them feeling a bit stuffed. They walked around the yard arm in arm to aid digestion.

The Third Princess suddenly remembered the Empress Dowager, and out of curiosity, she whispered to Jiayin's ear, "Jiayin, do you think that old woman has been quiet lately She hasn't come to find fault with us"

Jia Yin, of course, knew the reason.

The secret passage to Shou Kang Palace has been discovered, and the people loyal to the Empress Dowager have been completely exposed. The Empress Dowager is now like a tiger in a cage: frightening to look at but unable to harm anyone.

But she couldn't say that. The third princess wasn't stupid, and she was willing to listen to advice, but having been spoiled since childhood, she occasionally had outbursts of temper and, when impulsive, might say or do the wrong thing.

If she messed up the Emperor's arrangements, she couldn't afford to take responsibility.

It's better to have one less thing to worry about.

"I don't know either, maybe they thought we were too tough to bully and didn't want to waste their effort."

Jia Yin gave a superficial response, causing the Third Princess to proudly raise her head and exclaim, "Haha, she knows her place!"

At this moment, someone at the door laughed and said, "Who is this talking about Who has provoked Your Majesty's beloved daughter!"

The Third Princess turned her head and exclaimed in surprise, "Oh Father, how did you get here"

She rushed over and affectionately took the Emperor's arm.

Jiayin also smiled and stepped forward to pay her respects, standing on the emperor's other side.

The Emperor glanced at the elegantly decorated courtyard and smiled, "I've been thinking about how you're doing. I figured after a few days of medicinal tonics, you should be feeling much better. I didn't expect you guys are living such a good life!"

"Of course," the Third Princess replied without any modesty, "if I don't work out, there's Jia Yin. She can both eat and play! Even I would love to marry her!"

The Emperor was amused and laughed heartily, patting Jia Yin on the back with his hand. He was very pleased.

"Fu Niao'er, thank you for accompanying my silly daughter in the palace."

"Emperor Uncle, you're too kind. Princess sister treats me very well, she just occasionally acts silly, which is within my tolerance." Jiayin made a funny face, making the Emperor laugh again.

Soon, a chair was added under the eaves, with tea and snacks.

The Emperor sat in the center, looking at the courtyard filled with flowers. The orange lanterns swayed gently in the cool evening breeze, and he sighed softly...

Today, I'm posting two chapters. ~~ ·elt sorry for Wei Dajun breaking his leg, but compared to the complete destruction of their home and family, this was already the best possible outcome.The elders and villagers were willing to help th...