Chapter 1968: Chapter 1906: Ruthless and Unyielding

Ah Jiu was commanded to oversee the state affairs, and as the day of sealing the imperial court approached, he was terribly busy, dealing with various political matters. Only when the day of sealing the imperial court arrived did he return to Prince Jin’s Mansion from the palace. It was already New Year’s Eve on the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month, and tomorrow would be Chinese New Year’s Eve.

"Mingdong greets Ninth Royal Uncle." Jhin Mingdong was learning to recognize characters and appreciate paintings from Wufu. Seeing Ah Jiu return, he performed a ceremonious bow.

Ah Jiu squatted down and picked him up, meeting his gaze, and asked, "Are you accustomed to staying in the manor?"

Jhin Mingdong nodded, his eyes sparkling with clarity, saying, "I’m accustomed, Imperial Aunt treats me well."

These words were indeed heartfelt. He felt that staying in the manor was much more interesting and fun, even safer than being in the palace.

"That’s good. Tomorrow is Chinese New Year’s Eve. We will go to the palace together and have New Year’s Eve dinner with your Imperial Grandmother and father." Ah Jiu said with a smile.

"Ninth Royal Uncle, is my father’s health much better?" Jhin Mingdong asked worriedly.

"It will get better." Ah Jiu reassured him, gently patting his head before putting him down.

Wufu said, "Donger, go play with Xiao Qi."

Here at the manor, besides Wufu, the person Jhin Mingdong liked and trusted most was the people around her, including Xiao Qi, whom he enjoyed following around despite Xiao Qi’s reluctance to converse.

Upon hearing what Wufu said, the young fellow’s eyes lit up, and picking up the painting said, "I will recognize them together with Brother Xiao Qi."

Hongyu, on one side, said with a smile, "Little Prince, I will take you over!" She said, picking up his little cape to drape it on him.

"It’s cold outside; just stay in the Warm Pavilion." Wufu advised.

Hongyu agreed, leading Xiao Mingdong away.

Purple Jade brought along the servant girls to serve hot tea and snacks again, then withdrew to leave the space for the two of them.

Ah Jiu was warming his hands by the firepan when Wufu walked over, embracing his waist from behind, and said, "I thought you would come back at night."

"Did you miss me?"

Wufu nodded boldly, "I missed you!"

Only then did Ah Jiu turn his head, pulling her hand to sit down on the couch.

"These days have been truly exhausting," Ah Jiu said, "I’ve only now realized, sitting in that position isn’t easy, it’s very tiring."

Noticing his fatigued face, Wufu glanced at the Western Wall Clock on the small table and said, "There’s still some time before dinner; why don’t you rest for a while? I’ll call you when it’s time for the meal."

"If I sleep now, I might not be able to sleep later tonight. Have someone prepare some hot water and add some herbs to relieve tiredness; I’ll take a soak to ease the fatigue." Ah Jiu shook his head.

"Alright!" Wufu promptly called Purple Jade in to give instructions.

"How have you been with Mingdong these past few days? Has he been bothering you?" Ah Jiu asked.

"No, the little one is quite well-behaved; perhaps he’s a bit frightened and doesn’t dare to make too many demands." Wufu shook her head with a smile, saying, "I just keep him company, teach him to recognize characters, and then have Xiao Qi lead him in horse-training, which helps to build his physique as well."

Ah Jiu nodded, "Royal Mother has already suggested for the Imperial Brother to establish an heir. It’s estimated that the Imperial Edict will be issued after the New Year."

"His health hasn’t improved?"

Ah Jiu shook his head again, "It’s getting weaker."

The atmosphere suddenly turned a bit somber.

"What’s happening with the Empress? Has she really conceived a Dragon Seed?"

Ah Jiu sneered, "She indeed holds a trump card, but I’m afraid it might be a useless one."

Wufu raised an eyebrow.

"With the existence of Lu Shenxing, the Emperor doesn’t quite trust the origins of that child."

Wufu whistled and said, "Are you saying the Empress not only cuckolded him but carried a bastard?"

This move by Empress Song was indeed vicious and bold in her retaliations.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.