Chapter 12
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While the voices of the Emperor and Noble Consort Yi continued above, Ling Rui, sitting on Noble Consort Yi’s lap, closed his eyes and called out in his mind—
“Ah Wu, are you there?!”
“I’m here.”
Ah Wu’s timely response eased some of Ling Rui’s tension.
Having had experience from the last time, they both spoke quickly, though Ling Rui mostly said things like “I missed Ah Wu” and “I want Ah Wu to come.”
In contrast, Ah Wu was more focused, hurriedly asking, “Cub, are you safe now?”
Ling Rui replied with a small “mm” sound, “Safe!”
Confirming Ling Rui’s safety, Ah Wu felt somewhat relieved. He continued, “Where are you now?”
Ling Rui: “In the palace!”
Ah Wu: “What?”
Thinking Ah Wu hadn’t heard, Ling Rui repeated, “I live in the palace, with Niang Niang taking care of me, and Sixth Brother playing with me.”
Ah Wu: “…”
Ah Wu still couldn’t hear clearly, catching only words like “Niang Niang” and “Sixth Brother.”
After asking several times, Ah Wu, with a darkened expression, realized some of the information Ling Rui tried to convey was obscured, as if something was preventing their meeting.
“Cub, what did you do to contact me?”
“Foresight.”
Ling Rui explained how he used his foresight ability and how after changing his vision, talking to Ah Wu didn’t hurt his head anymore.
Though his sentences were a bit jumbled, Ah Wu listened intently.
He thought while listening and, after a while, had some guesses. But these guesses weren’t confirmed, so he didn’t explain much to Ling Rui.
“Cub, listen to me. Protect yourself while I’m not around. It won’t be long before I’m by your side.”
Previously, when they were together, Ling Rui hadn’t heard Ah Wu speak so much. Now, with Ah Wu speaking continuously, it was clear he genuinely feared for Ling Rui’s safety.
“I was preparing outside the palace, not expecting you to be inside…”
“But it doesn’t matter. I will take you out sooner or later.”
After saying he would take Ling Rui out of the palace, Ah Wu’s voice suddenly stopped. Without Ah Wu’s voice, Ling Rui didn’t panic.
He knew that the next time his foresight ability activated, he would hear Ah Wu again!
“Little Seven, Little Seven.”
Ling Rui came back to his senses and found Noble Consort Yi holding his little face. “What are you daydreaming about?” she asked.
Ling Rui looked at Noble Consort Yi and honestly replied, “Talking to Ah Wu—”
Before he could finish, Noble Consort Yi interrupted him, “Your Royal Father has to go now. Do you want him to hold you? If not, I’ll take you back to the palace.”
Ling Rui’s words were cut off, and his attention shifted.
He turned his head and obediently stretched his little hands towards the Emperor. “Daddy, hug!”
The Emperor had been listening to the distant cries of Consort Li but, seeing the little one reaching out to him, he naturally picked him up.
With Consort Li already dealt with, the Emperor had no reason to stay.
Holding the soft, chubby child in his arms, he looked at Noble Consort Yi. “You’ve had a tiring day. You should rest more. I’ll take care of Little Seven for a while.”
Noble Consort Yi smiled and reminded him, “Little Seven isn’t easy to handle.”
Though the child seemed small and harmless, having him around meant no one could do anything but watch over him.
The Emperor, unconvinced, glanced down at the obedient-looking child and smiled. “How hard can it be to take care of such a well-behaved Little Seven?”
Noble Consort Yi, happy to let the Emperor spend time with the little one, didn’t oppose his insistence on taking care of him.
Soon after, Noble Consort Yi returned to Fenghua Palace, while Ling Rui, perched on the Emperor’s shoulder, was taken to Chengming Hall.
“Daddy, where’s Niang Niang?”
“Niang Niang went back to rest. Royal Father will play with you.”
Upon hearing that his Daddy would play with him, Ling Rui stopped yearning for his Niang Niang and cheerfully said, “Daddy, play with the little ball!”
He loved playing with the little ball with his Sixth Brother.
Unfortunately, his Sixth Brother had to study and couldn’t always play with him.
The Emperor, having never experienced the boundless energy of a small child, readily agreed. He leisurely carried the child to Chengming Hall.
On the way, they encountered a little girl standing by the flowers, seemingly wanting to pick one.
The Emperor, apart from testing the eldest prince’s knowledge, paid little attention to the other princes and princesses.
He glanced at the flower-picking princess but didn’t seem to recognize her. He was about to leave when the princess noticed him and curtsied, “Royal Father.”
The Emperor looked at her without speaking.
Lu Guang, sensing the moment, stepped forward and softly informed the Emperor, “Your Majesty, this is the Fifth Princess. I’ve heard that Consort Shu hasn’t been well lately, and the Fifth Princess, being filial, might be picking flowers to cheer her up.”
Hearing this, the Emperor’s gaze returned to the Fifth Princess.
She kept her head slightly bowed, clutching her dress nervously. Perhaps because she rarely saw the Emperor, she didn’t know what to say.
The Emperor told her to rise in a calm voice, then inquired about Consort Shu’s condition.
The Fifth Princess, her voice trembling slightly, replied, “Royal Mother has been suffering from headaches these past few days, unable to sleep at night. I wanted to make a sachet of dried flowers for her.”
“You’re very filial. Use any flowers you like.”
“Thank you, Royal Father.”
The conversation between the Royal Father and daughter was tinged with unfamiliarity. Sitting in the Emperor’s arms, Ling Rui couldn’t bear it. He pointed to the Fifth Princess and softly said, “Daddy, it’s Older Sister. Let’s play ball with Older Sister.”
Before the Fifth Princess could respond, the Emperor rejected the idea. “Isn’t having Royal Father play ball with you enough? Why involve your Fifth Sister?”
He was never one to coddle children. He had barely held any of his princes and princesses.
The little one in his arms was an exception, an exception not likely to extend to other children.
Though young, the Fifth Princess was very perceptive.
She lowered her head and offered, “Royal Father, Royal Mother hasn’t had dinner yet. I should go back and take care of her.”
The Emperor nodded. “Go ahead.”
The Fifth Princess quickly walked away, but not without glancing at the Emperor and the beautiful child in his arms.
She knew that the child was the Seventh Prince. Originally living in a palace like a cold palace, no one expected his sudden rise.
The Fifth Princess hurried back to her palace and approached her mother.
“Royal Mother, I saw Royal Father just now.”
She described the encounter to Consort Shu, trying to cheer her up. “Royal Father asked about your health, and I told him you’ve been restless these past few nights.”
Consort Shu’s eyes grew cold, focusing on a different point. “Your Royal Father was personally holding the Seventh Prince and wanted to play with him?”
The Fifth Princess hesitated, then nodded.
As soon as she nodded, Consort Shu’s harsh voice rang out. “You’re all children of your Royal Father. Even a despised little prince has risen, but you, with your clear lineage, can’t even win your Royal Father’s favor! What use are you to me?!”
Her sharp words stung, and the Fifth Princess, head bowed, remained silent.
She quietly endured her mother’s scolding, accusations of stupidity, and lamentations about not being a son and being useless.
She had heard these words so often that they no longer made her eyes red.
After venting her anger, Consort Shu dismissed her.
“Guo Er, has the Seventh Prince been officially placed under Noble Consort Yi’s care?” Consort Shu asked, pressing her temples.
Guo Er, with her head lowered, replied, “The Emperor has not issued such a decree. Although the Seventh Prince lives in Fenghua Palace, he is not officially Noble Consort Yi’s child.”
Guo Er’s words made Consort Shu furrow her brow.
She was puzzled by what Emperor Ling really meant.
If Emperor Ling truly favored the Seventh Prince, the best course of action would be to place him under the care of Noble Consort Yi.
Noble Consort Yi came from a prestigious military family, and having her as the Seventh Prince’s mother would ensure a bright future for him.
Yet, despite the Seventh Prince living in Fenghua Palace for so long, the Emperor had never issued such a decree.
Consort Shu murmured, “What is His Majesty thinking?”
Consort Shu couldn’t fathom the Emperor’s intentions, but she knew that with the crown prince position still unassigned, if the Seventh Prince were officially recognized by Noble Consort Yi, supported by her influential family, he might have a chance to compete for the position of crown prince.
“Guo Er, prepare my clothes.”
Standing up, Consort Shu’s eyes darkened. “I’m going to Changhe Palace.”
Changhe Palace was where Consort De resided. In terms of background, Consort De’s family was no less distinguished than that of the Empress or Noble Consort Yi, and she had a Fourth Prince under her care.
Guo Er quickly prepared clothes for Consort Shu upon hearing her instructions.
Having served Consort Shu for a long time, Guo Er could usually guess her intentions. However, this time she couldn’t understand why Consort Shu would seek out Consort De.
If she was concerned about the Seventh Prince receiving too much favor, approaching the Empress would be more effective.
After all, the Empress had a highly regarded Eldest Prince…
“Let’s go.”
Once dressed, Consort Shu, accompanied by Guo Er, left the palace.
Meanwhile, back in Chengming Hall, since the Emperor brought Ling Rui back, he hadn’t had a moment of rest.
Upon returning, the Emperor first ordered dinner. Due to his inexperience, the Emperor hadn’t put a bib or apron on Ling Rui.
By the end of the meal, Ling Rui looked up, softly reminding the Emperor, “Daddy, the clothes are dirty.”
The Emperor: “…”
The Emperor had no choice but to change Ling Rui’s clothes.
After changing clothes, before the Emperor could leave, Ling Rui brought out a small ball. “Daddy, play!”
The Emperor: “Alright.”
The big and little pair played with the small ball in Chengming Hall for more than half an hour. Ling Rui became more energetic as he played, his little face flushed with exertion, refusing to stop.
“Daddy, more play!”
As a small divine beast, Ling Rui loved physical activities. He stretched his little legs, kicking the ball back to the Emperor.
Playing such a childish game for an hour was already unprecedented for the Emperor.
Looking at the spirited little one, the Emperor considered ending the game.
But Ling Rui, seeing the Emperor not moving, ran over and hugged his leg, looking up with bright eyes. “Daddy, Little Seven loves you!”
The Emperor: “…”
Under the little one’s repeated “love you,” the Emperor gradually gave in.
Eventually, Ling Rui had played enough. He placed his beloved ball on the Emperor’s desk, promising to play again next time.
After the game, the Emperor took a bath with the little tail following him.
The Emperor’s bedroom, being of higher specification than those of the Noble Consorts, had the best facilities. Ling Rui, preferring not to have servants bathe him, clung to the Emperor’s robe, face flushed, asking the Emperor to bathe him.
“Fortunately, your little body doesn’t have any scars.”
The Emperor, lifting the freshly bathed little one from the water, inspected his small body again while dressing him. His white, tender little body, with chubby arms and legs, was quite endearing.
The Emperor unreservedly pinched him several times.
Used to being pinched, Ling Rui laughed and pushed the Emperor’s face with his small hands, preventing further pinching and kissing.
The hall was brightly lit.
After tucking the little one into bed, the Emperor realized—
That he hadn’t accomplished anything other than taking care of the child.
“You…”
The Emperor rubbed the little one’s head, softly saying, “You seem so obedient, yet you’re so much trouble.”
Not yet asleep, Ling Rui, eyes curved with a smile, grabbed the Emperor’s large hand.
Seeing the little one getting energetic again, the Emperor sternly ordered Lu Guang to extinguish the candles, then covered the little one with a quilt. “Sleep!”
Ling Rui: “…”
Ling Rui blinked. “Okay.”
That night, Ling Rui slept soundly. In the middle of the night, he rolled out of the quilt, curling up next to the wall.
In the dim palace, the night watch didn’t notice the small movements on the bed.
Uncovered, Ling Rui didn’t feel cold at all.
He was still warm.
The little creature, who hadn’t been able to transform since coming here, suddenly reverted to his original form in the darkness. The transformation was brief, lasting only a few breaths.
When the Emperor, realizing the little one wasn’t in the bed, reached out, he found the soft, chubby child again.
Pulling the little one back into his arms, the Emperor fell back into a deep sleep.
Ling Rui slept soundly that night. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, little Crown Prince Huo Qinwu couldn’t sleep well. Despite his title, his position in Great Qing was precarious.
He had older brothers above him.
Many in the palace wanted him dead!
When he first arrived here, he considered dying as a way to return, as some books suggested it was possible to return to one’s original place after death.
But before he could die, his little one arrived too.
Since the little one was here, he couldn’t die.
Thinking of his little one, Huo Qinwu regretted not giving him a formal name. Naming a divine beast was not to be taken lightly. He had planned to name him after he arrived.
Now, the little one couldn’t even say his current name.
Huo Qinwu wanted to spread notices using his former name to find him, but it was impossible.
While pondering in his bedchamber, Huo Qinwu suddenly felt a sense of danger as he saw a maid approaching with water. He retreated and coldly ordered, “Seize her!”
The Eastern Palace was fraught with danger. After dealing with the assassin maid, Huo Qinwu decided with a blank expression that he would bring his little one to stay with him only after eliminating all the traitorous elements in the palace.
But there were so many villains in the palace that even if he killed one every day, there would still be some.
As the moon sank, the darkness gradually faded. Early the next morning, before dawn fully broke, Ling Rui kicked his little legs in the bed, pushing against Emperor Ling with his eyes closed, whining for Emperor Ling to carry him down.
Emperor Ling obliged, letting him down to relieve himself before carrying him back up.
“Little Seven, sleep well. Royal Father is going to court.”
Emperor Ling got up, changed his clothes, and before leaving, he saw the little one still sleeping. He watched for a moment before finally looking away.
Soon, he was at court.
Emperor Ling sat on the dragon throne, routinely asking if anyone had memorials to present. If there were none, he would end the session.
If the session ended early, he could still have breakfast with Little Seven and Noble Consort Yi.
“Your Majesty, this minister has a memorial to present.”
An official from the Ministry of Works stepped forward, bowed, and spoke about the issue of the imperial offspring.
He suggested that since the Seventh Prince had no mother, he should be assigned to a Consort without children. This way, with a Consort’s care, the prince could grow up healthy and safe.
After the minister finished, Emperor Ling’s face grew colder.
Finally, his gaze fixed on Murong Feng, Noble Consort Yi’s Father, standing at the forefront of the officials: “Beloved Official Murong, which Consort do you think is most suitable to raise the Seventh Prince?”
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