Chapter 6, and together we proceed with composure

She calmed her mind, walked briskly, and felt quite good, not minding the fatigue of holding the umbrella. The fine rain swept towards her, cool and refreshing. She turned her head and rubbed her shoulder, when suddenly a gust of wind blew by. Unprepared for the weight of the yellow umbrella, it slipped from her grasp, and the heavy handle struck him sharply on the ear. Startled, she saw his shocked face, and the ring of gold in his eyes flashed, deep and somewhat terrifying.

Wanwan was so frightened that her hair stood on end; she did not dare to say much, took the umbrella and held it close to her chest, and ran out of the middle right door without looking back

While she was rambling on expressing her gratitude, someone behind her took her umbrella. Turning around, she saw it was Xiao Shaojian. He didn't even glance at her, but smiled at Wang Nanyuan, saying, "I was so busy with the banquet earlier that I didn't have the chance to attend to the prince. Please forgive me. The subordinates were disrespectful and bumped into the prince; I will reprimand them severely later. Since the prince is here, it is the same for me to serve you." He handed her the umbrella he had brought with him and said in a calm voice, "Go back now. It has been a busy day; let's put this matter aside for the time being. I will come to speak with you again tomorrow."

Having spoken without thinking, she secretly stuck out her tongue after finishing her words. In fact, once she had delivered the person, she could have slipped back to Yude Palace, but at this moment, she had spoken too much. If he were to respond, she wouldn't even know how to reply.

In truth, asking is futile; since it has already become a matter of public knowledge, how could it not be painful? Fortunately, she possesses great composure, and just as she suggested, she did not report it nor make a fuss. However, raising a hand to touch it, she furrowed her brows and said: "The Qi people are skilled in archery and horsemanship; this minor injury is nothing. Yet I have heard that some are spreading rumors, claiming that the Yuwen clan is a monster, with a bear-like face, covered in hair, resembling a yaksha." After a slight pause, her gaze gently shifted across her face, "In your opinion, is there any truth to these rumors?"

He nodded slightly and fell silent, walking with his hands clasped behind his back, his posture straight and upright like a pine or bamboo. Just by looking at his figure, he bore some resemblance to Xiao Duo, and for a moment, Wan Wan was lost in thought. Perhaps it was due to this unfounded similarity that she found this person less unfamiliar.

Wanwan thought for a moment and said, "Cao Zhangyin doesn't really manage things; many matters are handled by Xiao Shaojian. Xiao Shaojian is a eunuch who holds the pen, and this year he also serves as the supervisor of the Eastern Depot. In the future, the position of Zhangyin will certainly belong to him." There was a hint of pride in her tone that she was not even aware of.

However, it is quite strange; he is not angry, and the corners of his mouth still carry a smile, a kind of smile she has never seen before, different from that of Xiao Shaojian. Xiao Shaojian's smile is filled with spring at the brow, while his is broad and elegant, with a clear breeze and bright moon reaching the depths of his eyes, making that golden halo even more distinct.

He seemed quite satisfied, the smile at the corners of his lips deepening. Turning his face away, he adopted an air of unattainability and said calmly, "It is best to serve well; falling into the hands of others would not be good."

The eunuch expressed his gratitude repeatedly: "Ah, this minor injury is nothing for you to worry about. Today, the prince has invited me to the palace first; when there is time later, we can discuss it in detail."

Before Wanwan could finish speaking, Li Mama interrupted her: "My lady, when have you ever caused trouble without saying it was your own idea? If you keep indulging them like this, what will happen in the future? You are a pure-hearted person, and when they come up with some bad schemes to involve you, you foolishly take the blame for them. What do they rely on? They rely on your compassion for those around you, unwilling to let them suffer! Right now, it’s fine, but it has turned the servant into someone without the demeanor of a servant, daring to play with such a significant matter. What kind of place is ahead? Who are the people entering the palace today? If this gets out, what will happen to Your Highness's reputation? I can no longer manage you all, so I can only trouble the Office of Ceremonial Affairs. If they end up questioning me as well, my old face will be ruined, and I will have to endure their beatings."

Wanwan knew that no one dared to impose a punishment; she simply did not want to draw attention to herself, so she had to bend slightly. "If you do not report me, this matter will just pass. Your Highness, it is my first time serving, and I am clumsy. Please have mercy on me!" After speaking, she noticed a flush rising near his ear, and awkwardly extended her finger to gesture, "Does it... hurt here..."

Wanwan swallowed her saliva and did not respond. He paused for a moment, perhaps thinking that this young eunuch was unaware of the situation, and deliberately turned his head to ask her: "The lightning strike in the sixth year of Longhua set the hall ablaze; it is said that the craftsmen completed the new hall within six months?"

Xiao You tugged at her, and Wan Wan was still in a daze, "I feel like I have seen this Wang from Nanyuan somewhere before"

Yes, yes, yes. She nodded and bowed, her attitude sincere, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your understanding. You are a good person and will surely be rewarded in the future"

Your Highness! I have been looking from afar, anticipating it would be you, and indeed it is! Ah, it has been seven years since we last parted in the southern city. At that time, Your Highness was still a young heir, and our family has always had a keen eye for people, knowing that you would achieve great things in the future. The last time the young rascals went south to oversee the silk trade, they mentioned that the Southern Garden under your governance is even more prosperous than during the time of the late Prince. Our family was envious upon hearing this, wishing we could visit you in Jiangnan. Unfortunately, my legs are not in good condition; I was injured while building a house last year, and I still cannot travel far... Seeing you today is the same; I have come specifically to pay my respects, and I hope Your Highness is in good health.

Upon reaching the door, still panting, I halted my steps, disregarding the sidelong glances of the Imperial Guards standing by. I clutched the door frame and peered towards the front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Li Mama's face was almost entirely stretched out in anger, her eyes wide open, holding a ruler in her hand, and she struck at the backside of Wu Qi with a single blow. "Dare you still complain? Your Highness, you are fortunate to have returned; if you had been even a moment later, you would have been reported to the Cining Palace, and I would see how you fare! Ansheng, be quiet; it won't help even if you plead to the heavens. A good prince, led astray by you lawless rascals, is utterly lost. Look at you, dressed in eunuch's clothing, standing at the Xihua Gate looking foolish; where is the dignity of the imperial family? I am responsible for the education here; if I cannot discipline you, it is my failure. I will go to the Cining Palace with a willow branch to accept my punishment; I will take the lashes. But I must deal with you first; otherwise, leaving you two troublemakers behind, who knows what kind of disaster you will cause in the future!"

Wanwan straightened her back in contemplation, her mind enveloped in a haze, akin to a maze of enchantment, with something on the verge of emerging yet elusive to trace.

Li Mama was left dumbfounded, unable to regain her composure for a long time

Wanwan's heart skipped a beat again, "Who is talking nonsense? How could the prince be like a night demon..." She still remembered her grand discussions in the palace, feeling guilty and unable to suppress her blush.

He walked slowly through the heavenly street, gradually letting out a breath: "Are you still under the authority of Chief Steward Cao in the Imperial Ceremony Office nowadays?"

Wanwan was pulled back to Yude Palace, and upon entering, she encountered Li Mama. The servant girl, who had been kneeling by the wall for quite some time, could not help but wail upon seeing her: "My lady, my lady, what did I say? I told you not to go, but you did not listen to my advice. This time, Mama is going to hand me over to the Office of Ceremonial Affairs, and if that happens, I will lose my life! Please save me, or I will be doomed!"

Wanwan was very nervous, not daring to look at him, her eyes cast down, staring at her own toes, she replied with a "yes," "It took six months and nine days, the structure is more grand than before, with an eleven-bay facade, a depth of five bays, a total of seventy-two large columns, and four thousand seven hundred and eighteen gold bricks... The prince will know as soon as he enters the hall."

When the officials enter the palace, it is essential to verify their name tags; only when the person matches the tag can they pass through the gate. The Directorate of Ceremonial has dispatched an experienced old eunuch to receive them, who has served in the palace for several decades and can recognize all the princes and commanders even with his eyes closed, thus ensuring that there will be no mistakes. Wanwan stood by, holding the umbrella high, as the flying raindrops splashed against her shoulders. After taking just a few steps, a eunuch dressed in flowing robes approached with a stooped posture to pay his respects, as if he were an old friend reunited after many years, filled with the joy of reunion.

Wanwan was somewhat taken aback. Is this really Wang of Nanyuan? How does he differ from the legendary figure? Perhaps her secluded life in the palace has led her to receive information that is not entirely accurate; some embellish while others vilify. The Yuwen clan occupies the most prosperous and strategically advantageous land in Daye, posing a significant threat to the court and becoming a target for other vassal kings to impeach. Since there is no evidence to catch him in the act of wielding military power or oppressing the local populace, they resort to demonizing him from other angles. Therefore, sometimes rumors should not be fully trusted; what is heard may be false, while only what is seen can be deemed real. Since there is no evidence to catch him in the act of wielding military power or oppressing the local populace, they resort to demonizing him from other angles. Therefore, sometimes rumors should not be fully trusted; what is heard may be false, while only what is seen can be deemed real

"Regardless of whether you have seen it or not, can we discuss it when we return?" Xiao You half-squatted down, "This time I am finished, I beg you to remember me, burn some paper for me next Qingming Festival, so that my feelings for you will not be in vain"

His brows slowly knitted together as he scrutinized her closely, "You are so reckless; it does not matter to me here, but I fear you may be punished by those above."

Xiao You suddenly knelt down with a thud, sobbing as she looked at Wan Wan, not daring to make a sound.

It is a long way from the picture book to the grand hall of the banquet, and the figures in red and white gradually became somewhat blurred in the twilight. From the side path, the Dan Emperor's figure was partially obscured by the white marble columns, and lanterns had already been lit under the corridor in front of the hall. They walked into the warm beam of light, two remarkably similar individuals standing side by side at the same height; if it weren't for the differences in their facial features, they could almost be mistaken for brothers.

The eunuch laughed like a chrysanthemum and waved his hand, saying: "Not at all, the person sent by the prince left without even having a cup of water or wine. If we are to speak of being treated poorly, it truly feels like a slap in the face to our household. This time, I do not know if there will be an opportunity; if the prince is gracious enough to visit, we will prepare a banquet and properly entertain him."

"I, I, I..." she stammered incoherently, "I didn't mean to... have I hurt the prince?"

The ruler pointed at Xiao You, "Kneel down for me." The loudness of the voice startled Wan Wan into silence.

Fortunately, Wang from Nanyuan possesses great patience. He is tall and, in order to accommodate the short and stout individual, slightly bends his waist. Upon seeing the other party bowing to him, he quickly offers a supportive gesture, saying, "I truly do not deserve this. Back then, I was young and acted recklessly, and I am grateful for the consideration from the relevant officials. When the Minister meets me privately, there is no need to address me as Your Highness; just call me Liang Shi. Over the years, I have not been summoned by the Emperor and have had no opportunity to come to the capital. I regret that I could not personally congratulate the Minister on his promotion; it is indeed a neglect on my part."

The factory minister is already aware of this matter, so do not rush, let him handle it tomorrow. She sniffed, turned around, and sat down in the armchair. You two need not kneel any longer, the meal will be served soon, Xiao You, assist me in changing my clothes and washing my face. As she spoke, her voice gradually lowered, muttering, The master is not served in the eunuch's attire, is not allowed to eat, nor to wash up, and yet they speak of rules... what a ridiculous rule!

In fact, providing too much detail and being overly comprehensive is also a major taboo. He only asked her about the time of completion, yet she introduced every brick and pillar in the hall so meticulously. After finishing her explanation, she regretted it, anxiously raised her eyes, and cast a worried glance at him

Old Lady Li's relentless tirade struck like a barrage, causing Wanwan to lower her head, her nose feeling a sharp sting. If one were to inquire about her feelings, these cunning matrons were akin to invisible executioners, severing her freedom and stifling her inherent nature as a human being. However, there were ancestral edicts that empowered them to discipline the princes and princesses, granting them considerable authority. Even if she invoked her status, there were times when she felt powerless. Nevertheless, she had to impose some order and discipline; even if it proved ineffective, instilling a sense of deterrence was still beneficial. Yet, there were ancestral edicts that empowered them to discipline the princes and princesses, granting them considerable authority. Even if she invoked her status, there were times when she felt powerless. Nevertheless, she had to impose some order and discipline; even if it proved ineffective, instilling a sense of deterrence was still beneficial.

Nanyuan Wang, with a demeanor as gentle as a clear sky after the rain, spoke softly: "Let us wait until then; it seems there will be no leisure. The Emperor's decree arrived in the middle of the month, and from the time of departure to arriving in the capital, it has been no more than half a month. The journey was hurried, and there was no time for preparation. Previously, I hastily had someone prepare two specialties from the south, and I will send someone to deliver them to your residence. You have an old ailment in your leg, and it is just right; that medicine has remarkable effects on your leg injury."

She led him towards the Huangji Hall, the light rain dampening the green bricks on the ground, piece by piece, resembling the maritime maps hanging in her elder brother's study. There were many eunuchs in the palace, and she could not recognize them all; she even had no idea who the one was that had just extorted money. However, she was very familiar with the paths of the previous dynasties, guiding him through the Middle Right Gate, and in a tone reminiscent of Wu Qi's usual manner, kindly reminded: "Please watch your step, Your Highness. The road is slippery in the rain, and the bricks in the palace have been worn smooth, so be careful not to trip."

Wanwan naturally could not allow them to take the blame for her, pleading softly: "Madam, please spare them this time; it is not their fault, it was my own idea..."

"Why are you still here?" After waiting for her for quite a while, Xiao You suddenly jumped out from a corner, "Let's go, hurry back, or we'll get into trouble if we're late." As she spoke, tears nearly fell from her eyes. Just a moment ago, while she was wandering in the Huangji Hall, she encountered Xiao Shaojian. Upon seeing her, he almost swallowed her whole. Under pressure, she revealed her master, not out of disloyalty, but because in the face of that ruthless master from the Eastern Depot, she was so frightened that she forgot her own surname, answering whatever questions were asked.

What one fears will come, she heard his gentle voice: "The old courtyard was thirty zhang long and fifteen zhang deep. Compared to the present, it truly falls far short."

Wanwan did not understand; back and forth, several thousand taels of silver could be considered an explanation. She only knew that this Prince of Nanyuan, Wang Qianhe, was so courteous to those sycophantic officials. She was solely focused on seeing what the Xianbei people looked like, and unexpectedly, it was her turn to serve him. After hearing his words just now, it seemed that his character was indeed precious, which did not betray her previous fears and anxieties.