Eight

After Madam asked Sima Qiudi on a certain day following Jing Yongfu's recovery, "Has that child perhaps gone far away? A month has passed, and there has been no news whatsoever."

Li Yigang was about to speak when the late-arriving eunuch shrilled an announcement to see the emperor. Thus, in the cool outer palace, Jing Yongfu knelt on the icy hard floor of the hall

After Jing Yongfu left, Li Heyu told Li Yi, "If she were the great fortune of Jing State reborn, it would indeed be a good thing." Later, Li Yi conveyed this to Jing Yongfu, believing it to be his father, the king, softening his stance. However, Jing Yongfu was taken aback. The rulers of Xie State may not fully understand her true nature, but rather act from the interests of Xie State. If the crown prince of Xie State were to marry a princess of Jing State, it would be a match of equal status, which would be immensely beneficial for Xie State given the current situation. That remark about playing in the palace during the New Year was certainly not without purpose. Li Heyu was hinting at her entering the palace, which she naturally refused.

Although they had already been open and honest, Li Yi still habitually asked her with respect: "May I ask you, what should this palace do next?"

The imperial physician has visited Pingfu several times, and the prescriptions they provided have all been used by Chef Wu as fuel for the furnace. It is evident that it is poisoning, yet they insist on prescribing formulas for dispelling wind and scattering cold that are ineffective for life-threatening conditions, which can only serve as fuel for the furnace

Sima Jingyan claims so

The old emperor did not command her to kneel for long: "Please respond!"

"Those who gave me life are my mother, and those who understand me are also my mother. Hehe..." Suddenly, Jing Yongfu thought of something, "Is Mother taking the medicinal herbs sent by King Pei?"

If the lady looks at her and smiles: "Seeing you smile so mischievously, you must be up to something funny!"

At this moment, Jing Yongfu was busily engaged in her work. Madam, Xiao Cui, A Gen, Sister Shui, and even Chef Wu were all gathered around, watching her discuss various studies with Master Lu, who specialized in making fireworks and firecrackers.

"Goodness! This is even more beautiful than the fireworks we had in our residence in the past!" the young servant exclaimed.

A few days later, Li Xuan happily heard from his subordinates that Ping Dafeng had fallen ill again, and Li Yi consequently visited the residence of Ping Dafeng several times.

"Take good care of yourself, and I will wait for you," Li Yi gazed deeply at Jing Yongfu, but she turned her head away. After a long while, Li Yi let out a soft sigh before departing.

The attendant guarding him suddenly exclaimed: "Young master! Young master, come quickly and see, they are setting off fireworks next door!"

If possible, he truly wishes to be the son of Ping and the elder brother of Da Fu. Perhaps Da Fu only sees him as a dandy, but when he is with her, he is willing to give everything he has to make her happy. Sima Qiudi instinctively feels that Da Fu thinks the same way, enjoying a carefree and simple happiness together.

Li Yi's expression and words at that time were never forgotten by Jing Yongfu. He articulated it word by word: "That is a sentiment more worthy of cherishing than that of a man towards a woman"

On that night, Sima Jingyan, who had brought back the "precious medicinal materials," appeared at the Pei Wangfu with a sullen face. It is said that after he left, the Pei Wang remained silent for half the night. This is news that is easy to report back to the government.

At the same time, countless people in the capital were admiring this series of fireworks, their praises echoing continuously. Only Lu Si's firecracker master was still pondering: "How can it be achieved? The height is not difficult, and making the landing point circular is also not hard, but the calculations for the horizontal and vertical..."

Sima Qiudi did not respond, engrossed in watching the sparks in the sky, brilliant and resplendent, dazzling to the point of forgetting oneself. As they fleetingly vanished, there was a worry that the person setting off the fireworks might cease their efforts. Fortunately, after a moment of darkness, vibrant colors would rise again. Suddenly, several bursts of sparks dazzled simultaneously, followed by a change in the colors of the fireworks. As the bursts of sparks descended, a sound accompanied by the crackle of firecrackers shot up into the night sky, scattering into an orange firework that had never been seen before. The firework opened like a blooming flower, forming a sphere, radiantly orange and stunningly beautiful. Suddenly, another beam of white light shot up, resembling an open folding fan inserted into the orange sphere, both magical and extraordinarily beautiful.

Li Yi smiled and said: "It can no longer be hidden, and I do not regret it. It is time for my father to see you, you little ghost girl!"

Li Xuan pondered and said: "This is still a minor issue; the matters concerning the Chen family are of greater importance. Everything has been entrusted to Lord Sima for discreet planning."

Jing Yongfu casually fabricated a lie

Both sides are unwilling, but I should also be content. You ultimately stayed in the capital for me

Lu Si Fireworks and Firecrackers Store had been closed for several months. After reopening, it became the foremost renowned store in the Xie Kingdom, dominating the industry. This is a story for another time, but the store's prosperity is inextricably linked to Jing Yongfu. When the brilliant and dazzling fireworks rose above the capital, the store gained fame.

As the New Year approaches, Jing Yongfu also returned the favor, presenting some precious medicinal herbs, wishing Madam Sima a long life of one hundred years

This is indeed a disgrace; my wife is not as eloquent as that girl. After suffering a loss, she only timidly informed me of this matter in the past two days. I asked her to repeat every sentence from that day, and only then did I realize that this Ping Dafuku is not simple at all

The lady nodded gently and said, "Hmm. It is all personally managed by Xiaocui."

Sima Qiudi is quite annoyed, as he is followed by a servant every day, even when he goes to the restroom. The more annoyed he becomes, the more anxious he feels. Tomorrow, Dafu next door will be playing with firecrackers and fireworks, and Ping Shi will surely be very happy, so happy that she might even forget herself, but he could never forget Ping Shi. The woman in the portrait has always been regarded as his biological mother, and after spending a month with Ping Shi, he has become even more certain of his sense of belonging to her. Although Madam Sima and the various concubines have treated him well, there is no deep emotional connection or kinship—his status in the Sima family entirely relies on the favor of Sima Jingyan. The woman in the portrait has always been regarded as his biological mother, and after spending a month with Ping Shi, he has become even more certain of his sense of belonging to her. Although Madam Sima and the various concubines have treated him well, there is no deep emotional connection or kinship—his status in the Sima family entirely relies on the favor of Sima Jingyan. However, Ping Shi is different; he can feel that she treats him sincerely, with a tenderness akin to that of a mother.

Whether you believe it or not, I am willing to pay any possible price to take you as my spouse

Sima Jingyan remarked: "There are indeed many talented and extraordinary individuals in the Rongyi Mansion, and it is not surprising that they do not perish. However, the attitude of the Crown Prince is intriguing; after all, she is merely an unremarkable tavern girl. He first sent her to the Rongyi Mansion and then sought her hand in marriage at the court, which indicates her significance in the Crown Prince's heart. If she were to die, it would undoubtedly affect the Crown Prince deeply"

The temporary calm is merely a facade to conceal the impending storm. If those in power push too hard, even a cornered dog will leap over the wall and do anything. Furthermore, Your Highness, do you not think that relying on the court physicians for the health of King Xie is futile

Since the game has been pushed forward, if the newly opened situation is to catch others off guard, it is necessary to change the main attack direction. Jing Yongfu has slept for so many days, but his mind has not been at rest

Li Xuan sat in the study, listening to the reports from his subordinates. Sima Jingyan stood silently beside him

Just protect King Xie well. Jing Yongfu said this lightly, yet it was the heaviest of words

In truth, you are well aware of my intentions. I merely wish to retain you, and it is out of desperation that I resorted to such measures... However, as long as you are willing, I shall not let you down. As for the conditions you proposed, I have fulfilled them. In the presence of the public, before the court, I have requested my father to take you as my consort. " Li Yi said with a bitter smile, "I suppose you had already anticipated this, and my father refused.

Li Yi suddenly grasped Jing Yongfu's hand and pressed a kiss upon it

"Why not, I have an idea. Although it may not alleviate his confinement-induced boredom, it can certainly provide him with some comfort."

A few days later, the firecracker master returned to his small shop in a daze, mumbling incomprehensible numbers, "One hundred one, seven hundred two, seven... vertical nine, two horizontal four, three..."

After Li Yi left, Jing Yongfu carefully examined his own hand, wondering why men always liked to hold women's hands and then kiss them. Pu Pu'er did that to Xiao Cui, and Li Yi did the same to her. She felt very uncomfortable; she did not like it. Yet, she had no idea that when faced with Li Yi's confession, she felt no embarrassment at all.

Sima Jingyan also noticed this. His feelings of aversion slightly diminished. This Ping Dafeng can be considered to have feelings for Qiu Di as well

After Li Xuan's subordinate withdrew, Sima Jingyan asked, "Your Highness, have you seen this girl? Do you notice anything unusual?"

Before the arrival of the New Year, Jing Yongfu's little life was quite enjoyable. If not for the sudden water leak in the backyard on one day, the visit from a thief on another day, and the unexpected visit from Si Ma Jingyan on yet another day

The arson did not claim even half a life, and the thief was no ordinary criminal, which is why Sima Jingyan personally came to investigate what kind of demon Jing Yongfu truly was. However, he was left disappointed, for there was no such mundane demon in the world

"What an annoying girl!" After impatiently dismissing his subordinate, Li Xuan said coldly, "This woman must be eliminated!"

Jing Yongfu was rendered speechless and let out a laugh. He was indeed clever, as he did not deceive her with words

Sima Qiudi smiled

In the winter palace of the Xie Kingdom, the prolonged wait outside the hall left Jing Yongfu with no time to appreciate the court's scenery, as he was preoccupied with covering his frozen red nose. Li Yilian tenderly remarked, "You don't even wear a scarf"

Wu Chu watched Jing Yongfu with a monster-like expression. After spending a long time with her, Shui Jie and the others all wore cheerful smiles, while A Gen, rarely showing a childlike side, fiddled with the firecrackers made by Jing Yongfu. Only Madam Ruo consistently enjoyed the fireworks, which were specially designed in the style of Sima Qiudi.

Li Yi's expression was grave: "One should not speak recklessly without evidence. What is the basis for your statement?"

Sima Jingyan remained silent

It is quite baffling

Having said almost everything, Li Yi suddenly changed the subject and cautiously asked, "Do you truly not wish to marry me?"

Jing Yongfu was speechless. She was indeed only 14 years old, but she was not an ordinary 14-year-old. Li Yi did not know that she, like him, came from one of the darkest families in the world. The darkness of the royal family and the hardships she endured in her childhood forced her to mature early, compelling her to exert all her efforts to gain clarity about the world around her

Returning to the Sima residence, Sima Jingyan heard the sound of firecrackers coming from next door, and he questioned in his heart why a girl would play with firecrackers in broad daylight. Was she really to be regarded as a troublesome rival? He glanced at his confined young son, and with the sound of firecrackers from next door, the tranquility he had cultivated was completely shattered, revealing a look of longing to sprout wings and fly away. Sima Jingyan's confusion turned to disgust; where did this annoying girl come from, who had captivated the Crown Prince and enchanted his own son? She deserved to be targeted by Li Xuan. He then kept an even closer watch on his young son, even going so far as to remove all the ladders in the residence, fearing that he might be unable to restrain himself and climb over the wall.

She is someone close to Li Yi, there is no need to remind us. Could it be?" Li Xuan smiled and said, "Could it be that she has intentions towards Qiu Di?

Jing Yongfu was well aware of the weight that the son of an old friend held in his mother's heart. Moreover, Sima Qiudi had indeed been confined at home by Lady Ruo. At that moment, she delicately mentioned the matter of Sima Qiudi's house arrest, and indeed, Lady Ruo's face showed concern: "Such a lovely child, being kept at home, we must not let her get bored, right?"

Now he can instinctively sense that Da Fu is greeting him in her own way. Thinking of Lady Sima's angry yet helpless expression, he can't help but chuckle, but when he recalls his own constrained situation in the mansion, he feels dejected again. For the past few nights, he has always gone to bed very late, and tonight is no exception.

Ping Dafuku was ill for over a month, during which the Crown Prince visited him three times, but King Di did not take any action. After Ping Dafuku recovered, he did not leave his home, only sending someone to procure several items, including ten sets of crude furniture and thirty-four sets of kitchenware, and thereafter there was no further activity

She stood up respectfully

Returning to the starting point, Jing Yongfu only agreed to assist him in ascending to the throne

My illness is not caused by wind and cold, but rather by poisoning. However, several physicians from the Imperial Medical Institute have come, and none have prescribed the right remedy. It is evident that they are either a group of quacks or are being manipulated by someone. With the wisdom of King Xie, he should have noticed this long ago. Historically, emperors have always been very cautious regarding the physicians around them; why does King Xie allow these quacks to linger in the palace?" Jing Yongfu said with a self-deprecating smile, "However, I indeed have no evidence. I had my chef use those prescriptions to start a fire." Historically, emperors have always been very cautious regarding the physicians around them; why does King Xie allow these quacks to linger in the palace?" Jing Yongfu said with a self-deprecating smile, "However, I indeed have no evidence. I had my chef use those prescriptions to start a fire.

Li Xuan pondered for a moment before asking: "Did you say she originally ran a tavern in Ziliu?"

Oh? Is there really such a thing?

Jing Yongfu felt that Li Xuan was a bit ruthless, not sparing even the small characters, but he underestimated her capabilities. She has always left a way out for others in her dealings, but that does not mean she is someone to be easily bullied

Outside the door, new news arrives, but it is only Ping Dafuku who has grown tired of the juggling troupe and has become infatuated with fireworks and firecrackers

She said: "Indeed. This humble girl, with boldness, wishes to prepare something fresh for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince before the arrival of the New Year. Yesterday was a great success; this will be the only occasion, and in the future, I will certainly not create any noise to disturb the neighbors without reason"

Li Yichen said: "You are too kind-hearted and soft-handed, always leaving others a way out. How could you have been poisoned?"

The young servant exchanged a knowing glance with Sima Qiudi. It was evident that the neighboring family was trying to curry favor with the young master, yet the young master, in his current state of gloom, had even hidden away the fan he usually cherished.

"Master, what are you reading?" his disciple asked curiously

She hurriedly said: "How could a common woman produce such things? I do not dare to take credit for them; they are all goods from the Wangdu Lu Si Fireworks Shop"

The night of fireworks concluded with a grand display of firecrackers in Argentina. The municipal government dispatched personnel to prohibit the disruptive actions of the Ping family, and out of respect for Li Yi, the envoy spoke courteously and did not summon the Ping family to the government office. However, the noise from the fireworks and firecrackers was indeed too loud, and the next day, Li Yi had no choice but to bring Jing Yongfu to the palace for an audience with King Xie.

Li Yi was taken aback

The commoner woman Ping Dafuku greets Your Majesty

Sima Jingyan, under the pretense of expressing gratitude to Xie Jingyong for his care of his son, brought gifts to the door, but in reality, he sought to probe the depths of the Ping residence. He was not disappointed, for he saw Sister Shui.

He hurriedly put on his clothes and rushed out, only to see fireworks bursting in the high sky not far away, a truly beautiful sight. The bright red blossoms and the lush green clusters, thousands upon thousands amidst the stars, created a scene reminiscent of the New Year, which captivated him utterly.

Li Xuan's usual warmth was absent as he said heavily: "I was almost deceived by her; she accepted my gifts without hesitation. However, after hearing Li Yichao's words in the court, I finally woke up from my dream. It was this little girl who noticed something was amiss and took the lead in Xuanyuan Bu'er. She was originally a tavern girl, so she naturally had her ear to the ground; how could I have forgotten that? However, a tavern girl is still a tavern girl; it seems she cannot sit still and is planning to return to her old profession!"

Jing Yongfu pondered and said: "I kindly ask you, Master, to stay a few more days; I assure you that I will not treat you poorly."

He ultimately asked him directly. Jing Yongfu gazed at him, this young prodigy who could be considered a talent of exceptional stature. Although still young and lacking in many aspects, he had already possessed the essential qualities of a renowned ruler of his generation. But what true feelings could there be in a royal family? If the lady's experiences had already made her aware of the ruthlessness of the royal household. Li Fei had deceived her in her youth, once using her beauty to manipulate her; in comparison, Li Yi was relatively honest.

Sima Jingyan expressed his concern, saying: "I would rather it be this way..." He then shifted his tone, revealing a murderous intent, "This girl is perceptive of the situation and sharp-witted, but she is not one of us; she is aiding the Crown Prince. Even though she is merely an inconsequential little girl, she cannot be allowed to remain if she is a nuisance."

She is indeed fortunate to be alive, Li Xuan said coldly

Good medicinal materials must not be wasted ... ... '' She did not finish the latter half of her sentence, fearing that Lady Ruo would worry—poisonous medicinal materials must not be overlooked

The firecracker master was taken aback, his face quickly turning pale: "Oh no, I forgot, I have to start over." After mumbling for a while, he dejectedly said, "I ultimately cannot calculate these, but at her young age, without using an abacus or writing it down, how can she possibly figure it out? The layers of finely piled gunpowder are complex and varied... Ah, I forgot again... Good apprentice, which number was I on just now?"

If the lady is pondering nearby: "In painting, red and yellow combined create orange"

Li Yi gazed deeply at her: "Are you really only fourteen years old?"

Sima Jingyan, however, said: "Otherwise, my humble wife has personally experienced it. The young girl spoke with hidden meanings, hinting that the Sima family should not get involved in royal matters, otherwise it would be difficult to ensure the future glory of the Sima clan"

The Li father and son conversed for a long time. A palace coup gradually took root in their discussions, and everything that Jing Yongfu could do, wanted to do, and should have done had already been accomplished. What remained was beyond her capabilities and, moreover, exceeded her imagination

Jing Yongfu felt a chill run down his spine, and hurriedly withdrew his hand

Is this white powder red when released? What will happen if it is put into yellow?

"Did you set off firecrackers and fireworks for half the night last night, as reported by the government office?"

"Are you planning to open a tavern in the capital?" Li Xuan commanded, "Continue to keep an eye on it. Also, continue to gather information for me from Ziliu."

A few days later, subordinates reported that Ping Dafuku seemed to be gradually improving. Li Yi invited a troupe of performers to his residence to alleviate his ailments and troubles. The furniture and kitchenware purchased earlier by the comprador also came in handy.

"But I lost the bet, didn't I? Your Highness still managed to do it." Jing Yongfu felt disgusted by Li Yi's unscrupulous methods to keep her in the Xie Kingdom, yet admired his willingness to publicly announce his intention to marry her in the Zhengshu Hall, despite his status as the Crown Prince. Although she lost the bet, Li Yi was shameless; fortunately, his father, King Xie, still valued the dignity of the royal family.

"In response to Miss, I have never done such a thing, and I truly do not know." The firecracker master felt embarrassed, having never encountered a lady with so many peculiar and strange questions.

After the incident involving Jing Yongfu, the name Ping Dafu began to circulate. Initially, it was within the circles of the official families of the Xie Kingdom, then it spread to the common people, followed by the entire Xie Kingdom, and ultimately reached all three kingdoms. Due to Li Yi's failure to clarify the nature of the news regarding Jing Yongfu while suppressing the banditry at the borders, rumors became increasingly exaggerated. In short, Dafu gained a small measure of fame once again, but this time, she was not at all foolish. Those who claimed she was the righteous daughter avenging her father were mostly ordinary citizens of the Xie Kingdom; those who labeled her a traitor selling out her country for personal gain undoubtedly came from the opposing faction of the Crown Prince; only a very few knew the truth and tried to defend her, yet they too wove their own fabrications. In summary, Dafu gained a small measure of fame once again, but this time, she was not at all foolish.

Yes. I have heard that it is a good hotel, the chef's skills are excellent, and the dishes are innovative

Li Yi personally poured tea for her and exchanged a few casual remarks. She meticulously outlined the matters that required attention. If her predictions were correct, Li Yi's "pushing the plate" had temporarily extinguished the imminent signs of bloody power struggles, yet it brewed a more terrifying undercurrent. The act of a prince killing his father; such events unfold in every dynasty and every nation.

She did not dare to meet his gaze and forced a jest, saying, "Am I really that unpresentable?" Although the matter had been made clear earlier, she could not appear too relaxed at a moment when she should be shy

The orange spherical flowers, accompanied by white fan-shaped fireworks, fall down and then rise again with green spherical flowers, still accompanied by a fan-like white firework slanting into the spherical flowers. Next come the blue, the purple, and flowers of various colors, but each color of spherical flower is accompanied by white fan-shaped fireworks.

A month later, Li Yi finally met the "awakened" Jing Yongfu, and the matter regarding marrying her could finally be settled.

Li Yi personally visited Jing Yongfu three times, and each time she was in a deep sleep. He knew she did not wish to see him, so he decided not to come for the time being. Since delivering the plaque, Li Fei has lost all contact; to be precise, Jing Yongfu has not seen him since that day at Xiangshan Tuo Luo Temple. However, Li Xuan has sent many valuable medicinal herbs, all for nourishing blood and energy, which Jing Yongfu considers as filial piety towards her mother. As for Si Ma Qiudi, she has evidently been restrained and has not appeared at all.

This is Your Highness's eager desire for talent

The medicinal herbs sent by Li Xuan are all non-toxic and harmless in each batch. However, there are some herbs in the world that are beneficial when separated, but become toxic when combined. If Xiao Cui is unaware or unguarded, allowing them to pile together, anyone who consumes them would either die or suffer greatly.

However, miss, some powders cannot be mixed. The firecracker master speculated, If the miss wishes to create special fireworks, it would be better to let me take care of it.

"That's it!" Jing Yongfu said with a smile, "I also want white, blue, green, whatever you have, just give it all to me!"

Li Heyu spoke a few words and then sent her away. He did not mention at all the matter of Li Yi proposing in the palace that day, which was exactly to her liking

Jing Yongfu pondered for a moment and then asked, "May I inquire, Your Highness, what feelings do you hold towards Da Fu?"

Li Xuan sneered and said: "Indeed, the gifts of this king are not so easily accepted. Since you have accepted them, you must be prepared to pay with your life for it"

Li and Yu fixed their gaze on her for a long time before saying: "The design is quite fresh; come to the palace to have some fun during the New Year"

She chuckled and said, "Your Highness, you must wish to wrap me up tightly so that no one can see me, right!"