Chapter 427: Still Young

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

“HOW can it be a small matter? General Xiao’s long-lost daughter is coming of age. This is a huge joyous occasion. Coincidentally, the decree is about to be conferred today, so I might as well come along.”

“Everyone, get up. Today is a family banquet. There’s no need to stand on ceremony.”

Even so, the officials who came to freeload did not dare to move at all. Who would dare to act rashly in front of His Majesty… Heh, there really was!

The people from the Gu, Shen, and Xiao Families really got up and pulled out stools. Gu Chang’an even asked, “Has His Majesty eaten?

The Emperor waved his hand readily. “No, give me another seat. Come, Dezi, announce the imperial edict before dinner.

They suddenly felt that the Xiao Family was even more doted on than before. Who else could make His Majesty come personally to announce the decree? However, just as some people were sighing, the Emperor stared at the dishes on the table and instructed softly, “Dezi, read faster.” Otherwise, the dishes would turn cold.

Eunuch De:…

Was His Majesty here to appease General Xiao or to freeload?

Apart from the gold and silver rewards, the appointment of the princess had long been agreed upon. Xiaoxiao was not surprised. The etiquette that she had specially learned was so thorough that no one could find fault with it. Grand Secretary Gu, who was wearing biased, was very satisfied with this granddaughter. In an instant, he felt that she had already surpassed all the noble ladies in the Imperial Capital.

Zuo Xiangling had already been thrown out, and the rest had learned their lesson. No matter how jealous they were, they did not show it on their faces. However, the Empress was different. She had something to do at the General’s

Residence.

“Your Majesty, you came at the right time. I was discussing the children with

General Xiao just now.”

The Emperor could clearly feel that Xiao Ran’s expression had turned much colder. She even slammed her chopsticks on the table. It was obvious that she was about to flare up. He waved his hand. “We’re eating. Let’s not talk about anything else.”

However, the Empress was insensible. “Eating won’t delay our conversation. Your Majesty, I like the Xiao Family’s daughter very much and want to become in-laws with General Xiao.”

She said half-threateningly, “Speaking of which, the Crown Prince did something inappropriate and delayed Miss Xiao’s reputation. If he doesn’t bear the responsibility, I’m afraid it will affect Miss Xiao’s marriage proposal in the future.”

The Emperor looked at the chopsticks in Xiao Ran’s hand that had been broken into two. He wasn’t sure if he could still eat today’s meal.

Xiao Ran continued, “I have said that she won’t get married.” She couldn’t even be bothered to say anything formal. She could do whatever she wanted.

The Empress gritted her teeth. “You!” How dare you act so rashly in front of His Majesty!

The Emperor sighed. The joyous expression on his face had already disappeared. “Marriage is a big matter. It’s the order of parents and the matchmaker’s words. Since General Xiao feels that it’s inappropriate, Empress, it’s better not to randomly matchmake them.”

She wanted to say more, but the Emperor put down his wine glass. “Empress.” His attitude was firm. No matter how unwilling the Empress was, she could only swallow her anger. However, when she thought of the gift that had been returned, she was still unhappy. “Your Majesty, what I want to say is that this lady from the General’s Residence is indeed quite devoted to her job, but… “I heard that it’s hard to find a book in the Imperial Capital recently. Just now, the Crown Prince brought the books he found to help her. However, the Xiao Family only used the books sent by the Gu Family and didn’t want to accept the Crown Prince. Even if they want to avoid suspicion, they don’t have to misinterpret the Crown Prince’s good intentions.”

“After all, that book house was built by His Majesty to benefit the students. How can she act on impulse? Besides, the Gu Family is the one who filled up the royal book house. This can’t withstand criticism.”

“Whether it’s saying that we don’t understand the Gu Family or that the Gu

Family has ulterior motives, it’s not pleasant to hear.”

“It’s really too young to let this young lady handle such a big matter, don’t you think?”

The Emperor didn’t listen to her one-sided words, so he looked at Xiao Ran, who winked at her daughter.

Before Grand Secretary Gu could speak, Xiaoxiao said, “Your Majesty, I’ve never said that I plan to bring Grandpa’s gift to the book house.”

-Of course I have to keep the books that Grandpa gave me in the General’s Residence and read them carefully. I’m still young and not that generous. I can’t bear to share Grandpa’s meticulously prepared gifts with others.” Her tone was playful and her appearance was likable. Even the Crown Prince, who had seen her in the border city, knew that such an exquisite and dazzling appearance was hidden under her thick bangs.

Although she was a little young, it was not difficult to see what kind of beauty she would become in the future.

While the Crown Prince was distracted, Xiaoxiao had already said crisply, “I have prepared the books needed for the book house.”

The Empress did not believe it. Not to mention him, even the Emperor was deeply suspicious. At this moment, the maid servants and servants carried “brush, ink, paper, and inkstone” forward. The Empress laughed out loud. “Look at this situation. Could it be that you plan to copy it now?” “Little girl, it’s not that I want to laugh at you, but even if you get all the guests at today’s banquet to help you copy for a few days and nights, I’m afraid you won’t be able to fill two bookshelves.

You can only blame yourself for biting off more than you can chew. You set your goals too high and wanted to amaze everyone with a single feat. However, you never thought that you would be trapped and would only become the laughing stock of the entire Imperial Capital.

Xiaoxiao shook her head. “How is that possible?”

The Shen family’s sons heaved a sigh of relief. Although they were willing to sacrifice their lives for their good friend, this writing and copying… Ahem, ahem, they knew it was bad.

The Emperor asked curiously, “Then are you asking for calligraphy treasures?” Xiaoxiao smiled. “This is a dish.”

Everyone’s eyes were filled with question marks. Dish?

Xiaoxiao jumped to her parents’ side and poked Gu Chang’an. “Father, help me demonstrate.”

Grand Secretary Gu felt as if his son had secretly glanced at him. Then, he wiped his hands clean, picked up a “brush”, dipped it in ink, and wrote the words “Gu”, “Longevity”, “Peace”, “Health”, “Loyalty”, “Filial”, “Grace , “Righteousness” on the “paper”.

The paper was cut a little small, and the color and appearance were slightly different from usual.

Gu Chang’an sent the word “Gu” to Grand Secretary Gu.

Grand Secretary Gu took a look “Is the calligraphy okay?”

He was actually quite puzzled. Why did he ask him about his handwriting? Gu Chang’an was stunned for a moment. He turned around, picked up the word “Filial”, and stuffed it into his mouth.

Xiaoxiao was finally convinced by her father, so she also did it herself. “This brush, paper, and inkstone are all edible. The brush rod is tender bamboo shoots, the tip of the brush is Monkey Head Mushroom, the ink is sauce, and the paper is rice noodles. Grandfather, everyone, try it?

Grand Secretary Gu looked at the small word on his plate and seemed to recall the scene of teaching his son how to write many years ago. “Gu” was the first word he taught his son to write.

According to Gu Chang’an’s actions just now, Grand Secretary Gu folded the rice flour pastry and placed it in his mouth to take a bite.

The slight sweetness of the rice noodles melted together with the saltiness of the sauce. This delicious taste was unfamiliar, but it was harmonious. It quickly captured Grand Secretary Gu’s taste buds.

Xiaoxiao could tell that he was satisfied and said, “Father specially prepared this for Grandpa. Is it delicious?”

Gu Chang’an looked calm, but his ears were actually almost pricked up. Grand Secretary Gu coughed lightly and said matter-of-factly, “Not bad, it’s just that your penmanship is a little rusty.”

Gu Chang’an was nervous, but he didn’t explain because Grand Secretary Gu was copying him. He also wrote the word “Gu” and handed it to Gu Chang’an. “Here, you have to practice more..”