Chapter 233: My Rank Is the Highest

Grandfather Yu choked a little, forced a smile and said, "An old servant naturally would not dare."

"Then that's fine!"

Grandfather Yu: "……"

Grandfather Yu looked at Gongsun Yue with eyes full of words and said, "Princess, I suppose His Highness also does not wish it."

Tuan Tuan looked at Gongsun Yue with a strange expression and asked, "Xiao Yueyue, don't you want to live in my house?"

Gongsun Yue's eyes flickered.

Of course I'm willing! If I live in the Prince's Mansion, Grandfather Yu's threat to me will be much smaller, and he can no longer stare at me so intently and constantly pressure me as before.

He pretended to be in a difficult position, but his gaze secretly slipped toward Grandfather Yu.

Tuan Tuan stared at him and understood: Xiao Yueyue is afraid of this Grandfather Yu! He must be very unkind to Xiao Yueyue!

Xiao Yueyue is all alone, and this wicked Grandfather Yu still bullies him!

Tuan Tuan walked up to Grandfather Yu, lifted her head, hands on her hips and said, "Hey! Whether he wants it or not, as long as I'm willing it's fine! I am the Princess! My authority is the greatest here!"

Grandfather Yu: "……"

As an Immortal Envoy of the Fiery Nation and the Princess (Commandery) of the State, Tuan Tuan is worlds apart from herself; once she gives an order, there is no reason not to obey.

Seeing that he had nothing to say, Tuan Tuan looked at Gongsun Yue and said, "Get up! Let's leave right now!"

Xiao Er walked over and took Tuan Tuan's hand: "Miss, let's go out first so His Highness can get up and change clothes."

"Oh." Tuan Tuan followed Xiao Er outward, and upon reaching the doorway she turned back, "Xiao Yueyue, hurry up!"

After the two went out.

Grandfather Yu's face changed instantly: "Why didn't His Highness speak up to refuse just now? Could it be that you also want to live in the Ning Prince's Mansion?"

Gongsun Yue sighed and feigned helplessness: "Grandfather Yu, the Princess is determined, and I have no recourse. Grandfather, aren't you also at a loss?"

"Father Emperor's decree is to let me get close to the Princess; now I have a chance to move into the Prince's Mansion, close to the water tower, isn't that achieving twice the result with half the effort?"

"You! Meeting His Majesty's people later will only make it even harder, won't it?"

Gongsun Yue gave a slight smile, got up to dress, and said, "Grandfather Yu has earned Father Emperor's trust; his methods are so formidable. This little matter should not be beyond you."

Grandfather Yu glared at him with hatred.

This monster dares to disobey the mixed family's words! No wonder His Majesty instructed strict supervision before departure, and to kill him immediately if any treachery appears.

Having reached this point, Grandfather Yu could do nothing else but pack a few simple clothes, follow Gongsun Yue, board Tuan Tuan's carriage, and move to the Ning Prince's Mansion.

Cheng Ru'an hurriedly ordered that Lin Feng Ju be prepared for Gongsun Yue to reside in.

Tuan Tuan hugged her mother's neck and whispered a few words into her ear.

Cheng Ru'an glanced at his daughter and nodded.

Soon, a servant reported that Lin Feng Ju had been tidied, and Tuan Tuan, excitedly, dragged Gongsun Yue to see his new home.

Unlike the desolate Zhi Hall, this small courtyard is compact and exquisite, a world of its own.

The charcoal brazier glowed hot, the room was warm as spring; on the table not only steamed hot tea but also several delicate pastries, the bed was covered with a soft brocade quilt, and the curtains were brand new.

How wonderful, I've never lived in such a fine, refined place before.

If Mother Consort were here, she would love it immensely.

Gongsun Yue looked at Tuan Tuan, his eyes slightly reddened, and said, "Thank you, Tuan Tuan."

Tuan Tuan was delighted: "As long as you like it! From now on, we can play together every day."

Grandma Liu entered, followed by a young woman of about thirty, and said, "His Highness, this is Grandma Zhou; from now on she will take care of your meals and daily life."

"Hello, Grandma Zhou."

Grandma Zhou hurriedly bowed: "I dare not, Young His Highness is well."

Gongsun Yue asked, "What about Grandfather Yu?"

Grandma Liu replied, "Grandfather Yu has been placed in the outer courtyard. Princess Consort gave orders; as a distinguished guest, His Highness has capable staff to attend to him. Grandfather Yu can rest peacefully; there is no need to enter the inner courtyard and disturb His Highness's tranquility unless necessary."

Gongsun Yue was startled, and upon seeing Tuan Tuan's smug little expression, instantly realized it was Tuan Tuan's idea.

He suddenly felt an unparalleled ease.

In the past, no matter when or where, someone was always watching over him; every move he made had to be cautious, repeatedly considered, fearing any slightest mistake could endanger his own life and even implicate his mother.

Now, he can finally live freely in a world that belongs to himself.

He couldn't help but wrap his arms around Tuan Tuan, bury his head on her small shoulder, and whispered, "Tuan Tuan, you are truly wonderful."

At the same time, Grandfather Yu, carrying a few simple garments, followed a servant into a row of low rooms in the outer courtyard of the Prince's Mansion.

He pushed open the door, and a hot wave mixed with sweat and shoe‑sock odor rushed toward him.

Inside was a large communal bunk that could accommodate a dozen people; a few newly reassigned Guards were sitting on the bunks chatting and polishing weapons.

When they saw him enter, everyone's gaze instantly fell on him, scrutinizing him without restraint.

The guiding servant pointed to the innermost narrow spot on the bunk and said, "Grandfather Yu, you may rest here from now on; the brothers in the mansion will take good care of you."

Grandfather Yu froze in place, the few garments in his hands feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds.

He had served in the palace for most of his life, long accustomed to a solitary room with countless young eunuchs flattering him; now he was to live in such a place?

And have to cram together with these coarse soldiers reeking of sweat?

These Guards are clearly all the Prince's Mansion's eyes watching him day and night!

That evening, Xiao Yuanhang returned to the mansion and learned of the matter.

He couldn't help but laugh heartily: "Excellent! Wonderful! Tuan Tuan's unintentional act has done my king a great favor! Let them move in; under the Prince's Mansion's very nose, let's see what tricks they can still pull!"

The next afternoon, Xiao Ze came to the Ning Prince's Mansion to find Tuan Tuan.

Tuan Tuan saw him and happily rushed over: "Third Elder Brother! It's been ages since you came to play with me!"

Xiao Ze leaned down and steadied her small shoulder: "Tuan Tuan, I came especially to tell you, the Feng Zhou case might be troublesome."

Tuan Tuan was startled: "Feng Zhou? What happened to him?"

Xiao Ze whispered in her ear: "The Ministry of War has been investigating for a long time, yet there's been no progress so far, and Father Emperor is urging again. Today I happened to learn that the Ministry of War intends to wrap up the case as soon as possible."

Tuan Tuan blinked her eyes: "The bad guy hasn't been caught yet—how can they close the case?"

Xiao Ze looked at her: "They're likely going to pin all the blame on Feng Zhou. He's the chief of the Private Affairs Workshop, so the responsibility falls on him. But if that really happens, then Feng Zhou will be guilty of a capital crime."

"Third Elder Brother, you can go tell Imperial Uncle!"

Xiao Ze gave a bitter smile: "They haven't done anything, Tuan Tuan. It's all just my speculation—how would I report it to Father Emperor?"

"If I were to speak now, the Ministry of War would surely protest, making things even more troublesome. That's why, as soon as I heard the news, I came to you first."

Tuan Tuan didn't understand all this; she only knew: "Feng Zhou is mine! I dare anyone to move him!"

Xiao Ze of course understood her: "So, Tuan Tuan, if you intend to save Feng Zhou, you must act quickly. Although these are just my guesses, they're probably nine out of ten correct."

Tuan Tuan thought for a moment, her eyes lighting up: "Third Elder Brother! Let's go find Tianji Pavilion!"