Chapter 342: Aren't you his son?

In the Golden Tent, a dropped pin could be heard.

Everyone's gaze was focused on Tuan Tuan.

She held a silver-gray wolf pup, lifted her fair little face, her eyes clear, as if asking just an ordinary question.

Menggen's smile faded, his gaze deepening as he fixed it on her small face.

He didn't answer directly, but countered: 'Oh? What help did he give you?'

Bateer curled his lip, leisurely waiting for Tuan Tuan to make a fool of herself.

Apart from having decent skills and being able to fight, what else does Jifeng know!

What could this Lie Kingdom child possibly say?

Tuan Tuan thought seriously, then spoke softly: 'When Uncle Ji took me hunting, he was amazing! He could understand the wind's voice and knew where the prey were.'

Moreover,' her eyes sparkling, 'when he was in the Lie Kingdom, I told him that since people on the grasslands don't like using silver, we could barter goods instead!'

Just agree on the value of what you want to exchange, then trade.

She gestured with her small hand, trying to explain clearly: 'Uncle Ji's eyes lit up when he heard it; he said the idea was good and later created the Ji-Tuan Free Market!'

He said this way, grassland goods and Lie Kingdom goods would be available to all; with more things, the grassland folk could live better lives!

A few low gasps sounded inside the tent.

The faces of several tribal chiefs and officials changed slightly.

The Ji-Tuan Free Market wasn't universally welcomed in West Lu, but its tangible benefits—especially for smaller tribes—were plain for all to see.

Only now did they realize that this seemingly beneficial decree for two countries actually sprang from this young girl's innocent remark!

And the one who truly implemented it to benefit the grasslands was none other than the imprisoned Second Prince!

Menggen's brow twitched.

Tuan Tuan said proudly: 'Later, Uncle Ji learned I was the Jiziu of the Nüzi Jian, and asked me what the Nüzi Jian was about.'

'Great Han Grandfather, do you know?'

Menggen laughed and shook his head: 'This little girl is actually the Jiziu?'

'The Nüzi Jian lets girls who have no food or place to go learn skills like weaving and embroidery.'

'That way, they can earn their own silver and never go hungry again.'

'Uncle Ji clapped his hands, saying this was really good! The women of the grasslands should also have this chance to learn skills beyond herding and milking.'

'That way, even if the men at home are gone, they can support themselves without waiting forever for others to feed them.'

She paused, looking at Great Khan Menggen, and asked earnestly: 'Great Khan, does Uncle Ji truly want everyone on the grasslands to live well?'

'Isn't he very smart and a good person?'

The Golden Tent fell silent.

These words, spoken by a five-year-old in the plainest, most purpose-free language, were more persuasive than any ornate praise or fierce debate.

In the tent, the tribal chiefs and officials either nodded slightly or fell into thought.

Mu Ren listened entranced, his gaze toward Tuan Tuan full of astonishment.

Wu Ya proudly puffed out her little chest, as if the praise were for herself.

Menggen remained silent for a long time.

His lean body leaned back against the white tiger skin on the throne.

'I see,' he said in a low voice, 'the Ji-Tuan Free Market came about like this. The Nüzi Jian...'

He paused: 'Good child, Jifeng is currently reflecting in seclusion.'

'Some things he needs to figure out himself. Once he does, I will naturally let him out.'

He gazed at Tuan Tuan, his tone softening: 'If you're still on the grasslands then, you can go see him.'

'Really?' Tuan Tuan's eyes widened in delight, her small face breaking into a brilliant smile, two tiny dimples sinking deep.

She nodded firmly, fixed her gaze on Menggen, and spoke with utmost admiration:

'Great Khan, you're truly good!'

'You're just like my Imperial Uncle, both caring for your people and wanting everyone to live well—you're a fine emperor! The finest, greatest emperor under heaven!'

This blunt, almost rash praise, shouted from a child's mouth, had no trace of flattery and was extraordinarily pleasing to the ear.

'Pfft—' Xiao Ran suddenly lowered her head to cover her mouth, her shoulders shaking violently.

I've heard flattery before, but never like this—Tuan Tuan, you're truly the first!

Xiao Ningxun's eyes twinkled with amusement.

Xiao Er and Lu Qi looked at their young lady, faces full of pride.

Others also lowered their heads, hiding their amused smiles.

Menggen was obviously stunned as well.

He had heard countless lavish or veiled praises in his life, but never such an open, unadorned, blunt compliment.

It even caused his heart, long steeped in scheming and cold as iron, to stir with a strange ripple.

Menggen couldn't help but burst out laughing, 'hahaha.'

'Good, good! Princess Jiayou, you really know how to speak!'

Bateer's face had turned as ugly as possible.

He looked at Father Khan's rare, hearty smile on his face, and at the subtle changes in everyone's expressions inside the tent.

A surge of vengeful fire mixed with panic shot up to his heart.

Father Khan's attitude actually softened!

Just because of a few nonsensical words from this little girl?

'A good emperor'? What does she know!

"Father Khan!" He could no longer remain calm, suddenly rose to his feet, "This is internal affairs of our Western Lu! What could a child of just a few years possibly understand?"

"How dare you recklessly discuss the affairs of our Western Lu prince here?"

His eyes sharp, he stared at Tuan Tuan's eyes, anger blazing.

His voice stern, it startled Fan Fan into a shudder, who nervously twisted their small body in Tuan Tuan's arms.

Tuan Tuan tightly held Fan Fan, rubbed its head, tilted its little head, looked at him with a puzzled expression:

"Great Prince Uncle, don't you think Grandfather Great Khan is a good emperor who cares for the people?"

She furrowed her little brow: "You aren't his son? How could you think Grandfather Great Khan is not good?"