Chapter 830: His Majesty this time, some have suffered

The next day, in Zichen Hall.

Xiao Jieyun sat upright on the Dragon Throne.

Seated below were Xiao Ze, Prince Ning and his son, four people, as well as Song Jingxian and Feng Zhou.

Xiao Jieyun looked at Prince Ning: "Xiao Yuanhang, for this recapture of Taiyuan, I intend to have the three of them and Feng Zhou go together with Lao Qi; you will garrison Quanzhou."

"If there is any need at Lao Qi's place, you shall rush to aid immediately."

Xiao Yuanhang nodded, "His Majesty is wise; I obey your command."

The three brothers and Feng Zhou together said, "I obey the command."

Xiao Jieyun's gaze fell on Feng Zhou: "Last night, I stayed up reviewing all the old files the Ministry of War sent, and not a single one failed to glorify the Red-haired Barbarians' firearms as if they were divine artifacts."

"I order you to go, not to charge into battle, but to examine carefully where their firearms truly excel."

"Only after understanding can we improve ours."

Feng Zhou replied, "I understand; I will certainly be diligent."

"Lord Song," the Emperor turned to Song Jingxian, a corner of his mouth lifting, "the envoy from the Eastern Sea, Lin Changyuan, has reported that Princess Yongning is now pregnant."

"Congratulations, His Majesty," Song Jingxian replied, "From now on, every generation of the Eastern Sea king will carry the blood of our Fiery Nation."

"The old minister believes that within fifty years, the Eastern Sea will exist in name only, and will be wholly incorporated into our Fiery Nation's territory."

Xiao Jieyun nodded, changing the subject: "Lord Song, how is Tuan Tuan's studies?"

Song Jingxian's face stiffened.

Xiao Yuanhang lowered his eyelids, looking at the ground.

The three brothers exchanged glances, wondering if the Emperor was about to personally inquire about his sister's studies?

Xiao Jieyun glanced at them: "Lord Song, just say it's fine."

Lord Song turned his head to look at Prince Ning and his son, speaking frankly: "Forgive the old minister's candor; I teach the Five Grains to prosper, yet she has learned only a barren grain."

Everyone: "……"

Xiao Jieyun strained to keep a stern expression.

Feng Zhou pressed his lips tightly, fearing to laugh out loud, unbecoming before the throne.

The three brothers also forced back their laughter, thinking to themselves, "Lord Song, your words are far too blunt."

Xiao Yuanhang helplessly placed his hand on his forehead: Tuan Tuan is fine at everything except she dislikes reading and writing.

But so what?

She is my daughter; as long as she is happy, she may not study, and that's fine.

Eunuch Cheng lowered his head and pursed his lips; Xiao Jieyun turned his head and glared at him.

Eunuch Cheng, unable to hold it in, hurriedly lifted the tea cup on the desk: "The tea is cold; the old servant will go fetch a fresh cup."

Having said that, he fled as if escaping.

Only after stepping out of the hall did he burst into laughter: "Princess, you are just too cute."

Xiao Jieyun, hearing his laughter, could no longer restrain himself and burst into hearty laughter.

The others only then felt relieved and laughed as well.

A moment later, the Emperor quelled the laughter: "I originally intended to ask Tuan Tuan; if she wishes to go, I will let her accompany us."

"In that case, let her stay in Jingcheng. Lord Song, I ask you to teach her carefully."

"Tuan Tuan is clever; perhaps she simply has not yet awakened."

Song Jingxian sighed, a helpless expression on his face: "The old minister obeys."

The four father and son returned to Ning Prince's Mansion; Cheng Ru'an, upon learning they were to set out again, let out a light sigh: "First the border passes are fought, then the capital, then the Eastern Sea."

"I thought that from now on you could all stay peacefully in the mansion, yet another Red-haired Barbarian appears."

"Why does the fighting never end?"

Xiao Yuanhang walked to his wife's side, took her hand and sat at the table, looking at her gently: "No need to worry; the Red-haired Barbarians have few troops in Taiyuan."

"This time, unlike the war with the Eastern Sea, it is merely the recapture of an island."

"His Majesty only sends them to gain experience; I do not even need to lead troops myself."

Cheng Ru'an nodded: "Fortunately, Tuan Tuan is at home keeping me company."

"Speaking of Tuan Tuan," Xiao Yuanhang, unable to laugh or cry, recounted today's events in Zichen Hall.

Cheng Ru'an covered his mouth, laughing nonstop: "Lord Song! Tuan Tuan doesn't like these; why force her to study?"

"Xiao Yuanhang, speak with His Majesty; don't force her."

Xiao Yuanhang nodded: "I think the same as you."

"But Tuan Tuan has already taken Lord Song as her master; if she doesn't go, it would be hard to justify."

He shook his head, laughing: "I don't think Lord Song can force her; if she realizes the difficulty and backs off, the matter will simply fade away."

The husband and wife were speaking when Tuan Tuan ran in: "Dad! Mother! The big brothers are going to war with Third Elder Brother, right?"

Xiao Yuanhang bent down and scooped his daughter into his arms: "Yes."

Tuan Tuan's eyes lit up: "I want to go too!"

Xiao Yuanhang shook his head: "You cannot go; His Majesty forbids it."

"Why?" Tuan Tuan's little face instantly fell.

Xiao Yuanhang glanced at his wife, Cheng Ru'an stifled his laugh and turned his face away.

"Because," Xiao Yuanhang cleared his throat lightly, "Lord Song says your studies are inadequate."

Tuan Tuan blinked: "War doesn't require studies!"

"The teacher's learning is the best; why does Imperial Uncle not let him go to war?"

The couple exchanged a brief glance, both at a loss for words.

Tuan Tuan slipped from her father's arms and took off running outside: "Imperial Uncle won't let me go, so I'll go ask him!"

"Eh——" Xiao Yuanhang reached out, but caught nothing.

"I'll accompany the young lady! Prince, please rest assured!" Xiao Er outside hurried after them.

Cheng Ru'an watched her daughter's retreating back, smiling and shaking her head: "His Majesty this time, you're in for it."

In Zichen Hall, the Emperor was reviewing memorials.

"Imperial Uncle!"

A clear child's voice rang out outside the hall.

Xiao Jieyun's pen paused in his hand; he lifted his head and looked toward the hall exterior.

All that could be seen was a pinkish little figure rushing in from the hall doors, followed by several helpless little eunuchs: "Princess, slow down! We haven't—"

Tuan Tuan ran up to the Dragon Desk and, without a word, flung herself into the Emperor's arms.

A little eunuch shrank his neck: "Your Majesty, the princess barged in without waiting for announcement; we really couldn't stop her."

Xiao Jieyun caught her in one go: "Slow down! Watch out for bumping the desk corner!"

"Imperial Uncle!" Tuan Tuan flung her arms around his neck: "I want to go to the bureau with Third Elder Brother! Father said you don't allow it!"

"Go on." Xiao Jieyun waved his hand, and the little eunuchs retreated.

He lowered his gaze to the puffed-up Xiao Tuanzi in his arms: "Today I asked about your lessons."

He reached out and pinched Tuan Tuan's nose: "Your teacher personally said that the lesson on abundant harvests turned out to be a total failure."

Tuan Tuan pursed her lips, her big eyes staring straight at the Emperor: "Imperial Uncle, warfare doesn't need lessons! What does that have to do with my total failure?"

Xiao Jieyun frowned, wondering how she kept getting more and more off-topic.

"Anyway, it's not allowed," he said, seeing no point in reasoning with the child, "Even if you claimed the sky was splitting, I wouldn't agree."

"As for you, just stay in the mansion and study diligently for me."

Tuan Tuan fell silent.

Xiao Jieyun lowered his gaze and saw Xiao Tuanzi lying on his chest, her big eyes blinking up at him, grinning mischievously.

"What are you laughing at?" Xiao Jieyun instantly became alert.