Chapter 18: Grand Crown Prince Li Ji

Accompanied by the sound, it rang out.

Inside the Heart-Purifying Palace.

Empress Dowager Zhou's smile faded a bit.

Gu Jin Nian noticed, but he said nothing; adult affairs, best not to meddle.

Lest he bring trouble upon himself.

"Mother Empress, what is this, Empress's sister-in-law?"

Princess Ningyue also sensed something; she glanced curiously at Empress Dowager Zhou.

"What else could it be? Isn't it just the matter of the Grand Crown Prince going to Da Xia Academy?"

"During this time, I've already gone back and forth to my Heart-Purifying Palace several dozen times."

Empress Dowager Zhou said helplessly.

Upon hearing this, Princess Ningyue immediately understood.

The Grand Crown Prince of Da Xia is now about the same age as Gu Jin Nian, both just a few months shy of sixteen; but if one says Gu Jin Nian is poor at studies, this Grand Crown Prince is even worse.

He learned everything from his grandfather, and when idle he'd run off to the army camp; the Yongsheng Emperor indulged him, often taking him to the camp when there was nothing else to do.

Thus he grew up with a competitive, combative nature; good at fighting, his studies aren't completely ignorant, but at least not good.

Now Da Xia Academy will enroll students in a few days; theoretically, both Gu Jin Nian and the Grand Crown Prince would be unable to enter.

But because of the near-drowning incident, the Minister of Rites produced an extremely precious direct enrollment quota, which counts as compensation.

But the Grand Crown Prince has no recourse.

This direct enrollment quota is few; on the surface, even the Emperor doesn't have such a quota, though of course that's only surface.

After all, if the Emperor truly spoke, who would dare defy his will? But the Emperor generally does not speak; even to set an example, he refrains, with everyone watching.

"Oh, your Emperor's grandson can just directly enter Da Xia Academy, yet you keep shouting about being a sage ruler? Scholars also feel pressure."

"Scholars aren't supposed to uphold justice and not fear power? How can you accept the Grand Crown Prince's such poor grades?"

"Of course, the most important point is that these scholars dare not teach the Grand Crown Prince; if they taught him well, everything would be fine."

"If they taught him poorly, who could bear such responsibility? The Emperor knows this, everyone knows, so it's troublesome; better to handle it officially, so no one invites trouble."

"But can such matters be handled officially? Does the Crown Prince agree? Does the Crown Princess agree?"

"Who wouldn't want their child to enter the highest academy? Who wouldn't want their child to become a dragon? Anyway, every family has its own difficult sutra."

The imperial family is no different; there's nothing particularly strange about it.

Gu Jin Nian merely heard a few sentences and already had a rough idea.

But he didn't want to get involved.

He didn't want to get involved at all.

It had nothing to do with him.

"Then, should we see the Empress Dowager or not?"

Princess Ningyue asked.

Empress Dowager Zhou hesitated slightly, then sighed and said.

"Let's see her; if we don't let her come, she'll come again another day, and we can't stop her."

Empress Dowager Zhou said somewhat displeased.

As soon as she finished speaking, a maid quickly went to report.

"Come, Nian'er, eat some pastries; look how thin you are."

"Ningyue, you too; does the Gu family really have no cooks?"

"Look at Nian'er's frail appearance; look at that someone's grandson, oh, the Minister of War's grandson, also just under sixteen, sturdy as a war ox; then look at our Nian'er—if he ever gets into trouble, Nian'er would surely suffer."

Empress Dowager Zhou said reproachfully.

"But this line of thinking is strange; Empress Dowager, couldn't you think of something better? Your grandson is a scholar; why compare him to the Minister of War's son?"

Hearing the Empress Dowager's reproach, Princess Ningyue could only nod, with nothing to say.

The older generation all dote on their grandsons; this is normal; enduring a couple of scoldings is nothing; it's just then.

A voice sounded.

"Your servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager; may the Empress Dowager enjoy longevity, longevity, and everlasting longevity."

The voice sounded, and Gu Jin Nian looked over.

She was a woman from Harmonious Splendor, about forty years old; though time had left traces on her face, one could still see from her brows that she had once been a great beauty.

This is the Empress of Da Xia, Empress Guo.

She was the daughter of a Duke of the Former Dynasty.

Empress Guo had a gentle demeanor; beside her followed a youth of similar age, wearing a golden python robe, with clear eyebrows and handsome features, yet an air of arrogance lingered between his brows.

This is the Grand Crown Prince of Da Xia, Li Ji.

If nothing unexpected happens, in thirty or fifty years he could become the ruler who dominates Da Xia.

He is among the most esteemed people in this world.

However, compared to that, Li Ji seemed rather casual; upon seeing Empress Dowager Zhou, he did not perform a salute, but stood to the side, his eyes scanning himself.

"I have greeted the Empress's sister-in-law."

Princess Ningyue's voice also sounded as she smiled at Empress Guo.

"Ningyue younger sister, how did you come today?"

"It's been a while since we last met."

Upon hearing Ningyue's voice, Empress Guo immediately smiled; she and Ningyue get along well, after all, she is the Emperor's sister.

"Nian'er has greeted you, Empress's maternal aunt."

"Aunt of the Empress, why do you look so radiant? You seem many years younger."

Inside the hall.

Gu Jin Nian also spoke appropriately, smiling toward the Empress, and could not omit the same flattering words.

Indeed.

Women love to hear others praise their looks, especially from a junior like Gu Jin Nian.

Upon hearing this, Empress Guo's eyes clearly showed genuine delight.

She has indeed been replenishing Qi and nurturing her complexion lately, but aside from the servants around her who offer a few compliments, others are merely indifferent.

She did not expect Gu Jin Nian to be the first to compliment her, and in an instant it made her heart blossom with joy.

"It's Nian'er."

"Let Aunt have a look; this little mouth is truly sweet. Fu Er, quickly bring out the beauty‑nourishing cake I made, so the Empress Dowager and Nian'er can taste it together."

Empress Guo's face beamed with joy as she walked straight to Gu Jin Nian, feeling wholehearted affection for him.

First, Gu Jin Nian's handsome appearance naturally attracts affection.

Second, because Gu Jin Nian is greatly favored by Empress Dowager Zhou.

Third, his family background is distinguished; the Gu Family is not a minor clan, so they naturally indulge him.

Considering those three points, Empress Guo's reaction is natural.

At that moment, a maid brought out a cake box and placed it respectfully on the table.

Empress Dowager Zhou had no interest in the pastries, but looking at Gu Jin Nian she couldn't help but smile, pick up a piece, hand it to him, and let him eat.

From this alone one can see that Empress Dowager Zhou truly likes Gu Jin Nian, from the bottom of her heart.

A comparison with the great‑grandson makes it obvious. It's not that Empress Dowager Zhou dislikes her own great‑grandson; it's mainly that Gu Jin Nian is here, and comparison brings hurt.

"Are you here today in my palace because of the great‑grandson's matter?"

Empress Dowager Zhou spoke, straightforwardly, without any concealment.

Upon hearing this, Empress Guo was not embarrassed; instead she smiled and nodded.

"Your Majesty, the great‑grandson's temperament may be unruly, but he is of royal blood, and his mind is still quite sharp and clever."

"Your Majesty, this Da Xia Academy occasion is of great significance; if we ignored it before we could, but this time I hope you can seek an audience with His Majesty and say a few words on behalf of your great‑grandson."

Empress Guo spoke, perhaps having mentioned it several times before, and this time she was blunt.

When the conversation reached this point, Empress Dowager Zhou slightly frowned.

Princess Ningyue knew that her mother, the Empress Dowager, did not wish to be entangled in court affairs, especially since the reigning emperor was filial, and she also did not want to be used by others.

Therefore, Princess Ningyue looked at Li Ji and said,

"Great‑grandson, take your younger uncle and go out for a walk."

Princess Ningyue spoke.

The upcoming topic involved court matters, which was not convenient for the two children to discuss, so Princess Ningyue sent them aside.

Li Ji is the great‑grandson, fourth generation; Gu Jin Nian is a generation older, so he naturally calls him uncle.

"Oh."

Li Ji was somewhat reluctant, but rather than staying here and leaving with Gu Jin Nian, he preferred to take Gu Jin Nian away together.

"Grandmother?"

Gu Jin Nian did not go directly; he glanced at Empress Dowager Zhou, waiting for her cue.

It was only a small gesture, yet it carried various meanings.

It made it appear that Gu Jin Nian respected Empress Dowager Zhou even more.

Indeed, just this tiny act warmed Empress Dowager Zhou's heart; this outside grandson still stays close to her, ignoring his mother's words, waiting for her to speak.

Such behavior further increased Empress Dowager Zhou's fondness for this outside grandson.

Empress Guo watched quietly, unable not to marvel at how a single drowning experience turned Gu Jin Nian into this—so obedient, articulate, and flawless in his deeds.

Looking at her own grandson, to be honest, he's far too playful.

Should she perhaps throw her own grandson into the water to test him?

Empress Guo's mind flickered with some stray thoughts, whereas Empress Dowager Zhou smiled lightly at Gu Jin Nian and said,

"Nian'er, go have fun."

"Bai Ying, stay close to Nian'er and make sure he doesn't get hurt."

Empress Dowager Zhou spoke, having her close eunuch follow Gu Jin Nian, lest he get hurt.

"Here you go."

Eunuch Bai Ying replied with a grin, then took Gu Jin Nian and the great‑grandson away from Zhai Xin Palace.

As the two left, the hall instantly grew much more solemn.

Matters concerning the elders, Gu Jin Nian ignored them.

He followed Eunuch Bai Ying along the way; just after stepping out of the main hall, the great‑grandson's voice rang out.

"Gu Jin Nian, feel free to find a place to play on your own; I have other matters, so I won't accompany you now."

Li Ji's voice sounded, calling Gu Jin Nian by name without any respect.

Compared to that, Gu Jin Nian is a month older, but due to seniority, Li Ji must address him as uncle or younger uncle.

But clearly, this fellow is not interested in him.

This cannot be allowed.

If it were someone else, Gu Jin Nian could let it pass, but who is this? The great‑grandson.

Within a hundred years, this fellow will essentially be the emperor of Da Xia; if relations aren't cultivated well in childhood, it will be troublesome later.

"Great‑grandson, you may do as you wish."

However, I am your young uncle; I hope the Grand Prince will keep this in mind.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

A little brat, still being spoiled?

Being polite is out of respect for his future status as emperor, but truly being rude to oneself, Gu Jin Nian also doesn't care about him.

Throughout history, how many crown princes have been deposed? Let alone a grand prince? If you don't suppress him firmly when he's young, once he grows up it's even worse.

Make me lower my voice and humble myself? Go eat shit.

Besides, what if I really offend him to death? As a transmigrator, what do I have to fear?

Indeed.

Upon hearing these words, the Grand Prince couldn't help but be startled.

He really didn't expect Gu Jin Nian to answer him that way.

In an instant, Li Ji felt somewhat displeased, even developing a hint of dislike for Gu Jin Nian.

He never had much good feeling toward Gu Jin Nian.

First, they haven't had much contact.

Second, his great-grandmother likes Gu Jin Nian but dislikes him.

Third, Gu Jin Nian's recent behavior made him unhappy.

Although his mother consort and grandmother empress have repeatedly reminded him to be kinder to Gu Jin Nian, the more they do so, the more rebellious his youthful nature becomes.

Hmph.

Li Ji let out a light snort, then prepared to leave.

But the silent Eunuch Bai Ying spoke up.

"Your Highness the Grand Prince, you must not do this; the Grand Empress Dowager has ordered that we play together, we shall play together, and later we must share a meal; if the Grand Prince is absent, I, the servant, will be in trouble."

Eunuch Bai Ying had a head of white hair, a smiling face, but was certainly no ordinary person.

Upon hearing this, Li Ji frowned slightly.

But he understood Eunuch Bai Ying's meaning, felt a bit displeased; after thinking, Li Ji looked at Gu Jin Nian and continued speaking.

Following me is fine, but don't speak recklessly; there are many people in the Hall of Heavenly Fragrance, don't embarrass yourself.

Having said that, Li Ji turned and left, leaving no chance for Gu Jin Nian.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help feeling amused.

It seems this guy is hard to get along with.

Alright.

Then don't blame me, Gu Mou, for disregarding family ties.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian followed Li Ji as they walked away.

Meanwhile, Eunuch Bai Ying watched all this, his face still smiling, but he felt somewhat disappointed in the Grand Prince.

As the grandson of a Duke Who Guards the State, failing to win him over truly shows no imperial tactics at all.

However, he only needs to know these things in his heart; he won't speak recklessly.

(End of chapter)