Chapter 137: Daji's Visit

Someone outside is looking for Zha'er?

Hearing the maid's report, Lady Yin looked doubtfully at Nezha, who was eating his rice.

Noticing his mother's gaze, Nezha grinned and said, "Mother, they must be coming to thank me. I've always remembered Mother's teaching to do one good deed a day!"

Upon hearing this, Lady Yin furrowed her brows and glanced at Ao Yifan, who was eating the delicacy that Shang Qingjun had fed him.

Lady, you know me—I've always guided the children toward goodness and never stir up trouble.

Ao Yifan said.

Really?

Lady Yin furrowed her brows and said, "Xiao Bai, go bring the person in."

Yes, Your Highness the Princess!

Xiao Bai said that and then led the person out.

Not long after, Xiao Bai returned with a young woman.

Eh? You are the daughter of Marquis Yi, Su Hu!

Upon seeing the young woman for a moment, Shang Qingjun recognized her identity.

As the president of the eastern branch of the Merchant Alliance, Shang Qingjun had some knowledge of the many important figures of the various forces within her jurisdiction.

And this daughter of Marquis Yi, Su Daji, was famed for her beauty that could topple kingdoms; Shang Qingjun had even commissioned a portrait of her, so she recognized her at a glance.

I am the young lady Su Daji; I have greeted Princess Su Zhi, the Prince Consort, and Lady Shang.

Su Daji lifted the light veil from her face, revealing an absolutely beautiful countenance.

What a pretty young lady!

Just a glance, and even Lady Yin, who usually doesn't care about looks, couldn't help but feel her eyes light up.

There's no helping it; when it comes to beauty, even her sisters-in-law are few who can rival Su Daji.

What's more, Su Daji still has a hint of youthful innocence; one can't imagine how stunning she will be when she fully matures.

Thinking this, Lady Yin secretly glanced at Ao Yifan beside her, saw his expression unchanged, and nodded in satisfaction.

Indeed, my chosen Prince Consort is not wrong—facing such a stunning young lady, he remains so composed!

Eh? It's you, pretty older sister!

At that moment, Nezha, who was eating his rice, also recognized Su Daji.

Third Prince, today you lent a helping hand and saved me; I have come specially to thank you for saving my life!

Su Daji gave a graceful salute.

It's nothing!

Nezha waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "My mother always teaches me to do one good deed a day, and my father teaches me to champion the weak and suppress the strong; this is what I ought to do."

Hearing her son Zha'er's words, Lady Yin couldn't help but show a relieved smile.

At this moment, she felt her education had succeeded; little Nezha had finally grown into the obedient child she wanted.

However, Lady Yin hadn't been happy for long when Su Daji's next words made her heart jump.

But, Third Prince, do you know that those you killed today were the King's personal guards? If the King finds out, I fear...

Su Daji hesitated a moment, then frankly stated the seriousness of the matter.

After all, she didn't want her own actions to bring disaster upon Princess Su Zhi's family.

Huh? Zha'er, did you kill your uncle's personal guards?

Lady Yin furrowed her brows.

I don't know either!

Nezha shook his head and said, "This is my first time in Chaoge City; I don't know any of the personal guards."

That's right, it's not your fault.

Lady Yin nodded and said, "After all, you're still a child; it's normal not to know them."

Hehe, it's fine; the ignorant aren't blamed. I think your uncle won't blame you either.

Beside them, Ao Yifan laughed and said.

Hearing the conversation among them, Su Daji was slightly surprised.

Those are the King's personal guards, yet they seemed awfully peaceful.

Although surprised, she couldn't help but glance at Ao Yifan a few more times.

The previous two times, she had only seen him from a distance, not clearly.

Now, observing him up close, Su Daji found that this Prince Consort was taller and more heroic than she had imagined.

Moreover, since I entered, he has only glanced at me once, and that look shows he is a gentleman unmoved by beauty!

Su Daji's heart pounded.

From childhood to adulthood, Su Daji has grown accustomed to people being bewitched by her beauty.

However, after growing used to such gazes, suddenly encountering someone who is not enamored with her beauty inevitably arouses Su Daji's curiosity.

What's more, she feels quite fond of him in her heart, which makes it even more deadly.

Just then, another maid came to report that outside the princess's residence, someone claiming to be the Marquis of Yi had come to visit.

Let them in!

Lady Yin said.

Soon, Su Hu entered with Su Quan zhong.

After glancing at his little daughter, Su Hu immediately bowed to Lady Yin.

Su Hu, I pay my respects to Princess Su Zhi, Your Highness!

Su Quan zhong, I pay my respects to Princess Su Zhi, Your Highness!

Well, Marquis of Yi Prefecture need not be so ceremonious!

Lady Yin said, "The matter of Daji, this palace already knows; the follow‑up matters, this palace will handle them—you need not worry."

I am terrified!

Su Hu hurriedly brought his children to bow and salute; he did not expect that this princess would be so easy‑going, actually taking the whole matter upon herself.

No problem; this matter was originally too radical on the king's side—I will report the full details to the king.

Lady Yin waved her hand and said.

Thank you, Princess!

You mean, Su Zhi's third son killed the king's royal guards?

After hearing Bi Gan's report, Emperor Xin was somewhat surprised and said, "I recall that when Su Zhi last wrote, her third son had just been born—only a little over two years ago. Uncle, are you sure a two‑year‑old child could kill the king's tiger‑like royal guards?"

Great King, although this sounds hard to believe, it is absolutely true; moreover, I have already sent someone to the Princess's residence to verify it.

Bi Gan said.

While saying so, he furtively glanced at Emperor Xin's reaction.

Over these years, for some unknown reason, Emperor Xin's temper has grown ever greater.

Within the entire imperial palace, only Queen Jiang could offer a word of advice.

The other officials, if they show the slightest defiance, are lightly rebuked; if serious, they are beaten with the court staff.

In recent years, several officials who neglected their duties have been beaten to death with the court staff.

Thus, all the court officials are filled with apprehension; even Bi Gan, the king's uncle, when facing the increasingly solemn Emperor Xin, acts with utmost caution.

Good!

But the very next moment, Emperor Xin's reaction surprised Bi Gan somewhat.

Even Bi Gan began to doubt his own ears.

Su Zhi the Princess's third son killed the king's royal guards, and the king actually said "Good"?

Is this, speaking sarcastically out of anger?

However, seeing the king's joyful expression, Bi Gan knew this was not sarcasm; Emperor Xin was truly pleased about this.

Hahaha, I often hear the queen say that Su Zhi's third son surpasses his two older brothers; now it seems true—I am even more curious about what talents my young nephew possesses.

Emperor Xin said, full of anticipation.