Chapter 618: The Pie‑Drawing Skill as Pure as a Blazing Fire

Rituals Office

As Cheng Yi, an adult with elderly parents and young children, he stayed up late into the night, still letting his guard down. 'Mother, hear me out, I only said to let Grandfather take Third Brother along—he's young enough to handle the hardship—but Father kicked me in front of all the servants in the front courtyard!'

Madam Cheng flung the comb aside, unable to hold back: 'I think you got off lightly! His Majesty said officials must bring their families—your father and mother both have to go—and you, a twenty‑year‑old, claim you can't endure the hardship? A Yi, have you considered what His Majesty would think if this reached his ears?'

I was just talking at home, ……

Some things shouldn't be said when there's a second person present! You're the eldest son of the main branch, no longer young—you must shoulder the responsibilities that are yours. Your grandfather is old and will eventually retire; then the Cheng family will have to rely on your father and you. You're different from your third brother—starting now, don't show the slightest reluctance, you must go! From tomorrow on, you'll follow the steward and prepare everything our family needs for this trip.

Madam Cheng's expression darkened, and Cheng Yi stalked off angrily.

In Everlasting Peace City, most people shared Cheng Yi's view; those noble families raised in luxury had no interest whatsoever in being exiled to the northern border in the dead of winter. Too bad, what they say doesn't count.

Who made the emperor happy, then!

This guy was in such a good mood he even took Lao Qi to the Great Prison to see Baili Yan, and sure enough, it was pretty much what Lu Tong said—this person has become much more honest.

Baili Yan is a woman; although she's been thrown into prison, the Great King also ordered Lu Tong to treat her well.

But Lao Qi still remembered that nasty person who pinched his cheek—the memory stuck not because it hurt, but because the woman's hysterical struggle as she was dragged away frightened him. The kid followed the Great King, eager to stroll to the prison door; upon seeing her inside, he tugged at the Great King's robe and shouted to leave.

How can you be such a coward? With that attitude, how can your imperial older brother expect you to lead troops into battle?

Baili Zhang pointed at Baili Yan sitting cross‑legged inside, ignoring them, and said, 'She's noisy!'

Baili Yan: ……

The Great King laughed heartily, 'Hey, Lao Qi's been forced to coin a new word!'

Baili Yan laughed despite herself. 'Huh—did Your Majesty come specially to laugh at my jokes?'

Upon hearing her, the Great King mimicked her tone: 'How's it feel realizing you're a pawn?'

Baili Yan gritted her teeth in anger.

'Is the Prince of Like South planning to rebel? But using you as an excuse is going too far—has he lost even a shred of a father's affection?'

Baili Yan stayed silent, and the Great King pressed on: 'What good comes from sacrificing so much? As far as I know, you have no brothers of your own blood—even if one day the Prince of Like South actually took over the world, you'd… only be ennobled as a princess?'

Ennobled.

Zhao Ba, standing behind, saw commoner Baili Yan taking a deep breath—the Great King really knows how to provoke people.

'You're not risking your life for your half‑brother, are you? Tsk tsk, impressive! How come my half‑brother knows to send assassins after me every day?'

Baili Yan could take no more: 'What the hell are you here for?!'

The Great King took Lao Qi's hand, acting as if he were about to leave after a chat. 'It's fine—I just brought Lao Qi for a stroll and happened to end up here. I'm kindly reminding you: with that pile of scrap copper and iron, your father could never attack Everlasting Peace City in this lifetime. I'm only here to straighten out your addled mind—your mother is the principal consort of the Prince of Like South, you are the legitimate daughter, and even without a fief you could live out your days in prosperity, just like the Prince of Vast Han.'

Baili Yan sprang to her feet: 'What do you mean?!'

'Exactly what you're thinking. Live well, okay~'

'I… I'm going to write a letter to my mother consort!'

'Do as you please~'

The Great King led Lao Qi out of the great prison, and Zhao Ba still hadn't figured out the Great King's intention this time.

'Does Your Majesty intend to treat the Prince of Like South's family well?'

'Well~ these fiefdoms will inevitably be trimmed, but I want the vassal states to see some hope, so they don't resort to desperate measures. For example, even if the Prince of Like South rebels, I still let his principal consort and legitimate daughter live it up in Everlasting Peace City.'

Look at that—so perfect! The Great King himself was pleased as punch, feeling his pie‑drawing skill was getting better and better.

Zhao Ba: ……

It's become a spirit, it's become a spirit!