Chapter 138: Tremendous Wealth
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Xuan Jichuan was at his limit.
His sister, Xuan Yin, had warned him that to survive in North Zhao and secure a return to Dongling, he needed an ally.
But who could that be?
The Protectorate Duke had rejected him. Duke Xiao looked down on him. The Prime Minister merely scoffed.
His only offer of help came from an unlikely source—a toddler not yet two years old, clutching a milk bottle, her baby teeth barely sprouted.
He wanted to decline, yet every breath caused him sharp pain.
“Hu hu… Chao Chao hu hu, no pain!” Whenever Yuhua, her maid, blew on the spot where her mother spanked her, the pain seemed to vanish.
In Dongling, Xuan Jichuan had been consistently scorned. Now… he actually proposed, “Can I serve you as your attendant?”
[Am I out of my mind?]
He was stunned by his own words.
[Have I lost my senses, seeking aid from a toddler? No dignitary dares protect me, yet I ask a child?]
“You… want to follow me?” Lu Chao Chao scratched her head.
Before Xuan Jichuan could respond, she scampered back to her throne.
Xuan Jichuan tried to stop her—not to harm her! She was the newly recognized princess, favored by the king, and envied by many at court. She needed to be careful, to not jeopardize that favor.
He tried to stand but fell once more, drawing more sneers around. “This has nothing to do with the princess…”
Before he could explain, the young princess’s voice echoed clearly: “King Daddy… heal him! He’s sick.” Lu Chao Chao pointed at the hostage prince.
Xuan Jichuan looked anxious. [This naive child might lose favor with the king.]
Unexpectedly, the king asked, “What did you call me? Say it again!”
Lu Chao Chao beamed, “King Daddy, King Daddy…”
The king smiled broadly: “Heal, heal, heal.” He waved grandly.
“Bring the hostage prince a doctor.” Overflowing with paternal pride, he declared, “Chao Chao called me Daddy! Open my private treasury, let her choose whatever she likes.”
The sixth prince attempted the same, hugging the king’s leg and mimicking, “King Daddy…”
The king’s smile faded instantly. “Stop that baby talk, look at yourself! Think about what you’re doing!”
The sixth prince was dumbfounded.
The other princes, tempted to try their luck, quietly retreated.
[Father is so biased!]
“King Daddy… He wants to be my servant.” Lu Chao Chao pointed at the hostage prince.
The king, indifferent, waved his hand in agreement.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“You may follow Princess Sunshine. If she chooses to protect you, consider yourself fortunate.” His expression cooled slightly.
With the ongoing war, North Zhao could easily have executed Xuan Jichuan.
But since Princess Sunshine favored him, the king was pleased to indulge her.
“Yes.” Xuan Jichuan was stunned by his unexpected stroke of luck.
As the banquet concluded, the attendees dispersed from the palace.
Xuan Jichuan, nursing a broken rib, was escorted back to the Lu residence by the royal physician.
Princess Xuan Yin respectfully acknowledged Lu Chao Chao from a distance, expressing gratitude.
Madam Xu embraced Lu Chao Chao as they approached the palace gate, only to be blocked by Lu Yuan Ze.
“Chao Chao, when did you meet His Majesty? Why didn’t you tell Daddy?” Lu Yuan Ze was puzzled. [Why would the king favor Lu Chao Chao? Clearly, Jing Yao was more deserving.]
[Pfft, I’m not even on the family register, and you call yourself my dad!] Chao Chao protested inwardly.
“Lu Yuan Ze, what kind of father are you? She isn’t even registered under your name, nor has she shared your table, yet you claim to be her father! Step aside, don’t block our path!” Madam Xu was furious, sparing no words before trying to leave.
Lu Yuan Ze attempted to intervene again, but Madam Xu warned, “Lu Yuan Ze, do you want another slap?”
His face paled, and he stood aside, seething as they walked away.
[Hmph, still trying to take advantage! Dream on! All this wealth, and he can only watch.] Madam Xu smirked inwardly.
That night at the Lu residence, the royal physician tended to the hostage prince.
“Your Highness needs rest. The broken rib will take time to heal.”
“The bruises can be treated with ointment and should subside soon.”
Observing his condition, Madam Xu left several maids to care for him.
Lu Yuan Xiao waited in the courtyard, excited.
“Mother, mother, I got top marks this time. The teacher praised me…” It was the first time he had been recognized for his efforts.
He had studied diligently, determined not to end up a maimed captive.
“Although not as brilliant as your eldest brother, next year, I will surely excel for you!”
Madam Xu couldn’t hide her joy.
“Madam, the eldest young master has returned.”
Today, Lu Yan Shu had visited the Xu family in order to seek advice from Royal Tutor Xu, who was increasingly impressed with him.
“Don’t feel too pressured, just being able to stand up is already enough for me.” Madam Xu felt a mix of pride and uncertainty; her son hadn’t been studious in his youth.
Tomorrow was the county examination.
“I understand.” The young man in white had gentle eyes.
[Hmph, if my elder brother steps in, how could he lose to Lu Jing Huai? Anger scummy father, anger Lu Jing Huai… Elder brother will definitely succeed! Go, go, go…] Lu Chao Chao was brimming with confidence.
Lu Yan Shu smiled softly, resolved not to disappoint his sister.
[What my elder brother lost was more than his writings; he lost his destiny! He must reclaim it!]
Marquis Zhongyong’s mansion was abuzz that night.
“How could Lu Chao Chao become a princess? Surely a mistake, my Jing Yao is the blessed one,” Madam Pei seethed with jealousy. “Husband, when will Jing Huai’s title be granted?”
Lu Yuan Ze, frustrated, replied, “We were scolded by His Majesty last time; let’s wait. Tomorrow is the county examination. If Jing Huai passes, we can then request his title.”
“Jing Huai’s talent is clear, marquis, just wait.” Madam Pei was proud, her children had brought her much honor. “Husband, will you stay in the main courtyard tonight? I haven’t…” She reached out to embrace him.
But Lu Yuan Ze pushed her away harshly.
Madam Pei stumbled to the ground, her eyes filling with tears of humiliation.
“Jing Huai has the exam tomorrow, you should rest.”
Since the penis incident, Lu Yuan Ze had been impotent!
Only his concubine, Lady Su, knew; he visited her nightly to consume medicine and hide his shame.
This loss of virility was a closely guarded secret.
He also harbored resentment towards Madam Pei.
Meanwhile, the old lady in the small Buddhist hall prayed through the night, wishing for a successful exam.
In front of Lu Chao Chao’s rag doll, her devotion was profound.