Chapter 200: Fairness for Chao Chao
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
The dowager was taken aback. “Grandmother, sometimes the money we take can be burdensome,” Little Chao Chao said, her tiny hands behind her back, trying to mimic an adult’s posture. Her chubby face was filled with determination.
The dowager burst into laughter, her joy uncontrollable. Even the attendants behind her couldn’t help but smile. Tears of mirth streamed down her face.
“What’s making you so happy? Share the joke with me as well,” the king asked from the palace door, hearing the dowager’s hearty laughter.
The dowager had been unwell for some time, her condition aggravated by issues from her maternal family. The near-extinction of the Xiao family had deeply distressed her. Now, seeing her laugh, the king felt a moment of relief.
Wiping away her tears, the dowager said, “Look at this little rascal, refusing a red envelope meant to wish her success in her studies, saying it would burden her heart. Isn’t she just adorable?” Her laughter seemed to dispel the gloom in her heart.
The king noticed Chao Chao glaring at him furiously. His heart skipped a beat. He had indeed suggested she start school early.
Chao Chao crossed her arms, trying to look fierce but struggling due to her short arms and chubby body. “Hmph!” she huffed heavily.
The king stifled a laugh. “Hey, I’ve even invited chefs from all over the kingdom. You can taste the best dishes without leaving the palace. Isn’t that worth it?”
Chao Chao’s expression wavered, showing a hint of hesitation.
“I thought, if Chao Chao agrees to go to school, I’d reward you with a chicken drumstick every day. But never mind…” He sighed dramatically.
“There’s also a chef who makes the best Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. The aroma alone could tempt a monk out of his vows. It’s a shame Chao Chao won’t get to taste it…” The king’s tone was filled with regret.
Chao Chao’s curiosity was piqued. “How tasty is it? Really tasty?” Her eyebrows furrowed intensely.
The king pondered. “Why don’t you find out when school starts?”
Chao Chao’s small face scrunched up. “Okay, I’ll try for three days. If the food isn’t good, I’m leaving.”
The king hid his smile. “Deal.”
At lunchtime, the queen arrived with the crown prince.
“Brother Prince!” Chao Chao reached out, and the smiling prince picked her up.
The queen’s smile dimmed slightly as she greeted the king. The couple maintained their formal courtesies, but an emotional distance was evident to all.
It was well-known that the king’s first love and true affection were for Consort Hui. Even before he ascended the throne, he had deeply loved her, despite her being betrothed and nearly married off. King Xuan Ping had endured punishment from the previous king to bring her into the palace. For this reason, Consort Hui never vied for favors because she didn’t need to.
“Why isn’t Consort Hui here yet?” the king asked as they prepared for the New Year’s feast with the dowager.
The queen replied calmly, “The heavy snow must have delayed her.”
The queen had entered the palace years ago but had remained childless for a long time. Consort Hui’s son, the eldest prince, being the king’s first child, had always been raised with special care by the king himself. Had the queen not later given birth to crown prince Xie Cheng Xi, the position might well have gone to the eldest prince.
“Father, Grandmother, Mother, I wish you a Happy New Year and prosperity for North Zhao. May the rivers run clear, and the kingdom flourish.” The eldest prince, now sixteen and recently married, greeted them with his wife, Madam Xuan Yin, by his side.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Despite her age, Consort Hui’s beauty remained striking, hinting at her former glory.
The king stood up, his gaze softening as he looked at her, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
“Greetings, Crown Prince, Princess Sunshine. About the bear incident last time, I hope the princess wasn’t too scared,” the eldest prince said with a smile.
Chao Chao waved it off nonchalantly.
The crown prince observed his father’s affectionate gaze towards the eldest prince’s mother. From a noble family, the queen was a fitting queen but had never won the king’s heart. That place belonged solely to Consort Hui. Over time, the queen had come to terms with this.
Chao Chao, who loved to eat, disliked the palace’s atmosphere. While the queen and crown prince ate quietly, attended by servants, the king personally served Consort Hui and the eldest prince, their interactions warm and familial. The king respected and honored the queen but saved his affections for Consort Hui.
[It seems like Consort Hui and the eldest prince are the true family with the king. The crown prince is so pitiful… But, does the king know the eldest prince isn’t his son?]
The crown prince froze.
While munching on her food, Chao Chao noticed his reaction and sighed. “Brother Prince, have some meat,” she offered, pulling a piece from her mouth and holding it out to him.
The crown prince’s face twitched.
The eldest prince smirked disdainfully. “Why aren’t you eating, brother? Are you disgusted by Princess Sunshine?” he taunted.
Before the crown prince could respond, Chao Chao interjected, “No fighting, you get some too.” She pulled another piece from her mouth and offered it to the eldest prince, trying to be fair.
The eldest prince stared in disbelief. [I don’t even want it!]
Seeing the awkwardness, the king intervened, “Chao Chao, they don’t like meat. They prefer vegetables.”
Chao Chao sighed, shoving the meat back into her mouth. “I thought Brother Prince wanted some.”
The crown prince almost laughed out loud at her fairness.
After lunch, the crown prince personally escorted Chao Chao out of the palace.
“Don’t be sad, Brother Prince. Chao Chao likes you more,” she comforted him.
The crown prince smiled warmly. “With you, I need nothing else.”
Chao Chao, however, felt he was putting on a brave face. “Think positively. Like, maybe your father is wearing a green hat,” she suggested.
The crown prince’s eyes widened, a mix of shock and amusement at her innocent yet blunt remark.
Bruh wtf another drama
This is what, the third or fourth time a female character completely undermined her position by having a kid with someone else?
You’d think they’d wait until after the first kid?