Chapter 336: Worthless Junk No One Wants
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
“Why are you cursing me?”
“My father only has one legitimate son, he wouldn’t bear to beat me to death.” Xie Yu Zhou grinned.
“But my little siblings will be born soon. Mother Consort says I’m too lonely and that her heart aches for me having no one to rely on. She’s already seven months pregnant with twins.”
Xie Yu Zhou beamed happily.
“By the time I return from the Southern Kingdom, I’ll have younger siblings.”
Lu Chao Chao patted his head sympathetically. “Did your mother drop your brain when she gave birth to you?”
Big account scrapped, small account reopened.
Xie Yu Zhou swatted her hand away. “Don’t rub my smart head dumb.”
The two little ones sat in the carriage yawning.
At the city gate, torches blazed bright, palace attendants holding lanterns stood all around, and guards patrolled the surroundings.
The emperor stood at the gate, civil and military officials gathered behind him.
“Jing Xi, I entrust you with Zhao Yang’s safety.”
Prince Jing Xi nodded. “Royal Brother, with me here, you need not worry. I won’t let Zhao Yang suffer even a scratch.”
However, deep down, Prince Jing Xi doubted it. Just looking at Lu Chao Chao, she hardly seemed like someone who could be bullied.
He suspected his imperial brother had an odd filter when it came to Zhao Yang.
“Zhao Yang is only three and a half years old, naturally obedient and docile. She’s at an age where she understands nothing. Now, she must travel far from home, living under someone else’s roof. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache…”
“Who knows how much grievance the little one will suffer…”
“You must protect her. She is young and ignorant, and the people of the Southern Kingdom are ruthless. Who knows how they will torment her?”
“You must write to me every three days.”
The emperor gave his instructions with deep concern.
Prince Jing Xi was drenched in sweat.
Your Majesty, you must have some misunderstanding about Zhao Yang. My foolish son has been beaten up countless times because of her!
Look at the officials behind you, they are all exhausted from being toyed with by Zhao Yang!
But he dared not speak out and only smiled. “Jing Xi understands.”
The emperor then turned to Rong Che. As the great general of Northern Zhao, he had hoped Rong Che would bring some prestige to their nation.
Yet, seeing him slumped weakly on the carriage, the emperor could only sigh. “Forget it. General Rong, focus on recovering.”
So many words of instruction, yet they all condensed into this single sentence.
He was tired.
Behind him, the civil and military officials couldn’t suppress their smiles.
Today was a good day. What a joyous occasion.
Finally, they were sending away Princess Zhao Yang, the calamity.
“She’s finally going to wreak havoc on the Southern Kingdom… We can no longer endure her torment.” The old ministers, who always avoided Zhao Yang, even their dogs feared her.
Lu Chao Chao sensed something odd in their expressions.
“Aww, without me, the officials will feel lost, won’t they?”
“Look at them, their tears are about to fall… They must be reluctant to part with me.” Lu Chao Chao sighed emotionally.
The officials exchanged glances and collectively raised their hands to wipe their eyes, pretending to cry. “We don’t know when Her Highness will return. We will miss her dearly…”
“Please take care, Your Highness.”
“The princess was born and raised in the capital. We have all watched her grow up. This parting… we fear sleepless nights, missing Her Highness dearly…” One official wiped his tears with exaggerated drama.
Truly possessed by the spirit of performance.
“I had no idea the officials cared so much for me.” Lu Chao Chao sighed. “How about I stay? I’ll keep all my uncles company.”
The weeping stopped instantly.
All the officials shuddered in unison.
They immediately waved their hands. “Your Highness must fulfill your duty of kinship. If we were to delay you, we’d be sinners!”
“Please do not tarry. Depart at once.”
“Lady Xu cannot go alone. Surely, Your Highness must accompany her…” Leave, leave, please, ancestor! The officials were truly on the verge of real tears, terrified that Lu Chao Chao might actually stay.
Lu Chao Chao gave a casual “oh” and turned to leave.
The minister who had spoken up earlier was met with glares from his peers.
“What if she really stays?”
“With General Rong and Lady Xu gone, who will restrain her? If she stirs up trouble again, will my old bones even survive? Might as well retire now and return to my hometown.”
They all shuddered in fear, not daring to let Lu Chao Chao linger.
Shi Yun, meanwhile, was bidding farewell to her parents and siblings when she noticed the officials looking stricken. “What did you say to them? Why are they all wiping their tears?”
“They can’t bear to part with me,” Lu Chao Chao replied sweetly.
Xu Yi Ting looked incredulous. “They actually can’t bear to? You’ve tormented them to the brink of collapse these past few years…”
That said, thanks to her, the court had become more upright and disciplined, for fear of being caught by her.
“Of course they can’t bear it. I’m so adorable and well-behaved. I’ve gotten along splendidly with all my uncles… They even prepared many Northern Zhao specialties for me, afraid I’d get homesick.” Lu Chao Chao felt warmth in her heart.
Shi Yun was surprised to see the assortment of treats from all over Northern Zhao. “How thoughtful. Elder Brother, please thank the officials for me.”
Xu Yi Ting glanced at them. “No need. They just fear that if you miss home too much, you’ll come back early.”
Look at their pitiful expressions.
“Elder Brother, I entrust Zheng Yue and Yuan Xiao to you.” With Rong Che and Prince Jing Xi leaving, Lu Zheng Yue would remain to guard Northern Zhao.
Lu Yan Shu, as the eldest son, had to travel with them.
Nan Mu Bai rode his horse, sneering at the sight of the carriages packed with luggage. “Aunt, the Southern Kingdom has everything. Why go through the trouble of bringing all this from Northern Zhao?”
Truly bumpkins.
The Southern Kingdom had far superior goods. Was it worth dragging this junk across a thousand miles?
Shi Yun glanced at the luggage. “They’re just daily necessities, nothing valuable.”
Nan Mu Bai nodded without further comment.
Since they had chosen to acknowledge kinship, even if Xu Shi Yun was just a mortal, in name, she was still his aunt.
“Place the brocade box in my carriage. It’s my gift for Grandmother Ning and my relatives in the Southern Kingdom.” Lu Chao Chao directed Yu Shu and Yu Qin to move the box.
“Yes, this is personally prepared by the princess. We dare not be careless,” Yu Qin said with a smile.
Nan Mu Bai dared not disrespect Lady Xu, but he had no such restraint toward Lu Chao Chao.
“Why bring this junk to the Southern Kingdom? You’ll only embarrass Northern Zhao.”
“The Southern Kingdom doesn’t need your junk. Save yourself the trouble.” He rolled his eyes at her fond expression over the gifts.
“The royal family of the Southern Kingdom possesses treasures from all over the world. What haven’t we seen?”
“Even the only top-grade spirit stone is enshrined in the royal palace.” Nan Mu Bai’s tone carried pride.
In the past, when they had strong ties to the gods, divine gifts were common.
But for the last hundred years, the gods had ceased their bestowals.
Only the royal family’s single top-grade spirit stone remained as their symbol of pride.
“Your Highness speaks too harshly. Princess Zhao Yang is only three and a half. Regardless of the gifts’ worth, they carry her sincerity!” Xie Yu Zhou stood up for her indignantly.
“Harsh? I only speak the truth.”
“I don’t need gifts from her… I won’t dirty my hands!” Nan Mu Bai sneered.
“Hmph! You not take?” Xie Yu Zhou planted his hands on his hips beside Lu Chao Chao.
“Take it? Whoever takes it is a dog!”
A pile of worthless junk—who would want it?!