The next day, the eldest princess's mansion.
"What, the Queen Mother is ill?"
Today was originally the day Xiao'er was to enter the palace. Lin Ping was just reminding his son to be careful when he met the emperor, but he suddenly heard this news.
Her face darkened and she asked, "What happened? Is it serious?"
Lin Ruo hurried forward to support the princess and whispered, "Your Highness, calm down. Aunt Le from Ciqing Palace reported that the Empress Dowager has been suffering from palpitations, lack of sleep, fever and night sweats recently, which seems to be the symptoms of an elderly woman..."
Lin Ping raised his eyebrows and said unhappily, "If you have such symptoms, it must have been some time. Why didn't you report it to me earlier?"
She paced back and forth for two steps, and without waiting for Lin Ruo to reply, she said, "No, the Central Palace is now vacant, and my mother doesn't even have a confidant to talk to in the palace. I have to go to the palace to take a look, so I can feel at ease."
Lin Ruo asked carefully, "When will Your Highness prepare to enter the palace? I will hand you a sign to let you in."
Princess Linping concentrated for a moment and did not answer, but turned around and waved: "Xiao'er, come here."
Lou Xiaojinchun just turned fifteen, which is the age when young people are most ambitious. His features resemble his mother's, but his behavior is a replica of Lou Qi when he was young.
Today he was wearing a scarlet pearl-colored robe with a round collar and narrow sleeves. All his braids were tied up and gathered on top of his head in a bun, with a jade and gold hairpin inserted horizontally, making him look even more heroic.
He bowed and said, "Mother."
The princess caressed her son's shoulder lovingly and said softly, "Xiao'er, you must remember that when you enter the clan academy again this time, don't compete with others. We are not here to win, but to help His Majesty."
Lou Xiao smiled and said, "Don't worry, mother. Daddy has already taught me everything yesterday. When you enter the palace this time, don't worry about anything else. Just focus on taking care of Young Master Ning."
Lin Ping nodded: "I'm glad you understand, but," she said with a hint of sadness in her eyes, "I have wronged my son after all."
Although Lou Xiao's surname is not Chu, his wealth and honor are beyond the reach of ordinary royal family members.
As the only legitimate son of the eldest princess and Duke Dingguo, he had been doted on since birth. If you count carefully, the emperor has no brothers or children. In terms of bloodline, he is the closest descendant of the empress dowager and the emperor. The four words "gold and jade" are not enough to describe him.
Such a golden phoenix-like treasure had never suffered any grievances since childhood, but now he had to take the initiative to volunteer to send him to accompany the "Young Master Ning" to school. He had already mastered the things he learned when he was more than ten years old.
Thinking of this, no matter how "wise and righteous" Princess Ren was, she couldn't help but feel distressed and sigh.
Lou Xiao, on the other hand, comforted his mother. He said calmly, "Mother, your words are too kind. How can you say that I am wronged? For a family like us, no matter how well we study, we don't need to take the imperial examination. In the final analysis, we are here to serve His Majesty. It is because of His Majesty's trust that he is willing to give this task to me. You should be happy for me."
He smiled and said, "Besides, Confucius said, review the old to learn the new. Although my son studied in the clan school when he was young, it is a different time now. Not only has the teacher changed, but the curriculum is also very different. What's wrong with accompanying Brother Ning to study again?"
"What's more, Master Ning has a kind and gentle personality and treats people sincerely. It is not difficult for my son to get along with him."
"Okay, okay." Seeing him say this, Lin Ping held her son's hand with satisfaction, "Xiao'er has really grown up. I've changed my mind."
She smiled and said, "In that case, Lin Ruo, go and make the arrangements. I will go to the palace with Xiao Er today. After paying my respects to His Majesty, I will go and see my mother."
Hearing this, Lou Xiao asked with concern, "I wonder if the Royal Grandmother is in good health. Why don't you let me go with you?"
Lin Ping thought about it, shook his head and said, "No, since you have received the emperor's order, how can you excuse yourself on the first day? I am here with the queen mother, you just stay by His Majesty's side."
------
The palace maid eagerly led Lou Xiao to the Wencui Hall, kowtowed to the empty throne, and then led him to the side hall to rest.
Lou Xiao personally put a gold-embroidered purse into the young eunuch's hand, and then asked with a smile: "Thank you for your help. I don't often go in and out of the palace now, so I didn't recognize you when I saw you. May I ask your name?"
The unfamiliar young eunuch smiled and said, "I am not worthy of your respect, Master Lou. My surname is Chang. You can just call me Long Live Me."
Chang Duoshou, this name is auspicious, and one can tell that he is a well-known figure in front of the emperor. Lou Xiao hurriedly said, "So it's Eunuch Chang in person."
Chang Duoshou bowed and smiled, "You are too polite, young master. My master has specifically asked me to serve you well. The emperor is still in Qianming Palace, so you can wait for him with peace of mind."
Seeing that he was in a relaxed manner and spoke calmly, and mentioned his master, Lou Xiao couldn't help but ask, "Who is Eunuch Chang's master...?"
There was a hint of complacency in Chang Duoshou's smile. He said respectfully, "I am honored. My master's surname is Wu and he serves in Qianming Palace."
Lou Xiao stood in awe and said, "You are actually the disciple of Wu Da, the chief steward. I am so ignorant and disrespectful."
Chang Duoshou smiled and said, "I am the most useless disciple under the master. I just hope not to embarrass him. The master asked me to bring a message to the young master..."
Lou Xiao's expression became serious: "Please give me some advice."
"The master said that the young master is weak and shy, so please take good care of him. If he has any difficulty in learning, or if someone offends him," Chang Duoshou said with a bow, "even if Mr. Ning doesn't want to make it public, please tell him in time. We, the master and the disciple, will be grateful."
Lou Xiao said sternly: "I've made a note of this. I will never let anyone offend Young Master Ning."
Chang Duoshou nodded and smiled, "With the young master here, Master can rest assured."
Lou Xiao was so struck by the wit in every word that his whole body tensed up.
Even though he was smart, he was, after all, a spoiled young man who had been brought up until he was fifteen or sixteen years old. He was more in awe of his uncle, the emperor, who was always so high and mighty and out of touch with the world, than he was close to him.
He wondered in his heart who that handsome young man was that his parents valued him so much and that even Wu Shilu, who was in charge of the inner palace, was so diligent and careful.
Lou Xiao picked up the tea, took a sip, then realized that the tea had gone cold. He was about to put it down when he suddenly heard brisk footsteps.
Then came a clear childish voice: "Master Ning, Master Ning, please go slowly, be careful not to fall."
Before Lou Xiao could react, he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulders, "Brother Lou!"
He turned his head and saw a wealthy young man with red lips and white teeth, looking at him with a smile.
"Brother Ning!" He stood up quickly and subconsciously looked behind Ning Chao. He saw that there was only a fair-skinned and lovely little boy following him, and no one else.
His Majesty is not here.
He breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Long time no see, how are you, Brother Ning?"
Ning Er sat down beside him and yawned slightly: "Because of going to school today, I didn't sleep well last night."
Before he finished speaking, Chang Duoshou personally brought up some tea and fruit. He smiled brightly, "Master Ning, Master asked me to brew this ginseng and eight-treasure tea this morning. It is the best for nourishing the qi and calming the mind. Would you like to try it?"
Ning Er smiled and said, "Thank Wu Shilu for my kindness. Jinxin, go and pour a cup for Mr. Lou."
The amber tea soup, set in a snow-white porcelain cup, emits wisps of hot steam with a sweet fragrance.
Lou Xiao glanced at the cold cup beside him. For the first time in his life, he felt awkward and restrained in front of his peers.
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